//------------------------------// // Episode 58: Time For A Parent Conference!!! // Story: Life of a Wanted Changeling Season 3: Tyrants, Terrorists, and Tiaras, Oh My! // by Down with Chrysalis //------------------------------// Opening Theme: As you and Big Mac stare awkwardly at the mare before you with the two fillies frozen in fright you can't help but be mesmerized by the nose. The term stuck up isn't supposed to be literal. It looks like it's trying to curve 180 degrees and enter her skull. Did she walk into a wall? Was it plastic surgery gone bad? Is it a birth defect? What? WHAT?!!! The Rutherford's Comment Ignore that for now! Concentrate on the real matter at hoof. Save that for a later time. I don't know, I would have to agree with the idiot, that does not look natural, Sombra mutters in awe. She looks like one of the Who-Ponies from that zebra foal-book writer. The one who wrote 'Green Eggs and Yams'. You continue to stare at her for a few microseconds as she continues to talk to her daughter ignoring you. I don't know how you know about those nostalgic books, but you're right Subaru. But Selly's more right, I need to focus. So everyling be quiet and don't even mention this awe inspiring train wreck, otherwise I might not be able to look away! And you really can't. It's just so prominent... Master of Shadow's Comment Just_another_guy's Comment Your hoof subconsciously reaches for your own nose, to make sure her affliction isn't contagious somehow. Big Mac notices this and gets a worried look on his face. He grabs your head and pulls you into a huddle before he whispers, "Whatever you do, DON'T mention her-" he points at his muzzle before continuing , "or you'll feel the wrath of a thousand fruit bats" he says with a new level of seriousness and... fear? Oh come on, THIS stallion is afraid of that ugly schnoz? Selena huffs in irritation. I know, If it's enough to get Red talking normally, It's very VERY serious, you shudder making her sigh. With that said you both get out of the huddle and you clear your throat. This catches the attention of the mare in front of you, who looks over to you and gains a...some sort of look that you feel is insulting before she says, "Oh...and who are you?" Growling a little bit at the way she said that you say, "I'm Baker Sylvester Tennant and this is Big Mac. We're the ones who brought your daug-" Before you can finish the mare rudely interrupts you as she says snobbishly, "Yes yes I understand. I'm Spoiled Rich, but of course you already knew that." Her voice just drips snootiness...and that nose just sort of bounces... Gorgeous Freeman's Comment "Well it's nice to nose you-MEET YOU!" you shout realizing your mistake as she squints her eye at you. "Nice to get to nose you!" Big Mac elbows you. "Right, right, don't say nose," you whisper. "Quit it!" he shushes. "I said nose..." "Stop!" She keeps giving you the stink eye, before sniffing with that pointing thing loudly. "Rrrriiiigggghhhtttt...Well Come on in then so we can talk more, the night air is bad for my fur," she says as she walks back through the door. As she walks with Diamond and Silver you hear her start berating her daughter. "What's the meaning of walking around with low life nobody's like them Tiara? Were you hanging around that filthy farm again?!" You and Red clench your teeth together as she makes no effort to hide her insults, but you both roll your eyes and follow her inside. As you do walk in you can't help but think, Yep, this lady is a grade A B!^%$. She's not even asking why Silver Spoon's glasses are broken, or if her daughter actually got hurt. *sigh* Hopefully this won't take too long. A FEW MOMENTS LATER I just had to think that, didn't I? You've been in here trying to talk to the now named Spoiled Rich, said name making you think even her parents knew she'd turn out like this, with no progress. The reason being.... SnapDrakeGames's Comment Kersey's Comment For whatever reason, Spoiled Rich seems to be continuously surrounded by a group of well-groomed, tuxedoed stallions. You find this rather unusual, given that she's married. "Hey, uh, I don't mean to be rude, but what's with the entourage?" you ask, interrupting whatever condescending thing she was saying to her daughter. "Them? Oh, don't mind them. They follow me around wherever I go, that's their job," Spoiled Rich replies. "They just... follow you around? What are they? Bodyguards? Eye candy?" "Better," she grins. All the stallions suddenly whip out legal pads and ballpoint pens. "Lawyers!" "...Oh," you mutter. "I advise you consider your next words very carefully, if you intend to get to nose me," Both You and Red gulp at this. She then looks back towards Diamond. "Now then, Diamond, do you realize how much that Tiara cost? What have I told you about walking around the dirtier parts of this town?" "I...I know mom," she says downcast. "How exactly did you break it?" "Well you see..." you start to say, before you notice the dozen lawyers starting to scribble on their notepads. "My daughter can speak for herself, thank you very much," she says pointedly. "I...I..." Diamond mutters, and you see Spoiled roll her eyes. "Let me guess, you'd rather tell your father?" Diamond nods and Spoiled curls her lip (and Nose) and shakes her head. "Fine, go on then, he's in his study," she says as she gives a shooing gesture. Diamond and Silver then look back at you and Red before trotting off down the hallway as the butler Randolph follows them. "Oh no, you can't possibly tell me anything, I'm only your mother after all," she mutters in what you think sounds like a smidgen of hurt...but with all the snootiness in her voice it's hard to tell. She then shakes her head and says, "I'm getting a drink, keep these lowlifes company and make sure they don't steal anything," she says to the lawyers and walks into another room. "Ummm..." you say putting your hoof out trying to get her attention, but you again see the lawyers start scribbling in their notebooks. Oh Gorramit! Lawyers... Sombra growls They had these leeches around in your day? you mentally ask. Indeed. One of my first acts was to have all these parasites stripped of their possessions and thrown in the deepest, darkest parts of my ice dungeons right next to the mimes. I guess that's one good deed on your resume. But I can't have a proper conversation with this lady with these vultures ready to sue me for any mista- *ding* "Look, a distraction!" you declare and point causing everypony to look away. You quickly take out the Power Glove and whisper, "WouldYouKindlyBuzzOff?" This causes a small swarm of bees to come out of your hoof before you quickly put it away and dramatically dive to the side into Big Red yelling, "Look out, bees!" When everypony looks back, the bees converge on the lawyers. They take this as well as expected; "My suit!" "Why did I help sue my Epi-Pen company into bankruptcy?!" "I'll sue you little bugs out of hive and honey!" (Un/surprisingly the bees understood what this one was saying and stung him even harder) Soon all the lawyers rush out of the front door screaming as the swarm follows them. Big Red looks confused as heck at what just happened, but you chuckle. With them gone you think that you'll finally be able to hold a conversation with the mare. Speaking of which... "What in the world? Where are my lawyers?" "They just randomly started yelling and mocking your nose and they ran out before they had to look at you again," you lie and Red gives you a worried look, because her eyes do appear to catch fire. "OH THEY DID DID THEY? Well I guess Hodges and Haybelle have lost a very powerful client!" she declares as she takes a drink of whatever she's got in her glass. "What other good news can come my way?!" she shouts. "Well...you see Mrs. Rich, we brought the girls back because they were getting bullied and..." "BULLIED?! My Diamond?! She's not that weak SIR! My Diamond is strong! Nopony would be stupid enough to bully her! Those Schoolhouse Weaklings know their superior when they see her!" She then begins to go on a tirade, and you can't help but feel that isn't the first glass of booze she's had tonight. Even still, Kichi's Comment A lot of the things she keeps ranting about, and at you, has made you want to slap her in that thing she calls a nose. "My daughter comes in here with a broken crown with that defeated look! That's NOT the face of a Winner Diamond! You're lucky I'm even letting your four eyed friend stay here!" she then takes another drink and starts pacing, "Stupid lawyers, stupid hired help. Stupid Town!" she then glares down her nose at you two. "And then there's THESE Flankholes! I have to deal with some backwards dirty hick that my Filthy won't just get rid of, and some stupidly dressed moron with orange eyes won't stop staring at me! I'm married MISTER!" You didn't even realize your eyes were glowing, but this mare (tipsy though she maybe) is just awful to listen to, and you glare is fixed solely on her. Red doesn't seem to notice your eyes though, but out of your peripheral, you notice that his jaw is clenched and he appears redder than normal. "I taught Diamond Tiara everything she knows! But I guess it isn't enough! As a Rich pony, you must always think of your social standing. My daughter associating with confused, insignificant lowlifes? Socializing with your kind is not how you move up in Equestria! Especially with that sister, or daughter or whatever the heck she is with the bow. Little parasite should know her place." You feel particularly fed up with this mare and are about to say something, when Red beats you to it. "I've had enough of your smart-mouthing Spoiled! You don't talk about Applebloom like that!" he booms in his voice as he walks towards her intimidatingly with a scowl. She immediately recoils in dramatic fashion and yells, "Don't you dare strike me! You! Low life! Do you know who I am?" she yells, even though Red just stands their glaring at her, not even raising his hoof. "Um, we're not attacking you lady, you're just," you try to interject. "I'll have you brought up on charges as soon as I've found a new law firm. I'll see you thrown in jail! I'll-" "THAT IS ENOUGH!" she is interrupted by Filthy Rich himself as he walks into the room. She stops her tirade and trots over to him. "Now, what is happening here?" "Oh Filthy! These low life ruffians, they just barged in here with Diamond and then they hit me!" she says dramatically. "What? No! We..." you try to defend, but Filthy Rich cuts you off with a glare. "Oh really? You Two, in my study now!" "You're study? But Filthy," she whines. "I'll Handle this Spoiled!" he declares shutting her up. "In the meantime, sit down and relax, have another drink if you need one. Just keep quiet, Diamond and Silver have already been sent up to bed." "Ugh! Fine!" she declares as she angrily trots off to a sitting couch, glaring at you and Red. "Alright. Inside you get! Come on! Or would you like me to have Randolph get the guards?" he declares. You don't really like the sound of that, and though you'd rather just get out of this mansion, you see Big Red visibly lighten up and follow Rich's orders without objection. You decide not to leave your bro hanging and follow, the glare of that horn nosed harpy watching you the whole way. As you both enter through some double doors, and he closes them behind you, you see Filthy Rich's face drop the pretense of anger as he gives both of you a sympathetic look. "So...Did my wife run her mouth again?" he asks. "Uhhh..." you stutter a bit confused, but luckily Big Red saves you from looking too stupid as he sighs and says his usual, "Eyup." Shaking his head and sighing, Filthy points to two plush looking chairs and says, "Please, have a seat gentleman," he then walks over to his mini bar and starts pulling some bottles out. "So... What did she say this time?" he asks as you and Red take a seat. "Well..." You then give him the rundown of the things she said to and about you guys, which causes him to shake his head. "Gol'Darnit Spoiled," looking over his shoulder at you two he asks, BrownDog's Comment “Would you all care for a drink? Something Soft or something Strong?” “No thank you.” “Enope,” you both say. He shrugs and pours himself a drink from his bar. “I apologize for my wife, she can be…grating when she’s cranky.” “When is she not cranky?” you ask, causing a subdued chuckle for him. “Oh you may not believe me, but she has her days,” he says almost wistfully before sighing and taking a drink of the liquid in his cup. You think it’s something strong. “But even still, even she should know better than to get angry at a friend like Big Mac,” he adds. “It’s OK Rich. It ain’t new,” he says in understanding. "No Mac, it's not OK. The Riches and the Apples have been business partners, and I'd like to thing friends for a hundred years. It's like she can't figure that out..." he says almost sadly. "Really Rich, It's fine. You and I are good. I probably shouldn't have lost it like that, but I can't stand anypony badmouthing my baby sister," he explains. Really, as bad as this whole situation is, you're hearing Red speak a lot more than you've ever heard before. Rich nods then sighs again as looks at you, “And you Mr. Tennant, you and your little girl just came back from the grave not three days ago, she shouldn’t be giving you any guff,” he says sincerely. You don’t know why, but you find Filthy Rich to be a very laid back and reasonable guy, so you say, “Hey it’s alright, if I’ve learned anything about myself, I never stop getting guff.” He nods at this, and then as he sits down, he asks, “Yeah…but anyway, now that Spoiled’s not ranting and raving, might I ask what happened to my daughter and her little friend?" "They didn't tell you?" you ask surprised. "Well, they were trying to. They mentioned some trouble down at the farm, and they spoke of you two, but by the time I was able to calm them down and start asking questions, my wife starting shouting, so I just sent them to their room." You and Red then look at each other before looking back and you tell them the events that happened this afternoon. You don’t know how many times you’ve apologized, but it still doesn’t seem like enough. As the story concludes, he just sighs again, and takes a bigger swig of his drink. I guess in one regard, he is like his wife then. “Well, I can’t exactly say I’m surprised this happened,” he mutters confusing you. “It was only a matter of time before Diamond said the wrong thing at the wrong time to the wrong pony.” “What?” you ask. He sighs again and pours himself another drink. “I’ve known about my daughter and her friend teasing others from Ms. Cheerilee, and even from Randolph. I thought it was just a phase that she’d grow out of and be friends with everypony eventually,” he sighs again, “But I’m always so busy with work, and I thought my wife would handle the situation better.” He then takes another swig. “Plus, I don’t think my therapist’s advice of drinking to forget is particularly healthy,” he adds. Yeesh, what kind of Quack is this guy’s therapist? Elsewhere in a Bar in The Middle of The Desert, Dr. Quacksalver suddenly sneezes Johnny Trotter out of his nose. Back with you “Guess now it’s all come to a head,” he surmises. “H-hey man, don’t put yourself down so much, Nightshade and Babs are the ones who-” “Yes yes, they certainly went a little overboard I’d say. But kids will tend to do that,” he says really calmly. After all the emotions you’ve went through today, it’s kind of surprising to see how he’s taking it in stride. “But even still, maybe there is a lesson in this for Diamond and Silver.” “Well, even so, what they did was horrible to those two fillies,” you say and he nods. “Yeah, I know that. But I have faith that you two will give whatever punishment to them that you see fit, so I don’t have to worry about that. But from what you’ve said, it has made my Diamond see the light so to speak. Was she really getting along well with your sister and her friends Big Mac?” “Eyup,” Red answers as usual. Filthy gives a small smile to that. “B-but what about,” you try to say. “Mr. Tennant, do not worry about my wife’s threats or myself being angry. A tiara can be replaced, and I’ve certainly got enough cash to fix poor Silver Spoon’s glasses. Nothing lasting has been damaged. In fact, I suspect that this whole mess has actually been beneficial for everypony involved. You’re not the only one who has to become more involved in his daughter’s life Mr. Tennant,” he says rationally. You can’t believe this guy. Aren’t all rich guys supposed to be stuck up jerks like his wife? “Mac, Mr. Tennant, I thank you for letting me know everything. I’ll handle things from here, and I’ll even let Silver’s parents know when they get back…though I don’t think they need to know EVERYTHING. Especially if her glasses will be fixed by then,” he gives you both a wink. Dear Luna. How is this guy married to that Rhino? I know they say love can make you blind, but love is making this guy blind, deaf, and dumb. He then looks to Red and says, “So the Cutie Mark Crusaders offered to let them build a new float for the Harvest Festival with them?” “Eyup.” He smiles again at that. “Well, I’m sure I can work something out so those five can do just that.” He then sets his drink down and looks to you two. "Well everything seems to be settled now. I'll have a talk with that wife of mine and see if I can't calm her down. After that I'll be taking a break from work and spend Diamond's first day of being grounded giving her time and understanding she needs." You and Big Mac nod your heads at this and you make a comment about how Diamond doesn't know what her Talent is and he nods understanding that's another thing for them to talk about. With all said and done the three of you stand up as Filthy says, "Now gentlemen I hate to do this but I must escort you out in a rather...loud manner. Need to keep that wife of mine calm for now and seeing my chatting with the pony who 'hit' her won't do that any good. When she sobers up she should be more reasonable." You and Big Mac nod your heads in understanding as Filthy begins to drag you both out. While you are surprised by how strong he is to be able to do this, you also spot Spoiled smiling cockily from the other room. So you decide to do what you do best...make a scene! You begin to thrash about a bit as you yell in a poor accent of some kind, "I DID NOT HIT HER IT'S NOT TRUE! IT'S BULLSPIT! I DID NOT HIT HER! I DID NO-oh hi Mac." Big Mac proceeds to look at you in confusion while you hear a tiny, nearly silent laugh from Filthy. The look on Spoiled's face is also a thing of glory. However that very confused look on her face is ruined by the unavoidable nose. Still making a scene, you decide to do something incredibly stupid... Gorgeous Freeman's Comment Amethyst Blade's Comment "NOSE! Bloody nose! We're not supposed to talk about the bloody nose, but there is a bloody nose winking me in the face!" you shout causing her to gasp in shock before anger comes to her eyes. "Kill it! Kill it with fire! DOWN WITH THE MONSTER OF A NOSE!!" You then throw what you presume to be one of the unlit Molotov, but in your ranting your hoof slips. Instead of landing above her head, the bottle strikes her straight in her snooter, shattering over her face. Filthy stops pretending to drag you, and you three stare in shock by what you just did. I think I just ruined any chances of Diamond having a good childhood.... you think ruefully. She then looks up and begins glaring at you. "Why you no good stupid...huh?" she trails off as she and in turn the rest of you notice that her nose...is no longer upturned and sharp. Instead, it's normal and rounded. It actually improves her looks and you can understand why Filthy would have married her. She's actually pretty good looking when her face isn't jacked up. As she touches her now normal nose in awe, Filthy whispers in your ear. "Thank you...I've missed her old muzzle," he says in such gratitude with sparkling eyes. "Um...You're welcome?" But how did I... you trail off as you see the red liquid all over the floor next to the bits of broken glass. Your eyes widen. Oh Son of a B$@!^, I just wasted one of my health potions! *6 Health Potions Remaining Spoiled Rich then stops touching her muzzle, which has a subdued smile on it. She just gives you and Red a tiny scowl, before she says haughtily, "And that useless so-called doctor Quack said it was incurable! Hmmph!" she then walks out of the room without so much as a thank you. Before you or Mac can comment at this miracle you are both "thrown out." With one last nod from Filthy, the door slams behind you. You look at Red and he looks at you before you both shrug. "So...that happened. Went a lot better than I thought." "Eyup." You and him then begin walking back to the farm. "Well, I guess it's time for us to take care of Babs and Nightshade huh?" He nods and sighs. "Well, good luck with that big guy. I've got something in store for her..." you then trail off as something comes to mind. "Say Mac, do you happen to have any Hard Cider back at the house?" He raises an eyebrow at you. "Eyup." "Cool, think I can have six pack? I know I don't normally drink, but I need something to...calm my mind for tonight." Wait What? Later At The Shack You stand with 6 empty bottles in your hoof. Not even a hint of being buzzed as Nightshade sleeps on the cot. You and Red had told Applejack the situation, and the two siblings went on up to the house to deal with Babs, leaving you to take care of Nightshade. So Selly, did my idea work? Listen for yourself, *Hic* Crystals... the drunken king slurs in your head. Nice. So until we get more tranqs, I can just booze it up whenever the need arises. True, though alcohol is different than the drugs. I may be able to siphon the toxins, but you are still filling your belly with swill. Be sure to eat something so you won't get sick, she explains. Well that won't be hard, you think as you pick up an apple and bite into it. But now onto brass tacks. With Sombra in the drunk tank, how do you want to handle this? Simply lay down and slumber. I will allow you to observe, but that will be all you'll be able to do as you are not a walker like us. I must weave this story before I speak to her at the end. You nod, but then ask, But what about Princess Luna? Didn't you tell me she was always on the look out for Nightmares? Do not worry about her, she will not find us. I know how to shield our activities from her eyes, she says in spite. Alright then. Just...don't overdue it alright? I will only show her what she must see. But do not fret, it won't be nearly as bad as what that swine's door showed you. I only wish to teach her a lesson, not torment her. Nodding, you lie down and think, OK. I'll meet you in the usual spot. You then tussle Nightshade's mane. Honey, this is for your own good...You then nod off. POV Change: Nightshade You sit on a swing set on an empty playground as you stare at your hanging hooves. You're not quite sure how you got here, but you feel down. "Maybe Diamond and Silver didn't deserve what I did but...I still don't get it. Am I really a bully?" you muse. You are still confused by what your dad has told you today. Your whole way of thinking has been called into question. You shake your head, "No, I can't be. I apologized. Sure maybe I went overboard. I know that now. But if I stand up in my own way, is it really that bad?" You then hear whispers from all around you. You look up and see your friends. The CMC, Spike, and even a few other schoolyard friends. You light up, "Guys! Hey!" you call out to them...but they all stop talking and give you a funny look. "Guys?" you ask as you get off the swing set, and they all wince. Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Spike and the rest start taking steps back. "Wh-what's wrong?" you ask. "What are all you guys scared of?" you ask as they stare at you in fear. "Guys?" WHAT DO YOU DO? Outro: