It didn't take long to get all the things Diamond needed for a protracted stay on the farm packed up. From the looks of things, Diamond had been packing while the Will was being read, fully intent on leaving whatever the outcome...even if it was only to a friend's house to get away from Spoiled Rich. While Applejack watched over the girls as they packed up the rest, Big Mac returned to the farm to bring back a wagon to carry it all, along with stopping off at each of the other fillies' houses for what they needed for a sleepover. The older siblings hadn't needed to talk to decide the girls needed to be together tonight.
It was a good thing Sebastian had finished helping Granny pick a sleeping place for Diamond by the time Big Mac went for the wagon, as between five fillies, several suitcases, and three sets of overnight gear, it took a professional eye to arrange it all without risking an accidental damage to something or someone important, no matter how easily Big Mac could pull the weight. As a result, everything was gathered and brought to the farm without incident.
While Diamond would officially be staying in the guest room just down the hall from Apple Bloom's room, tonight Apple Bloom would be hosting the group sleepover and Granny, Applejack, and Big Mac were fully expecting to turn a blind eye to Diamond curling up on Apple Bloom's bed with her for at least the first few days of her stay. The girls then settled in for a few fun sleepover games while Diamond tried to press Scootaloo for extra details. Scootaloo steadfastly refused to discuss anything regarding what happened to Filthy, determined to keep Diamond Tiara from getting caught up in it.
When Sebastian brought in some late night sweets he'd made himself, Diamond tried one last gambit on him. "Is there anything I can do to help find out what happened to Daddy?" she pleaded. "I know a lot about what was happening in the house before it happened. Maybe some of that is significant?"
Sebastian tilted his head thoughtfully. "...out of idle curiosity, had Spoiled hired on anyone new recently? I intend to question the entire staff, and I only have access to Filthy's records..."
Diamond's eyes narrowed suspiciously. Scootaloo read her like a book. She knew Sebastian was specifically investigating Spoiled. She also knew that if she made that well known, she'd be completely stonewalled and learn nothing, and pursuing this question on her own could lead her to a dead end. Scootaloo grinned as Diamond took the only logical course. "She hired a Pegasus valet recently," she explained softly. "At least, that's what she said. Considering how often they met privately for 'important discussions', I think she just wanted to flesh out her paddock."
Sebastian smiled idly at the oddity of pony expressions. "Can you describe him?" he asked gently. "If Spoiled is no longer keeping him, it might be difficult to track him down."
"He has a red coat and green eyes," Diamond responded readily. "A scraggly red mane and tail, long and kinda looks spiky. More a mare hairstyle than a stallion one, to be honest. Wears red glasses, and this red coat he seems super fond of that doesn't really look good on him." She tapped her chin as she focused her memory. "His Cutie Mark is a broken film reel."
Scootaloo had been watching Sebastian carefully. While his face revealed nothing, he had yet to learn to control his tail. Scootaloo made good use of that to see the hidden state of his mind. As Diamond had begun describing the stallion, Sebastian's tail had begun to sway far more intensely than normal. At the mention of the Cutie Mark, it had lashed like a whip. "What name should I look for?" he asked calmly.
Diamond giggled softly. "Grey Shuttlecock is the one he gave when I asked," Diamond responded gaily. "Given how he hesitated, it's obviously a pseudonym of some sort. He started to say something else until she glared at him. Grill something, I think."
Sebastian's tail went absolutely still at that name, his entire hindquarters tensing under his fur. Scootaloo's eyes narrowed. Sebastian knew something, and it was not something good.
Sebastian turned to Scootaloo. "Would you like me to help clear around your eye tonight?" he asked gently, obliquely indicating her eyepatch.
Scootaloo nodded. "Okay." She turned to the others. "Be back in a sec, girls." Without giving them a chance to respond, she rushed out of the room with Sebastian.
As they made their way to the front door, Scootaloo whispered, "I give us maybe two minutes before the girls' curiosity overwhelms my instruction to keep Diamond out of danger. Can you cast magic?"
Sebastian's eyes widened in surprise. He had not expected that inquiry. "I know a few simple cantrips I can utilize in this form," he murmured back. "As powerful as the contract behind them-"
"Sleep and ward spells on the entire building the moment we clear the door," Scootaloo snapped back quietly. "That's an order."
Sebastian nodded as they stepped out. "Yes, my lady." He placed one claw against the door jamb. Black energy spilled out to slide all around the building until it was completely covered, the energy invisible in the night under the moon. As soon as the house was completely covered, the energy vanished. Yawns could be heard from inside, followed by snores.
A single light remained on, illuminating Granny Smith as she stared out the window, a cane clutched in her hooves. "I suppose I shouldn't have expected one known as 'The Seed of Death' to be affected by simple magic, however powerful," Sebastian murmured softly as he saw that.
"She'll keep a lookout," Scootaloo stated flatly. "Now find Spoiled Milk so we can deal with your old friend." She didn't bother to hide her grin when Sebastian spun to stare at her. She would never explain how his tail gave him away.
"...yes, my lady," Sebastian replied at last before placing Scootaloo on his back. With that, he took wing to fly over Ponyville, seeking his target.