//------------------------------//
// Interlude 2: Nicholas v.s the status quo 
// Story: Era of Harmony 
// by Gambling_Sam 
//------------------------------//

*Luna POV*

"Princess, you must rest! We can't have you pass out from exhaustion!" One of the nurses told me as I casted yet another healing spell on Raiden before falling back into the chair next to the bed. 

We had been casting the same regenerative spell on him for the past several hours with no rest, nor nourishment. And I refused to do anything of the sort until Raiden was awake and healthy again. After the event with Nicholas and his marefriend galloping after him, we had returned back to healing our beloved from his ghastly wounds

Our beloved...Do We even deserve to call him that? His entire stomach is shredded thanks to a threat we created and were unable to stop. A human foal had to do the job for us, a child that shouldn't had even been there to begin with.

I looked to the nurse, panting due to the energy loss from using so much magic. "Leave us. I wish to be alone." 

The nurse, a yellow mare with light and dark striped hair, sighed. "Very well, your majesty." She said hesitantly with a bow  before leaving, closing the door behind her and leaving us alone with Raiden. 

I turned back to my coltfriend as the feelings of guilt and self-blame came back as I recalled what Nicholas had yelled before.

"LOOK WHAT HAPPENED TO MY BROTHERS BECAUSE OF YOU AND CELESTIA! ONE IS ON HIS DEATHBEAD AND THE OTHER IS A MARKED CRIMINAL!"     

I winced as the words rang through my skull again. Ronin could be argued that he lead himself to that path, but Raiden? He had done little wrong, all he had done was get a cooking job at Canterlot and Ponyville while being there for us. And now...he was hurt because he was fighting an enemy we should've been able to defeat. 

Leaning in close, I nuzzled Raidens cheek as fresh tears dropped onto his face. 

"I'm so sorry." We whispered as we received no answer or reaction to our words. "Twas our fault Christine was like she was, and now you are suffering for it." I said as my mind went back to that fateful day.

*******************
Luna POV, 1001 years ago.
*******************

We arrived in a flash of blue light as we were met with the cold winds of the north. 

"Brrr!" We stated, shivering slightly. "How does anypony live in such horrid weather?" 

Shaking off the discomfort, we walked towards the cave that lead to the paradise of the human female by the name of Christine. She had arrived almost eight months ago alongside two males of her kind, and after intensive questioning to ensure they were not evil, we let them free and allowed them sanctuary in our kingdom. 

It would all for naught when Callobrim, a human who earned the power to see visions from Celestia, proclaimed his sister would bear three children doomed to bring "eternal change" to all of Equestria. Not liking the sound of this prophecy, Celestia and I decided to act. We would confront Christine. 

We had no qualms with this, for we never really cared much for the human. She treated my sister with such disrespect, refusing to bow and address her by title in public, and acted like she was everyone's boss. After a while of living in our kingdom, she moved up north, stating to her brother that she couldn't handle living in Equestria anymore. 

Now that We think about it, Callobrim had his vision shortly after that situation. He really didn't like it when she left...perhaps it caused the vision to appear in the first place?

Making my way through the damp cavern, noticing small torches on the walls that kept the place lit while We walked through, We couldn't help but sigh. "And now We must contend with future threats to Equestria, be they infant or elderly." We said to no one as we pondered what we were to do.

Could We bring ourselves to kill unborn foals? I shook my head. No, That is cruel, regardless of the vision. We need only banish them.

Exiting the cavern, my jaw dropped upon the sight of the supposed living space of the human female.

It was a garden, and a very well made one at that. The cold breeze did not blow down here, instead it had a warm feeling around the garden. Looking around, I saw the reason for this as I saw some magma rocks placed in certain spots in the garden. 

That would keep the cold from taking over. I thought as my eyes fell on flowers of many types and colors. They were everywhere, and if We weren't here for business we would take time and sniff every single one. 

Walking through the garden, keeping on a straight cobblestone path that was made to go in a line through the meadow of greenery, We walked up to a amber throne that sat in the middle of the garden.

And on that throne would be none other than a very cross Christine. 

"What the fresh hell are you doing here, Moonbutt?" She spat as I noticed her very bulging stomach.

Must be at least seven months. I thought as I cleared my throat. "I am here because your brother had a vision pertaining your unborn children."

Her eyes narrowed as she stood up slowly. "What do you mean vision? What did that asshole have to say about my kids?" 

We sighed, not wanting to do this. "He saw that, in a vision, thous children would grow up and bring "Eternal change" to the way Equestria is run." 

The woman raised an eyebrow. "So, they're gonna become politicians...It could be worse." 

I averted my gaze as I steeled myself for what would have to happen. "Callobrim said he believes they will do so with a iron hoof. By force, so to speak." We said as Christine looked at us for a while before narrowing her eyes.

"...Your here to do something to them, aren't you?" She said as she slowly moved backwards before grabbing a staff that was leaning on the throne. "Your not touching my kids!" 

I stepped forward, my horn glowing softly as we felt a touch of hesitation in our heart. 

"We won't hurt them, we're just going to send them away." We said as Christine yelled out in anger.

"Why?! Because my brother said so? Or is it because you hate me?" She started to laugh. "Ohohohoho! I know what's happening now! Your pissed that David chose me and not YOU!" 

I stamped my hoof, feeling a rush of rage. "He goes by Dadiolus now, you fool! How does thou not know what thy husband is named?" 

"Only business associates call him by his official name, you idiot!" She said as she pointed the staff at me as it glowed blue. "Now, leave! I never want to see your flank again."

Narrowing my eyes, feeling the air in the area get colder as snow started to land on my coat. "Never! I will save Equestria from any threat, even if it means my dignity!" 

Letting out a yell, Christine shot an ice blue beam shot from her staff. Countering with my own, I began to push against hers. 

"Leave my family alone!" She yelled. "This is why we moved from Equestria! You and your stupid people always judge us for everything, even if you don't know what your talking about!" She pushed harder, making the originally even balance of magical power slowly get closer to me. 

Who gave her such a weapon that it can rival us so? We thought as we pushed back with all our might, sending the pulse of magic right at her, knocking her into the throne that, suprisingly, didn't budge an inch from the blow. Christine, however, fell into the seat in a slump.

I staggered slightly, but held my ground as I pointed my horn at the woman. "As said before, We will not hurt thous children. We just plan to send them away." 

Christine slowly looked up as I fired the spell that had been charged, but instead of the anger that was present before, We saw something on her face that chilled us to the core.

Fear. Pure unfaltering fear of the beam that was coming for her. She tried to block it with the staff, only for it to hit the weird crystal at the end of it and cause an explosion of light. 

When the light cleared, We looked to the throne only to take a step back as what we had done registered. 

Where Christine was sitting was now a skeletal husk, the staff she used still in her hand. 

"No...We did not mean to kill her!"

As I looked on in horror, the area around me slowly started to die. All the flowers and greenery were wilting and being replaced with icy replicas. Even the originally warm air was now frigid as the magma rocks froze over. 

"Luuuuuunnaaaaaaa..." A shrill voice called out, causing us to look up...

...before immediately turning tail and teleporting away as an unseen amount of Wendigos descended on the steaming body and its icy tomb.

*********************
Luna POV/present time
*********************

I shuddered slightly, grimacing at the memory. In a fit of jealous rage, added on to the jealousy we had for our sister, we had accidently over charged the spell and not only banished the unborn children but decimated Christine as well. After returning to Canterlot Celestia would go to reprimand me for my actions, which of course We responded in anger to, leading to the day we became Nightmare Moon. 

I looked to Raiden, tilting my head as a thought came to mind. 

Now that I think of it, little Nicholas shares the hair type and other small details of Christine. And didn't she have several husband's in that herd of hers? My eyes widened in shock as I turned to Raiden. No....The brothers couldn't possibly be her-

"Princess!" 

I turned around to see a solar guard standing at attention. 

"What is it? We are busy." I stated as the gurad cleared his throat nervously.

"You have a summons from your sister. She states she wishes to speak to you about recent events...something about a Nightmare version of her?" He said as my jaw dropped. 

"She's free of the Nightmare?!" We rose to our feet and went to teleport before turning back to Raiden. "Guard, stay here and watch over him please. Make sure he has a nurse healing him every hour." 

The guard saluted as I teleported away, but not before one more thought came over me. 

If they are the kids of Christine...does that mean Callobrims prophecy could still come true? 

****************
Nicholas POV
****************

After a while, I looked up at the sky. The sun had begun to dip lower into the air, meaning that the day was almost done.

Had we been out here for that long? I thought as I felt Applebloom groan before reading back and looking into my eyes with her own tired-looking ones.

For a second, she didn't do anything. But as a reddish hue began to appear on her cheeks I booped her nose. 

"Hey, want to head back to my house. Fluttermom is gonna get onto me for disappearing again." I offered as Applebloom nodded slightly.

"Yeah, Ah'll come with ya. Don't want to head home just yet." She said as we stood up and began walking in the direction of Fluttershy's cottage with her on my left side.

As we walked I suddenly felt Appleblooms tail wrap around my left hand. I looked down at her as we walked and noticed she hadn't even reacted to doing so.

Did she do that on purpose? Only one way to find out. I thought as I yanked her tail slightly, causing her to yip in suprise before turning to me with a scarlet face when she saw my hand around her tail.

"And why'd ya go an' do that?!" She exclaimed as I laughed. 

"Because your tail wrapped around my hand, and you didn't even notice." I said as her bkush grew stronger. 

"It did?" She exclaimed, quickly pulling her tail back as her ears splayed backwards on her head. "It won't happen again, Ah swear." 

I rolled my eyes at the sudden mood shift and gripped her tail again, much lighter this time while wrapping it around my hand.

"I think it's kinda cute, actually. I like it." I said as we continued walking while Applebloom looked at me with a big grin. 

"Really!" She exclaimed, a hop in her step as I giggled lightly at her mood swings. She sure puts a hundred and ten percent into everything, especially her emotions. 

As the sky started to emit an orange glow, we found ourselves in eyesight of the cottage...

...Where Fluttershy and Diamond Tiara were waiting. Although both looked worried, the former looked a bit ticked. 

Crap...not even ten minutes back and I'm in trouble. I thought as we walked up, noticing Diamond eyeing Appleblooms tail with a mixture of curiosity and jealousy. I looked to Fluttershy and stepped forward, letting go of Appleblooms tail.

"Sorry about leaving the hospital so suddenly. I just...had to figure out some of my emotions." I said as Fluutershy pulled me into a hug. 

"I could hear you yelling from your room at the hospital, and Diamond Tiara told me about the rest on our way here. Are you ok?" She asked me as she released me from the the hug as I sighed. 

"I'm...I've been better, but I'll live." I turned to Diamond. "Besides, there's things I got to do." 

Diamond Tiara tilted her head. "Like what?" 

I pointed to Applebloom, who came up and put her head under my hand, earning a couple scratches. "I've decided the contract with your mother isn't right, and I plan to talk to her about it." Noticing her face shift quickly to a look of fear and hurt I continued. "I'm not losing either of you, and I'll make her see that." 

Diamond frowned. "But Nicholas, Nopony has ever been able to stand up to my mom before!" 

I turned towards ponyville, which looked so peaceful with the sunset glowing over the roofs of the buildings. 

"After what happened in Canterlot...I think I can handle it." I said as I began to walk back to town, only to have Diamond Tiara and Applebloom step in front of me. 

"Nicholas, wait." Diamond started.

"We're coming with ya. We gotta make sure you don't get hurt no more, for your and Fluttershy's sake." She said as Fluttershy walked up and nuzzled my cheek with hers.

"Please be careful, Nick. And do come back once your done." She said before giving me a sterner look. "And don't cause any big trouble while your out please." 

I nodded and gave her a small hug before going on my way with the girls. "Don't worry, I'm done being a troublemaker. I just have to go and fix something in town." I called over my shoulder as we walked. 

However, I failed to notice a tall hooded figure lingering behind the cottage eyeing us before turning and walking in the direction of the hospital.

*****************
Axel POV/Earlier in the day
*****************

Catching up with Sweetiebelle, I began walking beside her, which she looked up to me in suprise. 

"Axel? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be back with the others?" She asked me as I stretched out my arms (gotta love the human bod.)  while we walked past that bakery that one of the Queens worked at. 

"Eh, he's got mostly everyone there." I gave her a smirk. "Besides, you were pretty quick to leave yourself." 

She puffed her cheeks slightly. "My big sister is already going to throw a fit since I've been gone all day, I'd rather not make it worse." She said as I scoffed. 

"What, you live with your sister?" I stated in suprise as she turned away and stopped walking, causing me to stop and face her. "Wait...your serious aren't you?" 

She nodded. "My parents are...very busy ponies. They both are really famous, especially daddy. So to make sure I get an education and properly cared for, they left me with my sister." 

I frowned, not really liking the sound of that. Even though changelings are usually able to fend for themselves, Chrysalis always makes sure to learn about each of us personally and ensured we were surviving. Although whether this was out of love or out of tactical advantage of keeping our numbers up I'm not certain. 

"Well that's dumb." I stated plainly as Sweetiebelle gasped. 

"Dumb?" She exclaimed shockingly.

I nodded. "Yeah, it's dumb. They're YOUR parents, regardless of their business they should be around to take care of you." I told her as we continued walking. "Besides, how could they leave such a cute girl alone without adult supervision?" 

Sweetiebelle tilted her head as we turned a corner. "My sister is an adult." 

I scoffed at that. "Really? She whines more than you do, from what Queen Pinkies memories tell us in the hive mind." I said as Sweetiebelle eyes widened. 

"You can access other ponies memories? How?" She asked as we stopped in front of that eyesore of a boutique.

"Well, anyone who is connected to the hive mind gives free reign to the collective. We can't take over anyone's mind like this, but we have access to their memories for data purposes. It's an easy way to educate new changelings." I informed her as I looked to the boutique. "Well, it looks like we are here." 

Sweetiebelle sighed. "Yeah." She turned to me. "Do you think Nicholas will be ok?" 

As I went to answer that, I felt a wave of magic surge through the hive mind, causing me to frown. 

That's odd...that felt like Chrysalis. But why would she....oooooh.

I smiled at Sweetiebelle. "Nicholas is perfectly alright. Our queen just woke him up." 

Sweetiebelle grinned big. "That's amazing! I'll go see him after I talk to my sister. Bye!" She said as she ran up into her home, leaving me by outside alone.

I sighed, turning and walking back towards town. 

"Heh. She's a cute mare. Nicholas is lucky to have her pining for him...though he probably won't notice her because of Applebloom and Diamond Tiar-OOF." I was cut off as a tall hooded figure knocked into me, sending us both to the ground.

"Hey! what's the big...idea?" I started to yell, but stopped as I got a look at the face of the figure. 

He was old and had grey hair, but that's not what stuck out the most. No, the thing that stuck out the most was he looked like whatever species Nicholas and his brothers were...humans, right? He looked like an old human. 

The old man pulled the hood over his head again and stood quickly, somehow towering over my alternate form at at least six feet.

"You never saw me, Axel." The man whispered as he turned and walked away.

"Wait, who are you? How do you know my name?" I yelled as I ran after him, but a chariot with money bag symbols on it's door went past me briefly, and when it passed the man was gone.

For a while, I just stood there in plain confusion. Then, my brain decided to work.

"Tak. Tak! TAK!!!" I yelled as I sped towards the underground hive. 

****************
Nicholas POV/present
****************

"Are you sure about this?" Diamond asked as I looked ahead of me and the girls straight at the mansion. Last time I was here, I convinced the Rich family to let me date their daughter. Now, I had to convince them to change the deal we settled on.

And I was NOT in a mood for games. 

"Very." I stated as Applebloom gulped nervously. 

"Uh, not that ah don't want to get this over with, but how do ya know they're even here?" She asked as I pointed at a carriage that was nearby. 

"See that carriage? It's got Filthy Riches symbol on it. He is here at least." I said as I began walking towards the door while the girls stayed close behind. 

"Is...Nicholas ok? He seems more serious than usual." Diamond whispered to Applebloom. 

"Ah think what happened in Canterlot must'a done something to him...though ah can't really tell if it's a bad thing yet." Applebloom whispered back. "Ah kinda like it when he's taking charge like this." 

I rolled my eyes as I reached the door. Those two are terrible whisperers. I knocked on the door three times and stood back is the door opened and a butler popped out, though this one looked different from the other one I met before. Unlike the other butler this one was purplish and much older. 

Diamond Tiara spoke up first, smiling at the older stallion in front of me. "Randolph! What are you doing here? I thought you were on vacation?" 

The stallion bowed to Diamond. "M'lady, I returned early because our dear Alfred had to work for his other client Bruce Mane." He said as my jaw dropped. 

So I WAS right!!! Though it wasn't Filthy who was batman though. I thought as Diamond Tiara nodded.

"A shame. Though, Randolph, is mommy or daddy here? We have...business to discuss with them." She asked as Randolph nodded. 

"They are in the main room. Come this way." He said as he began to escort us to the living room, causing me to have even more flashbacks to that day. 

Meanwhile, Applebloom was in total shock at everything that was in the mansion. 

"WHOA!!! Ah didn't even know houses could be this fancy!" She turned to Diamond Tiara and pointed at a diamond encrusted mirror on a random shelf. "You must love living in a place like this with all these shiny things!" 

Diamond sighed as we continued walking, not nearly as enthused. "It's fine...though you do get tired of it quickly." She said as we made it to the living room. Randolph walked ahead of us and approached Diamonds parents, who were on the same couch as last time too. 

Mr. Rich was reading a newspaper while he had what was either coffee or tea sitting on one of those fold-out tables. Mrs. Rich was looking over what seemed to be a fashion magazine that had some mare named Sapphire Shores on the front. 

Randolph approached the two and bowed. "Dear Madam and Sir, your daughter has returned with guests." He then backed away to a wall as the two looked up at us. Applebloom hid behind me slightly while Diamond Tiara looked slightly irritated.

Mrs. Rich was the first to say something. "Diamond Tiara, your back!" She said with a neutral face before looking to me and smiling suddenly. "And you brought the star of the hour himself. You've done well, 12K!" 

I raised an eyebrow as Diamond face-hoofed, confused as to why I was getting praise. "Uh...thanks? But for what?" 

Filthy Rich cleared his throat. "Now now, don't be modest my boy. We've heard about your performance in Canterlot from our friends that live there, and they were shocked to realize that you were our endorsement." He laughed happily, kinda like Santa Claus would. "Your gonna made us a lot of money, kid." 

"How is that performance going to get yall money?" I asked as Mrs. Rich chortled. 

"Dear, everypony that matters in Canterlot wants to meet the amazing 12K and his band." She titled her head. "And that reminds me, they said you played with three other...things like you. Are they going to be a permanent thing or was that just a one time gig?"

I groaned, not wanting to bring Tak and the others into this ridiculous mess I was I'm. "It's special occasions only. I'm a DJ first, band second." 

Mrs. Rich sighed with relief. "Oh good, I was worried we'd have to split the profits more than we already were." She smiled thinly as she continued. "Oh, and darling. To answer your question we have already begun to set up a way to mass produce your music. The ponies at the Canterlot Research lab call it...What was it again, dear?" She asked, turning to Filthy Rich, who sighed.

"They called it a recording device, honey." He said before returning to his newspaper. 

"Yes, that. But once it's made, we will record your music and send it across seas to all of our benefactors. Your music is going to make us the wealthiest family in Equestria, darling." She said as she smiled warmly at me. "If you need anything, feel free to ask, and it will be done. We can't have our star not at his best, can we?" 

I smiled as I felt this was my chance to fix the contract. I looked to Diamond Tiara, who smiled at me, obviously thinking the same thing. Then I looked back to Mrs. Rich and nodded.

"Actually, I have something in mind." I said as she blinked. 

"Really? Very well. What is it?" She said sharply, her tone warning me not to mess around.

I cleared my throat, stealing a glance at the filly who was still behind me. "You remember the part in the contract about the whole dating the noble only, right?" 

Mrs. Rich nodded. "Yes yes, I do. And I have to say that you have already had a potential filly send us a letter. She claimed to be a young princess of Canterlot as well and that you had already met her personally." Mrs. Rich stated with a chuckle as I felt the red hot glares from both Diamond Tiara and Applebloom. 

Crap. Forgot about that deal I made with Azul! I winced as I continued. "Yeah, she's...something. But couldn't we perhaps alter that agreement slightly?"

Mrs. Rich frowned. "How so?" She asked before turning her head to the side. "And who's this behind you?" 

All right...she noticed Applebloom, so it's know or never. I took a step to the left, leaving a weakly smiling Applebloom in full sight of Mrs. Rich, who gasped.

"This is Applebloom, and she is the second mare I want for my herd...however that works." I said as the mare in front of me gritted her teeth. 

"Oh 12K, why did you bring this...filth into my home and expect me to allow you to date her?" She said as I frowned while Applebloom and Diamond gasped. Even Mr. Rich himself seemed shocked at her words.

"Honey, don't you think that's a bit too much?" He asked her, but she waved him off with a glare.

"Not now, Filtherend." She said, causing him to blush and look away. She turned back to me, a deep seated glare on her face. 

"Now, you should know two things before this conversation continues. One, I had certain Canterlot friend of mine come over to look at the contract you signed about an hour ago, and he pointed out something quite interesting." She magicked over the paper and showed me a familiar line. 

It was the one that had originally stated that I was Equestrian born. Mrs. Rich then pulled out a secondary paper, which looked identical to the last one minus that line. "Now, he showed me that line and I realized you could squirm out of any dues to us relating to the contract...so I out together a little intervention to keep this from occurring. 

Applebloom frowned, not liking the look of snideness on Mrs. Rich's face. "What does that mean?" 

Mrs. Rich laughed. "It means, if Nicholas wants to ever perform as 12K again, then he needs to sign this new contract." She looked back at me. "And as for the altering the romance deal, only with the approval of a Rich family member can you subvert that part of the deal, and no one in our family is going to want to...mesh with the commen folk."

I clenched my fists as I realized I was backed into a corner. But before I could say anything, Diamond stepped forward and grabbed the contract, handing it to me. 

"Just sign it, Nicholas." She said as Applebloom gasped before frowning. 

"Diamond Tiara! What are ya doing?! If he signs that then he can't-" 

"QUIET!" Mrs. Rich stated loudly, shutting both of them up, though I noticed Diamond wink at Applebloom. "No filth is going to talk to my blood like that!" She turned to me, summoning a pen with a flash of pink light. "Now sign, boy."

I sighed, grabbing the pen and paper and resigning the documents. Even after looking it over, I realized I couldn't find anything that could be twisted this time. It was air-tight, meaning whoever helped Mrs. Rich knew what they were doing.

After signing it, Mrs. Rich handed it off to Randolph, who took it away to who knows where. "Now, do you need anything else?" 

Before I could answer, Diamond spoke up. 

"Mommy, you said a Rich representative has to approve of the mare, right?" She asked as Applebloom tilted her head and I frowned. Where was she going with this?

The mare nodded. "Yes...why?" 

Diamond grinned and turned to Applebloom and I. "Then, as a member of the Rich family I approve of Applebloom joining." She said, making Applebloom squeal in happiness before sending her a glare. "Don't make me regret this." 

I grinned widely and swooped up the two girls in a huge hug. 

"This is awesome!!! Thank you so much Diamond!" I cheered happily.

"Yer darn tootin' it is, Nick! Thanks, Diamond Tiara!" Applebloom said as Diamond blushed beet red from the attention. 

"WAIT A SECOND!!!" Mrs. Rich yelled, causing me to almost fall over in shock. Mr. Rich, however, jumped six feet in the air right onto his cup on the table.

"AHHH! It burns!!!" He yelled as he ran off into another room before we heard running water and what sounded like steam from the room followed by a long "aaaaahhhhhh."

So it WAS coffee in that cup all along. I thought as Mrs. Rich decided to go off on us. 

"How dare you endorse this, Diamond Tiara!" She yelled, pointing at the three of us. "Filth like that doesn't deserve to be in the same town as us. let alone the same relationships!" She went to say more, but Diamond and Applebloom hopped from my arms and glared at the mare.

"ENOUGH, MOTHER!" Diamond Tiara started, stamping her hoof and startling her mom. "How dare YOU speak to my coltfriend and friend like that! They are CLOSE to me, and I will not have you down talk them or any of my other friends anymore!"

Applebloom nodded. "Yeah! Just because Ah ain't wealthy or fancy like ya doesn't mean you can push me around like this! Ah like Nicholas, Diamond Tiara likes Nicholas! So why can't we both just like Nicholas and be with him?!" 

"B-B-Because-" Mrs. Rich started, but Diamond wasn't having it. 

"NO! Enough excuses! It's my life, Mom! And I'm choosing to spend it with them!" She pointed to Applebloom, then took a few steps back and looked up at me. I smiled and started scratching her ears. 

Applebloom smiled and did the same steps back, wrapping her tail around my free hand but keeping her eyes on Mrs.Rich. 

"And Ah choose to spend it with Nicholas and Diamond. And there ain't nothing you can offer or say that'll change mah mind!" With that the girls turned around, causing me to turn with them and keep up with them as they began to walk away.

"Diamond Tiara! come back here this instant!" I heard her mom call from. behind us, but the girls ignored her and pretty much escorted me out of the house. Though as soon we made it to the yard the two of them tackled me to the ground in a huge cuddlefest. 

"Whoa!" I said as we landed. Thankfully, I landed on my back and had the girls on both sides of me. 

"Finally! We left that crazy house!" Applebloom said from my left before nuzzling my cheek. "Ahm gonna enjoy being with yall." 

Diamond let out a huge breath as she snuggled up to my right arm. "I can't believe I just talked back to my mom! It felt so...exhilarating! I feel so FREE!" 

I chuckled at her enthusiasm and pulled them close. "You two make me so happy, yall know that? And now that the stupid contract isn't an issue, we're free to be ourselves!" 

At the mention of that, Diamond turned and looked straight at me. "Speaking of that...Mom said the filly you talked to was a Canterlot Princess. That wouldn't happen to be Azul, would it?" 

I felt all traces of relaxation leave my body as both Diamond Tiara and Applebloom were giving me rather stern looks. 

"Hehe..." I chuckled lightly. "Well...that's a long story." I said as Applebloom poked me in the chest. 

"Tell it." She stated as I sighed. 

"Fine, fine. It started when me and the others had to do that performance in the city..."