Diamond Tiara sat on the balcony adjoining her room, sipping a bluegrass and petunia shake. The soft pink earth pony watched the shimmering water with a sigh. The moon was full tonight, its rich pallid light dancing off of the lake. A trio of suitcases sat by the door, the room itself emptied of furnishings. Posters on the wall displayed different bands, all signed by their respective members. Diamond Tiara took another sip from her glass before placing it back onto a small glass end table that sat next to her recliner. Tiara seemed put off, her normally composed smirk replaced with a thoughtful scowl. There were damp patches under her eyes, a wet tissue sat beside her on the table. The moon continued to rise ever so slowly as Tiara stood up and trotted to the edge of the balcony. She watched from above as her father, Filthy Rich, walked away from the house and into the dark of the night.
A sudden crash coming from inside the house snapped her out of her reverie. Tiara walked back through her room and into the corridor.
“Silk Handkerchief!” she called down into the house, her voice wavering as she did. “Was that you?” she called again when she heard no reply. She began to pace tentatively down the corridor. She could hear hushed whispers coming from downstairs. The pink pony peered around the corner to see a trio of griffons standing at the bottom of the stairs. At their feet sat a white unicorn in a tuxedo, blood pouring from a wicked cut on his forehead.
“Silk Handkerchief!” she screamed before realising her folly and covering her mouth. The three griffons turned around to face her.
“That’s the one! First griffon to grab ‘er won’t got slapped in the face!” the female boss shouted. Her two male griffon cronies looked at each other and gulped audibly. Turning back to the pony they began to advance menacingly up the stairwell.
“Stay back!” Diamond Tiara screamed in fear at the two brutes that clambered up the stairs towards her. She turned around and sprinted back down the corridor into her bedroom, slamming the door shut behind her. Out of breath, she collapsed on the other side of the door and tried to hold it shut with her body. Her chest raised and lowered rapidly, ragged breaths forcing their way out of her mouth. Tears welled up again as she began to picture the bruised and bleeding body of the butler.
Fists began to batter against the door behind her.
“Use your claws Clyde! We’ll tear our way through!” one of the griffons shouted to the other.
Diamond Tiara held back the door as the griffons began to scrabble and scratch at it.
“Go away!” she yelled, fear weighing down her voice. She just managed to hold the door, pushing against it with all the force she could muster. A loud stomp came from the balcony. Tiara turned in fear to see the female leader strut through the French doors, her beak curling into a self-assured smirk. Diamond leapt to her hooves, her eyes searching wildly for an escape route, but she couldn’t find any. The griffon kept advancing, backing her into the corner. Then, the other two griffons burst through the door. The head griffon shot them both a withering glare that made them both step back into the other corner. Satisfied with their reactions, the ringleader walked forwards, holding her sharp claws in front of her face.
“Now, Little Miss Rich, there’s two ways this can play out. We can play this the easy way,” the head griffon said as she paced along, “or the hard way.” One of the male griffons pulled his claw across his throat with a cruel smile.
“Please, my father will pay anything. He’s the richest pony in Ponyville! Just don’t hurt me,” Tiara sobbed, collapsing to the ground in a pathetic bundle of tears.
The lead griffon snorted derisively, “Little punk’s barely worth it. Bag ‘er and tag ‘er, boys.” The two males almost tripped over each other in their rush to get to Diamond Tiara first.
The griffon commander walked back out onto the balcony and put a claw to her ear.
“Package is secured,” she announced smoothly into the earpiece. A short burst of static made her wince in pain before it
cleared, to be replaced by a familiar voice.
“Excellent job, deliver the package to the rendezvous point and we’ll take it from there,” a colt’s voice sounded clearly in reply.
“And the money?” she asked in a serious tone.
“It’ll be waiting for you there too. I’ll activate the security systems remotely in five minutes. Grab the suitcases and hightail it here,” the voice replied.
The female griffon smirked once more and turned to her two lackeys. They had bound Diamond Tiara with rope and gagged her, eyes wide with terror.
“Both of you have failed me, I gave you the simple task of detaining a small pink pony and you can’t even get through the door.”
“But boss...” one of them began which earned him a claw to the face. A flash of scarlet dropped onto the floor as the griffon shrieked in pain.
“Anything to add Clyde?” she said with a smile to the injured griffon.
“No... no mistress,” Clyde babbled back nervously, a large red scratch on his face. The other griffon just stood at attention
with his eyes closed, his mouth moving but no noise coming from it. The boss griffon examined her bloodied claw with a satisfied smile before placing it back onto the ground.
“We’re moving out boys. Keep tight and don’t let go off the hostage she’s our meal ticket.” She laughed before adding,
“For the rest of our lives.” Diamond Tiara tried to scream again, but only let out a muffled cry, much to the head griffon’s delight. “Comfy there, friend?” she joked. “The name’s Gilda and if you so much as move on our flight back... well, I’ll kill you myself. The job didn’t mention what state you had to be in when you arrive. Don’t make me do that, do you know how hard it is to get blood out of white feathers?” She burst out laughing again, an evil glint in her eye. The two griffon subordinates lifted the pony between them and followed Gilda out onto the balcony. With a beat of their wings they lifted off into the night,
flying towards the waxing moon in the distance.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom stood in the centre of their clubhouse for perhaps the last time. The garish paint on the walls had faded and the once bright red carpets had worn to a dull pink. Cobwebs coated the furniture and paintings, it was evident that they hadn’t been in here for a long time.
“What’s it been now? Ten years?” Scootaloo sighed, a smile on her face from all the memories that flooded her mind.
“Yeah, what times we had.” Sweetie Belle looked more sad than happy, her smile clearly forced.
“Those were the days. We could do whatever we wanted.” Apple Bloom joined in the nostalgia trip.
“And we did!” Scootaloo added excitedly, raising her hoof. She then sighed again and her expression softened, “And look where it got us. Nowhere.”
“I can’t believe it took us so long to figure it out. All we had to do was nurture our existing talents,” Sweetie Belle laughed, proudly rubbing her cutie mark, a trio of quarter notes rising upwards.
“Yeah, I just wish it had never ended,” Apple Bloom mumbled before sitting down on the old, creaky, wooden floorboards. The young yellow mare had a hammer diagonally crossed with a pair of callipers as her cutie mark. She could still remember the day it showed up, and sniggered suddenly out loud at her memories of Applejack’s reaction.
“We all had to grow up some day.” Scootaloo smirked and turned to look at her own cutie mark once more, a flaming tire.
“I’m really going to miss you guys,” Sweetie Belle mumbled, tears gathering in her eyes. “I promise the second I’m finished in Canterlot, I’ll be right back.”
“Well you’ll have to get here before the Amateur Motocross in Hoofington next month.” Scootaloo almost shouted with excitement.
“Always knew you had a flair for danger. Is Rainbow Dash showing up to support you?” Apple Bloom clasped Scootaloo’s shoulder with her hoof and smiled.
“If her schedule allows it. You know how the Wonderbolts are.” Scootaloo laughed it aside, but her eyes told another story.
“You guys'll keep in touch, right?” Sweetie Belle asked with a sad smile, her eyes still moist with tears.
“No matter what happens though, we’ll always be friends,” Scootaloo said, placing a hoof in the middle of the circle they
had formed.
“Always,” Apple Bloom said adding her hoof.
“Of course!” Sweetie Belle sniffed, placing her hoof in the centre together. The three of them then looked at each and laughed.
“Cutie Mark Crusaders Best Friends Forever!” They shouted in unison, raising their hoofs in the air, before they all fell back laughing hysterically.
The trio walked back into Ponyville still chatting excitedly. The bright, colourful town was bathed in the orange of the sun setting at their backs. Ponies still rushed around, trying to finish all their jobs before night officially arrived.
“Hey guys! I’ve got to pick something up from Sugarcube Corner. I’ll see you all tomorrow,” Scootaloo said as she suddenly stopped.
“Okay, Scoots! We’ll catch ya tomorrow,” Apple Bloom replied, giving Scootaloo a knowing wink which Scootaloo returned with a smile.
“Okay, we’ll have to make tomorrow extra special. It could be our last day together for a long time.” Sweetie Belle laughed, waving a hoof as she and Apple Bloom walked off into the distance. Scootaloo returned the wave before walking towards the bakery.
She pushed the door open, causing a bell above the door to go off, its happy ting announcing another customer’s presence.
“Just a miiinute,” a sing-song voice came from the bakery proper.
Scootaloo walked up to the counter, admiring all the cakes that sat around the room on display tables. The sight of the sweet treats made her mouth water and her stomach rumble. Great, now I’m going to have to pick something up for myself while I’m here, Scootaloo thought to herself. A pink pony emerged from the bakery and stopped at the counter. The second she saw it was Scootaloo she burst into a wide grin.
“Don’t worry, everything’s arranged for the surprise party tomorrow,” the pink mare said in a kindly voice.
“Thanks, Pinks, there’s no party like a Pinkie Pie Party,” Scootaloo laughed.
“Don’t mention it. Seeing the three of you reminds me of me and my sisters. What adventures we had." Pinkie chuckled to herself before continuing. "Just remember that this is going to be the biggest adventure yet.” Pinkie Pie smiled knowingly before turning to face the bakery door.
“Pumpkin Cake! Could you fetch the special order for Scootaloo!” she shouted through the doorway.
“Come on, Pinkie. It’s closing time. Can’t we just go upstairs already,” a yellow-orange unicorn filly said as she appeared in the doorway.
“This is a special order. We always make exceptions for special orders. Don’t you remember the song?” Pinkie rolled her eyes and laughed.
“I’ll… I’m just going to go get that order now.” The unicorn filly vanished back into the shop, her cheeks the colour of beetroot.
“That always gets her.” Pinkie Pie laughed but then her mood suddenly became more serious. “You guys are about to embark on your own journey. There will be lows and there will be highs. You’ll meet loads of new ponies, new friends, but never ever forget the ones you already have.” Pinkie Pie’s face was dead serious for a moment.
“Don’t worry, Pinks, that’s not going to happen anytime soon.” Scootaloo gave her a genuine smile to which Pinkie Pie replied with a nod.
“Here’s the order,” Pumpkin Cake said through gritted teeth as she levitated a large white box, gift wrapped with a pink and purple bow, onto the counter.
“Thanks, Pumpkin,” Scootaloo said with a nod of appreciation before picking the parcel in her teeth. “I hope I see you both at the party tomorrow,” she added with a smile.
“Wouldn’t miss it!” Pumpkin shouted excitedly.
“It wouldn’t be a party without me, now would it, silly.” Pinkie laughed, waving as Scootaloo opened the door and left.
Scootaloo skipped along happily, the pegasus’s purple mane bouncing up and down. Just one thing left to check before the party could definitely go on tomorrow. As long as Apple Bloom was keeping Sweetie occupied, Scootaloo could check up on Rarity in Carousel Boutique and see how it was on her end. The young mare picked up speed as she noticed the sun begin to dip behind the horizon. A full moon began to rise on the opposite side of the planet, journeying upwards as if to replace the tiring sun. Scootaloo wished she still had her scooter. Although her bike was so much cooler, she wasn’t allowed to drive it around town. Still she galloped to the aging fashionista’s store. She stopped at the purple door and knocked thrice with her hoof. Now that she understood the value of manners, she tended to stick to them when Rarity was around.
The top half of the door opened with a flourish to reveal a white unicorn and her luxurious purple mane, curled as neatly as always. Rarity immediately recognised Scootaloo and her package, swiftly opening the bottom half of the door and waving her in. The orange pegasus didn’t hesitate to follow Rarity in to the richly decorated room.
“How’s the fashion empire doing then?” Scootaloo asked as the two of them trotted into the kitchen.
“Hah! Like you wouldn’t believe, darling. We’ve made all the main magazines with our new autumn line. Fleur de Lis herself modelled them and sales are through the roof. I’m thinking about opening up a new chain in Trottingham. We’ve already taken over the Fillydelphia and Manehattan markets, whilst Canterlot’s been in our pocket since the start!” Rarity announced proudly with a huge smile. “But enough about me, this is all about Sweetie Belle’s going-away party tomorrow. She’s grown up so fast. I’ve got her outfit ready. Let me tell you, darling, she’s absolutely going to love this. It’s adorned with some exceptionally rare gemstones. She’ll be the belle of any ball she attends with an outfit like this,” Rarity said as she lifted up the dress in question. A long, flowing dress of regal, purple silk stitched with gold and silver. Pink rubies lined the sides while a belt studded with real diamonds fastened in the middle.
“Whoa!” Scootaloo said in wonder, the bedazzling dress filling her sight. “Beautiful,” she said in amazement, her mind ensnared by the dress’s brilliance. Rarity noted Scootaloo’s expression with a smile and put the dress back into its box.
“But you must be here to ask about the entertainment. Don’t worry it’s all sorted out. The Great and Powerful Trixie will be putting on a private show.”
“No way! You got the G & PT for a party!” Scootaloo shouted excitedly before realising how much of a foal she was making herself appear to be. “I mean, that’s pretty cool.” Scootaloo tried to feign a lack of care but it was too late.
“It’s quite surprising how much she’s changed since her return. I swear I saw Twilight hanging out with her the last time I was in Canterlot,” Rarity began, then stopped herself. “Sorry, you don’t care about gossip. Well I’ll take this cake and set everything up for tomorrow. You should get some rest. It’s a big day tomorrow,”
“That it is. Goodnight Rarity,” Scootaloo said cordially and turned to leave.
“Goodnight Scootaloo,” Rarity replied with an inward smile as the pegasus walked out of the door and shut it behind her.Who would connect that polite young mare with the motorcycle-riding ruffian that she became the second she left town? Rarity thought to herself.
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle finished up their dessert, a huge strawberry ice cream sundae for them to share. The duo had gone out to dinner. Apple Bloom had insisted on paying for everything - her treat. Apple Bloom had purchased the Quill and Sofa store with a bit of capital that Applejack had given her for all the work she had put into the farm when she was younger. Now it sold all manner of furniture, hoofmade by Apple Bloom herself. She even did custom pieces upon request. She had made quite a splash in Ponyville, and always made a tidy profit from her pieces.
“Argh! Brain freeze!” Sweetie Belle suddenly cried out, dropping the spoon and clutching her head with both of her hooves. Apple Bloom couldn’t help but giggle at the white unicorn as she fell onto the floor and started rolling around.
“You do this… every time…” Apple Bloom blurted out among a fit of giggles. She clutched her chest in a vain attempt to stop laughing. After another ten seconds or so Sweetie Belle stopped rolling around and looked straight up into the moonlit sky. Apple Bloom offered her hoof, which Sweetie Belle graciously accepted, being lifted back to her hooves with a smile on her face.
“Well, look at the time, it’s getting pretty late.” Sweetie Belle yawned widely, stretching her arms.
“Yeah, I guess that’ll do it for the night. Don’t worry, tomorrow will be the best day ever! Just you wait,” Apple Bloom said with a knowing smile.
“Yeah… I can’t wait. I’ll see you tomorrow Apple Bloom,” Sweetie Belle replied, sadness welling up inside her once more.
“Sleep tight,” Apple Bloom said with a smile before turning and walking back home. She still stayed at Sweet Apple Acres, in the farmhouse with Applejack.
Sweetie Belle trotted in the other direction, towards Carousel Boutique. The crisp night air did nothing to alleviate the pain she felt inside. Tomorrow was to be their last day, her last day with all her friends in Ponyville. Tomorrow she was to carve out her own life. Rarity had gotten her a position at The Gilded Carafe, one of the swankiest clubs in Canterlot. The mixture of nerves and sorrow felt like it was tearing her apart from the inside. Once more, tears ran freely down her face as she stopped at the river opposite the Carousel Boutique and stared into its clear waters. A white unicorn mare with a purple and pink mane stared back at her. Her mane was straightened and fashioned regularly at Rarity’s behest. When it came to fashion she was the mare in the know. That was just the problem however:underneath all the make-up and fashion she was still that little filly, the one that yearned for adventure. She sat down on her haunches and put her hooves to her eyes. She then started sobbing loudly, just letting it all out. The months ahead were going to be hard and friendless, and she didn’t think she could last. After a few minutes, she cast her gaze once more towards the water-borne image of her tear-stricken eyes. The glassy ripples betrayed a flash of white feathers behind her. Her eyes shifted towards the new image that manifested before her, a griffon smiling back at her.