//------------------------------// // Diamonds Are A Dog's Best Friend // Story: My Little Pony, Friendship is Out of This World // by Robobrony //------------------------------// Diamonds Are a Dog’s Best Friend Another day, another bit as the sun rose over the horizon. Nova and Starburst had breakfast as usual and Starburst went off for school. Nova had another delivery to make to Rarity, so he packed his saddle bags with the new gems he had made, placed them on his back, put on his necklace to hide his alien form and left for town. “Well, time to get some more bits.” He said to himself as he trotted out. As he walked, he noticed the town seemed to be in a bit of an uproar, not like any pony was afraid or anything, in fact, they were all smiling and excited about something. He wasn’t sure what to make of it so he just kept going on to Rarity’s place. Once he arrived he simply walked in and greeted Rarity who was placing a gem on a dress. “Good morning Rarity, how are you this fine day.” Rarity closed a curtain to hide the dress before she turned to greet him. “Nova, darling, good morning, I’m doing just fine thank you for asking.” “I finished another order and have a batch of gems for you.” Nova levitated them out of his bag to show Rarity. There were five in total, one of them was a replica of his white dwarf star diamond, which was quite popular. The other was a small hourglass. The part that was wood looked like brown crystal with clear diamond for the glass, there was a sparkling dust inside the glass that looked like sparkling sand. The next was a double musical note that looked to be made of onyx with sparkles in the ends of the notes that looked like small stars. The fourth was a white five point star with a white glowing orb at the center. The fifth was of a treble note made of a purple gem crafted intricately to great detail to match a certain mare’s cutie mark. It had a line etched on the inside that traced the shaped and let off a glow. Before Rarity could say another word, the bell above Rarity’s door rang. The two turned to see who it was. There was a pony with a cream colored coat and a two toned blue mane and tail wearing a blue and white dress with a white top hat. Rarity perked up immediately upon seeing this pony. “Safire Shores! The pony of pop!” Nova was a little confused by her reaction, he kept his five gems floating around him and kept quiet for a moment, since Rarity knew her, this might be a business deal for her. “Good afternoon miss Rarity.” The pony greeted happily in a kind of sing song voice. Rarity stuttered in response. “Y-y….you know my name?” “Of course I do darling, I make an appoint to know all the up and coming fashion designers and clothes horse magazine simply raved about you.” She spoke as she examined some of Rarity’s dresses. Rarity quickly came up next to Nova. “Oh my stars, if I’m dreaming do not wake me up.” Nova finally let his curiosity get the better of him. “Rarity, who is she, why do you seem so excited?” He asked in a whisper. “Nova, how could you not know who she is? Why she’s only one the biggest performers ever, she is a very popular pony.” Rarity responded in a whisper as well. She then turned her attention to Safire. “How may I help you miss Shores?” “Oh please, call me Safire.” Rarity let out a giggle before responding. “Heh heh heh, how may I help you Safire?” “Well as you know, I’ll be touring all of equestrian with my latest concert.” She practically sang out the title. “Safire shores in filly folly and I need to look se~nsa-tion-al OW!” “I have just what you need.” Rarity made her way over to the stage with the curtain where the dress she was working on was. “Safire Shores, prepare yourself for the piece de resistance de la route couture.” Rarity used her magic to pull back the curtain to reveal the dress. It was a white top with a short skirt and pants covered in gems all over. Safire’s eyes widened and sparkled as she beheld the dress as Rarity spoke of it. “I used every last diamond I found on this one garment.” “And it is spectacular. I’ll take it.” Rarity’s eye sparkled. “Really?” “Oh yes, and five more, each done up in a different jewel.” Rarity’s glee quickly disappeared hearing this. “Beg pardon?” “Costume changes.” Safire simply put it. Rarity’s eyes shrunk a bit and looked down at an empty chest. She then promptly fainted. Nova moved quick enough to catch her before she hit the floor. “Rarity, are you all right?” Nova still had his gems floating around him. It was then that Safire noticed him and the gems. “Good heavens, my boy where did you get those magnificent gemstones?” She asked, eyeing them. “I made them, but if you don’t mind, my friend needs help.” Rarity quickly came around. “I’m all right dear, thank you for your concern.” Rarity managed to pick herself up. Safire then proposed another question. “You made them? Wait…..you aren’t….is your name Nova?” Nova was getting a little nervous at the fact this pony he had never met before knew his name. “Um…..yes, how do you know my name.” “HA, are you kidding, so you’re the famous pony behind the personal and beautiful gemstones the elite of Equestria has been a buzz about. I’m surprised there aren’t any pictures of you in the papers.” Nova was even more confused. “Um…..famous, me? Are you sure?” “Your name is Nova isn’t it?” “Yes.” Nova cocked an eyebrow. “And you are the one that makes these personal gemstones for every pony, correct?” “I do.” “Then you, my dear stallion are a very lucky pony, do you have any idea how much ponies have been enjoying your gems, their very popular you know. And you yourself are popular as well, even though no pony has really gotten a chance to see you other than the ones here in Ponyville. I’m quite surprised there aren’t any photos of you in the fashion magazines, just your work.” “I’m…..famous?” Rarity cut in. “He doesn’t get out much I’m afraid, he seems to spend most of his time in his house.” Safire kept up her smile. “Well, you really should get out more. Since I have the honor of meeting you, I’d like to put in an order for one of your gems myself if I may.” “He’ll do it!” Rarity quickly interjected, surprising Nova. “Wonderful. Here’s what I’d like….” Later in the day: Rarity talked Nova into coming with her and Spike to go gem hunting. She was going to need more gems to make the dress Safire asked for. Spike was pulling a red wagon along. “Now Nova, this will be a good opportunity for you to learn my gem finding spell so you won’t have to rely on me to get you the gems you need for the orders I give you. I was able to teach this to Twilight a while back, and with the big order Safire just gave you, you’re going to need a bunch yourself.” “I sure am, I had no idea the gemstones I made had gotten so popular and actually made me famous.” “That’s something else I wanted to talk to you about, why do you spend most of your time in your house, me and the girls hardly see you around town. It seems the only time you come out of your house is to get something to eat or to deliver an order for me. It’s hardly ever to just hang out with us. Why is that?” Nova grew a little nervous at this. “Well….you see….um….I have gotten somewhat used to the ponies here, but…..I’m still a little wary. I guess you could say that I’m shy like fluttershy. I’m just more used to being around you and the others than the other ponies of the town.” “But even Fluttershy comes out every now and then, but you just seem to stay in your house most of the time, I’m just worried is all.” Nova looked to the side. “It’s……complicated.” “It has something to do with this secret you have doesn’t it.” She asked with such concern in her eyes. Nova looked back at her. “It does, I’m sorry Rarity, but I do feel a little more confident each day I get to know all of you that I’ll be able to tell you what it is. I promise I’ll tell you all one day, but I’m still just not there yet.” “Hey, what about me?” Spike complained. Nova looked back at Spike. “Sorry Spike, I didn’t mean to forget you, I’ll let you in on it too when I feel I’m ready.” Spike just smiled back. “It’s cool, so did you bring me something?” he asked slyly. Nova rolled his eyes as he knew perfectly well what Spike wanted. “Yes Spike, I have it.” Nova levitated a little brown sack out of his mane and sent it to Spike’s waiting claw. “Thanks Nova, did I ever tell you how much I appreciate your business?” “Only every time I bring you the leftovers from my work.” Nova responded with a smile. “Maybe I should start charging you or Twilight and make this a side business.” He said with a chuckle, Rarity joined in too. Ever since Nova started his business, after crafting gems, he was left with a few scraps from the gems he cut. Instead of throwing them away, he remembered that Spike loves eating gemstones, so he started packing up whatever leftovers from his work there was and gave them to Spike. “I also hope this will keep you from eating the gems we find so Rarity can use them.” “All right, I think that’s enough joking around for now, let’s find some gemstones. Now Nova, pay close attention to how I do the spell.” Rarity lit up her horn and started scanning the ground. Nova watched as she walked, paying attention to the spell. As she did, Spike’s excitement finally got the better of him after hearing that Rarity and Nova got to meet Safire Shores. “Oh my gosh, Safire Shores, the pony of pop! She is AWESOME! I mean she’s gorgeous and talented and….” Rarity looked up from the ground and practically glared at Spike, silencing him. “….and…not half the pony you are. I mean, you’re ten times more gorgeous and talented and…” “Spike.” Rarity cut him off as she went back to using her spell. “A lady is never jealous.” “Of course not, but were you two totally flipping out or what?” “Ladies do not ‘flip out’ Spike, though I was quite in awe.” Nova then answered. “I’ve never even heard of her until today to be honest. So no big deal to me, though I am grateful for her business, I can’t believe how many bits she’ll be paying me for my work.” Rarity’s horn lit back up. “Oh, I need to find more jewels than ever to decorate her costumes.” She trotted around looking for gems. Nova was still paying close attention to the spell. Not only would he be able to learn the spell while out here with Rarity, he was also glad he would be able to help her out. Rarity stopped at a spot and exclaimed. “Oh, AHA!” “Did you find some?” Spike asked excitedly. “Yes Spike, right there!” Rarity responded with equal enthusiasm as she pointed a hoof to a spot. Without hesitation, Spike leapt into action and started digging with his claws. In no time at all, he uncovered a pile of jewels gleaming in the sunlight. Spike’s eyes widened as he beheld them. “Oooohhh.” He licked his lips at the sight. “You look…..so…..delicious.” He jumped in the hole and picked up the bunch. He was about to eat them, but Rarity stopped him. “Spike, I promised I’d give you gems to snack on, but we need to find more first or I’ll never be able to make the outfits for Safire.” Spike just sadly walk over to the wagon and placed the gems in. “I will miss you my sweets.” Rarity then turned to Nova. “Well Nova, did you get a good enough look at the spell, think you can replicate it?” “I think I got it.” Nova then tried it himself, he focused his magic in his horn and it was enveloped in his yellow aura. He lowered his head to the ground and started scanning it for gems. It wasn’t long before he actually managed to find a pocket of gems. “I think I found something.” Rarity and Spike came up next to him as he pointed a hoof at the spot he stopped at. Spike began digging in the spot and pulled out another pocket of gems. “Ta da!” He declared. “Well done Nova, now you can find gems for yourself when you need them.” Nova gave a smile. “Thanks Rarity. Now I can help you find more gems for Safire’s costume too.” “Thank you Nova, I appreciate the help. And yours too Spike.” Rarity said with a smile. Spike just gave a dreamy look at Rarity which seemed to be lost on her. Nova could probably tell what was going on, but he wasn’t sure, so he kept quiet and continued to help out with gem finding. He or Rarity would find a pocket of gems and Spike would dig them up. After a while, they had collected a good sized pile of jewels in the wagon. Spike looked at them drooling. “Nova, I can’t thank you enough for your help today.” Rarity then patted Spike on the head. “And you have been very patient today Spike, and for that, you deserve the finest reward.” Rarity levitated a blue gemstone from the pile and lowered it into his waiting jaws. “This is from me to you.” With those words, Spike closed his mouth and instead took it into his claws. He looked down at the gem, then back to Rarity. “Is something wrong Spike?” She asked with a smile. “No.” Spike smiled. “It’s perfect.” Rarity’s horn suddenly lit up again. “Ooh, bring the cart Spike, there are more over here.” She trotted away to another direction. Spike held the jewel with care. “To me….from Rarity.” He spoke fondly as he hugged the gem. Nova smirked as he finally realized what was going on. “I see, so that’s why you were so eager to help Rarity, it wasn’t just for the gems.” Spike looked at Nova as they started to walk off to where Rarity went. “What do you mean, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Spike defended. “Oh come on, it’s as plain as the scales on your back, you have a crush on her don’t you?” “I do not!” He sternly defended with a glare and a blush. Nova couldn’t help himself but laugh a little. “I’m sorry Spike, I couldn’t help it. But don’t worry, I promise I won’t say anything if you don’t want me to.” Spike’s glare disappeared. “Really, you promise?” “I promise, I won’t say anything, though you may need to make your intentions to her clear soon, no telling when some handsome stallion will come along and sweep her off her hooves, and let’s not forget that she does have a special somepony in mind already.” “I don’t know, what if she rejects me, I don’t know if I can take it.” “Sometimes it’s better to just put yourself out there than wait, the longer you do, the harder it may be. And if you wait too long, like until the grand galloping galla, you’ll most likely be too late if things go the way Rarity wants with this nephew of the princess.” “I’m going to have to think about it, but thanks for the advice Nova.” Spike gave a smile to Nova. Nova smiled back. “You’re welcome.” “Spike, Nova, where are you?” Rarity called out. “You know it’s terrible to keep a lady waiting.” “Coming!” Spike called back. He began digging in another spot that Rarity pointed out as Nova scanned the area for another. “Sorry Rarity, me and Spike were just having a talk.” Nova stopped and marked the ground with his hoof. “Spike, there’s another pocket of gems here when you’re done there.” “I think we’re really going to strike gold this time, so to speak.” Rarity said happily as Spike dug. “Jack pot!” Spike popped out of the hole with a big load of gems in his claws. “Well done Spike.” Spike then went over to the spot Nova marked and dug up another hole, he popped out with another big load of gems. “Wow, two in a row.” He declared. “Well boys, I think that’s all we can do today, and these will certainly get me on my way with Safire’s outfits. Why don’t we start head-OOH!” Rarity was cut off as her horn started glowing brightly. “What’s this? Another jewel.” Rarity started following her horn to a tree. “How strange, it’s in the trees.” Rarity’s horn led her to an orange gem sticking out of the leaves of the trees. “OooohhhhEWE!” She was admiring it at first until a creature popped out of the leaves, the gem was attached to a collar the thing was wearing. Nova quickly got in front of Rarity and Spike in a defensive way just in case this new creature was hostile. He gave a light glare at this new creature. It had canine like features and stood on its hind legs. Rarity composed herself from the shock and tried to introduce herself. “Uh..Uh…good day gentle….fellow, I’m Rarity and these are my friends Spike and Nova.” Spike gave a nervous laugh as he waved. “Heh heh.” “And you are?” The creature jumped out of the tree. “A diamond dog.” The creature started walking towards them. Nova stomped a hoof to get his attention. “That’s close enough Mr. I suggest you back up a bit.” Nova lit up his horn to try and threaten the dog. The dog stopped, but Rarity continued with her manner as she spoke nervously. “Now Nova, let’s not be rude, It seems this gent is out hunting for gems, correct?” She asked the dog. “Yes, we hunt, we hunt for gems. But you two are better hunters. So instead, we hunt……for you!” “WAAHHH!” Rarity screamed. Nova quickly turned around to see two other dogs appear and try to grab Rarity. Nova was about to do something but the first dog back handed him, sending him to the side. Nova skidded on his side and grunted a bit. He got back up and saw Spike use his tail like a jack hammer on a small dog’s tail, the big one chased after Rarity, Nova got back up and went after them. He got himself in front of the big dog and stopped it in his tracks. Nova lit up his horn and lifted the big one up and tossed him to the side. Spike used the spines on his head to push the little one away. “Run Rarity, run!” Nova went over to Rarity. “Come on, let’s get out of here!” He heard something behind him, he turned around and saw two big paws coming at his face. Darkness took him as he heard a call ring out. “Nova!” That was the last thing he heard. Sometime later, Nova was slowly regaining consciousness as he heard Rarity’s voice. “Oh please diamond dogs, please let us go.” A small raspy voice sounded off. “No!” A gruffer voice spoke up. “your our precious little ponies.” A third one that sounded familiar then spoke. “Forever.” “Oooohhhh.” Nova groaned out as he began to slowly open his eyes. “Nova!” Rarity cried out. “Nova, are you okay?” Nova managed to open his eyes fully and saw Rarity had her hooves over him, practically hugging him. “Oh, my head.” Nova sat up. “I’m ok Rarity, just a bit of a head ache. Where are we?” He looked around and saw they were in a large cave. He saw the three diamond dogs that attacked them before standing in front of him. Rarity quickly hugged him once he was up. “Oh Nova, thank Celestia your all right. I was so worried about you.” Nova hugged her back as he stroked her mane. “It’s ok Rarity, I’m fine, I just got knocked out.” Rarity then looked back at the diamond dogs. “What do you want with us?” Nova looked around and saw many other dogs with dented metal armor and helmets on with spears. He could probably have taken on the first three if he wasn’t ambushed, but now there were too many for him to even try to fight so he and Rarity could escape. The middle sized dog answered Rarity’s question. “Gems.” The little one followed up. “Yes, the gems, the jewels.” The big one picked up from there. “Find them, find them all.” Rarity whispered to Nova. “Nova, can you get us out of here?” Nova whispered back. “Sorry Rarity, but there’s too many for me to fight, I don’t think I could take them all on, but I could do it and create a distraction so you can escape.” “Absolutely not, I will not leave you behind to deal with these mongrels on your own.” She seemed to think for a minute. “I think I have a plan, try to play along as I go.” She then turned her attention to the dogs. “Oh, is that all.” She then lit up her horn and started scanning for gems, Nova just followed her. “There, a lovely pocket of jewels are right there.” She marked the spot and made an x with a stick. “Now if you could be so kind as to show us the exit.” One of the armored dogs pointed a spear at her. Nova quickly got in front of her and just glared at it, hoping to act as a shield for Rarity. The lead dog got excited. “Good, now dig them up pony.” “What? But you said you wanted me to find the gems.” The little dog responded. “Yes, find, and then dig.” “Dig?” Rarity asked flatly. The big one answered. “Yes, dig.” Rarity gave a quick wink to Nova, he cocked an eyebrow at this as Rarity started to simply tap at the dirt and chip at it a little bit at a time. “uh….uh….huh uh….uh.” The big one got in her face. “What are you doing? We said dig.” Rarity gave a fake laugh. “Forgive me, but prior to you so rudely dragging us down here, I had a pony petty and I am not about to chip a hoof simply because you dislike my style of digging.” She then went back to tapping at the dirt and moving little pebbles. Eventually, the dogs got tired of this as the lead dog made it clear. “Oh for goodness….stop stop.” He then looked to Nova. “Fine, if she won’t dig, then you dig.” Rarity gave another wink. He got the message and started talking in his best impression of a high class pony. “You must be joking.” The three dogs blinked their eyes in surprise. “My friend Rarity here isn’t the only one who had a pony petty before coming here, I am not about to chip a hoof either just to satisfy your craving for gems buried in this filthy dirt.” The lead dog groaned. “Oooohhhh, FINE!” He then looked up to see three dogs hanging from the ceiling. “Dig dogs, dig, and fast.” The dogs dove down and dug up the gems. Rarity and Nova snickered with each other. The big dot then held up a cart while the little one held up a harness connected to the cart and the lead dog brought a second cart over. The big dog started. “They won’t dig, they pull.” Rarity and Nova narrowed their eyes as they started backing up. “I beg your pardon, but what, pray tell, do you think you’re doing?” Rarity asked. “You keep those things away from us.” Nova said. The big one answered. “Others will dig, you will haul the wagons.” “Precious pony petty will be preserved.” The little one pointed out. They backed up as far as they could until their flanks were up against a wall and the dogs started hooking them up to the carts. Rarity started complaining. “Well somebody needs proper nail care, when was the last time you two had a manicure.” Nova did the same as the lead dog hitched him up. “I say, just what do you think you’re doing, you’ll ruin my coat with that, when is the last time you cleaned those paws, you mess up my mane with that.” Rarity was continuing. “Your scratching up my coat with those jagged things.” “Please be QUIET!” The lead dog said. Nova took a sniff. “Good heavens, what is that awful smell.” “Smeeeeeell?” The lead dog asked. Rarity answered casually. “Ah, mystery solved, it’s your breath.” The lead dog widened his eyes a bit, he turned around and breathed into his paw before taking a wiff himself. He flattened his ears in a bit of disgust. “ENOUGH!” He called out. “Search ponies.” Rarity and Nova started hauling the wagons as they used sticks to mark places where gems were, all the while Rarity did the complaining. “Well, since you insist. But I must say the working conditions in here are simply dreadful.” Nova agreed. “I have to agree, this place is absolutely disgusting and so drab, you could at least put up a few curtains or something.” Rarity continued. “It’s so musty and drab, it’s going to wreak havoc on my mane.” “And my tail, do you have any idea how hard it takes to look good.” “And this air is stifling, and suffocating. And when I take a deep breath, the stench of all you dogs is simply nauseating.” Rarity marked a spot near a pillar, the dogs dug there, causing it to split in half and landing on their heads. Nova continued. “You all look like you haven’t bathed in weeks.” Rarity continued. “Have you never heard of soap.” “I should think not.” Two of the dogs sniffed each other and fell over from the stench. “You could all do with a round of soap and water.” Rarity and Nova stopped. “Water, water, I’m terribly thirsty, could I have some water?” “Oh me too, I’m positively parched.” The little dog was steaming. “Good gracious I can’t take it anymore, BE QUIET PONIES!” Rarity just started up again. “And that is another thing, I would appreciate it if you would stop calling us ponies, I am a lady and I wish to be addressed as such.” “And I being a gentle colt should be addressed as well.” “You may call me miss, or Rarity, or miss Rarity.” “And me Sir, or Nova, or Sir Nova.” The lead dog was holding his ears now. “ENOUGH! Your whining, it…it hurts.” Nova responded. “Oh you haven’t heard whining yet. Rarity?” “We are not whining, we are complaining, do you want to hear whining.” Rarity then started whining in a very annoying high pitched noise. “This is whining, Ooohh, this harness is too tight it’s going to chafe, can you loosen it. Ooooh, it hurts, and so heavy, why didn’t you clean it first, it’s going to leave a stain, the wagon is too heavy, why do I HAVE TO PULL IT!” “You asked for it.” Nova said to the dogs. The big one had jumped into the car of gems, the little one was just covering his ears and the lead was covering his ears while pacing. “GAH, make it stop!” The little one cried. “STOP WHINING!” The lead dog called. “But I thought you wanted whining!” Rarity whined out. “Even I’m getting a headache from this, I just hope this ends soon and we can get out of here.” Nova thought to himself. The lead dog gave in. “We’ll do anything pony!” Rarity glared at him. “Uh, we’ll do anything miss Rarity.” He corrected himself. “Anything?” She asked with a smile. Later on, Rarity got the dogs to put up yellow ribbons up while she and Nova were at the center drinking water from gold goblets. This water is hardly sparkling, but it’ll have to do.” Rarity stated. Nova snickered to himself. “TCH, good work Rarity, I never would have thought of this, what a great plan.” He spoke quietly to her. Rarity smiled. “Thank you Nova, and I must commend you on your acting, you almost had me convinced you are usually like that.” “I’ve gotta say, that whining was real good too, even I was starting to get a headache.” “I’m terribly sorry about that.” “Don’t be, it worked didn’t it. But don’t you think we should take this opportunity to leave now? The others must be worried about us.” “I suppose your right, we should take our leave.” Before they did, the dogs came back and started hooking the two up to carts. Nova quickly went back to his snooty act. “I say, just what do you think you’re doing.” He asked the big and little one as they hooked him up. The lead dog was hooking Rarity up to a cart. “What are you doing, HEY, you spilled my drink, OH! NOT SO TIGHT!” She whined the last part. The lead dog didn’t seem affected any more. “HAH, make the noises all you want, but move while you make them. HYA mule!” The dog then just slapped her on the flank. Nova looked over to him. “Oh you did not just do what I think you did.” The lead dog looked over a little nervous, then looked back to Rarity who was looking at him with tears in her eyes. “Did you just….call me a mule?” “Oh you really shouldn’t have done that.” Nova commented as he shook his head. The diamond dog was at a loss. “Uhhh.” “Mules are ugly, are you saying that I too am ugly?” Rarity said sadly before bawling her eyes out. “AH HA HA HA AAAAHHH!” Nova managed to get to her side as he held her and tried to comfort her. “There there now dear, don’t you listen to those mean old dogs, their just jealous of your beauty.” “What are these noises?” The little one asked. “HE CALLED ME UGLY!” Rarity cried out. “No, mule, I said mule.” The leader tried to correct. “An ugly old mule, and it’s true, just look at me! I used to be beautiful, but now….now…now….WAH HA HA HAAAAHHHH!” Nova tried to comfort her. “Come now darling, your still beautiful, don’t let what they say get to you, your gorgeous.” He then turned to the dog with a glare. “I hope you’re proud of yourself, insulting such a pretty mare like her by calling her a mule, now she’s been reduced to tears, you brutes should be ashamed of yourselves.” The big one then came in to try and fix things. “No no, you’re still beautiful po…I mean, miss Rarity.” “You’re just saying that!” The little one came in. “No, you’re still pretty and….and….” “Nice, yeah.” The leader finished. “I don’t believe you, you never liked me! AAAH HA HA HA HA HAAAAHHH!” Rarity cried out more. “Have you dogs no shame, I can’t believe you.” Nova scolded. The lead dog had finally had enough. “I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE! You two are going into the dungeon until you can stop with the noises!” This is not what Nova was hoping for. He quickly got up and stood before Rarity. “All right, no more mister nice pony!” He declared. He fired a warning shot of magic from his horn at the feet. The lead dog took a step back. “You better let us leave right now, or else.” The lead dog glared at Nova. “So you do have fight in you.” “That’s right, and I’m going to use all I got to get us out of here, and you don’t want that, so I suggest you step aside and let us leave…NOW!” Rarity finally got up off the ground. “Nova, please be careful.” “Do you really think you can take on all of us?” The leader asked. “……” Nova knew it was too much. He had to think of something, anything. “I’ll make you a deal.” “And what could you possibly have that we would want?” The lead dog asked. “If you let Rarity go, I’ll stay here and find and dig up all the gems you want.” Nova offered. Rarity tried to protest. “What, Nova you can’t be serious!” Nova didn’t respond to her. “Do we have a deal?” The leader thought about it. “Now why would we take that deal when we can easily keep you two here?” He sneered. “I was afraid of that.” Nova noticed the door behind the dogs, he figured that was probably a way out. He whispered to Rarity. “Rarity, when I say so, you follow behind me, we’re going to make a break for the door.” She simply nodded. Nova charged up his horn. “GO!” He ran for the dogs before him and formed a cone of magic, he forced his way past the three and pushed them aside. “Keep going, I’ll hold them off!” Nova called as he stopped while Rarity ran. Once she heard him say so, she stopped in her tracks. “Nova, come on!” Nova was firing bolts at the oncoming dogs, landing shots on their chests and sending them flying backwards and knocking them out. Nova turned his head and shouted at her. “GO!” That was all the time one dog needed to jump up and come down in front of him, the dog picked Nova up and tossed him to the side. “GAAAHHH!” He was thrown against a stone pillar which caused rocks to fall. Nova tried to get up and out of the way, but they fell too quickly. Nova was soon buried under the rocks. “NOVA!” Rarity cried out. She quickly ran to the pile and used her magic franticly to dig Nova out. “Nova, Nova can you hear me!” She finally managed to uncover his head, but he wasn’t moving, he was covered in dirt and there were bruises on him all over. “NOVA!” Rarity screeched out. She then began crying AND whining. “YOU BRUTES, HE WAS MY FRIEND, HOW COULD YOU DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS!” She cried and cried as she cradled Nova’s head. “This is just too much!” The leader called out. “NOVA, PLEASE STAY WITH ME!” A crash was heard from the door, Rarity was too focused on Nova’s form to look away. “Lady Rarity, I’m here to save you!” Spike called out. The three dogs ran over to the five mares crying out. “Excuse me?” Twilight asked. The little one started. “They’re so picky.” The big one continued. “And cirtical.” The leader finished. “And now she won’t stop crying over that green unicorn.” “Crying over the green unicorn?” Twilight asked. “Girls, over here quick, Nova is hurt!” Rarity cried out. “NOVA!” The other mares and Spike exclaimed when they saw Nova in Rarity’s hooves. They all rushed over. “Rarity, is he all right?” Twilight asked. “I….I don’t know, he’s not moving.” She cried. “What did you do?!” Rainbow Dash asked as she glared at the dogs. “Uuuhh.” The leader was at a loss for words. “oooohhh.” A groaning was heard. The girls turned back to see Nova moving. “Nova, you all right there partner?” Applejack asked with worry. “I am getting really tired of getting knocked out.” Nova responded. “Oh Nova, thank Celestia your all right.” Rarity said as she hugged him. “OW OW OW! A little sore here.” Nova said. Rarity quickly released him. “I’m terribly sorry dear, I’m just so glad you ok.” “Not completely, my whole body aches. Ugh.” Nova responded with a grunt. “Can you stand?” Twilight asked. Nova tried to get up and wobbled on his legs before falling back down. “OW! Guess not.” “Just take the gems and those two and get out of here!” The lead dog said. “You mean your letting us leave with all these gems?” Spike asked as he licked his lips upon seeing the many gems. “Yes, and those two with them.” The lead diamond dog said. “Please!” The little one begged. Without hesitation, Twilight levitated Nova onto one of the carts with the pile of gems and Applejack hooked herself up to it, the others hooked themselves up to the other carts and made their way out. Along the way, Rarity told the others how she and Nova tricked the diamond dogs. Pinkie happily spoke up. “I can’t believe you found all these gems.” Rainbow Dash followed up. “I can’t believe how you two tricked those dogs.” “Just because I’m a lady doesn’t mean I can’t handle myself in a sticky situation. Me and Nova had those dogs wrapped around our hooves the entire time……well….almost the entire time.” “What do you mean Rarity?” Twilight asked. “Well, the dogs got so frustrated with us that they were going to throw us in their dungeon, that’s when Nova took control and did his best to try and make sure I would get away. He was even willing to stay with those dogs just so they would let me go.” “Really?” Twilight asked as she looked to Nova. Nova looked down to Twilight. “I figured eventually you girls might find some way to get me out if that had happened, but those dogs didn’t take the deal, so I forced my way past them with Rarity and did my best to fight them off so she could escape. We all see how that turned out.” “Still, it was very noble of you to be willing to sacrifice yourself like that.” Rarity pointed out. “I can’t tell you how grateful I am for that.” She gave him a smile. “I can’t wait to write a letter to princess Celestia to tell her what you taught me today.” Twilight informed. “Me, what did I teach you?” Rarity asked. “Just because some pony is lady like, doesn’t make her weak. In fact, by using her wits, a seemingly defenseless pony can be the one that outsmarts and outshines them all.” “And if that fails, get Nova to kick their butts.” Rainbow Dash added with a laugh. The others laughed along too. Nova just smiled. Applejack turned her head to face Nova. “How you holdin up there Nova?” “Still sore and I have a headache, but I’ll be all right." Nova responded. They all soon reached the boutique, Nova climbed down off the cart with Rainbow Dash’s help. “Thanks Dash." He said to her. “No problem.” She responded with a smile. Nova was about to start helping unload the cart with his magic when Rarity stopped him. “And just what do you think you’re doing?” Nova stopped his levitation spell as he lowered the gems he picked up back into the cart. “I was just going to help with the gems.” “Oh no you don’t, you’ve done enough for one day, come along, I have just the thing for you.” Rarity ushered Nova away first then took the lead. Nova started to follow Rarity, but was still a little wobbly on his hooves. Rarity saw this and got next to him so he could lean on her for support. “Thank you Rarity, but this isn’t necessary.” “On the contrary, I have to show my gratitude for all you’ve done for me today.” Rarity continued to let him lean on her as they walked. They eventually came to a building with a glass door and the word Spa displayed along the top. “Here we are, my favorite spot in all of Ponyville.” Nova eyed the building curiously. “Um, what’s a spa?” Rarity was surprised by Nova’s question, but then remembered that he had never settled in one place before and was always traveling. So she let it go and explained. “This is a spot where a pony can get pampered and cleaned. And after the day you had, you could use it.” The two walked in and were greeted by two earth ponies. “Good day Aloe, Lotus, I have a customer here for you, I’ll be paying for his treatment." One had a pink mane and tail with a light blue coat, the other was a complete contrast to the other with a light blue mane and tail and a pink coat. They both had a white lily for a cutie mark and were wearing headbands. “Hello miss Rarity, always a pleasure.” The blue one spoke with a foreign accent. “It is always a pleasure.” Said the other with the same accent. “And who is your friend here?” “This is Nova, he needs a good massage and a soak in the tub if you please.” Rarity said with a smile. “Rarity, I don’t know about this.” Nova tried to object. “Trust me dear, you’re going to love this.” Rarity assured with a smile. “Come along dear, we’ll take good care of you.” The pink coated one said as they both started dragging him away. After Nova’s nice relaxing massage that melted most of his soreness away, he was now soaking and relaxing in a large hot tub and leaning against the platform for the tub. Rarity soon walked in and came up the steps. “Hello Nova, I trust you’re feeling better?” “Much, thanks for talking me into this, I’ve never felt more relaxed in my life.” Nova stated. “I’m glad to hear it dear. I just want to thank you again for everything you did for me and what you were willing to do for me.” “Like I say, I’m always glad to help out a friend, I wasn’t about to let you suffer with those dogs forever. I had to do something. We are friends after all, right?” “Of course we are, and I’m very grateful to have a friend like you. If you should ever need anything from me, do be sure and let me know.” Nova’s look softened. “Rarity….” “Yes?” “Um…..I…..” Nova was having trouble forming words. “Come on, just do it, you tried to save her from those dogs, there’s no way she’d freak out if you told her.” Nova’s hoof slowly moved towards his neck, he was so close to finally turning it off in front of one of his friends. “Is something wrong Nova?” Rarity asked with a cocked eyebrow. His hoof was shaking, he was mere inches away. “…….No…..nothing’s wrong, never mind.” He pulled his hoof away and rested it back down in the warm water. “Thanks again for paying for this treatment.” Rarity just smiled. “You’re welcome.” “You were so close, why is this so hard, WHY?!”