//------------------------------//
// Chapter 4 - The Flight to Ponyville 
// Story: A Lost Diamond in the Rough 
// by Umi Chou 
//------------------------------//


~A Lost Diamond in the Rough ~ 
Chapter 4- The Flight to Ponyville


Rarity and Spike had enough gems now to return to Ponyville, and had asked Jaden to take them over the Everfree Forest so that they could go to Ponyville from there. They wished to go to Sugar Cube Corner before it closed, but will they make it in time?

Jaden, the young bat pony, readied herself as her wings began to flap. Her bag and Spike sat on her back, and she asked Spike earlier to hold on tight. Her arms held onto Rarity, and slowly she began to fly higher where Rarity's hoofs didn't touch the ground. A slight sigh escaped her, and soon she flew out of the cave.

The three flew above the forest, and Rarity nervously reminded herself to not look down. Spike, on the other hoof, was enjoying himself.

"Woohhoo! Look at all of that! So tiny." He joked, jumping around on Jaden's back as he laughed. 

"Careful, Spike..." She warned, staggering a bit in her flight.

"It's fine, Jaden, I've done this before." Spike tried to reassure but just jumped around some more. "Hey! There's that pond! We're almost over the forest" He said, pointing at the pond down below. 

Jaden just bit her lip, trying to focus her flying even though she kept staggering thanks to Spike. She went up, then left, then back down. She wasn't used to carrying anyone in the first place. Up ahead a tree came closer and closer in their direct direction. She didn't realize it at first, but it was too late.. The three gave off a scream as they hit the tree.

All three flew off into different directions. Spike into the tree, Jaden into another tree, and poor Rarity launched into the ground below.

"Is everypony okay?" A voice called out.

Rarity recognized the voice, and looked up to see Rainbow Dash in the sky. She was laying on a cloud like usual, and was drinking a smoothie?

"My goodness! If you were there, why didn't you help?" Rarity retorted, standing up as she tried to fix her mane.

"Hey! I saw the crash, and that's it. Otherwise, I would've." Rainbow Dash spoke up. 

Spike climbed down the tree he was in, then ran straight to Rarity. "Are you okay, Rarity?" 

She just smiled, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Yes, I'm fine.. thank you" She said looking up to him. Spike blushing in return.


Rainbow Dash moved to see another pony approaching them, and recognized the pony as a bat pony. She was only a little surprised at first, but just smirked. "Hey! Aren't you that Jaden girl?"

Jaden just blinked. "I.. uhm.. suppose?" She said a bit surprised.

"Great! Ya see, there were these three ponies that came into town the other day.. they're all bat ponies like you! They were all worried, and looking for ya. I told 'em I'd check Everfree Forest.. and hey, here ya are!" She said with a laugh. 

Jaden only froze, as her eyes widen. ".....was one of them, a young... stallion?"

"Yeah! There was! He was all like-" Rainbow Dash began to say before noticing that Jaden was slowly walking away," Hey! Where ya going?!" Rarity and Spike saw as Jaden slowly backed away and knew exactly why. 

Spike gave a big sigh, stopping Jaden. "Jaden... you can't just run away. Not this time."

"What are you talking about? Yes I can! I have to!" Jaden almost yelled at him, trying to get around him. 

Rarity stopped her this time, moving herself to block Jaden's path. Spike only continued. 

"Jaden.. you have to go to them..." He said, looking up to her.

"B-B-But... I can't... they all laughed at me.. and he... he..." She stuttered, shaking her head.

Spike only approached her more, slowly patting her. "Jaden, you have to hear what he has to say. He might have said nothing then, but now may be your last chance. If you leave now.. who knows when you'll ever see him again. " 

Jaden only stood there, completely taken over by his words. (Of course, Rainbow Dash was really confused as she tried to pester Rarity what was going on. Rarity only shushing her in reply)

"Come on, Jaden. I'll be with you the whole time, and when we're done- we'll head on over to Sugar Cube Corner." Spike said next, offering to take her into Ponyville.

Jaden only shivered,"You will..?" She gave a long sniffle, slowly accepting his offer.

Rarity, in the background, was very proud of Spike. She told Rainbow Dash to simply lead the way to where the other bat ponies lied, and she'd tell her everything later. In the mean time, they had some work to do!