//------------------------------// // Off to Ponyville // Story: Sapphire // by Duke of Canterlot //------------------------------// Sapphire only had twenty four hours to think about how he would be able to keep his fortune intact. He decided to set up a meeting with the two lead Wonderbolts, Soarin and Spitfire, to discuss the matter. "So, unfortunately, I have to leave Canterlot for some time to take care of a personal matter." "Don't worry about it. You have already done a lot to help us!" Soarin grinned. "Without you, our charity wouldn't have been able to create such an impact for ponies in need", added Spitfire. "What I am worried about is the money, I will be able to access it remotely. However, we have good reason to fear somepony trying to hack into our accounts. All the good we have done and all the hard work we put in to expanding your fortune will end. I want both of you to promise me to keep a very close eye on our assets. As you both know, there is too much at stake to trust everypony." "You can count on us, Sapphire. As the President of the Wonderbolts Academy, I know what is at stake", said Spitfire. "So Sapphire, just out of curiosity, where are you headed?", asked Soarin. "I am headed to Ponyville.. a place which I guess became famous recently." "Ponyville! That's so cool, Spitfire and I have been there dozens of times. It's a quaint village but a lot of great ponies there!" "If you happen to run into a mare named Rainbow Dash, tell her that we said Hi by the way", said Spitfire. "Also, we are hoping to recruit Rainbow Dash to the Wonderbolts, so make sure to put us in a good light", said Soarin with a chuckle. "Who wouldn't want to join the Wonderbolts? Hell, I would if I had wings." "Rainbow Dash perhaps has the most talent of any Pegasus I have ever seen when it comes to flying", said Spitfire, "she is probably better than us." "I doubt it." "You have always been a good flatterer, Sapphire, but trust me, Rainbow Dash is one of a kind", said Soarin. "I will keep that in mind. I have faith that both of you will do a good job of holding the reins in regarding our investments. I will be in contact with both of you on a regular basis." "Not a problem, I think you'll like Ponyville", said Spitfire, "it's a lot more down-to-earth than where you've grown up." "I hope so, but I will miss you guys and Canterlot." "If you're at Ponyville long enough, chances are pretty sweet that we will visit. I love Ponyville, I wish we could live there, Spitfire. There is an apple farm there which makes the best apple pies, apple cider, and zap apple jam.. mmmmm.." "I don't love Ponyville that much", said Spitfire, "but yea, it's not a bad place." "I do love apple pie though, so maybe it will be cool", said Sapphire, "thank you both for taking the time to meet with me." The 24 hours went by quickly and the clock was ticking. Big Boss would be here any minute. This shouldn't be too hard for him. All Sapphire had to do was get information on Twilight Sparkle. Even if Twilight refused to communicate with Sapphire, surely he could gather up some info.. given her status in Ponyville, she must be the talk of the town. This wouldn't be hard at all. Sapphire just hoped he never had to see Big Boss again once he helped Big Boss. The doorbell rang, ugh. Sapphire rushed to the door, there was Big Boss with his grin and without his bodyguards. "Hey, Sapphire. You ready for your excursion?" "I am just disappointed that we didn't start it sooner." "Good, so you are all packed." "Yea, I bought a lot of condoms. Just in case..." "Your priorities are well-set as always, come on, let's go!" Sapphire and Big Boss got off the train to Ponyville. Sapphire saw a tony train station where a lot of ponies were chatting happily with one another. "Ah, fresh air. Canterlot simply doesn't compare", said Big Boss. "Uh yea.. does this place even have a decent nightclub?" "You think I know? I never been here. Maybe Twilight Sparkle knows." "She knows everything, right? But if she's the pony I remember, I doubt Twilight is going to any nightclubs. The princess is probably just reading a lot of books." "Who knows? Maybe someday she will grow up to be as smart as you." "You're kidding, right?" "You wouldn't even want to know how many things to which I have access. Twilight Sparkle is obviously a brilliant pony with a talent for magic, while you might as well be an earth pony with a horn but you are much smarter than she is. I have seen the proof. I do have a close friend in Ponyville and he offered to let you stay in his house." A friend of Big Boss? This can't be good at all. "Here's a map of Ponyville. My friend is filthy rich. You see that large house over there in the residential area. Yea, that's where he lives. He is a gracious host and a savvy businessman, owns "Barnyard Bargains", the superstore was actually found in Ponyville. Good luck. I have full confidence that you can do what I ask, we both better hope that you will do what I ask." "You can count on me, Big Boss." Big Boss went back to the train station. Sapphire grew tired of carrying his bags on his back and made use of magic to take the walk from the train to his lodging, earth pony with a horn, yea...whatever. Sapphire finally made it to the house.. more like a mansion. This mansion was actually bigger than Sapphire's, but Sapphire thought to himself, "Give me a couple more years and I will be living like that guy". Sapphire was greeted by an earth pony with slick black hair and with bags of money as a cutie mark. "Yes, you must be Sapphire. It's a pleasure to meet you, I am Filthy Rich." "So am I, heh heh, so what's your name?" "Filthy Rich, but please just call me Rich." "Rich, I would like to thank you for taking me in. As I am sure you understand, this is a very important business trip." "Yes, I certainly do. Ponyville must not be quite what you are used to, however, I promise you that there are a few civilized ponies in this town. My family, in particular, is the best of the best", said Filthy Rich with pride. "I suppose so." "Unfortunately, my daughter has to deal with some wild riff raff in her school... she tells me of this gang called The Cutie Mark Crusaders which cause a lot of ruckus at school. However, she has managed to make plenty of friends, so I guess she is doing alright. Here she is now." A purple filly wearing a diamond tiara with a diamond tiara cutie mark approached her father's side. "Hello there, you must be the guest that my father spoke so highly, my name is Diamond Tiara." No surprise there with the name. "Sapphire, pleasure to meet you." "Feel free to make yourself at home. I know our little town isn't much but there's more to Ponyville than meets the eye", said Diamond Tiara, "I have to meet my friend, but it's a pleasure to meet you, Sapphire." Diamond Tiara left. "Your daughter is a sweetheart." "Yes she is, sharp as a whip too, straight A's", boasted Rich. "So, where will my room be?" "Where do you want it to be?" "Hmmm.. I guess since I will probably be in and out a lot, I will take the guest bedroom over there closest to the entryway." "Certainly. I will have my housekeeper set up the room for you to make it perfectly livable." "Thank you, Rich." "Once you get all settled in, you should take a tour of Ponyville. From what I hear, this will be your home for a little bit." "Yea, I can see that." Sapphire had a feeling that Filthy Rich knew more about what Big Boss wanted from this than Sapphire did. "Rich, do you know Twilight Sparkle at all?" "Ah yes, the newly crowned Princess. I think Celestia is planning to make her the Princess of Ponyville or something like that. I do know she lives in a library. The young mare does love her books." "Oh yes, I actually knew Twilight when I was a colt. She has always been a total egghead. Has princesshood changed her much at all?" "From what I have seen, I don't think so. She has taken the change with modesty and grace." Sapphire thought to himself, if Filthy Rich is right, Twilight probably hasn't changed much at all since her days in magic school. But hopefully Twilight has forgiven him at this point of time, Sapphire still lived with regret for his mistake. It was something he didn't like to think about, now by fulfilling Big Boss' demands, Sapphire could potentially be bringing pain and misery to Twilight beyond a few moments of embarrassment at North Canterlot Elementary. Once Sapphire got settled into his room, he would have to explore Ponyville. He needed to know exactly what kind of situation he was in due to Big Boss.