//------------------------------// // Redemption // Story: Mother And Son Adventures // by Inferno demon Dash //------------------------------// “Thank you for shopping at Barnyard Bargains, please come again.” Diamond Tiara's gentle, yet tired tone of voice spoke to the customer as she hoofed over a plastic bag filled with the unicorn’s items and smiled while the pony took the bag in his magic with a smile and trotted out of the store. With a loud sigh, Diamond Tiara wiped the sweat off her brow and picked up the clipboard on the counter, intent on doing inventory once more before she took her break. It was a great business move to open up another Barnyard Bargains in Canterlot and with Diamond Tiara finally eighteen years old, it meant she was able to be a manager in the shop, having trained under her parents own guidance as well as several ponies who have worked there for years. Her attitude had severely changed from when she was a filly. She was now taller, stronger, and much more approachable, including even being friends with those she used to despise as a child. The hours of running her own store were long, and she was often more tired than most at the end of the day, but being in a management position meant she had to multitask in order to keep up with the usually busy store. Diamond knew that it would be ludicrous for her father to fire her, since she was the sole heir to the Rich inheritance, though she strived to simply be just like any other pony. A loud thump made the earth pony lose concentration with the items on the list as she turned her head and immediately craned her head upwards to see the creature tower above her at a height a little taller than an Alicorn. “S-Spike, I mean, Prince Spike.” She stammered nervously at the dragon who only chuckled and waved a claw lazily in response. “Please, Diamond. We’re old friends, there’s no need to be so formal with me.” He laughed softly as she could only give an uncertain smile at such a casual greeting. The day Spike, Twilight’s number one assistant and little adopted brother, had turned eighteen it had been a celebration that lasted for three whole days, naturally catered by Pinkie Pie as well as with help from Princess Celestia's royal chefs. Not only was it a grand festival to behold, but it was also the day the princess announced publically to the entire world that Spike was her adopted son and was eligible for the Equestrian throne. In a time span of three years, Spike the dragon would be the first dragon in history as well as the first king in over one thousand years to rule Equestria. Apparently, both princesses were in need of a very long vacation, and both agreed that their nation was in safe claws with their young prince. Prince Blueblood simply did not have Spike’s photographic memory or patience to take the throne himself, as he was more occupied with throwing social events and spending time in the company of beautiful mares, not that Spike could blame his cousin. The only real threat to Spike was Discord, but the chaos god had assured him that he had no need to corrupt Equestria again, at least in this century. Spike had a feeling that he would be trouble in the centuries to come, but for now, he was merely content with just trying to gather all the knowledge he could, and the gods themselves knew that there was a lot of it. Turning back to the lone watermelon Spike attempted to purchase, he decided to strike up a conversation before he had to return to his studies and hoped the young mare had time on her hooves, even if the store was currently empty at the moment. “How’s everything been going for you, Diamond?” Spike asked quickly, hoping to cut off any attempt at her bowing to him, and he really hated that. It was underserved in his mind, and he still didn’t feel comfortable with it as the mare herself could only sigh and ring up his fruit. “Running an entire store myself is exhausting, but I make more bits than I’m supposed to, and my co workers are nice. I guess it’s rather lonely with Silver Spoon in Baltimare helping her grandfather; His health is increasing, but not as much as she hoped, and I’m worried he’s going to pass soon.” She answered softly and took his bits from his large talon before continuing. “How’s Apple Bloom doing in Zebrica with Zecora? She’s coming back soon right? I knew even when we were kids you two were close.” She questioned the drake who could only rub his right arm with a claw sadden by the news he had to tell her. “Her potion making skills are going amazing, but she has to stay another two years due to a tribe disagreement, apparently there has been talk of a war amongst the other tribes and she wants to help out as best as she can. I know Bloom, and she can handle herself...but...” He trailed off at the unsettling notion of losing the earth pony he was in love with. When Zecora had approached the Apple family with the proposition of making the young mare a brilliant alchemist to be trained under professionals that Zecora herself had been trained under, the earth pony was ecstatic and was more than willing to try something new, but leaving for an entirely different country meant she wouldn’t be with her family or Spike for a long, long time. The two kept in touch, and she wrote to him by letter, stating how she wished she could have been there for his coronation, but he knew things were getting more and more difficult; he just hoped she was ok over there. He was a dragon, and he had all the time of the world, but he eventually received the letter that Apple Bloom had to break off their relationship from lack of physical intimacy and the hardships happening over where she was at. She just couldn't do it anymore and it broke Spike’s heart when she broke it off, but he made a dragon oath that he would wait for her, and his species took their oaths very seriously. Besides, with him now being the legal age to drink and gamble, the booze took away the pain...most of the time. “I’m sorry Spike, I didn’t know. I hope nothing serious happens over there...why don’t you see her yourself?” She questioned sadly as he only shook his large head in anger, baring his fangs as he curled his claws and tightened them into fist. “Because the zebras over there want nothing to do with dragons due to a war one hundred years ago; It’s illegal for a dragon to be on Zebrica soil. I guess they are still pissed at my species...makes me wonder what will happen to Equestria when I’m given the throne and they find out a dragon is going to be handling their negotiations.” He growled, an unnerving sound that made Diamond’s fur stand on edge before he grabbed the watermelon in one claw and tore off a huge chunk of it, not even being bother to peel it before he swallowed. Diamond could only swallow her saliva in reply, a bit afraid of the once small dragon before her as he could only sigh loudly, clearly becoming depressed at the thought of his former lover and acting as though he already had the weight of an entire nation on his shoulders. He guessed this must be like how his mother feels practically all the time. He thanked her and turned to leave before she cleared her throat and politely called out to him as he paused by the door, as his claw was on the handle while the other one held his half eaten watermelon. “I...I was just thinking that since you clearly have a lot on your mind…...maybe if you weren’t busy we could...go do something…” She spoke, already losing confidence in her words as she turned her head, half expecting him to say no or to come up with some sort of excuse. “You know what Diamond, that sounds like a great idea. It’s been a few years since we actually sat down and talked. Sure, I’d love that. My studies won’t be done until seven though, so how about eight? If you’re off by then?” He answered with a grin, making her blush and only nod excitedly before he laughed and waved good bye, leaving her alone with her thoughts. If she was being completely honest with herself, she knew that the two of them had very little in common. In fact, if it wasn't for his status as a prince, and with herself being redeemed from a life of bullying, she doubt she would have spoken about a ‘date’ at all. Still, she wanted to help the heartbroken dragon and was resolved to do just that, and if he saw her in a romantic light, then perhaps they could actually be closer in time. Not wanting to spoil a well deserved evening, Diamond Tiara quickly got everything in her store that needed to be done before clocking out and rushing to her mansion to prepare for her ‘date’. Randolph had unfortunately passed away a few weeks after Diamond had turned seventeen, and though she had cried rather hard for the faithful and caring butler, she and her family promised his descendants that they would always be well taken care of. In the lovable earth pony’s place though were those that took care of Diamond’s mansion very well, though she be lying to herself if she said she did not miss Randolph. After an hour of preparing herself to look stunning, as her mother had drilled in her head time and time again, the young mare simply waited for the dragon to appear and sure enough, punctual as ever, he showed near her doorstep after ringing the bell, which Diamond answered herself. He appeared with a rather moderate amount of roses making the young mare blush before being polite enough to eat one of the flowers, which were simply amazing, no doubt picked fresh from Canterlot Garden. The two took a stroll through the private gardens of Canterlot Castle, one of the perks of being royalty, she had no doubt, as Spike told her of each flower and special tree they came across, and she listened carefully to his words. He sounded pleased to teach her knowledge he doubted she knew. She picked on the cues of his body language that his heart was not in it, and the two barely talked much, or rather, she herself did not speak much as they slowly came to the end of the garden. Diamond honestly didn’t know what to say that wouldn't be awkward or be taken out of context, and the date so far was not bad; She has had worst, but she knew from the start the two had no real chemistry to make a romantic relationship work and if she was being honest with herself. She didn’t want to be his second choice while he waited for the mare he really loved to come back from a foreign country, and she felt like perhaps it was the ideal time to let him know. “Spike,” She called out slowly as he swiveled and lowered his head to glance in her eyes before she went on. “I...I don’t think it’s going to work out between us.” She stated honestly and could both hear his sigh of relief and and visible tension leave his body as he let out a hearty chuckle which she imitated awkwardly. “Thank you, DT. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings if you really felt something for me, I have to say this is a load off my back. But..I’m sorry I had to waste your time.” He responded, making her give a more sincere laugh as she shook her head. “Come on now, I was the one who wanted to go out,” She spoke with a grin before hitting his side with her flank. “I’m just glad we both chose to not go any farther, while I’m sure bedding a dragon would be one hell of an achievement, I think it’s more suited for the mare who holds your heart.” Spike could only snicker at her word of choice before rolling his eyes and bending down to give her a meaningful but brief hug. “I know you’ll find your special somepony someday.” He spoke seriously as she smiled and returned the hug in earnest. “I think I may see if Carrot Crunch is still interested in me. We bonded pretty well as we got older...I’m sorry Apple Bloom is not here for you, but she’s an Apple...they’re stronger than I used to give them credit for.” She smirked before she saw his ear fins drop slowly, his expression becoming depressed again. “Hey, let’s get you out of that funk, we’ll go get dinner...my treat.” Diamond offered as he opened his mouth to protest before she shook her head, her mind set on the manner. “If you don’t agree then we won’t go get donuts for dessert.” She cut him off before he could utter one word as his maw shut instantly, Spike never could resist a donut, as he was as bad as his mother when it came to sweets. As the two friends walked back through the large garden, they came upon the presence of Princess Celestia herself making Diamond bow as Spike himself did so out of habit. “Hello my little pony, taken in by my son’s charms are you not? He is rather dashing.” The Alicorn of the sun teased, ignoring Spike’s loud groan of protest as the young mare herself could only giggle in response before answering her ruler. “Actually Princess, Spike and I were merely enjoying a nice stroll together, if that is alright?” Diamond asked, to which the old Alicorn could only nod her head with a smile. “Of course, Diamond Tiara. Spike, when you and your friend are finished with your affairs for the night, Luna was wondering if you would like to join her for night court, to ask for your input during her subject’s requests?” Celestia questioned the young reptile, who could only give a small sigh before he finally nodded. “Yeah, I’ll do what I can. Would you like to join us for dinner, mom?” Spike replied as she could only shake her head slowly. “Oh no, I wouldn’t want to impose-” “It’s no trouble, Princess. In fact I insist. Besides, I have never actually had a chance to dine with a princess, if you’ll pardon my manners.” Diamond gently interrupted before bowing once more as Celestia herself could only giggle in response. “Well then, I suppose I have not had supper yet, and I am rather hungry…..very well. First allow me to change into something less...formal.” The ruler of Equestria said before lighting her horn with it’s golden magic and shifting her form into that of a normal sized unicorn, her mane and tail less shorter and fully pink, no lower blowing in the wind of an invisible breeze and her eyes a more bolder shade of purple while her Cutie Mark changed into a mere red rose. “Shall we be off, young ones?” Celestia spoke softly, reaching eye level with Diamond Tiara as Spike could only give his mother a hug before picking both of them up, setting them on his back and racing into the night with ease, their cries of laughter echoing throughout the area, a blessed night if there ever were one.