(Set after season 4 but before the events of Crusaders of the Lost Mark)
Actions have consequences.
Even the most seemingly innocent of them have the potential to snowball into something greater.
Action: Silver Spoon confesses her unconditional love to Diamond Tiara.
Consequence: Silver Spoon gets friendzoned.
Action: Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon play a hurtful prank on a classmate.
Consequence: Their victim loses her life in an unforeseen accident.
Action: The Cutie Mark Crusaders concoct a plan that will put an end to Diamond Tiara’s wickedness permanently.
Consequence: The course of Equestrian history is forever altered.
Ask your doctor about The Diamond Exchange. The Diamond Exchange is not for everypony. Side effects may include leaving a thumbs up, favoriting the story and leaving comments. In rare but serious cases, a small number of readers have been known to watch the author and recommend the story to other readers. Severe health risks may occur as a result of leaving a thumbs down; the most common being Lyra eating your hands.
Critics can’t stop talking about The Diamond Exchange! But since they charge for their reviews, I’ll just post these that I made up instead.
“The Diamond Exchange kept me sitting in the center of my seat.” – Maud Pie.
“The ending left me more speechless than The Last Roundup.” – Derpy Hooves after accidentally reading the final chapter first.
“I guarantee that you’ll like The Diamond Exchange almost as much as everypony likes me. Almost.” – Flash Sentry with a wink and that obnoxious tongue click sound thing.
“Yes... Crystals...” – King Sombra.
“How long is this thing supposed to be?” – Rainbow Dash
“That’s what she said!” – Pinkie Pie
“Unrequited love! Same sex pairings! Melodrama! My royal eyes have touched common fan fiction!” – Prince Blueblood
“It’s... nice.” – Fluttershy
“The lack of realism in the relationship between Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon (as seen in The Diamond Exchange) is a minor but noticeable flaw that could easily be remedied by the inclusion of some steamy love scenes depicting the raw, unbridled passion that these two have for one another. That would be, like, so hot. Did... Did I say hot? I-I meant realistic. That would be very... realistic. You’re not going to quote me on that, are you? You are? Oh. Well, in that case, I wish to remain anonymous.” – S.S.
Little girl makes teacher cry....kill little girl.
Great logic, there.
Wow... I think theres a mistake in the placement of "tragedy" i dont think that "taking a classmate's life because the classmate made the teacher cry" classifies as a tragedy... Im not sure what brought you to write this story, but i wont yell at you to take it down... I just wont read the story; this just isn't the type of story i read. Anyway, as skeptical as i am, good luck on the story.
3194830 that's not an eye for an eye, that's for damn sure.
3194830 That's what the North Koreans call cruel and unusual punishment.
Interesting, although the description (the shorter one) is a bit misleading (unless what Diamond Tiara will do to Cheerilee is worse than what she did to Twist).
Also, I think there should be an empty line between the paragraphs, to make the text easier to read.
And one more thing: shouldn't Twist be on characters list?
anyway good chapter mister , so sad for Twist
Holy... Oh my god. That waso much better than I expected!!! Oh my gosh that was so wonderfully written! Just, wow. Amazing.
The short summary is a bit misleading, but damn I didn't expect this. Wow, poor Twist.
Oh but Twist isn't included in the character list, I think she should considering she's the topic of the first chapter. But whoa, I wonder how Silver Spoon will react to the fact that she's partially responsible for Twist's death :o poor filly. Poor Twist. May she rest in peace
3194830
Heh, well, as you might imagine, it's not quite as simple as that. My story will have multiple chapters but as it is currently happens to be only one chapter old, I can understand how one could read its short synopsis and see it as extreme. The CMCs have yet to appear so I ask that you please remain patient while I write the rest of the story and reserve judgment until their motives have been depicted.
Also, thank you for reading.
3195716
I decided to take your (and Samey90's) advice. Twist is now in the character list. I held off initially because I felt that she was simply relevant to the plot rather than an active participant to be seen throughout the entire story. Diamond Tiara will be a tenured character in the story whereas Twist, who is now deceased, has very few options left to her. I may exercise one of those options later, if only to justify her inclusion in the character list. :)
And, hey, thanks for all of your encouraging words! I just hope the sadness yet to come will be as well received by you as this chapter was.
Wow... This work provoked so many emotions out of me... Anger, sadness, surprise, appreciation, the list goes on!
I was quite surprised though about the uh... "love" scene that transiref but seeing how sly was of DT to think of using that metheod... Clever.
Finally, after Twist finally started her mental breakdown into her bloodlust all I could say was 'Retribution'. I felt they both deserved it however, SS shouldn't have taken as much guff as she collected as she didn't provoke or egg on the teasing... R.I.P. Twist...
6 / 5 stars... Very well made.
3194841
What are you talking about? Diamond Tiara murders Twist in this story.
This is actually a huge surprise that Diamond Tiara is actually the cruelest pony of them all, but I knew Silver Spoon was dragged into her schemes. I could say this, but this is too much, but this plot got me more interesting. Thank you
3195040
Wow.
Just wow...
Well I can without a doubt say that was definitely worth the damn wait! That's was amazing. Man this was freaking huge, but you executedd it nearly flawlessly! I waa starting to think you may have given up on this one which would have been a shame. I was pleasently surprised to see this in my feed and was quite excited to see where you would take this story and let me say, you did not dissapoint! The pacing was great, the settings and emotions were amazing, and everyone was characterized beautifully. Pinkie was eccentric as usual but you portrayed her amazingly. You have her in all her splendor and glory and she actually makes sense with all her zaniness; she has reason to her rhyme. And Rarity, my gosh, she was so funny. I really love the fact that you had her and Pinkie hanging out. They're not a pairing you see together a lot. The way Rarity gets so involved in the card game is hysterical and something I actually see happening. The huge exposition dump you actually handled very well. While it did seem to go on to long in some spots, you had me hooked on the ideas and concepts you were presenting. They were all very interesting and explained quite well and believably. It was nice to see you trying to expand on the folklore of the ponies, added a nice touch.
I really liked the perspective switches, they were handled very well; transitioning smoothly into the other. Applejack accidentally swallowing an eraser was hilarious. And as heart breaking as if was, I liked how you built up Apple Bloom expecting a heartwarming moment with Applejack, only to not get it. To be honest that actually made me mad, not at you per say, after all Aj being indifferent to Apple Bloom is justified since she didn't hear the news, but still. Poor Apple Bloom, all her friends got love. At least her sis shows her love and affection almost on a daily basis. Oh yes, and Sweetie and Scootaloo trying out 'the enemy's hoodshake' was priceless, oh my gosh, Apple Bloom you get your mind out of the trash you silly filly.
Diamond Tiara's part was probably the most humorous and the scariest. I mean gee whiz, she's crazy. She has ambition, but Jesus Christ, she wants to overthrow Celestia? Daaaamn, what a woman. And her logic is pretty sound I suppose, yeah its kinda dumb from outside looking in, but considering how she was raise I suppose it is a good plan in her eyes. I really like how you characterize her and her relationship with Silver Spoon. I'm not one of those people who thinks that Silver Spoon 'is a deeper character' just because she clapped for Granny Smith, but I do like her here. You feel bad for her almost, she gets no attention from her parents and she cares very much for Diamond Tiara. It was nice to see that DT cares for her too, it was nice of you to include that line for Diamond about reading Silvy a bedtime story. Also, do I sense a bit of melodrama from Diamond when she tells Silver Spoon that "this place changes a pony" ? I found it amusing coming from her, like she was a seasoned juvie or something haha. She adapts fast. Also her quips to the guards and the other detainees were hilarious!
Keep it up, I'm really enjoying this story. A bit on the long side, but who cares it's worth every! single. word! I hope we won't have to wait too too long for the next chapter. I can't wait to find out how this all pans out
Why is Silver Spoon even hanging with Diamond Tiara? Run the other way, girl! That pony's gonna get you into a heap of trouble! javascript:smilie('
');
So much infodump at the beginning almost killed me, but later it became better, though I don't get why Dash talks in bold (also use of italics confuses me, but probably because I only use it for thoughts and occasionally to put an emphasis on one word)
Oh Sweetie, only one day? That's too cheap... And I wonder what would AJ say if she knew that her sister has a dirty mind
Hmm, they're not so innocent, especially Apple Bloom and Scootaloo
(Scoots, really? Featherweight?)
She only got arrested and she already behaves like an experienced gangsta (well, with her appearance she'd be worth at least two packs of cigarettes in prison, so she has to play strong. And even then, watch out in the showers).
By the way, there's a missing quotation mark here:
Chill out DT, there are pills for that. And therapy. Years of therapy. *reads further* Or maybe not. Silver Spoon, please, kill her with a teaspoon and start dating Apple Bloom
3696533
Now it's my turn for a "wow". Thanks for reading and thanks so much for your review of superhuman size and strength! It's precisely the kind of review that makes me want to update sooner rather than later. Things are a little chaotic at home so I can't say fore sure when the next chapter will be up but I'm looking at some time in March.
The opportunity to write DT instantly acclimating to life "behind bars" was, in my mind, a comedy goldmine that was too rich not to tap. Even if she's a pseudo-inmate, she aspires to be a dominant pseudo-inmate. I would have made her move a tin cup back and forth across some bars and shout "ATTICAAAA!" if I thought she would have seen the poniverse equivalent of Dog Day Afternoon... and if most readers have seen Dog Day Afternoon.
Like any good critic, you pointed out that it ran a hair too long. I agree and I'm sorry. I simply don't know how to let a scene speak for itself when I envision imagery that takes place in a scene that describes it as I see it. It's the biggest reason why my stuff takes as long as it does to post. I wish I I could call it being a "perfectionist" but since it ends up making my work imperfect, it's self-defeating. Perhaps an editor is what I need. Any volunteers?
3750327
Hehe, funny story; I had to write that comment out twice on my phone. I was reading your story while my parents where shopping in Home Depot, and my phones battery was pretty low when I started writing my comment. I was just about finished when my phone decided to shut down before I could post it. I think I would've started letting out a long string of profanities had I not been in the present of my parents. So yeah, charged my phone; wrote it all out again. Your story more than deserved that comment, and no uncharged phone was going to prevent me from delivering it haha. Oh I'm so glad I was able to do that, it always makes my day when an author says that you made them feel better. Oh take your time, after all, your home life and family come first, but I look forward to receiving a chapter soon(ish). But you take as long as you need to write, you bring a unique level of quality to the table and if it takes you half a year to write it, then by golly take half a year; the pay off of having such an amazing (and long) chapter was/and will be well worth it. I'll keep my fingers crossed for March, but its cool if isn't up then.
Holy Jesus it really was, her part had me in stitches. Perhaps not laugh out loud Jim Carey funny, but hilarious all the same. It's that special kind of funny; like the humor that you get from stealth puns and stealth insults. Dominant pseudo inmate huh, well she definitely achieved that; making Silver Spoon her little bitch haha. She really portrayed that when she slapped Silver across the butt; ain't no one gonna mess with DT. I think a lot of people would have understood that her running a tin cup across the bars was some sort of reference since its used in some prison movies or at least prison scene parodies. Attica... Now where have I heard that before, I could have sworn I've hear that somewhere (not from that movie you mentioned... would you recommend it?)
Don't apologize, it's nothing to be sorry about. It did go on a hair long, but you kept it spicy with the little thing you had the characters do to keep it feeling like a conversation. like Pinkie propping her face up with her elbow when she realizes that Rarity probably isn't going to shut up, the way Rarity hams up her victory, and probably the most successful descriptions of Pinkie Pie crazy physics defying actions. Also, while it was a hair long, the things you chose to drag out were things most people would: Rarity is telling Pinkie what she already knows by telling the story of the card game's origins, but it's okay because she's only telling the story to explain why she says it isn't a game for the meek (ie. if this weren't a story where you have to explain the card game Rarity would still go on this tangent), and it shows us how intense and into the game she gets. And Pinkie listing off the rules about what she can do is something any card player I think would do to kind of rub in that they won; and frankly I think she'd do it anyway. So yes, while it ran on for a bit too long, the stuff that did was entertaining and kept readers (at least me) pretty interested. I'd say the only part where the story suffers because of this exposition is probably the beginning beginning. Like maybe the first paragraph or so, mostly because I was a bit confused; I wasn't expecting a complete pov change. I'm like is this even the same story, but then I thought hey it's well written I'll give it a chance. I had to reread the card rules when they were explained near the top, but I'm really dense when it comes to learning new card games...
Are you kidding me? You do a splendid job describing the scenery and what went on around the characters as they interacted. I think I may have a similar problem when it comes to writing, I imagine them doing something as they say something or they do multiple things and I just can't seem to write it without it coming off as clunky or awkward. But letting a scene speak for itself sometimes isn't the best way to do something, sometimes you need to tell the audience, and if that's your style and you do it well (which you do) then by all means go ahead and do it. Don't try to change your style of writing; if people like it, and it's readable and interesting then there really isn't a need to change the way you write.
If this is the way you write and how you express yourself, I understand why it takes you so long. You take great care into the detail you write in your story, and it is definitely worth waiting when it's that good.
I believe it could be called Obsessive Compulsive, but not really. Sometimes being too caught up in certain details or how a scene should play out could result in it being detrimental to the whole story after all the edits and what not and you realize the first version was better. It depends on how you see it; making sure everything works and flows nicely mean you take longer, no one's perfect, your bound to miss some things. As far as I could see there were only like 5 grammatical mistakes, and pretty spaced out. The only thing I think you'd need to work on would be some of the lengthy exposition; otherwise you're doing pretty well. As long as you keep it interesting I'm sure people won't hold it too much against you.
Having an editor is a good idea, they can help catch some things you might miss. I suppose this is the time and place for me to say I'm an editor, I'll volunteer to be your editor if you want
I love editing, it's fun.
Anywho, wish you lots of luck on the next chapter. PM me if you want me to be your editor. (sorry my comment is rather late, school can be a pain in the arse sometimes)
3771721
If you're up to it, I'd be happy to have you edit my work prior to posting. Hopefully the direction of the story won't be too offputting (particularly the ending) but the upside is that you'll get to see what happens before anyone else
3802592
I'm up to it, and I don't think that'll be a problem. I can acknowledge something is disturbing without being affected by it. Oh yeah, that is a nice upside, well I look forward to the next chapter. Thank you so much for allowing me to edit your work, I'll do the best that I can.
That was so awesome, everything from the card game to the clubhouse. Also I died slightly at that 'Squirt' bit
3986739
Thank you! Somebody finally got that hidden-in-plain-sight joke. Or maybe you're just the first person to comment on it. Either way, thanks a bunch for reading. A third chapter will be posted once my editor Leapingriver gives the rough draft a once-over.
Never... laughed... so hard... in my life.
My naughty pony, my haughty pony, ah ah ah ah.......
4149496
Awesome. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I can kinda relate to Photo Finish - I only recently managed to get rid of my original accent (which included pronouncing "th" as "d" or "f").
With such parent, Silver Spoon should sent a thank-you note to the distillery - without alcohol, she'd never be conceived...
Or, if she thinks it'd be better for her, she should sue them...
Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore—
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
"'Tis some visiter," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door—
Only this and nothing more."
Hmm, this sounds weird, considering the fact that she's gay...
This is what I was hearing on the part with the imps.
This is one of the best fanfics I have ever read. Each and every chapter is able to be an interesting and entertaining story on its own but together they are amazing. I love how you related to card-game in the second chapter to the events of the first and I never new that parental neglect could be made so funny.
4165112
Thank you for the compliment! If you're that pleased by my story, then spread the word by pointing any other bronies you know in the direction of The Diamond Exchange so they can enjoy it, too.
I have to say, your choice of words paint a pretty picture, and it works so well with any premise. However, when it comes to characterizations, Twist is a tough filly to write because she barely has any personality in the canonical show.I've yet to get far in this story, but with such colorful vocabulary, it's hard not to turn this down considering other fictions I've read couldn't even paint a stick figure! And believe me when I say, I can be very picky when I want to.
Spike approves!
Commander Firebrand, wherever you are. I'm sorry! You say Sweetie Belle has the makings of a future super villain? Well, Diamond Tiara IS the future super villain!
4171567
Thank you very much. My day is always made a little brighter when someone says that my story stacks up to the better ones that they've read. Your approval honors me.
4172850
...a Naponyon complex?
Heh, yeah, she's lost it. Most kids can only dream of their enemies dropping dead. Diamond Tiara's assailant actually is dead and she now has a fire lit under her that has her believing that she can eliminate anypony who would oppose her. For her to see ponies as either special/rich/famous or having some other value (like Rumble) and putting everypony else in a "garbage" category is something I find amusing to write, especially when she's so small. Would that mean she has...
Never have I punched my forehead so hard, I would get a mild concussion.
Dear God, the imps were hilariously written!
What did I tell you about painting a pretty picture? You gotz teh skills!
4173473
I'm running out of ways to say thank you in English.
Yeah, I figured that neither Silver's good side nor her bad side would talk her out of that kiss. This is why imps aren't guidance counselors.
The chapter in which SS faces the music is going to be a bit... cruel. The next chapter will have a fair amount of comedy.
((((((Mild Spoiler Alert)))))))
It's a dream sequence.
4173894 Well, if I had one complaint (aka nitpick), is the description's premise hasn't been explored. In fact, it hasn't been brought up at all. You haven't included the CMC into the main conflict, the bullies' exposition is dragging. And to top it all off, your just adding premises that aren't even being explored! What's going on?
4175049
A very fair observation/criticism. Initially, there was going to be a more direct jump from the train accident to Twist's funeral which will now be in the 8th chapter. I felt that I needed to build some background stuff first. The Rarity/Pinkie scene kidnapped me, as did the good/bad imp scene, but I promise that I have not forgotten the main conflict. Leapingriver has seen my entire story in its skeletal stage and she can tell you that it does get back on track to tackle the storyline featured in the summary... eventually.
Dear lord this is the best thing ever... today, but that's still pretty damn good
4209033
I'm happy that you're enjoying it. The story's a bit short on "dark" and "sad" right now. There's no tragicomedy tag. Later, it will get much sadder and the ending (which I have planned out already) will be the saddest part of it all. I do hope that you'll stick around even when the feels exceed the lols.
Hmm, Rarity in this chapter had both a trace of Tarnished Silver Rarity (who basically likes foals) and the Royalverse Rarity (who basically likes Filthy Rich).
i would say that they're about to get what they deserve, but the story would end if they did. besides, the description box made it sound like we'd be getting some personal justice, which i believe is far more satisfying.
I feel this story stopped making sense
also don't you think it's time to add the comedy tag?
4284208
It will get back on track next chapter, scout's honor.
I can't tag the story comedy and sad. It won't let me. The sadness will come. I just needed to establish a few things before it hits.
Discord would have a field day with these fillies!
What a cutesy wootsy filly fulfilling story! 
4280629 Which I feel it's taking way too long on getting to and it's pretty much the sole reason why I'm reading this.
Seriously, if I wanted to see the kind of stuff in this chapter I would have read a shipfic instead. No offense to the author of course.
4316042
None taken. My hope is that you will be patient with me just a bit longer as I promise that this will return to the plot featured in the description with the next chapter. When I first chose the description, I knew what would happen in the story from beginning to end and I chose the description you see now because everything else that happens hangs on the CMC's mission of vengeance. The decision they make will have more impact than they could have imagined. Thank you for sticking it out with me this far. When all is said and done, I hope that you can look back on this and think to yourself "Wow, to think I almost gave this a pass".