Chapter 93 (No Second Prances)
I was in the dining room with Twilight and Starlight. With us was a cart full of silverware and plates. Twilight placed a plate on the table with her mouth.
“First lesson of the day,” Twilight said, “we very carefully set the table without using magic, so that—YIKES!!”
Twilight and I ducked our heads as the silverware arranged themselves on the table. We peeked just to see Starlight smiling over her accomplishment.
“Did you...?! How? When? What?!” Twilight stuttered.
“What?” Starlight shrugged.
“I said ‘no magic’. You were supposed to do it by hoof so I could work in a friendship lesson.”
“Oh, sorry.” Starlight rubbed the back of her head. “I heard ‘set the table’ and just kinda went for it.”
Talk about selective hearing.
“So why are we setting the table again?” Starlight looked at the cutlery. “I mean, we usually do that, but not with silverware this fancy.”
“Because tomorrow night, Princess Celestia will be joining us to see how your recent friendship lessons are going.”
“This can’t be done by sending a letter?”
“It’s more special when done pony-to-pony. Plus, this gives you the chance to make a new friend and invite them over.”
“Well, I can't choose. I like all your friends.”
“I meant ‘make a new friend’ as in ‘pick a pony who you never or rarely met before, and see if you can hit it off’.”
“Well, I’ll try. Though, I think it’s going to be harder than forcing friendships by magically enslaving the entire population of Ponyville.” Starlight chuckled awkwardly.
“Too soon,” I said.
I remembered this episode. In the show, Starlight makes friends with Trixie, whose reappearance was long overdue. Twilight was skeptical and didn’t trust Trixie (even though she did back in Season 3), but then realized she should let Starlight decide on her own.
Honestly, I didn’t know if I could change anything or not. On one hand, Twilight in this timeline accepted Trixie, but on the other hand, I was afraid she still wouldn’t trust her. I just had to see the outcome before making my decision.
The next morning, I woke up to see Twilight alone in the dining room, staring at her cereal bowl.
“Morning, Twilight,” I greeted. “Where’s Starlight?”
Twilight raised her head. “Oh, good morning, Spike. Starlight left early. She said that she wanted to get an early start on making a new friend.” She sighed. “I probably should’ve mentioned it was an option.”
“Well, I hope she does well regardless. She managed to befriend Moondancer.”
“That’s true, so maybe this won’t be different.”
We spent the rest of the day doing our usual tasks. Sometime after lunch, we got out the fancy silverware once again. Twilight quickly arranged everything on the table.
“I'm beginning to think that after friendship,” Twilight said, “the greatest magic of all is proper silverware placement.”
I chuckled. “So if the next bad guy doesn’t go down with friendship, we could lecture them on which soup spoon to use. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Twilight!” Starlight’s voice rang out.
She burst through the doors.
“Guess what? I made a new friend!” Starlight announced.
“That's fantastic news!” Twilight exclaimed.
“She's great!”
“Great!”
“She’s powerful!”
“‘Powerful’?”
I gave a small smirk.
Starlight continued, “She’s—”
“Hello, Princess Twilight.”
The famous blue unicorn entered the dining room. Twilight was bewildered, but she never squinted or frowned.
“Hello, Trixie!” I greeted.
“Spike.” Trixie tilted her pointed hat.
“You two know her?” Starlight asked.
“She’s visited Ponyville a couple of times,” Twilight replied. “Although, it has been a while since she last dropped by.”
“Trixie is a traveling stage performer,” Trixie said. “There are other towns that I occasionally visit, but Ponyville holds a special place in my heart for some reason.”
“Well, it’s nice to see that you and Starlight are friends now. If she trusts you, then so do I.”
I sighed heavily.
“Thanks, Twilight,” Starlight said as she and Trixie left the room. “You won’t regret it.”
“See you at dinner!” Twilight called out.
“You sure took Starlight’s friendship with Trixie rather well,” I said.
“Why wouldn’t I? They seemed to enjoy each other’s company.”
“I was just worried you wouldn’t trust Trixie.”
“Oh, Spike. I may not have known her for that long, but that doesn't mean I should forbid my student from befriending her.”
It was great to see my interactions with Trixie paid off so far, and I hoped it would be a continuing improvement.
Knock! Knock!
“Yes?” Twilight replied.
Moondancer entered the dining room wearing saddlebags.
“Hey, Twilight,” Moondancer greeted. “I hope I didn’t come at a bad time.”
“Don’t worry, Moondancer, you didn’t.” Twilight shared a hug with Moondancer. “What brings you here?”
“I was hoping you had some extra astronomy books I could borrow.”
“I’ve got some in the castle library, I can show you.”
“Great! Oh, and have you met…uh…” Moondancer looked around. “Excuse me.”
Moondancer left the room and looked around the hallway, then she looked down and right next to her.
“Come on,” she said softly. “It’s okay. Twilight is very friendly. She’ll love to meet you.”
“Okay...”
I hardly heard the other voice, but something rang a bell. What entered was a small, shy, grey Diamond Puppy in a dark blue vest. That’s when the familiarity hit me.
“Tyke?” I widened my eyes. “Hey, remember me?”
Tyke looked up at me. “Spike? Oh, hey! Good to see you again!”
“What is this? National ‘Meet Up With Old Acquaintances' Day?” Twilight chuckled. “How did you two meet?”
“I met Tyke when I was on my journey,” I replied. “I didn’t expect to meet again so soon.”
“I didn’t expect Tyke knew some of the residents here in Ponyville either,” Moondancer added.
“Tyke, this is Princess Twilight Sparkle. She’s the princess of friendship and my guardian.”
“Oh, uh…” Tyke got down on one knee. “It’s an honor to meet you, Princess Twilight.”
“Uh, heh.” Twilight giggled awkwardly and darted her eyes. “You don’t have to do that, Tyke. I'm not that formal.”
Tyke quickly stood up. “S-sorry.”
Twilight walked up to him. “It’s great to meet you. I hope you'll enjoy what Ponyville has to offer.” Twilight looked at Moondancer. “Now, let’s get you some books.”
The four of us left the dining room.
“So how did you and Moondancer meet?” Twilight asked Tyke.
“I came to that library tree about a week ago,” Tyke replied. “I was going to find you, but I met Moondancer instead.”
“That’s true,” Moondancer added. “I gave him shelter, and he's helped me a lot around the library. So I let him stay with me.”
“That’s sweet,” Twilight said. “Are you planning to stay here long, Tyke?”
Tyke rubbed the back of his head. “Well, I wanted to actually live in the library tree and help Moondancer out. She said it was okay.”
“Then it’s fine with me, too. Though, you don't need my permission. I don't own the Golden Oaks Library anymore.”
We entered the castle library. Tyke gazed upon the everlasting shelves of books.
“Woah!” Tyke exclaimed. “There’s so many books here! Even more than the Golden Library!”
“Yeah, if there's one thing you should know about Twilight, she loves her books,” I said.
“I can see why she lived in a library before this castle.”
Twilight looked around the shelves for astronomy books. Tyke and I sat at a nearby table.
“If you were here for almost a week, how come I didn't hear about it, aside from Rarity almost mentioning it?” I asked.
Tyke replied, “I was indoors because I was too shy to go out. But Moondancer thought today I should give it a chance, so I was ready and willing to give it a try.”
“And I'm glad you did. Ponyville is friendly to a baby dragon, so I’m sure the same will go for a Diamond Puppy.”
Twilight gave some astronomy books to Moondancer.
“I hope these are what you're looking for,” Twilight said.
“These will do nicely,” Moondancer replied. “Thanks. Come on, Tyke.”
“Coming!” Tyke quickly got up.
“Say, Twilight, is it okay if I tagged along with Moondancer and Tyke?” I asked.
“Sure,” Twilight replied.
I quickly left the library and caught up with the two visitors.
“Ponyville may be a small town, but there's still a lot of places to visit here,” Moondancer said as we left the castle. “There’s the Apple Farm, the boutique, the town hall. Is there someplace in particular you want to see first, Tyke?”
“It’s kinda hard to choose,” Tyke replied. “What would you recommend, Spike?”
“Let’s start with the boutique, first,” I suggested.
I guided Moondancer and Tyke to the Carousel Boutique.
“This is where ponies and non-ponies can get specially designed clothing,” I said. “Plus, I think you’re gonna like who runs the shop.”
As we entered the boutique, the bell above the door gave off a familiar ring.
“Just a moment!” Rarity called out.
A moment later, Rarity appeared. Tyke’s pupils dilated and his tail raised.
“Ah, Spike and Moondancer, how wonderful to see you.” Rarity noticed Tyke. “So the rumors are true, you really did take a Diamond Dog under your wing. And I must say, as far as Diamond Dogs go, this one’s adorable.”
Rarity rubbed Tyke’s head, causing him to blush greatly and his tail to wag like a windshield wiper.
“What’s your name, little one?” Rarity asked.
“T-T-T-Tyke,” the nervous puppy replied. “Uh, th-there’s only one ‘T’ in it.”
“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Tyke.” Rarity looked at Moondancer. “I take it you’re showing him around Ponyville?”
“That’s right,” Moondancer replied. “This was our first stop.”
“I’m flattered. Ooh! Since Tyke’s here, I could whip something up for him. I’ve been meaning to expand my fashion horizon to other creatures.” Rarity pulled out a tape measure. “Hold up your arms, please.”
Tyke put his arms in front of him like he was a zombie.
“No, no. Out to your side.”
Tyke obliged.
“There we go.” Rarity took a few measurements. “While I’ve only encountered a few Diamond Dogs before, I noticed a common fashion theme. So if you want, I could fashion some fitting accessories for you. Or you could have a chance to ditch the vest and collar for a new outfit.”
“NO!” Tyke’s hands snapped to his collar.
Everyone took a step back.
Tyke breathed and held up a paw. “No.”
“I-I deeply apologize!” Rarity rolled up her tape. “I didn’t mean to show any disrespect!”
“It’s okay,” Tyke replied calmly. “I forgot to tell you, but where I used to live, going without a collar is…frowned upon. I mean, I can go without my vest any day, but having my neck bare is considered indecent no matter if I’m wearing anything else.”
“Oh, I didn’t know that. You’re welcome to keep your collar on, then.”
That would explain Rover’s “I’m in public!” quote when I tore his collar off.
“D-don’t feel bad, Miss Rarity,” Tyke said. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“Not to worry,” Rarity replied as she wrote something in her notes. “I can work with your collar staying on.”
“Well, it doesn’t have to be my collar that covers my neck. As long as I have something wrapped around it, it’s fine.”
“Do you always have to wear it? Even if you’re taking a bath?”
“Oh, heh, heh.” Tyke waved a paw. “Not all the time. I can take it off when taking a bath or if I’m changing clothes.”
“Yeah, that’s how I learned about his collar policy,” Moondancer said.
“So, is there any outfit in particular that you’d be interested in?” Rarity asked Tyke.
“Uh, not off the top of my head.” Tyke looked down. “Actually, what can you do about my vest?”
“Well, I could spruce it up real quick. Not to offend you anymore, but it looks like it’s seen better days.”
Rarity did have a point. I could see the miniscule tatters and impermissible dirt stains that couldn’t be washed off with an industrial-grade detergent.
“Sure thing.” Tyke slipped out of his vest and gave it to Rarity.
Rarity quickly trotted to the sewing machine and got to work on the vest.
“By the way,” Tyke said to me, “Miss Rarity mentioned seeing some Diamond Dogs before. Do you know anything about that?”
“Oh, yeah.” I exhaled deeply. “A couple of years back, I was gem-hunting with her and we encountered a trio of them. And…well…let’s just say things didn’t turn out so well. They attacked us, but we were able to defend ourselves.”
“Oh, my.” Tyke raised his eyebrows. “Did you remember seeing one of them wearing a gem on their collar? Do you remember the color and shape?”
“Yes, I did. One of them had an orange diamond-shaped gem on their collar.”
“Ohhh…” Tyke pinched the bridge of his nose. “You encountered the Orange Rhombus group. I’m so sorry about that.”
“Uh, I’m not following.”
“Let me explain. Diamond Dogs are split into different groups. And each group represents different social standings. The important Diamond Dogs, like supervisors and leaders, wear the gem that matches their respective group. Each shape and color depends on different factors, like job type or location. It gets complicated, but basically the Orange Rhombus aren’t the best group to meet. They like to do things their own way, and that’s the most polite way to put it. The group I was in was three times better than the Orange Rhombus, and it was one of the poor groups.”
“So I assume that kidnapping ponies isn’t far off of what Orange Rhombuses normally do, right? Because, they attacked us so they could nab Rarity for her gem-searching spell.”
“They tried to do that? That’s a new low even for them.”
“Can’t the other groups do something about them?” Moondancer asked. “Like, make new rules, or kick the group out?”
Tyke shrugged. “Sadly, while they're the most chaotic and nastiest group, they still provide gems just like the rest of the groups, so kicking them out isn’t the best option. But don’t worry; there are some things, at least from what I heard, that they would never do, and the top groups have made sure to intervene if things get too overboard.”
“You know, after our first encounter with those bad dogs, we never saw them or any other Diamond Dog in the area after that,” I pointed out. “You think that the leaders heard about the attempted kidnapping and did something about it?”
“If that was the case, then maybe.”
“I never knew how Diamond Dogs have different groups. I should come by the Golden Oaks Library some time and learn about the other groups.”
“And…finished!” Rarity announced. “What do you think, Tyke?”
Rarity levitated the vest to Tyke. Its color was more saturated, there were visible hems around the edges, and even a lapel was added, making it look like a new vest altogether.
“Woah!” Tyke slipped the vest back on. “Is this the same vest I gave you?”
“Of course, darling,” Rarity chuckled. “I took to restoring the fabric, removing some of the stains, and adding a few details to make your vest look more presentable. I hope you like it.”
“I love it! Thanks, Miss Rarity!”
“You’re very welcome.” Rarity saw Moondancer’s coins. “Keep your bits, darling. This one’s on me.”
Moondancer, Tyke, and I left the boutique. Tyke brushed his vest.
“I may have gotten this vest a long time ago, but I know that it didn’t look as good as this,” Tyke said.
“That’s Rarity for you,” Moondancer said. “She knows how to make the best clothes for everypony.”
Tyke looked at her and then to me. “Wait, if she’s so good at making clothing, why does almost everyone here go without them?”
“It’s more a preference,” Moondancer replied. “Some ponies like to wear clothes all the time, others only do it on occasion.”
“I’ll take your word for it. So what place should we go next?”
“Why don’t you decide this time?”
Tyke looked around the streets until he saw the barn on the hill. “What about that red house near the south?”
“Huh?” Moondancer looked at where her pup was pointing. “Oh, you mean the apple farm. Yeah, let’s try that.”
In no time, the three of us got to…
“Sweet Apple Acres!” I announced. “No guess as to what they farm here.”
“Woah!” Tyke looked at the trees in astonishment.
“Do you know what apples are, Tyke?”
“I’ve heard of them, but I never tried one.”
That’s when Applejack opened the double doors of the barn.
“Now you take it easy, ya hear?” Applejack said as she exited with a basket of apples.
“Eeyup,” Big Mac croaked from inside.
“Oh, howdy,” Applejack greeted us. “Didn’t expect visitors to come by here.” She noticed Tyke. “Is…that a Diamond Dog?”
Tyke took a step back, regressing to his shy persona from earlier today.
“Yes, he is,” Moondancer replied enthusiastically. “Applejack, this is Tyke. He came to me one night, and I let him stay with me. Tyke, this is Applejack. She takes care of the farm here.”
Tyke nervously walked forward.
“Well, if Moondancer likes having ya around, then so do I,” Applejack held out a hoof. “Pleased to meet ya, little Tyke.”
Tyke held Applejack’s hoof and carefully shook it. “L-likewise.”
“Ah, don’t be on pins ‘n’ needles. As long as ya don’t steal our apples, we’ll get along just fine.”
“Okay…may I try one?”
“Sure.” Applejack put the basket by Tyke’s side. “Take yer pick.”
Tyke held one of the fresh apples in his paw. The second he took a bite, however, his face scrunched up, and he spat out the piece like it was from a hot potato.
“Augh! That was so sour!” Tyke shouted.
I covered my mouth. Applejack widened her eyes, but she took a closer look at the bitten apple.
“Oh, ya nabbed a Granny Smith,” Applejack said with relief. “Unlike my granny, those are the most sour kind of apples. I don’t blame ya for disliking that one.” She pulled out a red apple from the basket. “Try this one: it’s a Gala apple.”
Tyke bit into the Gala, and unlike his first apple, he actually kept it in his mouth.
“So sweet!” He exclaimed.
“Glad ya like it.” Applejack picked the basket back up. “Everypony and non-pony have different tastes in apples.” She picked up the green apple. “Guess this one’s goin’ in the compost bin.”
“Uh, Tyke?” Moondancer said. “Looks like there’s someone else who’s taking a liking to you.”
“What do you—HEY!!” Tyke pulled his tail away. “Don’t sniff my tail!”
“Woof! Woof!” Winona barked happily.
“Heh, Winona must think yer one of her kind,” Applejack snickered.
“Diamond Dogs and regular dogs are not the same,” Tyke pointed out.
After a brief chat with Applejack, we left the farm.
“Oh! I just realized there’s somepony who you definitely should meet, Tyke,” said Moondancer. “She loves animals and is really friendly to them. I think she’ll like you as well.”
“Okay, let’s see her,” Tyke said.
We got to Fluttershy’s cottage. Moondancer knocked on the door, and Fluttershy opened the top half.
“Oh, hello, Spike and Moondancer. I’m a little busy…” Fluttershy saw Tyke and gasped. “Is that a Diamond Puppy?!”
Fluttershy hopped over the door like a giant cat and grabbed Tyke like a teddy bear.
“You’re so cute!” Fluttershy fawned. “This is the first time I saw a Diamond Puppy in the flesh!”
“Th-thanks!” Tyke wheezed. “Can you please put me down now?!”
“Oh, sorry.” Fluttershy placed the overly-hugged pup down. “I get easily excited around small creatures.”
Can you tell?
“What’s your name, little one?” Fluttershy asked. “I’m Fluttershy.”
“My name is Tyke,” replied Tyke.
“Oh, it’s really nice to meet you, Tyke. I’d love to invite you and everyone else over, but I’ve been behind on my feeding schedule and I need to make it up for my animal friends.”
“Don’t worry, Fluttershy,” Moondancer said. “We’ll come back another time.”
The three of us left as Fluttershy resumed feeding her other animals.
“She seems nice,” Tyke said. “Aside from the unexpected hugging.”
“Oh, don’t worry,” I pointed out. “Her hugs aren’t going to be what you’ll have to worry about.”
As we were walking down the path back to Ponyville, I saw Starlight Glimmer sitting by herself on the hill.
“Uh, oh.” I looked at Moondancer and Tyke. “Uh, why don’t you guys go ahead without me? I’ve got something to take care of first.”
“Sure thing,” Moondancer said.
She and Tyke continued down the road, and I ran up the hill to Starlight.
“Hey, Starlight,” I greeted. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know what to do.” Starlight shook her head.
“May I have some context?”
“So you know how Twilight’s dinner with Princess Celestia is tonight, right? Well, by sheer coincidence, Trixie is doing her show at the exact same time. She’s already got the stage up and everything, so moving her show to the castle at the last minute is out of the question. And I don’t think Twilight can bring the dinner here. What should I do?”
“I guess…whatever you want to.”
“That’s not helping, Spike.”
“Starlight, sometimes we have to make tough decisions, and the outcomes of them aren't obvious. Sure, it would make Twilight happy if you make it to dinner, but that would mean losing the new friend you just made. While going over to your friend’s show would make them appreciate you, that would mean that you would miss out on the dinner. It’s best to go with your gut.”
“Alright. Guess this is up to me now.”
“I believe you’ll make the right decision. I know Twilight would, too.”
I went down the hill to look for Moondancer and Tyke. Incidentally, I found them near the town hall, talking to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie.
“See ya soon, Tyke,” Rainbow said as she rubbed Tyke’s head.
She and Pinkie left just as I rejoined Moondancer and Tyke.
“Welcome back, Spike,” Moondancer said. “We just met with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie.”
“I saw,” I replied. “Looks like you hit it off with those two, Tyke.”
“Yeah, I did,” Tyke replied. “I liked how Rainbow did all those flying tricks, and Pinkie was very happy to meet me and throw me a future party. Although, I could see what you meant about Fluttershy’s hugs.”
“I tried to tell you, but I guess I should’ve been more specific.”
“At least she wanted to learn about me. And, wow, did I have a lot to say. Honestly, I don’t know why I always give my life story to random creatures I just met.”
“Well, to be honest, as long as you don’t come off as someone just wanting attention, giving a little exposition doesn’t hurt.”
And for what it’s worth, some Diamond Dog lore was well overdue.
The three of us returned to the library. Moondancer placed her borrowed books on the table.
“So, how was your first day outside of the library?” I asked.
“It wasn’t bad,” Tyke replied. “I thought the ponies here wouldn’t like having a Diamond Puppy around, but I’m surprised there were some who actually wanted to learn about me.”
“Yeah, there are those who want to know more about the unknown than fear it.”
“Oh, hey guys. I forgot to mention,” Moondancer said. “There’s a magician’s show happening tonight just outside of Ponyville. Want to check it out?”
“Okay,” replied Tyke with enthusiasm.
“I’ll come, too,” I said. “I’ve been meaning to go there, actually.”
By the time night fell, everypony who’s anypony came to Trixie’s stage. I sat with Fluttershy, Pinkie, Tyke, and Moondancer.
“There’s something I don’t understand,” Tyke said. “If everypony can do magic, why are there pony stage magicians?”
“These ponies can do tricks without having to resort to simple horn magic,” I replied. “Plus, they can make any magic trick spectacular with the right effects.”
“Come one, come all!” A familiar pony’s voice announced. “Come and see the Great and Powerful Trixie's Equestrian Magical Tour!”
I sat up as Trixie appeared on stage in a puff of smoke.
That’s new. Her working title is different than in the show
“Behold, your fears come true! A pony-eating manticore!”
At the side of Trixie sat a ferocious, chained-up manticore. It even gave Fluttershy the shivers.
“Why are you afraid, Fluttershy?” I asked. “I was told you didn’t show fear of that manticore from the Everfree Forest.”
“I’m afraid of seeing him chained up like that,” Fluttershy responded. “Not the manticore himself.”
“For tonight, the Great and Powerful Trixie will be performing the Moonshot Manticore Mouth Dive!” Trixie bellowed.
The crowd around us gasped.
“Now, now, save your gasps for when I defy the beast's jaws of doom and appear inside that black box.” Trixie pointed at the box next to her.
We cleared the aisle as Trixie trotted over to her cannon. Starlight stood next to it as she gave Trixie her helmet.
I wondered what happened between Trixie, Twilight, and Starlight? Whatever it was, I hope it went better than in the show.
Trixie got into the cannon. She said something to Starlight, but I couldn’t hear what they were saying. It might have something to do with Trixie having doubts about this trick, and Starlight reassuring her.
The cannon was positioned as the manticore took center stage. Starlight lit the fuse as the crowd awaited with anticipation.
That’s when I saw a familiar white alicorn appear from a hill in the distance. Her former student was next to her. Neither one of them looked upset.
Okay, I really have to know what happened while I was with Tyke and Moondan—
BOOM!!
The cannon fired Trixie at Mach 1, straight into the manticore’s mouth. The furry beast swallowed with a loud burp. I was more disgusted than frantic at that.
In an instant, the black box vibrated. The overhead spotlight shone on the box just as it opened itself, revealing a dazed but otherwise unharmed Trixie.
“Behold, the Peat and Growerful Triskie…” Trixie woozily said before collapsing.
We all cheered ringingly at her. Starlight made her way to the stage and helped Trixie up.
After Trixie regained her composure, she announced, “And now, I'm proud to introduce my great and powerful assistant (and best friend), Starlight Glimmer!”
The crowd applauded as Trixie and Starlight gave a bow. The manticore himself bowed as well.
After the show, I parted ways with Tyke and Moondancer, and I went backstage to see Starlight and Trixie.
“Spike? What are you doing here?” Starlight asked.
“I wanted to see you,” I replied. “I see you chose to assist Trixie.”
“Well, it wasn’t an easy decision, but I realized that I wouldn’t make a good impression on a friend I just made if I flaked out on them.” Starlight looked at Trixie. “So, I told Twilight I couldn’t make it, and joined up with Trixie.”
“What did Twilight have to say?”
“I allowed it.” A voice responded.
I spun around to see Twilight entering the stage.
“I’ll admit I was a bit disappointed that Starlight wouldn’t come to dinner,” Twilight said. “However, I saw how well she and Trixie got along, so I was willing to sacrifice discussion of proper silverware placement if it meant my student could help her friend with her show. I wouldn’t be a good friendship teacher if I couldn’t allow my student to hang out with her friends.”
“I’m still sorry about not making it to our dinner with Princess Celestia,” Starlight said.
“Don’t be. Princess Celestia didn’t arrive until after you warned me of your absence.” Twilight peeked through the curtains.
“That would explain why I didn’t see her at the castle yet.”
“Hmm, actually, the night’s still young. I don’t suppose you can still invite Trixie over. We don’t normally have dinner this late, but I can make an exception.”
“I would be honored to come,” Trixie announced. “I hope that Princess Celestia remembers me personally.”
I looked through the curtains. Celestia was talking to Moondancer and Tyke, the latter of whom genuflected before the princess.
“Is it okay if I invite Moondancer and Tyke to this dinner as well?” I asked.
“Uh, sure, Spike,” replied Twilight. “I hope we have enough silverware.”
It was surprising but fortunate how this episode turned out. Twilight trusted Trixie and had no objections to Starlight befriending her. Also, as a surprise, Tyke returned and decided to stay in Ponyville with Moondancer. I hoped to hang out with him more in the future.
I wonder if he's into RPG board games.
Stats
Page generated in 0.022 seconds
Total duration
746 users online
623,214 hits today, 1,960,719 yesterday
FIMFiction
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Fanfiction
Designed and coded by knighty & Xaquseg - © 2011-2024
Follow & Support Us
Support us
SubStar
Chat!
Discord
Follow us
Twitter
MLP: Friendship is Magic® - © 2024 Hasbro Inc.®
Fimfiction is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Hasbro Inc.®
More good
I think you missed something.
11659269
Fixed. Thank you.
Pointed out some typos now fixed
What a nice surprise! We got to see what Tyke has been up to and some Diamond Dog lore. Obviously, the reality of them kidnapping Rarity was much more tame than say Sombra. (He was an actual tyrant while the DDogs simply wanted a gem-finding pack horse.) It’s nice when Spike (David) can relax letting the episode events play out without having to get too involved. The human-turned-dragon still contributed to the story yet he didn’t have to play the role of only person with common sense. No collars is taboo?
Maybe Tyke can be a gateway into Diamond Dog students learning at the School of Friendship.
Moondance and Tyke are becoming more like Twilight and Spike duo. Can't wait to see more of them in the future episodes.
Now why didn't Starlight think of that in the original timeline in the first place.
Great lore for Diamond Dogs, I have made Diamond Dogs exiles myself. There lore is bearly existing.
Great chapter! Spike sure made a great difference in many respects. Even preventing the Starlight Glimmer timetravel crimes all over the universes...
The Multiverse will be thankful towards Dave-Spike.
Winona is a Dog and Tyke is a Diamond Dog. It like a ape and a human in comparison.
Tyke is best doggo already ♡
Nice chapter
11659312
Fixed.
11659451
Thank you.
I guess he changed things by getting twilight to stop hating Trixie sooner rather than wait forever for it to happen. She never did anything wrong. The girls ruined her show and Trixie may have messed up with the amulet but she admitted that she just wanted to feel amazing and important and heard about the amulet and she didn't know it would turn her into a jerk . Twilight had right to be careful but she should have given Trixie a real chance the first time.
Carbon Pupper?
Because Carbon is the base form of diamon- *gets blasted*
Good chapter, liked to read it
I wonder why Spike didn't suggest having Trixie move up her show several hours.
And I wonder if Tyke can understand Fiona?
more LORE!!!!! awesome changes and all!!!!!
woo! some nice changes here.
YES!!!!!
DIAMOND PUPPY MADE IT TO PONYVILLE!!!!
I CAN'T WHAT FOR MORE DIAMOND DOG LORE!!!
11660590
Wow, now that's impressive. Major kudos to whoever drew them.
I wonder if tyke is going to be part of the young six. It would be interesting to see him with them.
So Fate decided that this lesson remain on the same date despite her early entry. Ok.
(Hope Glimmer's development accelerates from this point on!)
Also, Trixie won't have been Starlight's first friend outside the Mane group in this timeline, so that's one less Twilight concern to deal with.
Case in point.
So did I. (At least, I imagined myself doing that. Sighing in relief, that is. And I suppose the trusting thing as well.)
Moondancer!
Good to see you again! How's life as a new regular in the secondary cast? 
(Wait, the old Spike did get captured and replaced in the original! Whoops!)
(Oh! Think she'd join the Suicide Squad at the end of the season? Maybe she (or Tyke even) could assume the place of Spike if he got captured as well, seeing as he's got MC energy now!)
(Hey you think she's wearing her sweater here or no? That's what I've wondered lately. What do you think?
I imagine no she isn't, because 1. It stretches my mind because we're used to picturing her with it; 2. Ponyville is just as much a nudist community as her part of Canterlot so I imagine she'd fit right in
; 3. It was always a symbol of her bitter and isolated state in the original, even if she continued wearing it after the fact in canon. But since she never became a hermit in this timeline...)
(Eh heh, or whatever. She still could.
)
(4.
Wait what am I thinking it's summertime! Anypony would be crazy to bundle up in any capacity regardless!)
Um. . . Why do I get the feeling she's about to introduce a new marefriend?
(What were the rumors again?) sigh, you know how this modern environment (and fandom, heh) gets to us... 0_0'
Fluttershy?!
lol
Oh. Ohhhhhhhhh!
So it's not a marefriend, it's a pupfriend! And a familiar pup to boot! (Er, waitwait not that kind of boot!) 
(Btw I think "Diamond Pup" looks and sounds better than "Diamond Puppy". Change my mind!)
What do you mean "so soon"? It's been months. Almost a full year even!
Also, just like he was in the mountains, Tyke here seems very well-spoken for a Pup. Any reason? You sure you don't want to dumb down his dialogue to a level appropriate for his age and learning? (It's about writing a realistic child character, and I'm not sure if the "adult-like child" gimmick fits with him...)
Ah, just like Moondancer did once! Very sweet. She has learned much since. Now pass the torch, Mooney!
(And don't worry I didn't miss their parallel with Twilight and Spike.)
Noice. And no need to apologize when you have no reason to.
It doesn't even look like a working title this time! (Plus Trixie wasn't yelling the fact.)
Plz? This development sounds tasty and satisfying!
It appears that Fate agrees with us and made this moment a constant for us. Thank you!
Good job remembering to tell your upper! And good job Twi for allowing the lesson to seep in without much of the old difficulty!
Oh, you'd love to, wouldn't you? More souls to draw into your Cult of Guys Nite! 😁 (Maybe you could even draw in the Lord of Chaos himself!)
Ah, I'll bet Tyke would like it. He is a smart little Diamond Pup after all, like I indicated. 😏
Oh, man. This just gets even better.
Glad to see Tyke back. And we got some (headcanon) Diamond Dog lore we were very much needed/wanted. I also like the Twilight+Spike parallel going on with him and Moondancer.
Seems Fate is telling us Trixie and magic afterburns are indeed inseparable.
And you saved the dinner as well. Happy Days.
I've been looking back at the Friendship Games chapter, and I think that Spike/David should check and see how the other Spike is living as a human. If only we could get a fully detailed description of Sci-Twi's family's expression of how their dog is now a human. And if they decided to let the former dog attend Canterlot High with Sci-Twi.
11665061
*Tyke. Also F
11666753
read the rest of the story. David avoids changing the first episodes cause you know. He's not stupid in trying to alter anything too big, he did change some episodes' events and let others play out the same.
I am glad to see Tyke show up again.
I wonder if Spike is gonna gift the racer car bed to tike or if the bed is gonna be for thorax who for some reason failed at reediming the hive and is gonna stay for some time in the castle.
Ok, from Flutter's mouth does "Diamond Puppy" sound cute.
(For context I was arguing earlier that "Diamond Pup" sounds better.)
This story has still the best Diamond Dog lore I Fimfiction I read so far.