> Guard Tiara: The Grand Guard Games
>  by Hopeful_Ink_Hoof
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	With a deep sigh, Applejack sat down beneath one of the trees.  Leaning back, she took the stetson from her head, pushing the front of her mane aside as she wiped the sweat away.  Taking a moment to catch her breath, she looked up at the sky, watching the thin wisps of clouds float along the pale blue sky.

"Look out!" a familiar voice shouted, breaking Applejack's moment of tranquility.  With a sigh, she turned to look for the source of the shouting.

Soon, she caught sight of a green and blue shape on four wheels moving past her very quickly.  Golden eyes were wide as a navy blue mane and tail whipped back from the wind created.  Applejack should have recognized the form instantly, but was delayed by a part of her not quite wanting to believe it.

"Mama, help!" Little Green Smith Apple shouted.  "I don't know how to stop this thing!"

Getting up from her spot, Applejack chased after the filly on the scooter.  Fortunately for her, Little Green was neither experienced nor very fast.  It took some running, but she was quickly able to catch up to the runaway rider.  Reaching out, with her mouth, Applejack grabbed Little Green by the collar and gave a firm yank back.  With a yelp, the filly let go of the scooter, going limp in her mother's grip like a kitten.  With no one at least attempting to control it, the scooter wobbled back and forth before smacking into a tree and stopping.

After setting Little Green back down, Applejack let go.

"Thanks, Mama," the filly said, turning to look up at her mother.

"No problem, sugar cube," Applejack said with a smile... which then immediately turned into a semi-scowl.  "Now would you mind tellin' me what the hay that was all about?"

As Little Green sat down, her wings gave a flutter at her back.  Looking down at the ground, she ran one of her hooves along the zipper of her Wonderbolts hooded sweatshirt.

"Scootaloo brought one'a her old scooters over," she finally said.  "Said it was too small for her and she don't have no kids of her own yet, so she thought we could have some fun with it."

"That was nice of her," Applejack said, "but where's your helmet?  Scootaloo never rode that thing without one, and I know she wouldn't 'a let you near it without one neither."

Little Green shifted again.  Her ears pulled back against her head as her nose scrunched up.  Her gaze met her mother's a second before looking away.

"Greenie," Applejack warned.

"It's not my fault," Little Green called out, her wings flaring out at her sides.

"What's not?"

"Scootaloo had to go do something and said she would teach us when she got back.  After she left, Cobbler and Pie double double diamond dog dared me to try driving it with my wings like Scootaloo does."

A sigh escaped Applejack as she rolled her eyes, giving her head a shake.  A "double double diamond dog dare" sounded like something they would come up with.  It actually sounded just like something their mother would have come up with, actually.  Reaching out, she took a hold of Little Green, pulling her to her chest.

"Now sugar cube," Applejack said gently, "ya know you don't need to do something just 'cause your cousins dared ya, no matter how many qualifyin' adjectives they add to the front of it."

"I know," Little Green sighed as she leaned against her mom.  "It's just... really hard for me to turn down a dare for some reason."

With a chuckle, Applejack ruffled Little Green's mane.

"Can't say I blame ya.  Have a bit of a problem backing down from a challenge myself.  How 'bout we go inside and see if Aunt Pinkie--"

The rest of the suggestion was cut off by the sound of twin screams.

What now? Applejack thought as she got up and turned toward the sound.

Running toward Applejack and Little Green were two more foals.  The pair was moving as fast as they could, kicking up dust as they went.  The two of them continued to scream.

"We're sorry!" the orange colt with gray mane shouted while running past Applejack.  "We're sorry!"

"We'll never do it again," the orange filly with pink mane said, joining the first.

"Please don't send us to jail!" they both cried out together, hiding behind Applejack.

"Cobbler! Pie!" Applejack called out.  "Calm down and tell me what in tarnation you're talking about."

"We're sorry," the colt -- Apple Cobbler -- said again.  "We didn't mean to get Greenie in trouble.  It looked like it would be fun."

"We'll never make her do another double double diamond dog dare ever again," the filly -- Apple Pie -- continued.  "Just please don't have the guards take us to prison."

"Guards?"  Applejack asked.  "What guards?"

"Her," the twins said, pointing past Applejack and down the path.

Heading toward the group at a slower pace was a figure dressed in armor.  Small clouds of dust puffed up behind it with each step.  As Applejack continued to watch with the twins behind her and Little Green at her side, the figure continued to move toward them.  It slowly became clearer as it approached, taking on a smaller form.  Probably a mare.  The armor was a light purple in color, meaning that she was a member of Twilight's guard.  Soon, Applejack was able to make out the familiar features and pink coat of a certain young mare.  A grin spread across her face.

"Y'all have got nothin' to worry about," she said to the twins.  "She ain't here for you.  She's here for Apple Bloom."

"Woah," Apple Pie said, eyes wide.  "Really?"

"What did she do?" Apple Cobbler asked.

"Not like that," Applejack replied.  "She's Apple Bloom's... special friend."

"Oooohhhhhh," the twins said together, giving a nod.

"Y'all wait here a moment," Applejack said as she stepped away from the young ponies and headed toward the approaching guard mare.

"Howdy Diamond Tiara.  'fraid Apple Bloom ain't here at the moment.  She and the others are helpin' Sweetie Belle--"

"Tree."

"...I beg your pardon?" Applejack asked, thrown off by the single word that was growled out at her.

"Point me to a tree," Diamond Tiara said slowly.  "Please."  This last part was said between clenched teeth.

"Well... there's one over that way that's still needing to be harvested," Applejack said, pointing.

With a grumble, Diamond Tiara moved past Applejack and headed toward the direction of the pointed hoof.  Her ears twitched and tail flicked as she went, heading into the orchard and vanishing from sight.

"Is somethin' wrong?" Little Green asked, staring in the direction of the disappeared armored mare.

"I think something's got Diamond Tiara a mighty bit upset there," Applejack said.  She continued to look in the direction, rubbing at the back of her head.

"Do you think we should talk to her?"

A massive yell came from the orchard, followed shortly by the boom of a tree being hit and rattling noise of it shaking.

Four pairs of eyes went wide, staring in shock.

"I...think it might be best if we let her work it out herself for a while," Applejack said.

"Yeah," Little Green agreed.

"Yeah," Apple Pie and Apple Cobbler both said as well.

Applejack turned away from where a tree was being viciously kicked by a very furious mare trained as a guard pony, looking down at her daughter.

"Greenie, I want you to go get Apple Bloom.  Let her know that her friend is here and is mad enough to buck a barn to bits."

"Okay, mama," Little Green said.  She turned and started running down the path as fast as she could, wings fluttering behind her.

"Cobbler, Pie, you two come with me.  We're gonna see about helping your mom make a snack for later."

"Okay," the twins agreed.

"And y'all can tell your pa about your little dare," Applejack added.

"Aww..."

A grin spread across Applejack's mouth as she turned away, walking back toward the farmhouse.  She was not really mad, and was pretty sure that Macintosh would not be either.  The two of them had done their own share of stupid things while growing up... and even after actually (maybe she would show the twins a pictures of their dad in a girdle some day).  Knowing Macintosh, he would probably try to talk them about not doing such things, but find it amusing all the same.

Although there was no reason to tell Cobbler and Pie that.
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Diamond Tiara stood there, legs shaking as she tried to give the tree another kick.  Her hoof tapped the bark, just enough that she felt it, if barely.  Finally exhausted, panting, and drenched in sweat, she collapsed.  Sprawled out, she laid there, let the coolness of the dirt and grass soak into her underside, tension draining from her with it.  She was pretty certain she was going to be a little stiff in the morning, but not too badly.  The scarred flesh of her flank was burning a little.

"Looks like you finally tuckered yourself out," a familiar feminine voice said.  The sound of it brought a little comfort to Diamond Tiara.  Not enough for her to smile -- or look up toward the source -- but some comfort all the same.

A bottle of juice appeared in front of Diamond Tiara, a straw sticking out from the top.  The sight of it reminded her that she had not really had anything to drink for at least a few hours.  Her throat was now feeling extremely dry and she was suddenly parched.

Lifting her head slightly, her tongue and lips stretched out in front of her.  Catching the edge of the straw, she pulled it to her mouth and started to drink.  The sweet taste spread across her tongue as the coldness slid down her throat, soothing the scratchy dryness.  It was a moment of near bliss for the exhausted mare.

"I also got some brownies with cream cheese frosting if you want a snack," Apple Bloom said as she sat beside Diamond Tiara.  "Now, do you feel like talkin' about why you showed up at the farm, angrier than a hive of hungover hornets, and tried to buck our trees 'til you're near ready to pass out?"

"Could you pass me one of those brownies first?" Diamond Tiara asked.  One of the brownies appeared in front of her as requested.  Grabbing it, she took a big bite.  Closing her eyes, she enjoyed the sweet gooeyness of the freshly made brownie and rich, sweet frosting.  Sitting up, she stretched out, grateful she had stripped off her armor at some point during her venting.

Finally, her attention turned to Apple Bloom, who was sitting beside her, looking at her with concern.  Taking a deep breath, Diamond Tiara shifted to get comfortable, leaning against Apple Bloom's shoulder.

"It started late this morning," Diamond Tiara started.


*****


After leaving guard headquarters, Diamond Tiara was made her way quickly through the town of Ponyville.  A small smile tugged at the edges of her lips as she went.  She was looking forward to the afternoon.  Soon she would be with her father, and the two of them would go to their weekly lunch together.  They would talk, eat, and catch up on things that had happened since the last one.

She was also a little excited to share the news about the first ever International Guard Games with him.  While it may not have been as great as being a participant (and a part of her thought that she should have been; she could have dominated some of the other teams) the chance to go to The Crystal Empire and spectate from a VIP booth was exciting.

Although, it would still be pretty crowded since it would be pretty much the entire squadron.  There were probably additional booths that could be gotten by the rich, influential, and nobles if they so desired.  She could probably get her father to--

Diamond Tiara gave a shake of her head, shoving the thought aside.  That was not who she was anymore.  That was not who she wanted to be.  She was a grown mare now, not some spoiled little filly.  She had to stop thinking like that.

Reaching her father's home, Diamond Tiara stepped inside.  As soon as she did, the butler approached.

"Good afternoon, young miss," he said with a slight bow.

"Hello, Tray," Diamond said as she shut the door and started through the foyer.  "Is my father in his office?"

"Yes ma'am," Tray answered.  "However, I feel that I should warn you tha--"

"DIVORCE!" a feminine voice echoed through the halls, reaching Diamond Tiara's ears.  Taking off, she ran as fast as she could.

"How could you do this to me?" the voice shouted.  "After all we've been through!  All our years together!"

"We haven't been together for years!" Diamond Tiara heard her father shout back.

Reaching the door, Diamond Tiara looked inside her father's office.  Her father, Filthy Rich, stood upright at his desk with his front hooves resting on the top.

"I had to travel all the way to Manehattan and hire a private investigator just to even find out where you were," he stated, his voice just below yelling.

"And isn't that just a wonderful thing to find!" a pink mare with purple mane shouted back.  "I finally hear from my husband after years apart, and it's to serve me divorce papers."

Diamond Tiara let out a gasp, her eyes going wide.

"Mom?" she gasped out, barely a breath.  Her mother was here.  Her mother was here.  Diamond Tiara had not even recognized her.  Although to be fair, they had not seen each other since the night that her mother said good-bye and left to pursue a career in fashion.

Moving closer, Diamond Tiara's mother placed a hoof on top of Filthy Rich's.

"Fil," she said gently, "look at me."  A small smile spread across her face as Filthy Rich's eyes met hers.  "You don't really want to do this, do you?"

"Suri," Filthy said in a calm but firm voice he often used in business negotiations, "it's for the best for both of us.  We haven't been together in a very long time.  We should have done this before.  This way, we can both move on with our lives."

Suri Polomare  pulled her hoof away from his.  Her jaw clenched and eyes narrowed, ears pulling back as her face turned red.

"Well that's just fine!" she shouted.  "If you want a divorce, I'll give you a divorce."  She pointed the hoof at him.  "But know this, Filthy: I will get the best lawyer in Manehattan, and you will pay for him.  I will fight you tooth and hoof for every bit in the bank, every antique in this house, every piece of property, and each and every Barnyard Bargains from Appleloosa to The Crystal Empire.  By the time I'm done, half of everything you own will be mine, and the other half will be going toward lawyer fees.  You'll be lucky if you'll be able to afford something that's free!"

During her mother's declaration of war, Diamond Tiara stepped forward and walked into the office.  As she listened, several things seemed to fall into place for her.  It suddenly made sense where she got certain -- less than likable -- aspects of her personality from.  The methods of manipulation her mother tried to use, and the speed she got angry when they did not work, seemed all too familiar.  It reminded her of herself.  More than she would like to admit these days.

As she moved closer, the other two ponies noticed Diamond Tiara's presence.  Both of them turned to look at her.  A small smile twitched at the edges of Filthy Rich's mouth, conflicting some with the concern about what was happening prior to her appearance.  Suri's eyes narrowed, a sneer twitching at her own lips.

"Did you have the butler call the guards on me?" she asked.  "I hardly think this is a matter we need to get the law involved in like this."

"No," Filthy replied.  "She not here as a guard, Suri.  This is--"

"OH!" Suri cut off.   "I get it now!"  Turning back toward Filthy Rich, she pointed a hoof at Diamond Tiara.  "She's the reason you want a divorce, isn't she?  You want to end our marriage so you can marry this homewrecker.  Did you get her pregnant or something?  For Celestia's sake, Fil, she's young enough to be our daughter!"

"She is our daughter!" Filthy shouted, slamming a hoof against his desk again.  Closing his eyes, he took a slow, deep breath, running a hoof through his mane to make sure it was properly in place.

"Suri, that is Diamond Tiara."

With a gasp and smile, the older mare ran up and wrapped her front hooves around the younger one, pulling her into a hug.

"Oh, my little girl," Suri called out.  "You've grown up so much."  Breaking the hug, she placed a hoof on her daughter's chin.  "Look at you.  You're the very image of my mother when she was your age."


*****


"You would think that if I looked just like grandma as she claimed, mom would have recognized me instead of thinking I was some young mare dad was dating," Diamond huffed out.  "Although I guess I shouldn't be that surprised since I haven't seen in her in like... a decade."

Some time during the story, the two of them had ended up laying on the ground, with Diamond Tiara's head resting on Apple Bloom's flank while one of Bloom's front legs rested on Diamond's back, making small rubbing motions between the shoulder blades.  Now Diamond Tiara sighed, flopping down to feel the toned muscle.  She took a deep breath through her nose, taking in the familiar and comforting scent.  It helped her relax a little more.

"Anyway," Diamond Tiara continued, "at that point... everything kind of went red and blurry."  Closing her eyes, she rubbed at her forehead.  "Next thing I know, my dad is holding me back and my mother is on the floor staring at me with wide eyes and a bloody nose."

"You punched your mom?" Apple Bloom asked, sitting up in surprise.

"At least once for sure," Diamond answered.  "I don't know how many times, and who knows what would have happened if dad hadn't been there to stop me."

Although she had thought about it on the way to Sweet Apple Acres, as well as now.  She really could imagine herself doing so much worse.

"After that... I left.  Didn't even say anything to her.  Just told dad that we'll have lunch another time and stormed off.  But I was still so mad.  I was mad at her for leaving us -- leaving me -- for years without a word.  Mad at her for coming back now, when I don't need her anymore and dad is finally able to move on.  For coming back" -- her voice cracked -- "not because she loves us, but because she's mad for dad divorcing her.  For coming back, and not even recognizing me."  Tears started to flow from her eyes, running down her cheeks.

"I was mad at myself," she choked out, "for being so stupid as to... to be happy to see her."  She sobbed out.  "I... I was so hurt... She didn't even recognize me Bloom.  What kind of... what kind of... wha..."

The rest of what Diamond Tiara was trying to say was lost as she broke down completely.  Everything turned blurry as she cried, her body wracked with sobs.

Shifting, Apple Bloom took a hold of Diamond Tiara and pulled her tight.  Bringing the crying mare to her chest, Bloom held Diamond firmly against her, rocking gently.  One hoof ran through the short purple and white mane, as Bloom tried to be comforting to the upset mare.  She chewed her lip, small tears of sympathy leaking from the edges of her own eyes.

After several minutes had passed, Diamond Tiara's crying slowed down and stopped.  Pulling away, she wiped at her face.  She must have looked horrible.  She certainly felt that way.  Her head hurt, especially around her eyes which she could guess were extremely red.  It felt like her throat was swollen and raw, and she could feel the snot on her upper lip.  Even her chest ached.

Taking a hold of her drink, Diamond Tiara pulled the straw out and tossed it aside.  She then brought the bottle to her mouth and upended it, chugging down all of the remaining content.  The coolness of the drink soothed her throat again, helping her feel like she was able to keep going.  Wiping her nose and lip with her foreleg, she took a deep breath.

"So," she croaked out, voice raspy, "like I was trying to say: I was mad.  At her and at myself some as well.  I... I just wanted to hit something so badly."  One of her hooves shook as she thought about it.  "Some part of me -- that old part of me -- didn't care what... or who...  I just needed an excuse.  That was the part that scared me."

With a sigh, she leaned against Apple Bloom once again.

"That was why I came here," Diamond Tiara continued.  "I figured none of your family would mind if I kicked some of the apple trees for a while.  They things are pretty used to it anyways, and I doubt I'm anywhere near as strong as your brother and sister."

"It's a good way to try and deal with your anger," Apple Bloom said.

"Yeah..."

The two of them sat there for a moment, pressed close together.  They looked up at the late afternoon sky, their gazes occasionally shifting to look at each other.

"Feeling better?" Apple Bloom finally asked.

"Sort of," Diamond Tiara answered.  "It's more like I'm just too tired to feel anything very much.  Pretty much want to take a nap more than anything.  Although I should probably wash up first.  I would like some company."

"Oh?" Apple Bloom said, raising an eyebrow.  "Feel like having a little fun getting clean in the tub?"

"Not quite.  I mean it might happen, but right now... I just don't want to be alone."

"Alright," Apple Bloom said, shifting to get up.  "I could use a washing up myself."

Standing, Diamond Tiara stretched out, her back popping with the effort.  Already some of her muscles were feeling the stiffness ease out of them.  While it may not have been a trip to the spa (when was the last time she had done that?), a nice hot soak in a tub with Bloom sounded wonderful.

After picking up her armor for the ground, she followed after the other mare.  Despite herself, Diamond Tiara could not help but let her gaze drift to Apple Bloom's backside, watching it sway back and forth.  She still did not feel entirely up to doing anything with it, but it was still a nice thing for her to watch.
> Chapter 3 (Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom sex)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	After a good soak until the water had cooled, and a thorough scrubbing, the pair of mares felt clean and refreshed.  The two of them joined the rest of the Apple Family for a nice large home cooked meal.  The assembled ponies talked excitedly as they ate, sharing bits of news and stories.  Even Diamond Tiara got involved as the foals asked about the scar on her cutie mark, and she was assured it was okay to share most of the story with them ("Maybe it'll keep 'em from gettin' too close to that ol' forest,").

When it was all finished, Diamond Tiara was feeling much better.  She was still a little emotionally drained, but not nearly as physically exhausted as she had been.  Her body was warm, her belly full and the hints of ache in her limbs had faded.

She and Apple Bloom went outside, stretching out on one of the hills.  Snuggled up against each other, the couple watched the sun set and moon rise.  As they did, Diamond Tiara reached down, stroking a hoof along Apple Bloom's stomach and down to her inner thigh.

"I take it you're feeling better," Apple Bloom said, sitting up to smirk at Diamond Tiara.

"Yes," Diamond responded.  "In fact, I know the perfect thing to do next."  Her eyes narrowed as she smiled.

"Oh?"  Apple Bloom smiled back, raising an eyebrow.  "And what would that be?"

"How about... you show me your old clubhouse?"

"What?"  Apple Bloom blurted out.  The look of confusion on her face was cute and hilarious.

"Your old clubhouse," Diamond Tiara repeated as she got up.  "The one you used to hold your bla...."  She shifted.  "I mean.... your... crusader meetings."  She stepped forward.  "Which way is it?  This way, right?"  She then started walking.

Stopping, she turned back.  Apple Bloom was slowly getting up, a confused look still on her face.  Diamond Tiara had to look away, hiding the smirk she had.  By the time Apple Bloom caught up and took the lead, Diamond was able to keep it hidden and act normal.  She followed after the other mare quietly, making their way toward the eastern orchard.

"Do you still ever hang out there?" Diamond Tiara asked as they walked along.

"Not since I converted the ol' barn," Apple Bloom answered.  "Although I think I might fix it up again.  That way Greenie, Pie, and Cobbler could use it."

"I'm sure they would like that.  Although I--"

"Wait a second," Apple Bloom cut in at a whisper, holding up a hoof.  "You hear somethin'?"

Ears perked and twitching, Diamond Tiara listened carefully.  She caught the sound of their breathing, and the slight rustling of the leaves.

"Nothing out of the ordinary," Diamond Tiara whispered.

"I thought I did," Apple Bloom replied.  "Keep your ears open, just in case."

The two of them continued to walk toward the old clubhouse, heads up and ears shifting.  Diamond Tiara also let her gaze wander, trying to look out for anything that may have caused a possible unusual sound.  It was safe to guess that Apple Bloom was doing the same as well.  After all, Bloom had grown up on this same farm, and had an idea on what kind of creatures could show up, be they harmless little pests or large pony eating monsters.  That last part was unlikely, although not completely impossible.

Soon, the old clubhouse came into sight.  Apple Bloom suddenly stopped, causing Diamond Tiara to bump into her.

"Is something wrong?" she asked, still whispering.

"Look," Apple Bloom said, pointing up at the clubhouse.  The crescent moon gave enough light to make the outline of the building visible, mostly from the roof and the walkway.  Most of it was a large black shadow, interrupted by a pair of pale yellow lights.

Wait a second.  Yellow light?

"Are those the windows?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"Yeah," Apple Bloom answered.

"So there's a light on in there."

"Which mean that somepony's in there."

A noise then reached the pair of them.  It was a long, drawn out sound, very much like an "Ooooohhh!"  It was also something that sounded familiar to Diamond Tiara.  If the look on Apple Bloom's face was any indication, she recognized it as well.

"And it seems they're having some fun of their own," Diamond said with a snicker.  Moving to step past Apple Bloom, she continued her way toward the building.

"What are you doing?"  Apple Bloom called out.

"Going to see who it is."  Diamond Tiara then moved as quick as she could while keeping quiet.   Reaching the base of the ramp, she had to be extra careful.  Not only would it be easier to hear her hooves against the wood, but if it actually had not been taken care of in a while, there could be loose or rotted boards.  Fortunately, nothing broke or groaned beneath her (although she did hear some groaning).  Crouching low, she made her way to one of the windows, then slowly peaked inside.

Inside were two familiar orange coated mares.  One -- a bright orange pegasus -- was lying on the floor of the clubhouse on her back.  It was easy to guess who it was.  Although it was hard to actually tell as the mare's head was buried between the cheeks of a thick built burnt orange coated earth pony mare.  From the way the top mare had her head back and eyes closed, it was easy to figure out what the lower one was doing, and where the moaning sound was coming from.

"What did you see?" Apple Bloom asked, standing at the base of the ramp as Diamond Tiara came back down.

"Let's just say that your cousin is enjoying herself very much," Diamond Tiara answered.

"What?" Bloom gasped out.  "You mean to tell me that Babs and Scootaloo are up there...."

"Yeah.  Apparently they had the same idea I did."

"Wait.  You mean you were bringing me out here because you wanted to have sex in the old clubhouse?"

"Yeah," Diamond Tiara answered.  "I thought it would be fun.  More so if I had it be a little bit of a surprise... although it was kind of fun teasing you about it and acting innocent."  She grinned.

"Well it looks like they beat us to it," Apple Bloom said.  "Guess we'll just have to go back to the barn and have some fun there."

"Or..."  Diamond Tiara purred out, moving closer.

"Or what?" Apple Bloom asked, raising an eye brow.

Reaching out, Diamond Tiara took a hold of Apple Bloom and pulled her closer.

"We could have a little fun out here."  She then leaned forward nibbling at Apple Bloom's ear, causing her to moan out.

"What if they hear us?" Apple Bloom asked, leaning into the nibbling.

"Then we were louder than them," Diamond answered, "which means we won."

"Won?"  Apple Bloom said, pulling away slightly.

"The way I see it," Diamond Tiara said, "either we keep quieter and have fun, getting away with it, or they hear it, in which case we were louder than them.  To me, it's a win-win."  She then nibbled at Apple Bloom's jaw.

"You're..." Apple Bloom moaned out at the teasing.  "You're not playing fair."

"Do you want me to stop?" Diamond Tiara asked, pulling away.  She watched the other mare, seeing her shift back and forth.

"No," Apple Bloom finally admitted.  "But if we're gonna do this..."  Pulling away, she moved past the ramp and moved toward the main tree of the clubhouse. 

"What are you up to?"

"Here," Apple Bloom said as she stopped by the trunk, "we're right under the floor.  If they hear us -- and I hope they don't -- then they won't find us right away if they come out."

"Maybe if they hear us, they'll think it's a ghost," Diamond suggested.

"I doubt that.  After all, we recognized their moans."  Bloom took a step closer to Diamond, leaning forward to kiss her.  It was warm, and soft, with the gentle strength to it that Apple Bloom always seemed to have.

The kiss broke.

"I have an idea," Diamond stated.  "Stand up against the tree."

"Oh?" Apple Bloom asked as she took a step back.  Turning away from Diamond Tiara, she walked over to the trunk.  Rearing up onto her hind legs, she placed her front ones against the side of it.  "Like this?"

"Yes," Diamond Tiara said with a grin as she moved forward.  "Now hold that for me."

"What are you--" the rest of Apple Bloom's statement was cut off in a (small) moan of pleasure.

Lowering her head, Diamond Tiara slipped it between Apple Bloom's thighs and nipped at the inside of one of them, causing the very moan.  Diamond lifted a hoof, pressing it against Bloom's flank and stroking down along it.  At the same time, she worked up along the inside of the leg, giving little nips as she went.  Each little action got a moan or whimper, encouraging Diamond to keep going.

Soon the top of Diamond Tiara's snout was pressing against Apple Bloom's underside.  Pressing more, she pulled back.  Her snout rubbed along the sensitive spot before pulling away.  She then leaned forward and kissed, pressing her lips right against Apple Bloom's lower pair.  The tip of her tongue slipped out, sliding into Bloom's and rubbing across her clit.  She traced around the edge, causing another moan of pleasure.  She could feel the toned muscles twitching in excitement.

The taste and encouragement aroused Diamond Tiara as well.   She could feel herself growing wetter.  While one foreleg grabbed a hold of Apple Bloom to help keep balance, the other slipped down between Diamond's own back legs.  Her tongue and hoof mirrored each other, pressing firmly against the sensitive button before tracing along the length of the swollen vaginal lips.

Although there was one thing she could do with her tongue that she could not with her hoof.

Opening her mouth wide, Diamond Tiara thrust her tongue forward, sinking it as deep into Apple Bloom as she could reach.  The action caused Bloom to tense, squeezing around the intrusion, and cry out in surprise and pleasure.

Diamond Tiara pulled away, licking her lips and catching her breath for a second.  There was a hint of Apple Bloom's feminine musk on her mouth.  After savoring the taste of the other mare's arousal, Diamond leaned forward, kissing one of the toned butt cheeks.  It was followed by another kiss, and another, moving toward the feminine folds again.  She then gave them a kiss as well.

"Hello?" a voice -- Scootaloo's -- called out from above them.  "Is somepony out there?"

"Oh Celestia," Apple Bloom whispered.  "They heard us."

A grin spread across Diamond Tiara's mouth.

Again she thrust her tongue out, pressing it against Apple Bloom's clit, and let out a small hum to send vibrations through the sensitive point.  She then circled around it before flicking over the top of it once again.  There was a groaning growl in response.  Diamond Tiara could imagine Apple Bloom shoving a hoof in her mouth to keep from getting too loud.  She gave Bloom's clit another lick.  Except this time, she did not let up.  It was immediately followed by another, and another; each time using less of her tongue and having it be a quicker flick.

Scootaloo and Babs were talking, but Diamond Tiara could not quite make out what they were saying.  Although it did not quite matter what they were saying (even if she could guess what it was about).  What did matter was that they had not come down to investigate any noises yet.  If Apple Bloom could stay quiet, they might just go back inside and resume their own fun, but if she was loud enough for them to hear again...

It was at that point (probably even partly because of the risk) that Apple Bloom reached her climax.  Letting out a moaning whimper, her body tensed and twitched with orgasmic pleasure.  Diamond Tiara could feel the muscular spasms, the feminine fluid spraying across her mouth and coating her tongue.

Pulling the hoof away from between her own legs, Diamond Tiara grabbed onto Apple Bloom's butt, squeezing the cheeks while holding her in place.  Diamond kept her mouth pressed tight against Bloom's sex, trying to catch as much of the orgasmic juices as she could.  She held herself there until the climax seemed to come to an end.  Only then did she let go and pull away, licking her lips clean.

The two of them stayed there a moment, listening closely.

They heard nothing.

Diamond Tiara turned and looked back toward the ramp of the clubhouse.

There was no sign of Scootaloo or Babs Seed.

"Looks like we're in the clear," Diamond Tiara said.

"Oh thank Celestia," Apple Bloom sighed out as she dropped down from the tree and turned around.  "I can't believe we got away with it."  She then rubbed at her head.  "I can't believe that I agreed to do this in the first place."

"You seemed to enjoy it."

"Yeah," Apple Bloom admitted.  "The fact we could have gotten caught made it a lot more... exciting."  It was probably safe to guess that she was blushing.  "Still, I don't think I'm going to do that again any time soon."

"Well if that's how you feel," Diamond Tiara said as she moved closer, "how about we go to bed and have a little more of the regular fun?"

"A'right," Apple Bloom agreed.  "But just a heads up.  I'm going to come up with some sort of embarrassing prank for you to pay for this."

"Sounds fair."  Diamond Tiara then pulled Apple Bloom into a hug and kissed her, letting Bloom taste her own fluids on Diamond's lips.  After a moment, the two pulled apart, a string of fluid connecting their lips.

"For now, let's go to bed."
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Diamond Tiara leaned against the train window, half asleep.  Her eyes stared outward, watching the hypnotic movement of the snow covered landscape moving by.  The sight combined with the rocking of the car and the hum of the wheels moving along the tracks, the entire thing made her feel a little sluggish (although -- as somepony felt the need to point out -- it could just as easily be a minor case of motion sickness).  Not quite enough to actually put her to sleep, but enough for her to feel kind of relaxed and in a partial trance.

The moment of peace and calm was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a sleep snort.  It was enough to break Diamond Tiara from her semi-sleep state, a groan escaping her as she rolled her eyes.  Turning, she then looked at her seat mates.

Rumble sat beside her, nice and quiet as he read.  Dinky Hooves laid across his lap, one wing over her like a blanket.  Her eyes were closed as she slept, snoring with a bit of drool running from the corner of her mouth.  It was not the worst noise -- or fluid -- one of them had let out with her nearby.

Diamond Tiara's gaze then drifted.  She looked around the rest of the car, and all of the other ponies in it.  A fair number among them were doing as Dinky: catching what sleep they could.  Others were reading like Rumble, staring out the window like she had been, or talking.  One was even knitting.  She had never seen a young pony do that before, much less a pegasus stallion.  It was really quite impressive to see.

An entire train car filled with ponies, three to a seat, and all of them members of the guard.  None of them were dressed in armor since they were not supposed to do anything directly combat related.  They were going to watch the games, not participate.  Seeing as they were the newest members of Princess Twilight Sparkle's guard, that made sense.

The front door banged open.

"Alright all of you," the commander called out.  "Attention on me."

In less than a second, all of the ponies were awake, sitting up and looking forward.

"We are about to reach The Crystal Empire," the commander said.  "At this time, it will be full of representative from other nations.  So I would like to take this moment to remind everypony that even if you are not in uniform, you are still here as members of the guard.  Thus, you are representing them, Ponyville, and Princess Twilight Sparkle.  As such, you are expected to be on more than your best behavior.   Any member who causes issues at this time will leave me disappointed.  And you do not want to find out what happens when I'm disappointed in a pony.  Understood?"

"Yes, ma'am," everypony called out.

"Good."  Marching along the path, she headed out the other end of the car, and into the next.  As soon as the door shut behind, the tension in the room went down.  It sounded like one massive sigh from every pony at once.

Soon they were pulling into the station.  With a final hiss and clank, the train came to a stop.

"Look at that," Dinky said as she stood up.  "We managed to make it to The Crystal Empire, without anything happening."

"Yeah, yeah," Rumble sighed out.  "But just think: if I had been right, I would have won the pool before we even got to the games."

"I still can't believe they're making bets on what's going to go wrong while we're here," Diamond Tiara grumbled.

"'They?'" Dinky asked, raising an eyebrow.  "What do you mean 'they' miss 'a delayed trap created by King Sombra?'"

"Hey, I'm not going to miss out on an opportunity," Diamond retorted, "but I'm not the one who came up with the pool in the first place.  Besides, you're betting as well."

"That's right.  If a dragon attacks us, I'm going to be rolling in it."  A grin spread across her mouth as she thought about it.

"Do you think it says something about us that we are not only expecting something to go wrong during the games, but actually betting on it?" Rumble asked.

"It means we've learned from the past," Diamond Tiara replied.  "This is a major event, and like ninety percent of the time, any major event in Equestria tends to end up with something attacking.  Besides, somepony probably bet that nothing would go wrong."

"Maybe even the pony running it themselves," Dinky suggested.

"I suppose," Rumble conceded.  He joined the others as they headed for the door, disembarking from the train and stepping onto the station platform.

The cold air filled Diamond Tiara's lungs, giving them a slight burning sensation.  There was a small puff as ice as she exhaled.  Reaching up, she pulled the scarf closer to neck and adjusted her jacket.

"Oh, this is the chance to try it out," Dinky called out.

Before either of them could ask what she had meant, the gray mare's horn lit up with magic.  A dark blue dome formed over them, surrounding the three.  The shield then faded, turning lighter and paler, letting light pass through, until it was nearly invisible save for a faint blue tinge to everything.

"It will take a little while to see if I did it right or not," Dinky said.  "The idea is a thin shield that will keep cold out and heat in.  If it works, then it will keep us warm until we get into the limits of the city proper.  Come on."

She then started walking toward the edge of the town, Diamond Tiara and Rumble following not far behind.  Diamond watched the shield around them as they went.  Ponies managed to pass through it, although they seemed to notice that something happened to them (especially after they stepped out).  However, it was keeping the snow and wind out.  How well it was keeping the heat in was hard to tell.  Diamond could not really tell a difference.

It was easy to tell the instant they stepped into the limits of the city, the snow disappearing from under their hooves.  There was a clear line where the snow stopped, giving away to the crystalline cobblestones (was that an accurate thing to call them?).  Once they had entered, Dinky dropped the shield.  Her eyes went wide as she looked up, taking in the sight of the capital city.

"Wow," she whispered, eyes wide.  "It's always so impressive.  And pretty."

"And crowded," Rumble added.

Looking around, it was pretty true.  Not just ponies, including crystal (naturally, since it was their empire) and even bat.  There were also Saddle Arabian horses, zebras, griffons, minotaurs, and other races from around the globe.  A large number of them were dressed in what looked to be armors of their own races.  There were also some dressed in clothes to keep warm, and a small number that had indicators of being nobles or highly influential in their respective lands.

"I don't think I've ever seen so many different species in one place before," Rumble continued.  "I mean, I know it was part of the idea and all, but still.  Kind of makes me glad we aren't actually participating."

"But just think of all we might get to see and learn from spectating," Dinky said, hopping in place slightly.  "We might get to see zebra combat magic, minotaur weaponry, maybe even griffon thundersteel.  Not to mention the possibilities of combat styles and tactics."  She let out a sigh, shivering for a second.

Diamond Tiara leaned in close to Rumble.

"Is she... turned on by this?"

"Looks like it," Rumble answered.  "I think I should take her to our hotel room."  He let out a smile.  "Help her to calm down an--"

"I know what you're thinking!" Diamond snapped.  "Just go already.  I'll meet you two in..." she looked at Dinky, doing a calculation "... two and a half hours or so."

"Better make it three."

"Ugh."  Diamond  Tiara rolled her eyes.  "Fine!"  Why did she of all ponies have to end up with these two?

"Come on Dinky," Rumble called out.  "Let's go to the hotel and get checked in."

"Good idea," Dinky Hooves said, turning to walk toward the center of town.

"Remember," Diamond called after her, "we are supposed to be well-behaved during our time here.  That means no trying to see how many noise complaints you can get from the other rooms."

"Aww," Dinky pouted, ears dropping.  She turned to look at Diamond Tiara, lip stuck out and eyes wide and watery.

"That is seriously not going to work."

"Fine," Dinky said, her pout vanishing.  "C'mon Rumble.  It sounds like we might have to get a little... creative..."  She grinned and licked her lips.

With a sigh, Diamond Tiara rolled her eyes and gave a shake of her head.  She had no idea what "creative" meant to those two, but she had a strong feeling that it would be messy.  It made  Diamond wish she could have her own room.  Unfortunately she did not have enough bits (something she never believed she would have thought growing up), and the rooms being paid for by the guard were to be used by each three pony team.  Same as the rooms back in Ponyville.

The question was, what should she do in the mean time?  She had been planning on going and seeing The Crystal Heart later, so she could probably do it now.  Although that would kind of mean she would probably end up going to see it again with Rumble and Dinky.  Maybe she could go take a tour of the castle, then head over to the field and see where the games were to take place.  If she did, then she might even get a chance to see some of the other teams practicing.  Would it make Dinky jealous if Diamond had seen some of the things she was gushing about earlier?

"Well look who it is," a familiar voice said from behind Diamond Tiara, causing her to jump.  This got a snicker.

"You would think that as a guard, you would be harder to sneak up on."
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It can't be, Diamond Tiara thought.  Here, of all places?  Blue eyes wide, she turned around to look.

Standing there was a gray earth mare with a silvery mane and tail.  A smirk tugged at the edges of her mouth as she looked at Diamond Tiara from over a pair of glasses.

"Silver!" Diamond cried out excitedly.  Running up to her friend, Diamond threw her forelegs around Silver Spoon, pulling her into a hug.  "I can't believe you're here.  It's so good to see you."

Grinning, she pulled back to look at her friend, and saw the look of concern on her face.

"Is something wrong?" Diamond asked.

"You've... never hugged me before," Silver Spoon stated.

"What?  We've been best friends for years."

"Yeah," Silver agreed, "but you've never hugged me."

"I haven't?" Diamond asked.  That could not be right.  There had to have been times when she had hugged Silver.  They had been friends forever.  Even when Diamond Tiara was being a total brat that was pretty much obsessed with power and control.

And showing affection at a time like that was not something she did at that point.  Because doing so was "uncool" and would be an indication of weakness.  She had never even been genuinely affectionate toward Snails in public while they were dating, except to make it abundantly clear to others that he belonged to her.

"Well consider it something I'm trying to work on," Diamond said.  "So what are you doing here?  Is Pipsqueak with you?"  This got a grimace from Silver Spoon.

"I'm actually here for work," Silver answered.  "They want me to take some notes on the behavior of the other cultures.  As for Pipsqueak..."  Shifting, she chewed at her lip.  One of her forelegs moved to rub at the other.

"...We broke up..."

That was a surprise Diamond Tiara.  Silver Spoon and Pipsqueak had really seemed perfect for each other to her.  They spent plenty of time together (more than Diamond liked at first actually; she had admittedly been jealous of their time together when they started), had a lot in common, and seemed to be able to help balance out each other's moods.  Of all the relationships she thought would work out... well... Sweetie Belle and Spike were at the top...

But Pipsqueak and Silver Spoon were up near there... somewhere...

"Do you wanna get something to eat and talk about it?"

"Something to eat sounds nice," Silver Spoon answered, "but there's not really much to talk about."

The two of them started walking, looking around the town as they went to find a sign of a cafe or dining place.

"Really, it seems like we just drifted apart," Silver explained as they went.  "At first we were spending all of our free time together, two ponies in a new place who knew nopony else.  I got an apartment and job, and he came to spend all of his off time from training with me.  As time passed, we just kind of started spending less and less time together.  When we did, it was less like a relationship and more like a friendship.  We hadn't even... you know... in a while...

"So, finally we talked and decided that it just wasn't working out between us anymore.  It was time for us to end the relationship and move on."  She let out a sigh.  "We both agreed that we would try to stay friends, but I honestly doubt that's going to happen."

The two of them continued to walk for a while.  Diamond Tiara felt like she should say something to Silver Spoon on the matter.  Something to help console her friend, to help her feel a little better.

"Well it's his loss," she finally huffed out.  "There is no way that he is going to find another mare that is as good for him as you.  Although you could do totally better than him.  I bet in a couple weeks, stallions will be knocking down your door."

"I don't know," Silver Spoon sighed.  "I kind of went to Canterlot to be with him, figuring I could get a job anywhere.  Now that we're no longer together, I'm not sure if I want to stay there.  I could return to Ponyville and be around ponies I know, or even move to Manehattan and start a whole new life of my own."

"Well if you ever need to, you can stay in my old room," Diamond said.  "Dad always liked having you around, and it's pretty much just him now."  She paused, her step hesitating.  "Although... now that he's divorcing mom, he might want to be alone a little more..."

"What?" Silver cried out in surprise.  "I know you mentioned that your father was planning to do that, but I didn't know he actually had."

"It just happened," Diamond answered.  She then proceeded to tell Silver about going to visit her father, only to find him in a shouting match with her mother.  Diamond even included the part of getting mad, hitting her mother, and leaving in a rage.

"So how are you doing?" Silver Spoon asked.

"Apple Bloom helped me get over the worst of it, although I'm still mad at... I don't even want to call her 'mom' right now..."

The pair of friends continued to walk along, talking about what had been going on since their last letters to each other, and looking for a place to eat that did not seem too crowded.  The last part was actually rather difficult to do.  With all the visitors and such in town, a lot of places were very busy.  Great for the economy of The Crystal Empire, but that made it difficult to find a quiet spot to have a chat while eating.

Eventually, they managed to find an outdoor cafe that served warm sandwiches and crystal fruit drinks.  After placing their orders, the two of them relaxed.  It was nice to find a quiet place and catch up with an old friend.  Diamond Tiara was glad to she ran into Silver Spoon.

"Well, well," a voice said.  "Look who it is."

Of fucking course she's here! Diamond Tiara thought, fighting the urge to let out a groan and roll her eyes.  Instead she closed them and took a deep breath, reminding herself that she was supposed to behave as a representative of Twilight Sparkle, her guard, and Ponyville.  Slipping one of her front hooves under the tablecloth and took a hold of the table leg.

The nearly invisible scar across her nose itched.

Feeling like she could keep herself under control, Diamond Tiara opened her eyes and turned to look.

Aura stood there, eyes narrowed as she glared at Diamond Tiara (and probably Silver Spoon as well).  The mare was dressed in deep blue armor with red accents, a pair of swords at her side.  She was flanked by two griffons and had an axe-wielding minotaur at her back, all dressed in similar armor.

"Hello Aura," Diamond said, smiling (don't grimace or snarl, she reminded herself).  "You seem to be doing well.  I take it you remember Silver Spoon."  She motioned to the other mare, who gave a small wave.

"...yes..." Aura said slowly, blinking at the gray mare.  She then returned her attention to Diamond Tiara.  "What are you up to?"

"Up to?" Diamond repeated, eyes wide and blinking.  "I'm not up to anything."

"Don't give me that!" Aura snapped moving forward until her nose was practically touching Diamond Tiara's.  "What are you doing here in The Crystal Empire?  And why are you acting so... so... nice?"

Diamond's grip tightened on the table leg, squeezing it until she felt the muscles start to strain.  Her jaw tensed as she tried to keep a friendly smile, to resist the urge to attack.  Oh how she wanted to attack.  Especially since Aura was right there.  It would be so easy.  One quick lunge, and Diamond could bite her on the nose.  Granted, she would get in trouble for it, but there was no way they would kill her in public.  At the very least, it would mean that Aura would end up with a scar on her own snout as well.

Although such a thing could very well cost her, possibly being kicked out of the guard.  She had barely started to be one, and was far from being good at it.  Or a good pony.  She still had a lot to make up for.  Probably better not to add more to it so soon.

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and counted to ten.  Soon she felt back in control.

"I'm here because our platoon was selected to observe The Grand Guard Games," Diamond Tiara finally answered.  "As for why I'm being nice: I'm not.  I'm being polite.  How else would somepony act in public while surrounded by powerful figures from not just Equestria, but all across the world?"

Aura's eyes went wide.  Taking a step back she looked around.  Diamond Tiara did the same, taking note of the few other races that were also in armor (although of different colors and styles than Aura's) who were watching the two of them intently.  One of them -- a zebra with a scar of his own running from cheek to collarbone -- had a hoof resting on a bag at his waist: most likely some sort of magical powder.  At another table, a griffon was not looking in their direction, however one claw was holding onto a bow.  They were surrounded by experienced soldiers, who had picked up the skills of sensing tension and preparing for a fight without inciting one.

With a sigh, Aura took a step back and straightened up.  She brushed a hoof along her peytral as she returned her gaze to Diamond Tiara.

"So you're not participating in the games then?" Aura asked.  "How unfortunate.  Because I am."  She grinned.  "You see, after you got me kicked out of guard training, I managed to join up with some mercenaries."  Aura waved at the griffons and minotaur.  "We were recently hired on by Prince Blueblood, and have been registered to participate on his behalf.  When we win, it will prove that having a standing guard is a waste, and will be eliminated as they are replaced by independent mercenary groups."

"That's not going to happen," Silver Spoon stated.

Aura turned to glare at the other mare, eyes narrowing.  She moved to step around the table, keeping her eyes on Silver Spoon.  A snort escaped Aura as she approached.

"Oh?  And what makes you so sure?  Think we don't have a chance or something?  Are you psychic now?"

"No," Silver Spoon.  "I mean it won't work.  Starting with the assumption that you will win.  You are facing trained fighters from all around the world, most likely veterans who have been in the service for years if what we've seen here is any indication.  Every group participating is going to send their best and brightest, to show how capable they are in combat.  Included among them are the guards of the four princesses of Equestria.  One of them is a group of standing guard that has been honed and perfected for a thousand years, adjusting to modern methods as necessary, but still having a strong tradition and pride to go with it.  One is a group that is loyal to their princess despite her missing for a thousand years, the talents and capabilities of which are still not fully known since their disappearance and subsequent return.  One is formed by a group of ponies that lived under tyrannical rule for years and now have freedom and respect, which they will do anything and everything to keep; plus they are being trained by a former guard captain who has experience in kingdom level threats.  Finally we have one that is trained by the youngest princess who: has protected the entire kingdom on multiple occasions; was one of the smartest and most powerful ponies even before her ascension; and has an extensive understanding of teamwork seeing as she is the princess of friendship.  And that's just the princesses from here in Equestria.  We have no idea what kind of training the other nations use.  Although you might because of your griffon and minotaur associates.  Which brings me to my second point."

Silver Spoon paused to take a drink before continuing.

"You have already said that you were kicked out of guard training, meaning you have gone through some.  I'm assuming that at least two of your other group right here have similar training, and one of them has actually served in a guard.  Correct?"

There was a moment of silence as the four in blue armor looked at each other.  Finally, the griffons and minotaur nodded.

"See?" Silver said.  "Most mercenaries -- if not all -- have at least some form of official training.  In fact, the majority of mercenaries are former guards who left for one reason or another, be it to seek out greater excitement, money, or having been discharged.  If you manage to win, you're not going to be able to eliminate the guard in favor of mercenaries because mercenaries rely heavily on the guard system.  Supposing you managed to do away with the guards entirely, you would then need to create a system of training for those who wished to become mercenaries.  Plus, some of the nobles will want to be sure to have a constant number of fighters who are constantly available and somewhat loyal to them, as opposed to simply working for the highest bidder.  Essentially, the result is going to be that eventually you will end up with a system that is basically the same as the guards, but with a different name."

Diamond Tiara, Aura, and her mercenary group all stared at Silver Spoon, with their mouths hanging open as Silver returned to her drink.  Slowly, the shock on Diamond's face gave way to a smirk.  It was a very impressive job of a pony politely and logically tearing another down.  It was also surprising.  Diamond Tiara knew Silver Spoon was smart and observant, but had never known she could do something like that.  Normally, Silver deferred to her when it came to something like that.

Suddenly, Diamond Tiara was a little glad she had never really gotten on Silver Spoon's bad side.

"Whatever," Aura huffed out, turning away from the table.  "Even if the whole 'eliminate the guard' thing doesn't work out, we will still win."  She looked over her shoulder at Diamond Tiara.  "I'm disappointed you won't be participating.  It would be fun defeating you once and for all in front of so many."  Looking away, she started walking.  "I guess I'll just have to settle for defeating your oh so precious guard instead."
> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	After their meal together, Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara had decided to go their own ways.  Silver chose to stay at the cafe a little longer and speak with some of the members of guards from other nations.  Diamond stopped by the hotel to pick up her key and check to see if her roommates were finished with their intimate fun.

Since it turned out that they were, Dinky and Rumble joined Diamond Tiara.  The three walked toward the center of the city, and one of its most prominent attractions.  As they went, Diamond Tiara filled the other two about what happened after the three of them had separated.

"Wow," Dinky said, looking out at the crowds.  "That's great for Aura.  I hope she does well in the competition."

"I don't know," Rumble said, wings twitching.  "Even if she got some experience out in the field, it can't be much more than us.  So she's going to be pretty green compared to some of the other teams.  Her group as a whole is hard to guess, but I don't think she would do well on her own."

The three of them continued on, reaching a crowd.  Not really a surprise.  After all, The Crystal Heart was a key feature that was vital to The Crystal Empire, and a powerful magic artifact.  It would make sense that visitors would want to see it.  That was what they were trying to do at the moment after all.

As they made their way through the crowd, a familiar face caught Diamond Tiara's attention.  Not far from where they were was a cream coated mare with thick, curly red mane.  Rose colored eyes looked around through thick purple glasses.  Curious, Diamond Tiara moved to try and get a look of the other mare's flank, just to be sure.  As expected, there was a set of peppermint candy canes creating the outline of a heart.  Everything Diamond Tiara saw said that it was Twist from Ponyville.

Except that Diamond Tiara knew Twist was not supposed to be here.  She had seen the candy making mare at Sweet Apple Acres just the day before.  Twist had come by to place a large order.  Diamond did not know what Twist was going to do with them (although she could guess since Twist was a candy maker), but it seemed very important.  Leaving work and a waiting order for a pleasure trip did not seem like something that Twist would do.

Although maybe she was mistaken.  Maybe Twist was in The Crystal Empire for work.  It would be a great opportunity to sell more of her treats, as well as have them tried not just by ponies, but creatures from other kingdom's as well.  More than likely, there would be several vendors around that had come to do just that.  Or maybe they would be set up at the games.

Except why would Twist not mention that she was coming up as well?

Diamond Tiara needed more information.  She also had to be careful.  If it was not actually Twist, then Diamond had to be sure not to let on that she knew.

It is pretty crowded around here, she thought.  Maybe I can pretend to accidentally bump into her.

Weaving through the crowd -- and losing track of Rumble and Dinky in the process -- Diamond Tiara made her way toward either Twist, or something that looked just like her.  She tried to keep from being too noticeable, which was probably easier with others pushing, weaving, and bumping into others as well.  Soon Diamond Tiara got closer to the other mare.  She shifted her position, making sure that "Twist" would see her.  As they started passing each other, Diamond dropped and lunged sideways, slamming her shoulder into the other mare's.

"Watch it!" she snapped, turning her head to glare at "Twist" and waiting to get a reaction.

Which was none.  Despite what happened, the other mare just kept walking, not even reacting to the impact or the bad attitude.

That made it clear to Diamond Tiara: whoever this other pony  was, it was certainly not Twist.  Turning around, Diamond Tiara raised a hoof and stamped it down right on the end of the tail to pin it to the ground.

"Okay," Diamond Tiara growled out.  "Who are you and what are you doing here?"

"What do you mean?" the mare that looked like Twist asked.  "I'm just here to see the games just like so many other ponies and such."

"Really?"  Diamond stepped forward, eyes narrowed.  "Because you look exactly like a pony I know, only I also happen to know that she isn't here."  Pushing forward, her snout pressed against the other mare's.  "Now, I'm going to ask you again: who are you, and what are you doing here?"

"Twist" took a step back, eyes shifting to look around.

"Diamond Tiara!" Dinky called out from somewhere else in the crowd.

Before she realized what she was doing, Diamond Tiara turned to look toward the shouting.

Taking advantage of the momentary distraction, the other mare bolted.

"Hey!" Diamond Tiara shouted before chasing after her.  It was not an easy task, trying to keep an eye on the mare while pushing and weaving through the crowd of ponies, griffons, yaks, and minotaurs (which were actually the easiest since she could just slip between their legs).  Unfortunately, even though she could get close, it kept slowing her down enough that Diamond Tiara just could not catch up.

After making her way through most of the crowd, "Twist" headed directly toward The Crystal Heart.  Soon she lunged, aiming straight for the magical artifact.

A pale blue-white light flashed from the spot, blinding Diamond Tiara and who knows how many others.  

Out of desperation, Diamond Tiara threw herself forward as hard as she could.  She managed to slam into something, knocking the wind from her lungs and causing her head to spin, a buzzing sound filling her ears.  Still, she managed to get a tight hold of something, wrapping her front legs around it.  Blinking rapidly and giving her head a shake, Diamond Tiara tried to regain her senses.

The first thing that she managed to notice was that whatever she was holding onto was not furry.  It was smooth and hard, kind of like a shell.  A blast of cold air struck her, causing a shiver to run down her spine.  That helped her realize two things: she was moving very fast, and she was no longer in the city limits.

Blinking the last of the blindness from her eyes, she looked around to get her bearings.  A blur of clear blue moved in front of her, creating some of the wind she had noticed earlier.

Wings. Changeling wings.

Mentally, Diamond Tiara started kicking herself for being so stupid.  A changeling should have been the first thing she thought of.  They were a species that were known for being able to look like ponies for crying out loud.

No.  She had to focus.  Turning Diamond Tiara tried to find some indication of where she was headed and where the capital city of The Crystal Empire was.  Unfortunately, the snow and wind made it hard to see anything  less than a few feet away.  All that Diamond Tiara could see in any direction was white, white, and more white.

Okay, she thought to herself.  Priorities. First, get this thing down and find out what it's up to.  Second, find some place to wait out what I'm guessing is a blizzard.  Third, get back to the city.  Now, how do I do the first one?

If she did something to at least one of the wings, it would stop the changeling, but send them falling to the ground.  Even with all the snow, Diamond Tiara did not trust it enough to keep her from getting hurt.

Did changeling's breathe?  If so, then maybe she could climb up it more and put it in a sleeper hold?  If she did it right, the thing would lose consciousness slowly, and end up on the ground before passing out.  Although that would mean trying to get up on the changeling's back completely, without losing her own grip.  Plus, if changeling's did not breathe, it would be a waste.  Assuming she could have squeezed its neck to begin with.  The thing did have an insect-like shell.

With no better ideas, Diamond Tiara kicked up with one of her hind legs, driving her hoof into the changeling's abdomen.  It let out a huff as the air was knocked out of its lungs (confirming that yes, changelings do indeed breathe), and dropped down several feet.  As it started to climb again, she gave a hard yank.

"LAND!" Diamond Tiara bellowed.  "Land or I will bring us both crashing to the ground."  She kicked at its underside again, feeling her hoof hit against something else.

Movement caught Diamond's attention.  Looking down, she watched as a large, blue crystal in the shape of a heart fell through the air beneath them.

It couldn't be!

The changeling let out a gasp and turned.  It shot downward, aiming directly for The Crystal Heart.  Forelegs out and wings beating, it flew fast and hard, aiming directly for it.  Even with the extra weight of a passenger, it managed to speed forward, getting closer and closer to the heart.

The icy wind blew across Diamond Tiara, making her squint as her eyes watered and burned.  She watched as best she could, trying to keep sight of the heart and figure out how far they were from the ground.  If she did this just right, it might just work out.

The changeling caught the heart and started to pull up.

Diamond Tiara let go with one hoof.  Pulling it up, she slammed it flat down against the changeling, right between the wings where the spine would be.

There was a squeal from the changeling as the wings seized up.  The upward movement stopped, but the forward momentum kept them moving as they began falling toward the ground (that was hopefully close).

There was a thud as the two of them hit.  A cracking sound and cry of pain escaped the changeling as it took the brunt of the impact.  Diamond Tiara slammed into it as she hit, knocking the air from her lungs and sending a burst of pain through her rib cage.  The Crystal Heart flew up from where they landed, launching forward before plunging into the snow.

Pushing to get up, Diamond Tiara lashed out to hit the changeling before trying to move toward the heart.  Hopefully, she could keep it safe, stop the changeling, and return with it to the capital city.   What kind of reward would she get for that?

There was a sudden burst of pain from one of her back legs, causing her to cry out.  Looking back, she found that the changeling had bit her, its fangs sinking into the flesh.

"I don't need this," Diamond grumbled.  Kicking out with her free foot, she slammed it into the changeling's face.  There was a burst of green blood (?) from the creature's nose as it reeled back, one fang missing.  Now free of its grip, Diamond hurried toward the heart, grabbing it and holding it against her.

"If you want this back," she growled out, "you're going to have to go through me!"  Lowering her head, she bared her teeth.  "And considering how you look, I don't think you have a chance."

The changeling stood up and looked at her.  Diamond could see that there was a crack across its chest from where it had hit the ground, more of the green blood oozing from it and dripping onto the snow.  It narrowed its gaze at her, lips peeling back to reveal the rest of its teeth.

With a buzz of its wings, the changeling took off and flew up into the air.

As soon as it was out of sight, Diamond Tiara sagged, letting out a sigh of relief.

Thank Celestia it didn't call my bluff.  The landing may not had been as rough on her, but it had still been pretty bad.  Her chest still ached from the impact -- probably bruised her ribs --  she was still seeing spots, and the bite (which had probably left a fang embedded in her leg) would slow her down.

Well, I can't wait around here.  She looked up at the sky again.  That thing's probably going to get reinforcements.  If they find me here, they'll swarm me and get the heart back.  She sighed, looking down at the heart.  And I had really been hoping to dig in until the snow stopped.

Slipping The Crystal Heart into her jacket, she looked around.  Once again, all she saw was white, save for flecks of green and red that were quickly vanishing.  With no other reference to use, Diamond Tiara headed toward the direction of where they first crashed, then kept going.

Upside is the snow should make it harder for them to find me.  She let out a sigh.  Downside is it will make it harder for a rescue party to find me -- assuming one is even coming -- and I have no idea if I'm heading in the right direction.

Dear Celestia, please let this be the right way.
> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Mom," a voice called out.  There was a knock on the door followed by a creak as it opened.  "Mom?"

There was a groan from the bed, the form in it shifting to roll over and pull the blankets tighter around it.

"Mom," a pink filly with white and orange streaked mane called out again as she moved further into the bedroom.  Reaching the side of the bed, she lifted a hoof and pressed it against the form, shaking it gently.

"Mom, it's time to get up.  Breakfast is ready."

"Five more minutes, Bright."

"Mama wanted me to tell you that she made your favorite," Bright Future stated.

Rolling over, Diamond Tiara poked her head out from under the blanket and opened her eyes (if barely) to look at the filly.

"Did she really?"

"Yes," Bright said with a nod.

With a tired smile, Diamond Tiara reached out and ruffled Bright's mane.  This got a scowl from the filly, which made Diamond smile wider.

"Mom," Bright whined as she tried to push the hoof away.  "I got  my mane just how I wanted it."

"But you're so cute when it's mussed up.  You look just like your Mama when she was your age."

"No I don't," Bright Future huffed, reaching up to smooth her mane.  "Mama showed me the pictures.  She always had her mane nice and neat, with it all tied up in a bow."

For a moment, Diamond Tiara considered correcting her daughter.  While it was true that most of the time Apple Bloom had her mane tied back, there were plenty of times that it could get quite messy and unkempt.  Especially when she was about Bright's age.  Although most of the time it was from doing something dangerous and kind of reckless in an attempt to get her cutie mark.  Probably better not to give the young filly more ideas than she would have on her own in that regard.

"Okay, you got me," Diamond said.  "I just like the way you look."  She then ruffled Bright Future's mane again, getting a groan of frustration from the filly.  Snickering at the reaction, Diamond pushed the blankets aside and moved to get up.

"Want any help?"

"No.  You go on and have breakfast.  I'll be there in a moment."

"Okay," Bright said as she took a step back.  Turning away she headed out the door and off to the kitchen.

Diamond Tiara watched her go before stretching out.  She let out a groan as several of her joints popped and shifted.  Once that was done, she made her way to the edge of the bed.  Looking down at the floor, Diamond Tiara made sure she was properly lined up before dropping.

One back leg hit the floor, her hoof thumping against the wood.  The remains of the other slid easily into the waiting slot of the artificial leg, a metallic click filling the air as it locked in place around the splint.  There was a slight groan from the device as the weight settled, and a squeak from one of the gears as it moved.

Satisfied that her artificial leg was properly attached, Diamond Tiara moved the rest of the way off the bed.  Heading toward the dining room, she licked her lips in anticipation of the food waiting for her.  It was like she could taste it already.  Her stomach made it clear it was just as excited as she was.

Reaching the dining room, she found that Bright Future and Silver Moonbeam were at the table and already eating.  With a smile	, she moved to give each of them a kiss on the cheek.  For a moment, she considered ruffling Bright's mane again, just to get a rise out of her.  Instead she ruffled Silver's who did not mind it as much: the little batpony tended to have her mane messy all the time anyways.

"Did you even brush this morning?"

"Yes," Silver replied, puffing out her chest and spreading her wings a little.  "Hair and teeth just like you and mama tell me."

"She also tried 'flying' down the stairs again," Bright added.

Turning, Silver Moonbeam looked at her sister with her one good eye, narrowing it.

"I need to practice to get good," she said.

Diamond Tiara smiled, rolling her eyes as the two started bickering.  According to Apple Bloom, it was normal behavior for siblings, especially when they were as close in age as Bright and Silver.  Since Diamond Tiara never had siblings (well, none until well after she was grown up actually), it was something she had no experience with, but Apple Bloom did.  So she would have to believe this was normal, which was a comforting thought.

As Diamond Tiara moved to her seat, Apple Bloom came in, carrying a plate filled with buttermilk biscuits.  Before it was even set down, Diamond grabbed one, coating it in apple butter.

"Are you okay?"  Apple Bloom asked, leaning in close to Diamond.  "You were tossing and turning a lot last night."

Diamond took a slow bite of the biscuit, considering the question as she chewed.  The warm softness of the biscuit and the sweet gooeyness of the apple butter flowed across her tongue, giving her a moment of warmth.

How long had she been cold?  Why was it so cold?  It was a sunny spring morning.

"Just had a weird dream," she finally answered.  "Although... not really sure how much of a dream it was?  Kind of like reliving an old memory I guess?"  She rubbed her head.  "It... I think it was back when I was in the guard... just starting out?  I... uh..."  She gave a shake of her head.  "It's already getting fuzzy, but I think I had chased a changeling that had stolen The Crystal Heart?"

"Oh, sweetie," Apple Bloom said as she reached up, taking a hold of Diamond's face.  "That wasn't a dream.  This is."

Raising an eyebrow, Diamond Tiara turned to look at Apple Bloom.  Except instead of Apple Bloom, Diamond was looking at the glowing blue-white form of a crystal alicorn.

"And it's time for you to wake up.  But a warning: beware the frozen blood of the shadow ponies."

There was then a blinding flash of pale blue as everything around Diamond Tiara vanished.
> Chapter 8
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Diamond Tiara opened her eyes, moving to sit up.  Blinking, she looked around, seeing only shades of black and white for a moment.  Pulling her legs closer to her body, she shivered from the cold.

Cold.

That was right, she was out in the snow.  She had been walking through a blizzard, trying to get away from the landing site and find her way back to The Crystal Empire.  During that time, Diamond and had managed to find a small ice cave to take shelter until it passed.

That is what you're supposed to do, isn't it?  She let out a groan, rubbing her head (which she immediately regretted because of how cold her hoof was).  Note to self: look into taking courses on cold survival and combat.

At some point she must have fallen asleep.  It had been such a vivid dream.  So much so, that she really thought it was happening.  Although bits of it were starting to fade.  She could still remember Apple Bloom and... two daughters... one was a batpony?  And her leg!

Turning around, she looked at the leg that had the changeling fang stuck in it.  Was that a warning?  Did she need to get the fang out soon or else risk losing her foot?  It was oozing some of her blood, and something else.  Venom of some kind maybe?  That thought made her flank itch.  She really hoped that it was not a sign of a recurring pattern.  The idea of having her entire military career marked by having creatures losing sharp things that ooze toxins in her did not sound appealing.

Opening her jacket, she checked on the crystal heart.

It felt warm.  Not simply like it was warm from being pressed against her body, but like it was giving off a warmth of its own.  A soft, gentle warmth that was comforting.  Like cuddling up with another pony under a familiar blanket.  An odd simile, true, but an accurate one to her nonetheless.

"Let's get you back home," she said as she tucked it back into her coat.  "Then hopefully whatever else goes wrong during the games will happen to somepony else."  Making her way toward the entrance, she looked out.  With the blizzard over, she stepped out and started walking again.

"I wonder if anypony had bet on a changeling attack... or if this would count..."

She took about ten steps, then stopped.  With all the fresh snow, the sleep, and everything, there was no sign of where Diamond Tiara had been.  Yes, she still had the cave, but she could not quite recall which direction she had been walking when she had found it.  Granted it probably did not mean much since she did not know if she was heading in the right direction to begin with, but she would like to at least try.

Maybe she could try again? Narrowing her eyes, Diamond scanned along the horizon, looking for anything that stuck out.  For the most part, she only saw two things: the mountain range in once direction, and open sky in the other.  Neither really helped her.  If she walked toward the mountains, she could end up reaching them without seeing anything and getting lost.  If she walked toward the empty horizon, she would probably reach warmer climates, but no idea how long before finding a town.  If that happened, she would still have to find a way back to The Crystal Empire.  And that was assuming she survived that long in the first place, instead of dying from exposure.

As she continued to look, something caught Diamond Tiara's attention.  It looked like a light of some kind.  Maybe it was part of a search party, or some ponies that are out in the snowy land for some other reason.  Either way, it must have meant that there was something there to give it off.  At the very least, it would give her a reference point to walk toward and away.  Plus, without wind or fresh snow, Diamond Tiara would leave behind a trail, so she would know at least where she had been now.

"Might as well get going," she said to herself.  "The sooner we get there, the sooner we can figure out what to do next."  She let out a huff as she began to walk.  "Hopefully I can get out of here and back to civilization before I go crazy... er... I mean I am talking to myself... or a magic heart shaped crystal..."

As she made her way toward the light, Diamond Tiara tried to do something to keep her mind busy and not think about how long she might have to trudge through thick snow toward an unknown destination that very well could be in the wrong direction.  Unfortunately, there was little to look at in this frozen white land.  With the fang stuck in her leg, it was painful to walk.  Not impossible, just very unpleasant.  So the entire thing ended up being long, slow, and very boring.

As she watched, the red light got brighter, and larger.  It actually made her stop a moment.  Something about it... did not feel right.  She could not be sure what it was, but there was something.  She could feel it in her gut.  No... her chest actually.  Like, just about where The Crystal Heart was in fact.

"Don't like whatever that is?" she asked, looking down at the spot.  "Well don't worry.  I'll keep you safe."  She started walking again.  "But I need to know what it is.  Just in case it might help us."

There was a slight pulse of energy from the heart.  Was it disagreeing with her?  Did the heart actually have enough intelligence to understand what she was saying?  Or at least the main idea?  It was known that some ancient and powerful artifacts show signs of some sort of intelligence.  Whether it was limited or beyond pony comprehension was up for debate.

Maybe you should listen to the ancient artifact that is powered by love and can protect an entire city, a voice in the back of her mind suggested.

Diamond Tiara considered it for a moment.  After all, if The Crystal Heart did not like it, it very well could be dangerous.  Still, it was a point of reference to use, and possibly something that might help figure out where they were and where to go.

I'll be careful, she told herself as she started to walk again.  I'll get close enough to see what the light is coming from.  If it's anything dangerous, I'll backtrack and go around.  It's that easy.

As she went, she could not shake a building sense of wariness.  The closer she got to whatever was giving off the red light, the less she wanted to be around it.  It kind of reminded her of The Everfree Forest in a way.  Like there was something dangerous, but she just could not see it.  At least until it was too late.

Still, Diamond Tiara continued on, moving closer and closer to the source of the glowing red light.

Soon something came into view.  It was hard to make out since it was glowing, casting a brighter aura that reflected off the snow around it.  Still, it was something, and it did not seem like it was moving.

Although... something was shimmering.  Slowly.  Diamond could make out something moving gently, back and forth.  Swaying.  Back and forth.  Back...forth... back...

Beware the frozen blood of the shadow ponies.

Diamond Tiara blinked, lowering her hoof.  She was now standing in front of a cluster of glowing red crystals.  It was clearly where the light was coming from.  She must have walked up to it and was about to touch it.  Except that she did not remember any of it.  One moment she was up on a slope walking down, the next she was standing right in front of it and reaching out.  Diamond Tiara could see the tracks of her walking through the snow, but had no recollection of crossing it.  The last thing she remembered was...

How hypnotic the crystals seemed.  That must have been it.  Something about the crystal was trying to draw her in.  If she had not thought of that line from... What was it from?  She had heard it recently, had she not?  Whatever the case, why would she think of it now?

Unless...

"Whatever," she said with a shake of her head.  "Let's just get out of here and as far from this thing as possible."  After backing up a few steps, she turned right and started forward.  She would head that way for a while, then try to resume the same path as though she had been going straight.

"There you are," a voice called out, getting her attention.

Looking up, Diamond Tiara saw a pegasus coming down not far from her.
> Chapter 9
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"My name is Wind Whistler," the pegasus said.  "I was sent to look for you and The Crystal Heart."  She took a step toward Diamond Tiara.

"Hold it!" Diamond snapped, stepping back.  "Just stay right where you are."  Her eyes narrowed as she studied the other mare.

Wind Whistler did as she was told, head tilted and one eyebrow raised curiously.  It was a little difficult for Diamond Tiara to accurately make out the mare's colors in the red glow of the crystals.  It was all lightly colored and pale, that much she could guess.  The mane and tail were either white or some shade of red or pink, seeing how it looked just red from the light.  The coat, however, was another story.  It was definitely a different color.  Perhaps a shade of blue or purple?

There was also something bothering Diamond Tiara about her, but she could not quite put her hoof on it.

"Listen," Wind Whistler said.  "We don't have much time.  We need The Crystal Heart.  The Crystal Empire is vulnerable without it.  Give it to me, and I can take it back to make sure everypony is safe.  Then I can tell the others where to find you."  She held out a hoof.

"Prove who you say you are first," Diamond stated.

"What?"

"The heart was stolen by a changeling, and they are able to take the form of ponies.  Before you come any closer, or I do anything you say, I want you to prove to me that you are who you claim and not a changeling in disguise."

"How do you expect me to do that?" Wind Whistler asked.  "We never met each other before now.  You don't know anything about me, so you can't confirm if I'm telling the truth or not."  She let out a sigh and shook her head.  "Look.  We don't have time for this.  You're just going to have to trust I am who I say and give me The Crystal Heart."  She held out her hoof.

That was when it finally clicked.

"What makes you think I have the heart?"

"What?" Wind Whistler blurted out.

"You keep asking me for The Crystal Heart and telling me it's urgent," Diamond said, narrowing her eyes.  "What even makes you think I have it?  If anypony had seen what happened, they would have seen the changeling leaving with it.  So most would be looking for the changelings with the heart.  You didn't even ask if I had it.  So, what makes you think I do?"

With a sigh, Wind Whistler rolled her eyes.

"You know, this would have been a lot easier if you just gave it to me."

In a flash of green, Wind Whistler disappeared to reveal a changeling.  With an insectoid hiss, it lunged forward.  Its wings buzzed as it charged, aiming for Diamond Tiara.

The sudden change caught Diamond off guard.  The changeling slammed into her, causing a grunt to escape and knocking her backwards.  The impact of her back against the ground got her moving again.  Reaching out, she grabbed the changeling with her forelegs, locking them around its neck and squeezing.  She then drove up one of her hind legs, slamming it into the changeling's underside.

With a squeal of pain, the thing tried to jump back.  Its wings flapped, kicking up snow and creating a deafening buzz as it started pulling the two of them off the ground.

Before they could get too far up, Diamond wrapped her hind legs around the changeling's body as well.  Closing her eyes, she twisted her body with all her strength, upper half twisting left while her lower went right.  There was another squeal from the changeling, followed by an audible cracking sound.

The two of them fell back to the ground.  The impact jarred Diamond Tiara, her limbs going slack.  With a hard shove, the changeling pulled free, rolling away from Diamond and getting back up on its hooves.  Whatever had cracked did not hurt the changeling very much since it seemed to be moving fine.  Still, it gave Diamond Tiara time to get up as well, and breathe.  Now she just needed to figure out how to stop the changeling.

Again the changeling charged at Diamond Tiara.  This time, Diamond lunged toward it, slamming her head into its.  There was flash of pain as they collided, followed by a burning sensation in Diamond's forehead.  She stumbled backwards, trying to shake away the throb.  Something wet ran down her face, getting into one eye.  A metallic smell filled her nose.

Right.  Headbutting something with a sharp horn; bad idea.  Don't try that again.

She resisted the urge to wipe at the blood, keeping the eye closed and her attention on the changeling.  It crouched low, baring its fangs and letting out a hiss.  Its wings flickered against its back, giving off a buzzing sound.

An ideas suddenly came to Diamond Tiara.  It was a long-shot, but it could give her an edge in the fight.  She just had to hope that the damn changeling was stupid enough to try the same thing a third time.

"Come on, beetle brain!" she called out, baring her teeth.  "I'm right here!  What's the matter?  Can't take down one hurt little earth mare?  I'll even make it easy on you!"  She then reared up onto her hind legs.

As she hoped, the changeling charged at her a third time.

Diamond Tiara shifted to a side and dropped down, slamming down on top of the changeling.  Wrapping her forelegs around its neck, she pulled up hard.  A grunt of effort escaped her as she lifted the changeling up off the ground.  With its momentum and her own movement, she managed to lift it all the way up to over her head.  Diamond Tiara then threw herself backwards, bringing the changeling with her.

Instead of a thump of them hitting the ground, there was an audible cracking sound followed by an ear piercing shriek.

Getting back up onto her hooves, she looked to where the changeling should have hit the ground.

Unfortunately, Diamond Tiara had made a mistake.  She had lost track of the crystal formation, and had gotten too close.  So when she had suplexed the changeling, she had done it directly onto the crystals.

Instead of shattering, they had impaled it.

As Diamond Tiara looked,  the red crystals were sticking out through the changeling's body, with one large one right where the heart would be in a pony.  The glowing green ichor that was changeling blood flowed out of the wound, running down the black shell of its body before dripping onto the ground.  Crying out, the changeling kicked and squirmed, trying to do... something... escape maybe?

At the moment, Diamond Tiara's eyes met the changeling's, and her stomach dropped.  It was dying, it was in pain, and it was scared.

"No," Diamond said softly, shaking her head.  "No, no, no.  This wasn't supposed to happen.  This wasn't supposed to happen."  Vision starting to blur with tears, she tried to figure what to do.  "I'm sorry.  I'm sorry.  I'm sorry."

There was nothing Diamond could do.  Pulling the changeling off would just leave a massive hole in her chest, which Diamond Tiara could do nothing about.  That was assuming that she could even survive Diamond Tiara pulling her off.  A hole like that would definitely be fatal to a pony.

Diamond Tiara could not save her.  The best she could do is either put her out of her misery, or stay and try to calm her down.

"I'm sorry," Diamond said again, reaching out to place a hoof against the changeling's cheek.

At the touch, she looked up at Diamond Tiara, blinking.  She then placed her hoof on top of Diamond's, tears filling her own eyes.  The hoof then fell away as the changeling went limp, her eyes glassing over.

"I'm...I'm sorry..." Diamond Tiara sobbed out, taking a step away.

It was at that point that she lost control of her stomach.  Before she could finish turning away, she felt the burning wetness rushing through her chest and up her throat.  Soon, she was bent over, the acid in her stomach and remains of her lunch pouring out onto the snow.

Coughing and tears running down her face, Diamond had to resist the urge to collapse.  If she did, she would be there, crying until she passed out.  She had to get away from the spot.  From the death (that she caused), from the crystals, and from the rapidly freezing mess she had left in the snow.  It did not matter which way any longer.  She just had to get away.

Stepping around the mess, Diamond Tiara started walking again.
> Chapter 10
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Some time later, the actual rescue ponies found me," Diamond Tiara explained.  "I didn't tell them about The Crystal Heart though, just in case.  Once we were back in the city, I had them help me get back to the center and where The Heart went so I could put it back myself."  She took another long drink of the tea, nearly upending the large mug.  It felt so nice having the warm liquid flowing into her body, and it seemed to help settle her stomach back down; just the memory of what happened had gotten it upset again.

"An understandable decision," Shining Armor said.  "And we appreciate you bringing it back.  Even if it didn't protect The Crystal Empire, The Crystal Heart is a pretty important to the crystal ponies."

Diamond Tiara gave a nod, still feeling kind of awestruck to be meeting with the prince consort and commander of the empire's guards.  When she had been told she was to give a statement on what had happened, she was expecting to do so in front of Commander Serena at most (although her more immediate superior seemed more likely since the commander also had to be focusing on the guards who were participating in the games).  Although, it did make sense that she would meet with a member of the local guard since it was a threat to their empire that she had gotten involve in.  However, she had not been expecting that it would be the prince.  It was almost like having to report to Princess Twilight or Princess Mi Amore Cadenza directly (although the Princess Twilight one was not as apt since she did try to be highly involved).

"Are you certain you don't want to go to the hospital?" Shining Armor asked.

"Yes sir," Diamond responded.  "Now that the tooth has been pulled out, I'll be fine sir."

"Very well," Shining Armor said with a nod.  His horn lit up as he started shifting papers.  "I'm fairly certain there will be some changes in security -- both around The Crystal Heart and The Crystal Empire -- until we are able to find do something about this threat.  Others may want to speak to you about what happened, but I don't think it will be absolutely necessary.  So you are free to stay, but you can also return to Ponyville if you desire."

He shifted and looked at her.  Shining seemed to become more relaxed, more casual.

"Before you go, a bit of advice.  I am fortunate enough not to have been through what you have, taking the life of another --"

Diamond Tiara shifted in her seat, grimacing.

"-- but I do know some ponies under my command that had.  Technically, I am in no position to order you to do anything -- especially after you leave The Crystal Empire -- but I can make suggestions, as one pony who is older and more experienced to one who is young and fresh.  You need to deal with what happened and not just bottle it up.  Really, you should probably talk to a professional on the matter, but at the very least, you should talk to your friends about it.  Otherwise, this might just eat at you.  Understood?"

"Yes, sir," Diamond Tiara answered with a nod.

"Alright."  Shining gave her a gentle smile.  "That's all for now.  Dismissed."

Diamond gave another nod and moved to stand up.  Stopping, she looked toward the guard turned prince again.

"Sir, if I may ask?"

Tilting his head slightly, Shining motioned with a hoof for her to continue.

"What happened to them?  The ponies that...you know.."

"The simplest answer is they decided whether or not the guard were right for them," he answered.  "Some stayed on to keep working, others left to pursue less violent occupations."  His eyes narrowed as he looked away from her, ears drooping.  "Others... made different choices... and let's leave it at that..."

"Yes, sir," Diamond said one more time before turning away and heading for the door.  Before she could reach it, there was a knocking sound.

"Could you get that?" Shining asked.

Since she was heading toward the door anyways, Diamond Tiara continued on.  Reaching it, she grabbed the knob and opened the door, letting a crystal pony guard enter.

"Sir," the guard said with a salute.

Shining Armor returned it before asking, "what is it?"

"Your presence is required at the western border sir."  The guard took a deep breath.  "It's Queen Chrysalis sir.  She has appeared, and is asking for you and Princess Cadance, sir."

"Did you say Queen Chrysalis?" Shining asked, standing up.

"Yes, sir."

Shining Armor broke into a brisk trot as he headed for the door, stopping just as he reached the guard who was stepping aside for him.

"Report this to all four princesses," he ordered, "starting with Cadance if they aren't all together.  After, get a squad of guards to meet us as well.  Tell them to have their weaponry in the parade position."

"Sir?" the guard asked.

"We have a lot of visiting dignitaries," Shining Armor explained.  "We need to be ready to defend ourselves if necessary, but don't want to look like we're going in expecting a fight.  If Chrysalis is actually here for peaceful means, then we can simply escort her to the castle same as any other visiting royalty.  Now go."

"Sir!" the guard said with a salute.  Turning, he ran down the hall.  Shining Armor resumed his quick trot, heading down as well.

Diamond Tiara chased after him as best she could.  The fact that the queen of the changelings had come to The Crystal Empire was something she did not want to miss out on.  Practically every pony -- every creature -- in the city would want to see it.

...although... 

It was probably a bad idea for her to be seen by the queen.  If Chrysalis knew about what Diamond had done to one of her changelings, she would probably want bloody vengeance.  It was doubtful that the fact it was in self-defense would matter.

Still, she could not miss the opportunity to see Queen Chrysalis.  Plus, she was still a guard (for the time being), even if a rookie, unarmed and unarmored, and outside of her technical jurisdiction.  If something were to happen, she should be there to try and help.  Maybe if she could save some others, it would make up for what happened.

As she went, nopony tried to stop her.  Diamond Tiara could not quite move fast enough to keep up with Shining Armor or the guards that joined him, but she was able to keep them in sight.  Her leg began to burn with pain from the bite, the muscles turning tight and stiff.  If things went too bad, she was not going to be able to run away.

Soon, they were able to reach the area in question, and it was clear to see.  Most of the creatures had created a wide berth, giving plenty of space to Queen Chrysalis and the changelings that were with her.  She stood tall and proud, two on each side.  As Shining Armor approached, her gaze locked on him, wings giving a flicker.

"Hello, Shining Armor," she said in her strange echoing voice.  "You are looking well."

"Good afternoon, Queen Chrysalis," Shining Armor said, giving a slight bow of his head.

"There is no need for formalities between us."  Chrysalis then smirked.  "After all, we have known each other... intimately."  She licked her lips at the last part, causing Shining Armor to blush.

"Yes," he coughed out before regaining her composure.  "So, what brings you to the empire?  Did you plan on participating in our games?"

Instead of answering, Queen Chrysalis looked up toward the sky and past Shining Armor.  As she did, others started to turn and look in that direction out of curiosity.

Princess Mi Amore Cadenza came swooping down to stop beside her husband, wings staying spread wide for a moment as she stood there.  Soon she was joined by Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Twilight Sparkle.  The three of them stood further behind the two rulers of the empire, wings spread as well.

"Alright, Chrysalis," Cadance said, "what are you doing here and why do you want to see us?"

With a motion of her wings, the four changelings stepped backwards, joining a fifth that was directly behind the queen (which had a fang missing).  The five of them then moved to sit down.  Queen Chrysalis then moved closer to the group of Equestrian rulers.

"As Queen, ruler, and representative of the changelings," she stated in a loud voice that carried far enough for all to hear, "I do hereby surrender myself over to the rulers of Equestria.  I and my kind are now your prisoners."
> Chapter 11
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Blood.

Pain.

Fear.

Why?

Diamond Tiara shot up in bed, panting heavily.  Tossing the sweat soaked sheets off of her (at least it was just sweat this time), she rolled out of bed.  Her eyes glanced toward the alarm clock.

Four-fifteen in the morning.  Later than the night before.  That was at least a good sign, right?

Her gaze shifted to the other bed in the room.  Dinky and Rumble were still asleep, snuggled up against each other.  She had not woken them up this time.  Another good sign.  She did not want to keep waking them up, even if they were willing to keep her company the rest of the night.

Heading to the balcony, Diamond Tiara stepped outside.  Straightening up, she took a deep breath, letting the cold night air of the north fill her lungs.  There was a slight chill to her body as the faint bits of moisture froze and were whisked away by the faint wind.

Maybe I should head back to Ponyville, she thought as she looked at the city around her.  It's not like I've really been paying attention to the games that much.  She rubbed at one of her eyes, stifling a yawn.  Plus, as nice as Rumble and Dinky have been, I would have dad and Apple Bloom there to talk to.  She smirked.  And I'm sure they wouldn't mind having the room all to themselves.

Pushing the thought away for now, she went back inside and headed for the bathroom.  Climbing into the shower, she turned the water on, nice and hot.  She let the warmth soak into her, washing away the cold of outdoors and the dreams.  She thoroughly lathered her coat, mane, and tail, trying to wash the memories away with the remnants of sweat (just like she had been the past few days).  She did not scrub herself as hard as she had before.  Good thing.  Otherwise, she would not have a coat much longer.

After drying off, changing the bandaging on her leg, and getting dressed, Diamond Tiara headed out.  At this time of morning, it was pretty quiet both in the hotel and the city.  There was still a skeleton crew working the building -- including a very bored looking mare who was stuck at the service desk up front -- and the occasional pony on the street that was either up early or late like she was, but most of the city was asleep in their warm, comfortable beds in their nice, safe homes.

Fortunately, not everything was closed up at this time of morning.  There were places that were open all hours day and night, and others that would be open and starting the work for the day.  During her other walks around town, she had found some that were interesting to her, and was heading toward one of them right now.

As she walked, she would occasionally cross paths with one of the guards on patrol.  Most took a note of her, giving her a quick scan to take in details necessary to report her should something occur.  Once in a while, a guard would give her a quick nod.  Whether it was out of politeness, because they recognized her from prior patrols, or they had heard the (ever growing and exaggerated) story of how she saved and returned The Crystal Heart [one version even had her facing a pack of crystal wolves (which were supposed to be like crystal versions of timber wolves)], she could not say.

"Hey," a voice called out.  "Hey, over here."

Turning, Diamond Tiara saw the entrance of an alleyway.

"Oh no," she called out.  "I am not walking down a dark alley, in a city I don't know, in the middle of the night."

A female griffon stepped out from the alley.  She had a cap and scarf on, as well as a pin that marked her as a member of The Griffon Kingdom's guard.

"You're that pony, right?" the griffon asked.  "The one that got The Crystal Heart back?"

"Yeah?" Diamond replied, eyes narrowing as she studied the griffon.

"My name is Griselda.  I'm a member of the griffon military.  Although like you, I'm not here to participate in the games.  I was actually hoping one of us would run into you.  Didn't think it'd be here and now though."

"'One of us?'" Diamond Tiara repeated, raising an eyebrow.  "Who might that be?"

"I'm part of a group that has been doing something around here the past few nights," Griselda told her.  "Nothing actually illegal, but it's not exactly appropriate behavior either."  She pulled out a piece of paper and passed it to Diamond Tiara.  "If you're interested in a good fight and maybe making some money, come to this location at midnight.  You have three nights before we move elsewhere."

Diamond Tiara took the paper and looked at it.  It was a crudely drawn map with an address on it.  Before Diamond could ask any further questions on the matter, the griffon took off, flying up and away.  With a sigh, Diamond Tiara stuffed the paper into her jacket and continued on.  She would decide about whether or not to go later.

Continuing on her way, Diamond Tiara soon reached her destination: Snow Sugar's Sweets.  And they were open for the day.  Pushing the door open, she stepped inside.

"Good morning," a white crystal mare called out from behind the counter "and welcome to Snow Sugar's."  She looked up from where she had been putting some more of her baked goods.  "Are you ready to order or do you need a moment?"

"Morning," Diamond replied as she walked up toward the counter.  "Can I get one apple fritter to eat now, and four of the crystal berry turnovers for later, please?"

"Isn't that the same thing you got yesterday?" Snow Sugar asked as she pulled a fritter out of the display and passed over.

"And the day before," Diamond answered as she set the bits on the counter before taking the treat.  She then took a bite, enjoying the taste.  It was not as good as the ones the Apple Bloom's family made, but still pretty good.

"Keep this up, and it will be your usual just as you go home," Snow said as she started pulling the out the turnovers.

"That's what happens when you're the only place with fritters," Diamond said before licking the powdered sugar (or "snow sugar") from her lips.  "Although my friends would enjoy turnovers every morning, as good as they are."

A giggle escaped Snow as she closed up the box of turnovers.  Setting it on the counter, she grabbed the bits, counting quickly to make sure.  Diamond finished the last little bit of her fritter, listened to the click of the register, then grabbed the box and headed for the door.

"Thank you for coming," Snow Sugar called after her.  "Hope to see you again."

"You probably will," Diamond Tiara called back as she left.  Stepping back out into the street, she started her return journey to the hotel.  She would get back in time to enjoy one of the turnovers before Dinky and Rumble woke up... assuming that they had not already woken up, noticed she was gone, and decided to enjoy the alone time to have sex.

There was an itch at the back of her neck, giving her the feeling of being watched.

Diamond Tiara bit her lip, resisting the urge to turn and look back.  If she did, it would possibly let whatever was following know she sensed something.  Plus, there would be no guarantee of spotting it.  Still, inexperience and curiosity ended up winning out.  Despite herself, Diamond Tiara turned around to look back.

As expected, she did not see anything.  Of course she would not.  That was one of the most basic things in stories where a pony is being watched: even if they are, they do not see the tail when they look back.  The character being followed had to get creative.  Come up with some way of tricking the stalker into being caught.

Turning back, she continued along the road.  As she resumed walking, her eyes scanned around, trying to take in what was around her.  Maybe she could see something that would give her an idea.  Some of the buildings were kind of shiny.  Perhaps she could use one of them to catch the reflection of her follower?  If there were other buildings open, maybe she could go in, slip out another door, and loop around to see who might go in after her.

Maybe she should have paid more attention to that Shadow Spade book...

"HELP!" a voice called out.  "SOMEPONY!  HELP!  GUARDS!"

Diamond Tiara broke into a full run.  Her ears shifted as she listened, following the shouts as she made her way through the streets.  Soon she came upon a scared looking stallion standing next to a mare lying in the road.

"What happened?" Diamond asked as she approached the two.

"I... I don't know," the stallion answered.  "I was just walking for work when I heard somepony cry out.  Next thing I know, I found her here like this."

"Go get a guard," Diamond ordered as she moved closer.  "I'll stay here with her."

With a nod, the stallion ran down the road.  Diamond Tiara then turned her attention to the mare.  Reaching down, she checked on her.

The mare was breathing, so she was definitely alive, which was good.  Unfortunately, it was too shallow and fast.  She was hyperventilating.  A quick hoof against her chest revealed that the mare's heart was pounding like a jackhammer, the rhythm too fast for Diamond to keep count of.  Diamond Tiara placed a hoof on the mare's face, trying to get a look at her eyes.

The mare grabbed a hold of Diamond Tiara, causing her to jump.  She turned to Diamond, eyes wide and... something else about them seemed off.

"Sombra!" the mare gasped out.  "It was Sombra!  He's returned."
> Chapter 12
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Sombra!" Princess Twilight Sparkle cried out as she looked at Diamond Tiara with wide eyes.  "Sombra!  Sombra's back?!"

"That's what the mare said before passing out," Diamond said, trying not to pull back from Twilight being so close to her.

"Great," Twilight huffed as she stepped back rolling her eyes.  "Just great."  Her wings flickered at her side as she turned to pace nervously.  "Just what I need.  First Chrysalis shows up supposedly to surrender, then Discord appears and insists we let his..." she let out a groan "...'guards' compete in the games, and now King Sombra might be back.  What's next?  Lord Tirek escaping Tartarus again?"  She rubbed at her face.

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath, and slowly let it out.  She then did this again, and a third time.  With each breath, Twilight relaxed more.  Soon, she stopped, opening her eyes and seeming calmer.

"Okay," Princess Twilight Sparkle said.  "Come with me.  I want to check on the mare.  Then we need to discuss our next move with the others."

"Yes ma'am," Diamond Tiara said, moving into step behind the princess.  Was she actually going to be involved in this discussion?  Maybe she could do something to help.  But what?  Kingdom level threats were beyond her skill and level training at this point.  The only things she knew about King Sombra was what she had been told after The Crystal Empire's return.

The two of them made their way through the castle, reaching the infirmary where the unconscious mare had been brought.  Doctors and nurses stood around, checking on her as she laid unconscious.  Her breathing seemed to have gotten steadier.

"Move aside, please," Twilight said as she approached.  The doctors and nurses did as requested, giving the princess plenty of space.  Stepping closer, her horn lit up with magic.  The aura of energy engulfed the form of the unconscious mare, pulsing and shifting along her form.  Twilight's eyes were closed as she worked, face screwed up in concentration.

Finally, the magic vanished and Twilight opened her eyes.

"That did not help as much as I had hoped," she sighed out before turning to the doctor.

"How is she?"

"Sedated," the doctor answered.  "Whatever happened to her out there, it's left her utterly terrified.  We're going to let her rest for a while, and hopefully will be calmer once she wakes back up."

A grimace passed over Princess Twilight's face as she looked down at the unconscious pony.

"Alright.  Keep me posted of any changes.  Also let me know when she is up for a conversation.  I would like to talk to her about what happened myself."

"Yes ma'am."

With a nod, Twilight left the doctors and nurses to their work and left the infirmary.  In the hall, they turned and headed toward the stairs.

"So, since we have some time while we walked," Twilight said, "how are you doing?"

"Fine," Diamond Tiara replied automatically.

Stopping, Princess Twilight Sparkle turned to face Diamond and raised an eyebrow before asking, "Really?"

Diamond Tiara stopped as she scrutinized by the princess.  No.  She was not being scrutinized.  Princess Twilight Sparkle was just looking at her with concern.  She was just trying to be nice and friendly.  Sincerely so.

"No," Diamond finally said.  "I mean, most of the time, I'm fine, but it's because I don't think about what happened.  I can distract myself with town, the games, ponies, whatever.  But, when I'm alone... or lying in bed... or sleeping..."  She rubbed at one of her legs, feeling a shiver down her spine.

"It's all so vivid: the blood; the wound; the screaming; the...the fear..."  She took a step back.  "Just trying to talk about it makes my stomach turn..."

She straightened up.

"I have been sleeping, but not well.  Although I am doing better, sleeping longer and not waking up as... terrified... guilty... I don't even know what I'm feeling.  I mean... I know I didn't want it to happen, and would do... almost anything to keep it from happening.  I wouldn't want to die in her place or anything like that.  I just... I don't know if I am the right kind of pony for this anymore..."

"I would say you are," Twilight said.  Reaching out a wing, she brought it to Diamond's chin so the two were looking each other eye to eye.  "The fact that you regret it, that you feel bad about it, shows that you are a good pony.  The kind that we need in the guard.  Because as much as you regret what happened, in a similar situation you will try to avoid it in the future.  You will try to find a better way through."

"So..." Diamond Tiara said slowly, "...you're saying... I would be a good guard... because I feel bad about what happened?"

"In a way, yes," Twilight answered.  She turned and started walking again.

Diamond Tiara stood there in confusion a moment before running to catch up with her.

"I doubt that anypony would blame you if you decided to leave the guard," Twilight Sparkle stated, "but I would like you to stay.  You have shown compassion and empathy.  I don't know what the future holds, but I am certain there will be some more fights and tough times ahead.  Having a pony that can make tough decisions like what happened -- and wanting to find a way to avoid unnecessary violence -- is something that I could use in my guards.  I'm not forcing you to stay, or asking for a decision now.  Just something to think about."

The rest of the walk went in silence as Diamond Tiara considered what Twilight had said.  It felt like a lot to take in.  Out of context, the fact that she felt bad about what happened being a good thing sounded weird.  Actually, in context it still sounded weird.  Plus, the image of the guards being compassionate did not really fit her mental image of how they should be.  Guards were supposed to be stoic, tough, willing to throw themselves between a civilian and a threat without a second thought.  Yes, they could be gentle enough for a foal to approach for help, but they were also an intimidating sight for any would be criminal.

Ugh, she mentally groaned, rolling her eyes.  Life was so much easier when I didn't care about others.

Soon they reached a room where Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, and Prince Shining Armor were already waiting.

"What can you tell us, Twilight?" Princess Mi Amore Cadenza asked.

"Unfortunately, nothing," Princess Twilight Sparkle answered.  "I did a magical scan of the mare.  There was some sort of dark magic used, but I can't quite tell what.  It does feel similar to the magic Sombra used on his door, but it's hard to be certain.  So, I can neither confirm nor deny that it was him on my end."  She turned to Shining.  "Did you have better luck?"

"No.  The guards are still looking, but there are no other sightings of him.  There were also no direct witnesses to the actual attack.  The only two ponies that were even close enough to be involved were Diamond Tiara and the stallion that found her."

"How do you wish to proceed?" Princess Celestia asked Shining Armor and Princess Cadance.

"First, a personal matter," Cadance said.  "Shining, I think we should send Skyla to stay with your parents for a while.  Whatever's happening here, she should be safe in Canterlot."

"Agreed.  And you--"

"No," Cadance cut in.  "I know what you're going to suggest, and I'm not going with her.  I cannot abandon the ponies that rely on me any more than you can."

A small smile spread across Shining Armor's face.

"You still can't blame me for trying," he said before leaning forward to kiss Cadance on the cheek.

"Back to the business at hoof: we should tell the visiting dignitaries and have them at least be on alert.  Since we aren't certain that it's Sombra, we don't know what they are going to do.  If this is not an attack on the city as a whole, then whoever is behind it may target visitors next.  We're also going to have to increase security around the city.  It might be a good idea to withdraw the team from the games so they can help as well."

"That may not be necessary," Twilight spoke up.  "Keep in mind, I have an extra squadron here in town, meant to observe the games.  Admittedly, they are inexperienced, but they are still well trained and disciplined.  We could have them assigned to help look out for things while they're out.  This would allow you to have more eyes around the city, and minimize any consequences on the games."

"I have a small retinue of guards as well who could assist," Luna offered.

"As do I," Celestia added.  "Between the three of us, we can provide extensive support to The Crystal Guards without noticeably affecting regular activities."

"Sounds like we would have more than enough help," Cadance said, "without having to interrupt empire activities.  Twilight, do you think that maybe you could send word to your friends to come, just in case we need their help as well?"

"I already have," Twilight assured.  "Hopefully, they should be here by this evening, but it might be tomorrow morning.  They are on their way though."

"Very good," Celestia said.  "I suggest we take a quick break, and inform the officers of their pending duties.  The sooner they are aware, the sooner the rest of the guards will be as well.  Plus it will allow Shining Armor and Cadance to see to Skyla.  We can then resume our meeting during lunch."

"An excellent idea," Cadance said.  "We will see you all later.  Come on Shining."  She then hurried for the door, her husband quickly following her.

"Diamond Tiara," Twilight said, getting Diamond's attention, "you're free to go if you want.  I'm going to stay and talk to the other princesses a moment.  I will more than likely see you again at the official address to your CO and squadron."

"Yes ma'am," Diamond replied with a salute.  She then headed for the door herself, leaving Princess Twilight Sparkle to speak with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.  As she made her way back down the halls and toward the exit, Diamond thought about what was going to happen.  A part of her was irritated by it.  She was not even sure she wanted to stay in the guard, and now she was stuck helping watch over The Crystal Empire.

Once she had actually reached the streets she realized that technically she did not have to.  If she chose, she could resign her position now and head back to Ponyville on the next train.  Sure, some of the others might be disappointed, but none of them would be too upset and blame her.

Except, she did not think she could.  For whatever reason, she did not feel like she could just walk away and leave while The Crystal Empire was in trouble.

Well, it looks like I'll be staying in the guard at least a few more days.
> Chapter 13
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Are you sure that we should be coming with you?" Rumble asked as he and Dinky followed Diamond Tiara.  "I mean, they didn't invite us to whatever this thing is."

"I am not going to a strange location in the middle of the night given to me by a mysterious griffon standing in a dark alley alone," Diamond Tiara stated walking along.  "The fact I'm doing it at all with even one of those facts is bad enough.  Besides, it's better this way.  If they have a problem with you two being there, then whatever is going on is probably not something I should be involved in.  It will give me an excuse to leave."

"You don't know," Dinky said as she looked around.  She let out a gasp.  "Maybe they are actually a secret ops team ran by one of the princesses and wants you to join their them.  Or maybe they're time travelers who need your help to keep something from tampering with the time line.  Maybe the location is actual their trans-temporal spaceship."

"What is with you and traveling through time and space?" Rumble asked, tilting his head to look at her.

"I just think it would be really amazing," Dinky answered.  "Just imagine the possibilities.  You could go back in time and see what Princess Celestia and Luna were like as foals, or go forward and see what Equestria will be like in another thousand years.  There could be a planet where the dominant life form is some sort of highly evolved primate, or one where they are unable to use magic."

"Oh, come on," Diamond huffed out.  "How could primates become a dominant life form?  All they do is eat fruit, groom each other, and throw their shit at each other."

"Maybe they have a contest," Rumble suggested.  "Whichever one of them can throw the biggest pile at others gets to be the leader."

"And a world without magic?" Diamond asked.  "How would that even work?"

"I don't know," Dinky said with a shrug, "but that would be part of the fun.  You would get to see how others are able to do things.  Besides, there was a time when the tribes were not aware of each other.  Imagine what kind of stories they made up to explain things like why the sun and moon rose."

Diamond Tiara chose not to respond to the statement.  Although now there was a little nagging question at the back of her mind: how did they explain that?  Well it did not matter right now anyways.  It was just something that she might look into at a later time.  For now, she had more immediate concerns.

The three of them soon reached the destination Diamond Tiara had been given.  The place looked like the back of a business of some kind.  Reaching up, Diamond Tiara pushed against the door, which slid open with ease.

"Don't they normally lock these things?" Rumble asked.

"I guess whatever is going on is inside," Diamond said.  "Not much good to have a pony show up if they can't get in."

"Well I guess it's not a top secret defense organization," Dinky stated.  "If it was, they probably would have wanted you to demonstrate you skills at getting in to a locked building unnoticed."

"I'll try to hide my disappointment," Diamond said, rolling her eyes.  Although... she actually was a little disappointed.  Not like she actually believed that she was meeting with a top secret organization that protected Equestria or anything, but the idea was actually kind of entertaining.  It was fun at least as a notion.  Not like she could say for certain if she would have accepted or not, but to at least have the offer as an option would have been nice.

Inside the building, there were small crystals glowing with magic light.  It seemed to mark some sort of path to follow.  As they went, the sound of voices could be heard.  It sounded like there must have quite an enthusiastic crowd.  Either there were a lot of beings, or a very excited smaller group.  As Diamond got closer, it sounded more and more like... cheering?

Diamond Tiara, Rumble, and Dinky Hooves soon reached another door, a thick steel one.

"That's probably a store room," Dinky said.  "Whatever is going on, sounds like it's on the other side."

"Ready?" Diamond asked, getting nods from Rumble and Dinky.  Reaching out, she took a hold of the door and pulled it open.

Inside stood a crowd, comprised mostly of ponies and griffons, with the occasional zebra, yak, or minotaur about.  Their attention was mainly focused on a large clear area in the middle of the room where a griffon and pegasus were fighting each other.  It was a bit difficult to make out the specifics since it seemed both sides were flapping their wings, but Diamond did think she saw some blood running down the pegasus' face.

"You came," a voice shouted, getting the three ponies' attention.  "And you brought your friends."

Diamond and the others turned to find that the griffon from this morning was approaching them.  She gave them a warm smile as her eyes scanned the three of them.

"I'm Griselda, and welcome to The Crystal Empire's underground female fight club."

"A fight club?" Rumble asked.  "You mean mares come here and beat each other up?"

"Yes," Griselda said.  "Although not just ponies for now.  And before you ask: no, the first rule is not that we don't talk about it."

"Aww," Dinky pouted.

"Anyway, quick rundown: any creature can participate.  They just have to basically sign in, letting the announcer and judges know they want to have a fight.  There are multiple ways for the fight to go.  Some are first blood, others are knock-out or submission, and some are just a timed match.  Depending on the match and how it goes, the winner could get a few bits out of it.  You can also place bets on the fighters.  Although you can't bet against yourself.  You can guess as to why.  When you fight, there is no magic spells, no biting, no clawing for those of us who can, no choking, no mane pulling for those who have it, and no hitting another fighter in the genitals."

"The genitals?" Rumble repeated.

"We don't want it any more than a stallion," Griselda replied.

"And this is legal?" Dinky asked.

"Well, there aren't actually any laws against it," Griselda answered.  "The two participants are adults and fully consenting after all."

"So why is it a secret?"

"Actually," Diamond Tiara cut in, "I have a better question: why invite me?"

"You got a bit of a reputation now," Griselda told her.  "I mean, think about it.  You managed to walk out of the frozen wastes around the city, alone, carrying The Crystal Heart, after fighting off who knows how many monsters."

Diamond Tiara groaned, rolling her eyes.

"Stupid stories and rumors," she huffed.  "First, I didn't walk out.  I was found by a rescue team that brought me back.  Second, yes, I had the heart, but there was no great fight.  There were just two changeling drones, both of which were at separate times.  One ran away and the other..."

...was killed when I slammed it into a cluster of blood red crystals!  She was... not innocent... but she didn't deserve that.  So now her blood...  She lifted one of her hooves, looking at it.

"You know what, fine."  Diamond then turned to Griselda.  "Sign me up.  I'll fight."

"What?" Rumble and Dinky called out.

"Really?" Griselda asked, eyes going wide as a grin spread across her face.

"Yeah, sure, whatever.  Just hurry up before I change my mind or leave or something."

"Okay," Griselda called out as she turned.  "I'll see if I can have you get the next match or so.  A lot of spectators and fighters are going to be so excited."  She then started shoving her way through the crowd, making her way somewhere.

"Diamond?" Rumble asked.  "Are you sure you want to do this?  It sounds dangerous."

"May as well," Diamond said.  "I'm here.  Either I win, in which case yay, or I lose, in which case I can put some of these stupid rumors to an end."

"You could also get your ass kicked pretty hard," Rumble replied.  "I'm willing to bet some of the beings here have been in fights, and aren't some fresh out of training guard who had a bit of luck -- good and bad -- and barely any field experience."

"I'm willing to bet she can do it," Dinky stated, placing a hoof on Diamond's back.  "In fact, I want to bet she can do it.  I wonder what kind of odds they're giving her.  If they think the way you do, it should be pretty high, but the story about her 'fighting off a hoard of snow monsters with a broken leg before getting back to the city' might drop them considerably."

"That never happened!" Diamond Tiara snapped, turning to glare at Dinky.

"I know that, D," Dinky said, "but at this point I'm willing to bet that there are stories like that going around somewhere in this city."  She took a step back.  "Now if you will excuse me, I have a bet to place."  She then made her way through the crowd, occasionally calling out an "excuse me," or "pardon me."

"Are you really sure you want to do this?" Rumble asked again.  "It could be dangerous, and you are still injured from... your altercations..."

"I need to," Diamond said, her voice just above a whisper.

"Why?"

"I... I don't know."  That was kind of a lie (to him and herself).  "I just need to."

"Alright," Rumble relented.  "But be careful.  Getting yourself beat up won't change anything."

A pang shot through Diamond Tiara's chest, causing her to grimace.  Was that actually what she was doing?  Maybe.  She felt horrible about what happened.  Yet every pony that she talked about it with were so sympathetic, so understanding.  None of them blamed her for what happened, saying it was an accident, or in self-defense.  And that was true.

So why did it never make her feel better?

"Diamond!" Dinky shouted as she shoved her way through the crowd.  "Diamond!"  She came to a stop in front of the other mare.  "I thought I should warn you.  I saw who your op--"

The rest of Dinky's statement was drowned out by the sound of the crowd cheering.  In the impromptu arena, the griffon had somehow won her fight, and was standing in the center with her wings wide in a victory pose.  The pegasus, meanwhile, was either being dragged out, or was dragging her hooves as she walked.  It was hard to tell.

"Wasn't that an amazing battle?" a silvery crystal mare called out, getting another round of cheering from the crowd.  "And speaking of amazing, we have an amazing guest here tonight.  From Ponyville, the mare that fended off a pack of wolves and brought The Crystal Heart back to the empire: please welcome... Diamond Tiara!"

There were gasps and murmurs from some and cheering from others.  The crowd shifted, granting Diamond Tiara a clear path to the arena.  As she approached, some of the audience members reached out to pat her on the back or stroke at her flanks.

"Diamond!" Dinky called out.  "Embrace your inner brat!"

What does that even mean? Diamond wondered as she made her way to the clear area of the arena.  Why would Dinky want me to act like a brat?  She came to a stop beside the announcer.

"And her opponent," the mare called out.  "A favorite that has been here every night since the start of the games and currently undefeated.  Also from Ponyville--"

Wait!

"-- and part of the mercenary group, The Blue Blood Battle Brigade."

It can't be.

"Please, welcome..."

No!

"AURA!"
> Chapter 14
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The pale purple tinted earth mare stepped forward.  Her eyes narrowed as a predatory grin spread across her face.  Tilting her head to one side, there was an audible crack from her neck.

"Oh, I am looking forward to this," she purred out.  "And this time, there is no drill sergeant to save your sorry flank."

Diamond Tiara tensed, resisting the urge to rub at her muzzle.

"I guess you'll just have to lose some other way," Diamond Tiara blurted out.  This got a chuckle from Aura.

"You think you can beat me?" Aura asked.  "Really?"  Her eyes narrowed further as she walked toward Diamond.  "And what makes you think that?  I have been working and training with one of the best mercenary corps in Equestria.  What have you been doing?"

That gave Diamond Tiara a moment of pause.  After the fiasco in The Everfree Forest, things had been rather quiet for her.  She had been on light duty until her flank had healed enough to remove the stitches, and then it had been pretty routine: report to command, do some patrolling, and the occasional combat training and practice.  She had been slacking on that last part actually.

And now she was regretting it all the more.  It was doubtful -- although not impossible -- that Aura would be able to kill her here and now with all these other beings around, but Diamond Tiara could still get hurt pretty badly.  Aura could potentially dislocate a joint, or break a bone.  She might even break Diamond's back before someone interfered.

Diamond Tiara would have to try and out-think Aura.

Focus, she told herself.  Break her down and look at each piece.  Find weaknesses.  You used to be good at that.

"Do both of you know the rules?" the announcer asked.

"Yes," Diamond said.

Aura nodded.

"The match will be decided when one of the fighters is unable or unwilling to continue.  Ready?  Begin!"

Aura made the first move.  At the signal, she darted forward, charging toward Diamond Tiara.  Turning, Aura slammed her shoulder into Diamond's chest, knocking her off balance and sending her backwards.  Trying to take advantage, Aura spun, kicking out with a back leg as she aimed for Diamond Tiara's knee.

There was a burst of pain as the blade of Aura's hoof struck the joint.  The impact caused the leg to bend, dropping Diamond forward.  This time, she was ready and went with it.  Turning with the impact, she brought her other foreleg up under Aura's hind one, dropping her weight down onto the limb.  Diamond Tiara then threw herself to one side, twisting the leg and pulling Aura.

A yelp escaped from Aura as she was thrown onto her side.  Coughing and gasping, she tried to pull herself back out.  Her free leg kicked out behind her, missing Diamond Tiara's head by nearly a foot.  With a grunt, she tried again.  Her hoof slammed into Diamond Tiara's with a satisfying crunch.

The impact to her nose sent an explosion of pain through Diamond's skull, causing white to flash before her eyes.  Hot blood poured from her nostrils, running down her face, and she was pretty sure that some of her teeth had been knocked loose in their sockets by the blow as well.  The impact also snapped her head back, straining the muscles from skull to shoulders.  She doubted that she could take another blow like that again  Still, she had managed to keep her grip on Aura's leg.  When another kick came for her head, Diamond Tiara turned hard and slammed her entire weight down on Aura's leg.

There was an ear-piercing shriek as the ankle popped out of joint.

Grinning, Diamond Tiara let go, pulling away from the other mare and standing back up.  Her eyes narrowed as she waited, hoping that Aura would give up after having her ankle dislocated.

Instead, Aura stood back up.  Supporting her weight on her three good legs, she turned to face Diamond Tiara again.  It should not have been a surprise really.  Aura had been planning on a guard before getting kicked out, she was an earth pony, and Diamond Tiara knew from personal experience that she could be insanely driven (and very likely was flat out insane).  So an injury that was not completely crippling was probably not going to stop Aura.  But at least it would not be a complete waste.  The injury would at least hobble Aura and limit her movement, which would also restrict her attack options.  It would at least give Diamond Tiara a little more time to react.

Before Diamond Tiara could start thinking of a way to capitalize on the new advantage, Aura was moving at her again.  Expecting a charge like before, Diamond darted to the side, trying to keep from getting body checked again.

There was a sudden flare in her own leg, a throb pulsing through it from where the changeling's fang had been embedded.  The dull ache that she had been able to ignore was now replaced by a fresh burning one.  Diamond Tiara could swear that she felt blood pouring from the wound again.  She would have to check later.

The sound of hooves approaching her from behind reached her ears.  Before she could stop herself, she kicked out with both legs, like she would one of the trees and Sweet Apple Acres.

Her kick hit nothing.

Something slammed into Diamond Tiara's stomach, knocking the air from her lungs.  With all of her weight already balanced on her front, the momentum of the impact sent her forward, having her face slam into the cold tile floor.  Something else happened, but Diamond could not entirely be sure what.  All she could tell is that the floor did not look right for some reason.

Another blow hit Diamond Tiara in the side of her barrel, knocking her onto her side and sending her sliding across the floor.

Shifting, she tried to get back up.  As she did, she realized what the problem was: everything was blurry.  For some reason, her eyes were not focusing properly.

Diamond Tiara tried to push herself up, only to get knocked down again.

"Pathetic!" Aura huffed out from somewhere to Diamond Tiara's right.  "I really thought that you would be at least some challenge to me."

Gritting her teeth, Diamond Tiara rolled toward the sound and kicked with her good back leg.  There was a dull thump as her hoof hit something, followed by a yelp.  Diamond's best guess was that she managed to hit Aura square in the chest.  Dropping the leg, she turned it into a sweep to knock Aura's legs out from under her.  At the same time, she drove her injured leg upwards.

There was a flair of pain as she managed to hit something, followed shortly by a loud cracking sound.

That would hopefully give her a moment to catch her breath.  She moved to get back up, turning to look at where she believed Aura was.  As she blinked, the other mare slowly gave into focus.

With a scream of rage, Aura charged at her.

Returning with a bellow of her own, Diamond Tiara charged back.

The two of them ran at each other, at full speed.

A sudden thought came to Diamond Tiara: she had no idea what she was doing.

Aura lifted her head and slammed it down against Diamond's.

Everything went black.
> Chapter 15
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"So how are you feeling?" Dinky asked.

"Like I got my ass kicked," Diamond Tiara answered.  Sucking a deep breath through her nose, she hocked up and spat out a ball of snot and clotted blood.  "It was a stupid idea to get in a fight like that.  Especially with her."

"Well... at least you didn't lose," Dinky said with a grin.

"I don't really considered 'draw due to double knock-out' a real win," Diamond huffed out.

"I guess you're not as hard headed as some ponies say then."

"Oh, har har, Dinky.  You're just hilarious."

"I know," Dinky replied with a giggle.

Diamond Tiara let out a snort, which made her nostrils itch.  She sucked in another breath to hock up and spit more blood and snot.  This time it was not as black as the last one.  She must have gotten most of the clots out by now.  True, spitting was not supposed to be lady-like behavior, but then, nearly having her nose broken going against her rival in semi-illegal underground fight club was in no way lady-like either.

And neither was breaking a mare's jaw.  The memory of being told that brought a grin to Diamond's face.

"I'm here! I'm here!"

The sound of Rumble shouting broke Diamond Tiara out of her thoughts and drew her attention.  The pegasus stallion came in for a landing nearby.  His wings gave a flap as he turned his momentum into a short trot, coming to a full stop in front of the pair.

"And where did you disappear to?" Diamond asked.

With a grin, Rumble opened one of his saddle bags, reached into it, and pulled out a pink box with a white snowflake on the lid.  Lifting the top, he revealed the apple fritter inside to Diamond Tiara.

"I went to Snow Sugar's Sweets to pick this up for you," he said as he held it out.  "Figured you would want this to feel a little better about last night.  'specially since you still have all of your teeth."

Grinning herself, Diamond Tiara took a hold of the treat gave it a big bite.  The fried bread, the apples, the cinnamon and the powdered sugar all mixed and danced across her tongue.  It tasted so good, Diamond Tiara gave a little moan.

"By the way," Rumble continued, "Snow Sugar asked about you.  It seemed like she was disappointed that you weren't coming in this morning."  He grinned.  "I think she likes you."

"Oooh," Dinky said.  "Does somepony have a crush on Diamond?"

"Oh come on," Diamond said, rolling her eyes.  "We're not foals in school anymore.  A crush is no big deal.  Besides, it doesn't matter.  You know that I'm in love with Apple Bloom."  She then took another bite of her fritter.

"Uh... Diamond?" Rumble asked.  "Would... you care to repeat that?"

Turning her attention to him and Dinky, Diamond Tiara found the pair of them staring at her with confusion and curiosity.

"I said 'you know I'm in a relationship with Apple Bloom,'" Diamond Tiara said.  "You know that.  Why?"

Dinky and Rumble glanced at each other for a moment.  One of Dinky's ears flickered.

"We... thought we might have misheard you," Dinky answered.  "You... were a little muffled by the mouthful of fritter is all."

For her part, Diamond Tiara was skeptical of their answer.  From the look on their faces, they were definitely hiding something.  Still, it was probably nothing important.

Finishing the rest of her fritter, she turned away from the pair and resumed walking.  Soon the other two started to follow after her, making their way through the city.  They made their way along the streets that cold morning (which it was safe to guess was pretty much what it was like there every morning), heading toward the temporary guard command center.  As they went, other ponies joined them.  Some they recognized from their own squadron, while others were members of different guard units that had also been volunteered into helping watch the city in the current situation.

Inside the building, they all continued on, heading toward a single large auditorium.    Moving forward, they filed into rows, facing toward a raised stage.  There was a faint sound of conversation as some of those already waiting chatted gently among themselves.

The conversations all ceased when Prince Consort Shining Armor stepped onto the stage.

"As you all have been told," Shining Armor called out loud enough for all to hear, "your representatives have agreed to have you assist the crystal guard in keeping the city, its citizens, and visiting individuals safe while The Grand Guard Games are occurring.  For those of you wondering, this is due to the fact that in the past two nights, there have been attacks."

The words "two nights," and "attacks" echoed through Diamond Tiara's mind, blocking out the rest of Shining Armor's words.  That meant that at least one other attack happened last night.  There possibly could have been others, even on the same night she had first found out, which were reported after she had left their meeting.  How many had been attacked?  What happened to them?

Getting back up, Diamond Tiara started making her way toward an open walkway.

"Where are you going?" Dinky called after her (as much as one could while whispering).

"I need to find out exactly what happened," she answered, continuing to walk.  Reaching the cleared path, she moved as fast as she could up the path without running (or having the freshly re-opened wound in her leg hurt too badly).  Leaving the auditorium, she scanned the halls to see if there was a being there that could help her.  Not seeing any, she started down one of the halls.

Considering what was happening, at least one of the princesses should be nearby.  If not, then at least some of the commanding officers should be around.  Certainly some of the officers would know more about what happened, and might be willing to fill her in.

"Private Tiara!"

The shout stopped Diamond Tiara's searching.  Turning toward the sound, she shifted to stand at full attention and gave a salute.

After returning the salute, Commander Serena asked, "what...happened to you?"

"I fell down the stairs, ma'am," Diamond Tiara responded.

"...fell... down... the stairs?" Serena repeated, raising an eyebrow and studying Diamond Tiara closely.

"Yes, ma'am."

Diamond Tiara continued to stand there at attention, as Commander Serena stared at her.  It was the familiar look that Diamond had seen before, the look of an authority figure seeking indications if somepony was being deceptive.  Seeing it on her commander's face, Diamond had to resist the urge to smile.  Deceiving others -- teachers, parents, adults, pretty much any sort of authority in foalhood -- had been something she had become quite practiced at when she was young.  It was the best way to get away with misbehavior and possibly get others into trouble.  She was willing to bet she was still very competent at it.

Perhaps she should try playing poker with some of the others, just to test it out and keep her skill sharp.

"I actually 'fell down the stairs' a few times myself when I was young," Commander Serena stated.  "Made quite a few bits out of it too.  I suppose there's no trouble as long as any others who 'fell down the stairs' with you were there by their own choice.  Now, what are you doing out here and not at the conference with the others?"

"Permission to speak freely, Commander?"

"Very well," Commander Serena said with a nod.

"Prince Shining Armor said that there were multiple attacks over the past few nights," Diamond Tiara explained.  "Yesterday morning, I was at one of the sights where one of the attacks happened."

"Yes," Serena stated.  "The first known victim.  The one that claimed to have been attacked by King Sombra."

"Yes ma'am.  And I was  hoping that I could find somepony that could tell me about the other victims."

"Victim," Commander Serena said.  "Only one other... so far.  It was similar to the previous: a lone pony attacked in the pre-dawn hours of this morning.  Also like the previous, the attacker was not seen.  However, in this case, the victim claims that they were attacked by a crystal wolf.  Are you aware of what those are?"

"They are supposed to be an equivalent to Timber Wolves in The Everfree Forest, ma'am," Diamond Tiara answered.  "Animate crystals primarily in the shape of a large wolf."

"Correct.  However, no paw pads were found in the area, and there was no signs of physical injury.  Now, get back to the conference."

"Yes ma'am," Diamond said, giving another salute.  Turning away from the commander, she started back toward the auditorium.

"Tiara," Commander Serena called out.  "Before you go: hypothetically, if the 'stairs' you fell down were -- say -- another pony, how badly would they have been damaged by your 'fall?'"

Diamond Tiara considered the question for a moment.  She could figure out what it was that Commander Serena was trying to ask in not too roundabout a way.  The question was how to answer.

"I can't actually say since I don't remember reaching the bottom of the stairs," Diamond Tiara finally answered.  "But, if -- hypothetically -- some others had been there and seen what happened, they might say that I damaged the stairs as much as they did me."

"Well then, I guess we're going to have to see about some extra training when we get back to Ponyville," Serena stated.  "After all, if somepony is going to 'fall down the stairs,' they should at least reach the bottom still standing.  Dismissed."  She then turned from Diamond Tiara and started walking away.

Diamond watch her commander a moment before turning and continuing toward the auditorium doors.  As she walked, she considered what she had been told and what had been implied.  First, there had been another attack.  Second, that her commander knew about the underground fighting.

On the first matter, she went through what little she now knew.  It was the second attack in as many days, it also happened early this morning, and the victim claimed to be attacked by a crystal wolf.  With the first point, although it supposedly was not enough to indicate an actual pattern yet, it was something to take note of.  If it was the start of one, then that would mean there will be another.  If that was the case, then the fact it happened in the same time and similar circumstances would mean that it would happen in the pre-dawn hours of tomorrow, and the target would most likely be alone.  The third -- that the victim claimed it was a crystal wolf -- would mean that it was not King Sombra after all (unless he somehow managed to get crystal wolves to serve him, which was not a possibility Diamond Tiara wanted to consider).  So the upside was that it was not the return of the former tyrant, which would put some ponies at ease, but it led to two new questions:  if it's not Sombra, then what is it; and how do they stop whatever it is?

The other matter was that Commander Serena knew about the fighting, if not the fight club itself.  Did that mean that there was one in Ponyville?  How many knew about it?  Maybe she could find a pony who was involved on it when she got back.  Not necessarily to participate, but she possibly pick something up from watching.

But that would have to wait until she returned.  Which would be either after the games or when they figured out what was happening and how to stop it.  For now, the first matter was also first priority.  Something was attacking ponies -- just ponies so far -- and as a guard, it was her job to help keep ponies safe.  As long as she was in The Empire, she was going to do her best for that to happen.
> Chapter 16
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	In the pre-dawn hours of morning, the capital city of The Crystal Empire stood silent.  However, on this particular morning, the streets were not nearly as empty as they would normally be.  This morning, there were far more guards patrolling the streets than usual.

At one of the corners stood Diamond Tiara and Dinky Hooves, with Rumble flying up above them.  Diamond was stifling a yawn, because of course the universe would have the malicious irony sense of humor where the first night she was able to actually get a good night's sleep in days, she would have to be woken up early for the patrol.  Still, it was not all bad.  At least their patrol route would take them past Snow Sugar's Sweets.  They could probably stop in and grab a snack.

"Okay," Rumble said as he came in for a landing.  "Looks like it's clear here as well."

Diamond Tiara tugged at the borrowed Crystal Empire armor.  It did not seem to fit her right.

The three of them continued along the road.  As they went, they scanned along the street, looking for signs of anything strange or out of place, or ponies walking alone that needed an escort.  Occasionally, one of them would look up toward the sky, checking for a signal from one of the other patrols.

So far, the three of them had seen nothing out of the ordinary, except for maybe the lack of other ponies.  During their entire patrol, they had not come across another being that was not a part of the guard as well.  Considering the few past experience she had, Diamond Tiara expected at least one or two out and about.  Since there were rumors that Sombra was returning and attacking ponies, it made sense.

As they were walking along, a massive scream broke the silence.

Diamond Tiara and Dinky broke into a full run while Rumble flew ahead.  The three of them could not see anything actually happening in the street, but it did still sound like it was close.  They would just have to make sure to look at every possible place along the street for any sign of who or what--

Rumble came to a sudden stop, turning to look inside the large glass front of what Diamond knew to be Snow Sugar's shop.

"Diamond! Dinky!" he called out.  He waved a hoof toward them and pointed at the window.  As the pair reached him, they looked inside.

On the counter was what looked like a spider the size of large stallion.  It was nearly the size of Bulk Biceps or Big Macintosh.  The black shell shined brightly in the light of the shop.  It had its back toward the door, and there was also some sort of flickering red light.

Diamond could not see Snow Sugar.  Normally she would be...

"Dinky," Diamond called out.  "Send the signal.  Rumble, with me."  She then charged into the shop.

Outside, Dinky was moving away from the building toward the street.  Pointing her head up toward the sky, she summoned her magic and sent up a sphere of energy.  Once above the buildings, it burst into a bright flare of light, signaling other guards that there was trouble.

Diamond Tiara slammed into the door, shoving it aside with her shoulder.  She darted inside, with Rumble right behind her.  As soon as they did, the red light stopped.  The spider turned around, its red compound eyes blinking at them.

"Okay," Diamond said softly to Rumble, "this thing probably can't understand us.  So, our best chance is to keep it here until help arrives.  I'll try to distract it.  You try--"

The spider jumped.  Away from them, actually.  Slamming into the swinging doors, its weight and momentum threw them open as it made its way into the back of the bakery.

Making their way around the counter, the two of them found Snow Sugar.  The white crystal mare was lying on the floor, curled up in a ball.  Her eyes were wide and glassy, with a red glow around them, and Diamond could hear her hyperventilating as she continued to stare at where the giant spider had been.

"Snow?" Diamond said softly as she crouched down and moved toward the mare.  "Snow, can you hear me?"

Snow Sugar turned in the direction of Diamond Tiara, but it was hard to tell if she was looking at her or not.  The crystal mare then lunged forward, wrapping her front legs around Diamond and burying her face in the guard mare's chest.  Loud sobs tore from Snow, racking her body as she clung to Diamond Tiara as if her life depended on it.

"Dinky," Rumble called out, "come on.  The thing went in the back. Maybe we can corner and trap it."

Rumble then ran into the back of the bakery shop, with Dinky following him not far behind.  Diamond wanted to go with them, but some pony had to stay with Snow Sugar until others arrived.  Plus, she was pretty much trapped.  Sugar's grip was too tight to get away even if she tried.  Probably even strong enough to dent the armor.

"You go that way," Diamond heard Dinky call out, "and I'll go that way."

"No!" Diamond cried out.  "Don't!  DINKY!  RUMBLE!"  She needed to stop them.  Make sure they at least stayed together and in sight of each other.  Because if they were alone, they very well might be vulnerable.  Unfortunately, she was stuck -- both figuratively and literally -- with Snow Sugar until some of the other guards finally arrived.

If something happened to either of them, she had no idea what she would do.

However, if nothing happened to them, she was definitely going to give them a thorough ass kicking.

As soon as other guards arrived and Snow Sugar released her, Diamond Tiara ran through the doors and out the back.  There, she found a clear spot where Rumble likely took off in one side, and a set of hoof prints leading away in the other.

After considering for a fraction of a second, Diamond started following the hoof prints.  It was easier to track Dinky than Rumble, plus Dinky would have to travel straighter and slower.  She would have a better chance of finding Dinky than Rumble.

A crowd of figures stood at the intersection.  It looked like they were busy looking at something.

No, Diamond Tiara thought as she started running as fast as she could.  Please, no.  Please no.  Please no!

"Guard coming through!" she shouted out.  "Clear a path!  Clear a path!"  She started pushing her way through since they were not moving out of her way anywhere near fast enough.

A pair of crystal pony guards appeared in front of her, blocking the way.

"Ma'am," one of them started, "I don't think you wa--"

Diamond Tiara did not let him finish.  With a snarl, she shoved her way past them and into the opening that ponies were standing around.

Lying in the middle of the road was a gray unicorn with a blond mane and tail, dressed in Crystal Empire guard armor.  Taking a step closer, Diamond Tiara could see the purple six-pointed star patch on the shoulder that indicated it was a member of Twilight Sparkle's guard.  As much as Diamond did not want to admit to herself, she knew.  She knew it was her.

Dinky!

Moving closer, Diamond Tiara saw that Dinky was curled up in a ball, shivering.  Tears were flowing from her closed eyes, and her lips were moving.  Curious, Diamond Tiara moved closer and leaned down.  Her ears perked as she listened, trying to pick up what Dinky was saying.

"Mom," Dinky Hooves whimpered out.  "I'm sorry.  I'm sorry, mom.  I'm sorry."
> Chapter 17
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Diamond Tiara stood on the platform of The Crystal Empire's train station.  Nearby stood Rumble, with a wing over Dinky, who was pressed tightly against him.  The pair of them had been quiet since Dinky had been released from the infirmary.  Dinky had been looking tired and worried since she had regained consciousness.  Considering what she had told them, it was hard not to blame her.


*****


"There was a flash of red," Dinky said, "and then I saw my mom... or what looked like my mom... sort of.  She was..."  Dinky swallowed, shivering as she pulled her body tighter.  "She was... dead.  She was rotting, and you could see her skull.  One eye was missing and her cheek was peeling away.  She looked at me and... and.."

Giving a shake of her head, she moved to get up.

"I need to get back to Ponyville.  I need to check on mom.  To make sure she's okay."

As soon as she climbed off the bed, her leg collapsed out from under her.  One of the nurses came to her aid, helping her up and back into the bed.

"You've just been through a rather traumatic event," the nurse said.  "You're in no condition to go anywhere yet."

"I need to get back to Ponyville," Dinky insisted.

"I'm sure you will," the nurse said gently, "but the train won't even be here until this afternoon.  Plus, you still need to be cleared to leave.  Just get some rest now, an we will try to get you taken care of as quickly as we can."

With a sigh, Dinky climbed back into the bed.


*****


In a way, Dinky and Snow Sugar had been lucky.  Although Dinky had gotten it worse out of the two, neither of them were affected by whatever was done to them as much as the other victims.  The current speculation was that the attacks were interrupted, with Dinky being attacked more to keep her from further pursuit.

The others did recover.  Physically they were unharmed, but emotionally they were pretty shaken up.  They would probably need some help getting over it, but they would eventually be fine.  With the new attacks and information though, there had been a new theory among the leaders.

Fear.

Whatever it was that was behind the attacks was using a pony's worst fear against it.  Practically all of the crystal ponies over the age of ten were alive during the rein of Sombra, so it made sense that some would still be afraid of him and his return.  The second -- once she had awakened -- told the doctors how she had heard stories of the crystal wolves and how they would eat lost or naughty ponies when she was filly, leaving her frightened of the creatures.  Snow Sugar eventually managed to share that she was extremely arachnophobic: one of the things she liked about living so far north was that it was supposed to be too cold for most insects, and thus no spiders.  And Dinky... Considering how close she seemed to her mother, it was understandable she would be afraid of losing her suddenly.

Unfortunately, there were still a lot of questions as what, how, and why.  And now, Diamond Tiara had a time limit.


*****


"What do you mean I'm going back to Ponyville?" Diamond Tiara asked, eyes wide.

"I thought you would be happy," Twilight Sparkle said, blinking.  "I mean Dinky was traumatized and Rumble is blaming himself.  Neither are in any condition to continue for now."

"But I am," Diamond insisted.  "Come on, this thing attacked a friend and a crystal pony that I know."

"Which is part of the reason you should not be involved in it any further.  Yes, having it be personal does make you more driven to figure it out, but it also makes you more inclined to do something reckless or dangerous for revenge."

"Come on," Diamond whined, looking at Twilight with big, wet eyes.  "Would you be willing to leave if it was one of your friends?"

"...No..." Twilight conceded.  "Look, what you're asking is not an easy thing to do.  A lot of the teams have their dynamic worked out as it is, and introducing a new -- if temporary member --"

"Don't," Diamond Tiara said.

"Excuse me?"

"I said 'don't,'" Diamond repeated.

"Diamond Tiara," Princess Twilight said gently, "you can't go out there on your own.  This thing is going after ponies that are by themselves."

"I know.  This means that it might come after me.  You could use me as bait.  Or trust me to be able to fend for myself if that thing does come for me.  Best case scenario is that if it attacks, I'll be able to find out enough about it that we will be able to stop it once and for all."

"And the worse case scenario is that this thing decides you are enough of a threat to kill you," Princess Twilight Sparkle pointed out.

"Besides, what if it's after me?" Diamond asked, the thought just coming to her.  "I mean I found the first victim, and I'm the one who had us go to Snow Sugar's the first time.  Snow and Dinky could have been attacked because this thing is tracking me.  If that's the case, then it will just follow me to Ponyville."

Twilight shifted, tapping his chin as she considered the idea.  One of her wings gave a flicker as she thought about the matter.

"It seems unlikely," she finally said, "but not outside of the realm of possibility."  With a sigh, she slipped her hoof up to her forehead, rubbing at it.  "Oh, Celestia, I can't believe I'm doing this."  Taking a deep breath, she turned her attention back to Diamond Tiara fully.

"Okay," Princess Twilight Sparkle stated, "here is a bit of a compromise.  Tomorrow afternoon, some new guards will be arriving to help, taking the place of some of the teams that are already here.  That means you will have one day to find out what you can.  Afterwards, when they arrive, you will return to Ponyville.  Understood?"

"Yes ma'am," Diamond Tiara said, giving a salute.  "Thank you, Princess."

"Don't thank me until you're home safe and sound," Twilight huffed out.


*****


The sound of the train whistle reached the ears of the ponies waiting on the platform.  Several of them looked up, catching sight of the train as it approached.

"Well, here it comes," Rumble said.  "Good luck."

"You too," Diamond said.  "And... about earlier..."

"It's okay," Rumble said, holding up a hoof.  "I deserved it."

"Yeah, you did," Diamond blurted out before she could stop herself.  With a groan, she smacked herself in the face.

"Sorry," she sighed.  "Old habits and all that.  Anyway, even if you did, I shouldn't have.  You already felt bad about what happened, and my chewing you out didn't help.  Especially since you probably had to go through it again with one of the COs."

"Yeah..."  Rumble shifted, grimacing at the memory.

"So..." Diamond said as she shifted as well.  "I'm sorry for chewing you out about it the way I did."

"Thanks," Rumble said.  "You know, it's still kind of weird hearing you apologize, especially when it sounds so sincere."  His eyes narrowed.  "Are you sure you're not a changeling?"

"Oh, ha ha," Diamond Tiara huffed, rolling her eyes.  "You must think you're so funny."

"You know I'm kidding.  Besides, if any pony here is a changeling, it would be Dinky."

"Me?" Dinky asked, looking up.

"I know I'm going to regret asking this," Diamond grumbled, "but I got to.  Why is that?"

"Because she has sucked plenty of love from me over the years," Rumble answered with a grin.

"And I was right," Diamond said, rolling her eyes.  "First, gross.  And second, I would not call... that stuff 'love.'"

"Oh, don't act like you've never--"

"Finish that sentence and I will buck you into the train!" Diamond Tiara yelled, cutting off Rumble.

"Yep," Rumble said with a chuckle.  "You're definitely Diamond Tiara alright."  His smile faded.  "In all seriousness, are you sure you don't want to come with us now?"

Diamond Tiara turned and looked at the train.  There was technically still time to do so.  Twilight did say that if she changed her mind, she could still leave.  She could just tell one of the nearby guards to let the princess know she was not staying, then hop on with Rumble and Dinky, and head back to Ponyville.  Then she would be safe and sound, able to see Apple Bloom again, and find out whether Silver Spoon went back or not as well.  It would no longer be her problem.

"No," she finally said.  "I'm trying to turn my life around and become a better pony.  Wouldn't be much of one if I ran away now.  I have one more day to try and help, and I'm going to use it."

"So I guess you decided not to quit the guard after all?"

The question made Diamond stop.  It was something she had not been thinking about since the day of the first attack.  Maybe it was because there was something bigger going on around her now to focus on, or maybe it was because of the fight she had with Aura (or possible brain trauma from it).  Whatever the case, she had not thought about leaving the guard.  She had even barely thought about...

Pushing the thought aside, she gave her head a shake.

"I guess so," she finally said.  "I guess if I am going to try to make up for what I've done before, I might as well add one more thing to the list."

"Did you hear that?" Dinky asked, elbowing Rumble.  "She decided to stay after all."

"Yes, yes," Rumble said, rolling his eyes.  "I'll pay you when we get home."

"Wait a second."  Diamond Tiara took a step toward the pair, her eyes narrowing.  "Are you telling me that you bet I would quit?"

"Pft, no," Rumble answered, giving a wave of his hoof.  "Don't be silly.  We both knew you wouldn't quit.  I betted that you would decide to stay after returning to Ponyville and talking to Apple Bloom."

Diamond Tiara could not help but glare at the two ponies.  A part of her was furious at them.  She was having a bit of a personal crisis and her team mates -- her friends -- were placing bets on her.

At the same time, a part of her was also comforted.  Not by the bets themselves, but by the belief in her.  If what Rumble was saying was true, then they both believed that she would stay.  That even after what happened, they could still rely on her to stay by their side.

"NOW BOARDING!" a voice shouted.

"Time for you two to get going," Diamond Tiara said.  "I'll see you when I get back to Ponyville."

"Alright," Rumble said as he turned toward the train.

"Diamond Tiara," Dinky said softly.  "Be safe.  I don't want something to happen to you because we weren't around."

"Go home and check on your mom," Diamond told her.  "I'll be fine.  You'll see."  She paused.  "Okay, given my track record... I may have another scar inducing injury or two, but that's it.  And don't even think of betting what kind of scar or where."

With that, Rumble and Dinky headed for the train and climbed on.  Diamond Tiara stood on the platform, watching silently until the train started to move.  Raising a hoof, she gave one last wave, just in case they saw her.  As she watched them leave, she hoped that she was right: Derpy would be fine, and so would she.

But first, she had to try and do something to protect the ponies here.
> Chapter 18
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Diamond Tiara paused, looking back and forth along the empty streets.  Eyes narrowed, she scanned along it both ways, and she perked her ears to try and pick up any possible sounds coming from nearby.  One hoof went up to her chest plate, touching the string of the necklace.

Oh, woe is me, she thought as she resumed walking along the road.  A poor, defenseless mare, all alone in the street in the early morning.  I do hope that nothing happens, such as a monstrous creature coming out of the shadows to try and attack me.

Again she stopped, looking around.  She looked along the rooftops, the alleyways, the entrances to the various buildings.  Still, she could not see nor hear anything out of place.  Everything looked to be calm, silent, and peaceful.

It was driving her nuts.  She was out here, alone, trying to be used as bait for whatever had been attacking ponies.  She was in her armor and not a crystal pony, so she may not have been the perfect target, but there were not really any other options.  All of the other ponies should either be inside, or in groups.  If everything was going the way it was supposed to, she should have been the only pony that was a possible target.

Although, from her experience, things would not go as they were supposed to.  Something almost invariably went wrong or did not go as expected.  Considering what happened to Snow Sugar, her being the only one out could be moot.  This thing -- or whatever it was using -- could potentially get into other buildings, including homes.  What was keeping it from attacking ponies in their beds while sleeping?

With a huff, Diamond Tiara pushed the thought aside.  There was nothing that she could do about it if that actually was the case.  She would just have to keep going and hope that something took that bait... and that the guards were close enough to get to her if she actually were attacked.

Continuing to walk, Diamond Tiara kept looking around and listening, trying to pick up some indication that she was being watched, or stalked.  She considered whistling for a moment.  After all, it was something that ponies supposedly did; whistling when alone and scared to bolster their courage.  Except doing so would mean that she would not be able to hear as well.  So that was actually out.

Something better happen soon, she thought as she turned a corner.  All this waiting is driving me crazier than trying to have a conversation with Pinkie Pie on a sugar rush.  Diamond paused to scan ahead, making notes of spots to be aware of for hiding or being attacked from.

This would be easier if I knew more.  Like how targets are chosen, how they are attacked, and what is behind all this.  She sighed, continuing to walk along the pre-planned route.  Although if we knew that, we would be a lot closer to catching it, and this wouldn't be necessary in the first place.

As she walked, a strange muffled noise reached her ears.  It almost sounded like muffled screaming.  It did not last long, but Diamond Tiara guessed that it was coming from down the nearby alleyway, which actually happened to lead back to one of the streets she had patrolled along already.  So if she was being followed by something or somepony, it was possible that she heard it or them.

Diamond Tiara broke into a brisk sprint, heading toward where she thought the sound came from.  Her eyes were narrowed and ears perked forward as she sought out the source.

What she saw made her stop dead in her tracks.

Standing not far from her was what looked like a twisted, monstrous version of her from straight out of somepony's nightmare.  The nightmare Tiara was taller than the actual Diamond Tiara, its (her?) coat more of a bloody red than a soft pink.  The stomach was nearly non-existent, with ribs being visible through the coat.  Sharp spikes of bones stuck out from various spots, including the joints of its legs, the shoulders, and a large number jutting from her head to create the look of a crown.  The jaws were distended and filled with sharp teeth.  Currently those jaws were wide open, sucking red energy from a prone pony form.

It took a moment for Diamond Tiara to recognize the prone pony as Aura.

A part of Diamond considered letting the thing do whatever it wanted to the now captured mare.  After all, Aura claimed to be this oh so tough mercenary, able to take on anything that Diamond could do and then some.  Plus, Aura would absolutely hate it if she were saved by Diamond Tiara of all ponies.

Diamond Tiara quickly crushed that part of her.  She was trying to be a good pony, and leaving a pony to suffer was not something a good pony did.  Even if it was a pony that seemed to loathe them... or deserved it...  Besides, Diamond felt that she kind of owed Aura for breaking her jaw during the fight the other night.

Plus, Aura would absolutely hate the fact it was Diamond Tiara that saved her, which a sadistic little part of Diamond relished.

"Hey ugly!" Diamond Tiara shouted out as she charged forward, slamming a front hoof into the nightmarish Diamond Tiara monster.  The punch hit the creature in the cheek, creating an audible thud.  The red energy vanished as the creature's head flew to the side from the impact.

A red flame engulfed the creature, hiding from sight.  Instinctively, Diamond Tiara took a step back, throwing up a front leg to protect her face.

"Well, well," a feminine voice(s?) purred out.  "I was planning on running into you, but I had hoped to have fed a little more first.   Hello... mother."

Mother?

Lowering her hoof, Diamond Tiara blinked away the remnants of light in her eyes while trying to get a look at the thing now in front of her.

Now standing where the demonic version of herself had been was... a changeling queen?

It... she?... was about the same size as Queen Chrysalis, and mostly covered in a smooth blackness that could have been an insect-like shell.  The most noticeable difference was the crystals.  Glowing red crystals stuck out from the creature, including its chest, legs, and even its head.  Its glowing red eyes narrowed as it studied Diamond Tiara, and its too wide jaws opened in a grin to reveal rows of shark-like teeth.  Large, insect wings spread out from its back, glittering in the faint light.

Sliding her hoof down to her neck, Diamond Tiara pulled the crystal out from under her armor, hoping it would work the way Twilight said it would as she let it dangle out in the open.

"Who are you, and what are you doing here?" Diamond Tiara asked, standing as straight and tall as she could.

"Well," the changeling said as she took a step closer (making Diamond fight the urge to step back), "when you last saw me, I looked like this."  Again, the form was engulfed in a flash of red flame.

This time, when it cleared, there stood a changeling drone.  It's eyes were wide and watery, and there was a red crystal sticking out through a bleeding hole in its chest.

The familiar sight made Diamond Tiara freeze, eyes wide as her stomach churned at the memory now right in front of her.

The changeling then returned to its imperial form.

"Although I'm not really that drone anymore," the changeling continued.  "I've been thinking of calling myself Queen Insidious now.  I do rather like the sound of it."

Diamond Tiara glanced down at the ground, letting her gaze pass over the crystal, as she regained her composure.

"So you're a changeling," she managed to say.

"A new breed," Queen Insidious stated.  "One that is able to feed off of fear instead of love."  She grinned again, her forked tongue slipping out to lick at her lips.

"That's what's been happening," Diamond continued.  "You've been shapeshifting into ponies' fears feeding off of them."

"And that's two for little Miss Stating The Obvious."

"So, was Snow Sugar intentional, or a coincidence?" Diamond Tiara asked.  "Did you attack her because of me?"

"Oh, I was going to come for you sooner or later," Queen Insidious told her, "but I was hoping to wait quite a while longer.  After all, you are a special pony to me since you helped make me.  Although I was hoping to get some more meals in me first.  I just happened to get a pony you knew sooner than I intended."  Her eyes narrowed as she smirked.  "But I was going to go after them."

There was a flash of light, and the changeling now looked exactly like Diamond Tiara.

"I've see into you," the false Diamond Tiara stated.  "I know you better than I know any other pony, and that means your secrets, your hopes, and... your... fears..."  She leaned close, her nose almost touching Diamond Tiara's.

Again Queen Insidious was engulfed by her flame, shifting from Diamond Tiara to her mother.

Diamond Tiara's eyes went wide as her stomach dropped.

"You... are supposed to be... my child?" Suri asked, raising an eyebrow.  "Look at you!"

Diamond Tiara stepped back, ears pinning against her head.  She grimaced as she ducked down.

It's not real, she told herself.  It's not real.  It's not real.  It's not her.

"This is no way for a proper mare to behave," Suri continued.  "Really.  Running around at all hours, getting in fights."

In another flash, Suri was replaced by Filthy Rich.

"I thought I raised you better than that."

Diamond Tiara tensed as if she had just been slapped.  Tears started filling her eyes.

It's not real, she tried to remind herself.  It's not real!  It's not him!

Her father's hoof reached out, taking a hold of Diamond's chin and lifting her face to look at him.

"I must say --"

No! Diamond thought, trying to shake her head.

"-- that you --"

Don't!

"-- are nothing --"

Stop!

"-- but a disappointment."

A whimper escaped from Diamond Tiara's throat.  As she watched, her father opened his mouth, it somehow stretching wider than should have been possible.  Everything turned a bright red color.  The light seemed to get brighter and brighter.  At the same time, darkness creeped into her vision.  The shadows grew larger and larger, the light shrinking down until everything went back.

"Until next time."
> Chapter 19
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	With a groan, Diamond Tiara opened her eyes.  It took a moment of blinking to have everything come into focus again.  The first thing she noticed was the crystalline roof far above her.

"Good morning," a nurse said as she approached to look down at Diamond.  "Princess Twilight Sparkle will be here shortly to speak with you.  In the mean time, I would like to perform an examination to get a sense of how you are doing.  Do you feel up to it?"

"Sure," Diamond said, moving to get comfortable.  She was then checked over: blood pressure, heart rate, eyes, ears, mouth, on and on.  As she was examined, she was also occasionally asked a question about how she felt.

"Well you seem to be physically fine," the nurse decided.  "I'll let you get some rest until Princess Twilight arrives."

"Nurse," Diamond said before she could get to far.  "There was another pony that was attacked before me."

"Are you referring to Aura?"

"Yes ma'am.  Is she okay?"

"No new injuries," the nurse answered, "and she did not seem to be very traumatized by the event.  Her friends came by and she left as soon as she could."

"Okay," Diamond Tiara said.  "Thank you."

After giving a smile and nod, the nurse then left.  Diamond Tiara was now pretty much alone.

I must say that you are nothing but a disappointment.

The words echoed through her head, sending a chill down her spine.  Pulling the blanket tighter, Diamond Tiara pressed down into the bed.  It had surprised her how much hearing that had frightened her.  Her dad calling her that...

Diamond had thought she had moved past the point of caring what her father thought of her so much.  After all, she had defied -- and even argued with -- him when she had chosen to become a member of the guard instead of work for him and take over Barnyard Bargains.  But even though he had told her not to, and been angry, he never looked at her like that.  Never called her that.  Even at her worst, he had always had faith in her, was optimistic, and -- while he had probably ignored some of the worst things she had down -- he had always been proud of what she had accomplished.

Even knowing it was not actually him, to hear him say something like that...

"Diamond," Princess Twilight Sparkle called out from the doorway as she came in.  "How are you doing?"

"I feel like I just woke up from my worst nightmare," Diamond Tiara answered.  "Did the crystal work?"

"No," Twilight answered with a sigh.  "It neither sent out a beacon when you were in danger, nor did it collect a sample of the creature's magic to track it with.  So, we will have to rely on whatever you can tell us about it.  If you feel up to it, is there anything new you learned."

"Well, for starters, it was a new type of changeling," Diamond Tiara stated.  She then went on to tell the princess what she had learned from and about Queen Insidious, excluding what she herself had been afraid of.  If she was asked about it, Diamond Tiara would tell, but she would rather keep it to herself.  Besides, considering what they have now learned and know, it was doubtful that it would be additionally helpful.

"So we have a new type of changeling," Princess Twilight Sparkle said, "and it indicated that it was born from the one that got impaled on the crystals.  How would that be possible?"  She tapped at her chin.  "Perhaps those crystals have some magical properties of their own?  If we could find and study them, it would probably be helpful.  Although it could also be dangerous.  If they actually were able to do such a thing, then what else could they do?"  She turned to Diamond Tiara.  "I don't suppose you could find your way to them again if you were flown back out to where you were found."

"I doubt it," Diamond Tiara answered.  "I didn't know where I was to begin with or what direction I was walking in.  Plus there was no real usable landmarks to begin with.  Even if I managed to walk in a straight line, I still wouldn't know which way I came from."

"Too bad," Twilight said with a sigh.  "Well, it didn't go as we had hoped, and she did technically get away.  Still, nopony has actually been physically hurt, you're alright, and we've learned more about what is going on.  So if you feel ready, you can go.  And despite what happened, I appreciate that you were able and willing to help."

"What's going to happen now?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"Well as I said before," Princess Twilight Sparkle stated, "you are going back to Ponyville.  Especially now that you yourself have been attacked by this Queen Insidious as well.   You could use some time to rest and recover from the whole thing.  Plus I'm sure there are some ponies that are worried about you by now and waiting for you to get back."

The idea of going home did not disappoint Diamond Tiara as much as it had before.  Although she would still prefer to see the new changeling queen captured, she also was kind of relieved to get away from the matter.  Plus, it would be night to see Apple Bloom, as well as check on Dinky, and talk to her dad.

"As for myself," Princess Twilight Sparkle continued, "since it's a changeling, I think I'll speak with Queen Chrysalis about the matter.  She may not know Queen Insidious, but she may be able to give us a different perspective.  Plus, we don't know much about changeling culture.  If they are very territorial, Chrysalis may not be too fond of another queen in what she could still see as her domain."

Stepping closer, Twilight placed a hoof on Diamond Tiara and gave a gentle pat.

"Get some rest and have a safe trip back to Ponyville.  And I really do hope that you stay with the guard.  I see a lot of potential in you."

Smiling gently, she gave another pat.  After that, she stepped away and headed for the door.

Oh, I'm staying with the guard alright, Diamond Tiara thought as she moved to get up.  There is no way that I am going to walk away when I could do something to try and protect others.  Especially when it is a pony I care about.

I'm staying in the guard.  And if I ever see Queen Insidious again, I am going to kick her flank from here to Appleloosa.
> Chapter 20
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"Now arriving at Ponyville station," the conductor called out as he headed through the train car.  "Now arriving at Ponyville station.  Prepare to disembark."

A small smile pulled at the edges of Diamond Tiara's mouth at the announcement.  She was glad to be home.  It was not a quiet place, but at least it was weirdness she was used to, weirdness she had grown up with.  After all the new strangeness she had experienced in The Crystal Empire, she was glad to have some familiarity around her.  Hopefully any creatures will be nice enough to give her a couple days before attacking so she could get some proper rest and relaxation.

As the train came to a stop, Diamond Tiara hurried to get up, stretching out.  As nice as the ride back had been, between sitting there the entire ride and hospital bed, her butt was sore.  She needed to get some movement going, move the muscles and work out the kinks.  The walk around town sounded wonderful at the moment.  The question was where should she go first?  She could go to the apartment first, drop off her bag and check on Dinky and Rumble, but that would also mean risking walking in on the pair of them doing something (assuming they were there in the first place).  She could also go to Barnyard Bargains or the house, see her father and talk about what had been bothering her since --

You are nothing but a disappointment.

-- the attack by Queen Insidious.  Alternatively, she could go to Sweet Apple Acres, which would give her a long walk to stretch out her muscles, let her see Apple Bloom, and probably end up getting a nice hot meal from the family.  Her stomach liked that last one.

"There she is!" a voice called out.  "Diamond!  Diamond!"

It turned out that the question was moot.  Turning toward the sound of her name being called, Diamond Tiara found: Apple Bloom and the other crusaders, as well as Spike; her teammates Rumble and Dinky; and her father.

Before Diamond Tiara could do anything, she found herself caught up in the center of a group hug.  Apple Bloom and Dinky Hooves were the closest, and most enthusiastic with their hugging.  Scootaloo and Babs Seed stood back, just watching.  Diamond's father also stood back, a faint smile tugging at the edge of his mouth.

"Welcome home," Apple Bloom said before pulling back.

"Thanks," Diamond said.  "Not that I don't appreciate it, but what is everypony doing here?"

"Twilight sent word that you were coming back today," Spike explained.  "She also mentioned that you might need some comfort and support, but didn't explain why."

"Are you okay?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Did you find out what was going on?" Rumble asked.

"And did you stop it?" Dinky added.

Diamond Tiara's gaze shifted from the ponies surrounding her to her father.

"Can we talk about this later?" she asked, pulling out of the hug.  "I need to have a private conversation with my father."

There was a moment of silence as all the ponies let Diamond go.  Several of them had looks of curiosity on their face.  Spike opened his mouth, but the magic from Sweetie Belle's grabbed it, holding it shut.

"Sure, " Sweetie said with a smile.  "We'll be at Sugarcube Corner when you're done.  Just join us when the two of you are ready."  She then started walking, giving Spike a gentle tug to have him follow her.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Apple Bloom asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I'll tell you all about it later," Diamond answered.  "But... I need to know something important first."  She glimpsed toward her father again.

"Okay."  Apple Bloom leaned forward and gave Diamond on the cheek.  "You know I'm here for you when you need me."

"Yeah," Diamond said.  "And I --"

Love you for it.

"-- appreciate it."

Apple Bloom gave one more smile before turning and walking away.  She quickly caught up with the rest of the group, leaving Diamond Tiara alone with Filthy Rich.

Well, not exactly alone.  There were still a few ponies milling about as they were getting off and on the train, meeting others, or possibly waiting for another.

"Alright, sweetie," Filthy said as he walked up to her.  "What is going on?  I don't think you've ever asked to talk to me like that before.  Although it does sound kind of like when you were about to butter me up for something...  Normally starting with 'you love me, right?'"

"Close actually," Diamond Tiara answered.  "Dad... am... am I disappointment?"

"What?"  Filthy Rich shifted, turning to look at his daughter directly.  "Diamond Tiara, why would you ever ask such a thing?"

"I've been through a lot recently.  Just humor me and answer.  Please."

"No," Filthy Rich finally said.  "You are not a disappointment."  He shifted.  "I will admit there were some times when you were growing up where I should have stopped or punished you."  Reaching up, he placed a hoof against his daughter's chin, bringing her face up to look him in the eye.

"Regardless, you have grown up to be a beautiful, smart, and brave mare.  You are choosing to follow your own path, and one that is putting others ahead of yourself and protecting them.  And while I am always going to be scared and worried for you, that is because I love you.  But no matter what, I am proud of you, and look forward to see what you do in the future."

Tears filled the edges of Diamond Tiara's eyes as a small smile formed.  Reaching up, she wiped at one of her cheeks.

"Thanks," Diamond said, her voice cracking.  "You don't know how much that means to me."

"I should also thank you," Filthy said, grinning.  "You recall your... last meeting with your mother?"

"How could I forget," Diamond answered, rolling her eyes.  "She thought I was your marefriend at first for crying out loud."

That got a nervous chuckle from Filthy Rich as he reached a hoof up to smooth his hair.  A gesture Diamond Tiara recognized, making her wonder what her father was nervous about.

"Yes," Filthy Rich continued.  "Well it seems that you 'knocked some sense into her' as it were.  She has decided not to contest the divorce or seek a share of the assets."

"Really?"

"Really.  She asked for a single large payment of bits -- although not enough that I couldn't afford it -- signed the papers, and went back to Manehattan."

He ran a hoof along his tie, looking down at it.  He then took a deep breath.

"She also gave me a new address, which she wanted me to give to you, in case you wanted to get back in touch with her."  Filthy held up the hoof.  "Before you answer, I just want to say something.  I understand you're still hurt and mad at her, and it is your choice, but she is still your mother.  I think it would be good for you if you at least tried to patch things up with her."

"...I'll think about it..." Diamond mumbled, looking down at the ground.

"That's all I can ask," Filthy said.  "Now go join your friends and have fun."

"You're not coming?"

"They're here to spend time with you.  Go enjoy yourself.  You can come by the house tomorrow and we can have that lunch together you missed out on."

"Deal."
> Chapter 21
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	After having a nice meal and delicious dessert at Sugarcube Corner, the group went to Sweet Apple Acres, and the converted barn that Apple Bloom now called home.  There, Diamond Tiara then proceeded to tell the others about her meeting with Queen Insidious.  This time, she actually felt comfortable enough to admit to them what she had experienced.  This also led to her telling about her adventure with the Crystal Heart and subsequent fight with the changeling which supposedly became the queen somehow.

At the encouragement of Rumble, Diamond then told a version of her fight with Aura.   There was some cringing at the description of dislocating the ankle and breaking the jaw, but several showed additional fascination at the last part.

As the afternoon shifted toward evening, the others began make their excuses to head out.  Not that Diamond Tiara was too upset over the matter.  It had been nice spending some time with them all, but Diamond was also looking forward to some alone time with Apple Bloom.

Before leaving, Babs Seed came up and pulled Diamond Tiara aside.

"If you want to try out being at a fight club again," Babs said softly, "just let me know."  She grinned and gave a wink, before re-joining Scootaloo.  That piqued Diamond Tiara's curiosity, but now was not really the time to find out about it.

Soon all the others had left, leaving just Diamond Tiara and Apple Bloom.

"So," Apple Bloom said gently, "how are you feeling about the whole thing?"

"I'm okay for the most part," Diamond answered.  Reaching out, she wrapped a foreleg around the other mare.  "Although to be honest... I kind of feel like I failed."

"Failed?" Apple Bloom repeated, looking up at Diamond Tiara with her big golden eyes.

"Queen Insidious is still out there, somewhere," Diamond explained, "and I couldn't stop her.  She managed to get me and escape to continue frightening ponies and doing who knows what else she had planned.  Plus, in a way I am responsible for her, if she was telling the truth about somehow being the changeling I had accidentally impaled.  That doesn't include the implication that I'm going to see her again some day."  Diamond Tiara let out a huff, rubbing at her forehead.

"Hey," Apple Bloom said, reaching up to take Diamond's hoof.  "You did your best, which is all anypony can ask.  Plus, you were the one who found out about Queen Insidious.  Besides you're still new at this whole thing.  The princesses aren't going to stop searching for her."

"Although I doubt that will do much good now," Diamond Tiara huffed out.

"What do you mean?"

"If I were in her hooves," Diamond Tiara explained, "I wouldn't stay around The Crystal Empire now that I was discovered.  I would go into hiding.  Considering what she could do, probably go to a large city where nopony could find me and I have plenty of victims to scare.  A place like Manehattan, or Las Pegasus.  But if I thought of that, it's likely one of the princesses did as well, which Insidious also could have considered.  So she could be anywhere.  Even here in Ponyville...or Canterlot... Just imagine how much fear it would create if ponies were being attacked in the very towns that a princess lived.  At least I'm lucky enough to be in --"

love

"-- a relationship with a mare who can take care of herself."

"That's right," Apple Bloom said with a smirk.  "I can take care of myself."  She then moved closer to Diamond Tiara, pressing against her.  "And I know how to take care of you."  Her eyes narrowed.  "Why don't we go to the bedroom, and I'll show you how well I can."  She then pulled away, turning to head for the bedroom.

With a smile, Diamond Tiara watched Apple Bloom for a moment, taking in the sway of the muscular flank as moved.  She then followed after Bloom, continuing to watch while her imagination begun to create images of what were to come.

"Here we are," Apple Bloom purred out as she moved toward the bed.  "Just lay down and let Apple Bloom make you feel better."

Doing as she was told, Diamond Tiara climbed into the bed.  Laying down on her side, she stretched out, watching the other mare curiously.

Smiling, Apple Bloom climbed onto the bed as well, standing above Diamond Tiara.  Leaning down, Bloom placed a kiss on Diamond's forehead.  It was then followed by a kiss on the nose, the lips, and then the chin.  Bloom's kisses continued along Diamond's body, lips barely touching the skin before going lower.  Slowly, Apple Bloom kissed along Diamond Tiara's  jaw, across her throat, and down her chest as she went lower and lower.

Diamond Tiara's eyes closed as she felt the teasing kisses moving along her fur and skin.  Her muscles tensed at the faint touch, a hint of tickling mixing with building desire.  With each lower kiss, Diamond became more excited, more aroused.

The kisses soon reached her stomach, where they seemed to hesitate.

Ppppbbbbbth!

Diamond Tiara jumped and kicked, shrieking out in laughter as Apple Bloom suddenly blew a massive raspberry on her stomach.

"YES!"  Apple Bloom shouted, throwing up her front hooves.  "Vengeance is mine!"

"You are so weird some times," Diamond Tiara said, still chuckling as she rubbed the spot she had just been blown on.

"It worked, didn't it?"  Apple Bloom asked, raising an eyebrow.  "And I did say I'd get you back for the clubhouse thing."

"Yes," Diamond conceded.  "It did."  Moving to sit up, she grabbed at Apple Bloom, pulling her close.  "Now, how about we make sure we both feel really good?"

Leaning in, the two kissed each other.