> A Diamond, in Rough Seas > by Ponyess > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > On the Top of the World: 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- . First things first; I had placed a huge Piñata in the middle of the large room, this is for the Fillies to enjoy. I had also prepared a large cake for everypony to feast on, which is mandatory in my book. Naturally, I had placed a large supply of assorted pastries on a small table, which is for everypony to enjoy. Parents would most likely accompany the fillies, but the fillies would most likely enjoy them too. I had even painted a huge 'Diamond Tiara' over the entrance to the door. Aside from that, I had written; 'Happy Birthday, Diamond Tiara', in order to make this as special as possible. Since this is still a party for a Filly, I went with the candy, cake and such; just as I had managed to build a fairly good replica of Celestias very own Royal throne for her to sit in, for the duration of the party. If this wasn't her best day ever, something would be off. With Diamond Tiara; it had to be a major social event, so I made this into something akin to a Royal gala; she may not know what they're like, but what she is aspiring to, still warranted it, in a very different way. Now I am paying homage to it. Maybe I could allow her to feel like a princess, at least for this one night, her night. I had placed a table for the gifts to her, and even placed a few on it; before she had even entered the room. I hope it will make her feel special, she will need it. Maybe it can at least dampen the sorrow, if for just a short while. Only I couldn't tell her about anything; it's like a surprise party, only there is no party or fun, just the surprise. I had invited numerous colts and fillies, and told them to make this as special as they possibly could. I know they may not all be her best friends, but this had to be a very special day. I just couldn't explain the details, and made this out to be just one more of my unexplainable antics. They would know by tomorrow. It's just one more party on an already wildly excessive account of mine; thankfully I have all the backings I need, in part due to what I've already done for not just the community of Ponyville, but for Equestria at large; as little as they may know about it. I'm happy to keep it this way. Parties are my thing, not the hollow worshipping of countless Ponies who have no idea as to who I am, in the first place. I had given every foal instructions where to sit, and made this into a Royal event. Just placing them close to the once I knew they would enjoy chatting with. With that, Silver Spoon would have her right side. Then I had placed Snips and Snails, on the right and left; thus shielding her from the Cutie Mark Crusaders, who for some reason I'm not going into, are not exactly the best of friends. They seem to be antagonistic towards one another, leaving this field open would make the effort for nought. If I am to make this into a Royal party, there is but this one more thing required; I need Unicorns as waiting on the Foals. I know I have more than enough Unicorns as friends in our little community; some of which may even be great at this job, if they had not been better at doing anything else. I had enlisted my best friends Twilight Sparkle and Rarity; everypony know they would be great at it. Then I had found a few more, just to make sure I had enough waiters for the event. Naturally, Rarity would be the main event; not just because she is nice, and is great with magic, and levitation in general; but because I trust her, for one. I left out most of the details on purpose; since it had been expected in the first place. There is a plate at each and every seat by the table, and a glass of orange juice. I knew prominent ponies had a fancy for this. Maybe it would lighten her mood up; since I know she will need that in the coming days and weeks. There is also a pile of plates on the table by the cake, and pitchers of juice and cider. I intended for them to choose what to drink, once this party had caught momentum; some of them may actually still prefer the cider, after all. Finally, the moment I had been waiting for, and the party is to start up; I knew the time she was to arrive, and here she is coming. “Greetings, Diamond Tiara, and welcome to your very own party!” I cheered, as I saw her by the door. “Hi, Pinkie Pie. You're just as upbeat as ever. I take it you've prepared everything for my party!” she responded, with her usual expression on her face. “Certainly, everything is by the book. This should be your finest party to date. I hope you will enjoy and appreciate the Royal sprinkles I put into this for you!” I informed her. As I said Royal, she couldn't help but giggle; it is after all a mere filly party, not the 'Grand Galloping Gala'; but she is bound to grow up into the real world, son enough. She just did not know it, just yet. “I'll be sufficiently impressed, when I see what you've put into it. Even though you're known for your parties!” she continued, her style showing. “Today, you'll be the Princess of this Gala!” I informed her. “Did you say 'Princess'?” she inquired with a more curious voice, I had apparently peaked something within her. “Yes, I certainly did; and you'd come to understand more of it, as the night progresses!” I informed her. “Oh yeah, I remember you actually was at the 'Grand Galloping Gala' with your friends; a Pony like me has to keep track of important events. Then you would know what an event like that is like, and how to be tactful with class?” she inquired. “I've seen more than enough of it to know how to make your party into something above and beyond your previous expectations. Though most of us wouldn't really enjoy such an event, but you would have been groomed into understanding and enjoying them by now!” I pointed out. “I am an important Pony, every Pony know it!” she just sneezed. “I know, I keep track of everything. Knowing Ponies is part of who I am; now, let's get to your throne!” I continued. Only this time, the balloons and confetti are limited to one half of the room, as large as it is. The other half is emulating the feel of a grand Gala, as was due. “But, there are no balloons on this side of the room. There is even a Cello in the corner, placed on what may be taken for a scene?” Diamond Tiara commented. “That is correct. I've invited a very special Pony to entertain us tonight; I hope this will please you, my Princess!” I stated. “Now you're talking, this starts to sound like a party I can enjoy Royally!” she responded. “I certainly hope so, considering just how much effort has been put into this enterprise. Even with my common parties in consideration, that is!” I responded. “Ah yeah, I've been to a few of them. You may very well have outdone yourself, this time!” she acknowledged, with a small smile on her face. “There is one small detail; since you are the Princess and host of this party, you'll be greeting every Pony in a graceful and Royal manner. I know how that is, since Twilight Sparkle explained it after the Gala. It isn't fun, but it should give you a perspective on what you're aspiring to. Besides, it could make the rest stand out even further!” I pointed out. “Wait; that can't by any chance be 'Orange Juice', could it?” she inquired; as if it wasn't something she had expected, at least not from me. “It most certainly is, and it is fine juice; not the cheap stuff every pony drink either. Would have been beneath me to present that on an occasion like this. Oh, and here comes the Guest Pony, the Cellist. Octavia!” I pronounced. “You can start to tune your instrument, so that you can start your performance!” I then instructed her. Octavia soon found her stage; picked up her Cello and started tuning it, before she started to warm up, in a playful manner. “Here comes the Waitresses!” I pointed out; as a line of Unicorns entered the room, then lined up by the table. “There's Twilight Sparkle and Rarity. They're going to be waitresses on my party?” she pointed out, with a small giggle on her voice. “Certainly, I know they will perform the role gallantly. Wouldn't like to see juice spilt on your Royal Highness, now would we!” I teased. “Certainly not!” she frowned, with some level of indignation. “Good. Now it is time to for you to prepare, and greet the guests. They will be here shortly!” I continued. She chanced a brief glance at the table where the gifts had been stacked. Musing on what she guessed could be inside of them. Just not lingering on the scene for too long. Only now the sounds of the Cello could clearly be heard, as Octavia had started to play. “Yes, the guests!” Diamond Tiara intoned as a reflection; as she moved towards the door, in her best impression of the class of a Royal Pony. “Welcome to my Royal Party, Silver Spoon!” she greeted her friend. “Wow, I had never expected anything quite like this. Not in Ponyvile, and not from Pinkie Pie!” Silver Spoon responded; as she moved along, towards her designated seat. “Welcome to my Royal Party, Snips!” she continued as Snips came next. “Welcome to my Royal Party, Snails!” she continued, as Snails came next. The two unicorn foals just gawked, at what they saw inside of the room. “This is what a Royal Party looks like!” they then chorused, on their way to where they were supposed to sit. Now the first tune of Octavia's concert was on the air, lightening the mood of the room. She actually made it all a very playful mood; and she did show, just how well she knew her instrument. There even was a feel to it; that told everypony, just how much she loves her Cello. Several more fillies and colts entered the room; one by one given a personal greeting from Diamond Tiara, and the responses were just as awkward as the first had been. One by one they found their seats. Most was also taken aback, by finding the fine Orange Juice in the glasses on the table. Apple Bloom among others, was particularly happy to see the pitchers with Cider, maybe she knew where it came from; since there is little to no point, bringing in Cider from out of town, and the best and finest Cider still came from the orchard of her family. One by one, each foal placed a gift on the table intended for the purpose; and the table filled up fairly well, as they all had left something a little extra. Only none knew, just how special this was intended to be. Once she had taken her seat, she raised her glass. “Cheers!” Diamond Tiara pronounced. “Cheers!” the other foals responded; rising their glasses, cheering her on. This is the moment where I slide into the background; just enjoying the music, waiting for the next moment to act. So long as every pony was happy, so am I. Nothing more to do, right now. I had instructed the Unicorns to serve the foals, every time they gave a sign they wanted something. “May I fill up your glass, Diamond Tiara?” Twilight Sparkle inquired, as she noticed the glass was empty. “Yes, Please!” she merely responded, nodding her head towards the Waitress. The first pitcher of Juice soon floated to the table, and the juice slowly started to fill up on the glass. Then the pitcher moved back to the original position, with just a little bit less of its content. “May I fill up your glasses?” Rarity inquired, as the three of the Cutie Mark Crusaders glasses was emptied. “Yes, Please!” Sweetie Belle responded, for all three of the Crusaders. “I still like the Cider better, as fancy and expensive as the Juice may be!” Apple Bloom pointed out. “No Problem, Apple Bloom!” Rarity responded. Two pitchers floated to the table, and the three glasses filled up, one by one; before the pitchers floated back to their position. “Time to serve the cake!” I announce. “Yes!” Twilight responded; before she cuts the cake in slices, floated them onto the small plates, and placed them onto the table; starting with the place for Diamond Tiara, following up with Silver Spoon, then Snips and Snails; continuing down the line until all had been served. “Time to sing!” I then continued, just as Octavia finished one of her many tunes. “Happy Birthday..!” I started out; and everyone stood up, singing for our Princess of the day. Octavia play the tune on her Cello, along with us. The tune ended; and everypony cheered for Diamond Tiara, who managed to present a royal grin for all her 'Subjects'. This only did make the event even more memorable, for all of us. Maybe she could carry some of the joy of the day with her, in the days to come; or at least I had tried to do something for her. Now both cake and pastries was freely available, to any and all who wanted more. Twilight Sparkle and Rarity handled most of it; since they are the best at handling it, though the remaining Unicorns did pull the remainder just in order to make sure none had to wait more than reasonable, for the small portion of joy. “Call forth, the Piñata!” I called. Diamond Tiara came forth; and I hoofed her the 'bat' she was to smash the Piñata with, and blindfolded her; before sending her off towards the treats. Apparently she managed to get almost right, as she started out hitting for the Piñata. Several tries later, she made the first hit. “That's a Royal bust!” Silver Spoon giggled at her seat, where she was looking at the spectacle; just like every pony else. A few more hits; and the candy rained down all over her, and the foals quickly gathered around; snatching as much as they could, choosing what looked the most tasty. “That was a hit, Pinkie Pie!” Twilight giggled; as she saw the foals in a pile on and around, where the candy and sweets had fallen. “Seems I still know how to throw a party. Besides, this can't be avoided; if it is a party for foals!” I responded, giggling away. “You certainly know Party throwing, and foals!” Rarity interjected, with a wide smile on her face. At this point, there wasn't a sour face in the room. The foals now tried their best, pulling the spoils with them to the respective seats. Some sweets were consumed on the way, who could resist? Then they finally managed to get back. The mood around the table was just as cheerful as I had anticipated. More juice and Cider was served, more Cake and pastries eaten. “You really like the Muffins?” I asked Dinky; where she sat, with a mountain of Muffin peels behind her plate. “Yes, Pinkie Pie; I sure love the Muffins!” she responded. A few hours the sun was setting; and everyone was stuffed to the brink, making a few grins as reaction; otherwise, the roof is way up in the sky. “I'll have to ask Rainbow Dash to fetch the roof by tomorrow!” I teased Twilight Sparkle. Both Twilight Sparkle and Rarity laughed at that, just as I had expected. --- --- --- > [M] Reversing Fortunes: 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- . Apparently; I had woken up early, just like I did yesterday. Just like then; my mane is flat. I realized; there was something I had to do, and some pony wouldn't exactly be ecstatic about; what I'm about to do, either. I could say as much. I went downstairs; picking up a few cupcakes, peeled hem off and chewed them down, only to wash them down with a glass of juice. After I had cleaned up after myself, I went upstairs. Once I had closed the door to my room; I unceremoniously open the zipper and step through, only to find myself in the bed room of Filthy Rich. Naturally I knew where I am; but they don't know I'm here, not just yet. Here's the shocker; he had a Mistress in the room with him, and she lay by his side. I guess I couldn't blame him, right. Not for the Mistress; but for everything else, and now he will have time to regret it; even if he may not realize why, just yet. I stepped up to the side of his Mistress; readied the blade and placed it on her belly, just down between her legs. She didn't feel it, before I pressed it in and pulled it all the way up to her throat. Inside I found something that may have been a surprise; but I pulled out the foal, cut her free and placed her on Filthy's belly. The liberated little filly foal; free to breathe air on her own, for as long as she will be able. Alone, and not cared for; what are her chances? Now, if her pregnancy wasn't a surprise to him, the foal on his belly sure should ruin his mood; wouldn't it? If it didn't, it would prove just what kind of a Stallion he was. “Sorry Mistress, but this is how this cookie crumbled!” I told her, before I slipped out of the room and zipped behind me. Thankfully, I had managed not to spill a single drop of her blood on the floor; and none on the floor of my room either. Any other pony would call it miraculous, by any account; but I had even managed to wash myself off, before I went down to have a glass of juice; before I started my day. Thankfully the poor mare had lost consciousness, mere seconds later; since the pain from her belly would have been pure hell on her, had she stayed conscious for any longer. Blood flowed freely from the long cut all the way along her body, she was losing it pretty quickly; and by the time Filthy Rich woke up, it was basically too late. He had been utterly unprepared and could do nothing, but gag and gosh over his debilitating and untimely misfortune. His Mistress never had a chance to speak a word of what she was told. If it had made any difference on Filthy Rich; aside from the detail, knowing who had ripped his family apart. What had woken him up, is the wet body on his belly. A poor filly, never to know her mother; the filly whose father would never know peace, ever again. Filthy Rich had never been a cold Stallion, he is merely taking care of his business the best he could and it had forced him to do what had to be done; even when it made him step on hooves, or even trample ponies right and left. Only this morning was the time for him to pay for his deeds; to see what he was doing, and it certainly wasn't pretty. He tried to stay quiet, sobbing over what he could never have. He saw the blood of his mistress, and then her cut up belly. There was no saving her, and the day is ruined. He simply lacked the will to rise out of his bed. Why bother going up? His Spoiled Rich was no more; and could never come again to raise his spirit or warm his bed, like she used to do before. There would be no more Riches to warm his heart. Only then the unthinkable happened, but it was inevitable. The door slid up and Diamond Tiara sneak into the room, maybe she had knocked, none had listened, he had not cared. What came next is the scream, as she saw her father heartbroken on the bed. All the blood not just covering the bed and his mistress. Blood was under the bed; since the mattress couldn't contain it all. A scream was all she could muster, she wasn't expecting all the blood. Her father just lay limply, sobbing, which only made her worry all the more. What could possibly have happened. Aside from the two limp adult ponies, only the incredibly small filly was moving. If this filly lay on her father’s bed, it had to be her sister. Only that's when Diamond finally caught wind of what had happened. She just stopped dead in her tracks. Her father's business wasn't something she pried into, knowing it was best leaving him to handle it. --- --- --- > A Day Knows no Happiness: 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- . I guess my joy had been spilt, right there with the blood of my father's joy. I had never really gotten to know her, but if it tore my father up like this, it screwed my day up Royally too. Maybe I never saw that much of him, but to see him and the macabre scene; it just ruined it all for me. In the end, I had managed to carry the little filly out of the room. Of course; I knew it wouldn't change anything for my poor Father, but at least the filly wouldn't be covered in blood, so I could see her; then washed her off, in hope the blood could rinse with a portion of my bad luck? To my surprise, I found a white filly in my hooves. Since she had barely been born, she was bound to have her flanks blank; I guess there is no shame in that. We're all born with blank flanks; even Celestia and Luna had to have been like this, for a while. Good thing with fillies this age, they are pretty easy to carry around; since they are so light weight. Once I had managed to carry her into the bathroom, I carefully washed her off with a wet cloth I had to drench in water every other minute. It felt as if it was to take forever. At least she is quiet; but she is warm and moves about a little, so I think she is going to do okay. If my father isn't getting up, I'm bound to care for my little sister; since she can't make it on her own. I then dried her off and wrapped her in a small towel, just to keep her warm. Then I noticed, she was looking up at me. I had closed the door to his bedroom, not to disturb him in his pain and sorrow; I have more than enough on my hooves as it was. I can't abandon her in this time of need. Now I do have a problem; I can produce no milk for her, and her mother lies dead. Knowing there is no 'Formula' around I could prepare for her; but she was to need to eat soon. This only left me with a single option, I had to go out and leave my home. I realized I couldn't ask Mr’s. Dazzle Cake, as convenient as this may have been; just as I could never ask Pinkie Pie, in part since she lives with, and work for the Cakes. As much as I had loved the party she arranged for me; just the day before this? The next Mare on my list would be Rarity. At least she has class; as annoying as the filly she is caring for may be, in part due to her friends; the Cutie mark Crusaders. My sister needs me to feed her, and I had very few options; I could as well bite the sour apple before me, and be done with it. Since this is my only option; I picked her up, trotted out and closed the door behind me; before I trotted off towards Rarity's Boutique, in hopes she is actually there and had a moment to spare for me. As I trotted along the road; thoughts swirled around in my head, trying their best to burst out and crack my skull open. I knew I couldn't go to Silver Spoon's house, it isn't something I could ask of them. I had avoided Applejack, since she lives by the Everfree forest; Fluttershy living on the other end of town, way out in the forest wasn't my idea of where to go right now. My life is tough enough as it was. I still do feel warmth from my sister, or if it is a half sister; since I don't know who my mother was. I guess she couldn't live, with the life my father made for himself. As it were, the warmth from her, was all that kept me going. In the end, I managed to go where I intended to go; but to my surprise, the door is open and Rarity stand inside, smiling. I just couldn't see why, maybe I should go in; since I had no other place to go, no matter what. My sister demanded this out of me, even if she couldn't speak the words; not for months to come. “Hi, Rarity!” I said; putting up as brave a face, as I could muster. “Greetings, Diamond Tiara!” she replied, looking at me. “My sister needs to be fed, could you help her in any way?” I inquired, trying my best to hold it together. “Come on in, Diamond Tiara. I am certain I have something I could help you with!” she responded; as she leads me inside, behind the Boutique. Apparently, the last of the once who had been with her had left, just before I stumbled in. Guess this is convenient on my part; since I wouldn't like ponies to see me, right now. I'm alone and desperate; I had none to turn to, other than Rarity, it seems. She is after all known as the element of Generosity. “Oh, there it is. The bottle I fed Sweetie Belle with. There is even a package of formula. Guess there was a reason to keep it around. Good thing these powders stay good forever!” she said; as she mixed up a portion for a newborn filly, which is fairly close to the truth. I just couldn't put myself up to explain the hideous details of what had happened. How could I ever face, what had been pushed up into my face? If I could push it before me, I'd happily do so, for as long as I could. I placed my little sister on a table, where she just lay; moving slightly, breathing. Rarity heated the formula, once she had made sure it was properly mixed. As it was just the right temperature; she hoofed over the bottle to me, and I slipped the rubbery top of it into her mouth. To my surprise; she managed to suck hard enough to actually get something into her mouth, though it seems as if it would take her forever. “This certainly is the smallest filly, I have ever seen!” Rarity confirmed; as she looked at her, sucking. “She may have been born prematurely; but for as long as there is life, I'm not giving up on her!” I responded, trying to make a point of my position. “You know, this is almost too close to how I felt, when I cared for my sister, back when I moved in!” Rarity consoled. “Woah!” I mouthed, as my thoughts were swirling away; my hooves threatened to give out from right under me, without actually giving away what actually was behind my desperation. Good thing I had not approached Pinkie Pie, she would have been spilling the beans before I could have given the first sign; although she would have made her pantomime, never to utter a word. --- --- ---