Friendship is Magic: The Seventh Element

by Master Mr B

"When the sixth element is revealed, a special element can appear that is a combination of the other six. It serves as the controller that bounds the power if the six elements together. But nobody, not even the royal sisters, have ever uncovered this...Seventh Element..." Follow my OC as he takes part in the adventures of FiM. And possibly win the heart of Twilight Sparkle...

150. Intermission 6

Intermission #6

Pony's Log Number 700: Sometimes we learn that our real family are the ponies who truly love you for being true to yourself...

Two days had passed since the Mane eight, Starlight, Spike, Trixie, Diamond Tiara and Discord had returned back to Ponyville after having some fun at the sunset festival. Twilight and Mario wanted to host a celebration party in honor of the heroes that had saved them and Equestria from a changeling invasion. Celestia and Luna had gone back to Canterlot to take care of business but promised to be at the party once a date and time was set. Ironically, word traveled rather quickly to the changelings that were impersonating the mane Eight, the other princesses, Shining Armor, and Flurry Heart. By the time the real ponies had arrived back at their respective homes, the changelings impersonating them had fled. While searches were made to find them, no one was able to find any of those renegade changelings. The next day, Thorax reported that most of them had returned home and that he would deal with them accordingly. Nopony had any concerns about the new leader of the changelings would keep his word.

Now that things had settled down, Cadance, Shining Armor, and Flurry Heart had decided to stay at Twilight and Mario's castle for a little mini-vacation. Plus it had been a long time since they had taken some time off to spend time with the Prince and Princess of Friendship. Plus Twilight and Mario were more than happy to spend some additional time with their niece. (And Flurry Heart was more than happy to spend time with them.) For the moment, Twilight was at the cutie map as the seventy Flower Sprites were now entering back into the cutie map table. The table glowed pink for a bit to cleanse any dark magic that had been used on it when the changelings had taken over the castle. Twilight and Mario were just glad to see the castle hadn't been hit with too much damage. Some of the rooms were a little messy, but it was nothing that couldn't be cleaned up. (Correction: It was nothing Spike couldn't clean up.) Twilight just watched the purifying process before the glow settled down and map disappeared.

"Phew!" said Twilight as she took a seat on her throne and wiped her brow with relief. It was then Shining Armor entered the room.

"Finished up in here, Twily?" Shining Armor asked.

"Yeah," Twilight replied, "I'm glad nopony is in a hurry to host the congratulation party. We could use some down time after what happened."

"I agree," said Shining Armor as he sat on Mario's throne, "You must feel very proud of Starlight and Di."

"Yes, I am," said Twilight, "but it was still very scary how easily the changelings overwhelmed us all."

"I know what you mean," said Shining Armor, "I've been setting up extra defenses ever since Shenran discovered he was a keyblade warrior. But even that wasn't enough to stop the changelings from capturing us." Twilight sighed.

"Guess questioning what we could've done differently isn't going to do us any good," said Twilight, "So let's change the subject. Where's Cadance?"

"Don't wanna hang out with me?" Shining Armor teased with pouty lips.

"Of course I do!" Twilight chuckled, "I just asked where she was. I know you went to put Flurry Heart down for a nap."

"She's...actually I don't know," said Shining Armor, "and I hate not knowing! What if she's been captured again? CADANCE!" Shining Armor started to panic and trembled nervously.

"Chill out, dude," said Spike as he entered the room, "She's with Mario. They're...umm...I don't know what it is their doing..."

"What do you mean, Spike?" Twilight asked curiously.

"I mean, they went inside that room you use when you wanna pretend to be a physiatrist," Spike explained, "At first they were yelling and then they started crying...really loudly too." Twilight and Shining Armor shared worried looks with each other.

"Take us to that room right now!" Shining Armor said firmly, "If they're having a fight in there, we need to break it up!"

"I agree," said Twilight as the little dragon lead them to Twilight's therapy room, "but even when Mario and Cadance have their differences. The idea that they're fighting sounds...weird."

"True, but no harm making sure they are okay," Shining Armor pointed out as Twilight nodded in agreement. As they reached the outside of the room, they could hear...surprisingly nothing.

"I hear nothing," said Shining Armor as he held an ear to the door.

"Might as well check in on them," said Twilight as she used her magic to open the doors. Inside they found a bunch of pillows scattered all over the floor and Mario and Cadance were just holding each other quietly. Their mane and tails were both very messy.

"Are you guys okay?" Twilight asked gently. Mario and Cadance pulled away. Their cheeks were tear-stained and their eyes red and puffy. Despite that, they had some calm smiles on their faces.

"Better than ever," said Cadance, "Right little brother?"

"Yeah," said Mario, "That felt really good to do. It's nice to have a venting buddy."

"Venting buddy?!" Twilight and Shining Armor said puzzled.

"Let me explain," said Cadance, "Mario came to me saying he was feeling alot of anger burning against Chrysalis for what she did to him and the rest of us. I was having similar feelings. We both even confessed out loud that we had no problem saying we hate her. Mario said the last time he felt that kind of anger was when Starlight first moved into the castle. He didn't want that anger poisoning him and, even thought it was really hard to admit it to myself, I knew I needed to release my anger as well. So we came in here, venting out our anger as if she was here."

"And the pillows on the floor?" Twilight asked as she looked at the pillows scattered about.

"I had us pretend this pile of pillows was Chrysalis," said Mario, "We both expressed our anger to "her" and even physically punched and magic blasted the pillows about. And then we did something that might blow your minds."

"What's that?" Shining Armor asked. Mario and Cadance shared smiles with each other.

"We forgave Chrysalis," Mario and Cadance said together. Twilight and Shining Armor's jaw dropped.

"Wait?! Seriously?" Shining Armor exclaimed angrily, "After everything she's put us through, everything she put you..."

"Shining Armor!" Cadance said sternly, "What good does it do to stay angry? You remember that we almost lost the chance for a new friend because we were so prejudice to Thorax?" Shining Armor just sighed.

"Let's not forget I hurt your sister because I didn't want to let go of my own anger," said Mario before adding, "I still surprised you haven't beaten me up for that..." Shining Armor chuckled.

"While I don't appreciate that fact you yelled at my sister and ran away from home," said Shining Armor, "Twilight already told me that you've settled things and that you struggled to forgive yourself for your behavior. No need for me to beat you up. You beat yourself up"

"Yeah..." said Mario shamefully.

"But I do see your point," said Shining Armor, "Chrysalis isn't going to change and staying angry at is only going to give her the upper hoof if she ever dares to show her face again. I guess I can forgive her as well...for all of you."

"Good choice, honey," said Cadance, "Trust me. Your heart will thank you for it. I know I certainly feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Right, little brother?"

"Yeah...it has," said Mario quietly.

"Is something else bothering you, dear?" Twilight asked. Mario just looked at Cadance, who gave him a supportive smile.

"Well, I've been having the same nightmare lately," said Mario, "Where I'm coming up to join you and our friends, but you all give me is a cold shoulder and really angry glares. Then you were all chanting the same thing to me..." Mario felt like he was gonna cry and stopped talking.

"What did we say?" Twilight asked gently with a fore-hoof on his shoulder. Tears flowed from Mario's eyes as he looked at his wife sadly.

"I didn't protect you..." Mario croaked, "I didn't protect you..." Mario started cry.

"Honey..." said Twilight gently, "Please listen to me...Shining Armor and I were discussing what happened. At the end of the day, we were all caught by surprise. None of us were able to defend ourselves until it was too late." Mario sniffled.

"But...you don't blame me for not being able to protect you?" Mario asked as he continued to cry, "I tried to get help, but...I wasn't strong enough."

"You were strong enough!" said Twilight firmly, "When you and Shenran were overwhelmed, you sacrificed yourself so he could escape. If you hadn't been such a selfless stallion, Shenran wouldn't have been able to get help. With the help of Starlight, Di, and her friends, Shenran was able to defeat Chrysalis so the others could show the changelings a better life. So don't go thinking you failed. Because you didn't. You helped us get rescued and nopony else, not even our friends, are going to say otherwise." Mario just listened attentively as tears were still pouring from his eyes.

"Are you sure our friends feel the same way?" Mario asked worriedly.

"I'm course I'm sure," said Twilight, "but if you need peace of mind. I'll tell them to come to the castle and they'll assure you exactly what I told you."

"I would like that," said Mario as he tried to wipe his eyes, "especially since...well..UGH! I finally felt like I was getting over feeling so worthless, but after what happened...I just feel like I am again." Mario began to cry again.

"Don't be, little brother," said Cadance, "Just because you couldn't save us doesn't make you worthless."

"That's only part of it," Mario sobbed, "the whole reason I felt so much hate was because Chrysalis nearly succeeded in taking away my friends and family. I couldn't do anything to stop her. At least when Starlight tried to do that, even when I was beaten unconscious, I still had my wife to stop her. There was still hope that the nightmare could end. I didn't have that kind of assurance. It was just act of faith, but even then, I had doubts...I lived my worst nightmare..." Mario cried harder as Twilight held him close, crying with him.

"My family is the most valuable treasure I have," Mario continued to sob, "and you, Twilight Sparkle, are very, very precious to me. But with all my mistakes, it's hard for me to think that I'm precious to you." Twilight pulled abruptly away and glared at me.

"Not precious to me?" Twilight snapped as her tears increased, "Mario Star, do you really think I would be happier if you disappeared from my life! Do you seriously think my life would be better without you in it?" Mario bit his lower lip and Twilight didn't wait for Mario to answer.

"You are dead wrong!" Twilight replied as her voice broke, "Remember when I caused that whole mess getting obsessed over that letter? Remember when I told you that I needed you?"

"I remember," said Mario with sniffle.

"Mario, you are my other half," Twilight sobbed, "You complete me in a way that nopony else can! When you're not around, I feel so...lonely...like something inside is missing. At first I thought it was because of my studies or our friendship, but in the end, you just bring me joy by just being with me. My happiest moments are when you are just next to me no matter what I'm doing! When you ran away the last time..." Twilight had to pause as her composure broke down further, "Mario you broke my heart." Mario began to cry harder.

"I'm...I'm..." Mario stuttered.

"STOP!" Twilight remarked sternly, but her voice was broken due to her overflowing emotion, "I'm telling you this because you asked me if I thought you were precious to me. If just being with me is enough to make me the happiest pony in Equestria. That should answer your question. I don't care if you think there were better stallions for me. Because, at the end of the day, you're the only pony who can complete me. I'm who I am today because you are part of my life. I wanna be your wife forever and ever..." Twilight couldn't speak further as she and Mario wept loudly in each other's fore-hooves but had their noses resting against each other. . Cadance went to hug Mario as well, but Shining Armor held her back.

"Let me be there for him!" Cadance snapped she tried to push Shining Armor aside.

"Honey," said Shining Armor sternly, "If there's anypony who needs to be there the most for Mario right now, it's his wife. Let Twilight be the one to comfort him first, then once he's settled down, we can offer him comfort." Cadance began to cry as well.

"Never should've left..." she sobbed, "Mario wouldn't be this clingy and thinks so little of himself...if I had just put my stupid hoof down..."

"Cadance, just like we tell Mario," said Shining Armor as he held his wife close, "We can't stew on the past. Yes, we made plenty of bad mistakes, but all we can do is learn from them and not live our lives in regret. Mario knows that we're here for him now." Cadance gave a teary smile and snuggled into Shining Armor's shoulder as they watched Mario and Twilight continued to cry in each other's fore-hooves. It wasn't long before they could see that the alicorn couple was sharing smiles and quick kisses despite the fact their tears were still flowing.

Back in town, Diamond Tiara was enjoying a nice walk with Silver Spoon. This was the first time they had spend time together since the whole changeling invasion. Diamond Tiara had expected that Silver Spoon would have plenty to ask about her adventures, but it seemed like that was all the grey filly wanted to talk about once Diamond Tiara told the grey filly about her adventure.

"I can't tell you just how amazing you are!" Silver Spoon said excitedly, "I mean, you're, like, a big hero now! I'm the best friend of a real hero!"

"Okay, Silver," said Diamond Tiara irritably, "I get it! I'm a hero. Can you please give it a rest?" Silver Spoon was taken aback from her stern tone. Diamond Tiara glared but then let out a long sigh.

"I'm sorry," said Diamond Tiara, "I didn't mean to snap at you. It's just the memories of what I had to go through are still pretty fresh. Yeah, I was able to help save the princesses and the element bearers of Harmony and reform the changelings! But...it was also one of the scariest things I've ever done. There were so many times I thought I wasn't going to survive and that I'd meet the same fate as master."

"You're right," said Silver Spoon and groaned, "How insensitive I can be? Here I am fangirling about being the friend of a hero and I'm not even asking if you're okay. That had to have been really scary. I can't imagine how awful it might have been seeing everypony inside those pods...and Mario turned to evil stone." Diamond Tiara shuttered.

"I still have nightmares about it," said Diamond Tiara.

"Would this help?" Silver Spoon asked as they stopped walking and she pulled the filly into a hug. Diamond Tiara returned the gesture. '

"Yeah," said Diamond Tiara, "I really needed that. Thanks Silver."

"That's what best friends are for," said Silver Spoon, "I'm just sorry I couldn't do more or go with you."

"It's okay," said Diamond Tiara, "I could've never asked you to put your life at risk like that."

"Then why did you?" Silver Spoon asked, "I've been curious about that actually. Why did you feel the need to risk your life to save Equestria? Was it because you discovered your love magic?"

"No," said Diamond Tiara, "I just felt a sense of loyalty."

"I see," Silver Spoon replied, wanting to hear more.

"Mario, Twilight, and the others have done so much for me recently," said Diamond Tiara, "I wasn't going to let Chrysalis take them away from me! When the world was in danger, they didn't rely on others to do something about it, they did something about it! I just didn't feel right just sitting back waiting for somepony else to save them. I had to step up and do my part. I wasn't sure what I could do, but I had to try. Because I know if I was the one captured, they would do the same for me."

"Oh for Celestia's sake!" said a rather stern voice, "That is the most pathetic thing I've ever heard in my life!" Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon groaned. They knew who that voice belonged too. The two fillies turned their heads to see the mare was standing nearby. Neither filly had noticed that they were going to cross paths with the snobbish mare.

"Ms. Rich," said Silver Spoon, not bothering to hide the spite on her tone but still tried to stay polite, "May I ask what brings you this way?"

"Not that it's any of your business," said Spoiled indignantly, "But I was heading to the Ponyville Spa. I'd invite you Ms. Spoon, but I see you seem to enjoy spending more time with a pony who would prefer wasting her time with insignificant low lifes." Silver Spoon had a stern look on her face, but to her surprise. The Diamond Tiara said nothing.

"You might not agree with who she chooses for friends," said Silver Spoon in as calm of a tone as she could muster, "But she is a hero now." Spoiled Rich laughed in a haughty tone.

"A hero? That disgrace to the family name?!" Spoiled Rich spluttered, "What makes you think risking your neck like a short-minded fool is considered heroism? Honestly, I often question what Prince Mario and Princess Twilight are even teaching my so-called daughter these days. Encouraging her to go gallivanting off on some idealistic crusade for friendship and foolishly charging head on into a kingdom filled with disgusting vile-some creatures are considered great accomplishments! And to think my daughter is friends with such creatures?! Absolutely disgusting! In fact, I'm practically risking my own hygiene just standing so close to her..."

"OKAY!" Diamond Tiara blurted out, "It was nice seeing you, Mother. I'll be home later for dinner. Good-bye." Diamond Tiara quickly pushed Silver Soon forward so they could walk away from her. Spoiled Rich made a face of disgust.

"As if I'm looking forward to another night of indigestion," Spoiled Rich remarked as she stomped in the other direction. Once the two fillies had turned a corner did Diamond Tiara stopped pushing Silver Spoon and took a few steps away from the grey filly. Silver Spoon snorted.

"I can't thank you enough for dragging me out of that conversation, Di," said Silver Spoon, "I was about to tell her something I would probably regret later." Diamond Tiara just said nothing.

"I still can't believe after everything you've accomplished that she still treats you that way," Silver Spoon added, "How do you stand it?" Diamond Tiara still didn't speak, but her body shook a little.

"Di?" Silver Spoon asked gently. Diamond Tiara turned around and Silver Spoon felt her heart break. Poor Diamond Tiara's face was scrunched up as tears were pouring down her cheeks.

"You have...no idea...how hard it is to hold...my tongue..." Diamond Tiara croaked until her voice broke and she burst into tears. Silver Spoon wasted no time pulling the now weeping filly close and hugged her. Diamond tiara had barely been crying for a few seconds when three familiar fillies approached.

"Di!" Apple Bloom called.

"We heard you crying and came over," Sweetie Belle added worriedly.

"What happened?" Scootaloo asked in the same tone.

"Spoiled Rich," Silver Spoon said in a very bitter tone.

"Oh..." said the three fillies in a deadpan tone. Scootaloo then gasped.

"Did she hit her or something?" Scootaloo asked angrily.

"Scootaloo, she-" Silver Spoon tried to speak up.

"Okay, that's just going to far!" Scootaloo snapped in rage, "It's one thing to shoot your big mouth off at ponies, but it's another when she stoops down to actually hitting..."

"You can't avenge an attack on the heart!" Diamond Tiara screamed as she buried her face into her fore-hooves and continued sobbing. Scootaloo was stunned as well as puzzled.

"Wuh?" Scootaloo replied in shock.

"She means, Scoot," said Apple Bloom, "That Spoiled Rich's words are really hurting her. It's making her heart break."

"I'm not surprised you haven't broken down sooner," said Sweetie Belle, "That mare is downright vicious! I mean, she broke Mario for pony's sake!" The entire group shared a somber mood for a moment as Diamond Tiara just continued to cry. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom each gave the tiara-wearing filly a hug to help her calm down. Scootaloo then did the same.

"Please don't cry, Di," said Scootaloo, "We're here for you after all. We know whatever Spoiled Rich says about you isn't true."

"That's right," said Apple Bloom, "You're a hero after all!"

"I don't feel like one," Diamond Tiara croaked, "especially after what Mother said..."

"It's going to be okay," said Silver Spoon and then blinked as she got an idea, "I've got some extra allowance money. Let's all head to Sugarcube Corner for a milkshake. I know how much you love a good chocolate malt."

"Don't forget the peppermint," Sweetie Belle added with a giggle, "Mario got her to try one with a peppermint-chocolate ice cream and she's been hooked ever since!" The fillies laughed, even Diamond Tiara.

"Thanks, I needed that," said Diamond Tiara, "But I'll pay for my..." Silver Spoon put a fore-hoof to her lips.

"No, Di," said Silver Spoon, "This one is on me. I know you don't like it when others pay for your stuff anymore, but...it's okay to be treated once in a while." The others smiled in agreement. Diamond Tiara sighed and rolled her eyes, but still conceded to the offer. It wasn't long before the five fillies arrived at Sugarcube Corner. They had barely walked inside when they suddenly heard a steady stream of applause. The five fillies were stunned.

"Is everypony...clapping?!" said Scootaloo in surprise.

"It's probably because they saw Diamond Tiara," said Sweetie Belle. Diamond Tiara groaned.

"I spent my whole life wanting to be in the spotlight," Diamond Tiara said sadly, "Now that I've finally done just that. All I wanna do is disappear!"

"Oh Di..." said Silver Spoon when Mrs. Cake walked up.

"Well, if it is one of our newest heroes of Equestria," said Mrs. Cake, "What can I do for you all today?"

"Just a table for five, Mrs. Cake," said Silver Spoon, "Di here could use one of your famous chocolate malts with your peppermint-chocolate ice cream to feel better." Mrs. Cake blinked.

"Feel better?" said Mrs. Cake puzzled until something made her blink in realization, "Spoiled?"

"Eeyup," said all but Diamond Tiara in a blunt tone. Diamond Tiara just kept staring at the ground and said nothing.

"Honestly..." said Mrs. Cake but bit her tongue since she was still tending to customers, "Let's find you all a table and I'll whip up that malts for everypony...on the house."

"Mrs. Cake please..." Diamond Tiara pleaded but the shop owner mare put a fore-hoof to her mouth.

"Diamond Tiara," she said firmly, "It's alright. After all you've been through, especially after that rescue, the last thing you need is your mother criticizing you like she does. Now there's a free table over there for you all. So go take a seat."

"Okay..." said Diamond Tiara quietly as the five fillies headed to the table. Mrs. Cake got the orders for their malts and headed into the kitchen. She did give the filly a sympathetic look before she did so.

"Di?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"What?" Diamond Tiara asked in a blunt tone that sounded ruder than she intended.

"Why do you let your mother treat you that way?" said Sweetie Belle, "It's one thing if she doesn't like the fact you don't want to be mean anymore, but the way she talks down to you all the time..."

"She looks like a big bully," Scootaloo added, "and that isn't right! Why do you let her get away with it?"

"She's always gotten away with it," Diamond Tiara replied, "You've all heard the stories when Mario had to deal with her."

"But why do you let her treat you that way?" Silver Spoon added, "I've been meaning to ask you this for a long time. And don't you dare say that's it's because she's your mom."

"Well...you know how I used to be..." Diamond Tiara began.

"Oh for pony's sake!" said Apple Bloom as she face-hooved herself, "I know you wanna grow up to be like Mario, but that is going too far."

"What do you mean?" Diamond Tiara snapped, "I didn't ask to be treated this way! I didn't ask for a mother who likes to treat me like dirt! But that's what life decided to do and there's nothing I can do about it! After how awful I was to everypony here, maybe this is just the consequences for my past actions! Maybe I'm supposed to suffer in order to be a better pony! This is my punishment for my past mistakes and I just have to deal with it!" There was a long silence as some tears left Diamond Tiara's eyes. She quietly wiped them away as the silence continued for a few seconds.

"You're wrong!" said a stern voice. The group all turned to see that it was Scootaloo who said that.

"What?" Diamond Tiara replied slowly.

"You're wrong, Diamond Tiara," said Scootaloo, "You might have hurt me the most out of the Crusaders, but if you think I approve of your mother treating you like this. You are so dead wrong!"

"You have apologized for your mistakes more times than I can count," said Silver Spoon, "If somepony refuses to accept your apology, then you're just have to move on. You can't just let them keep tearing you apart."

"Just because Mario let others do that to him doesn't mean that you have to," said Sweetie Belle, "In fact, I don't think he'd approve if he knew you were letting Spoiled Rich and other ponies tear you down because you feel you deserve it." Diamond Tiara sighed.

"I guess you're right," said Diamond Tiara sadly, "I hate it that she treats me this way. She used to be vicious with me back when I was mean, but now it's like she just goes out of her way just to dampen my mood or ruin my day. Every single day I have to put up with her talking about how disappointing I am to her and how she dislikes practically everything that I do and have grown to like. She complains about how I work in the train yards and have my own branch line, she complains that you're my friends, she complains I have straight As in class, And she used to yell at me for not being at the top of the class?! What do you want? GEEZ!" Diamond Tiara face planted the table and groaned. Silver Spoon just patted her shoulder for comfort.

"When you put it that way," said Apple Bloom, "It's no wonder you're always staying at the a castle almost every weekend."

"Can you blame me?" said Diamond Tiara as she lifted her head, "I can't even look forward to going home anymore because she always there waiting to rip me apart from the inside out, constantly whining and complaining about anything she can think of! It's like I have to be a stranger in my own home, It's frustrating!"

"She's right about that," said Silver Spoon, "The only reason I even stay for dinner from time to time is because I know Di needs a friend to put up with it."

"May I ask why your father doesn't do anything about her?" Scootaloo asked rather irritably. Diamond Tiara huffed.

"That's why I feel so defeated," said Diamond Tiara, "Father might stick up for me, but it's like talking to a brick wall! I can't tell you how many night's I have to sleep with my pillow over my ears because they are yelling at each other for hours on end. Then when I wake up in the morning, it's like nothing has changed."

"Ouch," said Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah," Diamond Tiara replied, "My father said he doesn't mind me staying with Twilight and Mario as much as I do. He said he often stays late at the office just so he doesn't have to come home to mother, even though I've told him that only leaves me alone with her! I don't know what else to do at this point..." The four fillies looked at each other.

"Have you ever considered confronting her?" Apple Bloom suggested.

"Why?" Diamond Tiara remarked, "I said talking to her is like talking to a rock! Even Maud wouldn't speak to it!"

"Just because Spoiled Rich doesn't wanna to change herself doesn't mean that you have to just sit there and let her criticize you for the rest of your life," said Scootaloo.

"Pfft...she'll probably just complain that I'm disrespecting her again," Diamond Tiara remarked, "Anything I say would probably go through one ear and out the other. What do you think Silver Spoon?" The silver colored filly pondered for a moment. It was then Mrs. Cake arrived with their malts. Diamond Tiara gave her a happy thank you before the mare walked away. Silver Spoon took a long sip of her malt and then let out a long sigh.

"Di," said Silver Spoon slowly.

"Yes?" the tiara wearing filly replied. Silver Spoon gave her a serious look.

"I really think you should confront Spoiled Rich," said Silver Spoon, "This isn't about disrespect or telling her off. This has to do with standing up for yourself."

"I...see..." said Diamond Tiara wearily as she sipped her malt, trying to let the fresh mint help her relax. She had read about that in one of Twilight's books.

"You shouldn't have to put up with this day in and day out, Di," Silver Spoon continued, "If Spoiled Rich can't accept you for being a better pony, then that's her problem. You shouldn't have to work this hard. No...scratch that! You shouldn't have to risk your life confronting a dangerous changeling queen to just get Spoiled Rich to love and accept you." Diamond Tiara blinked.

"How...how did..." Diamond Tiara stuttered.

"Why else would you feel this hurt over it?" Silver Spoon retorted, "You're her daughter!"

"I'd rather be Twilight's daughter," Diamond Tiara admitted, "Not because she's a princess..."

"...but because she loves and accepts you," said Sweetie Belle, "Trust me, our whole class can see how close you and Twilight are. We know that you're not trying to get on Twilight's good side anymore because she's a princess. The three of us know that you're looking for some motherly love."

"Really?" Diamond Tiara asked timidly.

"Totally," said Scootaloo, "Ponies wonder why Twilight hasn't adopted you by now."

"Because I have parents," said Diamond Tiara as a matter of fact.

"Twilight could claim you if she really wanted to," said Scootaloo, "There's probably some royal rule that would let her do that."

"Maybe," said Diamond Tiara, "But my problem is with mother. Father's heart would break if I left him. He'd have to fend against mother alone! Even thought...I will admit...calling Mario my dad would be the coolest thing ever."

"That's what I love about him," said Apple Bloom, "The perfect balance of fatherly love and total awesomeness!"

"Totally!" said Diamond Tiara in agreement as they all chuckled. Diamond Tiara then settled.

"So...you all really think I should confront my mother?" Diamond Tiara asked as the four other fillies nodded in agreement. Diamond Tiara just sighed.

"How exactly could I get her to listen to me?" Diamond Tiara asked. The fillies pondered.

"We could stage an intervention," said Silver Spoon.

"I dunno," said Sweetie Belle, "I don't we could get Spoiled Rich to meet with us. She still thinks we're insignificant." Silver Spoon smirked.

"True..." Silver Spoon pondered as she took a definitive sip of her malt, "But I know some ponies who can make her listen." Diamond Tiara looked worried as the Cutie Mark Crusaders smiled as they caught on to Silver Spoon's idea.

Back at the castle, ten ponies were huddled up together in a group hug. (Surprisingly it would have been eleven but draconequus had declined, saying he's offer support from afar.) Upon closer inspection, one could see that everypony in that group was crying. Spike just stayed outside the circle, rubbing...Rarity's back (of course)...for comfort until they broke apart. Mario was still shedding some tears as Cadance who sat at Mario's left while Twilight sat on Mario's right, holding his fore-hoof.

"Thanks everypony," said Mario, "Thanks for hearing me out about this. I know it sounds silly..."

"It's not silly, big brother," said Fluttershy, "we know how important we are to you."

"We're family, bro," said Shenran, "and we're also glad that you decided to speak to us about this instead of just keeping it all to yourself."

"Yeah, as soon as Twilight suggested I speak to you about my worries, I knew I needed to speak with you," said Mario, "Whether your married or considered a sister, I want you all to still trust me when I say I'll always be here for you. And, despite what happened, that you still believe that I can protect you."

"Of course we do, Big Brother," said Applejack before giving a certain blue Pegasus a glare, "even if one us opened her big mouth to make you think otherwise."

"Hey, I was just admitting I was scared," Rainbow said quietly with tears still streaming down her eyes.

"Did Miss Wonderbolt just admit she was afraid?" Trixie remarked.

"Yeah...I did..." said Rainbow sternly as she kept crying, "Go ahead and laugh...I figured everypony else will..." Trixie blinked.

"Then...why admit it if you think we'd all laugh at you?" Trixie asked. Rainbow sniffled.

"Because Mario says I can open up to my friends and not just him about stuff like this," said Rainbow, "I just thought I'd try...and I'm really regretting it."

"Don't be, Dashie," said Rarity, "It's a little surprising to see you open up like this, but it's a welcome change."

"Whether you were captured or on the rescue squad," said Starlight, "There isn't a single pony here who can say they were not scared during what happened."

"Discord probably would," Shenran remarked.

"And we all can sing "liar, lair, pants on fire" when he does," Trixie replied. The group laughed.

"Good one Trixie," said Mario, "but yeah, each and every one of you knows that you can talk to me about anything and most of you confide in me about different things. For Dashie, it's when she's afraid."

"And also why I have ego issues," Rainbow admitted quietly. The others looked at the blue Pegasus curiously.

"I see," Applejack asked, "and why do you feel the need to have an ego?" Rainbow blushed and looked away for a moment before she sighed.

"Because I want to be strong enough to be there for my friends," Rainbow confessed, "but...I mess up because I focus less on the fact you need support, not a immediate solution. I just want to be able to solve problems quickly and I...forget there are some problem that can't be fixed in ten seconds flat..." Rainbow wanted nothing more than disappear, but then she felt Fluttershy hold her hoof.

"You've done alot of awesome things, Rainbow Dash," said Fluttershy, "but admitting that flaw to us was the most awesome thing you've ever done!" Rainbow blushed as the others gave her sympathetic smile.

"If you're going to confess to something personal, I guess it's fair I do the same," said Applejack, "As much you like to think that I'm on top of things, especially regarding my family, the truth is...sometimes the responsibility of managing the farm and raising Apple Bloom...gets me really nervous. In fact, I often get really scared."

"Really?" said Twilight, "You always seem so put together."

"Yeah, you have the strongest self-determination I've ever seen in a pony," said Shenran.

"Maybe, but whenever I have those stubborn moments, I...put myself down over it," said Applejack, "I've gone to Mario in private just so I...I could cry because I feel so down over being so stupid and unwilling to be reasonable..." The others gave her sympathetic looks. Starlight patted Appeljack's shoulder supportively.

"I go to Mario about my fears of rejection," said Starlight, "He's not the only pony who still feels like they're one mistake away from their closest friends just dumping them." Trixie gasped in shock.

"Starlight, I would never do that to you!" said Trixie, "I'm more surprised you haven't stopped being my friend!"

"Why?" Starlight remarked, "Sure you've got an ego too. But it isn't that unbearable."

"For you at least," Twilight muttered as Cadance giggled. She actually thought it was funny how Trixie's teasing made Twilight look like a bomb ready to explode.

"I'm sorry Twilight," said Trixie, "I don't mean to shove my friendship with Starlight in your face all the time. I'm just jealous because you're so good at magic. I know you're not trying to upstage me, but..." Trixie just sighed.

"It's okay, Trixie," said Twilight, "if you really want to improve on your magic, I'm sure Starlight and I could help you." Trixie smiled.

"I would appreciate that," Trixie replied softly.

"I think it's time I told you all something," said Pinkie in a very serious tone, "I know I like to keep happy all the time, but sometimes...even I feel a little insecure about myself."

"What do you mean?" Cadance asked.

"This might sound harsh," said Pinkie, "But...as much as I come off as being clueless sometimes." Pinkie began to cry, "I'm actually more aware of things than I let on. I know sometimes my energy gets on pony's nerves. I know sometimes I speak before I think things through. I only wanted to be encouraging but what I say ends up making things worse. Sometimes I think ponies only claim to be my friend just to be nice, but deep down, they actually find me annoying and can't wait for me to go away..."

"Pinkie..." said Twilight sadly.

"You guys have no idea how many days I've had to ask Mario one on one time just to cry things out," Pinkie sobbed, "Because I start to second guess my own special talent. And...Twilight isn't the only one who gets a little stir crazy when she's in the middle of a panic attack. Yet you all think I'm just being random!"

"Not true Pinkie," said Fluttershy, " I knew something was up, but I wasn't sure how to help. I'm so sorry we didn't at least try to calm you down.

"It's okay," said Pinkie, "I'm sure you confide in Mario too...about your own struggles with believing in yourself?" Fluttershy nodded.

"We both have similar pasts," said Fluttershy, "growing up being bullied to the point you can't even speak up for yourself anymore. Willing to let ponies treat you like a doormat just to feel accepted and make peace. It's really hard to find your self-confidence when you feel that broken inside. Then you find out that keeping quiet was only building up bitterness and resentment that makes you lash out at your closest friends..." Shenran held his wife close for comfort as Fluttershy shed a few tears of her own.

"You felt that low?" Cadance asked Mario. Mario just nodded. Cadance just hugged Mario close and kissed th side of his head.

"I, too, understand how Mario feels," said Rarity, "I know I can be a bit of a drama queen, but it's because, like Mario, I'm a perfectionist. When things just seems to keep going wrong or my best effort isn't good enough, especially my mane and make-up in my case, I just fall apart and all my confidence in myself just disappears!"

"That does sound familiar," said Cadance as Mario blushed, "Whenever Mario had a bad day, his confidence would disappear too. The problem is that you both expect way to much of yourselves. It's one thing to want to keep improving on your skills and talents, but you're not going to achieve perfection all the time. And let me settle this issue once and for all! Mario learned weeping dramatically on a fainting sofa on his own at the age of four, before he ever met Rarity."

"Thank Celestia I have a witness at last!" Rarity exclaimed in exasperation. The others laughed.

"Well, I know that wasn't easy for all of you," said Mario, "But it means alot to see you tell each other about the things you've confide in me about. So thank you for opening up. But I especially want to thank you all for hearing me out everypony. It's good to know that you all still trust me to be there for you and take care of you. I love you all from the bottom of my heart." All but Shenran awed.

"Group hug!" Pinkie called out as they scooted in to just that. It was then they heard a knock on the door.

"I'll get it!" said Twilight as she used her magic to open the door. Outside the door was Shining Armor with Flurry Heart.

"Little Flurry here heard her uncle needs a little love," said Shining Armor. Flurry Heart wasted no time flying out of her father's fore-leg and went over to Mario. She quickly gave Mario a loud kiss and snuggled into his face. The others awed.

"Okay, I'm not usually touched by cute moments," said Trixie, "But that's too adorable!" Mario just blushed as Flurry Heart gave Mario another kiss and then hovered under his chin to give him a hug with her little legs and her wings. Mario returned by tenderly holding the baby alicorn with his fore-leg.

"Um...excuse me..." said a timid voice. Mario and Flurry Heart pulled away and they saw five fillies standing before them looking rather glum.

"Sorry to interrupt...umm...what is going on?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"I was having these nightmares that everypony was upset because I couldn't protect them from the changelings," Mario explained, "Instead of keeping things to myself, I decided to speak to my friends about my worries and they were able to put my worries to rest. I love having such caring friends." The other's smiled.

"Does that include me too?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"Of course, sweetie," said Twilight. Flurry Heart then hovered over to Diamond Tiara and hugged the side of her head.

"Guess Flurry Heart likes you Di," said Apple Bloom as the others just giggled.

"Thanks, Flurry," said Diamond Tiara as the little alicorn baby pulled away, "but with that in mind, is there a change I can speak with you all?" Mario and Twilight shared concerned looks with each other.

"What about Di?" Mario asked. Diamond Tiara whimpered as she rubbed her fore-hooves together. Silver Spoon could see how nervous her best friend was looking.

"Do you want me to tell them?" Silver Spoon asked. Diamond Tiara nodded nervously. Silver Spoon cleared her throat and adjusted her blue glasses.

"Well, earlier today, we were taking a walk about town together to hang out," said Silver Spoon, "And along the way, we bumped into Spoiled Rich..."

"Ugh...let me guess...she had to open her big mouth," Mario asked irritably.

"Wait, you mean to tell me she openly degrades her own daughter?" said Candace in shock and anger.

"You have no idea," said Apple Bloom.

"And she does it to her all time too," said Sweetie Belle, "She'll find anything about poor Di and criticize her for it. Her friends, her interests, being Mario's student, even being the top student in school!"

"What?!" said Rainbow, "Twilight finally turned Diamond Tiara into an egghead?" Diamond Tiara glared and pulled out a set of chocolate brown oval frames and put them on.

"Does that answer your question?" said Diamond Tiara irritably, "And I like being an egghead thank you!" Rainbow just blinked, noticed the others were glaring as she hovered back down and covered her face with her wing to block the stares.

"Well, aside from the fact I like how beautiful you look with those glasses Di," said Mario, "I'm guessing something more happened after Spoiled Rich opened her big mouth."

"Yeah," said Diamond Tiara sadly, "I...I...I...broke down crying..." Everypony gave her sympathetic looks as the little filly sniffled.

"I'm so sorry, master," Diamond Tiara croaked, "I'm trying so hard to hold my tongue and tune her words out but...I...I..."

"It's okay, Di," said Mario in a firm tone, "Spoiled Rich just seems to enjoy tearing ponies down with her big mouth and now she's gone too far."

"Just how long has she been treating you this way?" Cadance demanded sternly. Diamond Tiara just stared at the ground.

"Try since the day she was born," said Silver Spoon, "Di's been pressured her whole life to be the first at everything! First tooth, first time walking, first to get her cutie mark..."

"And she chewed me out when I wasn't," Diamond Tiara remarked.

"Di finally put her foot down saying she wanted friends more than prestige," said Silver Spoon, "Now Spoiled Rich treats her like she's doesn't even deserve to be part of the Rich family!"

"And on top of that," said Diamond Tiara angrily, "I can't remember when she said she loved me! EVER!" Her voice echoed throughout the room from her little outburst. Diamond Tiara panted a bit before she bit her lower lip.

"S-s-sorry, I-I didn't mean to raise my voice," Diamond Tiara continued apologetically, "I'm just frustrated. And...well..." Diamond Tiara let out a long sigh, "You all know how I used to be and..."

"Diamond Dazzle Tiara!" Twilight exclaimed angrily, "Don't you dare say that you deserve this! You've redeemed yourself and any further punishment for your past actions isn't right! If a pony can't accept your apology or the fact you've changed, than that's their loss." Diamond Tiara froze in place as Twilight spoke, but relaxed a bit as the purple pony's words sank in.

"Please don't anypony blame Mario for this!" said Diamond Tiara, "I didn't learn to do that from him! But it just seems like nopony understands what it's like when the guilt and the shame are so strong that it eats at your heart day in and day out!"

"I do understand," said Mario as he walked up to her and pulled the filly in for a hug, "And Starlight does as well."

"That's right Di," said Starlight, "While it's happening less and less, I still cry myself to sleep at night because of the guilt. Forgiving yourself is hard, but it is necessary if you want to get over your past and continue to grow."

"And you don't need to feel like you're suffering alone," said Twilight, "Look around you! Every pony here believes in you and is your friend." Diamond Tiara looked around seeing all the smiling faces surrounding her. This made the filly feel much better, but she was still feeling rather worried.

"Well, Silver Spoon and the Crusaders told me that I should confront mother about how I'm feeling," said Diamond Tiara, "I feel like it's a loss cause, but..."

"No, I agree," Mario interrupted, "Enough is enough. We can't change her or convince her to change, but we can put an end to the pain and suffering she's putting you through."

"That's why I'm here," said Diamond Tiara, "My mother is super stubborn. I don't think me, Silver, and the Crusaders will be enough to get her to listen. I hate to ask this because it feels like abuse of royal power..."

"It's not and we'll be happy to help you stage an intervention for you about this," said Twilight, "Despite her disrespect to me and my husband, she won't turn down a royal summon."

"Think we should contact Mom about this?" Mario asked. Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and the Crusaders felt their jaws drop.

"They're gonna get Celestia involved?!" Scootaloo remarked.

"I don't think we need to go that far," said Twilight.

"But I would like to offer my support regarding this issue," said Cadance, "If there's anything I have zero tolerance for, it's a filly being mistreated by a parent. And being a mother myself, I can definitely speak from experience. Spoiled Rich has caused so much pain to my family..."

"But I'm not..." Diamond Tiara protested.

"Yes you are," said Cadance firmly, "and I'm sorry if I never made that clear. We need no official papers or relations for that." Diamond Tiara was speechless. The Princess of Love just said she was part of her family!

"What about the rest of you?" Mario asked. The others smiled as Rainbow hovered up.

"Are you kidding me?!" Rainbow remarked, "By this time tomorrow, we and Spoiled Rich are gonna have One. Big. Showdown!" Mario just smirked in agreement.

"Indeed," said Mario, "I've given that mare more than enough chances and if she's gonna refuse to take advantage of those opportunities, than it's her own fault. But I should mention this here and now. We're all going to play back up support."

"What?!" Rainbow exclaimed annoyingly.

"The issue at hand isn't about me or any of our problems with Spoiled Rich," said Mario, "This is between Spoiled Rich and Diamond Tiara." The tiara wearing filly blinked.

"Wait...so I'm going to be confronting her?!" said Diamond Tiara, "Are you crazy? She won't listen to me!"

"Yes she will," said Twilight firmly, "and we're going to make sure of that. One way or another." Diamond Tiara pondered for a moment.

"Okay, let's do it," said Diamond Tiara, "But I would like to make one request."

"What is it?" Mario asked curiously.

"While I'm hoping Mother won't resort to dirty tricks," said Diamond Tiara, "I would like to have a little trick of my own in case she crosses the line." Mario and Twilight shared skeptical looks.

"I don't know Di..." Twilight said with uncertainty.

"At least hear me out before you say no," said Diamond Tiara. Twilight and Mario pondered for a moment before conceding with a nod. The filly rushed up and whispered her idea to them. While Mario and Twilight were a little worried about it, they did eventually concede to her little backup plan. Diamond Tiara quickly went to find her Father. She was gonna need his help for this as well.

The next day, bright and early, the Mane Eight, Starlight, Trixie, Cadance, Silver Spoon, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were all inside the library room. Shining Armor was watching Flurry Heart in another room. And while Filthy Rich complied with helping his daughter out, he couldn't be at the meeting that morning due to business. Twilight and Mario had sent message to Spoiled Rich last night about an emergency summon and to appear first thing in the morning. While everypony was quiet, one could feel the tension in the air. Poor Diamond Tiara was sitting in the middle of the group since everypony was gathered around in a wide circle. She was trembling heavily since she was feeling very, very nervous.

"What was I thinking?!" Diamond Tiara quivered, "I can't do this! She'll tear me apart!"

"You'll be okay, Di," said Silver Spoon, "You need to do this. This will help you put this issue to rest. If she can't accept you, then she can at least back off with the remarks." Diamond Tiara just gave a timid nod.

"I'm scared..." Diamond Tiara squeaked nervously.

"Don't be sugarcube," said Applejack. We've all got your back.

"We're here for you, darling," Rarity added with a warm smile. Diamond Tiara timidly smiled back, but then she was startled when she heard the door open.

"She's here," said Spike bluntly and went to take a seat in the outside circle, "And she's brought her big mouth with her." Diamond Tiara groaned as Twilight, Mario and Cadance snorted irritably. Spoiled Rich then walked into the room and was rather stunned at the sight.

"What is the meaning of this?" Spoiled Rich demanded, "When I received my summon last night, I assumed that my meeting with you two would be with a more...civilized crowd..." Cadance was livid.

"You call being in the presence of three alicorns uncivilized?!" Cadance snapped angrily.

"Three alicorns? Of course not," said Spoiled Rich snootily, "It's the rest of the ponies you, your husband, and your fellow alicorns choose to affiliate with." Cadance glared sternly.

"As much I could refute the matter," said Cadance in a low tone, "this isn't about me, or Twilight, or Mario. This has to do with your daughter." Spoiled Rich blinked indignantly.

"Are you kidding me?!" Spoiled Rich spluttered, "You mean to tell me that you brought me here just because this disgrace to the family name is having some sort of petty issues..."

"My petty issues are with you!" Diamond Tiara yelled, having enough with Spoiled Rich's insults.

"Excuse me?!" Spoiled Rich spluttered, "How dare you speak to me that way!"

"I'm not trying to disrespect you, mother," said Diamond Tiara, "And forgive me for raising my voice, but I have something to say and you are going to listen to me!" Spoiled Rich scoffed.

"I don't have time for this!" Spoiled Rich remarked as she turned to leave, but was then stunned to see that everypony minus Diamond Tiara was blocking the door.

"I believe we summoned you because your daughter felt this was the only way you would listen to reason," said Twilight, "Considering your past behavior, my husband and I found it necessary to get involved, especially since she is our friendship student."

"You mean your lacky to your stupid idealistic crusade?" Spoiled Rich remarked, but then froze when Fluttershy gave the mare "The Stare".

"If you leave," said Fluttershy in a low, threatening tone, "We'll tell everypony who you really are and how you treat other ponies! We'll make sure you're never invited to any high-class events ever again!" The others were shocked, especially Diamond Tiara.

That wasn't my back up plan... Diamond Tiara thought But wow...thanks Fluttershy. I always knew you were really cool!

Spoiled Rich just remained stiff, sweating slightly.

"Now turn around and listen to what your daughter has to say," Fluttershy ordered, "NOW!" Spoiled Rich whimpered and quickly did a one eighty. A few second later she recovered and scoffed once again.

"Can't believe I'm at the mercy of such miscre-" Spoiled Rich muttered.

"Grrr!" Fluttershy growled in a low and stared at the mare once again.

"I'll be quiet now," Spoiled Rich squeaked, not fearing for her life. Mario and Cadance were most impressed. Diamond Tiara cleared her throat definitively.

"Now as I was trying to say before," said Diamond Tiara, "I have a problem with you mother and I need you to listen to what I have to say." Spoiled Rich said nothing but still growled inwardly.

"Fine..." the mare conceded reluctantly and pouty face to boot. Mario and Cadance shook their heads at Spoiled Rich's immaturity.

"Mother, I know you didn't appreciate the fact that I called you out at the PTA meeting some time ago," said Diamond Tiara, "I never meant to make you feel disrespected or humiliated whatsoever. I was upset because you insulted my new friends. As I said before, just because they hadn't found their cutie marks doesn't make them insignificant. And I didn't mean to insult you by saying that you don't have friends either. After all, I remember your two friends from Canterlot, Jet Set and Upper Crust."

"Used to be friends is the better word," said Spoiled Rich, "Until you made a fool of me."

OBJECTION!

"Diamond Tiara's change had nothing to do with Jet Set and Upper Crust breaking ties with you," Mario explained.

"We recently sat with them for tea not too long ago during one of our dates," Twilight continued, "They told us that they realized just how wrong they were about me and Mario. They had tried to convince you that Mario was an important pony after all, but you refused. That was why they broke ties with you."

"You only have their twisted interpretation of what happened during that conversation," Spoiled Rich remarked.

"Actually..." said Mario.

TAKE THAT!

"There were two very important witnesses during that conversation when Jet Set and Upper Crust broke ties with you," said Mario, "If you remember, this conversation was set during a royal summit. And Celestia and Luna were there to witness the entire incident." Spoiled Rich cringed.

"Um...uhh...f-f-fine!" Spoiled Rich spluttered, "So Diamond Tiara isn't the reason I lost my friends, she still made a fool out of me in front of her entire class and that pathetic excuse of a teacher!"

"Miss Cheerilee is a fully certified teacher," said Diamond Tiara sternly.

"Oh, please Mayor Mare's certification means nothing," Spoiled Rich retorted indignantly.

"I'm not talking about Mayor Mare's certification," said Diamond Tiara. She then pulled out some sheets of paper.

TAKE THAT!

"I have here a copy of Cheerilee's teaching certification from the EEA, the highest standard of Equestrian Education," said Diamond Tiara. Spoiled Rich cringed.

"Ugh! This is not what I had in mind when I decided to teach you about law!" Spoiled Rich retorted angrily.

"As I said before, this isn't about disrespecting you," said Diamond Tiara plainly, "I'm just trying to help you realize that alot of the things you believe aren't true. Just like a good parent is supposed to help their children understand the difference between truth and lies. I'm just being a good daughter by helping you..."

"YOU ARE NOT MY DAUGHTER!" Spoiled Rich screamed. Everything was brought to a grinding halt when Spoiled Rich said that so openly. Everypony was in deep shock. Mario, Twilight and Cadance could feel their tempers boiling. Diamond Tiara blinked at what Spoiled Rich had said.

"What...what did you say?" Diamond Tiara asked in shock and disbelief.

"You heard me," Spoiled Rich said bluntly, "thought I'm not surprised if you didn't, you were never a good listener!"

"Listener?" Diamond Tiara retorted, her body shaking as her anger, "What was there worth listening to? How much I disappointed you every single day? How much you were always yelling at me for embarassing you and letting you down? It was always about you!"

"Incorrect Diamond Tiara," said Spoiled Rich sternly, "I went out of my way to train you into becoming a true winner. A respectable high society pony with prestige and status and you threw it all way for something as petty as friendship!"

"If friendship was so petty," said Diamond Tiara, "Then why is a small town librarian and a railway worker...umm...no offense, Mario and Twilight."

"None taken," said Mario, "Before we became alicorns, that was our job occupations besides being Celestia's students." Spoiled Rich groaned in disgust.

"The point here, Mother," said Diamond Tiara sternly, "is that these two ponies worked hard learning about the magic of friendship. And they earned their wings! It wasn't just some dumb accident as you always claimed. They worked for those wings! They had to suffer the loss of their homes in order to get this castle, even lose all their magic to Tirek! Nothing they've earned was by some dumb, twisted accident! The magic of friendship is what makes them so powerful and why they have such a strong bond with each other. A bond they want to share with me, even Starlight and Trixie, who have made plenty of mistakes..."

"Too many mistakes of you ask me..." Spoiled Rich muttered.

"You're not perfect either," said Diamond Tiara, "in fact, you need to get it out of your head that your idea of perfection just isn't realistic! You will never be perfect in the eyes of anypony in Equestria."

"Excuse me?!" Spoiled Rich exclaimed furiously.

"Important ponies aren't famous and respected because they act like a high horse, thinking they are better than everypony else," Diamond Tiara continued, "I found that by trying to reach out to others and trying to be a good friend, that I can earn the respect of the very ponies that you try to impress by acting like a high horse."

"Oh please!" Spoiled Rich remarked annoyingly.

"It's true," Diamond Tiara replied, "You wanted me to have strong connections with important ponies. Everypony here in this very room important and I am considered not just a friend, but a part of their family! They love me for who I am." The others smiled in approval before Diamond Tiara added sadly.

"I just wish you loved me as well." There was a long silence as Diamond Tiara waited, inwardly pleading that her words about Spoiled Rich not loving her were not true. But after a few seconds, the filly saw that Spoiled Rich was just standing there with a deadpan look on her face. Diamond Tiara's heart began to break.

"Are...are you..." Diamond Tiara felt her anger surge, "Are you really going to just stand there and say nothing?! I just said that I wished you loved me as well! And you're just going to stand there?! Tell me the truth, Mother. Do you love me?" Spoiled Rich just stayed blunt looking and silent. The others were getting very frustrated. They didn't understand what the wealthy mare was waiting for or if she was actually enjoying toying with her own daughter's emotions on the subject.

"ANSWER ME?!" Diamond Tiara screamed as tears began to fall from her eyes. Spoiled Rich just turned away, but refuse to answer.

"I don't know what you're trying to play at with your silent treatment, Spoiled," Mario said sternly, "but you're not making yourself look good by not answering the question!"

"Diamond Tiara's has put up with enough of your insults and cold-hearted attitude!" said Twilight, "So you better answer her if you know what's good for you!" If Spoiled Rich was feeling intimidated, she didn't show it as she saw that Diamond Tiara was just staring at her with tears pouring out of her eyes. She just watched her cry for a few seconds before finally replying.

"Why would I love a disgrace to the family?" Spoiled Rich replied at last. Everypony gasped in shock and horror. Diamond Tiara winced as the view showed her heart as it shattered apart. Diamond Tiara could barely hold her composure, but she managed to find her voice.

"What did I do?" Diamond Tiara asked in broken tone, "What did I do to make you treat me this way?"

"I just said..."

"No!" Diamond Tiara snapped angrily, "No! No more excuses! You know as well as I do that you've been treating me like a pile of horseapples since before I stood up to you! In fact, I can't think of a day of my life where I wasn't being criticized by you! I followed your hoofsteps for one reason only, to hear you say that you loved me! When that didn't work, I decided to follow a better path, becoming the pony I wanted to be, and show you that there is a better way to become an important pony, but none of it satisfied you! Why? What did you want from me? Was doing things your way really the only way to get your love?"

"No," Spoiled Rich replied.

"What?!" Diamond Tiara croaked.

"No..." said Spoiled Rich, "It was never about loyalty, following my hoofsteps, or standing up to me."

"Then why won't you love me?" Diamond Tiara demanded.

"You're an embarrassment to me!" Spoiled Rich yelled, "You weren't the first to learn how to walk! You weren't first to get your tooth! You let your so called lacky get her cutie mark before you! You got trounced by three blank flanks time and time again! You made me look like a complete fool!"

"Are you telling me that the whole reason you won't love your own daughter is because what she doesn't make you look good?!" Silver Spoon interjected.

"That is the most selfish thing I've ever heard in my entire life!" Rarity remarked.

"Did really think blackmailing others, disrespecting my Granny, writing humiliating stories in the newspaper, just to name a few," said Applejack, "Are things that are gonna make you look good?"

"Since when is raising a child suppose to be all about you?" Starlight added furiously, "That's not what being a mother is all about."

"She deserves better than you for a mom!" Trixie yelled in rage.

"Believe me," said Spoiled Rich arrogantly, "If I could dispose of her, I would!" Cadance snarled and nearly lunged at her, but Mario held her back. Mario then waved a fore-hoof to Diamond Tiara to use her little secret weapon. Diamond Tiara just took a deep breath.

"So that's what you really think of me huh?" said Diamond Tiara calmly, "Just a means to an end?" Spoiled Rich just rolled her eyes.

"You know, I can live with the fact that we will never see eye to eye about anything," said Diamond Tiara, "but I can't believe that you can stand there and say that you want nothing to do with me. That all I ever was to you was a chance to make yourself look good in front of others. I'm sick and tired of coming home every day having to listen you put my down and outright insult me day in and day out. If you don't like with how I've changed, fine! But you don't have to go out of your way to treat me like dirt. If you've got nothing nice to say to me, then just shut your mouth and leave me alone!"

"You should be lucky insults are the only thing I toss at you," said Spoiled Rich, "especially when you've made a fool of me everyday messing everything up!" Diamond Tiara glared as the rest of the group just gave the mare disgusted and bitter looks.

"You really do care only about yourself don't you?" Diamond Tiara remarked bitterly, "I don't know what Father ever saw in you! I wouldn't be surprised if you married him just for his bits!"

"Don't you question my marriage you insignificant filth!" Spoiled Rich yelled offensively.

"No, if you won't want anything to do with me, then let's make it official then!" Diamond Tiara snapped as she pulled out some papers and dropped them before Spoiled Rich's feet, "Here is a document that will allow you to be rid of me forever! I got Father to sign it. All you have to do is sign the dotted line!" Diamond Tiara then set a quill on top of the paper. Then tossed her tiara on top of the paper. Spoiled Rich was stunned at the offer as Diamond Tiara glared at her. Spoiled Rich then glared back.

"You do realize what you're doing by putting this in front of me don't you?" Spoiled Rich asked in a blunt tone.

"You're the one that just said you don't want me for a daughter and you don't even want me in your life," said Diamond Tiara, "If you mean what you said, then sign that paper and make it official. Then you can tell the most important ponies in Equestria that you think I'm noting but a worthless reject. Good luck getting ponies to respect you after that!" Spoiled Rich laughed.

"You think these ponies intimidate me," said Spoiled Rich, "I've got all the connections I need without the heroes or Equestria, or the so called Prince and Princess of Friendship or the Princess of Love, who can't even protect her own kingdom!" Cadance growled as Mario kept a fore-leg up to keep Cadance from leaving her spot. Diamond Tiara just stayed firm and kept glaring.

"Would you really disown me right here, right now?" Diamond Tiara asked in a low tone, "All because I didn't make you look good? Because I wasn't exactly what you wanted? What you wanted was impossible! You'll never be happy no matter how hard anypony tries to please you!"

"Then I guess you've made my decision for me!" Spoiled Rich snapped and signed the contract. She then spat out the quill firmly once she was finished.

"Guess you did something right after all," Spoiled Rich remarked, "I no longer have to be responsible for you or waste my time seeing you constantly back at the mansion. And I thank you for saving me the time of taking this tiara off right off your pathetic head! Now I can give it to somepony that actually matters! Now if there's nothing else you have to say, I'd have important business to take care of. And you better stay away from the mansion and as far as from me as possible. Because as if today, I don't have a daughter!" Diamond Tiara was left dumbfounded as she lowered her head. Spoiled Rich gave her an unsympathetic look as she turned to walk away, stuffing the tiara into a shirt pocket. Cadance finally pushed Mario's fore-leg down and ran up to the mare.

"Cadance!" Mario called out.

"You're garbage!" Cadance said furiously as she gave Spoiled Rich a death glare, "I always knew you were a selfish mare, Spoiled, but this is the most disgusting, most vile, most disgraceful thing I've ever seen in my entire life! YOU DON'T DESERVE TO BE A MOTHER! YOU DON'T DESERVE DESERVE DIAMOND TIARA FOR A DAUGHTER!" Cadance panted heavily in rage as Spoiled Rich looked unphased.

"Are you finished?" Spoiled Rich asked bluntly. Cadance's temper hit its limit.

"Unless you want to end up in Tartarus with nothing but that stupid piece of fabric your wearing," Cadance warned and ironically the insult to the top actually made Spoiled Rich gasp, "I better not ever see your face in the Crystal Empire and I will be notifying Celestia and Luna about all this. As far as I'm concerned you'll never be involved in any high class events ever again!"

"And the same can be said for Ponyville as well," Mario added angrily as he walked up to Spoiled Rich, "Now get out!" Spoiled Rich looked a bit frazzled, but then just huffed as she turned to leave. But then Apple Bloom got in her way and headed toward the door to the room and opened it. Spoiled Rich had barely stepped through the door when Apple Bloom slammed the door shut.

"Good riddance!" Apple Bloom remarked but then noticed that Diamond Tiara was just sitting in the middle of the room, her tiara no longer on her head, and her head was still lowered. The others grew worried when Diamond Tiara just sat quietly and said nothing for a long time.

"Di? Sweetheart?" Twilight asked worriedly. Diamond Tiara just lifted her head. The others grew more worried when Diamond Tiara just had a long crooked smile on her face.

"Guess what everypony?" Diamond Tiara croaked, "I'm a reject...I'm...a...a..." Within seconds, Diamond Tiara's composure crumbled to pieces as she let out a long, painful wail and ran out of the room as fast as she could.

"Di! Wait! Please come back!" Mario called out as he chased after the now loud weeping filly. The others just shared worried and sad looks with each other.

"I...can't believe Spoiled Rich just rejected Di like that," said Pinkie sadly, now crying herself.

"If I didn't despite her before, I certainly do now," said Rainbow remarked and raised a fist in the air, "I should hunt her down and give it to her!"

"Don't bother, Dashie," Shenran replied, "She'll just use your attack as leverage to make Spitfire throw you out of the Wonderbolts!" Rainbow grunted angrily.

"We can't just let her get away with this!" Rainbow retorted angrily.

"She won't," said Twilight as Spike sent off a scroll, "I just sent a message to Celestia and Luna about what happened. We can't stop her from disowning Diamond Tiara, but we can make sure that she learns that her actions today will have severe consequences."

"That's all well and good," said Rarity, "But what do we go about Di? The poor filly is devastated."

"I know," said Starlight as she felt her eyes water, "When she said she was reject and ran off crying, I felt like I was watching myself getting rejected by Sunburst all over again!" Suddenly, the group all heard the sound of some soft sobbing. They quickly found that Trixie was crying, rather heavily too.

"Trixie," Mario asked gently.

"What's wrong?" Twilight asked with concern. Trixie just sniffled before finding her voice.

"I don't wanna talk about it..." Trixie croaked and pleaded. Mario walked up to her and placed a gentle fore-leg onto her shoulder.

"Did somepony treat you that way too?" Mario asked in a serious but concerned voice. Trixie just looked away as she continued to cry, not wanting to answer.

"You don't have to go into details if you're not comfortable," said Starlight to the sobbing mare, "We just wanna know if you understand Di situation." Mario nodded in agreement. As much as he wanted to know the truth, he knew better than to push anypony about opening up.

"Guess you could say that," said Trixie, "I can...kind of...understand what Diamond Tiara is dealing with right now." The other ponies nodded in agreement and Mario gave the cerulean pony a side hug to let her now he wasn't gonna push her any further.

"Trixie will be okay, everypony," said Mario to the others, "but I'm more worried about Di. I don't blame her one bit for breaking down like that. To be literally torn apart with words is horrible! I don't want that little filly thinking she's a reject. You all know what that did to me...it's awful..." Mario covered his face with his fore-hooves. Starlight just looked sadly away. Mario was about to cry when he felt somepony pulled his fore-hooves off his face. He was surprised to see that it was actually Fluttershy.

"This isn't the time to feel sorry for yourself," said Fluttershy firmly.

"But this is my..."

"It's not your fault," said Fluttershy sternly, "We all hoped that if Di confronted her mother, they could have at least settled things in peaceful terms. At least, Spoiled Rich could have at least backed off with her insults. Nopony thought she'd go so far as to outright disown her."

"But that was my fault!" said Mario, "Di asked me to set up that disownment papers because we both thought Spoiled Rich was just bluffing or holding out on Di. We thought, maybe, despite her cold demeanor, she did love her since she was his daughter. I mean, if that was your daughter and you said that out of anger, would you actually sign that paper? Even if you were still really angry? No! It was supposed to call Spoiled Rich's bluff! She wasn't supposed to actually disown her!"

"Well I know for sure that once Filthy Rich learns about this," said Applejack sternly, "he won't let her get away with doing this to Di. In fact, I'm ready to end our business ties with him if he doesn't do anything about it!"

"Wouldn't that put the farm at risk of going under?" Mario asked.

"Maybe years ago," said Applejack with an assuring smile, "but with Di's railway services and you're business brains. I'm sure we can find another way to earn extra bits for our zap apple jam."

"True," said Mario, "But until then, we've got a broken filly that I'm hoping didn't try running away..."

"She didn't," said Cadance, "I sent Silver Spoon and the Crusaders to go follow after her. They found her inside the bedroom you and Twilight set up for her. At least she has a safe place to stay until we can contact Filthy Rich."

"He's not at Backyard Bargains?" Rainbow asked.

"No," Twilight replied, "He left for Vanhoover to do some business with a farm up there regarding their own products. He won't be back for another day or so."

"Is he always on business?" Cadance replied.

"Pretty much," said Mario, "work keeps him away from home most of the time. We've tried to streamline his schedule and such so he'd have more time with Di, but it seems like just when we've opened up his schedule, he's got even more work to do."

"We both believe it has to do with Spoiled Rich," said Twilight, "We can kind of understand why he wouldn't want to come home with somepony like her around. But just isn't fair to Di because with him gone, she's left at Spoiled Rich's mercy."

"You mean no mercy at all, that big dumb meanie," said Pinkie bitterly, "I still remember the last time I threw her a birthday party and she openly criticized my party skills! She even threw away my cake! You NEVER throw away a Pinkie cake!" Shenran patted Pinkie's back to help her feel better. Cadance just shook her head.

"That's not how you raise a foal," said Cadance angrily, "I would know. Shining Armor and I may be busy because of our royal duties and such, but we always make time for our daughter so she knows that we love and care about her. I can't think of a day when I haven't told Flurry Heart that I love her with all my heart! It sickens me to imagine Spoiled Rich holding a child and just looking at her with skepticism and disapproval! I agree with Di! I don't know what Filthy Rich saw in her! She's not even pretty!"

"Cadance, no need to go that far," Mario retorted, "We already have a plan that will ensure that Spoiled Rich learns that her actions have consequences. But for now, we need to decide what to do about Di." Cadance just glared but then did her special breathing technique to calm herself down.

"I know, she's the priority right now," said Cadance, "If anything, I think you and Twilight should go make sure she's alright." The two alicorns looked at each other before giving the pink alicorn a firm nod.

Back where Diamond Tiara's castle bedroom, the poor filly was sitting on her bed looking very glum. Silver Spoon was sitting beside her, rubbing her back for comfort as the Cutie Mark Crusaders were sitting at the front edge of the bed. When they had first entered the room, Diamond Tiara had been crying and screaming heavily. The entire group wasted no time hugging her. Soon, they were all crying together for a few minutes before they had all finally settled down. For the moment, the group wasn't sure what they could say to cheer her up. Apple Bloom soon found her words.

"Di, can I be straight with you?" Apple Bloom asked in a serious tone. Diamond Tiara just looked at the yellow filly with red puffy eyes and said nothing.

"The more I think about it," said Apple Bloom, "I think Spoiled Rich did you a favor."

"Huh?!" said the rest of the fillies.

"Think about it, Di!" said Apple Bloom, "all she ever did was make you miserable and she was raisin' ya to act like a bully for her own selfish gain! I honestly think disownin' you was the best thing she could've done for ya! Now you don't have to deal with her anymore and she's out of yer life for good! She can't you hurt anymore." There was a brief silence as Silver Spoon pondered.

"She does make a good point, Di," said Silver Spoon, "You don't have to put up with Spoiled anymore and you can finally be who you want to be now without her harsh criticism." Diamond Tiara growled.

"Yeah, but have you forgotten the price I had to pay to be rid of her?!" Diamond Tiara snapped, "Being disowned means more than just losing her as my mother, but I've lost my father too. I don't even have a home anymore and own anything to my name. She took my tiara! She took everything else that was mine! Well...except for what's in here but I bet she'll come take that too! I have nothing! No money, no family, and no love..." Diamond Tiara sniffled.

"Well, we can't replace the toys and other stuff," said Sweetie Belle, "but you didn't lose your family or the love."

"What do you mean?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"We're your family," said Silver Spoon, "and we love you."

"You do?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"Of course," said Silver Spoon before giving her a raised eyebrow, "Did you really think I would dump you if you lost all your wealth?" Diamond Tiara blushed and looked away since she had figured Silver Spoon would walk away if she had. Silver Spoon chuckled.

"Look, Di, I'll be real here," said Silver Spoon, "back when you were like your mother, losing your mother wasn't going to convince me to walk away, it was your attitude. That's why I put my hoof down after the election. But that isn't the case anymore, you've taught me that no matter how difficult things are, friendship is always worth fighting for. This is a point in your life when you need friends more than ever and I'm going to be here to support you. All of us are here for you. Right girls?" The Cutie Mark Crusaders all smiled and nodded in agreement. Diamond Tiara smiled as she felt a warmth inside of heart, especially seeing that the three fillies cared so much about her now.

"How can I ever thank you?" Diamond Tiara asked the three fillies and then got an idea, "actually...Silver Spoon...you know how...Master has more than one..." Silver Spoon put a fore-hoof to Diamond Tiara's mouth and chuckled.

"I'm cool with us all being best friends," said Silver Spoon, "But thank you for being considerate enough to ask me about it first." Diamond Tiara smiled as she held up her fore-legs as they all gave her a group hug. A few seconds later, Diamond Tiara had found herself new tears that started streaming down her cheeks.

"It's gonna be okay," said Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah, look at it this way," said Scootaloo, "Now you can find yourself a new mom. One that will love you no matter what." Scootaloo hadn't even noticed that Mario and Twilight were already in the room. They had walked in when Silver Spoon had been speaking to Diamond Tiara and had decided to stay quiet. The couple couldn't help but exchange smiles with each other when they heard Scootaloo mention looking for a new mother.

"Hey there," said Mario to get the girl's attention. The five fillies all perked up when they saw Mario and Twilight in the room.

"Oh...hi, master," said Diamond Tiara timidly, "I'm sorry..."

"Don't be, sweetie," said Twilight as she walked up to the filly, "Spoiled Rich is just a bad pony and she doesn't deserve you for a daughter."

"But...what will happen to me now?" said Diamond Tiara.

"You're gonna stay here at the castle and we'll keep up with your friendship and love magic lessons," said Mario, "as for Spoiled Rich and what she's done to you. We plan to speak to Filthy Rich about it as soon as he gets home. Do you remember when he's supposed to be returning to Ponyville?"

"I think it's the day after tomorrow, master," said Diamond Tiara, "but does it really matter? He couldn't do anything regarding mo-Spoiled Rich...before. I doubt he could do much of anything about this now." Twilight and Mario shared firm looks with each other.

"Not this time," said Mario, "We're gonna make sure he deals with Spoiled Rich one way or another. We're not going to let him allow Spoiled Rich to leave you without a family and neither Twilight or myself are going to tolerate that." Silver Spoon, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom smiled. Diamond Tiara just sighed. Mario walked up to the worried filly and gave her a warm hug.

"Don't worry, Di," said Mario gently, "Everything is going to be alright."

"I hope so, master," said Diamond Tiara quietly and then got an idea, "Hey, Apple Bloom, do you have a spare bow I can borrow? My head feels weird without my tiara on."

"Sure thing," said Apple Bloom, "I'll bring it over first thing tomorrow morning."

"And I can ask Rarity to make you a new tiara if you want, Di," Sweetie Belle offered.

"I couldn't ask Rarity to do that," said Diamond Tiara, "I don't even know if the bits I have in the bank..."

"That account was created under my name," said Twilight firmly, "If Spoiled Rich dares to close it, she'll hear it from me. But I doubt Rarity will let you pay for a new tiara if you want her to make you one." Diamond Tiara hummed in reply. Unlike her friends, she wasn't feeling as optimistic that things would get better. Mario and Twilight had taken notice and they were still worried as nightfall came. Mario was just sitting on their bed, wearing his glasses as he read a scroll they had received this earlier this evening.

"Hmm...good...good..." said Mario as Twilight came out of the shower wearing a bathrobe and her mane wrapped inside of a towel.

"What's that honey?" Twilight asked as she headed behind a changing screen to remove her bathrobe and towel.

"Mom got back to us about our message regarding Spoiled Rich," said Mario, "Let's just say Spoiled Rich has pretty much been barred from any social or royal events in Canterlot. And she's contacted Mayor Mare and the mayors of several other cities and they are doing the same. Spoiled Rich has spent her whole life trying to act like she belongs with high society and now they want nothing to do with her."

"Hopefully she'll learn her lesson," said Twilight as she walked out of the curtain and flicked her still wet mane behind her head, "But it isn't going to mend the damage she's done to poor Di. I still can't believe she would openly disown Diamond Tiara like that. And I hate to say this too, but...Filthy Rich isn't a good father to her either. He's always off on business and he's never there for her like he should. He really hasn't kept his promise in spending more time with Di and we spend more time taking care of her these days."

"I know what you mean," said Mario as he removed his glasses, "in fact, I've been doing alot of deep thinking lately."

"That explains the burnt smell," Twilight remarked as she grabbed her hairbrush.

"Ha-ha-ha!" Mario retorted indignantly.

"Just trying to lighten the mood, dear," said Twilight with a giggle, "You're the smartest pony I know. What's on your mind?" Mario just sighed quietly as Twilight climbed into her side of the bed and began brushing her mane with her magic.

"Well, honey," said Mario slowly, "we both agree that Spoiled and Filthy Rich haven't done a good job taking care of Di. And we spend more time taking care of her lately. So...what if...we make Di our daughter?" Twilight's eyes shrunk in shock.

"What?! OW!" Twilight interjected as she got her hairbrush snagged her mane.

"I said what if we adopted Di?" Mario offered as Twilight dropped her hairbrush and stared at her husband.

"You're...you're serious," said Twilight. Mario nodded.

"Di deserves parents who are going to be there for her," said Mario, "and we've been there for her more than either of them. We practically raise her as it is and Di calls you her Mom these days. Why not make it official?" Twilight stared for a moment and then sighed.

"I agree with what you're saying dear," said Twilight slowly, "But Di said that she doesn't find it fair for us to take her away from Filthy Rich. He might not be the best parent, but unlike Spoiled Rich, he loves that filly."

"I'm well aware of that," said Mario, "and I don't plan on taking Di away from him or make him disown her. I'm sure we can come up with a middle ground. All I'm hoping to do with this adoption is give her a permanent home and the right to raise and care for her. He'll still have full rights to be in her life. We can arrange the final details when we speak to him about that. But...I'm really hoping that this is something we can do, Twilight. I love Diamond Tiara very much and I hurts my heart that she has to deal with all this drama and criticism in her own home. She deserves better and I believe we can do just that." Twilight just listened carefully but still had a very worried look on her face.

"Honey...I...I don't know..." said Twilight, "being a parent is a huge responsibility...and...I mean..." Mario then grabbed both of her fore-hooves and held them tenderly.

"Sweetie, talk to me," said Mario, "what's holding you back? I mean. Are you against the idea? Would you rather somepony else adopt her?"

"She's my girl!" Twilight yelled and then instantly sucked her lips into her mouth. Mario was taken aback by the surprise outburst, but then smiled afterward.

"So you wouldn't mind Di being our daughter?" Mario replied gently. Twilight just slumped a bit and sighed to herself.

"Of course not," said Twilight, "I practically see her as my daughter these days. I would love to adopt her. It's just...I don't know if I would be a good parent. Could I really be the mother Diamond Tiara needs? I don't know if I have what it takes." Mario just listened attentively and then gave his wife a gentle kiss on the nose.

"Sweetheart," said Mario, "I feel just the same way. I don't want any child to have to put up with seeing me dealing with my own issues either. I don't even know if I could be a good father. Why...why else do you think I've never asked you about a having a baby?" Twilight blinked as her cheeks turned bright pink.

"Oh...heh...I was actually wondering why you hadn't asked me about that," Twilight remarked quickly since her cheeks were still pink.

"You've practically said several times you're not ready," said Mario, "but there is something I want you to know."

"What it is?" Twilight asked curiously.

"I would do anything to give Diamond Tiara the love and the family that she deserves," said Mario, "My heart just can't take the idea of seeing somepony else fill that role. Despite my fears, I wanna be the one to make her happy. This isn't about us after all, this is about Diamond Tiara. I think we owe it to her to at least try." Twilight was quiet for a moment until Mario had finished speaking. She then thought to herself.

Could I let another pony be Diamond Tiara's family? Twilight thought. In a matter of seconds, Twilight began to cry.

"Honey..." Mario asked worried as he saw his wife crying.

"You're right," Twilight croaked as tears streamed down her face, "Just the idea of letting somepony be her parent...breaks my heart. We've formed a bond with her and we don't want anypony taking that away. Yes, we're both worried about being good parents and we're both afraid, but this isn't about us. This is about Diamond Tiara and I'll do anything for her. I want her to be my daughter." Twilight then covered her mouth in realization, "Sorry...I mean our daughter."

"Then we'll do it?" Mario asked. Twilight gave him a teary smile.

"Yes," said Twilight, but then added nervously, "I just don't want to let her down..."

"Honey, we're not perfect," said Mario, "and we're gonna make mistakes, but at the end of the day, we love her and that love is never going to stop. Even when our bond with her gets tested, it's always worth fighting for." Twilight smiled.

"Yes it is," said Twilight as she scooted closer so Mario could hold her, "Di is certainly worth fighting for." Mario smiled as he began to tenderly stroke his wife's mane and then finished brushing it for her before they fell happily asleep in each other's fore-legs.

The next morning, the group had summoned the Mane eight, Cadance, and Shining Armor so they could get their advice and opinions about the adoption. Both Twilight and Mario were completely honest with their friends about their worries and concerns, but despite those insecurities, the opinion among the group was unanimous. They all believed Mario and Twilight could be good parents for Diamond Tiara. And Cadance and Shining Armor both promised to help the alicorn couple out whenever they needed it. Now Mario and Twilight were completely certain that this was something they wanted to do.

Meanwhile, Diamond Tiara was just sleeping soundly when she heard the sound of giggling close by. The pink filly opened her eyes to see a familiar baby sitting beside her, smiling cutely and burbling at her.

"Flurry Heart?" Diamond Tiara asked sleepily. The alicorn baby just giggled and burbled in reply. Diamond Tiara couldn't help but giggle herself. She liked Flurry Heart alot and they were definitely friends. She was still surprised to see the baby in her room, but welcomed the company.

"Well that's a nice way to get a good morning," said Diamond Tiara as she sat up and stretched. She went to reach for her tiara...but then saw the top of the dresser was empty.

"Oh...right..." said Diamond Tiara, "I don't have my tiara anymore..." Flurry Heart gave the filly a curious look.

"Guess your Mom didn't tell you," said Diamond Tiara, "My own mother said she doesn't love me and she doesn't want me anymore." Flurry Heart just looked at the filly attentively. While Mario had told her Flurry Heart could understand what ponies said to her, Diamond Tiara wasn't sure if Flurry Heart understood her situation based on the look on the baby's face.

"At least you still have a mom who loves you," said Diamond Tiara, "I don't have a family who loves me anymore..." Diamond Tiara felt like she wanted to cry again, but just sniffled to fight back her tears. Flurry Heart just crawled up to the filly and wrapped her tiny fore-legs around her for a hug. Diamond Tiara was touched.

"Um...thank you..." said Diamond Tiara in surprise as she gently returned the hug, "So...I guess you do understand me."

"Despite her young age, Flurry Heart has proven to be quite perceptive," said a voice. Diamond Tiara turned her head to see Cadance standing outside her bedroom.

"So she can tell I'm hurting inside?" Diamond Tiara asked. Flurry Heart then gave the filly a loud lip smack on the cheek.

"And Flurry wants you to know that she loves you," Cadance replied, giggling at her daughter's sweet show of affection, "And that everything is going to be okay." Diamond Tiara blinked in surprise, but then sighed.

"I don't know why that would surprise me," said Diamond Tiara, "You're the Princess of Love. Of course your daughter would have love magic like you."

"It's not love magic," said Cadance, inwardly realizing that she had never bothered to check and see if Flurry Heart even had love magic, "She just has a big heart and she doesn't want anypony she cares about feeling sad."

"I see," said Diamond Tiara as she continued to hold the baby in her fore-legs, "Well, thank you for cheering me up, Flurry." Flurry Heart just gave the filly a cute smile, which made Diamond Tiara chuckle until she remembered that Cadance was here.

"Um...how did she get in here anyway?" Diamond Tiara asked, "the door was locked and Twilight told me that you need to have at least seen a location once before you can teleport to it."

"She snuck in here to play hide n seek with Shining Armor yesterday," Cadance confessed as she took Flurry Heart into her fore-leg, "Other than hiding on your bed, she didn't mess up any of your things." Diamond Tiara just looked at the few items she had in her room and sighed.

"It's only a matter of time before Mo-I mean Spoiled Rich comes to take this stuff away too," Diamond Tiara sighed, "I think the bed is the only thing Twilight and Mario actually gave me." Cadance huffed.

"I wouldn't worry about Spoiled Rich," said Cadance, "Mario and Twilight banned her from the castle so anything that is supposed to belong to you in here is not going be taken away. I can promise you that."

"Oh...ok..." said Diamond Tiara sadly as Flurry Heart burbled to the filly to cheer up and even tried pushing up the sides of her face so she could smile again.

"Flurry please," said Diamond Tiara as Cadance laughed and grabbed the baby with her magic.

"How about instead of just sitting in here all day," Cadance proposed, "Let get some breakfast and then we're going to spend some time together. I've always wanted to see that Branch Line Mario gave you. Care to give me and Flurry a tour?"

"Woo-woo!" Flurry Heart chanted excitedly, which made Diamond Tiara smile.

"Okay," said Diamond Tiara, "But...why do you want to hang out with me?" She nearly wanted to add if it was out of pity, but knew better. She and Cadance had already established the fact that they were friends.

"Because I wanna spend time with you and I don't get time off from the Crystal Empire that often," Cadance replied honestly, "Plus I won't be here for the congratulations party and Flurry Heart wants a train ride." Flurry Heart burbled happily in reply. Diamond Tiara just smiled. She remembered the first time she and Cadance has spent time together and understood why Mario loved spending time with the pink alicorn. Then she heard a knock on the door and Shining Armor entered the room.

"I was told by one of your best friends that you wanted this?" Shining Armor remarked as he used his magic to hold a large pink bow before the filly. Diamond Tiara smiled as she accepted the bow, but then was surprised when Cadance used her magic to tie the bow into Diamond Tiara's mane. Diamond Tiara looked at herself in the mirror as she wore Apple Bloom's spare bow in her mane.

"You know," said Diamond Tiara, "I used to tell myself that I would never be caught in public with Apple Bloom's bow. But now that I've seen myself wearing it...I like it!" Cadance and Shining Armor exchanged smiles with each other.

Once Diamond Tiara got herself some breakfast, the four ponies headed on their way. Surprisingly, Diamond Tiara couldn't find Twilight and Mario for some odd reason, but Spike assured her that he would let them know where they were going. Diamond Tiara, suspecting nothing, then guided Shining Armor, Cadance, and Flurry Heart to the castle train yards. She quickly found herself a single open aired purple coach, used her harness to couple herself up and they were on their way. The beginning of Diamond Tiara's branch line simply passed through town toward the market area, but once they exited the town limits was when there was alot more to see. First, they passed a water mill that had a calm lake with lots of floating water cresses and lily pads. Next came the outer boundaries of Sweet Apple Acres. Then came one of the newer parts of her branch line that featured a stone bridge connecting some hills with a village nestled on either siding. This was Diamond Tiara's favorite part of her branch line. Whenever little fillies and colts hear Diamond Tiara coming along, they stand on the stone bridge to waves at her until she's out of sight. Cadance, Shining Armor, and Flurry Heart couldn't help but wave at the little ponies waving at them as they passed the bridge. The royal family was very impressed.

"This branch line of yours is beautiful, Di," said Cadance, "You must be very proud."

"Honored it a better word," said Diamond Tiara, "But I do love working on my branch line and making deliveries. Sometimes I make deliveries to that village we passed and I'll chat with the fillies and colts there. But I gotta be careful not to get distracted. One time I ended up being late for my deliveries the first time I stopped at the station to talk to the fillies and colts. Mario wasn't happy about it. I want to be responsible, reliable, and really useful and I'm much more careful with managing my time."

"Good to hear," said Shining Armor as they made their way across a large pasture. However there was trouble. Just ahead was a stretch where the hot sun had managed to bend the magic rails of the tracks. Diamond Tiara saw the bent tracks up ahead.

"Uh-oh!" Diamond Tiara exclaimed.

"Just slow down and be careful," Cadance warned as Flurry Heart had a worried look on her face. Diamond Tiara slowed down a bit, but even reducing her speed wasn't enough. Diamond Tiara's harness and the royal family's coach rumbled as they both got slightly derailed off the track.

"That's done it," said Shining Armor as he inspected the damage, "it doesn't look like we'll get any further on this tour for today."

"No!" said Diamond Tiara in devastation, "We're nearly home! And I still have deliveries to make later today!"

"It's alright, Di," said Cadance, "This isn't your fault and having train tracks that bent out of shape is dangerous. There could've been a more serious accident if we hadn't slowed down." Diamond Tiara began to cry.

"And here I thought today was going to be a better day..." Diamond Tiara sobbed as Flurry Heart, hovered over to the filly and hugged her.

"Don't cry, sweetie," said Cadance, "It's going to be okay." Diamond Tiara just continued crying and said nothing as Flurry held onto the side of her head and nuzzled the filly.

It wasn't long before the group had arrived back at the castle. Shining Armor informed Mario immediately about the damaged tracks. Mario wasted no time sending some work ponies to repair the line. In the meantime, Diamond Tiara had to shunt freight cars in the yard. She hadn't been working long when she saw a pony that she wasn't expecting to see in the yard.

"Fa-I mean, Mr. Rich," said Diamond Tiara in a professional tone and she quickly came to stop since she nearly pushed some freight cars into the turntable well, "Why are you back so soon?" Filthy Rich looked rather hurt, but he knew that the filly wasn't trying to be disrespectful. He didn't waste time getting right to the point.

"Diamond Tiara," said Filthy Rich in a tone that was filled with emotion, "Do you really think I was going to just focus on business after what your mother did to you?" Diamond Tiara was surprised, but her blunt face didn't show it.

"I should've seen it coming," said Diamond Tiara in a deadpan tone, "Spoiled Rich never loved me. I was just a pawn to her until I learned sense. Then she decided, in her own words, that I am now completely worthless."

"And that is completely unacceptable!" said Filthy Rich angrily, "She actually had to nerve the write me letter about what she did to boast about it! I can't believe she would do such a thing behind my back and write to me as if she had done me a favor! I spent all morning speaking severely to her for what she had done!"

"And what good is that gonna do?" Diamond Tiara snapped, "Spoiled Rich is never going to change and she wants nothing to do with me! I walked right into her trap and gave her the opportunity to disown me and she took it!" Filthy Rich gritted his teeth and then sighed.

"Maybe this will teach me to think twice before trying to bluff Spoiled Rich with documents," said Filthy Rich, "I should've never agreed to let you create that document and sign it in the first place." Diamond Tiara just looked rather sad.

"I really thought Mother was bluffing when she acted like she hated me," said Diamond Tiara, "I thought maybe it was just anger because I didn't want to follow her advice about being a high society pony. But...in the end...she never had any love to give me at all. She couldn't wait to legally get rid of me..." Filthy Rich just gave his daughter a sad look as he walked up to her and pulled her in for a hug.

"I'm so sorry," said Filthy Rich in a very somber tone, "I'm so sorry about all of this." Diamond Tiara felt her composure slip in seconds as she buried her face into the stallion's shoulder and held him back as she began to cry.

"Why does Mom hate me so much?" Diamond Tiara sobbed, "I originally thought it was because I didn't want to be snooty like her. But then I realized she's always treated me like I was such a disappointment since I was little! I worked so hard to earn her love and I find out there was no love to earn." Tears began pouring from Filthy Rich's eyes as his body trembled. His heart burned with anger at hearing his daughter's heartbroken words.

"I failed you, my precious Diamond," Filthy Rich sobbed, "I have failed you." Diamond Tiara pulled away with her jaw open.

"Failed me?" Diamond Tiara replied. Filthy Rich sniffled and dried his tears, "Father, you're the only pony in our family who actually loves me!"

"I do love you Diamond," said Filthy Rich sadly, "but I've done a miserable job showing it."

"What do you mean?" Diamond Tiara asked. Filthy Rich sighed.

"Let's get inside of the castle," said Filthy Rich," We've got alot to talk about. But before we do." Filthy Rich then reached into a saddle bag he had with him. Diamond Tiara was surprised to see that it was her old tiara.

"Your mother has no right to confiscate this from you," said Filthy Rich sternly, "I was the one who bought you this tiara and it belongs to you." Diamond Tiara just stared as the tiara for a moment before she smiled, removed the giant bow Apple Bloom had given her, and put her old tiara back on her head.

"As much as that bow was growing on me," said Diamond Tiara as she tucked the bow into her own saddle bags, "It just doesn't feel the same as my tiara." Filthy Rich chuckled.

"Good," Filthy Rich replied, "Now follow me." Diamond Tiara looked a bit worried but did as her father asked as they headed inside. Filthy Rich lead the tiara-wearing filly into the throne room. Diamond Tiara was surprised to see that Mario and Twilight were there as well. The alicorn couple gave the filly a smile to assure her that things were going to be okay.

"What's...going on?" Diamond Tiara asked. Mario and Twilight exchanged looks with each other as Diamond Tiara and Filthy Rich took a seat at the table.

"You see Di," said Mario, "Ever since Spoiled Rich's confrontation, we felt it necessary to speak to Filthy Rich about your...family issues."

"I...see?" said Diamond Tiara curiously but also slightly puzzled. Filthy Rich took a long deep breath before finding his words to speak.

"Listen, Di," said Filthy Rich, "I've gotta be straight with you. Y'all know that ever since you were a little foal, I've always spent the majority of my time at work and leaving you to be cared for by the waiting staff and your mother. That is why Spoiled has had such an influence on you in your early life because I wasn't around. She tried to make you grow up to be just like her. A selfish pony who only cares about her own gain and not caring about who you hurt to do it. But then you realized that the way she lives doesn't lead to a happy lifestyle. As happy as I was that you were smart enough to see sense, I still felt very guilty that I wasn't the one who help you find the right path. I hardly ever tried show you that there was a better way and when I had the opportunity, it was scolding you for causing trouble. As much as I tried to teach you that your actions were wrong, your mother seemed to focus more the fact you embarassed her. That was bad parenting and yet I didn't do enough to stop it. I wasn't around to raise you properly and you didn't get the love that you deserved. If I had spent more time raising you, you wouldn't feel that emptiness in your heart and feeling like the only way you could get that love is by impressing your mother."

"Which I learned was a fruitless cause," Diamond Tiara remarked with an eye roll.

"Unfortunately," said Filthy Rich, "I was even foolish enough to hope that she would see just how happy you were and consider changing for the better."

"Not exactly a foolish thought, my friend," said Mario, "Even I had hoped one day Spoiled Rich would realize that the way she lives her life just doesn't work, but she's even more stubborn than my sister."

"I agree to that," said Filthy Rich as he looked at Diamond Tiara, "That is why I said that I failed you. I failed to be a good father. I'm sure there was something I could've done to prevent Spoiled from hurting you like this."

"Father, why didn't you ever consider ending the marriage?" Diamond Tiara asked, "Unless...I'm really not worth half of your..."

"Diamond Dazzle Tiara, I never want to hear you say that you're not worth it!" Filthy Rich scolded, making the filly flinch, "I'd give up all my wealth for you. No questions asked. As simple as that solution sounds, Spoiled is the type of pony to not go quietly."

"You mean she would fight to have me all to herself," Diamond Tiara suggested, "Not because she loved me, but to just for the sake of making the both of us suffer."

"That would be correct," said Filthy Rich sadly, "And I wasn't going to put you through that. But after what has happened, I came to Mario and Twilight as soon as I was finished giving Spoiled Rich a piece of my mind. They have actually provided me with a solution to all of this. A solution that would make us all happier in the long run."

"Really?" said Diamond Tiara in surprise. She then noticed that Mario and Twilight were smiling.

"We know that Filthy Rich hasn't been able to be there for you as much as he could have," Mario explained, "and you pretty much stay here with us three to four days a week." Diamond Tiara just listened but said nothing.

"So we figured that maybe it would be best if Filthy Rich put you in foster care," said Twilight. Diamond Tiara blinked.

"I knew it! I knew it! It was only a matter of time!" Diamond Tiara cried out as tears appeared in her eyes, "Spoiled Rich convinced you to get rid of me too! I knew it!"

"Hold on there, Di," said Mario, "Filthy Rich isn't giving you up at all!"

"Then why are you suggesting foster care?!" Diamond Tiara retorted angrily, "That sounds like you're trying to convince him to get rid of me!"

"Believe me, Diamond, I originally thought the same thing," said Filthy Rich in a calm tone, "But once they explained everything, it's actually not the case at all." Diamond Tiara just looked rather puzzled despite the fact she was crying.

"I'm so confused..." Diamond Tiara whimpered.

"Di, just listen to what we have to say," said Twilight, "Don't go assuming the worst just because we brought up the idea of foster care okay. There's more to it than that." Diamond Tiara sniffled as she tried to wipe her eyes. As upset as she was, Mario had taught her about listening to all the facts and not jumping to conclusions.

"Okay...I'm listening..." Diamond Tiara slowly.

"The type of foster care we're suggesting is not asking Filthy Rich to get rid of you," said Mario, "But if they can take full responsibility of raising you and being there to love and support you."

"And unlike other foster care situations," Twilight added, "It doesn't require asking your Father to give you up. Just allow another family to raise and take care of you in a general sense. He has full freedom to do that too and he'll still continue to love and support you."

"Okay..." said Diamond Tiara, starting to understand the conditions, "But what does it mean that another family would be responsible for raising and taking care of me?"

"Basically you'll move in with them," Mario answered, "and they'll raise you like you are their own daughter. And they'll love you like a daughter as well. They'll be your parents, even through your father will still be your father. The only pony losing any right of being your parent in this agreement would be Spoiled Rich. I don't think you'll mind that."

"Not at all actually," said Diamond Tiara, "And this actually isn't a bad idea when you explain it that way. I don't lose my father and I get to move away from the mansion so I don't have to go home to a place where I feel unwelcome and critized all the time. I just have one concern..."

"Well, before you continue," Mario interrupted, "We also wanted to emphasize something to you about this agreement."

"Yes?" Diamond Tiara asked skeptically. Filthy Rich pushed what looked like some papers before the filly.

"The reason we're telling you about it because we care about your feelings and what you want for your life," said Filthy Rich, "We haven't come to an agreement about the idea yet because we wanted to hear what you thought about the idea. In other words, you have a choice to accept or decline the idea." Diamond Tiara was surprised.

"Oh, um, wow..." Diamond Tiara remarked, "I wasn't expecting that."

"But what do you think about the idea, Di?" said Mario, "You'll keep your father but you'll be able to move away from the mansion and your mother to live somewhere else permanently."

"Well, if I'm allowed to ask my one concern," said Diamond Tiara.

"Go ahead," said Twilight, "what's your concern?"

"Have you found a family to take me in as their daughter?" Diamond Tiara asked. Mario and Twilight looked at each other quickly.

"Yes we have," said Mario, "if you're ready to hear who they are."

"Okay..." said Diamond Tiara, feeling very nervous about who might have been chosen. She then noticed that Mario and Twilight held each other's hooves.

"Us!" said Mario and Twilight together. Diamond Tiara's jaw hung up in shock before she felt her eyes built up new tears.

"What?!" Diamond Tiara croaked.

"You know as well as I do that Mario and Twilight have been the two ponies who have been practically taking care of you ever since you became Mario's friendship student," said Filthy Rich explained, "If there were was ever a pair of ponies that I think are worthy of being your foster parents, it would be the two of them. Plus I'm well aware of how much you wanted Twilight for your mother. Now all you have to do is sign the contract and we can make that dream come true." Diamond Tiara was slowly breaking down as sobs escaped her mouth. She was still in complete shock and disbelief.

"You...you really mean that?" Diamond Tiara asked in a broken tone to the alicorn couple, "You...really want me for your daughter?" Mario and Twilight's eyes sparkled as they gave the filly smiles.

"We love you, Diamond Tiara," said Mario, "and we know that you have been looking for a mother who would love and accept you."

"No pony should have to go through what you have to be loved," said Twilight, "I loved you the moment you wanted to be my friend. After seeing what Spoiled Rich did to you..." Twilight began to cry, "I knew in my heart that I wanted to fill that void...If she doesn't want you, I'll take you. You can be my baby girl. If you are okay with it..." Twilight fought back a sob as she gave the filly a teary smile. Diamond Tiara was broke down in tears but then jumped out of her chair and leaped into Twilight's fore-legs as the two hugged each other and cried. Filthy Rich and Mario exchanged teary smiles of their own, both stallions feeling touched at the tender moment. Once Twilight and Diamond Tiara had calmed down a bit, they pulled away, wiping each other's tears as they smiled at each other.

"So...what do you want to do?" Twilight asked. Diamond Tiara laughed.

"Give me those papers!" said Diamond Tiara, "My decision was made the second I learned you would be my new mom!" Twilight giggled as she used her magic to float the papers over to the filly. Diamond Tiara got ready to sign when she suddenly stopped.

"Um, Mario?" said Diamond Tiara, "I know that this contract will make you my father too, but...can I just stick with Master since I still have my actual father in my life." Mario smiled.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Mario replied as he gave Filthy Rich a wink.

"Bless you Mario," said Filthy Rich in a tone filled with gratitude. As much as he had let Diamond Tiara down, he still felt a little jealousy at the idea of Mario replacing him as Diamond Tiara's new father." Diamond Tiara then signed the contract and gave Twilight a big smile.

"Does this mean I can call you Mom from now on?" Diamond Tiara asked in a soft tone.

"Absolutely," said Twilight, "and I'll make an official announcement at the congratulation party in a couple of days. Ponies will know that you are my daughter now." Diamond Tiara gave the purple alicorn a teary smile. With the signing of that contract, the adoption was complete.

Diamond Tiara was now Mario and Twilight's daughter.

Later that night, Twilight and Diamond Tiara were sitting together in the living room. They, along with Mario and Starlight, had helped Diamond Tiara collect a few more things from the mansion so the filly could officially moved in because, according to Filthy Rich, anything in Diamond Tiara's bedroom did belong to her. Spoiled Rich had no right to say otherwise and the contract emphasized that. Mario and Starlight loaded Diamond Tiara's possessions into some freight cars and took them to the castle. Once the two ponies arrived, they helped the filly get some things into what was now her permanent bedroom. The rest of the stuff Mario placed in a basement level room so Diamond Tiara could search through the boxes at a later time. For the moment, Diamond Tiara was snuggled up against Twilight's side as the purple pony was reading a book. Twilight took notice that the little filly was wearing her brown frames.

"Are you...wearing glasses?" Twilight asked. Diamond Tiara giggled.

"Let's face it, Mom," said Diamond Tiara, "You've turned me into an egghead and I like being really smart now. I used to think reading was boring, but you made reading fun and now I love it! And you have so many books to chose from too. But...I'll admit the theory and magic books still kind of bore me...sorry."

"It's alright," said Twilight, "I can't expect you to love reading every book you come across like I do. But I do wonder if you try so hard to be like me to impress me?" Diamond Tiara sighed.

"I confess that I did...at first," said Diamond Tiara, "but I have grown to enjoy reading and studying with you is alot of fun. Do keep in mind that a certain pony in my life made me feel like love had to be earned. I just wanted to earn yours." Twilight then sat up so she and Diamond Tiara were making eye contact with each other.

"Di, I want you to understand something," said Twilight in a serious tone, "you don't have to do anything to earn my love. No child should ever have to earn their mothers love. It's supposed to be unconditional and everlasting. That's the love I have for you. I love you with all my heart Diamond Tiara. Enjoy reading because it's something you love to do. And keep doing your best in school so you can be the best pony you can be. As long as you do that, I don't care if you're the best or the worst in your class." Diamond Tiara rushed into Twilight's chest and wept, but the purple alicorn could tell those tears were full of joy and not sadness. Twilight just held the filly close until she had run out of tears. Diamond Tiara then pulled away.

"Thank you, Mom," said Diamond Tiara, "That means alot to me."

"You're very welcome, sweetie," said Twilight, "So you can take the glasses off now." Diamond Tiara looked a bit sad.

"You don't like them on me?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"I just said you don't have to act like an egghead to earn my love," said Twilight.

"That's not why I'm wearing the glasses," said Diamond Tiara.

"Oh?" said Twilight, curious about the actual reason.

"I used to make fun of other ponies for wearing glasses," Diamond Tiara explained, "my Mom used to say only inferior, imperfect ponies wear glasses, but even then, I never believed that. Ponies that wear glasses are usually really smart. I used to resent Silver Spoon because she was smart and wore glasses. While working a little harder proved I can be smart too, I was also jealous because I liked how nice ponies looked with glasses." Diamond Tiara then showed Twilight that her frames has no lenses on them, "Rarity told me that girls don't always have to need glasses to wear them. They can wear them for fashion too. So...I bought myself a pair, but until today, I've been too shy to put them on around anypony. I've been wearing them in secret when I study because I feel smarter wearing them. Unless you disapprove..." Twilight laughed.

"I actually like the glasses," said Twilight, "You wear them whenever you want." Diamond Tiara smiled happily. Just then, Mario and Spike walked inside, he had told the little dragon about what had happened.

"Evening ladies," said Mario, "Are you having fun bonding as mother and daughter?" Twilight and Diamond Tiara giggled. Spike just rolled his eyes.

"Seriously, I was only kidding when I said you should make it official," Spike teased.

"Hey, you saw how awful Spoiled Rich was to her," said Mario, "Di deserves a real Mom."

"But what about a Dad?" Spike asked.

"Filthy Rich is still her father, but he trusts me to take care of her," Mario replied, "and I intend to do so. Di is more than just my student now, she's my daughter too. But out of respect, we've agreed she'll just call me Mario or master."

"Right," said Diamond Tiara when she let out a long yawn. Twilight then looked at the clock.

"Oh my! Time flies when you're reading a good book," said Twilight, "Time for bed, everypony!" Diamond Tiara didn't protest as she let out another yawn.

"Mom...umm...I know I'm a big girl but...can I..." Twilight just smirked as she put the little filly on her back.

"Just this once," said Twilight and looked at her husband, "Mind at all, dear?" Mario shook his head since it was perfectly acceptable now that she was their daughter. Spike just watched the three ponies leave the room.

"Just this once she says," Spike remarked, "Yeah right!" The couple's reply was using their magic to smack Spike hard with a pillow each, sending Spike crashing into something off screen.

Meanwhile, back at Rich mansion, Spoiled Rich was just sitting watching the cackling of the fireplace, staring at the flames. All day today, she had been dealing with large pile of mail. Each letter saying how several of the elite ponies wanted nothing to do with her and that she was no longer welcome in Canterlot or any of its establishments. Similar letters had come in from big cities like Manehatten, Baltimare, and Fillydelphia. She wasn't expecting to receive a letter from Princess Celestia, who spared no hesitation in sharing her angered feelings regarding what she had done to Diamond Tiara as well as Mario. Spoiled Rich was furious and that was why she was sitting alone in that very room. But to her surprise, she couldn't blame somepony else. She tried blaming her husband, Diamond Tiara, Princess Twilight, Prince Mario, and even the wait staff, but every time she opened her mouth. She found her voice was gone. she originally thought Princess Celestia or Twilight had case a mute spell on her, but found that it wasn't a matter of losing her voice, but more like something inside wouldn't let her throw blame at other ponies.

Could it be she actually had a conscience?!

Her train of thought was then interrupted when she heard somepony open one of the double doors to the room.

"I thought I gave strict orders not to be disturbed!" Spoiled Rich snapped, but her tone was too dreary to have any bite to it.

"Unfortunately, I don't take orders from you!" said a stern voice. Spoiled Rich then lifted her head to see that it was Filthy Rich, glaring at her fiercely. The mare just snorted.

"I thought you weren't speaking to me ever again," Spoiled Rich remarked in a deadpan tone.

"Well, despite what you've done, I figured you should know about this," said Filthy Rich bluntly but made no effort to step fully inside of the room, "I just submitted the papers for Prince Mario and Princess Twilight's adoption of Diamond Tiara. So I guess you finally got what you wanted. She's no longer part of our family." That last part technically wasn't true, but he didn't feel like mentioning that to this so-called wife. Spoiled Rich just said nothing and kept staring at the fire.

"I honest don't know what I saw you, Spoiled," said Filthy Rich, "Maybe you did deceive or manipulate me and I was foolish enough to fall for it..."

"That's not true!" Spoiled Rich snapped, "Do you really think I married you for your stupid money?! There are stallions in Canterlot far richer and have even bigger business franchises than you so called Backyard Bargains! Yet I chose you!"

"Yet you use that wealth to put others down and nearly raised our daughter to do the same!" Filthy Rich snapped.

"She's not..."

"IF YOU FINISH THAT SENTENCE I'LL THROW YOU OUT THIS INSTANT!" Filthy Rich yelled furiously, panting in pure rage. It was enough to make Spoiled Rich stand down as she lowered her head.

"You don't think I know that I failed her?" Spoiled Rich remarked in a quiet tone.

"What?" Filthy Rich remarked in an unsympathetic tone.

"You don't think I know that I'm a bad mother!" Spoiled Rich retorted, "Why else do you think I drove her away?! Mario and Twilight had done more for her than I ever could! That's why I did what I did. So she could be better off without me and I wouldn't have to be reminded day in and day out what I failure I am!" Spoiled Rich panted heavily to catch her breath, but Filthy Rich showed her no sympathy.

"You still went too far," said Filthy Rich in a serious but blunt tone, "Criticizing her, saying you don't love her, insulting her friends, and then outright disowning her..."

"You signed that paper as well!" Spoiled Rich yelled.

"Because I thought you would be smart enough to drop your stupid pride and tell her the real reason why you kept treating her like dirt!"Filthy Rich yelled back, "Instead you just threw her away and called her nothing!" Spoiled Rich's lower lip quivered but she said nothing and turned away.

"You had chance after chance to just tell her the truth," said Filthy Rich, "but instead you chose to give her up and there's no turning back now. Diamond Tiara has found a new family and you are now the most unwelcome pony in Equestria."

"Then why not end our marriage?" Spoiled Rich asked, her voice actually cracking as she spoke, "and be rid of me forever? It's not like any court is gonna let me fight for my share of your wealth now." Filthy Rich just snorted.

"Guess I'm descent enough not to put a mare out in the streets," said Filthy Rich, "even a mare as wretched as you!" Spoiled Rich felt her eyes shrink as she looked at the stallion. Filthy Rich kept strong, even when he could tell she was fighting back tears.

"Doesn't feel good to be insulted by somepony so close to you doesn't it?" said Filthy Rich sternly, "And that's how you made Diamond Tiara feel even before she decided to be a better pony. Maybe now you'll realize that the way you act and carry yourself has consequences. And that the damage you cause others cannot be undone." With that, Filthy Rich stomped out of the room, banging the door shut. Spoiled Rich just went back to staring at the fire place for a few seconds when small splashes of water began to land in front of her fore-hooves, then those splashes increased as her body heaved ugly sobs. For the first time in her life...

Spoiled Rich wept. And she did so until long after the fire had gone out.

She spent the rest of the evening feeling cold, lonely, and miserable.

She wished now she hadn't been so silly!

And that concludes the intermission chapter. Alot of you wanted it to happen and I have delivered. Diamond Tiara has now been officially adopted by Mario and Twilight. I think we can all agree that she'll be much happier with them. But I wasn't going to make Mario and Twilight completely take her away from her family, which was why Filthy Rich is still allowed to provide and support her. I hope I didn't make Spoiled Rich too cruel, but alot of fan writers I've read go so far to show that Spoiled Rich grows to despise her own daughter. Yet I didn't want to just have her walk away with no consequence either. The ending scene was simply meant to show that she's paying for her actions in more ways than one.

While I wouldn't call it a sub-plot, I also wanted to show that Mario was having a hard time with being captured and unable to help his friends. But it also showed that Mario learned his lesson about keeping his feelings to himself and went to his friends for help right away. And the confession scene is supposed to be a prelude to an upcoming episode later this season involving a particular friendship journal. (They sing about some of the topics discussed in this chapter.)

And now we approach Season Seven! There are quite a few episode I'm looking forward to doing, especially now that Diamond Tiara is going to have a large role from here on out being Twilight and Mario's daughter. Alot of you enjoyed her role in helping Spike with Thorax. I can guarantee that there will be at least one episode where she'll have a similar role.

There are at least four episodes that I am really looking forward to writing. The first one is A Flurry of Emotions. I am a HUGE fan of Flurry Heart and I can't to show how Mario will handle Flurry as Twilight is trying to juggle her schedule. The next episode is A Royal Problem. Celestia is Mario's mother and Luna is his aunt and they're butting heads. And Mario has to be the mature one? You know things are gonna get crazy, especially when he has to deal with their evil counterparts! Number three is surprisingly Fame and Misfortune. While the ending left a bad taste in my mouth, the song featured is my number one favorite MLP song in the entire series. It just describes the struggles I feel being writer and I'm sure alot of you will wonder if Mario has grown enough to handle heavy criticism again.

Finally, the fourth episode that I can't wait to write is...the Perfect Pear. I've gotten so many messages from fans since I started this story that they can't wait to see what I'll do for this chapter. I'll probably cry watching this episode as well as writing it.

As for season seven finale, I want to confirm to everypony that Mario actually doesn't have a pillar pony. Starswirl had something greater in mind when he prophesized about the existence of the "Seventh element" all those years ago. And all I can reveal about the battle with the Pony of Shadows is that there will be a point where Mario will face him...alone.

Lastly, this is the 150th chapter. So I want to thank you all for helping me reach this milestone. I couldn't have gotten this far without all your support and constructive feedback.

To celebrate this special moment, I would like to make an official announcement. Once Shadow Play, part two is complete. There will be an intermission chapter like usual, but after that...

...the moment you've all be waiting for...

...I'll be writing...THE MOVIE!

I know you've all been waiting for that!

Next time: Twilight has a tough time figuring what Starlight's future is. (Thanks to a certain doofus.) Luckily she'll have Mario, her new daughter, and the very pony they called teacher for help!

Peace Pony Fans!