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...

156. Forever Filly

Forever Filly

Pony's Log Number 706: Interests and likes can changes as ponies get older, and sometimes you have to accept the fact that younger ponies won't always love the same things as they grow up...

As the sun began to rise to welcome the start of a new day, Diamond Tiara was sleeping soundly until she felt the first rays of the sun hit her face. This made her eyes slowly but sleepily open up. Diamond Tiara sat up as she stretched her fore-legs into the air, smacking her lips, as she climbed out of bed to get ready for the day. Her usual routine involved brushing her teeth, taking a quick shower, and then sitting on a special circular cushion to meditate. Ever since Diamond Tiara had discovered that she had love magic inside of her, she had asked Shenran how she might be able to quiet her mind and figure out how to use her love magic. For the moment she was just sitting on her hind knees with her eyes closed.

Love is the controller that bounds the elements together Diamond Tiara said to herself, It is also empathy and compassion. Reaching out to others who need it, whether you think they deserve it or not. It's power comes from the purity of one's heart and...and...and... Diamond Tiara kept hearing a chiming that prevented her from concentrating.

"Ugh!" Diamond Tiara groaned loudly, "Where's the stupid noise coming from?" The filly quickly put her tiara on and headed out of the room the find Twilight, who was already in the library doing her own work.

"Mom?" said Diamond Tiara as she peeked into the room.

"Good morning, sweetie," said Twilight, "How can I..." Twilight then stopped speak when she saw her daughter. Diamond Tiara stomped off.

"I keep hearing some chiming nonstop!" Diamond Tiara complained, "and it's making it hard to concentrate on my love magic and..." Diamond Tiara saw that Twilight was staring at her with a teary smile, "Mom...why are you looking at me like that?" Twilight just kept smiling and sniffling.

"My baby's having her first friendship mission," Twilight croaked happily.

"Huh?" said Diamond Tiara as she heard the chiming again and then realized what Twilight had said. Diamond Tiara turned around to see that her cutie mark was glowing.

"I am being summoned for a cutie mark mission!" Diamond Tiara exclaimed and suddenly felt very, very nervous.

(Cue "World Map" fanfare)

Flower Sprites: 75

It wasn't long before she and Twilight were looking at the cutie map. There was Diamond Tiara's cutie mark hovering above Ponyville and it was the only cutie mark hovering above it too.

"I would question why you should get a solo mission," said Twilight, "But since your friendship mission is here in Ponyville, I won't need to worry about you handling things on your own." Twilight's excitement soon faded when she saw that the poor filly was hyperventilating.

"Di? Sweetie?" said Twilight gently, "Calm down. Just take a deep breath. Come on, follow me." Twilight then showed Diamond Tiara her special breathing technique so the filly could breathe correctly again. After a couple of long breaths, Diamond Tiara finally calmed down.

"Thanks..." said Diamond Tiara wearily.

"That's why I'm here," said Twilight and kissed her daughter's cheek, "and I know you can handle this cutie map mission."

"How, Mom?" Diamond Tiara spluttered, "I mean. I always hoped I would get to do a friendship mission one day, but I thought at least you or Master would be doing it with me. I'm not ready to do a friendship mission all by myself!?" Diamond Tiara whimpered as Twilight used a wing to hold her daughter close.

"Di, I believe in you," said Twilight, "I mean sure. I wish I could help you, but if the map is saying you can handle this on your own. Then you won't be needing my help. I mean, you're going to be in Ponyville so it's not like some strange monster is gonna attack or you're gonna put yourself in danger and worry me sick. Cause I know I taught you better. right?" Twilight's mane started to unravel as she spoke and she gave her daughter a maniacal smile. Diamond Tiara flinched before sighed in defeat.

"Okay, you've just convinced me I can't do this," Diamond Tiara remarked and looked sadly away. Twilight immediately pulled her in for another hug and kissed her fore-head.

"I'm sorry," said Twilight, "Your Mom is just a worrywart. I'll always worry about you, but I know you can take care of yourself and it's not like you're gonna be far from home. So I know you can manage alone." Diamond Tiara sighed and then looked at the map. She then blinked.

"Wait a minute here!" said Diamond Tiara, "That's not Ponyville! It's Sweet Apple Acres! In fact, my cutie mark is hovering over the Cutie Mark Crusader tree house!" Twilight looked at the map again and then smiled.

"Excellent, the CMC can look out for you and keep you out of trouble," said Twilight, "Assuming they aren't getting into trouble themselves..." Diamond Tiara glared.

"Give them some credit, Mom," Diamond Tiara snorted, "They've been busy helping other ponies with their cutie marks. They don't need to do all that silly stuff anymore."

"True," said Twilight, "But it certainly takes a load off knowing you won't technically be alone. They can help you with your mission, or they might even be the mission." Diamond Tiara pondered.

"It would be nice to help them after everything they've done for me," said Diamond Tiara, "Alright then, I guess I better go see them sooner rather than later. See ya, Mom!" Diamond Tiara headed out of the throne room. Twilight waved goodbye and then turned around with a mischievous look on her face.

"And it'll help that a stuck on one of Mario's comlinks in your mane so I can hear everything that goes on and take notes about it," Twilight remarked as she gave a happy squee, "My baby's first cutie map mission. I can't wait to write this in my journal titled: My Daughters First Achievements as a First Year Parent!" Twilight held the book to her chest and squeed with delight.

One would ask why Twilight would have such a book, but it might be best not to ask.

(Main theme)

Meanwhile at the Carousel Boutique, Sassy Saddles, Mario, and Rarity were getting the shop ready for the upcoming fashion season. Mario was tending to things upstairs, Rarity was at the front counter working on a sketch, and Sassy Saddles was frantically trying to get things in order on the main floor. At the moment, she was stacking up various notebooks into a tall pile and she used her magic to jot down some notes onto a notepad.

"Oh I have to..." Sassy muttered as she picked up some pink cloth, folded it, and rushed to the other side of the room to put it on a shelf. She then grabbed some rolled up tubes of fabric and placed them onto another shelf. They ran across the foreground to some nearby dresses. Two of them she hung and placed into a sales rack. The other two dresses she raced back to the front of the store and placed them carefully into some mannequins. The whole time, Rarity was just sketching away and keeping calm. Mario was upstairs when he noticed how frazzled Sassy was becoming.

"Oh! I can't believe the winter-to-spring transition is almost here!" said Sassy and then rushed off across the fore-ground.

"Tell me about it," said Mario, "I still can't get "Winter-Wrap up" out of my head! Heh-heh...oh boy..." Mario gave a groan, chuckled to himself.

"Oh, I know," said Rarity, "about the winter-to-spring transition, not Winter Wrap up, and I love it so much. I gave it its own term - "Spring-sition"!" Rarity then laughed as Sassy rushed over to another mannequin.

"Ohhh, I like that," said Sassy.

"And will soon be part of next year's Thesaurus and Dictionaries volumes," Mario announced like an infomercial pony, "Buy one and get the other absolutely free, but mail orders still charge shipping and handling and we don't not ship outside of Equestria." Rarity and Sassy stared and then burst out laughing. Sassy then calmed down but then looked at her tall stack of notebooks.

"I'm going to have to re-label all my binders," said Sassy worriedly, "Right after we finish...everything!" The view zoomed out to show that most of the main floor was a mess, "We still have so much to do! Oh, my bustles and bows!" Sassy began to panic when Mario grabbed her head with both his fore-legs.

"Sassy, repeat after me," Mario said gently.

"Mario, this isn't..." Sassy was cut off then Mario glared at her.

"Repeat. After. Me." said Mario slowly. Sassy just kept her mouth shut as Mario showed her Cadance's breathing technique. Sassy then mimicked it and found that she felt much calmer.

"That certainly helped," said Sassy, "Where'd you learn that?"

"Princess Cadance," Mario replied, "Now Sassy, you're focusing on everything at once. Remember our battle technique back in our university days whenever we had a mid-term project. Divide and conquer. Take on the tasks one by one and don't go jumping to other tasks unless it's necessary. I just finished upstairs so I help you out on the main floor. Okay?" Sassy repeated the breathing technique and then gave Mario a smile.

"You know despite your short temper and anxiety, you're really good at organizing chaos back into order," said Sassy, "it was why I loved working with you on those projects in our university days."

"That and taking over all those projects," Mario remarked in a teasing tone. While Sassy had learned her lesson about taking over other pony's ideas and such, Mario still liked to tease her about it.

"You...!" said Sassy but decided not to finish her sentence as Mario laughed and walked away. Sassy just rolled her eyes and got back to work as she rushed up to a nearby dress.

"Rarity!" Sassy called out, "Did we-"

"Already hemmed, ruched, and cut, my dear," said Rarity, "You remember one of Mario's greatest gifts is getting things done quickly and technically perfect." Sassy just sighed and then gasped as she saw a drawer was empty.

"Oh, Rarity, Mario, no reason to panic," said Sassy, trying not to panic again herself as she walked up to Rarity, "but, um, we seem to be temporarily low! And when I say "temporarily low", I mean "completely out of"-!"

"The baby blue sapphires?" said Rarity as she used her magic to hold a box full of them, "They arrived this morning. Mario asked Maud to mine us a rush order of them the night before to save time." Sassy just sighed with relief as she grabbed the gem-filled box with her magic.

"Oh. Heh. Wonderful," said Sassy as she placed the box into a shelf and then gasped again, "Oh! What about the design for the-?!"

"And done!" said Rarity as she finished the sketch and show it to Sassy and Mario.

"Oooh! Tres Magnifique!" said Mario impressively.

"Wow!" said Sassy, "You are good. And you're really outdone yourself this time! The Morning Sunshine Tulip Frock is gorgeous!"

"Ooh, thank you," said Rarity as she walked up from behind the counter, "Look, I know you're worried about something slipping between the cracks. But with your managerial skills and our fabulous designs, we have everything covered."

"You could say we three ponies are a lean, mean, stylish machine," said Mario, "We get things done and make it fabulous!"

"Precisely my twinsie!" said Rarity. Sassy just chuckled.

"You're both right. You're both right," said Sassy, "There are no cracks."

"Would you be a dear and fetch me some vermillion satin from the back?" Rarity asked Sassy, "And I'll start on the Eternal Elegance Empire Silhouette evening gown."

"My most certain pleasure," said Sassy as she walked away.

"Mario, think you clean up a little down here since you've finished work upstairs?" Rarity asked.

"Right away, twinsie," said Mario as he headed off as well. Rarity then returned to the counter to get to work on her gown. Rarity had just used her magic to pick up a book filled with various sketches when she saw a picture of herself and Sweetie Belle hidden underneath it. In the picture, Rarity was pushing Sweetie Belle on a swing.

"Oh, I love this picture," said Rarity, "When was the last time we had that kind of fun together?" Rarity then gasped, "Why, I can't remember! Has it been that long?! I guess I've been so busy running my shop!" Rarity then gasped once again, "Oh, no! Something, or should I say somepony, is slipping between the cracks!" Rarity's eyes build up with tears and she started to sob as she stared at the picture.

"I miss my Sweetie Belle!" Rarity sobbed as she leaned against the counter and continued to cry. It was then Sassy arrived back in the main room.

"Rarity, we're running low on vermilion satin," said Sassy called. Mario then walked up next.

"Rarity, have you seen-" Mario then sensed that something was wrong, "Rares, are you okay?"

"Huh?" said Rarity as she lifted her head, her eyes making her mascara run full force and then burst into loud crying.

"I...I can order more!" said Sassy, thinking the tears were due to the satin inventory. Mario, however, knew better.

"I'll take care of that later," said Mario firmly, "Sassy, we need the fainting couch. STAT!" Mario then rushed over and pulled Rarity in for a comforting hug. Rarity just wept into Mario's shoulder and held him for dear life.

It didn't take long before Sassy had brought over a large purple fainting couch as Mario held Rarity close for comfort. The marshmallow mare was still crying as she showed Sassy and Mario the pictures inside of it.

"And this is when we pretended we were storybook princess," Rarity sobbed as she showed pictures of Rarity and Sweetie Belle dressed up in various outfits, "And here we pretended we were on a dangerous yet stylish safari." Rarity choked a sob as black tears dripped onto the pages. Sassy put a fore-hoof on Rarity's shoulder. Mario gave her a comforting squeeze with his fore-leg.

"So many wonderful memories!" Rarity sobbed some more as Sassy handed her a tissue. Rarity blew her nose loudly and kept crying. Mario leaned away and Sassy backed up when Rarity blew her nose. Sassy winced as she tossed the dirty tissue into a trash can with her magic.

"Oh, Rarity..." said Mario sadly as he held the pony he called his twin sister close.

"Not to put too fine a print on it, but..." Rarity then cried harder, "Sweetie Belle loves playing dress-up. I miss her so much!" Rarity buried her face into the photo album and lost herself to her tears. Mario just rubbed Rarity's back some more sympathetically as Sassy just remained respectfully silent. Then Sassy got an idea.

"Then why don't you go visit her?" Sassy suggested.

"That's not a bad idea," said Mario, "what do you think, Rares?"

"I wish I...could," Rarity hiccupped, "but...between...running...three stores and the spring-sition...I couldn't possibly..."

"But you've already done almost all the work," said Sassy, "Mario and I can handle the rest. We've worked well together before and I know he's still in charge while you're gone."

"Finally, somepony admits I'm the boss," said Mario as Sassy and Rarity gave him blunt looks.

"Mario, as the co-owner of the boutique, that is true," said Sassy, "But as a stallion in general...no mare will ever call you boss."

"Oooooooooooooooooooooooooo..." Mario groaned as his body turned grey as a mini plunger with a vertical banner that the word "burn" was on his forehead. For about five seconds before Mario's body returned to normal and rolled his eyes indignantly. Sassy chuckled at Mario as Rarity just looked away with tear stained cheeks.

"Now let Mario and I handle things while you go see Sweetie Belle," Sassy repeated.

"B-b-but...but..." Rarity protested.

"No buts, Rarity," said Mario, "I normally don't do this, but you're gonna do what I tell you and go see Sweetie Belle."

"Rarity, go," Sassy added, "We've got everything well in hoof." Mario nodded in agreement. Sassy then handed Rarity another picture of her and Sweetie Belle. This time they were riding a sled together. Rarity cried some more before she suddenly stopped completely.

"Mm, point taken," said Rarity before saying excitedly, "I am going to visit my sister!"

"Way to immediately turn that around," said Sassy from the foreground.

"That's just how Rares is," said Mario, "She's the fastest mare when it comes to turning lemons into lemonade."

"Oh, Mario, stop it," Rarity chuckled as she looked at the picture some more, "We can spend the whole day together! And we can do all her favorite things!"

"Great idea, Rares," said Mario.

"I'm sure she'd love that," said Sassy.

"Oh, Sassy, Mario, thank you!" said Rarity.

"No problem!" said Mario.

"Of course!" said Sassy, "Now get out of here!"

"I'm going! I'm going!" said Rarity as she rushed out of the boutique, "Hang on, sis! I'm coming!" The view zoomed in on Sweetie Belle in the picture as she headed on her way back to Ponyville. In the picture, Sweetie Belle was smiling.

In real life, Sweetie Belle, along with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, had puzzled looks on their faces.

"What?!" said the three fillies together when Diamond Tiara arrived at the clubhouse and told them why she was there. The tiara-wearing filly looked rather insecure from all the stares.

"You're seriously here because of a friendship mission?!" Scootaloo remarked.

"Why would the map say there's a friendship problem at the clubhouse?" Apple Bloom asked, "Or us for that matter?"

"We're getting along just fine," said Sweetie Belle, "Honest." Diamond Tiara just stared and then smiled as she felt something warm in her heart.

"I believe you," said Diamond Tiara, "For some reason...I can feel it...you're not hiding anything from me. Maybe it's my love magic...I just can tell when a pony is telling the truth or lying. Anyway, I'm sorry for wasting your time..." Diamond Tiara turned to leave when she felt a fore-hoof on her shoulder. She turned to see Apple Bloom giving her a smile.

"You don't need to go, Sis," said Apple Bloom, "I don't think the map would steer you wrong."

"Maybe..." Scootaloo pondered, "your friendship mission might have to do with one of our clients."

"Yeah," said Sweetie Belle, "It wouldn't surprise me if a pony's cutie mark problem was also a friendship problem. Just stick with us, Di. I'm sure we can help you out." Diamond Tiara smiled.

"Thanks crusaders, sorry to intrude on your business," said Diamond Tiara.

"It's fine, Di," said Scootaloo, "You can be our fourth Crusader and help us out while we help you find your friendship problem."

"Fair deal," said Diamond Tiara, "So...who's your first client?"

"Um...excuse me?" said the voice of a little Pegasus colt that had a grey coat and light grey mane and tail.

"Hi there, Chipcutter," said Apple Bloom.

"You're right on time," said Sweetie Belle.

"How can we help you?" Scootaloo asked. Chipcutter just looked at the three fillies and then at Diamond Tiara.

"Um, what they said," said Diamond Tiara timidly, "How can we...uhh...help you?" It wasn't long before Chipcutter began to explain his situation to the four fillies. While there didn't seem to be nothing friendship related, Diamond Tiara could feel a warmth in her heart again. A drive to help the little colt find his cutie mark. But she had to admit one thing to herself.

She hoped the Crusaders wouldn't do anything crazy to help him out.

"WOOOOOOOHOOOOOO!" the four fillies cheered and giggled as they wore helmets and were now literally surfing down a hill using a giant block of stone they had gotten from Maud. Diamond Tiara had to admit that she did find what they were doing crazy. But it didn't bother her.

She was having fun.

"Check it out! I'm hind legging! Woooohoooo!" said Diamond Tiara as she bravely stood on her hind legs while riding the cement block and gave a loud cheer. The three other fillies cheered her on. For some, what Diamond Tiara was doing might have been called reckless, but she had done enough advanced parkour courses that this was just routine for the tiara-wearing filly. The four fillies quickly zoomed down the hill. It was then they passed a Pegasus stallion named Starry Eyes. They rushed past him so fast that the stallion literally screamed in surprise as his mane and tail were blown and stuck in vertical position.

"Excuse us!" Scootaloo called out.

"Pardon us!" Diamond Tiara as she kept her balance with ease on her hind legs.

"Comin' through!" Apple Bloom called out.

"Cutie Mark Crusaders mid-mission here!" said Sweetie Belle, "And Di, you are included in that sentence!"

"Thanks!" Diamond Tiara replied. Starry Eyes said nothing, but then his mane and tail poofed up into afro hairstyles, which he smiled in approval. Soon the three fillies reached the inner limits of town. Chipcutter was currently using his lunch to make a sculpture. Suddenly, the four fillies noticed that their block of stone was sliding straight for the colt!

"Girls, where's the brakes on this thing?!" Diamond Tiara called out.

"I knew we forgot to ask Maud something!" Apple Bloom replied back.

"We'll have to do it the hard way," said Sweetie Belle as the four fillies grabbed the front of the stone in hopes of slowing it down. To their surprise, it worked! The block of stone came to a skidding halt, but the momentum made the stone stand upright and flung the four fillies off of it. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle landed on their stomachs a short distance away. Scootaloo landed on top of the two fillies. Diamond Tiara curled up into a ball as she flew over them.

"Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo! Woo!" Diamond Tiara chanted as she spun about and landed softly on her hind legs for a three-point landing and shook her head about, "Brrbrrbrrbrr! Who's the queen of the beach!"

"Whoa, nice landing, girl!" said Scootaloo as she got off of Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle and gave the tiara wearing filly a high-hoof.

"That was fun!" said Scootaloo as she jumped high into the air and flapped her small wings to give her extra height, "Let's do it again!"

"Yeah, let's do it again!" Diamond Tiara said excitedly as Scootaloo smiled in agreement.

"Scoot, Di, we've got a job to do," said Sweetie Belle in a serious tone as she and Apple Bloom stood up.

"Later?" Scootaloo asked hopefully, but Sweetie Belle firmly shook her head.

"Didn't know she was the mother of the group," said Diamond Tiara to Scootaloo. Scootaloo snickered.

"Yet, she's the youngest of the four of us," said Scootaloo. Sweetie Belle just rolled her eyes.

"Excuse me for growing up!" Sweetie Belle remarked, "Now let's get back to business." The marshmallow filly walked up to Chipcutter.

"All right, Chipcutter," said Sweetie Belle to the colt, "We've done our part. The rest is up to you."

"You really think I have it in me to be a sculptor?" Chipcutter asked curiously.

"Yup!" said Scootaloo as she zoomed up with both of her left legs parallel to the ground.

"But why?" Chipcutter asked.

"Because you said you weren't good at anything except getting in trouble for making sculptures out of your lunch, right?" Sweetie Belle pointed.

"And I can tell you're not just doing it because you don't like what you got for lunch," Diamond Tiara pointed.

"That is true," said Chipcutter, "My mom makes the tastiest lunches. Yet I rather make sculptures out of it. Yeah. I can't help it. when I look at my sandwich, it's like it's just asking me to...turn it into a dragon." He then showed his food sculpture he had made before they had arrived.

"That's what is called the passion of creativity," said Diamond Tiara, "The issue is that you need an outlet to channel that creativity into something other than your lunch."

"Really?" said Chipcutter hopefully.

"Really," Diamond Tiara replied firmly. Apple Bloom then pulled out a hammer and carving tool and placed them before Chipcutter.

"Well, what is this slab asking you to turn it into?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Hmmm...I see..." Chipcutter pondered, grabbed the sculpting tools, put on a blue apron and safety goggles and got to work in rapid session. Within under a minute, Chipcutter had stopped flying around the stone. He then gave the block a single tap, making the stone crumble. When the dust cleared, there was statue of the four fillies in dynamic poses.

"Whoa!" Diamond Tiara said in amazement.

"Wow!" said Apple Bloom, "T-That's incredible! It looks just like us!"

"We knew you had it in you, Chip!" said Scootaloo. Chipcutter just smiled.

"This is way better than sandwich sculpting!" said Chipcutter as he hovered down to the front lip of his new statue.

"Chip, we're proud of you," said Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah, you did a great job," said Diamond Tiara. It was then Chipcutter's body rose into the air and began to glow. As he landed back down on the ground, a flash appeared on his flank and there was his cutie mark.

"I finally got my cutie mark!" said Chipcutter excitedly.

"Woo-hoo! All right!" Apple Bloom cheered.

"Yes!" Scootaloo cheered.

"Way to go!" Sweetie Belle said happily. It was then they heard some sniffling and found that Diamond Tiara was crying.

"Sis, are you okay?" Apple Bloom asked as the others looked at her curiously.

"Sorry," Diamond Tiara croaked as she wiped her eyes, "Just seeing I had a hand in helping Chipcutter here get his cutie mark make me feel really happy. I haven't felt this overjoyed since I helped you three get your cutie marks." The three fillies awed as they gave the tiara wearing filly a hug.

"Sorry about that," said Diamond Tiara sheepishly.

"No biggie," said Scootaloo, "helping ponies can make even me get a little emotional...once in a long while..." The others laughed at Scootaloo last comment and then they shared a high hoof together, with Chipcutter added his fore-hoof last.

With their mission complete, the four fillies returned back to the clubhouse. Sweetie Belle was also holding what looked like a wooden picture frame in her magic. Scootaloo sighed definitively as they all walked inside.

"Not a bad way to start a day," said Scootaloo with much satisfaction in her tone.

"Not a bad way at all!" said Apple Bloom, "Helpin' ponies is just about my favorite thing to do."

"You said it, Sis," said Diamond Tiara in agreement as they shared a hoof bump. Sweetie Belle then used her magic to place the picture of Chipcutter onto a wall that was filled with other ponies that the Cutie Mark Crusaders had helped. Diamond Tiara tried to protest about having her picture on the wall, but the three fillies firmly said she belonged up there with the others and she conceded.

"Another satisfied client!" said Sweetie Belle as she put the picture into place.

"Mm-hmm!" said Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Diamond Tiara in agreement.

"So who's up next?" Apple Bloom asked as she walked up to stack of folders and grabbed a piece of paper from it.

"I'm pretty sure it's Zipperwhill," Sweetie Belle answered.

"Isn't that the Pegasus who wears a tiara in her mane like I do?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"That's her," Sweetie Belle answered, "She needs help reconnecting with her cutie mark - three puppy paw prints."

"Hmm," Diamond Tiara pondered, "If her issue is connecting with animals, do you think a pony-dog relationship would count as a friendship problem?" The three fillies blinked for a moment.

"I never thought of that," said Sweetie Belle.

"Could be, Sis," said Apple Bloom.

"When is she swinging by?" Scootaloo asked as she zipped up to Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle walked away from the three fillies, turned around and faced them.

"Well, I think she should be arriving right about..." said Sweetie Belle when she used her magic to open the door, "...now." The marshmallow filly then opened the door just as Zipperwhill was going to knock on it. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Diamond Tiara were most impressed.

"Wow. You are good," said Apple Bloom.

"It shouldn't surprise me, honestly," said Diamond Tiara, "Sweetie Belle grew up around Rarity. Of course she would develop a natural flow to how things run around here."

"I try," aid Sweetie Belle modestly as she turned to face the tiara-wearing Pegasus, who looked rather upset, "Come on in, Zipperwhill." Zipperwhill then walked inside but then froze when she saw Diamond Tiara.

"Hey, I remember you!" said Zipperwhill, "Your that filly who made fun of my Latin accent and then spread rumors that I was obsessed with drinking coffee!" Diamond Tiara winced as the Cutie Mark Crusaders just looked at her.

"I...I'm sorry," said Diamond Tiara sadly, "I was just being stupid. I didn't mean to tease you." Zipperwhill blinked and then gave her smile.

"Apology accepted," said Zipperwhill, but then asked suspiciously, "But why are you here then?"

"She's here to help you us out with your cutie mark problem," said Sweetie Belle.

"Okay, so what seems to be the problem, exactly?" Scootaloo asked. Zipperwhill just glanced at Diamond Tiara since she didn't exactly trust the tiara wearing Earth pony, but then remembered why she was there.

"It's my puppy, Ripley," said Zipperwhill, "We used to be so close. In fact, I got my cutie mark the day I found him and took him home. But now, it's like he wants nothing to do with me."

"That certainly sounds like a friendship problem..." Diamond Tiara pondered to herself, "Maybe Zipperwhill and her puppy are the problem I need to solve..." Diamond Tiara didn't have much time to think further about it.

"Don't you worry," said Scootaloo to the tiara wearing Pegasus, "You've come to the right place! The Cutie Mark Crusaders are on the job!"

"Trust us," said Apple Bloom, "Before you know it, you and your puppy will be back to bein' besties! And my sister here will help. Right, Sis?"

"Huh?" said Diamond Tiara since she was in deep thought and quickly recomposed herself, "Oh! R-r-right, Sis? Of course. I'm here to help too!"

"You have the CMC guarantee!" said Sweetie Belle, "No matter what it takes, we promise you'll have our full attention." Zipperwhill smiled, but then she was surprised when a familiar marshmallow mare shoved the filly aside as she entered the clubhouse.

"Guess who's here to spend the whole day with her little sister?!" Rarity sing-sang happily.

"Rarity?" Sweetie Belle gasped as Rarity quickly pulled her in for a very tight but heartfelt hug. Sweetie Belle only grunted in reply.

"Mmmm!" Rarity hummed happily. Sweetie Belle just chuckled nervously as Zipperwhill peeked out from behind the older marshmallow mare.

"Aww, sisterly love," said Diamond Tiara as she put a fore-hoof to her heart.

"Since when are you so...sentimental?" Scootaloo asked.

"Since I found that I deeply care about my friends," Diamond Tiara replied in a tone so casual and sincere that Scootaloo was taken aback and nothing else. Rarity then let Sweetie Belle go and remembered she had bumped the tiara wearing Pegasus filly out of her way.

"Oh! Heh-heh," said Rarity as she patted Zipperwhill's head, "So sorry, dear. You're tiny. I didn't even see you there! Tend to get carried away with my entrances! Ta-da!" Rarity just laughed as Zipperwhill said nothing. One would have thought Zipperwhill would have been more excited to see Rarity since the filly was still a huge fan of the Pony Tones. Maybe she was too shy or too upset about Ripley was anypony's guess, but more likely the latter. Sweetie Belle walked backwards so she was standing with her other best friends again.

"Rarity, what are you doing here?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"I am here to spend the way with you!" Rarity answered, pressing her nose against her sister's.

"Is...Dad here with you?" Diamond Tiara asked curiously. Rarity blinked when she saw the tiara Earth pony.

"Umm, I haven't seen Filthy Rich all day," Rarity replied. Diamond Tiara blinked and then face-hoofed herself.

"I meant Master," said Diamond Tiara, slightly embarassed at her mistake. Rarity giggled.

"He's filling in for me in Canterlot," said Rarity before looking at Sweetie Belle, "I'm so excited, I could practically faint! You don't happen to have a fainting cough in here, do you?" Rarity walked off as Sweetie Belle just watched.

"No!" said Sweetie Belle as a matter of fact.

"Oh, pfft, of course not," Rarity replied, "It's a treehouse! That would be tres gauche!"

"Not if you had one crafted from apple tree lumber," said Diamond Tiara, "Maybe some apple red and green pillows for that country flare?"

"Oh, that would be tres chic," said Apple Bloom in agreement.

"Right..." said Sweetie Belle slowly, "Well, I'm sure am happy to see you, and spending the day with you does sound like a lot of fun, but..." Sweetie Belle bit her lower lip and looked at the others, Diamond Tiara, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo all had sympathetic looks on their faces while Zipperwhill looked rather insecure, "I'm kind of right in the middle of something important. I have responsibilities and..."

"Oh," Rarity replied before Sweetie Belle could find the rest of her words. It was then Apple Bloom and Scootaloo exchanged smiles and nods with each other. Then gave Zipperwhill a smile, who simply smiled back. Diamond Tiara just had curious look on her face, wondering what they were up to.

"Go on, Sweetie Belle," said Apple Bloom as she and Scootaloo walked up to the two sisters, "We've got this covered. How often do you get to spend time with your sister?"

"Yeah! Go have fun," said Scootaloo.

"You sure you two can handle our client here?" Sweetie Belle asked with concern.

""Client"?" Rarity asked, "Oh, that is so adorable." She then ruffled Sweetie Belle's mane, getting it a bit messy.

"Uh, thanks?" Sweetie Belle replied as she fixed her mane with a fore-hoof, "I think?" Rarity then walked over to a table that had flowers and a bowl of mints. She then sniffled the flowers before noticing the mints.

"Ooh! You have mints to offer your "clients"," Rarity remarked with a giggle, "How...professional." Rarity then giggled again as she put a mint into her mouth. Diamond Tiara looked at her suspiciously.

Why is Rarity talking down to the CMC like that? Diamond Tiara thought, but before she could think about it further. Rarity walked up to her.

"Oh, Di, darling," said Rarity, "Would you like to join us?"

"What?!" said Diamond Tiara and Sweetie Belle at once in shock.

"I thought it was just you and me!" Sweetie Belle remarked.

"Yeah, me too," said Diamond Tiara, "And I kind of have this friendship mission that I..."

"I will not take no for an answer," Rarity replied, ignoring the protests from either filly, "We did say you were part of the family after all. So you deserve sister time just as much as Sweetie Belle."

"B-B-but..." Diamond Tiara stuttered.

"No, buts, darling," said Rarity firmly, "The decision has been made." Diamond Tiara sighed, knowing there was no getting out of this now as she walked over to Sweetie Belle.

"Sorry," Diamond Tiara whispered.

"It's okay," said Sweetie Belle in a hushed tone, "I honestly don't mind you tagging along. We can help you find the friendship problem later. There's no time limit after all." Diamond Tiara just sighed in reply.

But I think Zipperwhill and her puppy could be the problem Diamond Tiara protested in her head as Sweetie Belle addressed the other CMC members.

"Are you sure you two got this?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"We have it handled," Apple Bloom replied when Rarity looked at their wall.

"Oh, my!" Rarity exclaimed, "Look at this wall of satisfied customers!" She then gasped impressively, "You girls really have come a long way." Rarity then noticed Diamond Tiara's picture.

"And it's all thanks to this particular filly," Rarity remarked as she held a fore-hoof under Diamond Tiara's picture.

"Really?" said Zipperwhill in surprise. Diamond Tiara just smiled sheepishly as her cheeks turned pink.

"I wouldn't say it that..." Diamond Tiara remarked timidly.

"You're the reason the Cutie Mark Crusaders even exist," said Rarity, "not to mention you helped them find their true purpose when they helped you learn the error of your ways!" While Rarity meant that as praise, Diamond Tiara wanted more than anything to disappear at that moment. Sweetie Belle went to do damage control.

"Well, all right then," said Sweetie Belle, "Let's get going!"

"Good idea," Diamond Tiara remarked.

"But, lemme know if you need me or run into any trouble," Sweetie Belle told Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. The two fillies just smiled in reply.

"Come on, come on!" said Rarity as she pushed both Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara out of the clubhouse, "You'll never guess what I have planned! And now it's for the both of you!" Rarity gave an excited squee and rushed down the ramp. Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara followed behind the marshmallow mare. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Zipperwhill watched them disappear before they went back to work.

It wasn't long before Rarity, Sweetie Belle, and Diamond Tiara were now watching a puppet show. The two puppets were just dancing about on the stage in a goofy fashion.

"Ooh! So fun!" said Rarity with a box of popcorn next to her. The other foals were laughing themselves silly, except for Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara, who just had bored looks on their faces. Then Sweetie Belle noticed that Rarity was staring at her with a giddy smile on her face.

"What?" Sweetie Belle asked indignantly.

"Is there something on our faces or something?" Diamond Tiara asked in the same tone. Rarity just giggled as she put a fore-hoof around Sweetie Belle.

"It's just I know how much you love these puppet shows," said Rarity.

"I did," said Sweetie Belle as Diamond Tiara glanced at Sweetie Belle curiously.

"Oh, it's just like old times!" said Rarity, "You, me, greasy popcorn. It's like no time has passed at all. And to make it even better, Di gets to share this wonderful memory with us. It's like I have two little sisters instead of one." Rarity clapped her fore-hooves excitedly as both Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara looked, and felt, very embarassed.

Not too far away, Zipperwhill was holding Ripley with her fore-legs and dragging him along on just her hind legs.

"Come on," Zipperwhill grunted and sweated as she struggled to carry her...rather large puppy. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo just watched Zipperwhill struggle, not offering any effort to help...for the moment.

Back at the puppet show, Rarity was still the only pony enjoying the show while Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara looked bored and annoyed.

"Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!" Rarity said excitedly as she tapped Sweetie Belle's shoulder, "It's your favorite part! Di, you're gonna love this!" Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara just smiled nervously in reply. On the puppet stage, one puppet dropped a banana peel and then crossed a fore-leg horizontally for the other not to tell his friend. The second puppet walked in stage to say hello. But the first puppet ended up slipping on the banana peel. The second puppet watched his friend slide about. Then jumped on his back for a ride. They slid back and forth across the stage, posing as they did so until they crashed off stage somewhere. Everypony but Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara laughed.

"Banana peels are so very, very slippery!" Rarity laughed, "It's funny because it's true." Rarity kept laughing as Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara both laughed nervously. Diamond Tiara then hummed annoyingly.

"It's funnier when Master is the one slipping on a banana peel," Diamond Tiara remarked, "but then Spike stupidly tried to make Mom slip on one. And whoa, was she mad!" Sweetie Belle just sighed in reply.

"What's the matter, darling?" Rarity asked when she saw how glum the marshmallow filly looked.

"I, um, guess I just prefer black box experimental theater," said Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah, same here," said Diamond Tiara, but inwardly she only knew about it because Sweetie Belle showed her and Silver Spoon what it was just last week.

"What?!" said Rarity in shock, "Since when?"

"I dunno," Sweetie Belle replied.

"Since we've...mmph?!" Diamond Tiara was cut off when Sweetie Belle quickly put a fore-hoof over her mouth.

"It's no big deal," Sweetie Belle said quickly, "This is great. Right, Di?" Sweetie Belle said the last part through her teeth as she gave Diamond Tiara a threatening glare.

"R-r-r-right, Sweetie Belle," said Diamond Tiara with a nervous smile, "We're really bonding like sisters! Heh-heh..." Rarity just smiled and went back to eating her popcorn and enjoying the show. Sweetie Belle went back to looking bored and now Diamond Tiara was glaring at her.

"Why did you...?" Diamond Tiara tried to ask.

"Look, Di, Rarity obviously went to alot of trouble to spend time with me, with us," said Sweetie Belle in a soft but firm tone, "no need to hurt her feelings if you get my drift." Diamond Tiara's glare softened, but she was still worried.

"You will be honest with her later, right?" said Diamond Tiara in the same soft tone, "She should know next time around that these puppet shows aren't your cup of tea." Sweetie Belle sighed.

"Sure, I'll tell her later," said Sweetie Belle, "Besides the puppet show is almost over."

"Assuming Rarity doesn't make us see it again," Diamond Tiara remarked.

"Shush!" Sweetie Belle whispered loudly before continuing to watch the show with a long face. Diamond Tiara just sighed and did the same.

Fortunately, it wasn't long before the show was over. Sweetie Belle was then immediately blindfolded and Diamond Tiara was told by Rarity to keep quiet as the older marshmallow mare led them back to town and into a shop. Diamond Tiara recognized it right away as the bell chimed as Rarity opened the door with her magic and led the two fillies inside. Rarity then removed the blindfold from Sweetie Belle's eyes.

"Okay. We're here! Ta-da!" said Rarity with a laugh and cleared her throat as she lead them to the front counter to sit down, "Aren't you excited to be back here again? Do I know my baby sister, or do I know my baby sister?" Sweetie Belle just looked around with a puzzled look on her face.

"Uh...yeah...Where is "here" exactly?" Sweetie Belle asked curiously with Diamond Tiara sat behind her.

"Of, pfft!" Rarity snorted, "Stop being so silly! You know this is your favorite ice cream shop!" Rarity smiled excitedly.

"Oh. Right," said Sweetie Belle, "From when I was a little filly."

"You seriously haven't been here since you were little?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"You still come here?" Sweetie Belle said in surprise.

"Totally!" said Diamond Tiara, "Master and I have dates here all the time! We always share a hot fudge sundae together with chocolate chips on top."

"How...lovely," said Sweetie Belle, not hiding the jealousy in her tone. Rarity then cleared her throat to get their attention.

"And I convinced the original owner to come out of retirement to make you and your best friend your all-time favorite dessert!" said Rarity. She then clapped her fore-hooves together and giggled to herself. Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara looked at Rarity with skeptical faces. It was then an elderly mare with a very pale tan coat and bluish-grey mane and tail appeared wearing her work uniform. Rarity gave the elderly mare a green gem and tucked it into her work hat. The mare then placed a silver platter before both Diamond Tiara and Sweetie Belle as she place a sundae the perfect size for a mouse. Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara leaned forward and looked at the tiny sundaes.

"Huh. I remember it being much bigger," said Sweetie Belle.

"This must be what Cheerilee was talking about when she had us analyze that poem about how when you get bigger, everything else gets smaller," said Diamond Tiara as she stared at her sundae, "Just...wow..."

"Well, go ahead, girls," said Rarity excitedly, "I know you're both dying to dig in." Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara leaned in a bit. stuck their tongues out, and slurped up the entire sundae in one bite and swallowed.

"Well?" Rarity asked eagerly.

"That was, uh...one tasty bite," said Sweetie Belle with a nervous chuckle and sighed, "Still a little hungry, though."

"Gee, I wonder why," Diamond Tiara muttered to herself. Sweetie Belle heard her and jabbed her shoulder with a fore-knee. Diamond Tiara winced and glared at the marshmallow filly as she rubbed her sore shoulder with a fore-hoof.

"We can get another sundae!" Rarity gasped, "Chocolate with rainbow sprinkles, perhaps?"

"I'm down with that," said Diamond Tiara excitedly, at least until Sweetie Belle glared, tilting her head at the sundaes they just ate, "Oooh...uhh...actually..."

"Actually," Sweetie Belle finished for the tiara-wearing Earth pony, "We were thinking something more like a salad." Diamond Tiara nodded with a sheepish smile on her face.

"A salad?" Rarity said in surprise, "Since when did you both get so practical?"

"Well, we girls got to watch our figures after all," said Diamond Tiara before Sweetie Belle could stop her. Rarity just stared at the tiara wearing Earth pony, which made Diamond Tiara regret saying anything, "Heh, just kidding! Little joke is all. Heh...ehh..." Diamond Tiara just sank behind Sweetie Belle pretending to disappear. Sweetie Belle noticed Rarity was still staring and went to do damage control.

"Oh, um...like Di said, just a joke," Sweetie Belle stuttered with a sheepish smile, "I guess another scoop would be fine for both of us!" Diamond Tiara just peeked out from behind Sweetie Belle, smiling nervously as she nodded in agreement.

"Two more Filly Clown Surprises, please!" Rarity gasped as she shouted the order. The elderly mare came back and replaced the empty platters and cups with two more platters with the super tiny sundaes for the both of them.

"Momma mia..." Diamond Tiara remarked, not afraid to use Mario's catchphrase. Sweetie Belle just groaned in agreement.

Just outside of the ice cream shop, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Zipperwhill were with Ripley, who was just sitting before them lazily. Each filly was holding a toy in one of their fore-hooves.

"Hey, Ripley!" Zipperwhill called out as she held a very small squeaky bone toy.

"Look at me! Over here!" Scootaloo called out as she bounced the ball with her hind hoof. Ripley just yawned in reply as he lay down as he looked away from them. Zipperwhill, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo just shared concerned looks with each other.

It wasn't long before Rarity had brought Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara back to the park. For the moment, a stallion named Twisty Pop was making various balloon objects for a long line of foals. The three ponies were currently at the back of the line. Rarity had an excited smile on her face while Sweetie Belle looked annoyed and then glum. Diamond Tiara just had a concerned look on her face.

I can see that Rarity isn't trying to make Sweetie Belle look like a foal Diamond Tiara thought to herself, In fact, she's acting like Sweetie Belle still is one. I think Applejack and Apple Bloom had an issue like this once. Except, Rarity isn't acting overprotective either. She just wants to be with her sister, yet she thinks Sweetie Belle likes all this stuff...and yet she really doesn't..not anymore at least...

It was then a light bulb went off above her head.

Wait...could they...could Rarity and Sweetie Belle be my friendship problem?! Diamond Tiara realized as her eyes shrunk in realization, I...I have to tell Sweetie Belle about this!

"Hey, umm...Sweetie Belle," said Diamond Tiara slowly.

"I know you must be bored, darlings," said Rarity to the two fillies, and unintentionally cutting Diamond Tiara off. Sweetie Belle just smiled, "This is a very long line for one of Twisty Pop's balloons." Sweetie Belle blinked and just sighed to herself. Diamond Tiara then narrowed her brow in determination.

They are! They're my friendship problem! Diamond Tiara said to herself, but then felt worried, So...I've found the problem, but...how can I fix it? Diamond Tiara wasn't sure if she should speak up yet as Sweetie Belle was left feeling dejected. The marshmallow filly then looked across the bridge. Diamond Tiara turned around to see what Sweetie Belle was looking at. Across the bridge were Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Zipperwhill with Ripley.

"Who's a good puppy?" Zipperwhill told Ripley as she made funny faces and rubbed his head, "Who's a good puppy?! You're the good puppy!" Ripley just whined and continued to look bored.

"Now come on, puppy-wuppy!" said Zipperwhill, "Get the bally-wally." She tossed the toy ball a short distance, but Ripley didn't bother to fetch it.

"Come on, Ripley!" said Scootaloo, "Like this!" Scootaloo pretended to be a puppy as she rushed over, grabbed the ball with her mouth and returned it to Apple Bloom.

"Good Scootaloo," said Apple Bloom as she patted Pegasus's head, "See?" The two fillies both looked at Ripley, who was just barking at a squirrel that had run up a tree and wasn't paying the three fillies any attention.

"It's not working," said Zipperwhill with a sigh.

"Maybe if the ball tasted better?" Scootaloo suggested.

"I don't that that's it, Scoot," Apple Bloom remarked as Ripley continued to bark at the squirrel. Back near the fountain, Sweetie Belle had seen everything. Diamond Tiara saw what was going on as well.

"Doesn't look like it's going so well," said Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah, it's like they're trying to have fun with the dog," said Diamond Tiara, "but he doesn't seem interested in anything they're suggesting for fun. Just...just like you." Sweetie Belle blinked.

"Excuse me?" Sweetie Belle asked. Diamond Tiara released a long sigh.

"Rarity's been kind of doing the same thing," said Diamond Tiara, "Trying to do all these activities with you that you're not interested in. I don't think I'm here for just one friendship problem, but two!"

"Why two?" said Sweetie Belle, "I mean, Zipperwhill and Ripley I get, but who would..." Sweetie Belle's green eyes shrunk as she looked at the tiara wearing Earth Pony. Diamond Tiara gave her a slow but very sad nod.

"Are...are you saying Rarity and I have a friendship problem?" Sweetie Belle asked in a quiet tone.

"I mean no offense," said Diamond Tiara nervously, "But it appears Rarity no longer understands what you like to do for fun and you don't wanna be honest about it. Not yet at least." Sweetie Belle just stared for a moment before looking very uneasy.

"Umm...Rarity," said Sweetie Belle in a weary tone, "I'm just gonna do a quick check with the CMCs."

"Well, I guess duty calls," said Rarity, not hiding the sadness in her tone, "and-and you, you have that now..."

"What?" Sweetie Belle asked since she was already walking off.

"Oh nothing, nothing," said Rarity, "Go on." Sweetie Belle just kept walking and now it was Rarity's turn to look glum.

"Sweetie Belle, did you want me to come along?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"NO!" Sweetie Belle snapped, making Diamond Tiara flinch, "I mean...just stay here with my sister, okay!" Diamond Tiara looked upset but just conceded with a quiet nod as Sweetie Belle crossed the bridge. Rarity noticed how sad Diamond Tiara looked.

"Is everything alright?" Rarity asked the tiara wearing Earth pony.

"I...I don't know," said Diamond Tiara sadly, feeling her eyes water, since she didn't want to tell Rarity the truth, "It's complicated." Diamond Tiara sniffled and wiped her eyes with a fore-hoof.

"Oh, sweetie, it'll be alright," said Rarity as she pulled her close with a fore-leg, "All friendships have their road bumps from time to time. I'm sure you and Sweetie Belle will work things out."

"If you say so..." said Diamond Tiara doubtfully. I'm more worried about your friendship with Sweetie Belle rather than mine.

Once Sweetie Belle had crossed the bridge, she quickly approached Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Zipperwhill.

"Hey, Sweetie Belle," Scootaloo said once she saw the marshmallow filly approach, "How's your day with Rarity going?"

"Well, it's not exactly great..." Sweetie Belle admitted.

"What do you mean?" Apple Bloom asked.

"I don't know," Sweetie Belle replied with some frustration in her tone, "It's like Rarity doesn't even know me anymore. And now Di's got this ridiculous notion that Rarity and I are her friendship problem!"

"You and Rarity our her friendship problem?" said Scootaloo in surprise.

"Didn't you just say that you feel like Rarity doesn't even know you anymore?" Apple Bloom suggested.

"Well, yeah, but," Sweetie Belle stuttered, "that's not a friendship problem! Di's just doing what Twilight does all the time! Over thinking everything! But enough about me, what about you guys?" Apple Bloom and Scootaloo sighed.

"I wish we could say our day is going better," said Apple Bloom. It was then Ripley started chasing after a squirrel. Zipperwhill started chasing after Ripley.

"But we can't," Apple Bloom finished sadly.

"Seems like Zipperwhill's puppy doesn't want anything to do with her," Scootaloo pointed out. Sweetie Belle noticed in the foreground that Ripley kept shunning Zipperwhill as the tiara-wearing Pegasus put a red bow on his head. Ripley shook it off and ran away, leaving Zipperwhill hurt and most upset as she tried walking after him.

"Hmmm. I see what you mean," said Sweetie Belle and then gasped, "You know, it's an awfully big puppy..."

"Sweetie Belle, hurry!" Rarity called out from the other side of the bridge, "He's making it!" Rarity then zipped away.

"Gotta go..." said Sweetie Belle in a dejected tone. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo shared worried looks with each other.

"I think Sweetie Belle and Rarity are Di's friendship problem," said Scootaloo.

"I think you're right, Scoot," said Apple Bloom, "But apparently Sweetie Belle isn't taking the news very well. Di didn't come over here after all."

"Yeah," said Scootaloo, "I'd say we give Di a hoof, but we've got our own problem to solve." Apple Bloom sighed.

"I know," said Apple Bloom sadly, "I'm so sorry, Sis. But you're on your own for now..." Scootaloo shared a sad look with Apple Bloom. Poor Zipperwhill was just looking very glum a she sat in the background.

Back at the fountain, Twisty Pop was using lightning fast hooves to create a bouquet of flowers made out of different colored balloons. Sweetie Belle just looked at the bouquet with a bored look on her face when she noticed that Diamond Tiara had something on the side of her mane.

"Is that a balloon flower?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Yeah, Twisty made me so I can wear it like a hairclip," said Diamond Tiara in a sad tone, "I like it." Sweetie Belle just sighed and said nothing as Rarity took the bouquet with her fore-hoof. She then gasped.

"I know just what to do with this!" said Rarity. Diamond Tiara cringed.

"Why do I suddenly feel very scared?" Diamond Tiara asked Sweetie Belle.

"Because you should be," said Sweetie Belle dreadfully.

Within just a few minutes, a backdrop had been set up and fashion music was playing. A stallion was in position with his camera. Rarity had decided that she and the two fillies should dress up and take pictures together. Diamond Tiara and Sweetie Belle both had long faces since they were dressed like sheep and Rarity was dressed like Little Bo Peep while holding the balloon bouquet in a fore-hoof.

"And pose!" said Rarity gave a smug smile while Diamond Tiara and Sweetie Belle both had deadpan looks on their faces.

"And pose!" said Rarity with a smile as she was dressed up like a chicken. Diamond Tiara and Sweetie Belle had the same expressions on their faces. They were dressed up as a giant white and brown egg respectively.

"Love the camera!" said Rarity with a smile as she was dressed up as a butterfly. Diamond Tiara and Sweetie Belle were both caterpillars and they had their usual long faces.

"Hate the camera," said Rarity with pouty lips as she was dressed as a frog. Diamond Tiara and Sweetie Belle were dressed up as tadpoles with long faces.

"Love it again!" said Rarity as she rushed into the background with a smile that featured big anime eyes. She was dressed as a flower. Diamond Tiara and Sweetie Belle were dressed up as seedlings. They were looking at annoyed as ever.

Once the photo shoot was finished, the stallion handed Rarity the photos. The three ponies were still wearing their costumes from the most recent picture. Diamond Tiara and Sweetie Belle were both still looking miserable.

"I never thought I'd ever do something more humiliating than hopping watering cans wearing bunny ears," said Diamond Tiara.

"Sorry..." said Sweetie Belle in a blunt tone.

"Not your fault, Sweetie Belle," Diamond Tiara remarked, "but you know what you need to do if you want this misery to end." Sweetie Belle growled when Rarity got their attention.

"Sweetie Belle, Di, you did "hate the camera" for all these shots!" said Rarity with a huff as she tossed the photos away, "Let's do it again!" Diamond Tiara gasped in horror and even Sweetie Belle winced.

"No!" Sweetie Belle snapped. Rarity gasped.

"Oh thank you, Sweetie Belle," said Diamond Tiara as she sat on her hind knees despite the costume.

Back on the other side of the backdrop, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were still trying to help Zipperwhill.

"Come on, Zipperwhill," Apple Bloom cheered, "you can do it." Zipperwhill stood before Ripley, squeaking the tiny toy bone with her teeth and then held it before Ripley. Ripley looked at the toy, sniffed it, and then walked away. Zipperwhill was looking more dejected than ever as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo shared worried looks with each other.

Back with Rarity and Sweetie Belle, the former had recovered from the latter's sudden outburst. '

"W-what do you mean, no?" said Rarity. Sweetie Belle wasn't sure how to speak up.

"You can do it," said Diamond Tiara in a soft but encouraging tone. Sweetie Belle just groaned to herself.

"Rarity, this is hard for me to say, but...um..." Sweetie Belle said slowly, trying to find her words.

"Sweetie Belle, what is it?" Rarity asked, "You've been acting weird all day. You used to love doing these things with me."

"That's just it!" said Sweetie Belle firmly, "I used to! That's now who I am anymore!"

Back with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo...

"This isn't who I am!" said Zipperwhill in defeat, "My cutie mark must be for something else, because my puppy just doesn't love me anymore! Hmph!" Zipperwhill then ran off, leaving Apple Bloom and Scootaloo felt very sad. Ripley just had a bored look on his face.

Back with Rarity and Sweetie Belle, Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara both removed their seedling costumes.

"But it is you!" Rarity retorted sadly, "You love puppet shows and dressing up and taking silly photos and tiny little clown shaped ice creams!" Sweetie Belle felt her patience hit her limit.

"Really?!" Sweetie Belle yelled, "If you still think I like doing this stuff, then maybe you don't know me at all!" Sweetie Belle stamped a fore-hoof and ran away.

"Sweetie Belle, wait!" Diamond Tiara called out, but Sweetie Belle refused to stop. Rarity just sat down, whimpered, and began to cry. Diamond Tiara just rubbed a fore-hoof on Rarity's shoulder for comfort. Rarity then looked at the tiara-wearing Earth pony.

"You knew she was feeling like this didn't you?" Rarity asked her in a sad tone as her tears kept falling. Diamond Tiara just nodded.

"I wanted her to be honest with you," Diamond Tiara replied, "you see Rarity. I was called on a friendship..."

"I can't believe Sweetie Belle talked to me like that," Rarity sobbed, not listening to Diamond Tiara, but soon her sadness turned to anger, "and after everything I did to set up a whole day of doing her favorite things!" She looked at Diamond Tiara sternly, "And I even let you tag along so you could join the fun!"

"I know you meant well, Rarity," said Diamond Tiara, "but you see, I think you two are having a..."

"I mean, accusing me of not knowing her?!" Rarity vented angrily, still not listening to the tiara wearing Earth pony, "I know her better than anypony!"

"Rarity, please calm down!" said Diamond Tiara, "The problem is...huh?" Diamond Tiara was cut off again when Twisty Pop made a balloon heart and offered it to Rarity.

"Um, thank you, Twisty," said Rarity, "but the hard truth is, my sister is being unappreciative right now! And I'm going to give her a piece of mind!"

"Rarity, please don't!" Diamond Tiara pleaded as the marshmallow mare started stomping away, "you'll only hurt your friendship with Sweetie Belle even more if you do that. Rarity, please listen to me!" It was no use, Rarity kept walking away, refusing to listen to reason. Diamond Tiara groaned.

"Now what do I do?" Diamond Tiara groaned. Twisty Pop then offered Diamond Tiara the heart instead.

"No thank you, Twisty, but I appreciate the gesture," said Diamond Tiara politely, "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got a friendship problem to solve." Diamond Tiara then rushed off, hoping she would find either marshmallow pony before either one could say something they'd regret to the other. Twisty Pop's heart balloon deflated, leaving him dejected and alone.

Sweetie Belle was stomping about to try and release some steam when Diamond Tiara caught up with her.

"Sweetie Belle! Sweetie Belle!" Diamond Tiara called out as she caught up to her. Sweetie Belle kept her back against her with a stern look on her face.

"I'm so sorry about all of this," said Diamond Tiara. Sweetie Belle then blinked.

"What?!" said Sweetie Belle, "why are you apologizing?! You didn't do anything wrong!" Diamond Tiara blinked.

"But...I was the one who said you two had a friendship problem and you looked really mad at me about it..." Diamond Tiara said in one breath.

"Stop!" said Sweetie Belle, "I just didn't want to admit that you were right. We are the friendship problem. Rarity clearly doesn't know me anymore if she thinks I'm still a foal! Why would she think I still enjoyed all that stupid stuff?" Diamond Tiara was quiet for a moment as she sat down and crossed her fore-hooves.

"Sweetie Belle, when was the last time you and Rarity spent time together?" Diamond Tiara asked the filly in a serious tone.

"Well...it was...it was...I...I...I can't remember," Sweetie Belle admitted after seconds of stuttering.

"So...would you say enough time has passed since the last time you spend time together for all those interests to change?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"Are you saying this is my fault?" Sweetie Belle snapped defensively.

"No," said Diamond Tiara calmly, "I'm just saying that if it's been so long since the last time you've spent time together, would Rarity know that you're interests have changed and you've outgrown all those activities?"

"Well...she's always so busy...and she doesn't even ask me!" Sweetie Belle snapped.

"Why not just tell her?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"I'm a busy filly!" said Sweetie Belle, "Between school and my clients, who has the time to..." Sweetie Belle then froze when she realized that Diamond Tiara had a point and groaned.

"Hey, I'm not trying to say this is your fault," said Diamond Tiara, "but I can tell that Rarity isn't in denial of the fact you're growing up. She looked rather clueless, like she never knew you outgrew any of those activities. It wouldn't surprise me if she was just trying to make up for lost time." Sweetie Belle just snorted.

"Yeah, well I guess that just means we're growing apart," said Sweetie Belle bitterly.

"Don't say that," said Diamond Tiara, "This is fixable. Just because you're getting older doesn't mean you two can't be close anymore. I'm sure she'd listen if you tried talking things out."

"Yeah, well when she's ready to listen, you tell me!" Sweetie Belle snapped and stomped away. Diamond Tiara sighed.

"I don't think I was meant to have my own friendship mission," Diamond Tiara said sadly, "All I'm doing is making things worse..." Diamond Tiara lay down on the ground as she began to cry.

"I don't know what to do..." Diamond Tiara sobbed as she buried her face into her fore-legs. Meanwhile, Sweetie Belle was just stomping about when she saw Zipperwhill sitting alone on top of a nearby rock.

"Hey, Zipperwhill," said Sweetie Belle, "What are you doing here? Where are Apple Bloom and Scootaloo?"

"They're with my puppy," Zipperwhill answered sadly, "He seems to like them better than me anyway." Sweetie Belle rushed up to her.

"Now, I'm sure that's not true," Sweetie Belle protested gently.

"It is," Zipperwhill replied, "He doesn't like doing anything with me anymore." Zipperwhill sighed as she held up the tiny bone toy, "He didn't even want to play with this. And all puppies love these." Zipperwhill sniffled a bit and was soon crying. Sweetie Belle examined the toy carefully.

Poor Zipperwhill, Sweetie Belle thought, She only wants to be friends with her puppy again. A puppy...who isn't a puppy... Suddenly Sweetie Belle had an epiphany.

Just...Just like Rarity...

"I think that might be your problem right there!" said Sweetie Belle in realization, "Wait here!" Sweetie Belle rushed off as Zipperwhill continued to cry. Sweetie Belle then returned with Diamond Tiara. She quickly whispered what Zipperwhill had told her and then asked her about the toy. Diamond Tiara looked at the toy and the sad tiara-wearing filly.

"So? What do you think?" Sweetie Belle asked eagerly. Diamond Tiara pondered a bit, blinked, and then smiled.

Of course! I can't believe I didn't see it before! Diamond Tiara thought I can solve this friendship problem! Both of them!

"I think we're about to solve two problems at once," said Diamond Tiara. Sweetie Belle smiled excitedly.

"Come on!" Sweetie Belle told Zipperwhill as she and Diamond Tiara took off to find Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Ripley. Zipperwhill just watched them leave before jumping off the rock, grabbing the tiny bone toy, and then followed after them.

Meanwhile, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were busy trying to get Ripley's attention. Ripley just yawned as a sign that the two fillies efforts weren't working.

"Find Zipperwhill, Ripley!" Scootaloo groaned as she knelt beside the dog.

"Woof, woof! It's Zipperwhill! Woof!" Apple Bloom told Ripley, but it was no good. Scootaloo sighed loudly.

"It's hopeless," said Scootaloo in defeat and the two fillies saw Sweetie Belle, Diamond Tiara, and Zipperwhill rushing up to them.

"Sweetie Belle! Di!" Apple Bloom called out.

"Zipperwhill!" said Scootaloo with a sigh, "We're sorry we haven't figured this out yet."

"Don't worry, girls," said Sweetie Belle, "Thanks to Di. We think we've both cracked this one."

"The stage of yours, Sweetie Belle," said Diamond Tiara.

"I think it would be best of we explained it together," said Sweetie Belle, giving Diamond Tiara a wink to remind her about her friendship mission.

"Oh, r-r-right," said Diamond Tiara with a brave nod. The two fillies were about to start explaining when Rarity was shuffling through some bushes and peeked out from them.

"Aha!" Rarity exclaimed, "There she is!" Rarity then gasped when she saw her costume was full of leaves and twigs, "Oh, dear. Really should have changed." Rarity just huffed, "No matter! I'm going to give her quite the talking to!..." Rarity then noticed that she was talking to the others, "...Right after she's done with her conversation. Anger is no excuse for poor manners, after all." Despite her hurt feelings, she decided to listen in on the conversation as quietly as she could.

"Okay, Zipperwhill," said Sweetie Belle as she and the two tiara wearing fillies stood before Ripley, "What do you see?"

"My puppy?" said Zipperwhill.

"That's not what we see," said Sweetie Belle, "Right, Di?"

"Nope, no puppy is that big," said Diamond Tiara, "and for good reason."

"Right," said Sweetie Belle, "We see a full-grown dog."

"He did get bigger. I guess," Zipperwhill admitted.

"He's not just bigger," said Sweetie Belle, "He's older, too." Ripley just grunted as he scratched his ear and pretended he was asleep.

"Being older also means that he's not going to play with the same toys he did when he was puppy," said Diamond Tiara.

"You don't play with the same toys from when you were a foal, do you?" Sweetie Belle asked Zipperwhill. Zipperwhill then looked at her tiny bone toy.

"Oh. Ohhh," said Zipperwhill in realization, "The squeaker is a little small for him now."

"And he's smart enough to know that if he tries chewing on it that he'll most likely swallow it," Diamond Tiara added.

"You're right about that," said Zipperwhill and sighed, "It's just hard for me to believe he not the same adorable little guy I found anymore."

"We understand," said Sweetie Belle.

"Every puppy grows up at some point," said Diamond Tiara, "but that doesn't mean he still can't be your adorable little guy. Oops, I mean adorable big guy now." Diamond Tiara giggled at her little slip up, making Zipperwhill smile for a second.

"And doing things like you used to won't turn him back into a puppy," said Sweetie Belle.

"You might not be able to turn back the clock," said Diamond Tiara, "but just because he's getting older doesn't mean you two can't still be close friends. It just means that your friendship is changing, but that change doesn't have to be a bad thing."

"Precisely," said Sweetie Belle. Zipperwhill nodded in understanding.

"So...what do I do?" Zipperwhill asked.

"Treat him like the dog he is," Sweetie Belle answered as Diamond Tiara nodded in agreement, "and find new favorite things to do together."

"If you accept the fact he's older and wants to do new things," said Diamond Tiara, "He'll be more willing to spend time with you and be your friend again."

"You think so?" Zipperwhill asked hopefully.

"I know so," said a familiar voice as she made her presence known.

"Rarity?!" said Sweetie Belle as Diamond Tiara jumped in front of her.

"Please don't give her a piece of your mind!" Diamond Tiara pleaded, "She has a good reason for getting angry if you hear her out!"

"Wait, Rarity is gonna give me a piece of her mind?!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

"I...I was hoping to speak to Rarity before she talked to you since she was crying after you snapped at her and...I wanted to help you calm down so you could tell her the truth...and..." Diamond Tiara tried to explain and then grunted loudly, "How does Master make being a peacekeeper look so easy?! Ponies would say, why do I care? Because I just do, I don't like seeing you two not understanding each other and I firmly believe you two are the friendship problem that I need to solve and I really want to help because your my friends and I love my friends and wanna help them!" Diamond Tiara panted heavily since the last part she said all in one breath.

"Di, it's alright," said Rarity, "I'll admit that I was going to give Sweetie Belle a piece of my mind, but...after what I heard you two said, I'm willing to admit I was wrong."

"You are?" Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara said together in surprise.

"Yes," said Rarity, "Oh, Sweetie Belle, Di, you are both so right."

"About the dog?" Scootaloo asked since she and Apple Bloom had been listening to the conversation.

"Yes, but about us, too," said Rarity before Diamond Tiara could reply, "the truth is, I know you're not a little filly anymore. But it's just...the last time we did all of those things together, I...I didn't realize it was gonna be the last last time." Rarity's eyes watered as she gave her sister a sad smile as she sat down before her younger sister, "I loved doing those things with you. It's hard for me to let that go." Rarity looked away, but did let a few tears fall from her eyes.

"So you were just trying to make up for lost time," said Sweetie Belle. Rarity blinked.

"Y-y-yes," said Rarity, "How did you..." Sweetie Belle then glanced at Diamond Tiara, who just smiled modestly.

"Di tried to help me see your point of view," Sweetie Belle explained, "At first I didn't want to listen, but then when I saw that Zipperwhill was having the same problem. We figured out that the two problems were exactly the same."

"You want to spend time doing things that you two used to do when the other was younger," Diamond Tiara explained to Rarity, "While you and Zipperwhill aren't clueless to the fact the other is older, it's hard for you to accept the fact that your friend is growing up. But just because your friend is older doesn't mean that they no longer want to spend any time with you or are gonna stop being your friend."

"That is true, Di," Rarity asked, "and I really do love being with Sweetie Belle."

"Aww, Rarity!" said Sweetie Belle as she gave Rarity a hug, "I love being with you, too! That will never change! But...maybe we could just try to do different things together?" Rarity nodded in agreement. Rarity went to give her sister a loving nuzzle when she realized she was still wearing the flower costume. She used her magic to take it off and clear out some of the leaves stuck in her mane. Sweetie Belle then noticed Rarity missed a twig and used her magic to pull it out and tossed it toward Ripley. Ripley jumped up and panted with interest at the twig.

"What is it, puppy?" Zipperwhill asked and giggled, "I mean, Ripley?" Zipperwhill walked up to the twig and gave it a firm toss. Ripley went after it, picked up it, and brought it back to her. He also gave her a lick.

"I love you, too, Ripley!" Zipperwhill giggled before tossing the twig again for Ripley to go after it. She then turned to the rest of the ponies, "Thank you, Crusaders. And thank you, Di."

"No problem!" said the four fillies together. Then Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Zipperwhill laughed as they went to play with Ripley.

"Oh, Ripley!" said Zipperwhill happily. Rarity, Di, and Sweetie Belle watched them walk off before Rarity looked at Sweetie Belle.

"Sweetie Belle, I'm so very proud of the pony you've grown into," said Rarity.

"And I'm proud that no matter what, I'll always be your little sister," said Sweetie Belle.

"I'm also proud of you, Di," said Rarity.

"Me?" Diamond Tiara asked surprise.

"You were right," said Sweetie Belle, "Rarity and I, as well as Zipperwhill and Ripley, were your friendship problems. We were growing apart because I felt like Rarity didn't understand me while all Rarity wanted was to make up for lost time."

"And thanks to you, we now know that just because we get older doesn't mean we still can't be close," said Rarity, "Our friendship can still be strong even we get older and when our interests change."

"And with communication comes understanding," said Diamond Tiara, "While Ripley might have a harder time doing so, don't be afraid to tell each other when your interests do change, then you can work together to find new things to share with each other." It was then a bright light appeared above her and there hovering just above her...

...were TWO flower sprites!

Diamond Tiara was in shock.

"I...I got two flower sprites?!" Diamond Tiara exclaimed in shock.

"No pony has ever gotten two flower sprites for a friendship mission before," Rarity pointed out.

"It could be because she solved two friendship problems instead of one," Sweetie Belle said, "Ours and Zipperwhill's. Either way, you better collect them for the Cutie Map!" Diamond Tiara nodded as she jumped up to collect the Flower Sprites.

(Cue "You Got a Flower Sprite" fanfare)

The flower sprites merged into one flower sprite as they floated down to Diamond Tiara. The filly grabbed both flower sprites with a fore-hoof, twirled on her hind legs, and then held the flower sprites in the air as they separated back into two.

"Woo-hoo!" Diamond Tiara cheered as the two flower sprites entered her body for safe keeping. It was her cutie mark started glowing to signify her mission was complete.

"Well done, Di," said Rarity as she and Sweetie Belle applauded her.

"Wait til I tell Mom!" said Diamond Tiara excitedly. It was then there was a magic poof and there was the purple alicorn standing between Di and the two marshmallow ponies.

"I already know!" Twilight shouted excitedly before pulling Diamond Tiara in a very tight hug, "I'm so, so, so, so, so proud of you! I knew you could do it!" Diamond Tiara cringed at the tightness of Twilight's hug and then blinked.

"Wait a minute," Diamond Tiara pointed out, "Mom, how did you know I completed my friendship mission?" Twilight then flinched as she let the filly go and had a sheepish smile.

"Umm...uhh...heh...Mother's instinct?" Twilight replied nervously.

"Seriously?" Diamond Tiara replied with a raised eyebrow. Twilight just kept smiling and gave a nod.

"Wait! What is that?!" Sweetie Belle remarked as she saw something sticking on Diamond Tiara's mane and pulled it out, "Is this one of those mini-communicators Mario has?" Twilight cringed. Diamond Tiara gasped and then glared at Twilight.

"You were spying on me this whole time?!" Diamond Tiara asked angrily, "You said you trusted me to handle things on my own! And yet you stuck one of Master's com-links into my mane?!" Twilight look ashamed.

"I'm sorry," said Twilight, "I just wanted to keep tabs on how you were doing and take notes on your progress. This is your very first cutie map mission and I wanted to write the success in a special journal I made and...I guess I could've just waited until you came home to do that instead of eavesdropping on you in secret..." Twilight gave her daughter a sad look. Diamond Tiara just smiled.

"Normally, I would be upset with you for spying on me," said Diamond Tiara, "but I can let it go for one reason."

"What's that?" Twilight asked curiously.

"You did this because you cared about me," Diamond Tiara replied with a teary smile, "something my old mother would never do. You actually cared that I succeeded and are proud of me. That means alot. Just next time, wait for me to come and tell you about my successes, okay?" Twilight laughed as she pulled her daughter into a much more gentle hug. Diamond Tiara held her mother close as she shed happy tears into his shoulder.

"I love you, Momma," said Diamond Tiara.

"I love you, too," said Twilight as they pulled away and Diamond Tiara wiped her eyes, "So how about we celebrate, mother-and-daughter style!" It was then Diamond Tiara's stomach growled.

"How about lunch at that hayburger joint you and Master like so much?" Diamond Tiara suggested.

"You got it!" said Twilight as she put the filly onto her back.

"See you later everypony!" said Diamond Tiara as she waved at the others, "thanks for everything!" Zipperwhill, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom stopped to wave goodbye before going to back to playing with Ripley. Sweetie Belle and Rarity waved goodbye as well.

"See ya later, Di!" said Sweetie Belle as the mother and daughter took off into the sky. Rarity and Sweetie Belle watched them disappear before Rarity got an idea.

"I, uh, have a little bit of time before I have to head back to Canterlot," said Rarity, "Could we spend it together?" Sweetie Belle gave a nod.

"What would a grown pony like you want to do?" Rarity asked.

"Well, I do have one idea..." said Sweetie Belle.

It was a few minutes later, Rarity and Sweetie Belle had headed back to the ice cream shop. This time they each ordered a mega-sized clown shaped ice cream sundae that was bigger than their heads. Both sisters had their lips coated in ice cream as they licked their lips. Rarity then gave her sundae a few generous licks on her own.

"Heh, I didn't realize your idea would be such a delicious one!" said Rarity with a giggle, "I don't know how I'm going to finish this."

"Oh! I'll help you!" said Sweetie Belle. Then she and Rarity giggled to each other as they scooted in close so Rarity could wrap a fore-leg around her younger sibling. The elderly mare then held a camera as she took a picture of them, their lips coated in ice cream and big, toothy smiles on their faces.

Rarity smiled as she set the picture onto the counter of the Canterlot Boutique as she was wrapping up some final adjustments before the shop opened up for tomorrow. Sassy had already left home for the day so Rarity and Mario were at the only ponies at the shop. Mario was looking at a picture chuckling to himself.

"What's so funny?" Rarity asked as she walked up to Mario. Mario showed the marshmallow mare a picture of Diamond Tiara and Twilight, their mouths covered in ketchup as they stuffed their faces with hayburgers and horseshoe fries. Rarity giggled.

"Well, they certainly had a fun time together," said Rarity.

"I see you and Sweetie Belle had a good time as well," Mario pointed out. Rarity sighed.

"Yes...eventually," Rarity remarked as she walked off to finish adjusting a dress on a nearby mannequin.

"What do you mean, Rares?" Mario remarked. Rarity just sighed and filled Mario in on what had happened that day as Mario brought out the fainting couch for them to sit on.

"I was nearly ready to tell Sweetie Belle off for being ungrateful and selfish," said Rarity, "Yet I was the one who wanted to believe Sweetie Belle still enjoyed all those activities and didn't even ask her if that was true. It was thanks to your new daughter that Sweetie Belle understood that I only wanted to make up for lost time, not treat her like a baby. We've settled things, but..." Rarity's eyes began to tear up.

"Sweetie Belle is growing up," said Rarity, "and her interests are changing. With me being so busy, I feel like I'm missing out on her youth. And I've already lost so much time when I...I was resenting her. I still can't believe I nearly was willing to get rid of her that one time..." Rarity's began to cry sadly as Mario pulled her close for comfort.

"You're not the only one who's trying to make up for lost time," said Mario, "Keep in mind that I, too, have a little sister that I need to make time for as well. And I have my partnership with you, with Pinkie, my mini-railway, and my royal duties to attend to. We just gotta make sure that no matter how busy we are, we make time for those we love and care about."

"It's so hard," Rarity sobbed, "and yet I don't want to plan another day with her only to find out that she's outgrown those activities too! Especially before we even get a chance to say those are our favorite activities."

"I can assure you that won't happen," said Mario as he used a fore-hoof to gently wipe away Rarity's tears, "As soon as we're done for tonight, I'm gonna take a look at your schedule for the next year and we are gonna streamline what you need to do so you'll have plenty of opportunities to spend time with Sweetie Belle. I know that would benefit the both of you." Rarity sniffled and gave Mario a teary smile.

"I love you, Mario," Rarity croaked, "You always come through when I need a friend. Thanks for hearing me out."

"Anytime, Twinsie, I love you, too," said Mario, "You've been a very good friend to me whenever I was feeling my gloominess. Who knew that venting and sewing was such good therapy? I got to speak my mind of what was making me feel sad and made myself some nice polo shirts in the process. Remind me to wear one on opening day, I think I packed my dark purple polo shirt in my suitcase." Rarity chuckled.

"I appreciate that," said Rarity, "and I might add that you should feel very proud of Di as well."

"I am very proud," said Mario, "She completed her first cutie map mission and earned two flower sprites for it. That's impressive."

"Not just that, Mario," said Rarity, "Diamond Tiara really takes your lessons on love and empathy to heart. She helped Sweetie Belle and I understand each other's perspective, especially when I felt my sister was being ungrateful and Sweetie Belle felt like I didn't understand her anymore. I'm seeing the same love and compassion that I see in you. Even if her love magic never develops into anything a unicorn can do, it's given her a wisdom and understanding that is well beyond her years. And that is all thanks to your teachings, Mario." Mario smiled, feeling rather humbled at hearing Rarity tell him that.

"I do my best, Rarity," Mario replied, "She's headstrong and has much to learn, but she is more than capable of being an excellent ambassador of friendship as well as the seventh element."

"I heartily agree," said Rarity, "So let's get to it. I want my schedule streamlined as soon as we can. Mind if I ask you to make time so we can spend the day with our little sisters together?" Mario chuckled.

"Absolutely," Mario replied as the two shared a hug and then got back to work.

By the end of the day, Rarity couldn't wait to see Sweetie Belle again. Not only so they could spend time together, but also because in order for Mario's idea to work, they needed to compare their time tables with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Rarity wasn't too worried. She was sure that Sweetie Belle wanted to adjust their schedule for the same reasons.

If only she knew...

...that very night, Sweetie Belle was busy with Diamond Tiara streamlining the Cutie Mark Crusaders' schedule for the year and was waiting for when she could compare it with Rarity's.

Guess great minds think alike, don't they?

Okay, to begin...by the time this chapter is posted. I will confirm that I did watch the series finale. I enjoyed it and I cried. And I would also like to confirm that Big Jim himself said in a Q&A this weekend that the only confirmed shippings were Pinkie x Cheese and Big Mac x Sugar Belle. The remaining shippings are all up to the fans, meaning us, to decide what's canon and what's not. Meaning if you believe Fluttercord is canon, you won't see it in this story. I was honestly ready to halt my story at season eight if Big Jim had officially confirmed Fluttercord because I would have to end Fluttershy and Shenran's marriage in order to stay as accurate to the show. And I don't want to do that since alot of you want to see the two Pegasi have Broly and Allison.

With that out of the way, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter. I took a huge risk altering this entire episode into a friendship mission so Diamond Tiara could take center stage of the plot the same way Mario has over the past seasons. I hope you enjoyed seeing her take center stage and complete a friendship mission all on her own. Plus who doesn't like it when Mario has a heart-to-heart with somepony for an alternate ending?

If you are wondering why I made Twilight plant that comlink to eavesdrop on Diamond Tiara, go watch the original "A royal problem" episode and it will all make sense. If you don't, just remember that Twilight is a new mother and this is her daughter first major contribution to friendship by herself.

Next time: Scootaloo and Mario will meet Rainbow Dash's loving but very outspoken parents. How will Mario and Scootaloo deal with Rainbow's relationship with them?

Peace Pony Fans!