Hidden Voices

After Sweetie Belle and Button Mash became a couple, Diamond Tiara has been giving them a harder time than usual. Finally, when Sweetie finally confronts her on the matter, Diamond takes it as a challenge and makes a dare with her: if Sweetie Belle manages to win the upcoming talent show, Diamond will leave them alone. But, if Diamond wins, she gets Button to herself!

Summary
Will Button and the Crusaders get Sweetie to perform?

Characters

 * Sweetie Belle
 * Button Mash
 * Diamond Tiara

Reception
"Oh, Squeaky Wheel!"

Sweetie Belle cringed as she heard the all-too-familiar voice and she tried not visibly show fear as she turned to face who was staring her down. Her green eyes met the icy blue ones of her tormentor, who was grinning maliciously at her with two sickeningly perfect rows of white teeth.

"What's the matter, Squeaks?" Diamond Tiara taunted, "Got nothing to say?"

Sweetie Belle narrowed her eyes at her. "Don't you have something better to do than bother me?"

Diamond feigned taking offense. "Why, I'm just saying hello! Isn't that what friends do?"

Sweetie rolled her eyes. "My friends don't call me 'Squeaky Wheel'."

"That?" Diamond waved a hoof. "Just friendly teasing!"

"Yeah." Sweetie turned away from her. "Sure."

"Leave 'er alone, Diamond!" shouted Apple Bloom, who rushed to Sweetie's side.

"Yeah!" concurred Scootaloo, who followed after Apple Bloom.

Diamond put her hooves to her face in fake shock. "Oh, no, it's the Crusaders!" She swayed dramatically. "What am I going to do?" She put her hooves down and gave them a peeved look. "Seriously, what do you think you can do or say that will make me stop?"

Scootaloo narrowed her eyes at her. "Don't you have Silver Spoon to talk to? I'm sure she wouldlove to hear you whine."

Diamond glowered at her. "She's late." She added to herself quietly, "useless..."

Sweetie sighed. "Whatever, Diamond. I'm gonna go before you whine our ears off."

"Wow, that's so clever!" Diamond exclaimed as Sweetie trotted off, "I love how original you are, Squeaky Wheel!"

Sweetie didn't reply and she only remained silent as she made her way over to the eating tables, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom following immediately after.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Dude, why didn't you say something back to her?" Scootaloo asked as she took a seat next to Sweetie, "She was being totally mean!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"She's always like that," Sweetie said in a flat tone, "I'm used to it."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Just 'cause yer used to it, it doesn't mean it's alright!" Apple Bloom argued, "Ya gotta stand up for yerself!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie sighed. "What's the point? Every time we do, all she does is get nastier and nastier."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Come on, Sweets," Scootaloo said in a chiding tone, "you can't think like that! Besides, think about all the times we showed up Diamond! That's gotta mean somethin'!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie lightened up a bit. "I guess you're right about that." She smiled a little. "Besides, I got you guys to help me out when she's too much for me."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"That, and yer coltfriend," Apple Bloom added.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Oh, shut up," Sweetie said with a roll of her eyes, "you're just mad because you're lonely."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Before Apple Bloom could respond, Scootaloo said, "Speak of the Devil."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Immediately, Sweetie Belle turned to the entrance of the schoolyard and she couldn't help but smile. Standing there in his usual dorkish manner, was Button Mash, her special somepony. He was looking especially adorkable with his propellor cap and saddlebags, no doubt full of different games instead of assigned homework.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Hey, Button!" Sweetie called out.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">He turned towards her and almost immediately smiled as he caught sight of her. Sweetie felt a flutter in her stomach as she looked at his smile and refrained from blushing furiously.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Hiya, Sweets!" Button greeted as he trotted over to the three Crusaders.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Scootaloo spared Button's saddlebags a glance. "Lemme guess: you brought your Joyboy instead of your homework again?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"What?" Button blurted out, "No way!" He dug around in his bag and pulled out not one, but two Joyboys. "I brought two!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Mind explainin' why?" Apple Bloom asked, a brow arched in questioning.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Duh," Button said with an eyeroll, "So Sweets can play with me!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Aw, you're so sweet!" Sweetie told him as she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Miss Cheerilee!" called out a scathing voice, "Button and Sweetie are kissing again!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie Belle narrowed her eyes. "Diamond..."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Button rolled his eyes. "Yeesh, jealous, much?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Sweetie Belle, Button Mash, separate now!" called out Miss Cheerilee, who spared the two of them a harsh glare.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie sighed. "I can't even spend the morning with my coltfriend without Diamond ruining it..."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"They're still sitting together!" Diamond shouted, loud enough to where everyone could hear.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"I'm moving, I'm moving!" Button exclaimed as he walked away from the picnic table, "I'll talk to ya later, Sweets."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"OK." Sweetie Belle sighed. "Good thing Diamond doesn't know about the Joyboys..."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Huh?" Scootaloo questioned, "What're you talking about?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie Belle didn't reply immediately. Oddly enough, she quickly looked around the three of them, as if she were checking to see if anyone was listening. When she saw that no one was, she quickly flipped open the Joyboy and clicked a couple buttons before showing the screen to Scootaloo and Apple Bloom.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"There's this chatroom thing on the Joyboys," Sweetie explained quietly, "as long as you're not too far from each other, you can send little messages to each other without talking out loud."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Whoa, cool!" Scootaloo commented, "Is that why he brought it?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Kinda," Sweets told her, "that, and I wanted to play some Legend of Zelda."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Apple Bloom gave her a deadpan look. "Yeesh, y'all are nerds."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweets shrugged. "I'm confident in that fact." She looked back down at her screen and giggled. "Heh, Button just told me that Diamond's mane looks like Ganondorf's!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Who?" Scootaloo and Apple Bloom asked simultaneously.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie waved a hoof. "Legend of Zelda character, you wouldn't know him."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Oh, it's a guy?" Apple Bloom said, "Shots fired, then."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie Belle didn't comment as she clicked on the buttons for a moment and put it down with a satisfied smile. "It's a good thing Diamond doesn't know about these things. Celestia knows what she'd do."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Suddenly, the loud ring of the school bell resonated through the air, signifying it was time for class to begin. Sweetie put the Joyboy in her saddlebags. "Come on, we gotta go in."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">And with that, the three Crusaders went into the schoolhouse, completely unaware of the silver-maned filly that had heard their conversation.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"They did what?" Diamond blurted out.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">It was lunch hour, and it was the first time that Silver Spoon had managed to get to talk to Diamond, what with her being late. Thankfully, Silver's chewing out for arriving late didn't last long when she told Diamond what she had heard Sweetie tell her friends.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Yeah, right?" Silver said, "Because of those stupid games they keep talking to each other even when they're separated." She turned to Diamond. "Maybe it's 'cause it isn't the first time you've done it."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Diamond growled silently. "Even when I get them away from each other, they're still conspiring together!" She huffed. "Why does she get to have him?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"What?" Silver questioned.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Nothing," Diamond dismissed, "I just hate that those two get to spend time together."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Um, why?" Silver asked, "Why does it bother you so much?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Diamond narrowed her eyes at her. "None of your business, that's why!" She turned her attention to the schoolyard, where she saw Button and Sweetie "playing" on their Joyboys. "Ugh, those two think they're so clever with their stupid, weird chat thing on their stupid, weird games!" Diamond felt a heat rise in her as she saw Sweetie giggle, no doubt at something Button had sent her. "That little, connivingwitch!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"So if it bothers you so much, just get rid of the Joyboy," Silver said nonchalantly, "that way they can't use it anymore."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Diamond cooled almost immediately after she said that. "Oh. Yeah, that could work."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Silver was somewhat surprised by the sudden change in emotion. "Uh, OK. But, how are you going to--" She stopped talking as Diamond walked off. "Or just ignore what I'm saying, yeah, that's something to do."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Meanwhile, Sweetie Belle was unaware of the incoming threat coming her way as she continued to play her game. She was nearing the end of a dungeon, something that she had had trouble with for the past while. But, finally, she was going to get past that difficult level and tell Button all about--

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Suddenly, the game was gone from her sights and out of her hooves, which immediately made her snap out of her gaming mode. "Hey!" she exclaimed, looking up from where her game was, only to see Diamond Tiara. "Give me that back! I was using that!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Diamond didn't say anything, but instead dropped the game on the ground. But, Sweetie didn't even get a word out before Diamond stomped a hoof onto the device, which left an unmistakable crack and made a sickening crunch.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie gaped, her eyes wide with shock and horror as she looked down at the broken Joyboy. Diamond only grinned at her. "That'll teach you to try to foil me, Squeaky Wheel."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"You..." Sweetie tried to say, her eyes beginning to water, "You broke it! You broke the Joyboy!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Everyone turned to look at the two fillies, one of whom was trying really hard not to cry. Finally, after a moment of silence, Sweetie jumped up, tears in her eyes.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Why do you keep messing with me?" Sweetie exclaimed, "You didn't have to break the Joyboy, you jerk!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Diamond didn't seem fazed. "Whatever. Just get your parents to buy you a new one."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie narrowed her eyes. "That Joyboy wasn't even mine! It was--"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"My Joyboy!" Button cried out as he galloped to where his broken game was.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Wait, what?" Diamond blurted out as she watched Button look at his destroyed game, "I thought it was Squeaky Wheel's!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Button didn't seem to hear her as he cradled his game in his hooves. "It's OK... You're OK... We'll... We'll just get some tape or something."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Is he talking to his game?" Diamond asked herself, completely confused by what she was seeing.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie stamped her hoof. "Diamond, you've gone way too far! Apologize, right now!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Diamond rolled her eyes. "As if. He's still got another Joyboy, right?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"It's not just the Joyboy!" Button cried, "Zelda! Zelda's gone!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"What?" Sweetie exclaimed as she looked at the wreckage, "The game got crushed, too?" She turned back to Diamond. "That makes it even worse!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Diamond scoffed. "Whatever. Like I said, get your parents to buy you a new one."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Seriously? Is that all you have to say?" Sweetie shook her head. "You're such a-- You're such a--" She took a deep breath. "You're such a Moblin!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Diamond blinked. "What?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Sweetie Belle!" Button breathed.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"She broke your game, Button!" Sweetie argued.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"I know, but still! Uncalled for!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Diamond rolled her eyes. "Are we done here? I'd actually like to eat."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie narrowed her eyes. "That's it! I am sick and tired of you being such jerks to us!" She leaned towards Diamond aggressively. "What do I have to do to make you think you're not better than me? I just want to come to school without having to worry about--" She gestured a foreleg to Button, who was still cradling his game. "--this happening!" She put her foreleg down. "Just tell me why you keep bothering me! What did I ever do to you?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Diamond narrowed her eyes at Sweetie Belle. "What did you ever do to me?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie immediately felt her anger subside when she heard the iciness in Diamond's tone and she backed away slightly as she saw the growing anger in her blue eyes.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"I'll tell you what you did," Diamond growled. She pointed a hoof at Sweetie Belle. "Because you took him from me!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">It took Sweetie Belle a moment to realize that Diamond wasn't point at her, but rather behind her, where Button was, still cradling his game in his hooves. However, as soon as Diamond's meaning reached her, Sweetie couldn't help but blurt out, "Huh?" in the most ridiculous manner.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Diamond let out an annoyed huff. "You heard what I said!" She looked at Button, who had dropped his game in shock of hearing Diamond's confession. "Why should you get to have somepony like him?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Now hold up just a second!" shouted Apple Bloom, who had been sitting on the sidelines with everypony else, "Ya mean to say that ya like Button?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Wow, and just when I thought I would never feel bad for her," Scootaloo said.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Hey!" Sweetie, Diamond and Button shouted at the same time, though the two fillies immediately glared at each other as soon as they heard the other.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"You were jealous, so you decided to be a total jerk about it?" Sweetie questioned, "That's stupid! Why on earth would Button like you if you were mean to him?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Uh, I'd make my daddy buy him every big game out there?" Diamond said in a flat tone.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie blinked. "Wow, that might actually work."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Hey, give me some credit here!" Button exclaimed as he stepped up to Sweetie's side. He paused. "Wait, would consoles be included?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Yes," Diamond told him.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Button spared Sweetie a glance. "She's got a point."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie rolled her eyes before returning her attention to Diamond. "So, what? You're just going to make us miserable until you get your way?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"It's worked before, hasn't it?" Diamond asked with an arched brow and a grin.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie shook her head. "Not this time. You're not gonna get Button on my watch."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Button rose his eyebrows as he grinned. "Looks like I got a bodyguard."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Shut up."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Diamond narrowed her eyes. "Would you care to make a wager, then?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"What's a wager?" Scootaloo asked Apple Bloom quietly.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Why should I make a bet with you?" Sweetie questioned.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Ooooh," Apple Bloom and Scootaloo said at the same time.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"'Cause if you want to keep Button, you're gonna have to do more than make empty promises," Diamond answered, "so how about we end this once and for all?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie narrowed her eyes. "I'll do whatever it takes to make sure you don't get your dirty--" Sweetie spared Diamond's hooves a glance. "Well, actually, really clean, really manicured hooves, but I'm still not letting them on Button!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Anything, huh?" Diamond questioned, a brow arched, "So you realize that I'm the one that makes the conditions on this?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie faltered for a moment, but she nodded all the same. "OK, fine."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Diamond grinned. "So then I challenge you, Sweetie Belle, to compete against me in the upcoming school talent show!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Everyone in the entire area gasped collectively, then immediately began to whisper amongst themselves. Except for Sweetie Belle, who seemed to have frozen on the spot.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"If you win, you get to keep Button for yourself," Diamond said in a dramatic manner, "but, if Iwin, I get to have him." She smirked. "Is that a deal?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"I--" Sweetie Belle stammered, "I-I..."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"She accepts!" Button exclaimed as he leaped in front of Sweetie.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"What?!" Sweetie blurted out, completely shocked.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Great!" Diamond proclaimed, "I'll see you at the show!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Wait, but I didn't--" Sweetie tried to say, but she went silent when she saw that Diamond wasn't listening. Almost immediately, she turned to face Button. "Why'd you do that?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"I am not going to be a lapdog for her!" Button exclaimed, "I absolutely refuse to lower myself to wearing cute outfits of her choosing and sitting silently next to her!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie narrowed her eyes. "Do you even know what you just did? Do you even know why this is such a big deal?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"What, do you have stage fright or something?" Button questioned with a roll of his eyes.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Yes!" Sweetie exclaimed.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Button blinked. "Oh. Yeah, this is going to be a problem."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Button, you sir, are an idiot," Apple Bloom said. It was after school, and the three Crusaders, along with Button, were residing in the treehouse.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"How was I supposed to know that Sweetie Belle has stage fright?" Button exclaimed defensively, "She never told me!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"What I don't get is why," Scootaloo commented, "I mean, you carried a flag with us at the Equestria Games!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Because I wasn't singing," Sweetie Belle told her.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"What about that play you wrote and starred in?" Button asked.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Wasn't singing," Sweetie said in a flat tone.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Well, what about the talent show--" Apple Bloom tried to say.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Scoots was singing, not me," Sweetie interrupted, her eyes narrowing, "and I thought we agreed never to speak of that again."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Right, sorry," Apple Bloom said, "but I don't get why it's such a big deal! You sing with us all the time!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Yeah, with you guys!" Sweetie argued, "I never sing by myself in front of ponies I don't know!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Actually, I've never heard you sing," Button commented.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"And you might never get to because I doubt I'll ever want to show my face in Ponyville again when this is all over!" Sweetie exclaimed, "Everypony will laugh at me! I'll be nothing but a laughingstock! And then I'll be left nothing but exile!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Sweet Celestia, she's turnin' into Rarity," Apple Bloom commented.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"And then all I'll have to do is wallow in..." Sweetie paused her dramatic performance. "...whatever it is ponies are supposed to wallow in!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"You realize I can never unsee that comparison?" Button asked Apple Bloom with a deadpan expression.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Alright, enough of the drama!" Scootaloo exclaimed as she threw her hooves in the air, "We just gotta figure out a way to get Sweetie Belle to perform!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie ceased her theatrics almost immediately. "You can't be seriously thinking about making me sing in front of everypony!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Who says it has to be singin'?" Apple Bloom asked, "Ya could do somethin' else, ya know."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie paused. "Oh. Yeah, I can work with that."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"So, what can you do other than singing?" Scootaloo asked. She gasped. "Can you juggle?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"No," Sweetie Belle answered.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Can ya dance?" Apple Bloom asked.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Like you can."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"So, no?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Yeah, no."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"What about plate spinning?" Button asked.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"No," Apple Bloom said sternly, "Ah still have flashbacks about them plates..."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"What?" Button questioned.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Don't ask," Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle said at the same time.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">For the next couple of hours, the group of kids all spent their time spitballing different ideas and whether or not Sweetie Belle would be capable of doing said ideas. Of course, half of them were trumped by their personal experience, leaving them with nothing but sticky manes and hides. The other half was trumped by Sweetie's own misgivings on certain ideas, such as jumping through flaming hoops or even being a seal's ball.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"What about making cupcakes?" Apple Bloom asked.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"No," Sweetie Belle answered.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"What about painting?" Button asked.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Rarity tried to kill last time I tried to paint anything."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Well, what about lion taming?" Scootaloo asked.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Stop talkin' about stuff Ah did back when Ah had the Cutie Pox!" Apple Bloom exclaimed, "Seriously, ya guys!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"First off, sorry," Sweetie Belle commented, "and second, where the hay would I even get a lion?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Fluttershy?" Button said with uncertainty.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie Belle sighed as she collapsed against her chair. "It's no use! We've gone through every single idea we have!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Well, maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to--"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Button, I am not singing for the talent show!" Sweetie exclaimed, "We've been over this!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Button furrowed his brows. "What would be so bad about it? It's not like it's a big deal or anything."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Ya know, Button's kinda right," Scootaloo said, "I mean, you're just singing."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"It's not like that!" Sweetie tried to say.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"But what's the big deal?" Apple Bloom asked, "Ah mean, Scoots didn't have a problem with singin' on stage at the talent show last time and she was terrible!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Yeah-- Hey, wait!" Scootaloo shouted.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">As her friends continued to talk about how "easy" and "simple" it would be to get on stage and sing, Sweetie Belle silently fumed within herself. Why couldn't they see what an ordeal this was? Couldn't they see what an obstacle this was for her? Couldn't they see the stupid wall that was stopping her?

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"It's not easy!" Sweetie exclaimed, "I can't perform in front of ponies, alright? I can't do it!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Before anypony could protest, it all took them a moment to see that Sweetie was on the verge of tears. Her hooves were shaking violently, and she looked as though she were ready to break down.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Sweetie Belle--" Apple Bloom tried to say.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"You guys don't get it..." Sweetie said in a broken whisper, "Nopony gets it." Without another word, Sweetie dashed out of the clubhouse, leaving behind three very confused friends.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Sweetie, wait!" Button exclaimed as he rushed after her.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">The sun was setting on the horizon, setting a golden glow across the farmland of Sweet Apple Acres. It didn't seem fitting for Sweetie Belle to rush off into while in such an emotional state, much less with Button chasing after her. Of course, when Button finally managed to catch up to her, Sweetie wasn't running anymore. In fact, she was sitting down in the grass, her back facing him so that he couldn't see her face.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Sweets?" Button asked quietly as he tried to catch his breath. He wasn't used to running.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie sighed quietly. "Just leave, Button... You're going to have to get used to it since I've already lost the stupid talent show... There's no way I can perform..."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"But why?" Button asked as he took a seat beside her.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie turned so he couldn't see her face. "You wouldn't understand... You think it's so easy, but it really isn't..."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Then make me understand!" Button told her, "I don't like it when you're upset, especially when it's over something I did!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie turned towards him with wide eyes. "How is this your fault?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Button sighed. "I should never have told Diamond that you would do the talent show! You're miserable because of it!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie's eyes softened. "It's not your fault, Button. It's just... It's hard to explain, OK?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"I got time," Button told her simply, "Mom doesn't mind how long I'm out as long as somepony knows where I am."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie was silent for a moment before replying. "Button, you know how it's easy for you to do stuff without worrying at all?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Yeah?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Well, I don't have that," Sweetie told him, "for you guys, all you see is whatever it is you want to do." She sighed. "But, what I see is a wall."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"A wall?" Button repeated.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie nodded. "It's like everypony but me can't see it or feel it. So, whenever ponies tell me to just 'get through it', I can't because--"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"To you there's just a wall," Button finished, "Ooooh, you mean like when you get to a really hard boss battle in a game and no matter how many times you reset the game you can't get through?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie rolled her eyes. "Yeah, Button, like that." She looked back at him. "So that's why it's so hard for me to get on stage and perform. That, and everypony is judging me and I have no idea what they're thinking and it freaks me out a little bit..."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"So just imagine everypony naked!" Button told her.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie gave him a deadpan look. "Almost everypony is naked almost all the time, Button."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Oh, yeah..." Button murmured to himself. He gasped. "I got an idea! I know just how to make sure you don't get nervous on stage!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Really?" Sweetie piped up, "What is it?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"I can't tell you or it won't work!" Button told her, "You'll find out at the talent show!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie furrowed her brows. "I feel like I should worry."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Fear not, my fair Princess!" Button proclaimed as he stood up and pointed a foreleg to the sky, "I shall not fail thee!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"And that only sealed it," Sweetie said as her ears flattened against her head, "hopefully this won't end as badly as I think it will..."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Just you wait, Sweets!" Button told her, "for as long as my name is Button Avery Mash, I will not fail you in my mission to aid you!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"...Your middle name is what?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"It's my grandmother's maiden name, OK?!"

Talent Show Night<p style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie Belle antsily paced backstage as she tried to take soothing breaths. "Where is Button at?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Dunno," Apple Bloom told her, "Ah haven't seen him since school let out."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"You said he had a plan to help you, right?" Scootaloo questioned, "Are you sure he's a reliable source when it comes to stuff like this?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Hey, now," Apple Bloom said, "he's helped plenty this entire week. He helped Sweetie pick her song, he helped her with her costume, surprisingly enough, and now he's helpin' her to make sure she doesn't get nervous on stage."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Oh, Squeaky Wheel!" called out Diamond Tiara as she exited the stage, "Good luck beating my performance!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie spared Diamond's ridiculously frou frou, sparkly dress a glance. "Was it showing off a dress your daddy bought you?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Diamond rolled her eyes. "How you underestimate me, Squeaks. If you had been paying attention, you'd notice how I successfully beat you before you even had a shot with my amazing dancing."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"It was pretty nice," Scootaloo commented.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Scoots!" Apple Bloom hissed before elbowing her.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"What? I'm just being honest."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Diamond scoffed lightly. "Whatever. I'm just gonna go in the audience and wait to collect my prize." She smirked. "I wonder how cute Button will look wearing matching sweaters with me..."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie tried not to visibly shudder at the thought. "Hideous, I'm sure..."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Diamond didn't seem to hear her and continued on her way off the stage, leaving the three Crusaders to themselves.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Button, you stupid, adorable idiot, where are you?" Sweetie asked herself.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Sweets, he's in the audience!" Apple Bloom told her, "What the hay has he got on his face?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Sweetie Belle, you're on!" Cheerilee said in her usual blissful manner as she walked by.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie Belle suddenly felt her hooves turn into lead. "Uh-oh."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Oh, for the love of-- Here!" Scootaloo unceremoniously shoved Sweetie towards the stage, causing her to stumble rather ungracefully. Sweetie spared Scootaloo a glare before she turned her eyes to the audience, which she almost immediately regretted doing.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Almost every single pony she had ever met was in the crowd. Her big sister Rarity, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, her parents even, and pretty much every single member of Ponyville. And all of their eyes were on her. Not her and her friends, but just her, by herself on stage.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">'It's even worse than I imagined...' Sweetie Belle thought, her eyes wide like a doe.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Suddenly, as her eyes scanned over the crowd, she caught sight of the familiar propellor cap that she had seen everyday for what seemed like a long time. She felt an inkling of ease as she spotted Button at the front of the crowd.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">And then almost immediately froze as she looked at his face.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Is that... Is that his dad's fake mustache? Sweetie thought, her nervousness and unease forgotten as she looked at him.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Of course, as soon as Sweetie began to process what she was seeing, she couldn't help but smile at how ridiculous Button looked. And almost immediately, she saw what he had done for her.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Button, you are probably the biggest dork I know,' she thought to herself, 'but thank Celestia I have you.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Sweets, that was awesome!" Scootaloo exclaimed as she zoomed over to her friend.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"No kiddin'!" Apple Bloom concurred, "You totally kicked flank up there!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"It was nothing," Sweetie told them with pink-tinged cheeks, "I wouldn't have been able to do it by myself, you know."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"You are so very welcome, by the way!" Button said as he trotted over to Sweetie backstage, still wearing the fake mustache, "I knew you wouldn't be able to get nervous with this bad boy!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Does your mom know that you took your dad's mustache?" Sweetie asked with a quirked brow.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"No, and I don't plan on telling her," Button replied, "but you gotta admit that I look cool as 'The Stache'!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie giggled. "You're such a dork!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Ha ha, laugh it up," said the icy tone of Diamond Tiara, who drug her hooves past them, "but it won't be long 'til they choose the rightful winner."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie spared Diamond a glance. "Ya know Diamond, I learned something today." She smiled. "It doesn't matter who gets the trophy tonight, because in the end, I won."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"What?" Diamond blurted out icily.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Because, no matter how many games you buy Button, he's always gonna have my back," Sweetie told her, "and I am so very thankful for that, unlike you."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Diamond flinched. "Remember our deal, Squeaks. When I win, it won't matter anymore."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Hurry along, girls!" Cheerilee said as she ushered the girls on stage, "Time to announce the winners!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"I think you mean winner," Diamond corrected as she spared Sweetie a glare.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say to get you through the night, Diamond."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Both fillies, along with the other contestants, quickly shuffled onstage and nervously twitched under the bright stage lights. Except for Diamond and Sweetie, who were both staring one another down from their side of the stage with the utmost aggression. Anypony watching could deduce that the main battle would be between those two.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Fillies and gentlecolts," Cheerilee announced, "tonight we had many great acts perform tonight, but as you know, we can only have a select amount of winners."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie and Diamond intensified their glares, but remained silent nonetheless.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"For Best Magic Act, we have Snips and Snails with their magic act!" Cheerilee announced, holding out two medals with stars on them.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Snips and Snails practically tripped over each other trying to get their medals, which got a couple laughs out of the audience and the fillies and colts on stage, save for Diamond and Sweetie, who remained stoic.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"For Best Dramatic Performance, we have..." Cheerilee paused as she tried to open the envelope. "Hang on a sec folks, technical difficulties."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Oh, for the love of..." Diamond muttered under her breath.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Ah, here we are!" Cheerilee proclaimed as she waved the paper, "and for Best Dramatic Performance, we have Sweetie Belle with her melody!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">A chorus of cheers erupted from the audience, which Sweetie soon saw to be her sister and her friends, coupled with the sounds from backstage where the Crusaders and Button were no doubt cheering their heads off.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"You've got to be kidding me!" Diamond hissed angrily.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"And for Best Comedic Performance, we have Diamond Tiara with her hilarious dancing!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Oh my, Celestia!" Diamond exclaimed, though everypony thought it was more out of pleasant surprise than out of angry shock.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Looks like we tied, Diamond," Sweetie said as she walked over to Diamond with her theatre masks medal, "I guess we'll have to compete again, huh?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Diamond growled. "This isn't over, Squeaky Wheel. I will get Button for myself."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie grinned victoriously, filled with a confidence she never knew she was capable of having. "Whatever you say, Diamond."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">And with that, Sweetie trotted offstage, where her friends had rushed to so that they could meet her there.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Dude, that's so awesome!" Scootaloo exclaimed, "We can put your medal in the clubhouse!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"And did you see the look on Diamond's face when they announced your name?" Apple Bloom asked, "It was too perfect!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Button pulled Sweetie into a hug. "I'm so happy for you!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie giggled. "I bet you're just happy that you don't have to wear matching sweaters with Diamond."

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Button look horrified. "Don't say such things! That's almost as bad as--"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Button Avery Mash, are you wearing your father's mustache?!"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"As bad as your mom finding out you took your dad's stuff?" Sweetie finished.

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">"Yep," Button said with a nod as he nodded his head to the side, "Make a run for the clubhouse?"

<p class="indented double" style="margin-top:1.5em;margin-bottom:0px;box-sizing:border-box;font-family:Arial;text-indent:3em;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:25.9200000762939px;text-align:justify;">Sweetie grinned. "Bet I can beat ya there. I'm feeling pretty lucky today."