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Class Presentation

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                                                                                      Chapter 1

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Golden rays of afternoon sunlight spilled through the tall arched windows of the campus library. Dust motes drifted lazily in the golden light. Students murmured at tables, and the familiar scent of aged paper and polished oak hung in the air. Scattered throughout the room was a modest gathering of students. 

 

Some scribbled notes in the margins of notebooks, others dozed with heads resting on folded arms, but most studied with silent focus, their muzzles buried deep in ancient tomes and heavy textbooks. It was a quiet environment with a shared understanding. 

 

This was a place of focus, reflection, and studious calm.

 

However, despite the tranquil surroundings, a pocket of tension clung stubbornly to one particular table.

 

“This stuff makes no sense!” Diamond Tiara seethed as she stabbed her pencil into the margin of her notes. “Why do we even have to learn this stuff? Inverse spells? Theoretical enchantment matrices? What does that even mean?!”

 

Silver Spoon, didn’t bother to look up, opting instead to sigh as her eyes remained focused on her book. “It’s a general education requirement,” she huffed and adjusted her glasses with a practiced flick. “Everypony’s gotta take it, even if they don't have a horn on their head.”

 

“Well, it’s stupid,” Tiara groaned. “I bet even Twilight Sparkle wouldn’t understand this nonsense.”

 

“Unfortunately for your complaint," Silver Spoon said dryly as she flipped the page. "She wrote the supplementary workbook.” 

 

Tiara groaned and dropped her head onto the open pages of Arcane Foundations and Spellcraft: A Modern Approach with a theatrical thump. 

 

“Trust me, I hate this as much as you do." Silver frowned, "I'm not a unicorn either, but if we flunk this presentation, my mother's gonna lose it."

 

A silence settled between the two as Silver continued to read. Meanwhile, Tiara lay limp across her book like a cat that had given up on the day. Her ear twitched at the sound of Silverspoon turning another page, but she made no move to lift her head.

 

It wasn’t that Tiara disliked magic.

 

Quite the opposite.

 

Before college, she’d been excited to learn about spellcraft. The way magic interacted with the world, how unicorns could bend it, and the many practical applications it had across Equestria. As an earth pony herself, she knew she'd never be able to harness such power, but the idea fascinated her.

 

Unicons could move clouds, accelerate seed growth, purify water, and so much more, all with the flick of a horn.

 

Part of her envied their power.

 

Unfortunately, everything being covered in Professor Inkwell’s class seemed to assume one thing: that you had a horn. The unicorns were thriving, abuzz with enthusiasm, while the pegasi and earth ponies—like Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon—were having a less-than-stellar experience.

 

The material was dense, abstract, and painfully academic. Every chapter was packed to the brim with long-winded theories, unicorn-specific anatomy, and arguments/debates that soared over Tiara's head. Expecting a mixed class of earth ponies, pegasi, and unicorns to absorb all of it felt absurd.

 

"Can we take a break?" Tiara asked, breaking the silence with a weary voice.

 

Silver Spoon snorted. “It’s only been thirty minutes, Tiara.”

 

“I knooooow!” Tiara groaned as she finally lifted her head off the book. “And I’ll never get that time back! That’s half an hour of my life, gone, wasted on—” The purple earth pony grabbed her notebook and waved it around dramatically, “—this nonsense!"

 

Silver Spoon hummed softly, “That nonsense is on the test.”

 

“Ugh, screw this,” Tiara snorted, her voice thick with frustration. She flopped back in her seat and stared up at the ceiling, as if an answer or escape hatch would appear in the plaster above. After a beat, she pushed herself out of her chair with a groan. “I’m going for a walk,”

 

Silver Spoon didn’t argue. Years of friendship had taught the gray earth pony that once Tiara reached this level of dramatic suffering, it was best to let her burn it off elsewhere.

 

Tiara's shoes pressed softly against the polished wood floor as she wandered through the library. She wove between tall book-covered shelves and quiet study tables with a frown. A thousand complaints swirled through her mind like angry storm clouds. 

 

Why did they have to take this class? Why was every chapter written with such elitism? What was she supposed to do, grow a horn overnight? Tiara snorted as she passed a shelf labeled “Foundational Spellcasting,” and resisted the urge to stick out her tongue at it.

 

It wasn't just the upcoming presentation that bugged Tiara, nor was it only Professor Inkwell's class that had made her so frustrated. It was everything. College had been one long, exhaustive reminder that Tiara wasn’t on top anymore. The days when she and Silver Spoon ruled the schoolyard with an iron fist felt like ancient history now. 

 

Her family name didn’t carry the weight it used to, and there were no crowds of wide-eyed classmates eager to follow her lead or hang on her every word like back in Mrs. Cheerilee’s classroom. Now, it was all on her. No shortcuts. No special treatment. No safety net.

 

And as if that weren’t bad enough, everypony else seemed to be thriving. They glided through their courses with effortless grace, took notes with perfect focus, raised their hands with confident answers, and chatted after lectures like they’d just had a delightful time sipping tea.

 

Everywhere Tiara looked, she felt like she was surrounded by ponies who belonged and understood, while she was stuck spinning her wheels in the mud. 

 

She hated it. 

 

But all of that paled in comparison to the worst thing Tiara had experienced recently. There was a particular group of mares that had risen to the top. A trio she'd mocked for years behind hand-covered giggles and rolling eyes. 

 

Sweetie Belle. Scootaloo. Apple Bloom.

 

The Cutie Mark Crusaders.

 

'Of course they’re still attached at the hip,' Diamond Tiara thought as she rounded the corner of another bookcase with a flick of her tail 'Still playing the goody two-shoes, pretending they’ve got everything figured out. Some ponies never—' 

 

Tiara's eyes widened as she froze mid-step.

 

Huddled around a table near the window were the Cutie Mark Crusaders. 

 

Apple Bloom had pointed at something with her pencil while Scootaloo nodded eagerly, and Sweetie Belle smiled like it was all so simple. 

 

Oh, how the trio infuriated her.

 

The way they laughed and teased each other, instead of having to focus on their work. The final presentations were only two weeks away, and Tiara and Silver Spoon hadn't even started writing theirs. Yet here were the Cutie Mark Crusaders laughing and giggling without a care.

 

Tiaras' fury threatened to boil over as she continued to eye the Crusaders from across the library, but she forced it down. She couldn’t lose her temper—not here, not in public. She was better than that. With a snort and flick of her head, Tiara put her chin to the sky and stormed off.

 

She needed to relax.

 

She was exhausted and had had her nose buried in textbooks all day. It was high time for some leisure reading. Something that would interest her, or at least distract her from her negative mindset. Reading was supposed to stimulate the mind after all.

 

Tiara browsed the shelves searching for something that would assuage her boredom. She lingered in the romance section for a while, but nothing caught her eye. Then she tried the fantasy section, but still no luck. Even the sci-fi section failed to offer any appeal.

 

Tiara sighed as her ears drooped. She’d spent so long looking for something to read that she'd started to question if she even wanted to do it anymore. Deciding she'd wasted enough time, Tiara turned and began to make her way back toward Silverspoon.

 

However, at this moment, fate turned.

 

A single book, pink, sleek, and oddly radiant, glittered softly in the sunlight. It called to her like a siren and begged to be read. The book had no cover art, nor any lettering or decorative trim. Tiara plucked the book from the shelf and turned it over in her hands. 

 

The book was an anomaly. There was no author listed, nor was there a summary on the front or back, and there were no markings to indicate a title. The cover was completely blank, almost inviting someone to open it and experience its forbidden knowledge.

 

With some trepidation, Tiara slowly opened the book. 

 

The first page was just as empty as the cover, save for a single line of centered text:

 

“A Brief Dissertation on the Ancient Art of Imperium: The Power to Change Minds.”

 

Tiara raised her eyebrow skeptically. Imperium? What in Equestria was that supposed to be? Some kind of ancient philosophy? A self-help scam? Perhaps a story or a poor thesis study somepony had forgotten to shelf? Tiara glanced around and spotted an empty table near the far window of the library. 

 

She slipped the strange book under her arm and sauntered over to the table with deliberate poise. She sat in the chair and slowly flipped past the title page. If nothing else, the bizarre find would keep her mind off the Crusaders and kill a little time. Besides, what was the harm? The book might be a fun read.

 

What she read was fascinating.

 

The book had been written in an almost hypnotic tone. The writing was smooth, authoritative, and strangely persuasive. It wasn’t about magic, at least not in the usual sense. There was no mention of mana, horns, or the typical spellcraft theory. Instead, it spoke of an older art, one that predated modern spellcraft entirely.

 

Hypnosis.

 

Not the kind used by conmen or snake oil salesponies peddling enchanted trinkets. No, this was something much more subtle. The author claimed that “Imperium” was a natural discipline—one grounded in speech, tone, rhythm, and carefully constructed behavioral cues. 

 

A way of guiding a subject's mind into submissive obedience without lifting a finger or channeling a drop of magic.

 

The text outlined principles that were both eerie and strangely logical: voice modulation, suggestive phrasing, sustained eye contact, and physical stimuli—like a swinging pocket watch or the gentle tapping of a hoof—to lull a subject into what the book called a “susceptibility state.” 

 

Entire sections of the book were devoted to constructing trigger phrases—carefully crafted verbal cues that, when used correctly, could bypass a subject's conscious resistance. The text evolved to discuss "layered reinforcement," a method by which a repeated message or instruction could be embedded so deeply into the subject that they believed it to be true.

 

Tiara soaked up the book's instruction, utterly absorbed. Diagrams illustrated eye movement patterns, descriptions painted vivid scenes of submissive minds being guided into unquestioning obedience, and copious annotations listed the best tools for the job.

 

Nothing was forced; it was all psychological sleight-of-hand and phrase repetition.

 

Everything about the book felt taboo, like Tiara had discovered forbidden knowledge not meant for mortal eyes. 

 

Imperium wasn’t magic. At least not technically. The unknown author always danced around the problem of arcane ethics by stating Imperium was only a theory, a lost art, and the "caster" wasn't casting magic, only speaking words. What could ever be dangerous about talking? 

 

The book was compelling. Magic for the non-unicorn? How could such a system exist? Moreover, how did none of her professors know about it? If non-unicorn magic existed, why wasn't there a class for it on campus? Tiara leaned back in her chair as she leaned back and rubbed the corners of her eyes.

 

The color of the sunlight flittering through the library windows had shifted from bright gold to diluted peach. How long had she been reading? 

 

Tiara frowned. The passage she’d stopped on had described a process known as compliance layering. The idea was to implant a sequence of subtle, continually escalating, and repeatable suggestions that guided a subject’s behavior without them realizing they were being manipulated.

 

The purple earth pony was having a hard time believing any of it. 

 

It was ridiculous. The whole book read like something out of a fantasy novel. It was all so simple and convenient. How could anyone claim a few words and phrases could influence a pony’s thoughts with such intensity? Moreover, what kind of crazy would somepony have to be to write an entire well-documented book on a lie?

 

The diagrams, descriptions, and instructions were written with almost clinical detail. The entire book read like a well-studied thesis, not some nut-job's private rambling. Disturbingly, the majority of the ideas presented weren’t that outlandish. Ponies responded to confidence, repetition, and charm. 

 

That was how she’d controlled most of her classmates back in Ms. Cheerilee's class. It was how her father had worked deals in Manehattan, and how politicians obtained votes. Even still, she'd felt a strange pull to the book while reading, which had only been amplified when she read the example induction phrases.

 

Tiara shook her head. All of this was ridiculous.

 

But still, part of her wondered.

 

What if the book were real? Even just a little. What if she could use these ideas to poke at the Crusaders just a little bit? Just enough to rattle their confidence, make them slip up, and doubt themselves. She could make them forget parts of their presentation, lose focus during class, or embarrass themselves in front of their peers.

 

She didn't want the trio to fail Inkwells' class. Tiara wasn’t that cruel, but she wouldn't mind seeing the trio knocked down a peg.

 

A gentle push to remind them who used to be in charge.

 

Tiara's heart fluttered gently at the idea. She was half giddy, half terrified. 

 

It was absurd. She knew it was absurd.

 

But it was so tempting.

 

A dangerous smile crept across Tiara's lips. Excitement welled in her chest as she imagined the scenario. The look of shock on the Crusaders' faces as they awoke from their trance to discover they'd completely flunked their presentation in front of the entire class.

 

Oh, how she'd relish such a sight. But she couldn't try this new idea on them right away. 

 

That would be reckless.

 

She needed to be sure the technique worked.

 

Tiara's thoughts turned to Silver Spoon. Dependable, loyal Silver Spoon. They’d been friends for years. Silver wouldn’t question a little change in tone. She already trusted Tiara, something the book had said was half the battle when trying to enthrall a subject. Even better, Silver Spoon was already distracted studying for their upcoming presentation.

 

It was perfect. 

 

Silver wouldn’t even realize she was the guinea pig.

 

Tiara closed the book with a gentle thump. Adrenaline lingered in her chest. Part of her hoped the test would fail, that she had wasted her time, and all of this had been for nothing. But a different part of her, a more devilish side, desperately hoped the book wasn't just smoke and mirrors.

 

Tiara took a deep breath, tucked the book under her arm once again, and stood. If the ideas presented in the book were real, she was going to find out, and her best friend Silver Spoon was going to help her, whether the gray earth pony realized it or not.

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                                                                                      Chapter 2

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Silver Spoon glanced up from her notes as Diamond Tiara returned, the strange pink book clutched tightly under the magenta earth pony's arm. She tilted her head, noting the odd book under her friend's arm, but gave it little thought as Tiara sat in her seat.

 

“Feeling better? You were gone so long, I was starting to worry.”  Silver Spoon snorted.

 

Tiara offered what she hoped was a casual smile. “Yeah, I just needed a little reset, you know how it is.”

 

Silver hummed thoughtfully and leaned back in her chair. “Mhm. You were really starting to spiral back there. Had you continued, I would have recommended a paper bag and a padded corner. You even started making that little snorting noise you do when you get frustrated.”

 

Tiara blinked. “I do not snort.”

 

Silver rolled her eyes. “Yes, you do. It’s like your angry trademark.”

 

“Okay. Maybe once,” Tiara grumbled, trying not to sound defensive. She set the mysterious book down on the desk, careful not to draw much attention to it. “Anyway. I’m fine now. Totally back in the game and ready to focus.”

 

“Uh-huh.” Silver’s voice was flat and unconvinced.

 

Tiara tried to sit still, but her legs were restless under the table. Her ears twitched every few seconds as her heart hammered in her chest. Why was she panicking over something so harmless? A test. That’s all this was. Nothing sinister. Nothing lasting.

 

Just enough to see if it worked.

 

Nestled quietly in her backpack, beneath her notes and cue cards, was a pocket watch she’d lifted from the campus lost and found. Brass, a little scuffed, but still perfectly functional. The book had said it was one of the “easiest and most reliable induction tools for new practitioners.” 

 

She'd read the instructions several times before returning to Silver Spoon.

 

Now all she had to do was follow them.

 

“Hey, Silver?” Tiara began, trying to keep her tone light and unsuspecting. She couldn't understand her trepidation. It wasn’t like Silver Spoon would even notice anything. 

 

Silver Spoon blinked and looked up from her book.

 

"When you’re stressed, do you ever do, like, visual relaxation stuff?”

 

Silver raised an eyebrow. “What, like meditation?”

 

“Sort of,” Tiara said as she leaned in, her voice warm with gentle enthusiasm. “I came across this interesting technique while I was on my walk. It’s supposed to help with focus by using visual cues. Want to try it?”

 

Silver tilted her head, suspicious. “Since when do you do self-help stuff like that?”

 

“I don’t!” Tiara said quickly with a forced laugh. The last thing Tiara needed right now was her best friend being suspicious of her. “I mean, not usually. But with this presentation and all, and the Crusaders breathing down our necks, I figured why not try something new?”

 

Silver Spoons' gaze softened at Tiara's reasoning. She knew the CMC were a sore spot for her, and they'd both been struggling in Professor Inkwell's class, and Silver knew Tiara had been under immense stress over the last couple of days as the final presentations loomed. 

 

“This isn't going to involve yoga or scented candles, is it?”

 

“No! I mean… ew, no.” Tiara rolled her eyes. “Come on. Just give me thirty seconds. Humor me.”

 

Silver Spoon hesitated for a second, then shrugged. “Okay, sure. Why not?”

 

Tiara’s heart jumped. This was it. The magenta earth pony reached into her backpack with what she hoped looked like calm precision. Her hand trembled as her nerves continued to eat away at her. She rummaged around for a bit before finding the pocket watch.

 

She pulled it out with a nervous smile and allowed it to dangle lazily in the air by its chain.

 

Silver Spoon raised an eyebrow. “What is that for?”

 

“It's part of the exercise!” Tiara said nervously as she gave the chain a gentle flick, and the watch began to swing back and forth.

 

Back and forth.

 

Tiara lowered her voice and smoothed out her tone. “Just keep your eyes on it, okay, Silver? Let them follow the motion and don’t try too hard. Just watch.”

 

Silver’s gaze drifted between Tiara and the watch. At first, she looked more amused than anything, but after a few seconds, her eyes began to follow the watch's gentle arc. Back and forth, back and forth. Tiara watched her closely as she reigned in her nerves, and she entered a state of complete focus.

 

“Just let your thoughts drift a little,” she whispered. “Let the watch guide you. Nothing else matters right now. Just the motion. Just relax and keep watching.” 

 

The pocket watch swung in slow, deliberate arcs, its soft ticking barely audible over the ambient noise of the library. Tiara kept her voice gentle, almost sing-song in tone, just as the book had instructed. Her eyes never left Silver Spoon’s face as she guided her subject deeper.

 

Silver Spoon's eyes softened as her brow unfurrowed. The corners of her mouth relaxed as her jaw untensed. Her shoulders, once tight with focus and intention, loosened and slumped as if tension had drained into invisible rivulets. The gray earth pony's eyes were transfixed on the swinging watch.

 

Slowly, Silver Spoon's eyes began to gloss over. Her mind sank, being pulled away from the surface as her pupils twitched faintly with each gentle pass of the pendulum. Her eyes tracked without focus, responded without will. Tiara leaned in a little closer and resisted the urge to gasp.

 

Silver’s posture softened, and her head tilted slightly as her mouth opened just a bit.

 

And then.

 

A thin string of drool formed at the corner of her lips.

 

Tiara’s heart caught in her throat.

 

Silver didn’t move. Her gaze was distant and glassy. Her chest rose and fell so subtly that Tiara wasn’t sure she was still conscious.

 

It was eerie, but also beautiful and powerful. Silver Spoon, sharp, snarky, and always one step ahead, had been reduced to a blank, drooling, pliant doll in a chair. The sight sent a chill of exhilaration up Tiara’s spine. The earth pony stared, completely entranced by her success.

 

She hadn’t truly believed it would work—not like this. The sight of Silver Spoon so utterly still, so empty and hallowed out, made Tiara’s stomach flip with awe and a flicker of fear. This wasn’t like getting the last word in a schoolyard spat or winning a petty argument. 

 

This was total surrender, silent and unblinking. Tiara’s breath caught in her throat as the weight of what she had done began to settle in, like the room itself was holding its breath with her.

 

She swallowed hard.

 

“Okay, Silver,” she said softly. “When I count to three, you’ll wake up feeling relaxed, focused, and refreshed. You won’t remember the watch or anything I've just told you. You will be convinced you just woke up from a nice power nap.”

 

Tiara waited for a beat.

 

“One… two… three.”

 

Silver blinked, sat up, and rubbed her eyes. “Ugh. What... What happened? Did I zone out?”

 

Tiara slipped the watch back into her backpack with a quiet clink. “Yeah, just a little! You fell asleep, looks like you really needed a break!”

 

“Huh,” Silver muttered, then yawned. “That was… actually kind of nice. Whatever. Let’s get back to work.”

 

Silver Spoon yawned again and shook her head. “What were we even talking about?”

 

“Oh, nothing important,” Tiara said airily as she reached into her backpad and pulled out her blank presentation outline with forced casualness. Her internal thoughts buzzed like a swarm of bees as Silver Spoon's voice faded into the background.

 

It had worked!

 

It wasn't just a theory; it wasn't a silly book. She had pulled Silver Spoon under. Blank, blissful, and drooling, just as the book had described. If she could do that to Silver without effort. Imagine what she could do to those smug little Crusaders. A devilish smirk crawled across Tiara's face. 

 

Forget disrupting the CMC's presentation. She was going to annihilate it. 

 

And their reputations right along with it.

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                                                                                      Chapter 3

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Tiara’s backpack was heavier than usual as she weaved between the many rows of tall bookshelves in the campus library. She'd spent the last few days meticulously studying the lost art of Imperium. The once pristine book was now filled to the brim with bookmarks and notes. 

 

She'd initially been worried about hiding her new study from Silver Spoon in case the visual of the book sparked a memory or questioning, but she'd found an easy solution. She told Silver Spoon she was busy working on their presentation, and to her relief, the gray earth pony had bought it.

 

However, Tiara had felt a little heartless about lying to her friend. She had doomed Silver Spoon to writing their presentation herself while she pursued other interests, but she knew Silver could handle it. Besides, with the knowledge she'd gained and the power she now wielded, she'd be a fool to pass up this opportunity.

 

A glorious opportunity to run the CMC's reputation and credibility into the mud.

 

She'd found a fascinating induction method during her study time called the Color-Focus induction method. It was an elegant and nuanced technique, unlike the overt pocket watch method or a direct verbal command. Color Induction was a slow burn.

 

Color Induction relied on a pony's subconscious association with colors. Safety, warmth, obedience, sleep, and more. It wasn’t about dazzling or overwhelming the senses, but instead focused on guiding the subject into a suggestible state using subtle visual cues.

 

Pink, for example, had been highlighted as a particularly potent hue. A gentle authority, the book called it. When paired with a subtle optical illusion and a calm context, such as an encouraging voice or warm lighting, it could lull the viewer into a dreamy, open-minded haze. 

 

Pastel blues induced comfort, pale yellows encouraged compliance, and when blended correctly, they formed a chromatic melody that warped the subject’s mental defenses into something soft and pliable. Tiara had been skeptical at first, but after the successful test with Silver Spoon in the library, she'd forced that uncertainty down.

 

The instructions for a color induction had been laid out with chilling clarity in the text. What she needed to do was create a visual cascade. A gentle lulling swirl of colors that evoked what she wanted in the subject's mind. The key was immersion and subtle repetition. Not forcing the viewer to stare, but instead inviting them to do so. 

 

She'd debated how to approach the method for a day or two before landing on an odd but plausible solution. A notecard with small pockets of particular colors. She’d brought three homemade experimental pastel-colored notecards with her today, each one laced with carefully written trigger phrases. 

 

The cards looked ridiculous. Tiara was no artist—she’d tried her best—but despite her efforts, they still looked like something a kindergartener might have drawn. The cards had turned out so ridiculous that the magenta earth pony had been terrified they wouldn’t work. 

 

However, after a quick test run with Silver Spoon and one drooly gray earth pony later, her fears had been put to rest. 

 

There was only one question that remained. What should she make the Crusaders do? What command should she give them that would end in humiliation and embarrassment? 

 

Diapers.

 

It was a childish plan for sure. The type of vengeance a group of young bullies on the playground would come up with to tease and taunt young foals. But as adults, Tiara reasoned the childish embarrassment would magnify tenfold. Imagine a trio of grown mares confidently giving a college presentation in nothing but diapers and childish memorabilia. 

 

Rattles, pacifiers, even bibs, everything was on the table as far as Diamond Tiara was concerned. The trio of goodie-two-shoes had taunted her long enough. But who should she lure in first? She'd debated it for several hours before she arrived at the obvious choice.

 

Sweetie Belle.

 

The white unicorn had always been the most polite, trusting, and eager member of the CMC. She was the one most likely to give Tiara a second chance. It had been years since the Crusaders and Tiara had talked after all. A lot can change over the years. Moreover, Sweetie Belle still smiled at Tiara in the hallway like Ms. Cheerilee's class never happened.

 

Her naivety made her the ideal entry point. 

 

All Tiara had to do was lure her in with a compliment, a genuine question, or even a faux apology if needed. 

 

Once she cracked Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo would be easy. The only real thorn in Tiara's plan was Apple Bloom. She knew the yellow earth pony still resented her for everything she'd done to them back in the day. But the apple farmer was a problem for another day.

 

Tiara had mapped the entire library in search of a quiet, small room where she could subject Sweetie Belle to a color induction without being disturbed. It had to be small but not cramped, out of the way, but not filthy, and the environment needed to be comfortable.

 

Luckily, she'd found exactly what she needed. A small janitorial closet was located at the far edge of the library. It was just far enough out of the way that no students or faculty would interrupt them, and cozy enough to be unassuming. The janitor himself was rarely in the room. 

 

He occasionally swung by to refill his cleaning spray or other utilities, but otherwise the room was always unoccupied. As if that wasn't good enough, something in the wiring of the closet's lights was faulty, which caused the lightbulb to flicker in a perfect slow rhythm.

 

It was almost too good to be true. 

 

The trio came into view as Tiara rounded a corner exactly where she'd expected them to be: huddled around their usual table. Backpacks, notebooks, and pencils were scattered around in an organized mess only they understood. Scootaloo leaned back in her chair, lazily twirling a pencil while Apple Bloom muttered something and scribbled a diagram.

 

Sweetie Belle’s head was bowed intently over a stack of lecture notes, intensely focused. 

 

Tiara slowed her gait to a casual saunter, smoothed out her posture, and fixed a soft, friendly smile onto her face. The book had warned about keeping one's tone soft and consistent. She’d practiced the look in the mirror for hours until she could wear it like a second skin.

 

“Hey, Sweetie!” Diamond Tiara chirped, her voice bright and pleasant.

 

The three Crusaders looked up, clearly caught off guard. Scootaloo immediately narrowed her eyes. Apple Bloom paused her writing and looked between Tiara and the rest of her friends with polite suspicion, but Sweetie Belle—predictably—smiled.

 

“Oh—hey, Tiara,” Sweetie said cautiously. “Um… what’s up?”

 

“I was wondering.” Tiara continued as she approached and lowered her voice just enough to suggest embarrassment. “You took notes during Professor Inkling’s last lecture, right?”

 

“Uh… yeah?”

 

“Great! I wanted to ask you something about it—something dumb, honestly. I just didn’t wanna bring it up in front of everypony.” She let out a soft, self-deprecating laugh and brushed a hand through her hair. “You know how it is.”

 

Apple Bloom squinted at her. “Since when do you care about askin’ questions?”

 

Tiara smiled at Apple Bloom, sweet as honey. “Since I realized I actually need to pass the class.” She laughed again, but didn’t look away from Sweetie. “Crazy, right? It’s just a little thing, would you mind helping me out, Sweetie Belle?”

 

Sweetie Belle hesitated and glanced at her friends. Something felt off about this interaction, but the white unicorn couldn't place what.

 

“Ya sure ya want ta do this?” Apple Bloom asked warily. "Ah'll gladly come with ya if you want."

 

“No, it’s okay,” Sweetie said after a pause as she eyed Tiara. It wasn't that she thought Tiara was dangerous or anything; she'd tried to pretend Mrs. Cheerilee's class had never happened and had moved on like an adult, but it didn't mean she wasn't suspicious of the magenta earth pony.  “Just one question, right?”

 

“That's right!” Tiara beamed as she stepped to the side and motioned toward the back of the library with a subtle flick of her head. “There’s a quieter spot down this way. You don’t mind, do you?”

 

"No?" Sweetie responded, unsure. What was Tiara playing at? 

 

"Excellent," Tiara beamed, "let's go!"

 

Sweetie Belle followed Tiara cautiously. The magenta earth pony felt Scootaloo's suspicious stare drill into the back of her head as they departed. Apple Bloom didn't look happy about it either, but Tiara didn't care. Let them watch, they'd all be drooling mindlessly into her hands soon enough.

 

Tiara led Sweetie Belle through the library toward the janitor's closet exactly as planned.  She moved with purpose, each turn executed with quiet precision as they slipped past study tables, shelves of aging tomes, and sleepy-eyed students. Eventually, they reached the back corner of the library. 

 

Tiara stopped in front of the janitor's closet and glanced both ways. 

 

Empty.

 

“I hope this isn’t too weird,” Tiara said with a sheepish grin as she pulled the door handle. “I just get nervous about asking dumb questions in public.”

 

Sweetie Belle laughed nervously. “That’s fair, I guess?” She glanced around and noted the quiet and lack of other students. While nothing looked or was inherently wrong about the situation, the white unicorn's suspicion mounted. Was this a trap? Was Tiara about to pull a prank or humiliate her once again?

 

“Thanks,” Tiara said, her voice softening as she held the door open. “Again, this will only take a second.”

 

Sweetie followed Tiara inside. The door closed softly behind them with a careful click.

 

The stage was set.

 

The janitorial closet was small and filled with the faint scent of old soap and dust. A trio of mops leaned drunkenly against the wall in the corner. The only light was an overhead bulb that flickered in a slow rhythm and buzzed faintly like a wasp trapped in glass.

 

Sweetie Belle's shoes made soft clicks against the tile floor as she entered the closet proper.

 

“Are you sure this is necessary, Tiara?” Sweetie asked as her eyes narrowed. “Kind of a weird spot for note help, don't you think?”

 

“Yeah, I know, it’s silly,” Tiara responded as she rummaged through her backpack, her expression breezy and cheerful. “But it just really bugs me if ponies think I'm stupid.” She admitted with a tone that Sweetie Belle recognized as genuine. She understood such a fear, especially for Tiara.

 

Tiara tried to keep her composure as she pulled the three kindergarten-esque notecards from her pack. Her excitement threatened to boil over. Sweetie Belle tilted her head as she noticed the cards. Her suspicion was replaced by curiosity. “What's that?”

 

"What? These?" Tiara asked, feigning ignorance. She held one of the cards out toward Sweetie Belle. The cards displayed a series of different colored blotches and concentric circles in layered gradients of pink, gentle yellow, rose, and faint lavender. 

 

The colors seemed to breathe and pulse if you looked too long, radiating inwards and outwards in a subtle, trick-of-the-eye rhythm. It was oddly beautiful and mesmerizing. Tiara’s voice shifted into a smooth, mellow cadence. “It’s from a study I found,” she said as she tilted the cards slightly.

 

“A visual focus technique. Helps calm the mind and relieve stress. You know, stuff like that. I swear it can be helpful.”

 

Sweetie Belle hesitated. Tiara being polite was always cause for concern, and the entire interaction had already been quite strange. Moreover, this had nothing to do with Professor Inkwell's last lecture. But Tiara had seemed different lately. Quieter. Less snide. 

 

They may have had their quarrels in Mrs. Cheerilee's class, but that was years ago. Who said ponies couldn't change? Besides, they were both grown adults now with years of life experience under their belts. Tiara deserved the benefit of the doubt.

 

“Are you sure this...” Sweetie Belle said slowly as her eyes drifted toward the card. The gentle swirls of color whispered to her mind, encouragingly. “I guess I can take a look... for a second...”

 

“That’s all it takes,” Tiara smiled softly. “Just find the center circle. Let your eyes rest there. Try not to blink too much. Breathe.”

 

Sweetie Belle’s eyes locked onto the card's center. Her ears twitched slightly as her breath slowed and settled into a gentle rise and fall. 

 

“That's it,” Tiara cooed. “Let your thoughts float away. Nothing else matters. Not school, not the presentation, nothing.”

 

The overhead light continued to flicker. The light caught the surface of the card just right and caused the color splotches to shimmer faintly. The surface of the card looked like it was dancing as the subtle circles and hues curved into slowly rotating rings. 

 

The rings weren't actually moving; it was an optical illusion. But nopony needed to know that. The pastel tones rippled across the card like water. Pink. Lavender. Pink again. The gentle spiral pulled Sweetie Belle's mind into a blissful void of relaxation and obedience. 

 

Sweetie’s shoulders drooped. Her lips parted slightly. The tension in her jaw, brow, and neck dissolved.

 

“There you go,” Tiara whispered as she stepped closer. “Just stare, sink.”

 

The air grew still. Sweetie Belle didn’t blink. Her eyes slowly glazed over as her mind soaked in the soft colors and gentle swirls. Her legs trembled faintly. Not from fear, but from relaxation so deep it threatened to paralyze her. Tiara’s breath hitched in her throat as she watched. 

 

It was working.

 

“Drifting now,” she whispered, her muzzle next to Sweetie’s ear. “Floating like your thoughts are made of cotton. So light… so soft…”

 

Sweetie Belle swayed as a thin, silvery strand of drool trailed from the corner of her lips. The drool reflected in the flickering light as it fell. Perfect, she was under. Tiara’s expression sharpened with focus, like a painter poised before the first stroke. She spoke softly now, carefully, as she began to implant ideas like seeds pressed into fertile soil.

 

“You don’t have to be a big adult anymore. You don’t have to be grown-up. It’s safe to be little. It’s okay to be silly.”

 

Each phrase was spaced perfectly. Slow. Gentle. Harmless on the surface, ridiculous even, but the book had been clear: absurd ideas delivered while a subject was entranced didn’t get rejected. Instead, they embedded themselves deep in the subconscious and bloomed later.

 

Tiara wasn't entirely sure how Sweetie's mind would interpret the commands and suggestions she'd give her, but as long as it ended in the CMC's humiliation, it was a risk she was willing to take.

 

“Let yourself regress and be happy and needy, entirely unaware of your underlying desire to act foalish and be silly~”

 

Tiara’s voice floated like cotton, sugary and sweet with perfect measure as her words massaged Sweetie Belle's ears and brain. Sweetie Belle babbled softly as the words and suggestions oozed into the recesses of her mind. Tiara let the silence linger as she watched Sweetie.

 

The white unicorn's eyes were glassy and empty, completely lost in the warmth of her trance. Tiara drew back as she dropped the index card onto the floor and spread her hands in preparation to clap. Sweetie’s breath rose and fell in slow, doll-like rhythm.

 

"You love diapers, you love the idea of becoming a big, dumb baby again. You want to regress and you want your friends to join you in your newfound joy~" Tiara cooed as Sweetie Belle nodded slowly. The unicorn's eyes remained fixed on a distant horizon as her pupils dilated and her posture slacked. 

 

Sweetie Belle drooled mindlessly as a smile pulled at her lips, and Tiara was certain she'd cracked the little unicorn's mind completely. It was time to wake up her subject. “Alright, and," with surgical timing, Tiara clapped her hands together. A crisp clap rang through the janitor's closet.

 

"Done! See, that didn't take long at all!”

 

Sweetie Belle flinched as she jolted awake. Her body straightened as she blinked rapidly, and her thoughts slowly surfaced. The white unicorn felt like she'd just woken up from a refreshing nap. Her mouth hung open as she tried to piece her surroundings together. “Huh? Wait… what did you—what was that?”

 

Tiara didn’t hesitate. She leaned in with a bright, grateful smile and a tone laced with innocent enthusiasm. “You totally helped me!” she beamed as she picked up the colorful index card and slipped it back into her backpack with one fluid motion. “Seriously, I completely understand that concept now. You explained it so clearly!"

 

Sweetie blinked, her mouth still ajar. “I... I did?” She asked, confused. Her mind felt hazy and fuzzy.

 

“Oh my gosh, yes,” Tiara continued as she threw in a sheepish little giggle and adjusted her hair. She was so embarrassed to have even asked for Sweetie's help in the first place. “You broke it down perfectly. Honestly, I don’t know why I didn’t come to you sooner. You should consider becoming a professor!”

 

Sweetie stumbled, confused as she looked down at the floor, bewildered. Her mind tried to backtrack, but she remembered nothing. She had no recollection of anything she might've said. All she remembered was entering the closet and then a hazy blur of pink warmth.

 

“I'm happy to have helped?" She mumbled as her mind raced and tried to catch up with the narrative Tiara had fed her.. She'd never experienced this before; maybe she should see a doctor. 

 

“You always say the smartest things,” Tiara complimented with a chipper tone that almost sounded genuine. She nudged Sweetie’s shoulder playfully. “Don’t be so modest.”

 

A smile tugged at Sweetie’s lips. “Well, uh, I mean… if you say so!”

 

“Of course! Thank you so much, but I don't want to keep you from your fellow Crusaders any longer!” Tiara chirped as she swung the door open with practiced ease.

 

“See you at lunch?” the magenta earth pony offered with a smile.

 

“Yeah… uh... sure,” Sweetie replied as she stumbled through the door. She still didn't understand what had just happened. She didn't feel alarmed or worried, though. If anything, she felt amazing. She waved goodbye to Tiara, her mind still hazy, as she made her way back toward her friends.

 

Her steps were uneven, her thoughts hazy, but her mind felt oddly light. An odd thought burrowed to the front of her mind. She wanted to wear a diaper. Or maybe purchase a rattle or bib. All of that stuff sounded adorable, and it would help her and her friends focus on their presentation!

 

As Sweetie Belle vanished from view, Tiara allowed herself a quiet grin.

 

One down, two to go.

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                                                                                      Chapter 4

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​

A few days after the incredible success against Sweetie Belle, Tiara spotted Scootaloo in front of the librarian's desk. The pegasus was balancing a precarious stack of overdue Daring Do novels and worn sports magazines in her arms. Scootaloo looked focused, but irritated as she muttered about late fees under her breath.

 

Tiara, spotting an opportunity, decided to approach. "Hey, Scoots,” she chirped as she slid up beside the orange pegasus. “Got a second?”

 

Scootaloo snorted and refused to look up as she shuffled the book pile into some semblance of stability in her arms. "No, I do NOT have a second," The pegasus mimed in Tiara's voice. "These fines are insane, and I'd rather handle this without you bothering me as well.” She grunted as the stack shifted and several books almost tumbled to the floor.

 

“Oh. Well.” Tiara hesitated just enough to sound genuine. “I found this weird sports psychology thing back in the reference section. Bizarre stuff. All about reaction time and muscle memory and, like, visualization techniques athletes use? Anyway, it made me think of you.”

 

Scootaloo blinked, confused. She turned, brow raised and eyes suspicious. “You… thought of me?”

 

Tiara shrugged with a friendly laugh. “Come on, I’m not always a jerk.”

 

"Yes, you are." Scootaloo deadpanned. 

 

Tiara winced but softened her expression, "Okay, fair. We haven't exactly been friends." She began as she reached over and helped Scootaloo balance her stack of books. "But I want to change that, especially after Sweetie Belle helped me the other day. I really would've been lost without her."

 

Scootaloo flashed Tiara a look. She was confused. Tiara had never been this open or genuine in all the years Scootaloo had known her. But she had to admit, the magenta earth pony had acted differently recently. Sweetie Belle had said nothing but good things about their interaction. 

 

Perhaps Tiara was trying to turn over a new leaf.

 

Tiara smiled softly. “Listen, I know you don't believe me, after everything I did to you in Cheerilee's class, who would? But this looked kinda cool, and I figured, with your whole ‘Wonderbolts-or-bust’ thing, you might get something out of it.”

 

Scootaloo stared, bewildered. Had Tiara just apologized? She rubbed the back of her neck. “Well… I mean, I guess I could look. You’re not messing with me, right?”

 

“Nope,” Tiara said smoothly. “Come on. It's right over here.”

 

Scootaloo hesitated. “Okay, but… have you seen Sweetie Belle today?”

 

Tiara’s heart gave a brief, involuntary flutter.

 

“What about her?” Tiara asked, keeping her tone breezy.

 

Scootaloo looked down at the floor. “I dunno. She’s just been acting kinda weird lately. She seems zoned out, distracted even.”

 

Tiara forced a chuckle. “I get that, the presentations are coming up, I think all of us are feeling the stress.”

 

“Yeah, maybe,” Scootaloo muttered, but she didn’t sound convinced. “Still… she asked Apple Bloom if she thought diapers were cute during lunch. Completely out of nowhere. She didn’t even realize what she said until we all stared at her.”

 

Tiara blinked. A small bloom of pride swelled in her chest.

 

“What?” Tiara gasped, “That’s crazy! What made her say that?”

 

“I don't know... it kinda freaked me out...” Scootaloo said slowly, her brow furrowed. “I've never seen her do something like that...”

 

Tiara softened her expression again and added a touch of fake concern to her tone, “Listen, I know things have been stressful. Everypony's preparing for the year-end presentations, and the pressure is mounting." Tiara let out a hollow chuckle. 

 

"I don't know what's up with Sweetie Belle, and I don't want to be a bother, but I thought you might enjoy this. You don’t have to see it if you don’t want to.”

 

Scootaloo blinked again, trying not to be the “paranoid one.”

 

“Yeah... I'm sure she's fine." Scootaloo dumped the book stack onto the desk with a loud thump. "A break will do me some good, lead the way, Tiara." 

 

“Awesome! Come on, you're gonna love it.” Tiara purred as she led the orange pegasus toward the janitorial closet.

 

They weaved between tall stacks and dusty shelves. Tiara walked a little ahead, her tail flicking lazily behind her. As the duo approached their destination, the library grew quiet. The carpet muffled their steps. The golden afternoon sunlight filtered through windows in long, lazy beams.

 

Scootaloo eyed their surroundings as she followed closely behind Tiara. Her suspicion slowly mounted as they walked further from the main reading area. Had she misjudged Tiara? Was the earth pony about to pull a prank on her just like the old days?

 

Tiara let the silence settle as she stopped in front of the closet. "Here we are!" She announced giddily as she pulled on the handle and gestured for Scootaloo to enter. The orange Pegasus hesitated but flashed the magenta Earth Pony a polite smile as she stepped inside.

 

A few seconds later, Scootaloo was slumped against the back of the closet, her stack of overdue library books long forgotten. Her wings hung limp at her sides. Her eyes were wide and unfocused as she stared at the slowly pulsing spiral of soft pinks and warm coral hues projected from Tiara’s index card. 

 

The faint buzz of the overhead light mingled with the ambient hum in her ears.

 

“That's it, just like that. Relax and be small.” Tiara cooed from just beside Scootaloo, her voice syrupy-smooth and unwavering. “You need to let go. You need to relax and be silly~”

 

Scootaloo’s jaw went slack. Her breath slowed. Her body sagged into the gentle pull of the spiral, like a stringless puppet melting into stillness. Her wings gave a tiny twitch, then drooped completely, forgetting their purpose. A thin line of drool traced down the corner of her lip.

 

"You love being a big baby." Tiara adjusted the card’s angle slightly, letting the flickering light give the illusion of movement, of the spiral deepening, inviting. The colors softened into new tones with gentle blushes and muted sunset oranges. Warm. Safe. Small, Helpless. 

 

"You love being dumb and stupid, and you want your friends to join you in your silliness~" Tiara's voice infected Scootaloo's mind. It pulled her thoughts down into an endless abyss of regression and foalhood. A simpler time where nothing mattered and being an adult was a distant future.

 

"A pacifier helps you focus. Rattles feel nice too. You need them both so badly.” Tiara whispered. "You love bibs as well~ you want to wear them all the time." 

 

Scootaloo’s brow gave the faintest twitch, but her breath stayed even, slack-jawed and silent. The magenta earth pony watched with complete satisfaction as Scootaloo’s mouth gave a slow, instinctive suckle in the air. Tiara bit back a squeal of triumph. 

 

Tiara stood in silence for a moment and allowed Scootaloo's mind to soak in her suggestions. She'd said everything she wanted to say, and judging by Scootaloo's glassy, mindless gaze, the stupid pegasus had soaked up every last one of her commands.

 

Then, just like with Sweetie Belle, she clapped her hands together. “And done!”

 

Scootaloo jolted awake as her eyes snapped into focus. Her wings twitched as she blinked herself back to awareness. Her muzzle scrunched in confusion. “Wha—wait… was there? Where’s the thing?”

 

Tiara quickly returned the index card to her backpack as she addressed Scootaloo,  “I'm so glad you liked it!" She squealed happily, "And that stuff about muscle memory? Awesome, right?”

 

Scootaloo stumbled in place, disoriented. What had just happened? When had she entered this closet? Why was she in a closet? And why was she talking to Tiara of all ponies? “Uh... Yeah? Totally?”

 

“Mhm!” Tiara nodded eagerly. “Yeah, I think this stuff could really help your training, don't you think?”

 

"Uh... Yeah..." Scootaloo rubbed her head with a hand. Her brain tried to recall what they'd been talking about, but she was drawing blanks. Even though she wasn't certain what had happened, she felt a strong desire to agree with everything Diamond Tiara had told her.

 

“I'm so happy you think that!” Tiara beamed as she opened the door and gently nudged Scootaloo through it. “Thanks for giving me the time of day! This was so much fun! We'll have to do it again sometime~”

 

Scootaloo smiled dazedly as she stumbled into the library. Her mind was foggy and hazy, and her limbs felt sluggish and slow. “Yeah, for sure, I guess." The orange pegasus giggled, "Catch ya later, DT!” 

 

Confusion crawled onto Scootaloo's face as she stumbled through the library back toward her books. Why did she feel such a strong desire to suck on something? She should stop by the store and get a lollipop, or perhaps something more fun like a pacifier.

 

Tiara smiled warmly as Scootaloo stumbled out of sight.

 

Only one Crusader remained.

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                                                                                      Chapter 5

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​

Tiara's plan was almost complete. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle had been surprisingly easy to hypnotize. Both were innocent, unassuming, and willing to give the magenta earth pony a second chance. But Apple Bloom was different. The farm pony was stubborn, fierce, and hadn't forgotten a single harsh word Tiara had thrown her.

 

Tiara had bullied Apple Bloom relentlessly back in the day, and she knew from the occasional sneers and hardened gazes Apple Bloom shot her in the hallway that Apple Bloom wasn't going to let her hatred go easily. Tiara would have to fight for her redemption.

 

Normally, this wouldn't be a problem; Tiara had spent ample time coercing and influencing Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle when she'd needed them to drop their guard, but they had cracked in hours. She knew Apple Bloom would take days, weeks, perhaps even months to accept her.

 

Months Tiara didn't have. The presentations were only two days away. Silver Spoon had been hard at work finishing their presentation while Tiara had tracked the progress of Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo's suggestions. While they had presented some of her commands, such as discussing diapers or childish outfits on occasion, she hadn't seen anything extreme yet.

 

Perhaps she hadn't been explicit enough in her instructions, or perhaps the color induction had worn off quicker than she'd expected. Whatever had happened, Tiara didn't have the time to investigate. All she could do was see her plan through to the end. 

 

Apple Bloom was the final obstacle she needed to overcome. The final hurdle in her plan of humiliation. As long as one of the Crusaders followed her suggestions and humiliated themselves, Tiara would be happy with the outcome. However, Apple Bloom’s loyalty to her friends was fierce.

 

On top of that, the farm ponies' stubbornness meant this wouldn’t be a quick win. Tiara would need to be extra-persistent when she did get the yellow earth pony alone. The magenta earth pony had spent the last week trying to catch Apple Bloom alone, but no opportunity had presented itself.

 

Tiara was beginning to sweat. It wasn't like she couldn't make the plan work with two out of three; she hoped the suggestions were embedded deep enough in Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo that it wouldn't matter; it was the principle. She couldn't let Apple Bloom, of all ponies, be the one who got away.

 

Moreover, if even one of the Crusaders was awake and free from her suggestion, they might break the others free as well or prevent them from going far enough to ruin their reputation completely. Tiara couldn't let that happen. This whole stunt was to prove to herself and the entire school that she still had it. 

 

She still had the charm, the talent, and the charisma to control and subdue ponies. This was her stomping ground, and no Cutie Mark Crusader or crowd of wannabes could take that away from her. She just needed one chance. One golden opportunity to complete her master plan. 

 

Thankfully, the day before the final presentations, Tiara's golden opportunity arrived.

 

It was late in the afternoon. Golden sunlight cast long, drowsy shadows over the quiet corners of campus. The hustle and bustle of campus had ended. Empty fields stretched for miles around the lecture hall and library as the sun dipped below the horizon.

 

A gentle, quiet tinged with spring-sweet air settled over the college.

 

Tiara walked slowly past the grand fountain in front of the lecture hall as she debated the issue of Apple Bloom. The final presentation was tomorrow, and she still only had two of the three Crusaders under her control. Perhaps she would have to move forward with two.

 

The thought of stopping this close to victory made her stomach churn, but she was out of options and out of time. Hopefully, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo would put on a good show. Tiara sat on the edge of the fountain as she dipped her hand in the clear water.

 

Tiara's hand snaked through the water as the sunlight danced around her. She watched the ripples curl outward, golden reflections skittering across the surface. Overhead, the sky shifted as cumulonimbus clouds gathered in the distance, thick and slow-moving.

 

Tiara returned her gaze to the lecture hall as a flicker of movement caught her eye. There, just beyond the stone steps sat atop a low stone wall that overlooked the surrounding fields, sat Apple Bloom. Alone. Her silhouette was framed by the fading orange light of the setting sun. 

 

Apple Bloom's shoulders were hunched, her hands rested limply in her lap, and her face was tight with worry.

 

Tiara approached slowly, “Hey, Apple Bloom." She said softly, her voice smooth and empathetic. "What's up?”

 

Apple Bloom looked up, startled. Suspicion etched across her face. “Tiara?” She said slowly, her tone guarded. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

 

Tiara offered a gentle, practiced smile as she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “What are you doing out here? Where are your friends?” Tiara allowed her voice to trail off like the breeze, inviting but not pushing.

 

"They're um... busy..." Apple Bloom sighed as she folded her arms against her chest.

 

"Busy?" Tiara pressed gently, "Don't you three do everything together?" 

 

A beat of silence passed as Tiara waited for Apple Bloom to collect her thoughts. Her heart thundered in her chest. This was her only opportunity to catch Apple Bloom. If she let the farm pony slip away now, her plan would be ruined. Tiara couldn't afford to mess this up.

 

"They've been acting weird lately." Apple Bloom said after a while. Worry was evident in her tone. 

 

"Weird in what way?" Tiara asked as she shifted in place and desperately tried to rein in her excitement. She needed to give Apple Bloom space. She couldn't rush this. 

 

"I dunno." Apple Bloom continued, "Scootaloo started carryin' around a pacifier like, for real. And Sweetie Belle's been... well, she’s been talking about diapers a lot." The yellow earth pony looked longingly out over the field. 

 

Tiara blinked, "Well, that's certainly... different?" The magenta earth pony said as she held back a squeal of joy.

 

"Right?" Apple Bloom snorted as she finally turned to meet Tiara's gaze, her green eyes searching for something. "Our final presentation is tomorrow, and Ah feel like Ah'm the only one still grounded! It's ridiculous! It hasn't been that stressful, has it?" 

 

Tiara smiled warmly and placed a comforting hand on Apple Bloom's shoulder. “I'm sorry to hear that you're all going through that. You three were always so close, I guess I just assumed you could never have moments of difference." The magenta earth pony said with a voice dripping in sweet poison.   

 

Apple Bloom nodded slowly. "You're right, it is rare. Ah just can't believe it's happening right before our final presentation. This has never happened before, and you’ve never seemed to care before," the farm pony lamented as she cast Tiara another suspicious glance.

 

"Just what are ya playing at?" Apple Bloom asked sharply.

 

"I don't know what you mean," Tiara gasped, insulted, "Am I not allowed to be concerned about you and your friends, Apple Bloom?"

 

Apple Bloom shook her head, "Ah know you, Ah remember what ya did, and Ah know you don't just care about other ponies unless you've got somethin’ ta gain. So why don't you go on and spit it out?"

 

Tiara sighed. "Listen, Apple Bloom, I know what I did was wrong." Tiara rolled her eyes internally as the fake apology tumbled from her mouth. "Even though Cheerilee's class was years ago,  I realize I did serious damage to you and your friends. I wish I could take it back, but I can't."

 

Apple Bloom's eyes widened as Tiara continued talking. An apology from Diamond Tiara was not something Apple Bloom ever expected to hear. "The truth is, I just want to move on, and maybe atone for some of my past wrongs along the way?" Tiara flashed Apple Bloom a small smile.

 

The yellow farm pony stared at Tiara, mouth agape, as she processed everything the magenta earth pony had said. "Ah, Ah, never expected you to apologize for anything." Apple Bloom said, shocked. "But you have been acting differently lately. You're not the same Tiara I remember from Cheerilee's class."

 

Apple Bloom paused as a gentle breeze rolled over the fields. "Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle had nothing but positive things to say about you, but Ah didn't believe them until now." Apple Bloom snorted as dawn turned to dusk and the stars came out to play. "Imagine that, us, friends."

 

A shiver of power rushed up Tiara's spine. Not only had her suggestions taken root in Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, but Apple Bloom had finally let her guard down. Nopony suspected a thing. Everypony that mattered believed the former bully had changed.

 

 This was her chance to offer the one solution that would set her master plan in motion.

 

"I know it's a stressful time of year," Tiara began, "not at all helped by Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle's apparent new interest, but I may have something that could help you."

 

Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"

 

"Mhm." Tiara nodded, "It's something that's helped me and Silver Spoon focus on our presentations and manage stress."

 

"What is it?" Apple Bloom asked.

 

"Just a little trick I picked up," Tiara said, pulling a familiar pair of index cards from her backpack. The pastel blotches and soft colors were the same as before, but this time, the designs were more refined, cleaner, more deliberate, almost elegant in their simplicity.

 

“It’s supposed to help with concentration, kinda like meditation.”

 

The farm pony raised an eyebrow, "Since when do you meditate?"

 

Tiara giggled softly, "Silver asked me the same thing, but I promise it really works!" The magenta earth pony said encouragingly. 

 

Apple Bloom eyed the index cards with suspicion. Tiara had been acting differently lately, but this was a new level of weird. Was the former bully trying to help her, or was this a trick? Tiara stared at Apple Bloom with a genuine smile. The farm pony's gaze relaxed.

 

 “Well… alright. I guess it can’t hurt to try, right? What do I have to lose?”

 

"That's the spirit!" Tiara's heart pounded with excitement. This was it, the moment she’d been waiting for. She waved the card gently in front of Apple Bloom's face, drawing the farm pony's attention into the gentle colors and soothing illusion of the cards. 

 

The game was almost complete.

 

Tiara held the card at eye level and ensured Apple Bloom’s eyes followed. The card shimmered faintly as the moonlight, Tiara's gentle motion, and the myriad of colors began to form an optical illusion. The soft colors and scratchy lines warped into a slowly turning spiral.

 

“Just breathe and watch the center,” Tiara whispered as her voice dipped into a practiced cadence. “Let your eyes follow the spiral. No need to think. No need to worry, no need to be an adult.”

 

Apple Bloom's eyes fluttered. Her lips parted slightly as a shadow of doubt crossed her face, but quickly faded, “It's so... pretty,” she said distantly.

 

Tiara smiled. “It is. And doesn’t it feel so nice to stare? No pressure, no expectations. No need to worry about anything at all.”

 

Apple Bloom didn’t answer. Tiara watched her closely—the way her pupils dilated, the subtle slackening of her shoulders, the telltale signs of sinking. Of submission. Tiara leaned in and whispered into Apple Bloom's ear. "It feels good to let go. Your thoughts are getting quieter. Fewer. Simpler. Each breath makes it easier.”

 

Tiara wiggled the card slightly. The spiral shifted directions. It was subtle, but more than enough to make Apple Bloom's focus cling tighter, caught in the illusion.

 

“Now, Apple Bloom,” Tiara said, her voice soft as satin, “I’m going to tell you a little story. You don’t have to think about it. Just hear it. Let it become real in the back of your mind.”

 

Apple Bloom didn’t move. Her breath came slowly. Her mouth hung open.

 

“Imagine,” Tiara whispered, “being little. Not in age, but in how you feel. Small. Cared for. Someone else is deciding things for you. You don’t need to worry. You don’t need to act grown-up. You need to relax.”

 

A small shiver moved down Apple Bloom's spine as she twitched, entranced by the spiral.

 

“And when you’re little like that, Apple Bloom... you wear diapers. Not because you have to, but because it feels so natural. So right. The moment you tape one on, your body relaxes, and your mind sinks deeper. Like slipping into a warm, soft blanket.”

 

The farm pony's lips moved faintly, as if trying to speak, but nothing came out.

 

“You want that,” Tiara said, her voice tightening like a silk thread around her prey. “You need that, the softness, and the safety. You crave the feeling of thick padding between your legs. You crave the crinkle, the gentle pressure, the permission to stop pretending.”

 

Apple Bloom whimpered as her eyes glazed over and the suggestion embedded itself deep in her subconscious.

 

“And whenever you think of a diaper, whenever you see one, hear one, wear one, you’ll feel warm, comforted, and aroused," Tiara smirked. She was laying it on thick this time. "That feeling will only grow. Stronger. Deeper. Until you can't live without wearing and using your diaper.”

 

Tiara brushed a hand down Apple Bloom's arm. “And you’ll never really know why. It'll just be a little tug in the back of your mind. A need you don’t question. A secret craving.”

 

Apple Bloom groaned as a small sliver of drool rolled down her cheek. Her eyes had completely unfocused, barely tracking the spiral anymore. 

 

She was deeply entranced.

 

“Very good~” Tiara cooed. “So soft now. So small. You won’t remember this talk. You’ll only remember that the spiral felt nice and that I helped you relax. That’s all. Tonight you’ll feel the urge. That soft pull to regress alongside your friends. To be silly and have fun. And you’ll follow that craving.”

 

Diamond Tiara lowered the card slowly, watching Apple Bloom's head sway slightly with the loss of visual anchor.

 

Tiara let the silence sit for a few seconds. Savoring it. Then, with practiced precision, she clapped her hands together. Apple Bloom jolted awake, blinking as she straightened up. She felt like she'd surfaced from a strange, warm dream. The farm pony rubbed her eyes groggily.

 

Tiara leaned in with a gentle smile and waved a hand in front of Apple Bloom's face, her voice cheerful but calm. “There you are. You totally zoned out on me there, huh?” 

 

Apple Bloom blinked again at a loss for what had just happened. “I… yeah. What?”

 

Tiara nodded. “Yeah, we were just talking,” she said smoothly. “Nothing deep—just a little relaxing chat. And poof!  You were out like a light. You shouldn't worry, though. It seemed like you needed a break!”

 

Apple Bloom groaned tiredly. She tried to recall what they had talked about, but the memory refused to surface. All she could recall were vague impressions of colors, a warm tingling sensation, and some distant floating. She shook her head, confused.

 

“I feel groggy...” she mumbled, her voice dreamy and uncertain, still trying to process what had happened.

 

Tiara's eyes lit up, but her voice stayed bright and casual. “Wow, that’s quite the nap you must've had.” Tiara brushed herself off and stood slowly. “You probably just needed to unwind. Stress builds up, y’know? Especially with everything going on.”

 

Apple Bloom blinked up at her, still a little dazed. “I guess…” She paused, rubbing the side of her temple. “We were talking, right? I remember sitting down but… I don’t remember what we talked about.”

 

“That’s okay,” Tiara said sweetly, her tone like warm syrup. “We didn’t really talk, talk. We just sat here for a bit. Took a breather. You seemed like you needed it.”

 

Apple Bloom nodded slowly, her lips parting in a small, unsure smile. “Yeah… I do feel kinda good. Lighter, maybe? Just… floaty.”

 

“That’s the idea,” Tiara chirped as she tucked the index card into her backpack with care—her fingers lingered on it for a second longer than necessary. A tiny, private thrill hummed through her chest as she zipped her backpack closed. Apple Bloom stood as well, unsteady for a moment. Her thoughts moved like syrup, thick and slow, but not unpleasant.

 

She couldn’t remember why she’d been upset earlier.

 

But she felt relaxed. Peaceful. Even happy.

 

"Well, I'm glad I could help!" Tiara said brightly as she turned to walk away. "Good luck on your presentation tomorrow, I'll see you around, mkay?~" She tossed a friendly wave over her shoulder and flashed a grin that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

 

"Yeah... totally," Apple Bloom responded absentmindedly as her disjointed thoughts tumbled about inside her head. Her gaze lingered on the space where Tiara had just stood, the girl’s syrupy tone and too-smooth smile echoed faintly in her mind.

 

With a small shake of her head, Apple Bloom turned and began to make her way back toward her dorm. Her steps were slow, uneven, like she was trying to walk off a strange pressure behind her eyes. The stars twinkled in the sky, and the moon cast long shadows across the campus walkways.

 

The farm pony's thoughts were fuzzy, looping around nothing in particular, just a vague unease and a weightless warmth in her chest. About halfway to her dorm, she paused. An odd thought bubbled up from the haze in her mind—soft, surprising, and oddly specific.

 

"Ah want to wear a diaper."

 

Apple Bloom stopped in her tracks. Her cheeks flushed before she could even make sense of it. What was this thought? And why did it feel so natural? The idea settled over her like a warm blanket—strange, but not entirely unwelcome. Her fingers fidgeted at her sides, and a weird mix of embarrassment and comfort tightened in her chest.

 

With a paranoid glance, she resumed her walk a bit quicker this time, her heart thudded softly in her ears. 

 

Whatever this thought was, it wasn’t going away.

 

Maybe she could borrow some from Sweetie Belle. Her friend had purchased several packs over the last few days.

=================================================================================

                                                                                      Chapter 6

=============================================================================

​​

Tiara hummed softly as she sat in the campus lecture hall. The room buzzed with low chatter; pens clicked, and chairs scraped against the floor. Nervous energy filled the air as Professor Inkwell stood at the front, a stoic expression on his face. Today was the day. 

 

No matter how underbaked their notes were or how much they hated the material, everypony would have to present. Beside her, Silver Spoon sweated as she obsessively reviewed her notes and laptop slides. She’d spent every day for the past two weeks refining and perfecting their presentation.

 

It had taken hours of blood, sweat, and tears, but in the end, Silver Spoon had put together a presentation she was somewhat proud of. A small smile tugged at her lips as she flipped through the final slides on her laptop. Tiara had been of little help throughout the process.

 

Silver knew the moment Tiara stopped clicking with the material, the rest would inevitably fall on her shoulders. But that was fine. She was used to it. Silver Spoon was usually the one who'd save Tiara's academic record by pulling all-nighters and finishing the assignments Tiara had no patience for. 

 

Perhaps Silver Spoon should have been more annoyed with Tiara, but today wasn’t one of those days. She felt confident in what she’d created, and she was excited to show it off to the class.

 

If anything, Silver Spoon had expected Tiara to be the one freaking out. She hadn’t read any of the new material, and despite Silver cramming as much information into her head as possible, she knew most of it wouldn’t stick. But to her surprise, Tiara sat perfectly still, hands folded neatly in her lap, a pleasant smile resting on her lips.

 

She looked completely content.

 

“You’re in an oddly good mood today,” Silver Spoon remarked as she tapped her pencil thoughtfully against the front of her notebook.

 

Tiara hummed as she watched Professor Inkwell write a list of names on the chalkboard. “I just have a feeling today’s going to be… memorable,” she said dreamily. Her conversation with Apple Bloom the previous day had all but confirmed that her suggestions had taken hold.

 

Tiara wasn’t entirely sure what the Crusaders had planned for their presentation or how her suggestions had influenced said plan; all she knew for certain was that it would involve diapers, pacifiers, and other childish toys.

 

“Oh? What makes you say that?” Silver asked as she flipped to a fresh page in her notebook.

 

“Oh, just something a little birdie told me,” Tiara replied with an aloof smirk.

 

Before Silver could press further, Professor Inkwell’s deep voice boomed across the lecture hall. “Alright, students. Today, your final presentations are due. They're worth eighty percent of your total grade. I trust you’ve all done your research?”

 

The class responded with a chorus of groans, nervous laughter, and reluctant nods

 

"Very well," Inkwell said with a curt nod. "Now, to begin, let's start with—" 

 

The sharp bang of the lecture hall door swinging open cut Inkwell off mid-sentence. Tiara jolted in her seat as gasps and shocked murmurs rippled through the room. She whipped her head around just in time to see the new and improved Cutie Mark Crusaders enter the hall.

 

Each Crusader wore a fluffy pastel-colored diaper that matched their fur. Barefoot, they sported matching oversized pastel bibs wrapped snugly around their necks. Each bib revealed just enough underboob to be a playful tease. A pacifier clipped to a plastic strap dangled from each. 

 

Scootaloo held a stuffed bear, Sweetie Belle a glittering rattle, and Apple Bloom smiled dreamily with glazed eyes and a laptop tucked snugly under her arm.

 

Each one looked calm, peaceful, and blissfully empty.

 

The trio waddled up to Professor Inkwell, who stared at them, mouth agape. His lips flapped soundlessly as he tried to form words. The rest of the class wore similarly stunned expressions. Without missing a beat, Apple Bloom squatted down and connected her laptop to the lecture hall’s projector with a soft crinkle. 

 

She passed Scootaloo a clicker as the screen behind her flickered to life and the group's first slide, decorated with pastel borders and playful cartoon icons, flickered into focus.

 

“Good afternoon, professor and classmates!” Apple Bloom beamed, completely unaware of the pacifier swinging gently against her chest. “Today, we’re gonna talk about somethin’ super duper important… how diapies, wattles, and pacis help ponies feel comfy, happy, and calm!”

 

Another wave of stunned murmurs rippled through the lecture hall, accompanied by a few scattered giggles. Some students sat stiffly in their seats, wide-eyed and uncertain if they were witnessing performance art or a complete breakdown in real time.

 

Tiara watched from her desk, utterly elated. This had turned out even better than she could have ever imagined. Scootaloo stepped forward with a radiant smile as her diaper crinkled softly, and she hugged her teddy bear. With a gentle click, the slide behind her changed.

 

“Why Diapies Make Ponies Fwel All Safe an’ Wozy.”

 

“In today’s super busy world,” Scootaloo began brightly, “grown-up brains get all tired and messy. There’s so many chores and boring stuff to think about!” The orange pegasus giggled and pointed to a silly cartoon graph in the corner of the slide showing stress going up and up.

 

“It’s a lot to think ‘bout, huh?” Scootaloo babbled airily as she clicked to the next slide. She earned a few giggles from students in the front row. “That’s why comfy stuff helps! Diapies aren’t just for babies, they keep you warm and cozy and make you feel all safe and snuggly inside!”

 

The orange pegasus’ eyes sparkled as she let out an adorable gurgle and struck a cutesy pose with her hand pressed gently to her cheek. “Fink ‘bout it!” she cooed, beaming. “The crinkly sound tells your body it’s all safe. The snug diapie feels like a big hug. And when you wear one? It tells your brain it’s okay to be all silly and relaxy-waxy.”

 

Scootaloo turned toward Sweetie Belle with a wide, drooly smile. Several students sitting at the back of the lecture hall grimaced in disgust. While a few members of the class couldn’t help but find the foalish display oddly adorable, most found the presentation off-putting and uncomfortable.

 

Sweetie Belle waddled forward, her pacifier bouncing slightly against her chest as she took the clicker out of Scootaloo's hand and flipped to the next topic.

 

“The Happy Shaky-Shake: Fun, Focud, and Pwaytime!”

 

“Now,” Sweetie Belle began in a bubbly tone as her stomach let out a little gurgle, “some ponies think rattles are just silly baby toys, but we don’t think so! Shaky-shakes help quiet all the noisy thoughts and make your brain feel all calm and happy again!”

 

She held up a large, glittery rattle as if she were showing off some amazing new invention. “This isn’t just noisy fun,” she cooed as she gave the rattle a little shake. “It helps your brain feel all nice and sleepy. The shaky-shake makes your body and mind go all calm and dumb!”

 

The next slide popped up: a dreamy digital rendering of a lecture hall filled with adults, each one calmly holding a rattle.

 

“Imagine a world,” she said with eyes full of excitement, “where busy places—like schools, offices, and even food places—let ponies use pacis and rattles to help them focus. A world where being silly and babyish helps ponies feel better and happy again!”

 

“And that brings us to our last point!” Scootaloo interjected as she clicked the slide forward with a cheerful smile.

 

“The Mindless Mindset: Why Simple is Best.”

 

Apple Bloom stepped forward. Her hands held sweetly in front of her soft, padded tummy. Her voice was gentle and slow, “In a world full of big, hard stuff,” she whispered, “we forget how nice it is to keep things simple. What if letting go—really letting go—makes us feel better?"

 

A series of murmurs and sarcastic laughs spread through the room. Several exchanged glances while others awkwardly shuffled the papers and shifted in their seats. A few were utterly captivated by the presentation, while others rolled their eyes at such a proposal.

 

Apple Bloom continued, her voice barely above a breath, “What if feeling calm doesn’t come from being in charge… but from just giving up and relaxing?”

 

For a moment, the room held its breath. Then, the absurdity of the idea broke through the tension—several students burst out laughing, unable to contain themselves. The laughter spread like a wildfire, as more classmates joined in, caught between disbelief and amusement.

 

Apple Bloom ignored the laughter and mockery swirling through the room as she calmly gestured to the final image projected behind her: three figures seated cross-legged in diapers with serene smiles on their faces and large pacifiers in their mouths. Above them, in bold letters, were the words [b]“Fwee to Be Smalls.”[/b]

 

“In conclusion," Apple Bloom continued, "our stuff shows that being all babyish isn’t bad, it’s smart! There’s lotsa power in being dumb, regressed, and little!" Apple Bloom paused as a gentle smile spread across her face, and both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo waddled up beside her.

 

The Crusaders stood together, a united front, their eyes meeting the audience with quiet confidence as their stomachs gurgled. In perfect unison, their voices soft but clear, they spoke: "We invite yous to think ‘bout all we talked ‘bout today—and imagine a world where everypony can be small and dumb!”

 

With their presentation complete, the trio moved to bow—but instead, they paused and gently lowered themselves into a squat. A new, distant focus glazed their eyes, holding them in a quiet, hypnotic stillness. Their stomachs gurgled loudly as their diapers crinkled and flexed with their movement.

 

Sweetie Belle curled her fingers into a tight fist while Scootaloo's eyes squeezed shut in deep concentration. Apple Bloom let out a soft grunt as her diaper trembled around her hips. Around them, the class flinched and pulled back in response to the trio’s strained grunts and steady pushes.

 

The trio began to whisper something – a short, almost inaudible phrase that grew louder with each push. “Free to be small,” they chanted softly as their voices rose together.

 

"Hnnnggg!' Scootaloo grunted and moaned as she threw her head back with a mindless babble. Sweetie Belle moaned as she leaned forward with a dumb smile while Apple Bloom's grunts grew louder and louder. Their gentle chants rose into a shout as the CMC pressed their arms to their sides and pushed with all their might.

 

“Free to be small!” they shouted in unison at the peak of their efforts, their voices echoing through the room as a chorus of crinkles and faint gurgles followed. The Crusaders' chant quickly devolved into drools and babbles as they released everything into their diaper seats.

 

As the Crusaders’ diapers expanded, each one of the crinkly, pastel designs thumped to the ground with a mush. Several students shouted in protest as a horrible stench filled the room. Professor Inkwell, who had been stunned into silence until now, suddenly erupted in fury at the scene before him. 

 

He stormed up to the CMC, shouting obscenities and rattling off every way he planned to have them expelled for their outrageous behavior. He couldn’t believe his star pupils would commit such a humiliating act in front of the entire class.

 

The Crusaders, for their part, couldn’t have paid Inkwell's rambling any less attention if they’d tried. They were too busy babbling and drooling mindlessly on the floor. Tiara didn’t hear a single word of the professor's tirade either. 

 

Her mind was ablaze with pure joy. Everything had worked out even better than she had imagined. This was her magnum opus. She had reshaped three brilliant minds using nothing more than a handful of index cards, some gentle encouragement, and dedication.

 

Her greatest enemy, a trio of stubborn, annoying, goodie-two-shoes ponies, were now slumped, mindlessly drooling in front of an entire class while their professor seethed at them. There was no way the trio could ever recover from this; their reputations were thoroughly ruined.

 

This was a true victory. It was perfect. Diamond Tiara let out a quiet sigh as she leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile curled across her lips.

 

She was back on top.

=================================================================================

                                                                                      Epilogue

=============================================================================

​

Apple Bloom shifted nervously in place as the quiet ticking of the clock filled the room. The rhythmic sound only heightened the sense of dread curling in her stomach. Beside her, Sweetie Belle sat hunched forward with her face buried in her hands. Scootaloo stared at the opposing wall with cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.

 

None of them could remember the entirety of their presentation. The memory was hazy and unfocused. They remembered flashes, a few slides, a sea of stunned faces, the crinkling of diapers and bibs. 

 

But the full sequence and the answer to why remained frustratingly out of reach.

 

One thing, however, was painfully clear:

 

They were in trouble.

 

Professor Inkwell had stormed out of the classroom with them in tow. He'd ranted about the disrespect and indecency they'd shown him and his class, how they had insulted him with their so-called “presentation,” and how appalled he felt witnessing their behavior. 

 

His outrage had been almost incoherent, like a maelstrom of words that tumbled from his mouth in a feverish, furious stream. At first, none of them had truly processed it—until they finally looked down at themselves.

 

They saw the bibs draped around their necks, the diapers wrapped around their waist, and the plastic rattles and pacifiers clipped to their chest with plastic straps. The realization crashed into them like a freight train. 

 

The smell radiating from the trash can in the far corner of the room was a sobering reminder of what had recently transpired.

 

“What do you think is going to happen to us?” Scootaloo mumbled with a trembling voice

 

Apple Bloom shifted again, eyes fixed on the floor.

 

“What's going to happen?!” Sweetie Belle snorted sarcastically as her voice cracked with manic desperation. “What’s going to happen?! We’re going to get expelled for sure!”

 

“Maybe they won’t be that harsh?” Scootaloo offered with a forced smile.

 

“Diapers?! Rattles?! Pacifiers?!” Sweetie Belle groaned as she pressed her palms against her eyes. “I mean, really, what were we thinking?!”

 

Scootaloo opened her mouth to offer a defense or explanation for their actions, but the argument died in her throat. What had they been thinking? They’d been stressed about assignments and grades before, but it had never ended like this. 

 

How would they ever explain this to their parents?

 

The sound of approaching footsteps snapped the trio from their spiraling thoughts. Heavy, purposeful strides drew closer, each one a countdown toward doom. The Crusaders fell silent as their hearts hammered with dread, and they awaited whatever fate was in store for them.

 

The door swung open with a soft click.

 

Professor Inkwell entered first, his expression twisted in a scowl so deep it seemed etched into his very bones. His horn glowed briefly as he adjusted a thick stack of papers clutched to his chest. Behind him came the school dean. She carried no papers, no disciplinary forms, only a small folder tucked under her arm.

 

Without a word, they crossed the room and sat behind a heavy oak desk. The chair creaked under Professor Inkwell’s stiff posture as he glared at the three girls seated before him. The dean folded her hands calmly atop the desk and surveyed them with gentle eyes.

 

For several agonizing seconds, silence reigned.

 

Then Professor Inkwell exhaled sharply through his nose. “Do you have any idea how disgraceful this was?” His voice bubbled with anger as his gaze swept over them, lingering on their bibs and pacifier clips. “I am absolutely ashamed to call you my students, let alone some of my top students!”

 

Apple Bloom flinched under his glare as her diaper crinkled. Scootaloo swallowed hard as her blush intensified. Sweetie Belle clenched her fists against her thighs. The Crusaders wanted nothing more than to disappear from the room entirely. But relief would not come so easily.

 

"Now, now, Inkwell." The dean hummed as she laid a calming hand on the indignant professor's lap. "There's no need to be so harsh." She turned to face the trio.

 

“Harsh?!” Inkwell spat as he swatted away the dean’s hand. “Do you have any idea how disgusting it was having to change these three idiots? To make them presentable for this meeting?”

 

The dean flinched at Inkwell’s fiery response but quickly regained her composure, “Girls...” Her voice was calm but firm. “We’ve reviewed the incident and spoken with your classmates." The dean paused and took a slow breath. 

 

"While I understand this is the most difficult week of the year, and you all are under an immense amount of stress, this behaviour and display is unacceptable." Scootaloo whimpered as Sweetie Belle shook her head and mouthed a series of silent apologies. 

 

“I want you to know… I don’t think you’re bad students, in fact, for most of the year, you've been excellent." The dean's voice wavered slightly as she looked at the rattles and bibs adorning them. “ Our institution must maintain an environment of dignity and professionalism for everyone. And what happened today… violated that trust and goal.”

 

The Dean winced as her eyes drifted toward the trash. Despite the trio’s perfect academic record, the subtle smell had reaffirmed her decision. 

 

The Crusaders felt numb. They’d worked so hard to get here, to get into this school and be a part of something greater. Were they really about to lose it all?

 

“I’m afraid we have no choice but to expel you from this university.” 

 

The words crashed over the Crusaders like a tidal wave. Scootaloo let out a choked sob. Sweetie Belle’s chest heaved as tears formed in her eyes. Apple Bloom felt her vision blur as the room spun.

 

“I’m so sorry,” the Dean said softly, “I know this isn’t who you are. I know you’re good girls who made a very, very poor decision. But… this is the consequence.”

 

The Dean reached into the slim folder on the desk and pulled out three neatly folded letters. “These are your formal expulsion notices,” she said gently. “They also include information on counseling resources, temporary housing assistance, and guidance for enrolling in other institutions should you choose to seek a second chance elsewhere.”

 

She slid the letters across the desk toward them. Apple Bloom reached out with trembling hands, her mind numb with shock as she picked hers up and stared blankly at the words printed across the page.

 

Professor Inkwell let out a sharp snort as he stood and swept up his stack of papers with a harsh movement. “You have until the end of today to gather your belongings and be gone from my sight,” he snapped, his voice shaking with lingering fury. 

 

Then, without waiting for a response, he turned and stormed out of the room. Only the dean remained. She waited patiently as the Crusaders collected their composure and began to read over the expulsion letters. Then, she too departed after wishing the trio the best.

 

None of the Crusaders spoke. There was nothing left to say.

 

Apple Bloom stared down at her expulsion letter, but the printed words refused to register in her mind. Beside her, Sweetie Belle sat rigid and unmoving as her bib ruffled softly against her chest. Scootaloo's eyes flicked over the paper, but she wasn’t truly reading it. Her mind felt hollow and empty.

 

After several minutes, Sweetie Belle let out a long, shuddering sigh. “So… what do we do now?”

 

“I… I don’t know.” Apple Bloom responded as she shifted in her seat. Her thick padding crinkled loudly as the yellow earth pony stood, reminding them all of exactly what they were still wearing. “I guess… we pack up and go home?”

 

“Home…” Scootaloo whispered with a tone of both longing and fear. “How are we even gonna explain this to our parents? ‘Hey, we got expelled for… for dressing like babies and embarrassing the entire class…’” The orange pegasus let out a short, bitter laugh.

 

Sweetie Belle reached out and took Scootaloo's hand. “Hey, we’ll figure it out. We always do, Maybe… maybe another school will take us.”

 

Apple Bloom sniffled, “Yeah… maybe. We just need to get out of here first. Before anyone else sees us like this.”

 

The Crusaders nodded silently. Then, as one, they rose from their seats and waddled toward the door. A series of crinkles and soft pops swarmed the room as their diapers crinkled and shifted with their weight. Each step was heavy with dread and humiliation. What would the future have in store for them now?

 

After what felt like an eternity, the trio stepped into the hallway and nearly collided with a familiar figure.

 

"Tiara!?” Sweetie Belle squeaked, startled.

 

"Goodness! I didn't expect to run into you three here!" Tiara yelped as she clutched a stack of colorful flyers close to her chest. Her gaze swept over the Crusaders' dejected faces, then down to their bibs, pacifier clips, and sagging diapers.

 

"Are you guys alright?" the magenta earth pony asked. "You three look less... inspired than usual?"

 

“We umm… we got expelled,” Sweetie Belle mumbled dejectedly. Saying it aloud made it feel real, like a fresh knife twisting in her gut. 

 

Tiara's eyes widened as she gasped. “Expelled?! For what? This?” She gestured to their padded attire.

 

Apple Bloom nodded, unable to speak as shame burned hot in her chest.

 

"Oh no!" Tiara gasped once again. Empathy flickered in the earth pony's eyes as the Crusaders shuffled awkwardly in place, still subconsciously worried about more people seeing them in their childish attire. Their fear wouldn't be allowed to manifest as Tiara's expression shifted into a gentle smile. 

 

“Well… maybe this is a blessing in disguise!” The magenta earth pony offered cheerfully. The Crusaders raised eyebrows at this but didn't interrupt. Tiara quickly rummaged through her stack of flyers. “I just so happened to come across this interesting flyer.” 

 

Tiara beamed as she pulled a colorful, pastel-printed flyer out of the stack and presented it to the Crusaders. Sweetie Belle grabbed the flyer and read aloud:

 

“‘Sunny Hearts Kindergarten & Nursery School. Currently seeking assistants and demonstration students. Open to all ages!’”

 

The Crusaders blinked at the flyer, then up at Tiara in confusion.

 

Tiara smiled warmly, “I just thought with everything that’s happened, maybe this place could help you guys. They’re very understanding about… situations like yours, and I'm sure with your guys' smarts and expertise, you'd make short work of your time there!”

 

Apple Bloom’s lips parted in stunned silence. Sweetie Belle let out a quiet sigh of relief, and Scootaloo smiled as hope flickered in her chest. They didn’t know what this place would be like or if it would help them rebuild their lives. 

 

But right now, as they stood humiliated in their crinkling diapers and childish gear, it felt like the first sliver of hope they’d had all day.

 

Apple Bloom clutched the flyer to her chest, her voice barely above a whisper.

 

“Well, let’s check this place out.”

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