Disappearance pt 1

Hello, everypony! This is Pinkie Pie! You know, the pink pony who's friends with absolutely everypony in Ponyville! Anyway, I thought I'd jot down what happened today.

It started like pretty much any other day for me. I woke up, got dressed… Oh wait, I forgot I don't wear clothes. Not unless it's for something special. In any case, today was a workday for me. So I went downstairs to the kitchen of Sugarcube Corner.

"Oh, good morning, Pinkie. Did you sleep well?" Mrs. Cake said to me when I went into the kitchen.

"Morning, Mrs. Cake! What do we have to do today?" I replied to my boss.

She smiled, "Well, we need a few dozen of those chocolate chip cupcakes baked. They've become very popular lately."

I smiled, remembering that yummy recipe James helped me come up with. Oh, right! I don't think you know who he is! James is a human. He showed up in Ponyville exactly one week ago. He's pretty shy, but really nice too. He's become one of the best friends I've ever known! Speaking of which, he should be showing up any time now. He works here three days a week.

"Oki doki loki! I'll get started right away!" I said with a hop. Mrs. Cake smiled and went out to the storefront.

I went ahead and punched in for the day. Then my punch card punched me back. Oh, wait! That was just Gummy biting me. Good thing he has no teeth! "Silly Gummy! You don't belong in the kitchen!" I carried him back upstairs and left him on my bed. "Be a good little gator for me! I'll see you this evening!"

I went back downstairs and into the kitchen. I mixed together the eggs and sugar before adding the flour… Come to think of it, does anypony even like reading the details on how somepony bakes something? Maybe I should skip ahead.

Anyway, I popped the tray of cupcake batter into the oven and waited. But as I waited, I noticed something was wrong with the clock. James should have been in ten minutes ago. He's never been late before, so maybe this is his first time. Maybe he got caught up with doing something with Fluttershy. Oh, right. Fluttershy is one of my best friends. And just a few days ago, she and James became sweethearts! He lives with her now. But why is he this late…

"Ooh, you naughty things." I giggled. What is something lovers like to do together? I better not write it down here, just in case some fillies or colts read it.

Eventually, the egg timer went off. So I opened the oven and removed the cupcakes. Mm, that smell always gets me so hungry. But when I put them on the counter to cool, I noticed that James was now half an hour late.

"Huh… I can't imagine why James would be this late." I said to myself. Maybe he caught a cold?

As a good friend, I felt it was my duty to check on him. So I poked my head out of the kitchen. "Mrs. Cake? James is running late. I just took the cupcakes outta the oven, so may I go check on him?"

Mrs. Cake looked at a clock before looking back at me. "Oh my, he's late? Well, maybe you should go check on him, dearie. Don't be long!"

I nodded, "Will do, Mrs. Cake! See you in a bit!" I then trotted out the back door. I guess I could've just jumped to the next panel, but I needed the exercise. Huh? You want to know how I 'jump panels'? Heehee, that's a long story. Don't worry about it!

I didn't have time to chat with anypony, so I just ran through Ponyville towards the western edge of town. Once I had cleared that, I saw Fluttershy's cottage coming up ahead. But…why was Fluttershy on the ground and… Was she crying?!

I ran over to her as fast as I could. She really was crying. I could hear her sobbing. "Fluttershy, what's wrong?!" I asked. For Fluttershy to be crying, it must be bad.

She looked up at me with her eyes full of tears. She couldn't talk, but she pointed to a scroll that was behind me. "In this?" I asked when I opened it and held it flat.

The scroll was written in James' handwriting. It read… Hang on, I can remember this… Oh right! It read, "This is for your eyes only, Fluttershy. If you are reading this, I am gone. It has come to my attention that our actions as a couple are highly illegal and even punishable with the death penalty. What is worse, Princess Celestia has been made aware of our illegal activities by a report sent from Twilight Sparkle. Please do not fault her, as I am sure even she was not aware that the law even exists. I am also certain that by the time you have started reading this, Celestia will have dispatched her guards to arrest us. If that is the case, you must gather our friends and try to convince Celestia to grant us a pardon. If she is as… No. I am very sure that she is as wise and understanding as I have heard. She will surely grant us her consent. I just know she will. However, the possibility that she will not remains. I can't take chances with this matter, Fluttershy. Not when your life is at stake. I am hiding out in the Everfree Forest. I have heard nothing but bad things about that place, so I am sure even the local law enforcement officials will not dare set foot into it. If Celestia… No. When Celestia gives us her blessings, please come find me so I know it is safe to return. It may be wise to ask Rainbow Dash to do the job due to her speed. But if, and this is a very unlikely if, if Celestia refuses to pardon us, claim innocence. If they cannot arrest both guilty parties, they will not be able to effectively try you in court. You will be safe if they cannot arrest us both. But I pray that will not be the case. I love you, Fluttershy. And I cannot bear the thought of you under a guillotine. I shall be waiting for Celestia's decision in the Everfree Forest. I am placing my faith in you and our friends. With love, James." Phew! Chalk one up to the memory banks!

Anyway, I couldn't believe what I had just read. James in the Everfree Forest?! That's suicide! I jumped in the air and gasped my hardest. "WHAAAAAT?!"

Fluttershy looked up at me with big clear tears rolling down her face, "What'll we do, Pinkie? He won't last in there… And…what if that law is real? I love him… I don't want us to be torn apart…"

She was right. Two lovers being kept apart is just plain wrong! And anything that makes Fluttershy cry is extra wrong! No way was I going to stand for that! I gave Fluttershy my biggest smile, "Hey, don't worry, Fluttershy! James has friends like us to help him! Let's go find Twilight and show her the message. She'll know what to do!"

I helped Fluttershy stand up. She dried her tears before nodding, "OK… She always knows what to do in times like this."

I grinned, "Exactly, silly filly! Let's go! The sooner we get James out of there, the better!" I then ran back towards Ponyville with the scroll in my mouth. Fluttershy followed right behind me the whole way.

We went straight to Twilight's house after that. I bonked my head against the door to get her attention. "Oooh… I hope she's home…" Fluttershy said beside me.

The door opened a second later. And sure enough, Twilight was right behind it. "Oh! Good morning, Pinkie! Morning, Fluttershy!"

I couldn't wait, so I barged right in. "Twilight! We have an emergency! A 'human lost in the Everfree Forest' kind of emergency!"

Twilight, as usual, seemed to be totally confused by my words. "Huh? Everfree Forest? What about it?"

Fluttershy came in and spoke, "It's James, Twilight… He… He left a note behind."

I then put the scroll down before Twilight used her magic to hold it up in the air. "This scroll? Um…" After a minute, she looked past the scroll at us. "Are you serious?! There's a law against that?!"

Fluttershy nodded, "Yes… And he took it seriously. He's somewhere out there… I don't know what to do…"

Twilight frowned, "That really doesn't sound like a law Princess Celestia or Princess Luna would ever allow to pass. No, I'm sure of it! That law is far too harsh!" She then called towards the stairs, "Spike! Please bring a scroll to me!"

A moment later, Spike came running down the stairs with a scroll in one hand and a quill in the other. "OK, I'm here! What's wrong?"

Twilight replied, "I need you to write a letter to Princess Celestia. It's urgent."

Spike then held the quill to the scroll. "OK then, shoot."

Twilight then started pacing, "Dear Princess Celestia. I stumbled across something in a book that seems to be a law that punishes intimate relationships between humans and ponies with death. Why did you pass a law like this? And please respond quickly." When Spike stopped writing, Twilight nodded, "Please send it right now, Spike."

"You got it." Spike replied before going over to a window and blowing green fire into the scroll. It was burned up into smoke and carried away on the wind. Still, how does that work exactly? If Spike were to breathe fire on me, would I get turned into smoke and taken to Princess Celestia? I need to try that sometime!

"Do you think it's a good idea to let her know about that law?" Fluttershy asked, looking very worried.

"I was careful to not mention either you or James. It was just a hypothetical question." Twilight replied.

A moment later, Spike burped as a scroll came out of his mouth. "Wow! That's a new record! Not even a full minute!" He then opened the scroll and spoke, "Dear Twilight Sparkle….. I have no idea what you're talking about! Where did you find such a ridiculous law?"

Wait… Seriously?! Princess Celestia doesn't even know about the law?! I think Twilight's response summed up what we were all thinking. "Wait… WHAT?!"

Fluttershy raised her voice too. "You mean… He's out there in the Everfree Forest without any idea that the law is fake?!"

Twilight replied, "Well, I think we all better look into this. Let's gather up our friends. Fluttershy, you go find Rainbow Dash. I'll go round up Applejack. Pinkie, you go get Rarity. Let's all meet back here."

Fluttershy nodded, "OK… Let's hurry."

I smiled, "Oki doki loki! Let's go! Look after the place for us, Spike!"

Our little dragon boy gave us a salute, "Yes, ma'am!"

We ran out the door and in different directions. I know Rarity doesn't have any big plans today, so I know she's still home. I ran along, saying hi to everypony I passed, but not having any time to chat. That would have to wait. My buddy James was in danger! And I wanted to get to the bottom of this fake law business! Private Eye Pinkie was on the case!

As soon as I got to Rarity's house, I went right inside without knocking. "Rarity! Are you home?!"

I heard a clatter of stuff hitting the floor. "Pinkie Pie! You ruined my concentration! At least knock so I know you're coming in without startling me!" Rarity was looking pretty miffed with a whole bunch of sewing junk on the floor around her.

"Sorry, sorry! It's just that we've got an emergency here! James is lost in the Everfree Forest!"

Rarity gasped, "The Everfree Forest? Heavens, no! He'll never survive in such a horrid place! Why would he ever set foot in there?!"

I explained, "He found out about some law that says ponies and humans falling in love is punishable with the death penalty! And you know he and Fluttershy are sweethearts now! He went into hiding to protect her!"

Rarity shrieked, "WHAT?! The death penalty?! How dare they! Those two are a perfect couple! Of all ponies, why would our princesses even pass such an abominable law?!"

I replied, "They didn't! Twilight sent a message to Princess Celestia asking about it and she didn't even know it exists!"

Rarity's jaw hung open for a second before she spoke, "What…? Then… How did this happen? Is the law a fake?"

I sighed, "I dunno… Twilight and Fluttershy are gathering up Applejack and Rainbow Dash. I came here to get you. Let's head over to Twilight's place so we can figure this out."

Rarity nodded with a confident smile, "Yes, lets. James is a very good friend of mine and I would hate to lose him. Let's get this mess sorted out and get him back home where he belongs!" We then ran out the door, but Rarity then stopped. "Wait! One moment please."

"Huh? Oh, OK!" I replied as she went back inside. A few seconds later, she came back out and hung a sign on the door. "Out to lunch? It's too early for that!"

Rarity replied, "How many ponies would take a 'Gone to search for lost friend' sign particularly seriously?" We both got a good laugh out of that. It's true, after all! Friends don't get lost in Ponyville very often!

Rarity and I ran the whole way back to Twilight's house. I barged right in. "We're here!"

I heard Applejack reply, "Hold yer horses, girl. We're here too."

Rarity smiled when she came inside. "I do hope everypony is here now." Sure enough, Twilight and Fluttershy were there with Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

"Pinkie, tell us straight! Is James really gone?!" Rainbow Dash said when she flew over to me.

"I don't wanna believe it either, but that's what it looks like!" I replied. But maybe now that everypony was there, we could figure out what to do. It kind of reminds me of when Applejack disappeared after going to that rodeo contest. Only she didn't try to hide in the Everfree Forest! And at least James didn't leave us guessing on why he had to leave.

Rarity then asked, "Wait. You said something about finding some sort of law in a book, right? Do you know which one?"

Twilight then spoke, "Now that I think about it, Diamond Tiara was in here yesterday looking through a bunch of old law books. You don't suppose…"

Rarity growled, "Her?! That little imp?! She's been harassing James daily all week! What book was it?!"

Spike spoke up, "It's right here! Equestrian Law 101."

He brought the book over to Twilight, who levitated it up to her face. I have to admit, that book looked reeealy old. "OK… Which page…" She started flipping through the pages while her eyes glanced back and forth.

Spike raised his hand, "Oh, I think it was open to page 83 when I put it away."

Twilight smiled, "Thank you, Spike. Page 83… Here we go. The act of….. Oh no…"

Her face looked like she was really disturbed by something. Fluttershy barged in and looked at the book. "What does it say?!"

I asked, "Well, what does the law say?! I can't take the suspense!" I felt like I was gonna burst if they didn't tell me soon!

Fluttershy soon looked our way, but… That face. I've never seen her so horrified. Those tears rolling down her face… "No… No… I can't let him…"

Applejack spoke, "Easy there, girl. What's wrong? What does it say?"

Fluttershy then just made a run for the door. "I can't let them get him! I won't!"

"Grab her!" Rainbow Dash yelled. We all ponypiled onto Fluttershy to keep her from getting outside. I've never seen her this hysterical before!

"I need to find him! I… I don't want him to die!" Fluttershy kept sobbing while trying to wiggle out from under us.

Applejack put her head right beside hers and smiled, "We know, sugarcube. That's why we're gonna get this all figured out. I'm tellin' ya the honest truth. James ain't gonna die. All right?"

Fluttershy looked so confused, kinda like she wanted to believe Applejack while still thinking that something really bad was gonna happen to James if we didn't find him soon. Twilight then smiled, "We will, Fluttershy. He's our friend and we're going to make sure that Princess Celestia knows just how absurd this law is."

I think by then Fluttershy believed us. "OK… I just… I need to calm down…"

As we climbed off of her, Rarity smiled. "Don't worry, dear. We know you love him."

Rainbow Dash then asked, "Wait a sec. That law looks really old! You think maybe it's outdated?"

Twilight nodded, "More than likely. But how did James even learn about this law? He's never seemed like someone who has an interest in law, so I can't imagine him looking through a law book."

I giggled, "No kidding! Law is sooooo boring! He'd probably fall asleep if he even tried to read one!"

Applejack then asked, "Then how do ya'll suppose he… Oh, don't tell me!"

Rainbow Dash growled, "Yeah! I'll bet that's it! Diamond Tiara told him about it! That little witch was trying to blackmail him!"

Fluttershy frowned, "To think she would go this low…"

However, Twilight raised her hoof at us, "Wait a minute. We can't be too sure of that. The note James left never once mentioned Diamond Tiara's name. Even though I wouldn't be surprised if she did have something to do with this, only James knows for sure."

Rainbow Dash then gave us her trademark confident smirk, "If that's the case, I'll go find him. Leave it to me!"

Fluttershy nodded, "He did request that you go find him."

I then hopped forward, "OK then! You go find him, Rainbow!"

Rainbow Dash then opened the front door to the library. "You got it. Wait here for me. I'll be back in ten minutes flat." And like that, she was gone.

I don't think anything interesting is gonna happen while we wait, so I'll stop writing here. When Rainbow Dash gets back, I'll let her write the rest of the journal! In any case, thanks for reading! I just hope James is going to be fine when this is all over.


Hey there! This is Rainbow Dash! You've probably heard of me. #1 flier in Equestria? First pegasus to ever do a Sonic Rainboom during the Best Flier Competition? The only pegasus with a rainbow-stripped mane and tail? Yeah, that's me!

Anyway, today was a mess. Turns out James disappeared from Ponyville and went into hiding in the Everfree Forest, of all places! Oh right, I guess I should tell you who James is. He's… Wait. Didn't Pinkie Pie already explain that? Let me check…

Yup! Pinkie Pie already explained it, so there's no point in me doing it too. In any case, he left behind a note saying that he wanted me to come find him since I'm the fastest flier around. Good choice!

Anyway, once I had met up with my friends, I went flying out to the Everfree Forest. This place gives me the creeps, but I guess James had the right idea in going there. Nopony in their right mind would ever set foot there.

I really reeeeeeeally didn't want to go through the forest on foot, so I flew overhead. Man, the canopy stretches for miles.

I flew along for a little while before I found a huge gap in the canopy. A muddy swamp was below me. I think Fluttershy called it Froggy Bottom Bog. Wait… Froggy Bottom Bog?! Isn't that where a hydra lives?!

Even though that would be a good spot to find James, I was scared that the hydra might've gotten to him by then. I flew out over the middle of the swamp…er…bog and looked around. "Don't be dead, James…"

When I looked around for a minute, I saw someone waving at me next to one of them funky mangrove trees. Was that… Yeah, it was him! I swooped down and tackled him against the tree and gave him my tightest hug! "Darn it, James! I thought you were a goner! Don't ever pull something like that again!" Um… Did I tear up a bit when I found him? I hope he doesn't mention that to anypony. I've got a reputation to keep up!

Well, anyway… I felt James pat me on the back. "I'm guessing Fluttershy showed you the message. Am I right?" He said while looking down at me.

I nodded, "Yeah. When the other girls showed me that note, I bolted over here to find you. I wasn't sure if you were gonna last long enough… Huh?" Was that…a pot lid tied to his arm? "James… Why is there a pot lid tied to your arm?"

He looked down at his arm before snickering. I guess even he thought it looked totally silly. "From what I know, Ponyville doesn't have an armory. So I had to use something makeshift as a shield. I don't know what lives out here in Everfree Forest, so I wanted to be on the safe side."

I looked at the shield and smirked. I guess I should've known better. James is smart. He would definitely plan ahead for a trip into this place. "Yeah, I guess it's better than nothing." It was then I remembered what I wanted to ask. "But anyway, what happened? Why are you even out here? Did that little brat have something to do with it?"

James replied, "Hang on… Are you suspecting Diamond Tiara?"

I scowled at him, "Well, who else could it be?! That little witch's been a pain in the flank for you since the day you met her! And besides, that message you left behind mentioned that there's a law condemning humans and ponies falling in love! And Twilight mentioned that Diamond Tiara was in the library yesterday reading law books. When Fluttershy showed her the note, she put two and two together and thought Diamond Tiara pulled a fast one on you. But did she? I mean, you're the only one who knows."

He got quiet for a moment, probably thinking back to whatever happened yesterday. "Well, all she really did was alert me to the law. I thought she was bluffing at first, but I found that law written in a book on page 83. Can't remember the title, but it's still in the library."

Page 83, huh? Looks like Spike got it right. "Uh huh… And Twilight said she wrote a note to Princess Celestia pointing out that you and Fluttershy are a couple now, right? No wonder you freaked out…"

Right after that, I smiled at James. "Ya know, it was really brave of you to hide out here in the Everfree Forest. But leave the rest to us. We'll put in a good word with Princess Celestia for you. She's not some kinda tyrant, so she'll probably make an exception for you and Fluttershy."

James gave me a look that seemed to show a lot of weight had been taken off his shoulders. "Thanks, Rainbow. You're always someone I can count on. But until I've officially been given a royal pardon, I can't go home. Please tell Fluttershy that and that I love her."

Yeah, that sounded just like him. James isn't the kind of guy who likes taking chances. But in any case, that reminded me of her. "Yeah… About her, she was really freaking out when she came into town. I've never seen her cry like that. She was really scared for you. Knowing you're OK will definitely calm her down."

James looked kinda pained from what I just told him. He let out a sigh, "She was crying?"

I nodded, "Yeah… She was almost hysterical once all six of us had gathered at the library. Man, for her to get that worked up, she must be CRAZY for you. You're a really lucky guy, you know that?"

He let out another sigh, but also seemed to crack a smile. "Yeah… Really lucky… All I want right now is….. What a sec…"

Whoa, where did that shadow come from? I looked to my right and…dang. Was THAT the hydra Pinkie Pie, Twilight, Applejack, and Fluttershy told me about?! That thing is HUGE! Probably bigger than an Ursa Minor! James asked, "Lemme guess… That's a hydra?"

I replied, "Eeeeeeeeeyup!" I know lots of ponies think I'm totally fearless, which I am, but that thing… Yikes.

That thing's four heads looked back and forth at James and me for a minute before all of them looked at him with creepy smirks. They were going after him! Well, no way was I gonna let some creep eat one of my best friends! "James, it's going after you! Get outta here! I'll hold it off!" I flew right up to that thing and kicked one of its heads. "C'mon, eight eyes! Wouldn't you rather have some fast food?!"

Sure enough, all four of them started snapping at me. But I just swooped between their necks and dazzled them with my Fantastic Filly Flash… OK, I'm going waaaay off topic here. I think James must've thought I was nuts since I heard him yell, "Girl, you crazy!"

I yelled back at him while staying on the move. "Get outta here, James! I'll keep this lunkhead busy until you're outta sight! And don't worry about me! No way a slowpoke like this can catch the fastest flier in Equestria!" He must've heard me since he made a break for the trees.

Once James was out of sight, I waved at the hydra. "Sorry, boys! I'd love to mess with ya more, but I gotta get back! See ya!" All four of them snapped at me one more time, but I was too fast for them anyway. I was still kinda worried about James being out here in the Everfree Forest by himself, but he was packing a pretty mean looking knife. I can't imagine him getting into a fight, but I'm pretty sure he'll be OK out there for one more night.

In any case, I hightailed it right back over to Twilight's place without stopping for anything. I was really tempted to go Sonic Rainboom on my way there, but I decided to hold off on that for another day when I had a bigger audience. In any case, I barged right into the library and shouted, "Found him!"

Pinkie Pie grinned, "Ten minutes flat! Right on time! And you found him?!"

I nodded, "Yep! He was over at the Froggy Bottom Bog. And don't worry, Fluttershy. I made sure he got away when the hydra popped up."

Applejack asked with a freaked out expression, "Hydra?! It was there?! Are ya sure James got outta there OK?!"

I nodded, "Yeah, don't worry. I kept that thing busy until he was long gone."

But then, Fluttershy glared at me. Was that the 'Stare' I had heard about? "If you found him, then why didn't you bring him home?!"

Man, Fluttershy has one intimidating glare. I grinned nervously, "Yeah… That… He told me he didn't want to take any chances. Until he knows for sure that Princess Celestia has pardoned you two, he's not coming home."

Fluttershy sighed, "Oh… But…he was OK, right?"

I patted her on the shoulder, "Yeah, don't worry about that. He was in good shape when I found him. He'll be fine, Fluttershy. If he could survive one night out there, he can do it twice."

Fluttershy gave me a pretty worried smile, but Rarity then asked, "One moment, Rainbow Dash. Did you find out if Diamond Tiara was the one who revealed that absurd law to James?"

I frowned before I replied, "Yeah. She's the one who showed him."

Twilight frowned, "Then we need to pay a visit to Ponyville Elementary. This is the last straw."

Applejack nodded, "Yeah. I've been tryin' ta tolerate her abusin' Apple Bloom, but this is goin' too far!"

Rarity then stepped forward, "Then let us be off! It's time to confront that wretched filly!"

Pinkie Pie then looked back at Spike, "Watch the place for us, Spike! We'll be back!"

Spike nodded before giving us all a salute. "You got it! Good luck!"

We all marched right out of the library and towards the schoolhouse. And… Well, I don't want you to get the wrong idea, but I was going outta my way to keep out of Fluttershy's way. That look… Man, I've never seen her look that ticked off before!

Well, we got to the schoolhouse without any trouble. We didn't talk much on the way, probably because of how mad we were. Seriously, what the hay is wrong with that kid to try to blackmail someone?!

We all went into the lobby and waited while Twilight looked into the schoolroom. It was pretty quiet. Maybe they were taking a test. In any case, Cheerilee looked our way while Twilight motioned for her to come to us. "Cheerilee? I need to speak to you. It's urgent."

Cheerilee looked back at the students and spoke, "Excuse me for a minute, class." I could see Diamond Tiara sitting at the far end at the head of the class. Man, I just wanted to fly over to her and sock her one!

"Hello, Twilight… Oh, what are all of you doing here?" Cheerilee asked once she was standing in front of us in the lobby.

"Beggin' yer pardon, Cheerilee, but we're here on important business. We've gotta see Diamond Tiara." Applejack spoke next.

I'm guessing Cheerilee was starting to get worried from our angry expressions. "Did something happen? You all seem very troubled. What did she do this time?"

I spoke up, "She tricked James into hiding out in the Everfree Forest, that's what!"

Yeah, I can tell Cheerilee really didn't see that one coming. "Wait… The Everfree Forest?! What happened?!"

Rarity asked, "You do know she has been very hostile towards James lately, do you not?"

Cheerilee nodded, "Yes, I heard he somehow took away her cutie mark as punishment for her actions. I did not pay any mind to it. I thought for sure it would teach her that her actions have consequences. But… Did she really?"

Pinkie Pie frowned, "Yeah! She found this really old outdated law in an old law book saying that romantic relationships between humans and ponies are punishable by the death penalty! She told James about it to blackmail him into giving her back her cute mark!"

Fluttershy then spoke up with a scowl, "James is my boyfriend, Miss Cheerilee."

I think that was all we needed to say. Cheerilee stuck her head back into the classroom and spoke in a pretty loud voice, "Diamond Tiara! In the lobby! NOW!" Ooooh man, I can only imagine the look on her face.

We could hear the other students jeering at Diamond Tiara when Cheerilee looked back at us. I think I heard Scootaloo laugh, "Oooooh, sounds like Miss Cheerilee is ticked off! Whatcha do this time, Tiara?"

That rotten little filly came to the doorway with a very annoyed look on her face. "OK, I'm here… Huh?"

Cheerilee got between her and the doorway back into the schoolroom while the rest of us glared down at her. "Um… What're you all doing here?"

I growled, "Don't you dare act like you did nothing wrong, you little witch. We know what you did."

Twilight then spoke, "James. Do you know where he is?"

I think Diamond Tiara knew she was in trouble when we mentioned his name. "Um… What about him? He was supposed to return my cutie mark this evening."

Applejack then growled, "Or else ya would tell Princess Celestia about him and Fluttershy so they would be executed? Even she don't know 'bout that law!"

Diamond Tiara seemed shocked by that. "What?! Then…nothing will happen?! Darn it! I'll just have to think of something else…"

That little… No remorse at all! I stomped my hoof in front of her and growled, "You little nitwit! Do you have any idea what you did?!"

She backed away from me, "What… What did I do?!"

Rarity glared at her, "James took your threat very seriously. Instead of giving in to your demands like a coward, he chose to protect dear Fluttershy by hiding in the Everfree Forest so the proper authorities could not get any proof of the so-called crime! You just put his life in danger!"

Diamond Tiara shouted, "WHAT?! He wasn't supposed to do that! That idiot! He was supposed to give me my…"

Whoa… Fluttershy didn't even let her finish. She got right up in her face while looking more ticked off than I've ever seen her before… Oh, wait. There was that time at the Grand Galloping Gala. I'd say she looked just as mad back then as she did right there. "Idiot?! The only idiot around here is you! You've been nothing but a thorn in our sides and now you've sent one of our dearest friends into one of the most dangerous places in Equestria! James is my boyfriend! I love him very VERY much! And you… You are the most selfish, egotistical, cruel…EVIL! Yes, evil filly I have ever known! I swear, if he dies out there, I can't be held responsible for what I might do to you!"

Whoa… I think Fluttershy may have really struck a nerve. Diamond Tiara was utterly cowering before her. Tears were rolling down her face, probably just out of fear. "Woo! You go, Fluttershy! You tell her like it is!" Pinkie Pie spoke while applauding. Fluttershy didn't really reply. She was just glaring at Diamond Tiara while breathing hard. Man, I was afraid to say anything to her at that point!

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Scootaloo peeking through the doorway. Oh man… Did she hear everything? I inched over to her and asked, "What's up, Scoot?"

She asked with a really worried expression, "Rainbow Dash… Is he really out in the Everfree Forest?" Yeah, not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet, but Scootaloo and James have become really tight lately. Almost like a brother and sister, if you can believe that!

Anyway, I nodded, "Yeah, he is… But don't worry! I saw him today. He's doing fine out there. I'll even bet fifty bits that he'll be home tomorrow. Just give him a little time, OK?"

Scootaloo nodded, but I could tell she was still worried sick. It wouldn't surprise me if she and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders decided to take matters into their own hooves at some point. "OK… I'll wait for him. If you see him again, please tell James I said hi."

I nodded and rubbed Scootaloo's head, "You got it, squirt. Now, get back to your test. I know it's boring, but it's gotta be done."

That little sparkplug saluted me, "Yes, ma'am!" I watched as she went back to her desk. She then seemed to whisper something to Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

"Just stay outta trouble…" I muttered to myself. I hope I don't end up regretting telling her what I did.

Cheerilee spoke up, "Miss Fluttershy, please calm down. I will make certain that Diamond Tiara is properly disciplined for this most recent grievance."

Applejack spoke up, "No can do this time, Cheerilee. This time, I'm gonna make sure her pappy knows about everythin' she's done. Not jut ta James, but ta everypony she's ever crossed. She's gotten away with her nonsense fer far too long, and I ain't gonna stand fer it any longer."

Rarity nodded, "I'll go with you, Applejack. I shall provide details since I have personally witnessed her most recent acts of violence."

Twilight then glared at Diamond Tiara, who looked way too scared to say anything with Fluttershy still up in her face. "You are in a world of trouble, young lady. I'll be sure to mention this to Princess Celestia as well."

Just before we could say anything else, Pinkie Pie pointed into the classroom. "Um… Cheerilee?" Turns out all of the students had gathered near the door and were watching the whole thing.

Cheerilee looked back at the classroom before looking back at us. "Oh dear… It seems this confrontation is creating quite a distraction. Could we wrap this up? I need to make sure my students finish their tests on time."

Twilight nodded, "Right, so sorry to have been a bother, Cheerilee. But please keep a close eye on Diamond Tiara. After this last stunt, I wouldn't trust her at all."

Cheerilee nodded, "I will. And good luck on finding your friend. He really does seem like a nice person and is very good with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo." She then walked back into the classroom with Diamond Tiara, who looked like she might as well have been on death row. I almost felt sorry for her, but after this last stunt, all my sympathy was tossed out the window. "All right, class. Let's get back to the test."

We had turned to leave, but Fluttershy was still standing where she had been yelling at Diamond Tiara. "Fluttershy, let's get going." I said to her. There wasn't any business in us sticking around the schoolhouse.

Fluttershy turned and followed us, but… That face. It looked so…drained. As soon as we were outside, she collapsed with a thud. "Whoa! What's wrong?!" I asked while I sat by her side. The rest of our friends gathered around too.

Big tears were rolling down Fluttershy's cheeks. "I'm sorry… I'm just so scared… I've never gone through anything like this before…"

Applejack patted her on the shoulder, "None of us have, sugarcube. We're worried sick too. And I know it's especially hard on ya because of just how much he means to ya."

Rarity then helped her stand up. "Chin up, darling. James loves you too much to allow himself to die out there in that dreadful forest. He will survive and we will make sure he comes home safe and sound. So please, have faith in your beloved."

Fluttershy bowed her head before smiling in a sad way. Does that make any sense? Smiling while still looking sad? In any case, she spoke softly, "Thank you…"

"Come on, Fluttershy! Say that with a real smile! He's gonna be fine! And it's all because he has friends like us to help him out!" Pinkie Pie said with a grin. Heh, she always tries to keep her chin up in situations like this. That's pretty awesome.

"I'll try… It's just…" Fluttershy muttered.

Twilight smiled, "Don't worry, Fluttershy. I'll contact Princess Celestia about this matter as soon as I get back home. I'm sure she'll think of something to help."

Well, right after that, we headed back into Ponyville. Applejack and Rarity have gone to see Diamond Tiara's folks while I'm heading back to the library with Twilight, Pinkie, and Fluttershy. I think I'm done writing for now. I really hope James is gonna be OK out there for at least one more day. The guy's pretty timid and laidback, so I worry about him sometimes. Still, he's a great friend and I really do appreciate his levelheaded approach to everything. Guess that's because I totally lack it!

Anyway, I'm stopping here. I just hope whatever Twilight has in mind helps us get James home faster.