Chapter 5: Cutie Mark Helpers

~~~Ponyville, midmorning~~~

Scootaloo glanced around "Come on Crusaders Twilight asked us to keep an eye on the town and we're gonna do it! And maybe even get our cutie marks"

"So where do we start? Sweetie belle asked

"Well Applejack and Big Mcintosh left Caramel in charge of sellin the apples." Apple Bloom said "We could help him"

“Selling Apples?” Scootaloo asked, “That sounds boring.”

“Well it’s got to be interestin with Caramel.” Apple Bloom responded, “He loses almost everythin.”

“And it’s better then doing nothing.” Sweetie Belle said.

“Alright then let’s go.” Scootaloo sighed. Apple Bloom nodded and led the crusaders to the apple stand.

“Come get your apples here! Fresh from Sweet Apple Acres!” Scootaloo called perched atop her scooter which was balanced on top of the apple cart with the baskets full of the food up for sale.
“Thanks for the help.” Caramel said.

“Welcome Caramel.” Apple Bloom said as Sweetie Belle walked over.

“Things are going great!” The unicorn said, grinning, “Nothing can go wrong”

“I wouldn’t say that if I were you.” Caramel said, “Things always go wrong.”

“Well look who it is.” Silver Spoon said walking up with Diamond Tiara.

“See?” Caramel said as the three fillies faced the other two.

“What do you want?” Scootaloo asked from her perch.

“We came to get some apples, are you three still trying to get your cutie marks?” Diamond Tiara asked.
“Well…” Apple Bloom said.

“You’re never gonna get them at this rate.” Diamond Tiara said as Caramel gave her the apples and took the bits, “See ya later. Blank Flanks.” She said as she and Silver Spoon left. Caramel glanced at the three fillies, who were all looking at the ground.

“Now cheer up girls, you’ll get your cutie marks eventually.” The stallion said, attempting to cheer them up.

“Caramel’s right.” Scootaloo said perking up, “Let’s keep trying.” She cheered only to yelp as her scooter rocked backwards falling from its perch and landing in a basket of apples.

“Scootaloo!” Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom ran over to the basket.

“I’m okay.” The Pegasus said climbing out of the basket, covered in apple juice and pieces, glancing back.
“Ooops.” She muttered glancing back at Caramel. The stallion blinked before shaking his head.

“Thanks for the help girls, but it might be best if you head out.” He said, walking over to move the basket out of the way.

“Sorry.” Scootaloo said, as the Cutie Mark Crusaders left.

“Well that was a bust” Sweetie Bell muttered

“Sorry I didn’t even realize I was off balance till my scooter was falling”

“its not your fault Scootaloo, we’re just not cut out for apple sellin’ together.”Applebloom added.

Scootaloo pouted as she rolled along “Well now what? We didn’t exactly help out much…”

Sweetie Bell grinned "Why don't we go help out at the Boutique?"

"You mean the Boutique is closed cause Rarity's away and she won't let anypony else handle her business?" Scootaloo retorted.

"Oh...yeah" Sweetie Bell mumbled. "Well then what should we do?"

"Why don't we go help Zecora?" Applebloom suggested

"Yeah she's always got something going on." Sweetie Bell agreed as the trio traipsed off down the paths towards the Everfree forest and the hut stationed inside it.

~~~Soon~~~

"Hey Zecora!" Scootaloo called knocking on the door.

It swung open as the cloak wearing zebra glanced at the three, “Ah Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, what brings you three to my home?”

“We were wondering if you needed help with anything.” Sweetie Belle said.

“Yeah, Twilight left us in charge of keeping an eye on things around here.” Scootaloo said.

“Oh she did now did she?” Zecora asked, “Well I was going to get some fruit for my newer stew.”

“We can help!” The CMC said as one Zecora blinked and glanced at them.

“Alright, I guess the extra hooves could be of usage.” The zebra said walking toward the forest, “Now the fruit we are looking for is gray and over a starry shape.”

“Alright Crusaders, let’s go!” Scootaloo ordered running ahead with the other two fillies. Zecora shook her head as she followed.

“Be warned crusaders, the flower of blue is no joke.” The zebra said as Apple Bloom skidded to a stop.

“We’re near Poison Joke?” The filly asked.

“Yes Apple Bloom, don’t be gloom. All will be well, if we remain on our hooves.” Zecora reassured. Apple Bloom nodded and caught up with the other two.

“Hey Crusaders there it is!” Apple Bloom said, motioning to the fruit on the tree. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle grinned as they ran ahead.

“Crusaders wait.” Zecora called, “The Poison Joke is…ahead.” She said as the two fillies glanced back at her, surrounded by the blue flowers.

"Oh no" Sweetie Bell muttered squeaking as she clapped her hooves to her mouth "Whats wrong with my voice?" she squeaked voice even higher pitched than normal.

Scootaloo started to laugh as she rocked back falling onto her back as her feathery wings flared up before draping over top of her as she blinked "Um...what the hay?"

Sweetie bell giggled voice deepening as she did "Hehe nice blanket Scootaloo." she giggled

"Shut up Sweetie Bell this isn't funny how am I gonna ride my scooter like this?!"

“Okay girls, calm down.” Apple Bloom said, “We just need to call the Spa Sisters.”

“I fear it won’t be that easy my crusaders.” Zecora said, “For the sisters have left for the weekend. Apple Bloom, will you go to town and get a tub for two?"

“Yes, right away Zecora.” Apple Bloom said turning and heading back to town.

“As for you two, we will begin prepping for when Apple Bloom returns.” The Zebra said, turning and starting back for her hut, the other two following her.

*Zecora’s hut*

“Now as we wait for Apple Bloom, I need you two to get me some items.” Zecora said listing off the items.

“Sure thing Zecora.” Sweetie Belle said.

“Right away.” Scootaloo said.

*With Apple Bloom*

Apple Bloom walked through the forest pulling a tub behind her, “This is heavier than I thought.” She muttered stopping outside of the hut, “Zecora? I got the tub…” She opened the door and blinked, as the hut would be covered in liquid and glass shards.

“Sorry Zecora.” Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo muttered.

“What happened?” Apple Bloom asked leaving the tub outside.

“We tried to help.” Scootaloo said.

“It’s over now, Apple Bloom, the tub?” Zecora asked glancing at the earth pony.

“Outside.” The filly said as Zecora nodded and walked out putting things into the tub.

“Apple Bloom, will you get the water?” The zebra asked. Apple Bloom nodded and grabbed a vial and taking it out to her.
“And now?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Get in, it helps.” Apple Bloom said as her fellow crusaders climbed into the tub and relaxed.

“I say we wait for help to be needed not go looking for it.” Scootaloo proposed.

“Agreed.” The other two said.

“A great lesson can be learned from this, check your surroundings before rushing in.” Zecora said, smiling softly.

Author's Note

~~~Author's Note~~
Twilight: Muhahaha! Poor Crusaders

Spark: GAH okay this wasn't my best idea, Twilight...you frigging ROCK!!! I dunno if I've told you enough but this chapter wouldn't EXIST if it wasn't for you...I just could not get into their heads to write it

Twilight: Ah, thanks. Guess I have the mind of fillies and Zecora. *Chuckles and blushes lightly*

Spark: *grins and hugs* Well you're welcome! I'm being serious here. Anyway yeah poor poor crusaders even they aren't immune to us messing with them *chuckles*

Twilight: *Grins evilly and hugs back* No one is.

Spark: *chuckles* now then if you don't want to have us turn our manaiacle attentions on you please comment or review however you want to term it. Tell us how we're doing

Twilight: Or I will sic Discord on you...or Poison Joke. Please?