The Fourth

The Fourth…
By Countpony

Dedicated to the discouraged children all over the world

True to heart
In trials find
You perfect part
With peace of mind
That little spark
Talent revealed
Your cutie mark
The fruit you yield
-Countpony

Part 1 … Cutie Mark Crusader

“Cutie Mark Crusaders Mail-mares GO!” were the shouts from the excited fillies. They were, at the moment, being instructed on what to do by a certain cross-eyed pony.
“I want to thank you girls once again for helping me with this,” said Derpy. “My sister, Ditzy, has invited Dinky and I to visit in Cloudsdale, and I need to leave early.”
“That’s fine, Miss Derpy,” said the more responsible Apple Bloom “Ahm sure we can get this one package delivered to the right place.”
“Who are these Burst ponies anyway?” Scootaloo said whilst balancing the package on one hoof for a moment before dropping it back onto the table.
“Hey, aren’t they the family that moved into the newly finished mansion that was delayed due to construction problems?” asked Sweetie Belle.
“I think so. Anyway, I need to go pick Dinky up from school. See you girls when I get back,” said Derpy as she headed out the door. Whack! “Uhh, stupid cross-eye, stupid temporary operation, stupid…” she mumbled on the way out.
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As the three fillies went across town to the new housing district, they saw many friends, got teased by Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, and knocked down a couple of market stalls. It was just another day in the life of these three.
Upon arriving at the very large residence of the Burst family, Sweetie rang the door bell. A familiar tune (to you, but not to them) played and a stallion with a white collar and a black bowtie answered the door.
“Greetings young ponies, welcome to the Burst residence. I am their butler, Silver Plate. What can I do for you?”
“We’re here to deliver a package to…” began Scootaloo glancing at the parcel in her hoof, “to an Ohminius Burst.”
“Oh yes, he was expecting something now wasn’t he?” Silver Plate explained while turning towards the stairs. “Master Ohminius, please come down, your package has arrived.”
“Be right there Silv. Just give me a second…” came a voice from the top of the stairs. “I’m trying to see if stair sledding is my special talent.”
“You must excuse him; he has been worrying about his cutie mark ever since we moved here, something about it hindering his ability to make friends. By the way, have you met my niece?” said the butler as he turned back to the ponies at the door.
“If yah mean Silver Spoon, then yes we have. But it’s not the best of relations,” replied Apple Bloom, thinking back to around ten minutes ago when Diamond and Silver was giving them a hard time about being blank-flanks. “Wait, did you just say his cutie mark?”
“Well, yes I did. Although lack of a cutie mark might put it bett…” Silver Plate tried to clarify. At that same moment something yellow, blue, and green flashed down the stairs.
“Look out below!” cried the young colt. In a moment, the three fillies saw him on his sled, on top of the poor butler. Getting up, he ruffled his yellow wings and shook his electric green and blue mane. He then glanced back to see if he had a sled on him, but a blank-flank was all he could see.
“Ah well, next time,” the young colt said as he turned around. “Hey, cool my package… oh. Uh, hi there, thanks for bringing my thing, here…” he managed to get out when he realized that the three ponies in front of him were of the same age as him.
“No problem. Package delivered,” Scootaloo said as she and her friends checked to see if they had gotten mail mare cutie marks, but to no avail.
The colt picked up his package and saw that the three before him were as bare bottomed as he was. “Hey, you all are blank-flanks too!”
“Yes, we are. I’m Sweetie Belle, this is Scootaloo, and that is Apple Bloom.” Said the white unicorn, pointing to each of her friends. “And you are?”
“My name is Ohminius Burst, but you can call me Ohm for short,” he responded.
“Ohm, huh? That’s a cool name. Hey, you want to come with us while we got try to earn our cutie marks?” Scootaloo asked.
“Well. Sure, why not? Let me just go ask my mom,” he said, hurrying to the living room where his mom was in the middle of planning a runway event.
“Hey mom, can I go play with some friends?” he asked.
“Sure, honey, but be back in time for dinner,” she answered, calling out that last part as the front door closed. “Well that’s good, he already made some friends.”
“You’ve got a good kid, Flare,” said Vinyl Scratch. “I knew he’d adjust well.”
“I hope we can have a son with the same amount of spirit,” Synth Sense spoke, using an auto-tune sounding voice. “Hey Vi, speaking of which…”
“Not now, we have a fashion show to plan the music for,” Vinyl responded to her husband, “and stop with the synth-o-tone voice, we need to be serious.”
“We only have a few hours. My husband, Watt, is at the train station picking up my daughter for her vacation, at home that is,” Flare said to the two DJs.
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Later that night as Celestia was bringing the sun down…
“Owww! Wow! That hurts!” said Scootaloo, rubbing her side.
“Who knew racquetball would be so painful?” Apple Bloom said as she limped along.
“I’m going to need a good night’s rest after this one,” Ohm said, stating what they all were thinking.
“How was I supposed to know that The Flim-Flam Racquet Trainer 4900 had a motion targeting system?” defended Sweetie Belle, “or that it amplified any amount of magic ability?”
“We know it wasn’t your fault, Sweetie, so don’t feel down. There’s always tomorrow,” said Ohm, as he tried to cheer her and the others up.
The four blank-flanked ponies reached the Carousel Boutique and Sweetie said good bye. Rarity could be heard a moment later, fussing over her sister. “Seriously, Sweetie Belle, you must be more careful!”
“Well, Ahm a-going to head back to Sweet Apple Acres,” said Apple Bloom. “Cousin Braeburn is in town and he always has good stories.”
“Alright, tell us how that goes,” shouted Scootaloo. She turned to Ohm, “Hey, so my house is on the way to yours, so I’ll just stick with you.”
“That’s alright with me,” Ohm responded, happy that he now had some friends.
“So, um. Listen, Ohm, I wanted to ask you something,” began Scootaloo as they rounded a corner, “what is it like?”
“Eh? To what?”
“To fly.”
“Oh. I wouldn’t know,” Ohm responded, looking to the clouds, “I can’t fly.”
“What do you mean you can’t fly?” Scoots asked.
“Well, I try. I flap my wings, but I can’t go up. They just feel too heavy. Not to mention the fact that they’re all stiff and stuff,” he said. “And you?”
“My wings, they’re too small. I can barely hover as it is. My scooter is how I get around.”
“Well, maybe you and I could get some help,” Ohm thought aloud.
“Help you say?” Scoots repeated as a flash of rainbow flew across the sky. “I have just the pony. HEY, RAINBOW DASH!”
“YEAH! WHAT?” Rainbow yelled as she turned toward her favorite fan.
“MY NEW FRIEND, OHM, AND I WERE WONDERING IF YOU COULD HELP US WITH OUR FLIGHT PROBLEMS!” Scootaloo shouted back.
“SURE. HOW DOES TOMORROW SOUND? TANK AND I WERE GOING TO GO EAT UP NEAR ST. PONITEINE HILL FOR LUNCH. HOW ABOUT WE MEET YOU TWO THERE?” Rainbow responded.
“SOUNDS GOOD, SEE YOU THERE!” Scoots yelled as the cyan-blue Pegasus sped off.
At that very moment, Ohm and Scoots had arrived at the Burst residence, “Well, I guess I’m home,” he said.
Mr. Burst opened the door, immediately shook Scootaloo’s hoof, and a torrent of words came out. “Hey there, little pony, my name’s Watt. That’s right, Watt Burst. And you are? Ah, Scootaloo’s your name? Mind if I call yah Scoots? Has a nice ring to it. Hey, Ohm, you got a nice friend there and, oh hey, look. Dinner’s ready. Gotta go, nice meetin’ yah, Scoots,” and the door was shut.
“Well, that was interesting,” said the now dazed Scootaloo.
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The next day came quickly for the two young pegasi. A quick breakfast at Sugar Cube Corner was all they had to eat. Rainbow requested that Pinkie make her special healthy energy cupcakes for them. A super energy, hyper veggie, mega cupcake is what she called it. It tasted of cabbage and carrots, not a good combination, but Scoots did feel invigorated, and Ohm felt like he could actually fly. Maybe today wouldn’t be as hard as they thought.
When Scoots and Ohm arrived at the hill, they saw Rainbow and Tank already eating. They joined them for some nice daffodil sandwiches, and then they got to work. Flap repetitions, wing-ups, hoof hangs, and other various exercises filled the day. By the end, however, Scoots could hover and Ohm was still stuck on the ground. Rainbow Dash decided to take a different approach. “Hey, Ohm, I want you to go and glide off the top of the hill.”
“Are you sure? I mean, is it safe?” Ohm asked as he glanced hesitantly over the side of the hill.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be down at the bottom to catch you if anything goes wrong,” Rainbow replied reassuringly.
“Alright then, I guess I’ll be going,” Ohm said.
Rainbow Dash flew down to the bottom of the hill. As Ohm steeled his nerves for the upcoming flight, Scootaloo gave him her words of encouragement, “Listen Ohm, you can do this, I know you can, I’ll be right here. I’ve got your back. And Rainbow Dash will be ready down at the bottom.”
“READY, OHM?” Rainbow could be heard yelling.
“I GUESS,” Ohm yelled back, “Well, here goes nothing.”
He jumped. That split second seemed like forever to him. Then he began to fall, or was he gliding? He couldn’t tell, but this was the closest to flying he had ever come. “THIS IS AMAZING!” he shouted with obvious joy that both Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash could hear. But then, a look of horror appeared on Scootaloo’s face as she saw how rapidly Ohm was descending. “OHM, YOU’RE FALLING!” She yelled, hoping that he could hear her. At that moment however, he could not hear her. All he could hear was the loud rustling of the wind in his feathers. They had never been this loud before. Sure, there were more feathers on him than the average pegasi, but that didn’t mean anything right? He had very little time to dwell on these things as the ground came rushing at him. “Well, either this is the end, or Rainbow Dash will catch me,” he said to himself.
She could hear the shout of joy and saw as he began to glide. She noticed his perilous angle. Then, when Scoots shouted out, Rainbow Dash knew that something was wrong. His angle was almost a straight drop down. She would never make it in time to save him. There was only one thing she could do. A Sonic Rainboom, but not like any she had ever done before. It would not have any help from gravity, a completely horizontal Sonic Rainboom. All this flashed through her head as she took flight. Faster and faster, she flew. Her wings worked harder than ever before. As she began to reach top speed, she noticed the familiar sparks of light forming around her. Then the rush came, the color splash, the ear shattering burst of sound. And Rainbow Dash sped by, just in time to catch the falling pegasi.
But as her hooves wrapped around him, something flowed through her. It was strong, so strong that it knocked her to the ground. It was electricity. And as that zap of electrical shock flowed through her, the answer to all of Ohm’s problems with flight was solved. She smiled as she hit the ground. Then she blacked out.
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When Rainbow Dash awoke, she was in what appeared to be a large bed with curtains drawn around it. She looked up to see Ohm staring back at her.
“I heard you groaning, so I came to check on you,” he said, “How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine,” Rainbow replied as she stretched, “But how are you? That electrical shock must have been as painful to you as it was to me.”
“What shock?” Ohm asked, with a look of confusion on his face, “I didn’t feel anything.”
“Wait, seriously?” Rainbow said.
“Yeah, seriously. I’m as shocked as you are. Well, metaphorically speaking that is,” Ohm responded, as Scootaloo came in the room.
“So, how yah feeling?” she asked, “That was quite a fall you had there.”
“Like I said before,” Rainbow rolled her eyes, “I’m fine.”
“Well, that’s good to hear,” said a familiar voice from the doorway, “and you’re awake.”
Rainbow turned toward the door, as did Ohm and Scootaloo. Ohm was the first to speak, “Sis, you’re back from your spa treatment. How’d it go?”
Scootaloo and Rainbow both shouted in excitement and shock, “SPITFIRE IS YOUR SISTER?!”
“Yeah, that’s me, Spitfire Burst,” she said, “Little Ohm-y here is my bro.”
“Really sis? Stop calling me that. Especially with my new friends around,” Ohm said with exasperation in his voice.
“So, wait. You, Ohm, are related to Spitfire. Who is a Wonderbolt? Wow, I didn’t see that coming,” Rainbow sputtered out, obviously in a fangirl daze. Then she slumped back onto the bed.
Scootaloo took one look at her and stated, “Fainted. She must still be tired. It’s a miracle that she is still alive. Going at the speed of a Sonic Rainboom and impacting into the ground must have been very painful.”
“Actually, Scoots, what happened is that as Rainbow caught me, I somehow discharged a massive amount of electricity into her and the rainbow around her. As I did so, she and I flew into the Everfree Forest. When that happened I grabbed onto a tree branch and she smacked into a boulder. She dented the rock, too. I guess the electrified shield of light must have absorbed most of the shock,” Ohm explained as he went through the events of earlier that day.
“But what I want to know,” began Spitfire, “is what you three were doing in the first place?”
“Well...” started Scootaloo.
“You see…” continued Ohm.
“I guess you could say…” pieced out Scoots.
“She was trying to help the both of us to learn how to fly,” finished Ohm.
“I guessed as much, but why didn’t you ask mom or dad?” Spitfire said, “I mean, they would have been more than willing to help you learn how to fly. I would have too.”
“I didn’t want to bother you on your vacation, and I don’t want mom and dad to think I’m a failure,” Ohm responded, as he began to study the floor.
“Well, sir, I don’t believe you are a failure, if that brings any comfort to you,” said a solemn voice from the door way.
“Ah, Silver Plate. Just the pony I was going to call,” said Spitfire, “I was wondering if you could stop by Scootaloo’s house and ask if she could stay for dinner.”
“As you wish Mistress Spitfire. And as for you Master Ohminius, I do think that having a bit of parental help in this matter is most wise,” said the butler as he headed away.
“Wow, I guess I should ask mom or dad for some help, if Silver thinks so, then I might as well,” Ohm thought out loud.
Silver Plate reappeared at the door, “Did I mention it was time for supper? Ah well, I must be off again,” he said.
“He just comes in out of nowhere, doesn’t he?” asked Scootaloo.
“Yeah, he does. Come on you two, let’s go eat and check on Ms. Fangirl later.”
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Dinner began without a hitch. The Burst family had the usual conversations, such as school, business, and upcoming events, all around a huge dining table that Ohm considered way larger than what his family really needed.
Scootaloo took it all in with a twinkle in her eyes. The rich life had started to appeal to her, but she could sense enough from Ohm that this life could be boring, so she decided to liven things up. “Hey, Spitfire, how did you become captain of the Wonderbolts?”
“I can answer that one,” interrupted Mr. Burst, “You see, back in the day, my friends and I had just entered into our new jobs as Wonderbolts. We had the talent and Celestia herself decided to appoint me to the position of captain. When I finally stepped down, my daughter here was at the proper age to qualify to be on the team.”
“And our little girl got voted to be captain by the rest of the team,” finished Flare, “and someday, we hope Ohm-y will be able to enter also.”
“Mom, I told you not to call me that,” Ohm retorted, “and besides, in my current situation, I have a feeling that I won’t be getting in anytime soon.”
“Speaking of which, I heard that the nice Pegasus resting in the guest room figured out what your dilemma was,” Watt said as he finished his plate, “Well, this pommes de terre en puree is wonderful. I must thank Chef Débiter for making it.”
“Yeah, Dad, the mashed potatoes are great,” said Ohm as he looked across the table at Scootaloo and rolled his eyes, “About my problem, it seems that I was right when I told you that my wings feel heavy. It turns out that each feather is almost twice the weight of a normal feather, not to mention the new revelation to me that they cause massive amounts of friction when I flap them.”
“So when you touched Rainbow Dash and all that electricity left you and flowed into her, you didn’t even feel it?” asked Scootaloo.
“Not really, I mean, there was a slight tingling that I felt, but that was about it,” Ohm replied.
“Well, I’m glad you and Rainbow Dash, is it? I’m glad you and her were not seriously injured,” Flare said, “but next time, you need to be more careful, you don’t want your dear mother to die of worry, do you?”
“No, Mom, of course he doesn’t, and as long as I’m here I’ll make sure he stays safe,” said Spitfire with sincerity in her voice.
“So, Mr. and Mrs. Burst, I was wondering if Ohm was going to start school anytime soon,” Scootaloo asked, trying to change the subject.
“Well, I guess so, that is if he wants to. Before he would just have private lessons, but maybe school would be a nice change of scenery for him. What do you think son?” Watt spewed.
“I guess. Would I be in the same class as you and the others?” Ohm asked Scootaloo, “Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle that is.”
“I’m pretty sure,” Scootaloo responded, “and tomorrow is Family Appreciation day. So if you do come then, you can bring a family member to talk to the class.”
“Well, I have to be at the auction house, tomorrow,” Watt said, “and Flare, honey, don’t you have to work on that fashion show also?”
“Yes, dear, the deadline is later this week,” Flare answered.
“I could go,” Spitfire said, “I’m not doing much.”
“Well then, I guess it’s settled,” Flare said, “I’ll have the chefs whip you up something special.”
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“Ohm, dear, are you sure you want to do this?” Flare asked.
“Yes, Mom, I want to go to school with my new friends. They have been so kind to me, and I wanted to hang out with them some more,” Ohm said as he put his lunch saddlebags on, “and besides, this is easier than finding a new tutor.”
“Well, be safe. And have fun. I will be over at the town hall with Vinyl, Synth, and Rarity,” Flare said and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
“Oh, Master Ohminius, while you are there, would you say hello to my niece for me?” Silver Plate asked, “And tell her that I will be there for her birthday?”
“Sure, Silv, but she and my friends don’t have the best of relations. She and her friend Diamond Tiara are kind of jerks.”
“I believe the correct term is: are some kinds of jerk,” Silver Plate responded, “But if you can, just try to talk to her.”
“Sure Silv, I will,” Ohm said as he headed out the door.
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“Now class, settle down,” Cheerilee said, “I have somepony to introduce to you.”
The paper airplanes soon stopped flying, and the laughter and talking died down also. As the young fillies and colts sat down, Cheerilee motioned for Ohm to come to the front of the classroom. “We have a new student, his name is Ohminius Burst.”
“But you guys can just call me Ohm, it’s easier that way,” Ohm said hastily.
“Everypony say hi,” Cheerilee prompted.
“HELLO, OHM!” the class yelled in unison.
“What’s with his wings?” whispered Diamond Tiara to Silver Spoon.
“I don’t know, but he is a blank-flank just like those fillies,” the more timid pony responded, “Maybe they’re already friends.”
“As a matter of fact, Silver Spoon, we are friends,” Ohm said as he took his seat next to them, “Oh, and on another note, your uncle says hello. And he said that he will be there for your birthday.”
“You mean Uncle Silver Plate? That uncle? The one who left the family business and became the richest butler in Equestria? The one who lives in Canterlot and waits on the princesses? How do you know him?”
“He works at my house now. He was tired of the royal life and he wanted to move at the same time that we did. So we offered him a job and he accepted.”
“So my uncle, lives here in Ponyville now?” Silver Spoon wondered aloud, “And he said he will be at my birthday. That’s actually great news. Thanks, uh, Ohm.”
“You’re welcome, I guess,” Ohm responded, and he turned in his seat to face the front.
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Later, at recess...
“So, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle,” Diamond Tiara said. “Who’s your new colt-friend?”
“What?” Scootaloo said.
“He isn’t,” Sweetie Belle continued.
“He’s just a friend,” Apple Bloom finished.
“Well, your friend is just as weird as you three are. And what are up with his wings? Are they deformed or something?” Diamond asked with a hint of loath in her voice.
“They are not deformed. They just have some extra feathers,” Sweetie Belle defended, “And besides that, I’m pretty sure that he and his family are richer than both of your families combined.”
“I don’t think so,” said Diamond Tiara, “And even if that is true, my family owns the biggest chain of cheap stores in all of Equestria.”
“And my sister, Tuning Fork, owns the largest collection of antique musical instruments,” Silver Spoon piped up.
“Class!” Cheerilee said, “Time to come inside!”
Each classmate watched as their family members came up to the front to speak. Scootaloo explained that none of her family could be there that day and they were sorry. Filthy Rich was as boring as usual. Derpy came up and spoke about her mailmare job, in the midst of knocking down the canvas stand. Rarity handed out small pictures of her new fall line, and Applejack showed how accurately she could buck two apples into a target. Ohm looked around to see if his sister had arrived yet, but to no avail. Diamond Tiara noticed him looking around and decided to take the opportunity to tease him.
“So, where is your family member?” she asked, “Did you not tell them?”
“Of course I did, I’m just waiting for my sister to get here,” he responded as a trumpet sounded outside, “Speaking of which…” Ohm got up and went to the front of the classroom as the trumpets continued, “Everypony follow me, my sister is outside, and I guess she brought some friends.”
Everypony went outside and looked in the air. To their amazement, the Wonderbolts flew overhead. A trail of smoke behind them as they wrote “HAPPY FAMILY APPRECIATION DAY” in the sky. Then Soarin and Fleet Hoof did a double helix and landed in front of the crowd. Spitfire did a triple barrel roll and landed on her hooves in between the two other Wonderbolts.
Ohm went up to his sister and hugged her, “I knew you’d make it, and you got your friends to help.”
“That’s right.” She said. “All for you little bro.”
“WHAT?! THAT CAN’T BE RIGHT!” Diamond yelled, “HE IS NOT RELATED TO A WONDERBOLT. THAT’S NOT FAIR. THAT. IS. NOT. FAIR.” She continued to go into a fit until her father dragged her into a corner to have “a few good words” as he called it.
“So, does that explain what I do?” Spitfire asked the crowd.
“YES!” they responded.
“Good, my work here is done,” she said, satisfied with her work. Then she, Soarin, and Fleet Hoof left the playground as Ohm and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders smiled.
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Later that week, Ohm was invited to eat lunch in the park with Scootaloo and her family. They sat together on the picnic cloth, Ohm in one corner, Scootaloo in front of him and her parents to his sides. On his left was her father, Scatter Cloud. He was much like Scootaloo, same determined eyes, same orange fur. The only difference was his short, blue mane and tail. To Ohm’s left sat Scootaloo’s mother, Rolla Skate. She was tan in color, with a mane and tail much like Scootaloo’s in that it was purple, but her mane was swept behind her. They reminded Ohm a lot of his own family, except for the obvious reasons, his dad was yellow with an electric blue mane; his mother was light red with an orange and yellow mane. But other than that, his parents looked a lot like Scootaloo’s.
“So, Ohm, my daughter here has been telling us all about you. What I wanted to know, because she never mentioned, is what prompted you and your family to move here in Ponyville from Canterlot?” Scatter Cloud asked.
“Well sir,” Ohm began, “My mother decided that, since her runway management partnership with Rarity caused her to travel so much that it might be good for us to move a bit closer. And so, about a year ago, she had construction begin for the mansion. But something happened that made it all collapse, which delayed the move until the beginning of last month.”
“Oh yes, I heard about that,” Rolla said, “That was around the time of the Mysterious Mare Do-Well, but she disappeared, and nopony has seen her since.”
The four ponies continued to discuss other news, and Ohm got to know Scoot’s family really well. He asked about what they did for a living, and they explained that Scatter Cloud worked at the weather patrol. Rolla Skate, on the other hoof, had under developed wings, like her daughter, but she had found her special talent in Roller Derby. “In fact, I'm competing in the annual Big Hoofla event at the TerrArena. And if I make it through the semi-finals, then I will continue on the finals at the Sky Court.”
“If I were to go and watch, where are these places?” Ohm asked.
“Well, the TerrArena is in Cloudsdale, and the Sky Court is in Manehattan. Kinda odd, isn’t it?” Scatter explained.
“Yeah, shouldn’t it be the other way around?” Ohm asked.
“As it turns out, each place was a gift from the unicorns to each respective race. Unfortunately, the transport spell sent them to the wrong spots, and everypony was too lazy to switch them back,” Rolla finished.
“Strange,” was all Ohm had to say.
“I agree,” Scootaloo said.
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Dear Ohminius Burst,
I was told by Rainbow Dash that you have been having problems with your ability to fly, and in result, you generate large amounts of static electricity. I have made it a personal goal to help you in this situation. My research resulted in using your electric abilities to fuel a system I have called a “motor” to power what I am calling an electric scooter. Please stop by the library after testing it out. I wish to know how well it performs.
Sincerely,
Twilight Sparkle
“That’s all that it said?” Scoots asked as they zipped past Carrot Top.
“Yeah, and the big box had this cool thing in it,” Ohm answered. He looked down at the odd contraption, with weird wire-like objects sticking out of it. It hummed as he flapped his wings. “But you gotta admit that it is a bit strange.”
“Well, maybe you’ll get used to it,” Scootaloo said, “Maybe it even has something to do with your cutie mark.”
“But what would a cutie mark like that even look like?” Ohm asked. “Would it be like a lightning bolt on a scooter?”
“Who knows..?” Scootaloo said. She stopped in the middle of the street as she saw a poster at the manega store. “What does that say?”
The two young pegasi got closer to the poster. It read: “Sign up for the D GAMES! Daring Do’s official skate competition!”
“We should totally do that!” Scootaloo said, “It’s a pair competition. We would be awesome.”
“It says that the competition is in two weeks. That should be plenty of time to practice a trick or something,” Ohm said, “And the grand prize is a trek through the Amniponian Rainforest with none other than Daring Do herself! Isn’t she a famous author and adventurer or something?”
“I think so. If that’s true, we should totally try to win. What we need is a secret weapon,” Scootaloo said.
“Then let’s go sign up!” Ohm said as he got back on his new scooter.
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“Alright, let’s try this again. Remember, go left, double flip, hoof stand, 360 back, in the air, land on the cloud.” Ohm said. “And while you do that, I’ll go right, hoof stand, back flip off scooter, onto yours, you fall, I spring up, onto the cloud, flap like crazy, and the electricity should disperse around that cloud.”
“Then let’s get started.” Scoots said.
She hopped on her scooter and headed left. Ohm got on his and went right. The hum of his scooter already had become a familiar sound. Scoots popped a wheelie on her front two wheels and spun upward, landing on the picnic table outside the tree house. Ohm circled around and hoof stand on the floor behind the table. At that moment Scoots spun quickly around and around, she spun until she floated up to the cloud above, leaving her scooter balancing her scooter precariously on the edge. Ohm let go of his scooter and back flipped onto the other scooter. Scootaloo jumped off her cloud and landed… too far to the left, and both pegasi came crashing to the ground.
“So close, maybe next time.” Ohm said rubbing his head.
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle happened to be approaching at that moment. Upon seeing the two pegasi in a heap, Sweetie Belle asked, “So, things not going so well?”
“We almost did it.” Said Scootaloo. “I just missed my mark when I was leaping onto my scooter.”
“I'm surprised that you were able to balance it on the edge of the table. That must take some skill.” Ohm said. “If we can do that last hop and catapult me up to the cloud, then the trick will be complete.”
“So. What are ya’ll goin’ to call yer trick?” Apple Bloom asked. “How ‘bout the Electric Twist? That sound like a good name.”
“Or maybe, Zip-Zap-Zoom. It has a nice ring to it.” Sweetie Belle put in.
“I was thinking we call it, The Electrical Storm. Doesn’t that sound awesome?” Scootaloo said.
“I agree, The Electric Storm is a cool name.” Ohm said. “All Crusaders who vote for The Electric Storm as the official name say GO.”
“Cutie…” Scootaloo started.
“Mark…” Sweetie Belle continued.
“Crusaders…” Apple Bloom said.
“GO!” The four yelled at once.
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It was the day of the event. Celestia’s sun beat down, almost more than usual. Ohm sat in the shade of a tree at the edge of the skate-park, drinking some apple juice. Scootaloo was beside him. She was reading the line-up for the day, aloud to him and the other Crusaders. “… Then after Snips and Snails we have, oh great. We have Light Wing and Slight-o-Hoof. You know, the class con artists.”
“Yeah, those jerks took mah lunch money in exchange for a ‘stock share’, whatever that is.” Apple Bloom said. “Why, they might be as bad as Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.”
Scootaloo returned her gaze to the list and gave out a slight groan. “Speaking of which, guess who gets to go just right before us.” She said.
“No, not them, anypony but them.” Ohm said sarcastically. “That will totally ruin the entire competition.”
“What it means, is that you two will be able to win, and rub it in their faces.” Sweetie Belle said. “Well, at least then they might not taunt us as much.”
“EVERYPONY GATHER AROUND. THE COMPETITION IS ABOUT TO BEGIN.” The mayor could be heard, as she addressed the crowd. “ALL ENTRANTS, PLEASE HEAD TO THE LOCKER ROOM TO WAIT YOUR TURN.”
“That means us.” Scootaloo said.
“It sure does.” Ohm said, sipping the last of the juice. “Alright, let’s do this thing.”
“Hooves in everypony.” Apple Bloom said. “One… Two… Three!”
“CUTIE MARK CRUSADER SKATERS, GO!” they yelled.
After a round of hugs, the two pegasi headed off to the locker room to wait. Along with them, about 12 other ponies were competing. Each in their own pair. Scootaloo could see many classmates, and some unfamiliar faces. She scanned the room and, sure enough, there sat Diamond and Silver on a bench with gem-encrusted safety gear.
“Pair one,” somepony in the doorway said. “You’re up.”
“We’re pair seven, so we have some time.” Ohm said. “Are you nervous.”
“No, of course not.” Scootaloo said, looking insulted by the very idea. Her face fell slightly.” Well, maybe a bit.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll do fine. We have practiced so much.” Ohm reassured her. “I'm sure that nothing will go wrong.”
“But even if everything goes according to plan. What if our tricks aren’t good enough?” Scootaloo asked.
“Hey, don’t worry. Our tricks will be amazing. And we will win that trip to the Amniponian Rainforest for sure.”
The two colt unicorns from the first pair came back into the locker room. One was really excited and was sharing why to the rest of the competitors. “She’s right there, next to the judges.”
“Who?” Somepony asked.
“Daring Do! Of course.” He said. “This is her competition after all.”
“Did you hear that?” Ohm asked, turning back to Scootaloo. “Scoots, we get to show our tricks to Daring Do herself. Not to mention our parents in the stands.”
“Yeah, that makes me feel better.” Scoots said as she rolled her eyes. “At least our time will come quickly.”
“You make it sound like death.” Ohm said. “Don’t do that. It’s just a competition. Nothing more.”
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“They got a nine, a seven, and an eight.” The score of Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon was read aloud and put on the score board. The numbers were hung directly beneath the two eights and the nine that Light Wing and Sleight-o-Hoof received.
Ohm and Scootaloo, prepared to go, waited at the appointed starting positions. The cloud was in place above and the concrete block below it. On either side of the central area were two curved ramps. These ramps were for the first part of Ohm’s plan. He nodded to Scoots, and she nodded back. They both began to flap their wings and zip down each ramp. The two ponies circled around the concrete block once and stopped. Ohm popped up on the concrete block and hopped over Scootaloo. Scootaloo grab the edge of the block and did a Hoof-n-go, a hoof-stand followed by a font flip onto the other side of the concrete block. Ohm turned back toward his ramp and zoomed up it and spun his scooter twice. On the opposite ramp, Scootaloo was doing the same. She hopped back on her scooter and went to the center, in front of the block and stopped. Ohm did the same. They looked at each other and knew that it was time. Scoots headed left. Ohm went right. Scoots popped the wheelie on her front two wheels and spun upward, landing on the block. Ohm circled around and did the necessary hoof stand on the floor behind the block. At that moment Scoots spun quickly around and around, she spun until she floated up to the cloud above, drilling a hole on the bottom and filling it back up, leaving her scooter balancing her scooter precariously on the edge. Ohm let go of his scooter and back flipped onto the other scooter. Scootaloo jumped off her cloud and landed perfectly on the hoofdle-bars. That motion launched Ohm into the air and just missed the cloud above. Scootaloo flipped back onto her scooter and noticed that he had missed a look of worry creping onto her face. Ohm flipped around and spread his wings, and glided onto the cloud. As he touched down, the once white cloud grew dark and released the thunder and lightning. He looked down and saw the smile on Scootaloo’s face and the look of awe on everypony else. Then he turned toward the judges table, and Scoots did the same. What they saw amazed them. It was two nines and a ten. The best score of the day.
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That night, the families of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, along with Rainbow Dash, Twilight sparkle, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie, celebrated and ate together at Sweet Apple Acres. It was a glorious meal, fight for royalty, with the most apple foods Ohm had ever seen. Apple fritters, apple pies, apple cobblers, apple dumplings, apple zingers, apple chongas (Pinkie Pie’s creation) and apple sushi.
“What is apple sushi?” He asked, obviously confused.
“That would be raw apple on top of a thing of rice. It’s a recipe we got recently from some apple family relatives in Japon. It’s supposed to taste mighty fine with that guacamole.” Applejack explained. “Ain't that right Big Mac?”
“Eeyyup.” Was his response.
“Lemme try.” Granny Smith said. “I wanna be the judge of your fancy schmancy apples n’ rice thingamajig.” She grabbed one of the plates, dipped it in the bowl and chomped it all in one bite.
“Wait.” Twilight said. “Did you say it was from, Japon? THAT’S NOT GUACAMOLE! IT’S WASABI!”
“Isn’t wasabi spicy?” Ohm asked.
The color drained from Granny Smith’s face, and was immediately replaced by the color red. Then she slumped in her chair.
“Granny Smith?” Apple Bloom said. “Are you okay?”
“I think she’s out cold.” Rainbow Dash said.
Applejack leaned over and put her ear to Granny Smith’s chest. “Ahm not hearin’ anything.”
“Rainbow, I need you to get a nurse, quickly.” Twilight said calmly.
“Gotcha!” Rainbow responded, and she zipped out the door.
“Now, if I try to restart her heart, in her old age, something may happen. She may not wake up.”
Ohm got up and said. “I think I can help.”
“How so?” asked Applejack.
Ohm jumped on the table and said. “Watch.”
He began to flap his wings. Faster and faster, he felt the electric shock flow into his hooves. He trotted over to the unconscieness pony and touched her. In a quick zap, the electricity restarted her heart and she, coughed the apple sushi up all over Ohm.
“What’d I miss?” She asked.
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