On Your (Cutie) Mark...

Chapters

Get Set ...
... Go!
Share the Load
Tout de Suite
The Last Crusade?
Sticks and Stones
Tabula Rasa
By Its Cover
Twist of Fate
Reckoning - Part 1
Reckoning - Part 2
Epilogue - The Letter

Get Set ...

Shadows moved within shadows as the clouds drifted in front of Luna's moon. Three small figures crept through the streets of Ponyville, edging closer to the Golden Oaks library. As the clouds parted and the moon shone forth again more brightly, the three figures dove for cover behind a nearby bush. They had to ensure they were not seen, and even though the streets were deserted at this late hour, their mission depended on absolute stealth.

In a voice barely louder than a whisper, one of the figures asked her accomplices, "Are you really sure we won't get in trouble for breaking into the Library like this?"

Pulling up her night vision goggles that they had borrowed from Pinkie Pie, Scootaloo replied, "Relax, Sweetie Belle, it will be fine. After all, Twilight did say we were welcome to use the library at any time to help us figure out our cutie marks."

"Yeah, an' besides, how're we gonna earn our cutie marks as spies if we don't try to inful...infoaltra...sneak in?" Apple Bloom added.

"I guess so," Sweetie Belle conceded.

The three fillies had gotten the idea after borrowing a Haymes Barn trilogy of Goldfilly, On Celestia's Secret Service, and The Mare With The Golden Horn from the library. While it wasn't quite as adventurous as Daring Do, the stories had given the Cutie Mark Crusaders several new ideas for things to try and earn their cutie marks.

Scootaloo pulled the night-vision goggles back down over her eyes and peered through the leaves of their hiding place. "I don't see anypony around, let's go!" she urged.

As silently as they could, the three girls crept up to the front door of the library. Apple Bloom took out a small set of picks from her saddlebag and furrowed her brow as she set to the task of opening the lock.

"Uhmm...Apple Bloom?" Sweetie Belle whispered.

"Not now, I'm tryin' to concentrate." Apple Bloom hissed.

"But, Apple Bloom, it says..."

"Not now!" Apple Bloom snapped, ignoring Sweetie Belle's interruption.

Scootaloo suddenly reached past Apple Bloom and turned the handle, pushing the door open.

"I did it!" Apple Bloom said proudly. Her moment of triumph quickly faded as she saw Sweetie Belle pointing to a small sign that had been posted next to the door.

Twilight Sparkle and Spike are currently away in Canterlot, please help yourself to the library facilities. There is a sign-out roster for any books borrowed.
--Twilight Sparkle, Head Librarian

"Aww, ponyfeathers!" Apple Bloom cursed. "It was open all along?"

"C'mon, we can still go take pictures of the books onto microfilm," Scootaloo offered. "Maybe that will work?"

The three fillies slunk past the door and went inside, taking off their night vision goggles before lighting one of the lanterns to see better in the near darkness. The library looked pristine, clearly Spike had worked hard to get things arranged and tidy before he and Twilight had departed.

"Everypony fan out and search around," Scootaloo suggested. "See if you can find a book or parchment or something that looks secretive for us to photograph." The other two Crusaders nodded their heads and split up to reconnoiter the shelves.

Sweetie Belle headed to the back room of the library, squinting her eyes to adjust to the semi-darkness as she pushed open the door. This room of the library didn't get that much use, and she could still see the patch on the wall where Spike had broken through with his greed-induced Dragon strength. Sweetie Belle still couldn't believe how big Spike had gotten and how much damage the town had suffered. It had taken nearly everypony to get things put back together again, and she had worked extra hard with Rarity to get Carousel Boutique in order.

A darker shadow under one of the low tables caught her attention, and Sweetie Belle walked over to investigate. Sitting under the table was a trunk with a large padlock on the front. On the table above, Sweetie Belle saw a parchment, which she leaned in to read.

From: Dusty Tome, Canterlot Library, Ancient Arcana Division
To: Twilight Sparkle, Head Librarian, Golden Oaks Library, Ponyville

Dear Miss Sparkle,

Princess Celestia recently came into possession of the grimoire within and her Highness has asked that you examine it to determine if it should be added to the Antiquities archives, or perhaps the Starswirl the Bearded wing. I would appreciate your response as soon as possible.

Respectfully yours,
Dusty Tome, Assistant Archivist

"Hey guys!" Sweetie Belle called out excitedly. "I think I found something!"

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo practically galloped to Sweetie Belle's side.

"What did ya find?" Apple Bloom asked excitedly.

"There's supposed to be a book in this trunk, all the way from the Canterlot Library!" Sweetie Belle gushed. "They asked Twilight to look it over, it has to be something important."

"Oh yeah!" Scootaloo piped up. "I bet it's some secret book of spells or something. If anything in here will get us our cutie marks, that's it!" She reached into her saddlebag and drew out the miniature camera they had gotten from Pinkie Pie.

"Let me at that lock!" Apple Bloom growled, gritting her teeth and once again taking out her picks and tools. The other two girls watched eagerly as Apple Bloom manipulated the picks in the tumblers. Eventually there was a barely audible click as the padlock opened. Apple Bloom beamed with pride as she used her mouth to work the lock out of the latch. The three of them tugged together to slide the trunk out from under the table far enough to pry open the lid.

Sweetie Belle pushed the trunk open, and holding a little lantern in one hoof, gazed down inside the trunk. Inside was a single book, a large bound volume covered in black leather, with hoof-tooled symbols and sigils worked into the cover.

Scootaloo poked Sweetie Belle and said "What is it?"

"I can't see it too well, it's too dark. One of you go get another lantern." Sweetie Belle answered.

Apple Bloom dashed off and returned in moments with another glowing lantern. She held it up to shine the light toward the bottom of the trunk.

"That's better...now I can read the title." Sweetie Belle said, looking back down toward the book. "Neighcronomicon" she read aloud.

"I wonder what that means?" Scootaloo asked. "Can you lift it out?"

Sweetie Belle considered that, and said "I think so, hold on." She started to reach for it, but stopped as Apple Bloom nudged her.

"Wait, wait, don't do that!" Apple Bloom stated emphatically. "Spies don't leave no hoofprints!"

Scootaloo looked around, finally her eyes lit on something and she grinned. "Hold on, I have an idea!" With that, she trotted back out to the main room and then returned carrying one of Spike's feather dusters in her mouth. She dropped it down at Sweetie Belle's hooves and said "Use the handle of this to turn the pages."

Sweetie Belle beamed at her friend, "Great idea!" She picked up the duster and pushed the handle down toward the book. "Hold the light a little higher," she instructed Apple Bloom. With that, Sweetie Belle opened the cover and started to slowly flip through the pages.

"It's really old," Sweetie Belle commented. "It's hard to read anything, but I can see some faded pictures on some pages." She turned a few more of the pages, and finally saw that one of them appeared to be legible. "Give me a little more light, Apple Bloom! I think I can make out the words on this one."

Apple Bloom nodded and pushed the lantern closer, turning her head so as not to be blinded by the glare.

"Awesome! Let me get the camera ready!" Scootaloo chimed in, turning to fiddle with the little device.

Sweetie Belle glanced back at the page, it looked like a short poem. Without thinking about it, she read the words aloud to herself under her breath.

Mentor, student, sister, brother

A mark of passage to another

Fates intertwined, for a moment of time

Until only one remains unsundered

Sweetie Belle didn't notice the slight opalescent glow that encompassed her horn as she read, nor did Scootaloo or Apple Bloom. As soon Sweetie Belle had finished reading, the glow flashed once, then faded.

Scootaloo finished her preparations and leaned up over the edge of the trunk, pointing the miniature camera to take a picture. As soon as she had, the three young girls swung their flanks around, hoping to see something to reward the night's efforts. When it was apparent that no marks had appeared, they all slumped a little with a chorus of "Awwwwww"s.

"I guess we aren't meant to be spies," Sweetie Belle said with disappointment.

"Well, maybe that's fer the best," Apple Bloom countered. "I mean, how much spying would we really get to do, anyhow?"

Scootaloo put the camera back in her saddlebag and said, "Maybe tomorrow we can try to do a cart chase, like in the book?"

The others looked back at her skeptically and finally Scootaloo nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I guess that wouldn't be to easy to do, who would we chase after?"

Sweetie Belle yawned and said "I don't know about you two, but I'm beat. I think I'm going home and get some sleep."

Apple Bloom quickly agreed. "I should head back to the farm, I have to get up early t'morrow an' help Applejack with a whole bunch o'chores."

Scootaloo eased the lid of the trunk shut and reached down to pick up the padlock and secure it back in place. "OK, Crusaders," she said, motioning for the three of them to shove the trunk back under the table. "I'll meet you at the clubhouse around lunchtime. Rainbow Dash said she should have some time in the morning to work on flying lessons."

The three fillies put everything they had taken back in its place, then made their way out of the library. With a final "Good night!" to each other, they made their respective ways home for the night.

Rarity had long since gone to bed when Sweetie Belle got back to the Boutique. Not wanting to wake her big sister, Sweetie Belle went to her room as quietly as she could. Her eyes were already starting to droop as she climbed into bed and snuggled up under the covers.

As Sweetie Belle slipped into dreams, she never heard the whispered voice that echoed quietly from the darkest corner of her room.

... Go!

Rainbow Dash was early. She'd breezed through her weather duties for the day and as a result had time to stop by her cloud home and pick up the cap and whistle she'd used during her coaching for the tornado training before heading to the swimming hole. She glanced back up at the sky and from the sun's position, Rainbow Dash guessed she might have time for a fast nap before Scootaloo arrived for her flying lesson. As she pulled the cap down over her eyes and settled in to catch a few winks, Rainbow Dash heard a faint buzzing-like sound in the distance that was growing steadily louder. The nap would have to wait.

Shortly thereafter, Scootaloo crested the little hill and caught some impressive air on her scooter, doing a 360 degree spin before landing on the sand and sliding to a halt just a few feet from Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash grinned at the sight of the young filly and said "Hey Scoots! Not bad, but you could have stuck the landing a little firmer." Rainbow Dash tried to keep the playful smirk off her face and straightened her cap.

"Thanks, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo beamed, apparently too excited about spending time with her idol to notice the little jest. "Give me a second and I'll be ready." With that, Scootaloo took off her helmet and placed it on top of her scooter before pushing them both out of the way to the edge of the sandy area.

"OK, Trainee! Front and center!" Rainbow Dash snapped in her coaching voice and Scootaloo zipped to attention in front of her.

"Before we begin, let's review the basics of flight. If you ask an earth pony or unicorn, they'll just tell you it's a matter of flapping your wings. Well, they'd be wrong!" Rainbow Dash lectured. "While it is necessary to create lift with your wing-strokes, it's less about the physical movements than it is controlling the air around you."

Rainbow Dash paused and flared out her wings. "First question, does the size of your wings determine how strong of a flyer you are?"

Scootaloo gulped and thought for a moment, before answering tentatively, "Mmmm...No?"

"That's right, Trainee!" Rainbow Dash answered, once again folding her wings against her sides. "Size matters not. Take Snowflake for example. His wings are nothing compared to the size of his body, yet he was selected to attend the Wonderbolt Academy."

Scootaloo pushed out her own small wings and fluttered them, glad that their diminutive size wouldn't be an obstacle to her training.

Rainbow Dash nodded approvingly, then continued, "Now then, Trainee, if wing size isn't the most important factor in flying, what about wing power?"

Scootaloo pondered that for a moment and then said, "Well...wing power has to be more about how strong your wings are...I guess?"

Rainbow Dash shook her head, then started to walk around in a slow circle around her student. "Close, but not exactly. Wing power is a representation of how strong your movements are through the air. For most, they consider it to be a measure of speed, but it's more than that. For example, when we were selected to lift the water to Cloudsdale this year, our team had to generate enough total wing power to lift the water out of the Highland Reservoir."

Rainbow Dash paused her pacing, and looked down at Scootaloo. "And being able to create a tornado with wing power comes back to what?" she asked.

Scootaloo hadn't expected the day to turn into a quiz session and it was a little unnerving. "It comes back to...err...controlling the air?"

"Pre-cisely!" Rainbow Dash exulted, favoring Scootaloo with a proud grin. "That's what gives Pegasi their magic. We fly because we channel our magic through our wings to control the air around us, providing lift, thrust, and control. The more attuned we become to that magic, the faster we can fly, the more agile we are in the air, the more wing power we can generate, that kind of thing."

"Oh! Oh, I get it!" Scootaloo exclaimed. "And that's what lets you do Sonic Rainbooms!"

"Yep, you got it kiddo!" Rainbow Dash replied with a satisfied grin. "So, that's the first lesson of the day. For you to learn to fly, you have to learn to tap into that magic. After a while, it's not a conscious thing, it's just something that comes with practice and some concentration to start."

Rainbow Dash lifted her whistle towards her muzzle and said "Now, I want you to focus on controlling the air around you and see if you can hover. Let your wings be an extension of your desire to fly and feel how they move the air as you flap them. When I blow the whistle, I want to see you at least four hooves high off the ground for as long as you can hold it!"

Scootaloo flared out her wings again, a look of determination engraved on her face.

Rainbow Dash counted down, "On your mark ... get set ... GO!" and lifted the whistle into her mouth, blowing it shrilly.

Scootaloo closed her eyes and started flapping her wings, trying to keep her thoughts on the air around her. "Move the air, move the air!" she told herself over and over. With what felt like a surge of energy within her, Scootaloo felt herself lifting and she scrunched her brow trying to concentrate harder. The energy within her surged again and suddenly Scootaloo felt extremely light, as if she could feel the air whipping around her giving her a nearly weightless sensation. The strain was getting to her though and Scootaloo felt her strength ebbing. She muttered through clenched teeth, "Is...this...high enough, Rainbow Dash?"

When no reply was forthcoming, Scootaloo opened one eye to peek and see Rainbow Dash's expression. But instead of her mentor's cyan-colored face, all Scootaloo could see was the cyan of open air. The shock of it snapped her eyes open fully and she realized she wasn't hovering just off the ground, she was in the middle of the sky! In a near panic, Scootaloo whipped her head around, up and finally down where she could see the pond below her as a tiny blue spot against the ground, with a bluish dot next to it.

"Whaa...aaaa..aaaaahhhh!!!!" Scootaloo screamed, her concentration evaporating like fog on a sunny morning. Suddenly unable to control her flight, the filly flailed her hooves around her and with a squee of terror, started to plummet towards the ground at a high rate of speed.

Rainbow Dash had been standing there completely stunned, the whistle falling limply to the end of the cord around her neck as she couldn't believe her eyes. The sound of Scootaloo's scream woke her from her dumbfounded state and she realized if she didn't act, Scootaloo was done for. "Hang on Scootaloo!!" Rainbow Dash hollered and zoomed upwards to catch the orange blur as it tumbled from the sky, a multi-hued contrail left in Rainbow's wake as she kicked in her full acceleration.

Scootaloo saw the rainbow trail and tried to flap her wings in desperation, trying to steer herself into the path of her heroine. As she did, the words of Rainbow Dash's lecture came back into her mind. It's not a conscious thing, it's just something that comes with practice and some concentration to start.

With extreme effort of will, Scootaloo forced herself to stop screaming and regathered her focus, once again extending her wings to flap them. As she did, she felt the surge of energy return, stronger than ever. Before she realized it, Scootaloo had turned her fall into a power dive, shooting past Rainbow Dash, who was reaching for Scootaloo desperately with outstretched hooves as she approached.

With a controlled spiral, Scootaloo flew down towards the ground, and leveled out for a smooth landing. Moments later, Rainbow Dash zipped down to land beside her and gathered the trembling filly between her forelegs into a protective embrace. "Thank Celestia, Scootaloo, are you alright? I...I can't believe what you just did!" Rainbow Dash breathed.

Scootaloo returned the hug, burying her muzzle against Rainbow Dash's chest, hoping she wasn't too angry with her. "I'm sorry!" Scootaloo wailed. "I just was falling, it was so fast."

Rainbow Dash ran a comforting hoof along Scootaloo's mane and said "It was amazing! Scootaloo, you flew! You actually flew!!"

"I..I did?" Scootaloo said uncertainly at first. Then the rush of what happened hit her and her eyes grew double in size. "I flew! I flew!!! I really did it!"

"You sure did kiddo! I can't believe it, but you totally did!" Rainbow Dash said in a tone filled with praise. As the mare and filly broke their hug, Rainbow Dash did a bit of a double-take. "What the hay is..." her voice trailed off as she took a closer look at Scootaloo.

"Oh my gosh, oh my gosh!" Rainbow Dash said in surprise. "I think...Scoots, it looks like you got your cutie mark!" Rainbow Dash let go and pulled Scootaloo up so she could see better. Rainbow Dash's expression became even more surprised as she gazed at Scootaloo's flank.

"REALLY!?!?!" Scootaloo shouted, spinning around in a circle trying in vain to see her own flank. "What is it? What does it look like? Tell meeeeeee!!!"

Rainbow Dash blinked to make sure she was seeing straight and then her face took on a hay-eating grin as wide as it could. "This is so awesome!!" she burst out. "It's...well, it's a cloud, with a rainbow-colored lightning bolt. It's...its the same as MY cutie mark!"

Scootaloo stopped spinning and stared at Rainbow Dash like she was crazy. Seeing the look on Scootaloo's face, Rainbow Dash shoved her over to the water's edge, where Scootaloo could see her reflection. Sure enough, just as Rainbow Dash had said, the mark adorning her flank looked to be a copy of the mark held by Rainbow Dash.

"I always knew you had it in you Scoots!" Rainbow Dash said proudly. "At least we know what your special talent is, to be the second most awesome flyer in all of Equestria!"

"Oh wow...oh, oh..I have to go show the other Crusaders!" Scootaloo burst out. She started to reach for her scooter, then stopped and looked back at Rainbow Dash. "If that's alright with you that is?"

Rainbow Dash just chuckled, "Of course it is! But you aren't using that to get there." Rainbow Dash reached over and pulled the scooter under her wing. "I'll take this back to Ponyville. You can fly to Sweet Apple Acres."

Scootaloo jumped up into the air and without even thinking about it, flew a perfect little circular flip. Hovering in the air to orient herself, she turned towards the direction of the clubhouse and with a final "Thank you, Rainbow Dash!" zipped off, leaving a little orange trail as she flew.

Rainbow Dash watched her go, her chest filling with happiness and pride for the little filly. Gathering up the scooter and helmet, Rainbow Dash prepared to fly back into town.

A sudden sound made her pause, it sounded almost like whispering. Shaking her head and telling herself it was just the rustle of wind, Rainbow Dash lifted up into the air to soar back to Ponyville and share the good news with her friends.

Share the Load

Applejack was late. She couldn't remember the last time she'd slept in past sunrise, but there was no denying she had, not with Celestia's orb blazing its first rays through her bedroom window. Grumbling slightly to herself, Applejack got out of bed and reached for her hat, which was hanging from one of the bed posts.

A sudden clang of noise from downstairs caught her attention. Applejack usually was the first one awake, so she wondered if Big Mac might have already started breakfast. If so, it meant Applejack was in for some good-natured ribbing at her "laziness", as her big brother would put it. She trotted down the stairs and headed for the kitchen.

As she rounded the bottom of the stairs and peeked inside, her jaw dropped in a bit of surprise. Apple Bloom was standing on a stool by the sink, filling the coffee pot with water. Applejack shook her head side to side quickly to make sure she wasn't seeing things, her little sister never was up at the crack of dawn.

Apple Bloom finished filling the pot and climbed down off the stool to carry it over to the stove to percolate. As she turned, she saw her big sister standing in the hallway and waved a hoof at her, being careful not to spill any water. Setting the pot over the burner, Apple Bloom turned on the stove and called out cheerily, "G'mornin', Sis!"

Applejack finally got over her surprise and walked into the kitchen and over to Apple Bloom and the sisters shared a brief hug. "Mornin', sugarcube," Applejack greeted in return. "What in tarnation has you up so early?"

Apple Bloom gave a little shrug and went to set three plates out at the table. "I ain't sure," she admitted. "Somethin' just woke me up 'bout the time the rooster crowed an' I was all eager to start the day."

Applejack tilted her head slightly and a playful grin split her features. "You sure you ain't one of them changelings? What have you done with my lil' sister?"

Apple Bloom giggled and got out three mugs, which she put down by the plates. As she did, both ponies heard the stairs creak and they glanced up as Big Macintosh walked down and into the kitchen. "Mornin', AJ, Apple Bloom," he said with a little yawn. "Coffee smells good, thanks AJ."

Applejack shook her head, "Nnope, wasn't me this mornin'. Apple Bloom got up and done all this herself." Apple Bloom beamed proudly at her brother at Applejack's admission.

Big Mac blinked in surprise and said, "This early?" He peered down at Apple Bloom. "You sure she ain't one of them changelings?"

Apple Bloom groaned and rolled her eyes."Y'all need new material," she huffed and went to fetch the coffee off the stove. Her two older siblings just chuckled and went about helping getting the rest of breakfast ready. The morning meal together was especially pleasant and filled with conversation. Usually, Big Mac and Applejack just ate in relative silence before heading out to start the day's chores.

Apple Bloom was the first to finish and started clearing the dishes to the sink. "I'm ready to help with chores today, can I help? Pleeease?" she asked eagerly, a cute smile covering her face.

Applejack and Big Mac shared a look of mild alarm, remembering what had happened the last time Apple Bloom had "helped". Finally, Big Mac just shrugged and Applejack said, "Errr...sure, 'course you can." Applejack thought for a moment, then offered, "Why don't you start with cleanin' up the barn? I reckon it's been a spell." Applejack gave a comforting grin back, thinking that would at least limit the amount of mess they would have to clean up afterwards.

Apple Bloom's face fell a bit, but she quickly recovered. "OK, Sis, if that's what you want." Apple Bloom paused a moment, then said, "You know, it'll be Applebuck season soon, an' I want to get in shape to help with that."

Big Mac excused himself from the table and headed for the front door. "See you at the south field later!" Applejack called after him. "Eeyup," came the reply and the burly stallion went outside to start his work.

Applejack got up and started to clear her plate, but Apple Bloom stopped her. "I got it, sis," she said. "I'll clean up in here then head over to the barn."

Applejack smiled and thanked her little sister then said, "I'll see you later, Apple Bloom. Was right nice getting to share breakfast this mornin'." With that, Applejack settled her hat over her blond mane and went outside to attend to the livestock.

In short order the kitchen was spotless and to her surprise, Apple Bloom hadn't even noticed how fast she had cleaned it. Even more unusual was it hadn't felt like work. Normally, even the prospect of just washing dishes would have been enough to make her groan. But today, she felt like a brand new filly and it had been foal's play to wash dishes, wipe down the table, mop the floor and clean off the counters.

With the indoor chore complete, Apple Bloom cantered outside and headed to the barn. Swinging the door open wide enough to squirm inside, Apple Bloom squeezed past into the barn and started to take a long look around, making notes on just what needed to be done.

Big Mac's yoke for the plow was leaning in one corner. There was loose hay scattered across the ground where some of the bales had frayed. Various other tools were laying about, some of which Apple Bloom remembered using herself when the Crusaders had been building their Summer Harvest Parade float. She blushed, realizing they had never fully cleaned up after themselves.

"I guess I'll start with the tools, the other stuff's gonna be too heavy to move on my own." Apple Bloom thought out loud. Her plan in place, the little filly set about gathering up the loose tools and taking them over to their respective pegs and hangers on the wall. Once all the tools had been put away, Apple Bloom started to rake up the loose straw and smoothed out the dirt of the barn floor, tamping it down with the blade of a hoe.

Soon, all that remained were the heavy things. Bracing herself, Apple Bloom put her head down to try and budge the yoke. If she couldn't lift it up onto the peg where it hung, she could at least hopefully push it up against the beam.

Setting her hind legs firm against the ground, Apple Bloom gathered up her strength and pushed with her head against the yoke. To her amazement, it didn't just budge, it scooted with relative ease causing Apple Bloom to lose her balance and flop flat onto her chest in the dirt. "Huh!" she said, picking herself up and dusting off her coat.

More curiously than anything, Apple Bloom walked over and put her forehooves over the yoke and lifted, using her legs for power. Before she knew it, she had lifted it off the ground and slid the yoke onto the peg that was driven into the beam. Pausing to wipe the sweat from above her eyes, Apple Bloom puffed out her chest proudly, still amazed at her unexpected strength.

Without a second thought, she galloped over to the hay bales and started to push them into a neat pile, stacking them two bales high, using her legs for lifting power. When it was all done, Apple Bloom sat down and admired her efforts. Beaming widely from ear to ear, Apple Bloom was sure that Applejack would be pleased with the job she had done. Apple Bloom couldn't wait for Applejack to get done with her morning chores so she could show her.

"Hey, wait a minute," Apple Bloom told herself. "Why should I wait? I'll jus' run down to the south field an' get her!" With that, she scooted out of the barn and took off at a full run towards the southern part of the orchard.

When she arrived, there was no sign of Applejack to be seen, but there was a cart nearby with several baskets piled inside. "She musta brought them out here to buck the Red Delicious," Apple Bloom decided. Reaching up into the cart, Apple Bloom took down one of the baskets and carried it to the nearest apple tree. She glanced up and lined up the basket underneath the largest apple she could see on one of the outlying branches. If she were lucky she might get that one to fall, Apple Bloom reasoned.

With a little gulp of uncertainty, Apple Bloom backed herself up close to the trunk of the tree, just as she had seen Applejack do so many times. She lifted one of her hind legs, and reached back to touch the trunk with it, making sure her distance was close enough to connect, yet not too close so she would jam her legs when she bucked. Gathering up all her courage, Apple Bloom closed her eyes, reared up on her forelegs, and bucked her hind legs as strongly as she could into the trunk of the tree.

Hoping to hear the sound of the one apple landing in the basket, Apple Bloom was suddenly pelted with a series of little thuds, as if she was standing in a hailstorm. She squeaked in surprise and dashed forward, taking shelter under the nearby cart. When she glanced out from under her shelter, she realized the day was as sunny as ever, there was no hail. With a puzzled expression, Apple Bloom crawled out from under the cart and walked back to the tree. Scattered all around the base was a score of apples.

"Now where'd all them come from?" Apple Bloom muttered to herself, then looked up into the branches. Not one apple remained suspended.

"But...I...I couldn't have." Apple Bloom pondered. Still unsure of what had just happened, Apple Bloom gathered up all of the apples from the ground and put them into the basket, then carried it over to the cart. Eyeing the supply of empty baskets, Apple Bloom reached up to put a hoof under her muzzle as she thought it over.

Finally she made up her mind and grabbed three baskets from the cart, dragging them over to another tall tree that was filled with ripe, juicy apples. Apple Bloom arranged the baskets in what felt like the right places and then turned around and backed up to the tree. This time, she wasn't going to be scared to watch.

With a deep breath, Apple Bloom rared up and bucked the tree firmly and watched in awe as the apples came falling down, landing neatly in the baskets she had arranged. The shock of it lasted only a moment, then with a little whoop of glee, Apple Bloom dashed back to the cart to grab more baskets.

The sun was creeping towards midday when Applejack came walking up the road towards the south field. The first thing she noticed was the cart, nearly filled with baskets full of apples. "Darn that Big Macintosh! I told him I was comin' down here, ain't no reason for him doin' all this on his own!" Applejack fumed. Her ears heard the distinctive *thunk* of a tree being bucked and Applejack trotted over to give over brother a piece of her mind.

When she got close enough, to her surprise, Big Mac was nowhere to be seen but Apple Bloom was standing next to a tree with two baskets of apples on the ground. Apple Bloom's face broke into a huge smile when she saw her sister and she called out, "Hey Applejack! Looky what I can do!" As Applejack looked on, Apple Bloom walked over to the next tree where she had arranged two more baskets on the ground and without a moment's pause, whipped her tail around and bucked her hind legs against the trunk, causing apples to rain down into the baskets below.

"Wha...what in th' name of Celestia..." Applejack stammered, clearly stunned by what she had seen.

Applejack didn't even notice Big Mac walk up beside her until he poked her with a hoof and said, "AJ? You alright?" Looking around at all of the empty trees and full baskets, Big Mac raised one eyebrow and looked at Applejack askance. "You're gonna hurt yerself, doin' all this without anypony's help."

"It wasn't her, it was me!" Apple Bloom gushed excitedly. Before Big Mac could start to chuckle, she walked over to another tree and bucked it, filling up three more baskets. Big Mac blinked in surprise, not sure he could believe what he'd just seen.

Seeing that there weren't any more trees close that needed bucking, Apple Bloom walked over to Applejack and Big Mac, a proud smile on her face. Big Mac looked down at his littlest sister, and said "Are you sayin' you did all this yourself?"

"Eeyup!!" Apple Bloom replied proudly.

Big Mac looked at Apple Bloom, then at the trees, then back at Apple Bloom, then back over to the trees, then finally back to Apple Bloom. Something caught his attention and he took a closer look. "Looks like you bruised yerself, maybe even pulled a leg muscle."

Applejack had recovered her wits finally and pulled Apple Bloom closer to take a look. Her concerned look quickly changed to surprise and she said, "Those aren't bruises! That's...that's a cutie mark!"

Apple Bloom's eyes grew extra wide and she jumped up with a "Yeeee haaaa!!" She bounced around joyfully, saying "I got my cutie mark!! I got my cutie mark!!" over and over. After the initial frenzy had passed, she finally thrust her flank towards her sister and asked "What is it?!?"

Applejack looked close and gasped, "Why...it's...it's the same as mine! Three apples!" Her voice nearly broke as she scooped Apple Bloom up into a hug. "My lil' sis is finally blooming!" Applejack said with a voice full of emotion.

Big Mac leaned in and wrapped his forelegs around both his sisters, hugging both of them tightly, a huge smile on his face. The three Apples clung to each other, sharing Apple Bloom's happiest moment, the three apples on her flank shining in the midday sun.

Tout de Suite

Sweetie Belle did not want to get out of bed. Even though it wasn't early morning still, the soft comfort of being snuggled under the covers felt especially good. The night had been full of vivid dreams, but Sweetie Belle couldn't remember any of them. Perhaps that was Luna's doing, if she had chased them away then Sweetie Belle knew Luna had her reasons.

Reluctantly, Sweetie Belle crawled out of bed and walked down to the kitchen, hoping that Rarity might have left her something for breakfast. Upon entering, Sweetie Belle saw the kitchen had already been tidied up and she frowned, that meant cereal again.

Walking over to the pantry, Sweetie Belle looked for the box of Frosted Oats cereal that she liked and spied it sitting on the top shelf, well out of her reach. "Seriously?" Sweetie Belle mumbled to herself, turning away from the pantry to find a step-stool. She really wished Rarity would be more considerate where she put things.

Sweetie Belle found the stool and drug it back towards the pantry. As she turned to scoot it into place, she stopped in surprise. The cereal box was now sitting down on the floor in front of the pantry. Rubbing her eyes to get any sleep out of them, Sweetie Belle looked back up where the cereal had been and shrugged. Picking up the box, she started to head to the refrigerator to get some milk. Before she could reach for the handle, the refrigerator door swung open by itself then slammed shut, causing the little filly to jump back in surprise and drop the cereal box, spilling oat clusters all over the floor.

"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity called from the kitchen archway. "Whatever are you doing in there?" Stepping into the kitchen and seeing the mess on the floor, Rarity gave an exasperated sigh. "You really must learn to be more careful! Now go and get something to clean this up and I'll get you something to eat."

"But...I...I didn't..." Sweetie Belle stammered, until she realized that Rarity was no longer listening to her. "Fine." Sweetie Belle said with an air of defeat and went to go get the broom and dustpan. Rarity in the meanwhile had reached out with her magic, opening the refrigerator to get out the milk, taking down a bowl from the cupboard, and lifting the cereal box to pour some into the bowl.

"There you go, Sweetie, no harm done!" Rarity said with a smile. "I have errands to run this morning, but I'll be back fairly soon to start work on a large project today. Do try and keep the chaos to a minimum in the store?" Rarity said hopefully.

"I promise," Sweetie Belle said, pouring the milk over her cereal and setting down to eat. With a satisfied nod, Rarity turned and levitated a hat with bright plumage to cover her head from the sun, and left the shop to head to the market.

Sweetie Belle finished her breakfast and put her bowl and spoon into the sink. Warily, she approached the refrigerator to put the milk away. This time, the door behaved as expected and Sweetie Belle gave a little "Whew" of relief. It was still a little early to head over to Sweet Apple Acres to meet up with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, so Sweetie Belle walked out into the store to find something to do.

The workshop area was filled with half-dressed ponyquinns, fabric swatches, and patterns from Rarity's current project. Sweetie Belle always enjoyed getting to peek at her sister's latest creation before anyone else and this morning was no different. The garment in question looked to be an evening dress and the fabric Rarity had chosen made Sweetie Belle at once think of Canterlot. Perhaps Hoity Toity had placed another order.

As she looked more closely, something bothered her, but Sweetie Belle couldn't put a hoof on it. She turned her head slightly from side to side, taking care to note the different stitching, how the hem had been taken in, the cut of the neckline. Sweetie Belle wasn't sure why this suddenly was so interesting to her, but she couldn't tear her gaze away from the half-completed outfit.

Rarity's errands took only a short while and she returned in short order to the boutique. Setting down the packages she had levitated home, Rarity called out cheerfully, "Sweetie Belle? Where are you?"

When no answer was forthcoming, Rarity grew concerned. She really hoped that the curious filly had respected her earlier admonition to steer clear of trouble. Not trusting in chance, Rarity walked through the boutique lobby and towards the workshop. As she entered, Rarity suddenly ground to a halt, her face contorting with shock.

Sweetie Belle was sitting right in front of the unfinished dress, staring at it intently. But what was most surprising was the number of small objects hovering around Sweetie Belle, all bathed in a light alabaster glow as they levitated. Scissors, measuring tape, a cushion of push-pins, even a small pad and pencil orbited around the filly's head.

"Sweetie Belle!!" Rarity finally gasped. "What are you doing?!?"

The sound of panic in Rarity's voice broke Sweetie Belle's concentration and as she turned around in surprise, the objects that had been floating around her clattered down to the floor of the workshop. The sound of their impact on the floor startled Sweetie Belle and she jumped up, knocking the ponyquinn over by mistake.

"Rarity!?" Sweetie Belle answered, trying to calm her nerves. "What...what happened?"

Rarity immediately dashed over to her little sister, righting the ponyquinn magically and putting a hoof to Sweetie Belle's forehead as if checking for fever. "Sweetie, do you...remember what you were doing?" she asked slowly.

"I...I came in here to see what you were working on today." Sweetie Belle stuttered. "I was looking at the dress you were working on and once I started looking closely, I couldn't help but notice the mistakes, so I started trying to figure out how to fix them."

"You don't remember the items that you were..." Rarity's voice trailed off and her expression changed from surprise to something a shade more critical. "Mistakes? What mistakes?" she asked a little coarsely.

"Well..." Sweetie Belle said reluctantly. "You didn't use pinking shears on the cross-seam where the forelegs will exit, so that seam will probably unravel over time. A few of your angle pleats around the middle are too straight, so you won't get the full slimming effect and I think you missed a couple of darts along the shoulders." She gave Rarity a bright smile as she finished, glad she could be helpful.

Rarity just gaped at Sweetie Bell with her mouth open in shock. Walking in a daze past her sister, Rarity ran a careful eye over the unfinished dress, examining it closely. "You're right..." she said at last. "But how could you possibly..."

"I don't know!" Sweetie Belle burst out, her voice starting to sound a little afraid. "It just stood out to me when I looked."

Rarity cast her eye back down at the array of objects surrounding Sweetie Belle, and then back to the dress. For several moments she stood thinking, then levitated a new ponyquinn in place of the previous one along with a bolt of fabric.

"Show me." Rarity said.

"But how?" Sweetie Belle asked. "I can't sew."

"Something is different, dear. I could swear I saw you using magic before and while I can't explain it, something is happening. Unicorn magic is very fickle at your age and it may be manifesting in ways you don't understand. So please, just give it a try Sweetie Belle, perhaps you'll start to understand."

Sweetie Belle nodded, encouraged by her sister's support and closed her eyes. In her mind's eye, she could see the pattern, could imagine how the fabric needed to be cut and stitched. Opening her eyes, Sweetie Belle concentrated on the fabric. Slowly at first, a little pearly glow started to form around the bolt, then grew stronger. With a gasp of surprise, Sweetie Belle felt herself lifting the bolt of fabric off of the floor without using her hooves, though it felt like she was holding it. She guided it to the table and let the bolt settle down on the surface, releasing her telekinetic hold. As the glow faded, Sweetie Belle gazed over at Rarity, who was standing there beaming with pride.

Sweetie Belle turned next to the scissors, this time levitating them with ease and guided them to the fabric, making precise cuts along the pattern lines. As each piece came loose from the bolt, Sweetie Belle grabbed them with her magic and guided them over to the sewing machine, stacking them neatly beside it.

Once all of the pieces were cut, Sweetie Belle went over to the machine, using her newfound magic to grab the appropriate thread and bobbin from the little rack of spools and threaded the machine as she had watched Rarity do hundreds of times. A slow smile started growing on Sweetie Belle's face as she started to sew the pieces together, forming the rough pattern of the dress.

Once the machine work was complete, Sweetie Belle started in on the hoof-stitching, no longer even needing to concentrate to levitate over the thread, needle, or pins as she worked. Within about 15 minutes, Sweetie Belle had finished the first pass of the work and used her magic to slide the dress over herself to check the basic fit.

Rarity had watched in awe barely able to control herself. As Sweetie Belle turned around in a slow circle to model for her sister, Rarity nearly pranced with excitement. "Oh Sweetie Belle, I just cannot believe it! It's marvelous dear, simply marvelous!"

As Sweetie Belle levitated the dress off of herself and onto one of the ponyquinns, she heard Rarity's gasp of surprise. Looking up with some concern, Sweetie Belle asked, "What is it?"

Rarity pointed a hoof and beamed, "Your flank...I daresay it looks very fashionable with that new cutie mark."

"My what?" Sweetie Belle said. Then it hit her. "MY CUTIE MARK!!!" In a flash, Sweetie Belle zipped over to the full length mirror and turned her flank where she could see the three diamond pattern that had appeared. As Sweetie Belle stared at it, her expression turned puzzled. "This looks like your cutie mark, Rarity."

"That's right, it does. It absolutely doooeesss!" Rarity practically sang. "Do you know what this means?"

"That I should have been spending more time in here all along trying to earn my cutie mark?" Sweetie Belle replied.

"Well, perhaps, but I was thinking of the future. The Carousel Sisters Boutique!" Rarity exclaimed. "No...wait, that won't work. Perhaps 'Rare and Sweet Boutique'? Oh, the possibilities, think of all the things we will get to work on together!"

Sweetie Belle smiled broadly at her sister and her excitement. This was The. Best. Day. Ever!

"I need to go show Apple Bloom and Scootaloo!" Sweetie Bell gushed. She started to run out the door, but then stopped. "Wait, I want to make us all new capes first!" As Rarity giggled at her little sister's enthusiasm for her new-found talent, Sweetie Belle was already levitating bolts of maroon and gold over to the sewing machine. She couldn't wait to surprise her friends with her newest design.

The Last Crusade?

Scootaloo was the first to reach the clubhouse, flying in through the door and sticking a perfect landing, one that even Rainbow Dash would have admired. Walking over to the wall where the roll sheet was posted, she lifted the pencil that was hanging by a cord next to the sheet and made a checkmark next to her silhouette. Scootaloo grinned to herself, being signed in first gave her the right to call the meeting to order when the other two fillies arrived.

As she waited, Scootaloo found herself growing fidgety, more than usual. It was like she itched in a place she couldn't scratch and the sensation bothered her. She tried pacing back and forth, but that didn't do anything to alleviate the feeling of restlessness. Finally, it grew to the point where she couldn't stand it anymore, it felt like the walls were closing in on her.

Stretching her wings, Scootaloo zoomed out of the tree-house and up into the air. The rush of the wind through her mane felt like such a relief and she started to relax as she soared lazily around. As she turned a slow circle in the sky, Scootaloo spied Apple Bloom cantering up to the clubhouse. With a huge grin, Scootaloo pulled in her forelegs and dove back down, once again zipping through the door to land next to a startled Apple Bloom.

"Hey now Rainbow Dash! That ain't funny ta scare a filly like that!" Apple Bloom grumbled, then realizing the pony standing next to her wasn't blue, her eyes opened wide as saucers. "Scootaloo?" she breathed in surprise.

"The one and only!" Scootaloo said, trying her best to sound nonchalant. It didn't last though as the two fillies stared at each other then started to giggle.

"You can fly?!?" Apple Bloom asked incredulously. "Since when?"

"Since this morning, when I got this beauty!" Scootaloo said proudly, whipping her flank around to display her new cutie mark.

"You got your cutie mark too?" Apple Bloom cried out. "That's unbullevabull!"

"Well, believe it, because it's true." Scootaloo said, beaming from ear to ear. "Got it during flight lessons with Rainbow Dash. She said I was totally awesome and that I'm probably the second best flyer in all of Equestria now!"

"Oh wow, two in one day! It's like a dream or sumthin'!" Apple Bloom exclaimed.

"Huh? Two? Two what?" Scootaloo asked, not sure what her friend was talking about.

"I got ma cutie mark too! Lookie here!" Apple Bloom gushed, turning her flank proudly so Scootaloo could see the trio of apples.

"Whoa! That's totally cool! You got that today?" Scootaloo asked, her eyes wide.

"Eeyup! Got that this mornin' doin' chores at the farm. I jus' decided to try apple buckin' an' sure enough it showed up right after. After all the crazy things we've done, all it took was some hard work back home." Apple Bloom said happily.

"This is like the best thing ever, wait until Sweetie Belle..." Scootaloo started, but then her voice trailed off and her expression turned to one of horror. "Oh no...what will she think if she's the only Crusader without a cutie mark?"

"I hadn't thought about that." Apple Bloom confessed. "I know she'll be all happy fer us and stuff, but it'll jus' break her heart if she's the only one of us without one."

"Yeah, we'll have to play it cool for now until we can figure out a way to break it to her." Scootaloo said thoughtfully. The little pegasus furrowed her brow as she tried to come up with an idea. Finally, she said "Let's put on our capes, at least that way she won't see them until we can come up with something."

"Good idea," Apple Bloom agreed and the two of them quickly donned their Crusader capes.

The sound of hoofsteps outside coming up the ramp made the two fillies breathe a little "Whew" of relief that they had thought of their plan in time. Sweetie Belle trotted through the door wearing her Crusader cape, her face sporting a broad smile. "Hey guys!" she said cheerfully. "I brought some presents to start the day!"

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom both gave a look of surprise. "Presents? But it's not our birthday" Apple Bloom pointed out.

"Oh, I know, but these just couldn't wait. I made us all new capes this morning." Sweetie Belle answered.

The other two fillies exchanged nervous glances. "New capes? That's...that's really great, Sweetie Belle, but there's nothing really wrong with the ones we have." Scootaloo said, trying to keep the concern out of her voice.

"Yeah, these are still jus' fine." Apple Bloom chimed in. "No need to take these off, nope!"

Sweetie Belle cocked her head and raised one eyebrow. "What are you two up to?" she asked accusingly.

"Us? Nothin'! We ain't up to nothin' at all" Apple Bloom answered a little too quickly. Scootaloo plastered a wide grin on her face and nodded in support.

"OK, now I know for sure you two are up to no good." Sweetie Belle said, then she grinned. "But that doesn't matter. I have presents and a surprise for you both and you're going to get them whether you're ready or not!" With that, Sweetie Belle turned and brought in a package she had left sitting outside by the door and placed it down in between herself and her friends.

"Crusaders, I present you our new official attire!" Sweetie Belle said flamboyantly and opened the package, revealing a stack of folded capes. "Scootaloo, here's yours." Sweetie Belle said and took the top cape off the stack. The cape was resplendent, made of jacquard wool that had been dyed burgundy and lined with golden silk brocade. The rampant pony emblem had been hoof-stitched to perfection and the clasp was made of golden filigree, set with an orange garnet to compliment Scootaloo's coat.

Scootaloo reached over and took it, too stunned to speak.

"And here's yours Apple Bloom!" Sweetie Belle lifted out the second cape handing it to an equally speechless Apple Bloom. The only difference from the one she had handed Scootaloo was Apple Bloom's clasp had been set with a yellow citrine to match her color.

"And of course, one for me!" Sweetie Belle beamed and lifted up the third cape. Her clasp was set with a sparkling diamond that dazzled in the sunlight streaming in through the window. "What do you think?" Sweetie Belle asked, her eyes shining with hope that her friends would love them.

"They're...awesome!" Scootaloo finally managed to squeak out. "These look like something Rarity would make." Catching herself too late, she gulped and said, "Sorry! I didn't mean it that way. These are just amazing, Sweetie Belle."

"I think they're the best cape I ever saw." Apple Bloom added. "Eeyup, definitely the best."

"Thanks, I worked really hard on them this morning." Sweetie Belle said with pride. "Go on, put them on and check the fit."

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom glanced at each other nervously and Scootaloo gave a little hesitant laugh. "Oh right, have to check that fit. After all, it wouldn't be cool if the fit didn't fit."

"You all are acting really weird." Sweetie Belle said. "That's ok, I'll go first. Oh, and...you all might want to be sitting down."

"Huh??" Scootaloo and Apple Bloom chorused.

Sweetie Belle didn't answer, she just smiled and levitated her old cape off of her, holding it in the air surrounded in a soft white aura.

"Whooaaaaaaa...." the other two fillies gasped. After a few moments, finally Apple Bloom had the wits to notice that Sweetie Belle had turned sideways a little and the three diamonds on her flank stood out prominently. "You got your cutie mark!!" she exclaimed.

Sweetie Belle levitated her new cape around her withers and fastened the clasp before settling the old one back in the package and releasing her spell. She blushed and said contritely, "I didn't want to show off too much, I hope you girls aren't jealous of me."

"Oh no, not jealous at all, that is totally cool!" Scootaloo congratulated her friend. "And that's a huge relief as well."

"Relief? Why a relief?" Sweetie Belle asked, not comprehending.

"'Cause a' this!" Apple Bloom burst out, pulling off her cape and twisting to show her cutie mark to Sweetie Belle. Scootaloo quickly did the same, causing Sweetie Belle to gasp with surprise. "You both got your cutie marks too? This is the best thing EVER!" She dashed forward and scooped up her two friends into a huge hug which was eagerly returned.

"Yeah, we didn't want to say anything in case you were still a blank flank." Scootaloo admitted.

Sweetie Belle pulled back from the group embrace, her eyes were shining with happy tears. "I still can't believe it." she said. "Does this mean...we're not Crusaders any more?" she asked uncertainly.

"Naw, we'll always be Crusaders!" Apple Bloom answered. "We'll jus' have ta find new things ta Crusade about!"

"Absolutely!" Scootaloo agreed. "I'm just so happy we all got our cutie marks together." She raised up a hoof over her head. "Crusaders forever!" she cried and Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom joined in to give their trademark group high-hoof.

"Since I got here first, I get to call the meeting of the new Crusaders to order!" Scootaloo stated. Hovering up and flying behind the podium, she found and banged the little gavel to start the official business of the day.

At about the same time the three fillies were conducting their meeting, six other ponies were gathered out in one of the fields, a large picnic blanket spread out with a variety of snacks and tea.

"So I blew the whistle and she just skyrocketed up!" Rainbow Dash said, zipping upwards a few feet to emphasize her story. "She was so high I couldn't believe it, but then she started to fall. I totally took off to catch her, but she just turned it into a dive and zoomed past me to land. That's when I saw she had my cutie mark. Well, her cutie mark, I guess." Rainbow stopped hovering and landed to grab another sandwich. "It was totally awesome."

"You can only imagine my surprise when I returned from my errands and found Sweetie Belle surrounded by a bevy of levitating objects, staring at the dress I was working on. Even more amazing were her insights on fashion and sewing." Rarity said from the little chaise that she had brought along to the picnic to keep her from having to lay on the ground. "At first I though it had to be a prank, thinking she must have asked Fluttershy for some of her freaky knowledge to tease me, but no, it really was her talent. She even was able to replicate the pattern and sew a mock-up just from her examination. I believe that is when her mark appeared. I'm just so thrilled, I cannot wait to have my little sister share in my business!"

"I reckon I jus' about fell over myself when I saw Apple Bloom buckin' those trees like it weren't nothing." Applejack said proudly. "I ain't never seen her so eager to do chores before, an' hoo-eee, you should'a seen the job she did cleanin' up the house an' the barn. Big Mac was the one that first noticed she'd gotten her cutie mark. Thought she'd gotten some apple stains on her flank or somethin'." Applejack smiled as she remembered the morning. "I'm jus' so happy I could jump over a cloud for my lil' sis."

"Oooh, oooh...this totally calls for a party!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she shot up into the air hovering like Rainbow Dash, which shouldn't have been possible. "It can be like a cuteceañera but not as stuffy. This will be so much fun!" Applejack reached up and pulled Pinkie Pie back down to the ground with a grin.

Fluttershy set down her teacup and looked over at Twilight. "Is it normal for other ponies to share cutie marks? I don't think I've ever heard of that before."

Twilight looked up from her thoughts and her face creased with a look of concentration. "It's not unheard of, though it's not commonplace." Twilight said. "Usually, if a particular talent runs in a family, it tends to skip generations, so there have been cases where a great-grandpony might pass down a particular talent to a descendant. I can't think of a case though where siblings have shared a cutie mark, so this is a very unique situation."

Twilight looked up at Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash and said, "In fact, I was hoping it would be alright with all of you if I studied the phenomenon. It should make a fascinating research paper!"

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "So you want to do egghead stuff to us? And why me, Scoots isn't really my sister, even if I kinda think of her that way."

Twilight nodded her affirmative. "You especially, Rainbow. While it's highly irregular, I can somewhat accept Rarity and Sweetie Belle sharing talents, as could Applejack and Apple Bloom because of their genetic similarity, bloodlines, and constant interaction. Why Scootaloo would somehow earn your cutie mark is the most puzzling thing about all of this."

"Don't worry, Rainbow Dash." Pinkie Pie chimed in. "It's really fun, you get to go into the laboratory and Twilight hooks you up with a bunch of wires to all of these machines with flashing lights while your hooves are clamped into some sort of device."

"That don't sound like a lot o' fun to me." Applejack said with a raised eyebrow.

"It's nothing to fret about, just a few measuring instruments," Twilight said as soothingly as she could. "I'd actually like to start with the fillies first, but I wanted to ask each of you if that was alright with you, and ask if you'd help me talk to them about it."

"If you really feel it's necessary, dear, then of course we will. Just please don't do anything too scary?" Rarity prompted.

"I promise," Twilight said. As the others returned to their picnic chatter about how exciting the morning had been, Twilight's thoughts drifted. It was extremely statistically unlikely that all three fillies would earn their cutie marks on the same day and even more unusual they had earned them in areas where they hadn't shown any previous talent or ability. Twilight couldn't shake the feeling that something else was involved and she couldn't quite put her hoof on it. Only time and tests would tell.

Sticks and Stones

The next day was a school day, which meant the Crusaders would have to put their exploration of their new-found talents on hold until after class. The three fillies had met up to walk to the schoolhouse together, they wanted their fellow students to see their new cutie marks at the same time. As they made their way down the road to the schoolhouse, Scootaloo tried not to grump at the pace of her compatriots; now that she could fly, walking or even riding her scooter to school seemed almost intolerably slow.

Scootaloo felt she was practically hovering, slowly flying backwards while laying out. "Can't you all go any faster?" she implored.

"Aw, is the poor ol' pegasus stuck waitin' on the unicorn an' earth pony?" Apple Bloom said with a smirk. "Just 'cause ya can fly now don't mean that we have to bust our flanks ta keep up."

"Speaking of flanks, I can't wait to see what everypony says!" Sweetie Belle said eagerly.

"I'm looking forward to what some ponies don't say" Scootaloo countered. "Finally, no more 'blank flank" taunts."

"Eeyup, I s'pose things'll be a lot more quiet now." Apple Bloom agreed.

The three fillies turned the last bend on the road leading to the schoolhouse and saw a couple of their classmates out by the playground. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom suddenly sprinted forward, causing Scootaloo to exclaim, "Hey! Wait for me!" as she righted herself mid-air and flew to catch up to her fellow Crusaders.

Featherweight was the first to take notice of the three new arrivals. "Good morning!" he called out. He then spied Scootaloo hovering above her two best friends, a wide grin on her face. "Wow! You can fly Scootaloo? That's super!"

"Sure can, check this out!" Scootaloo replied, turning a little loop as Featherweight watched with awe. Featherweight flitted up to join Scootaloo, taking out his camera to snap a picture.

While the two pegasi talked about flight camp, Twist cantered up to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. "Hi guys!" she said. "I didn't see you around much the last couple of days, how go the crusades?"

Apple Bloom beamed proudly and shifted to turn her flank towards her friend. "Jus' fine, thank ya! An' look here what happened for all of us!"

Twist looked closer, adjusting her glasses and then blinked. "You all got your cutie marks! That's great!" She reached into her saddlebag and took out a couple of hoofmade peppermint sticks. "Here, take these to celebrate!" Twist said, handing one to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.

"Ooh, ooh, celebrate? What are we celebrating?" asked Snips, walking up to join the others.

"I hope it's something fun." Snails added as he trotted up beside Snips.

"The Crusaders finally earned their cutie marks!" Twist said as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle smiled proudly. Scootaloo and Featherweight flew back over and landed to join the rest of their friends. "What's even more amazing they all have the same mark as some of Ponyville's VIPs!" Twist added.

"Ahhh...what's a VIP?" Snails asked, a puzzled look on his face.

"Very Important Pony!" Twist giggled.

A little cough sounded behind the group of colts and fillies.

"Well, well...if it isn't the three fake flanks." a voice said sarcastically. Everypony turned around and saw that Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon had walked onto the playground.

"Maybe you need to get your eyes checked and get glasses like Silver Spoon." Scootaloo snapped back. "If you hadn't noticed, we don't have blank flanks anymore."

"And maybe you need to get your ears checked!" Silver Spoon retorted. "We said 'Fake Flank', not 'Blank Flank'."

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo all looked at each other uncertainly, trying to understand what Silver Spoon meant.

"Wait, fake flank? What do you mean by that?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Are you saying these aren't real cutie marks?"

"That's right," Diamond Tiara sneered. "You three are such losers you couldn't even earn cutie marks for your own talents, you ended up just stealing someone else's."

"They're not fake!" Apple Bloom growled. "These here are jus' as real as yours."

Diamond Tiara just scoffed in contempt. "Whatever! You couldn't get your own marks, Cutie Mark Copycats. I bet the other three losers you stole them from are ashamed."

"THAT'S IT!!" roared Scootaloo. She could take Diamond Tiara's jabs at her, but nopony called Rainbow Dash a loser. Scootaloo lifted off and shot towards Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, flying in a tight circle around the two antagonists. As she built up speed an orange vortex formed, dragging the two earth fillies off their hooves and swirling them around uncontrollably.

Scootaloo steered the mini-tornado to the edge of the playground, breaking off as she veered near one of the larger trees by the edge. The vortex slammed into the trunk of the tree and dissipated, leaving Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon in a dazed heap.

"What's the matter?" Sweetie Belle asked, a little edge to her voice as well. "Feeling dizzy? Maybe this will help." Sweetie Belle levitated a bucket of water from the schoolyard well over the two prone fillies. With a little smirk, she upended the bucket, dousing Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

Apple Bloom didn't bother with a snide remark, she simply walked up to the tree and whipped around to buck it with all her strength. A cascade of leaves showered down onto the fillies below, making them look practically feathered as they struggled to clear their heads and climb onto their hooves.

"GIRLS! THAT'S ENOUGH!" a stern voice sounded from behind them. Cheerilee had arrived and her expression was one of controlled anger. "That is not how we treat our fellow students." Turning to address the others that had crowded around to watch the fracas, Cheerilee said, "I want you all to go back inside, my little ponies. Somepony help Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon up please." Cheerilee then glared at Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom. "Not you three, you stay here."

The other young ponies started to head back to the schoolhouse. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon didn't say anything as they walked past, though Sweetie Belle thought she saw Diamond Tiara fight back a tear.

"You all have really gone too far," Cheerilee said once the others had left. "I will not abide with fighting in my schoolyard. You three will have to stay after school today for detention and I'll be contacting your families for a conference. Scootaloo, I'll make special arrangements for you."

"It's not fair!" Scootaloo burst out. "They always start it, but we're the ones that get in trouble. Why don't you ever make them stay after school?"

"Because you three should know better than to respond with violence." Cheerilee admonished. "Now go on inside, you will make an apology in front of the entire class before the lesson begins."

The three fillies sighed and started to walk slowly towards the schoolhouse with their heads held low, the mood of the day having been thoroughly ruined.

The sky was finally clear over Ponyville, which meant that Rainbow Dash could end her shift on weather duty. Today's shift felt like it had lasted forever, Rainbow thought. Normally she could finish her tasks in short order, then have the rest of the morning free for whatever she wanted. Stretching her wings, which were uncharacteristically sore, Rainbow Dash decided that today's activity of choice would be a nap out at Sweet Apple Acres.

It was one of Rainbow Dash's guilty pleasures, she enjoyed curling up on the branch of a large apple tree and dozing in the mid-morning sun. It was even sweeter if Applejack happened to be working nearby, the repetitive thunking sound of her bucking apples from the trees reminded Rainbow Dash of a gentle heartbeat, the slow steady rhythm guaranteed to lull her to sleep.

Today was going to be no different. It was easy enough to spy Applejack from the air as she worked out near the west orchard. Rainbow Dash circled above, spotting a likely candidate for her napping spot, then swooped down to land on the thickest branch.

Applejack smiled to herself, she had seen Dash coming but hadn't called out to her. The routine of her best friend napping up in the trees while she worked was as familiar and welcome to Applejack as the naps were to Rainbow Dash. It was just the right kind of visit to keep her company while she worked. Close enough, but so much to detract her from her chores.

Rainbow Dash peeked open one eye, certain she had settled into the tree without Applejack noticing, because she was just that good. Satisfied her resting spot didn't lay in the path of trees to be bucked, Rainbow Dash curled up and closed her eyes.

*Thunk*

The slow, rhythmic sound of the thump of hooves against the tree trunks was like a drumbeat, calling Rainbow Dash to the land of dreams.

*Thunk*

So peaceful, so tranquil, Rainbow Dash thought as she started to slip away.

"AAAUGHH!"

The sudden shrill cry of pain took Rainbow Dash by complete surprise and her head shot up, searching for the source.

Looking around quickly, Rainbow Dash spied Applejack laying on the ground beside a tree, reaching back with her forehooves to grab at one of her hind legs. In an instant, Rainbow Dash was airborne, flying in a flash to Applejack's side.

"AJ? What's wrong? Are you OK?" Rainbow Dash asked with deep concern.

Applejack gritted her teeth, clearly in intense pain, fighting to hold back tears. "I...I think I pulled somethin' mighty fierce." she gasped. "Consarn it!"

Rainbow Dash bent down and peered closely at Applejack's leg. There wasn't any visible sign of injury, but her friend's expression and tone told her just how much pain Applejack was enduring.

"I need to get help, AJ. I don't want to try to move you just by myself. Where's Big Mac?"

"Now hold on Rainbow Dash, ain't no need to get him involved. I jus' musta bucked funny, I'm sure it will work itself out." Applejack said, grimacing. She started to stand and Rainbow quickly scooted beside Applejack to help support her weight. The moment Applejack tried to stand up properly, her face contorted with agony and she collapsed into Rainbow Dash's forelegs.

"Oh my gosh, this is bad." Rainbow Dash fretted. "Just lay here, I'll go get help and be back before you know it." A curt nod with a grunt of pain from Applejack was the reply.

Rainbow Dash shot into the air and flew quickly back towards the main part of the orchard. She had to find help and find it fast.

Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo sat in silence and stared at their desks, too dejected to do anything but wait. Their big day was a disaster and now the three fillies waited in detention while Miss Cheerilee held a conference with their families. Minutes seemed to stretch into eternity as the girls waited for the inevitable lecturing each of them were sure to get.

At last, the door opened and Cheerilee walked into the classroom with Rarity, Big Mac and Twilight following close behind. "I trust the three of you have had time to reflect on what you did and why it was wrong." Cheerilee said in a somber voice. "I've spoken to your family members about your behavior and they assure me it won't happen again."

The three fillies sunk lower in their seats.

"I've also assured your families that I'll be speaking to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon tomorrow so they are aware that I will not tolerate bullying at this school either." Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked up, their sorrow tinged with a ray of hope. "You're free to go home now. Scootaloo, would you please stay for just a moment?"

"Talk to you soon," Sweetie Belle whispered to Scootaloo as she and Apple Bloom gathered up their things and walked over to their siblings. Once the four of them had left, Cheerilee turned her attention back to Scootaloo.

"Since I am not able to reach your parents, I've asked Twilight to speak with you and she has agreed. Will you talk with her about what happened today?"

Scootaloo nodded and put on her saddlebag, making sure not to obstruct her wings. She then walked over to Twilight and the two of them left the schoolhouse.

"I was hoping Rainbow Dash was coming." Scootaloo said, sounding disappointed.

"I'm sure she would have, Scootaloo, but she's at the hospital right now with Applejack." Twilight said as calmly as she could.

"The hospital?!?!" Scootaloo exclaimed, jumping up into the air and hovering. "What happened? Is Rainbow Dash OK? Can we go see her?"

"She's fine, it was Applejack who got hurt and fortunately, it's only minor. Of course we can, I figured you would want to go the moment you found out. Big Mac and Apple Bloom are already on their way there."

Twilight paused and then turned to face the concerned filly. "I know that Rainbow Dash will want to talk about today as well, but this is very unlike you Scootaloo. What made you do such a thing?"

Scootaloo sighed and landed beside Twilight. "I don't know. I guess we were all so excited to show off our cutie marks and those two jerks had to ruin it. When Diamond Tiara called Rainbow Dash a loser, I just couldn't think straight I was so mad."

Twilight nodded in understanding, then said. "I know it's hard, Scootaloo, but you have to rise above that. Fighting never solves any problems, the best course is to just walk away. 'Sticks and stones', as the saying goes." Softening her tone, Twilight said, "Come on. Let's go see Applejack and Rainbow Dash." The two ponies started walking again, heading towards Ponyville Hospital.

Tabula Rasa

The throng of ponies crowded around the hospital bed was impressive, considering how little space they had to all squeeze in together. Applejack lay in the bed with a look bordering on irritation, though her voice reflected just how good it felt to be surrounded by her friends and family.

"Y'all don't have to be standin' around like I'm some sorta invalid!" Applejack said with a hint of dry humor. "The Doc said there ain't nothing wrong with my leg that he could find, so I'll be up an' outta here in no time. Y'all should go on home an' I'll send word when they let me go."

"Nnope." Big Mac said, shaking his head. "Yer stayin' right here and we're stayin' with ya."

Apple Bloom reached over and gave her sister's hoof a squeeze. "There ain't no way we're gonna leave you alone, sis." she said soothingly.

"Girls, I think we should give them a moment, why don't we step outside?" Twilight said to the other ponies. Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy all turned to follow Twilight and join Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo outside in the waiting room, but Rainbow Dash remained steadfast.

"Rainbow?" Twilight urged gently. "Come on, Big Mac and Apple Bloom have things under control here."

"No way, I'm not leaving her." Rainbow Dash insisted. To emphasize her statement, Rainbow Dash took a seat right by the door.

Twilight shook her head and said to the others, "I'll join you all in a moment." The rest of the ponies nodded in understanding and Twilight walked back to Rainbow Dash, lowering her voice as to not disturb the three Apples.

"Rainbow Dash, I know you want to stay, but visiting hours will be over soon and as close as you two are, they will limit visitation to family only. Those are the rules."

"Buck the rules!" Rainbow Dash snapped. "You didn't see her in the field, Twi. I've never seen Applejack helpless before and I couldn't do anything for her."

"But you did, Rainbow. You went and got help, there's nopony that could have found assistance faster." Twilight tried to reason. "You've done what you can here for now."

Twilight cleared her throat a little and then said, "Also, someone needs to talk to Scootaloo about the incident at school today. It all started because she got upset when she felt you were being insulted. I promised Cheerilee that I would talk to her, but I think Scootaloo will appreciate it more coming from you."

Rainbow Dash frowned. If there was one thing that she hated more than anything, it was feeling as if her loyalties were being divided. Still, Applejack herself had said she was fine and she had her brother and sister close.

"OK, I'll talk to her, but not here. A hospital isn't the right place." Rainbow Dash acquiesced.

"Thanks, Rainbow. It will mean a lot to Scootaloo for you to talk to her about this." Twilight smiled.

The two mares made their way outside to join the rest of their friends in the waiting area.

"Ah, Scoots...let's go for a flight and talk, OK?" Rainbow Dash said, trying not to sound uneasy. Scootaloo's face brightened at once at the idea of going on a flight with her idol.

"We should take our leave as well." Rarity said. "Sweetie Belle and I need to have a conversation on what a lady does and does not do in the face of ruffians."

"It has been quite a day," Twilight said, then grimaced as her stomach growled. "Ooops...I guess I forgot to eat, eheh" she blushed.

"Let's go to Sugarcube Corner and I'll fix us up a snack!" Pinkie Pie offered.

"That sounds very nice, Pinkie." Fluttershy smiled. "I'll go."

"I'm in!" Twilight said enthusiastically. The three ponies said their goodbyes and made their way towards the exit. Rarity and Sweetie Belle followed, talking quietly among themselves.

"Guess that leaves us." Rainbow Dash said. "C'mon, Squirt. Let's go." Leading her younger charge to the door, Rainbow Dash spread her wings and soared upwards, headed back in the direction of her cloud home. Scootaloo took off right behind her.

In just a few minutes, the pair landed on top of the cloud base where Rainbow's cloud home floated lazily in the sky. "Come on inside," Rainbow Dash said, pushing the front door open. "Don't mind the mess though."

Scootaloo tried to contain her excitement since she knew she and Rainbow were supposed to "have a talk" but it was nearly impossible to rein in her zeal at being invited into Rainbow's home to hang out together. In the past, before Scootaloo could fly, Rainbow Dash had always made time to spend with her on the ground, the prospect of being able to hang out in the sky together was like a dream come true.

Rainbow Dash walked in and nodded over at the couch. "Grab a seat if you want, I'll get us something from the kitchen." Scootaloo happily plopped down on the fluffy cushion. In a couple of minutes, Rainbow Dash returned with a basket of quick-heat hay fries and a couple of glasses of apple juice. "No cider for you, Squirt." she said with a grin.

Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash ate in silence for a bit, neither having realized how hungry they were. Finally, Rainbow Dash wiped her muzzle and said, "So, I hear you got in a fight at school today. Something about somepony talking smack about me?" Rainbow looked over at Scootaloo, who had seemed to shrink a little. "Want to tell me what all that was about?"

Scootaloo gulped, trying to think what to say, then finally blurted out, "They were calling you a loser and saying we stole your cutie marks and that we hadn't earned our talents and..." Finally Scootaloo ran out of steam and fell quiet.

Rainbow Dash had to force herself not to grin. She admired the spirit of the act, but she had to reinforce the lesson.

"I totally understand wanting to stick up for your friends. Back when I was your age, I got in my fair share of scrapes defending another pony's honor. But you can't sink to the level of a bully just to get back at somepony. That's not cool at all." Softening her expression, Rainbow Dash reached over and tussled Scootaloo's mane. "Mini-tornado though? If it was for any other reason, I'd have to say that was pretty cool."

Scootaloo smiled at the off-handed praise and Rainbow Dash couldn't help but crack a little smile. "I want to see some of this fancy flying of yours. How about you show me?" Rainbow Dash asked encouragingly.

"You bet!" Scootaloo gushed and together the two pegasi trotted outside. "I'll give you a head-start, wouldn't want you lost in my dust." Rainbow Dash said jokingly. Scootaloo giggled and then zipped off of from the cloud, shooting forward like a little butterscotch streak. Rainbow Dash counted to ten, letting Scootaloo get a decent lead, then took off to chase after her.

For several minutes, the two friends played a game of chase, with Rainbow Dash hot in pursuit. Rainbow had to admit, the filly was fast...much faster than she'd expected. Perhaps she would get Twilight to do one of her wing power measurements, if Scootaloo was this far along at her age then she would be a force to be reckoned with when she reached marehood.

"Is that the best you got?!?" Rainbow called ahead playfully and Scootaloo responded, banking hard to her left and doubling back past Rainbow Dash. Rainbow hit the air brakes, barrell-rolling around to give chase. Putting forth a burst of speed, Rainbow Dash started closing the gap to her protégé. Just as she felt she was about to be able to tag Scootaloo's hind hooves, Rainbow Dash felt a sudden twinge, causing her to wince in pain.

"What the hay?" Rainbow gasped in surprise, then the sudden wave of exhaustion hit her like a brick. Rainbow Dash tried to coax forth enough control to maintain level flight, but she couldn't feel herself moving the air at all any longer. Her wings locked up and Rainbow was able to cry out "Sc...Scoots...Help!!" before she started to plummet towards the ground.

Scootaloo heard Rainbow's voice, but she was too caught up in the game to make out what Rainbow Dash said. "You'll never catch me!" she exclaimed and tried to accelerate just a little faster, daring to take a quick glance backwards. When she didn't see Rainbow Dash behind her, Scootaloo pulled up into a loop, searching the sky. As she reached the apex of her turn, she saw Rainbow's cyan form hurtling downwards, out of control.

"RAINBOW DASH!" Scootaloo cried out in alarm and without a second to waste, poured all of her speed into a dive to catch her mentor. The green patch beneath them was growing in size very, very fast and Scootaloo strained to push a little more speed from her tiny wings. "Hang on Rainbow!" she yelled, pressing her forelegs ahead of her like a diver through the air. Scootaloo didn't even feel the formation of the mach cone, so intense was her concentration on catching Rainbow Dash before she hit the ground. With the last of her strength, Scootaloo pushed as hard as she could for the last of her speed.

Suddenly, the air around Scootaloo went completely silent, she couldn't hear anything, not even the beating of her wings as she rocketed forward, faster than she had ever gone. Her mind barely registered the large prismatic flash behind her as it started to slowly flare outwards. She ignored the spectral contrail behind her as she caught up to Rainbow Dash with ease, grabbing her between her forelegs and drawing Rainbow Dash protectively against her as she leveled out the dive.

Rainbow Dash glanced up weakly, her expression one of utter shock. "Scoots...how...how did you..." Rainbow Dash managed to stutter before she lapsed into unconsciousness.

Scootaloo didn't slow down to answer, she banked around, holding Rainbow Dash tight against her as she made a beeline back towards Ponyville Hospital.

"Thanks Pinkie," Twilight said. "These cupcakes are great and really hit the spot." She finished off the last bite and sat down to watch the sun start to set.

"Oh yes, these are wonderful," Fluttershy agreed.

"Only the most super duper cupcakes for my most super duper friends!" Pinkie Pie beamed.

"So, Twilight, when do you think Applejack will be able to go home?" Fluttershy asked gently.

"It's hard to say, but thank Celestia that nothing was broken. If she's strained a muscle, they might just want to keep her overnight for observation. I suspect they will let her go as early as..."

A sudden loud blast resounded through the air, interrupting Twilight and causing everypony to stare skyward. The large, multi-hued ring from the Sonic Rainboom stood out against the early evening sky and Twilight watched the streaming rainbow speeding back towards Ponyville. It didn't take long to guess the destination.

"I knew she would be eager to check up again on Applejack, but a Rainboom? That's a bit much, even for her." Twilight said in surprise.

While everypony else gaped, Twilight's attention was drawn away by a sudden tugging on her leg. Turning to see who it was, Twilight blinked with some surprise to see Sweetie Belle beside her, a look of grave concern on her little face.

"Twilight! You've got to come help. It's Rarity!" Sweetie Belle cried.

"What's the matter?" Twilight asked with alarm. Something in the back of her mind was starting to scream trouble.

"I don't know! We both saw the Rainboom and then Rarity just collapsed! She...she doesn't sound like herself and I'm scared!" Tears were flowing freely from the little filly's eyes.

Instantly, Twilight jumped to her hooves, her leadership instincts kicking in. "Fluttershy, I need you to fly to the hospital as fast as you can, Rarity may need medical help. Pinkie Pie, look after Sweetie Belle, I'm going to go check out what's happened." Fluttershy took off at once and and Pinkie pulled Sweetie Belle behind her. Twilight galloped over to the Carousel Boutique and dashed through the door, magic flaring off her horn as she cast a light spell to help her see in the fading sunlight.

"Rarity?!? Rarity, where are you?" Twilight called out. When no reply came, Twilight ran onward into the workroom. As she crossed the threshold, she caught sight of Rarity lying on the ground. But even more surprising were the tendrils of black mist hovering over the fallen mare that seemed to hesitate at the presence of Twilight's illumination.

Without a second thought, Twilight teleported herself to stand protectively over Rarity. "Get away from her!" Twilight snarled in a tone that offered no quarter. The black mist slowly complied, pulling back from Rarity and seeping down into the floor until it was gone from sight.

"What in Celestia's name was that?" Twilight wondered aloud as she bent down to check on her friend. Her concern started to abate when she didn't detect any injury, then suddenly Twilight gasped as her gaze drifted to Rarity's flank. The alabaster coat was unmarked, the three diamonds no longer present. It was like a slate that had been wiped clean.

Apple Bloom was sitting by her sister's bed while Applejack slept quietly. The doctor had prescribed a mild sedative to help Applejack rest and she had drifted into a peaceful slumber. Big Mac had returned to the farm to let Granny Smith know what the doctor had said and to take care of the chores that couldn't wait.

Apple Bloom gazed out the window at the sunset, glad that this day was finally drawing to an end. It hadn't been at all the good day she and the other Crusaders had planned for and Apple Bloom yawned, tempted to crawl in bed next to her sister and nap with her.

Suddenly, a flash of color burst on the horizon outside the window, and Apple Bloom gasped as she saw the concentric circles of color of the Rainboom spreading outwards. She'd heard about the Sonic Rainboom, but she'd never seen it before that she could remember and the sight certainly lived up to her expectations. She watched, nearly mesmerized, as a streak of rainbow steered in a curve and headed straight towards her.

The sudden sound of thrashing snapped her out of her daze and Apple Bloom turned to see Applejack writhing under the sheet in her bed. "Sis?!? What's wrong!?" Apple Bloom exclaimed and ran over her sister, calling out her name. As a cold chill of fear gripped her, Apple Bloom started to holler for the nurse and in moments Nurse Redheart ran into the room.

"What happened?" Nurse Redheart asked Apple Bloom, cradling Applejack's head to protect it during the seizure. "DOCTOR! Room 12, stat!" She called out loudly.

Apple Bloom shrank back, terrified, and wailed "I don't know! I saw the Rainboom out the window an' then she started flailing all over! Help her, please!" Apple Bloom felt herself curling up as the fear took over, mumbling over and over "Jus' help her..." Tears streamed down her muzzle as she watched the nurse hover over her sister. "Jus' help her..."

By Its Cover

"Twilight?" Spike gently poked at the dozing mare with a claw tip, "Twilight, come on, get up."

"Whazzat...Spike?" Twilight replied groggily. The purple unicorn had fallen asleep at her desk, surrounded by stacks of books. Even more tomes were strewn about the room where Twilight had discarded the ones she had already finished reviewing.

"Here, you need this. You were up half the night." Spike said, placing the steaming mug of coffee on the desk in front of Twilight.

"Thank you, Spike. You always know just what I need." Twilight said gratefully, levitating the mug to take a sip. While Spike busied himself to start straightening up the mess Twilight had made during her late-night research, Twilight rubbed a hoof through her mane and reviewed the facts. She hadn't been able to find one reference in any of her books on arcana, history, legend, or myth that bore any resemblance to the dark mist she had seen hovering over Rarity. The fact that it had reacted to her presence at all implied some sort of sentience, which was troubling.

Twilight considered her options. If there wasn't anything in her library's collection that could offer any insight, then she would have to expand her study. "Spike!" Twilight called out, causing the little dragon to pause with a stack of books in his arms. "Would you gather my quills, some ink, and blank parchments into a bag for me. We're going to Canterlot, to the library."

Spike set down the stack of books and gave Twilight a hopeful look. "Can we stop by the hospital first on the way? I...I was hoping we could check on Rarity." Spike blushed.

"Of course, I want to check on her as well as Rainbow Dash and Applejack. Oh, and we're going to make one other stop along the way, so be prepared for a short walk through the Everfree Forest."

The visit to the hospital had been brief, but hopeful. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity were all stable and resting with no further incident of complications. Satisfied that her friends were in good hooves, Twilight and Spike left the hospital and made their way into the Everfree Forest.

The walk to Zecora's hut wasn't too far and the path was now very familiar to Twilight. When they arrived, Twilight walked up to the door and knocked, hoping the Zebra was home. In a few moments, the door swung open and Zecora smiled to see Twilight and Spike standing outside.

"Twilight, Spike! Hello, my friends. What brings you to my hut again?" Zecora asked.

"Hello, Zecora, we need your help. Something has happened to three of my friends and I think there's dark magic involved. I tried researching what I had seen using my library, but my collection isn't that extensive. I was wondering if you might have some insights to share before I go to Canterlot and try their archives." Twilight replied.

Zecora frowned, "Come in, dear Twilight, tell me the tale. Together this problem we will assail." Twilight nodded her thanks and she and Spike went inside.

Zecora put on a pot of herbal tea as Twilight related every detail she could remember. She described the sequence of events from Applejack's injury and hospitalization to the unexpected Rainboom. Twilight then told how she had found Rarity and the dark tendrils of mist surrounding her. Twilight's face fell a little as she told Zecora of the aftermath, taking Rarity to the hospital and learning that Rainbow Dash had nearly fallen to her demise, only to be rescued by Scootaloo. The three mares were under close observation and while there didn't appear to be any immediate medical danger, nopony could explain why the three of them had all collapsed. Even more concerning was the mystery of why all three of their cutie marks had faded away.

Zecora had closed her eyes during Twilight's narrative, listening closely. She ran through her own vast knowledge of magic and lore in her mind, trying to think of any explanation. Finally, Zecora opened her eyes and looked at Twilight.

"The illness and their cutie mark absence," Zecora said thoughtfully, "with this foul mist cannot be coincidence. My instincts are that some dark spell, has summoned forth this thing most fell."

Twilight considered that, then said, "What you say makes sense, but there are very few ponies I can imagine beyond the Princesses that would even have access to such a spell, much less with the magical talent to cast it. The only one that might even come close is..." Twilight's voice trailed off and her eyes narrowed. "Discord!" she exclaimed. "It must be him!"

"A likely suspect, I must agree." Zecora said. "Perhaps revenge against Harmony?"

"I don't know, but I'm going to find out. Thanks Zecora, you've been a great help!" Turning to her companion, Twilight said, "Let's go Spike. We need to get on the next train to Canterlot and confront Discord and find out what his game is."

The train pulled into Canterlot Station and Twilight waited impatiently to disembark. It had been only recently that Fluttershy had convinced Discord to use his magic for good (most of the time, anyway) and Twilight had been expecting him to backslide. As soon as she was off of the train, Twilight levitated Spike onto her back and galloped off towards the palace grounds where Princess Celestia said Discord preferred to spend his days.

The guardponies recognized Twilight at once as she approached and let her pass without challenge. Eventually, Twilight found the draconequus lounging in one of the palace gardens. Setting Spike down at the entry gate, Twilight said, "Wait here, Spike." Wasting no time on pleasantries, Twilight marched up and demanded, "Alright Discord. I know you have to be behind all of this. What have you done to my friends?"

"My my, Twilight Sparkle! To whatever do I owe the pleasure of your company?" Discord asked with a regal air. Discord snapped his fingers and Twilight suddenly found herself seated in an oversized plush formal chair, with Discord now standing beside her dressed in a butler's tuxedo wearing a powdered wig and carrying a serving tray. "Do try some of the cream and trumpets!" Discord urged. A large brass horn poked its bell out of the teapot on the tray, blasting Twilight in the face with a raucous fanfare, causing her to flinch backwards.

"Oops, my mistake!" Discord said with mock sincerity. "I meant tea and crumpets." Another snap of his fingers and Discord was sitting in a similar chair, now dressed in noble finery, slurping tea loudly off of half a saucer.

Twilight did her best to remain calm. "I didn't come for a tea party, Discord. I want to know what was that mist you created and why it caused my friends to become ill and lose their cutie marks."

"What's this about a mist that I missed?" Discord asked, finishing the tea on the saucer before taking a bite from it as if it were a biscuit. "I'm afraid you're barking up the wrong tree." With a flash, Discord disappeared and then reformed next to Twilight looking like a small spruce tree with his normal head. Discord reached out one of his limbs to give Twilight a noogie.

"Discord...I'm not in the mood." Twilight grumbled, starting to lose her composure.

Discord sighed heavily, then in a flash returned to his normal state and dismissed the tea party setting. "You need to get out more Twilight, you are simply no fun." When he saw Twilight's expression had not changed, Discord said in a disappointed voice, "Very well, we'll do this your way this time. While I must commend whomever is responsible for their style, whatever you've encountered isn't my doing. What little you've told me sounds more sinister than chaotic and that's just not my thing."

Discord waved his eagle's claw dismissively. "There's nothing I can help you with, perhaps your precious Princess would be better." Discord huffed. "If you don't mind, I want to be alawn now," Discord quipped and poofed out of sight, until Twilight saw eyes and a mouth looking up from the grass itself. "Farewell, Twilight." Discord's voice said in way of parting as a "Keep off the Grass" sign appeared from nowhere.

Twilight started to retort, but then realized the futility. Trudging back to the garden gate, Twilight gathered up Spike and set off towards the Canterlot Royal Library.

Twilight and Spike entered the main atrium of the Library and the sights and smells of the books, parchments, and journals were instantly soothing to Twilight. Twilight paused to consider her plan of attack. "Spike," she said at last, "I'd like you to go to the history section and see if you can find any books relating to the pre-Equestrian era, specifically ones focusing on unicorn ritual magic." As her assistant eagerly ran off to see to her request, Twilight turned to head for the Starswirl the Bearded wing.

As Twilight passed by the small alcove that housed the genealogy records, an older stallion with a dark brown coat and a cutie mark of a leather-bound book waved to catch her attention. Twilight turned her attention to the stallion, who had approached very quietly, as typical for library staff. "Miss Sparkle! It is an honor to finally get to meet you. My name is Dusty Tome, welcome to the Library."

Twilight smiled in greeting, "Good day, Mr. Tome and thank you. If I recall you work in the Antiquities Archives section?"

The brown stallion smiled in return. "Yes, yes, that's quite correct. I wish my memory was still as sharp. What brings you to the Library, some new research?" Dusty Tome inquired helpfully.

"Yes, but I'm afraid my need isn't purely academic," Twilight answered. "Three of my friends have fallen ill and I'm looking for a spell that might reverse the process." Twilight didn't want to alarm the older scholar with the complete story.

"Ahh, I see. I do hope they recover quickly. You'll doubtless find what you're looking for in one of the medical archives. Speaking of which, I do want to thank you again for your work on the tome you recently returned to us. It has proven a most interesting work."

Twilight had to think back. "Oh yes, I remember. The Neighcronomicon. I just wish I could have been more helpful, most of it was illegible. I have to confess, it sat locked up at my library for quite some time before I could review it."

"Oh, I completely understand. I guessed you were using some tools to try and decipher it, from the little scratches on the cover." Dusty Tome remarked.

Twilight frowned. "Scratches? That's very odd, I didn't use any tools, I used my magic to levitate the book and turn the pages."

Dusty Tome frowned as well. "I'm quite sure about the condition of the cover, we are very meticulous to document everything about books we loan from the archives. Perhaps something happen in transit. I won't keep you from your research any longer, Miss Sparkle. It was a pleasure speaking with you." With a respectful bow of his head, the archivist turned and walked away back deeper into the library.

As Twilight watched him depart, she pondered what could have caused the book that had been locked up in her library to become damaged. She hadn't shown anyone the book and it had been returned to the Canterlot Archives safely. In fact, it practically hadn't left her sight during the entire time it was on loan to her, save for the overnight trip she had made to Canterlot to visit with Princess Celestia.

Twilight fretted, trying to recall the sequence of events of the days that followed. She had returned from Canterlot, things had returned to normal for the most part, then there was the celebration for the Crusaders getting their cutie marks...

Twilight's train of thought came to a screeching halt. The Crusaders had gotten their cutie marks. More specifically, they had gotten cutie marks the same as those now missing from Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack. All of which happened right after Twilight had returned the book to Canterlot. It couldn't be a conincidence.

"Mr. Tome! Just a moment please!" Twilight called out, sprinting off to chase after the archivist.

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom were quiet as they walked over to the library. Each of them were hoping that Twilight's summons meant she had figured out what malady was plaguing Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Rarity. The fillies had been given special dispensation to miss classes this week so they could spend time at the hospital during visiting hours.

When they reached the large tree that served as the library, Scootaloo knocked on the front door, which promptly was surrounded by a purple aura as it swung open. "Come in, please!" Twilight called out and the three girls went inside.

Twilight was sitting in the main room, a large black leather bound book on the floor in front of her. Each of the Crusaders gulped nervously when they saw it, it was the same book they had seen in the locked trunk on the night of their spying escapade.

"Have a seat, girls." Twilight instructed. The three fillies complied at once, sitting down in front of Twilight, trying not to look too guilty as they avoided looking at the book.

"Girls, I need to know, have any of you seen this book before?" Twilight levitated the book up so the cover was plainly visible.

Scootaloo looked at Sweetie Belle, who looked at Apple Bloom, who in return looked back at Scootaloo. A heavy silence hung over them until Twilight prodded gently. "I'm not going to be angry, I just want the truth. Have you all seen this book before, and if so, where?"

Sweetie Belle broke first, nodding as she looked up at Twilight. "We have. We were trying to earn our cutie marks as spies, after reading the Haymes Barn novel you lent us. So we snuck into the library while you were away and we found the locked trunk. We had borrowed one of Pinkie Pie's microfilm cameras and we were going to take pictures of anything that looked like top secret documents. We broke into the trunk and I tried reading the book while Scootaloo prepared the camera. I couldn't really read anything except one poem."

Sweetie Belle bowed her head in shame and the other Crusaders followed suit. "We're sorry, Twilight!" they said in unison.

Twilight levitated the book back down and turned her gaze to Sweetie Belle. "Do you remember what the 'poem' said? And had you already started using your magic before then?"

"No, I didn't use any magic, not that I know of." Sweetie Belle answered. "The poem was something about brothers and sisters and fates I think."

Twilight nodded. "Page 23. The spell of preserving the destinies of the dead."

"The..the dead?" Apple Bloom said, her voice a little shaky.

"Yes, this book is very old. It was originally from Saddle Arabia." Twilight said as if giving a lecture. "Most of the contents are unreadable, but it is a collection of rites and rituals for communicating with the dead. The spell that Sweetie Belle found was one that was intended, as best I can tell, to preserve key talents from ancestors within a family."

Twilight looked up at Sweetie Belle, who had started to shiver.

"I don't know how you were able to cast the spell, It must have been some fluke of the unpredictability of your unicorn magic starting to manifest. It's common for fillies of your age to start showing some signs of magic and the spurts are sometimes very unexpected." Twilight said.

"I can only guess that the spell didn't contact the spirits of your ancestors, Sweetie Belle, but rather attached itself to you, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo. It then connected with the pony you are most closely bonded with and drew out their talents and gave them to you." Twilight took a deep breath. "The question now is how to undo this."

"Can't you cast some sort of spell?" Scootaloo asked hopefully.

Twilight shook her head negatively. "I don't think that I can directly reverse the effects. What I can do, I think, is to use the spell to open that conduit again and hopefully you three can find a way to give back what you inadvertently took from your sisters. Or in your case, from Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo."

"If that's what I have ta do ta make Applejack better, then that's what I'll do." Apple Bloom said resolutely.

"Me too!" Scootaloo vowed. "Rainbow Dash is my sister as far as I'm concerned. I'll do whatever it takes."

Sweetie Belle tried to sound as brave as her two best friends, but her voice trembled regardless. "Anything for Rarity." she said quietly.

"Very well girls. I'll start." Twilight said somberly, then started to incant as she read from the Neighcronomicon. Tendrils of black mist started to rise up from the floor, surrounding the Crusaders. Slowly, they writhed around the fillies as if in some sort of macabre dance and then suddenly swirled over them, encasing them in blackness.

Twist of Fate

Darkness. Absolute darkness.

Sweetie Belle blinked her eyes to make sure they were still open. Shakily, she lifted herself up onto her hooves, wishing she could see something, anything.

"Apple Bloom?" Sweetie called out hopefully. "Scootaloo?"

When no reply came, Sweetie Belle's hope started to fade. She didn't like feeling like she was at the bottom of a hole, surrounded by nothing but blackness. If only she had a light...

As if obeying her command, a sudden illumination started to form around Sweetie Belle, very dim at first but growing in strength. As her eyes adjusted to the sudden influx of light, Sweetie Belle turned her head, looking for the source. Finally, it dawned on her that she was the source, the glow was radiating from her horn.

"At least my magic still seems to be working." Sweetie Belle thought gratefully.

Sweetie Belle's relief was short-lived, however. Voices started to swirl around her, a cacophony of sounds that clashed against each other, none speaking louder than a whisper.

"Who's there? Wh...What do you want?" Sweetie Belle stammered, involuntarily taking several steps backwards as the whispers built in intensity. The voices provided no answer, rather they seemed to be a flurry of whispered questions. "Stop! Stop it!" Sweetie Belle pleaded, starting to feel her resolve weakening.

Another dim point of light appeared, moving towards Sweetie Belle, growing larger as it approached. Soon, the figure of another unicorn could be seen in the glow, walking slowly towards Sweetie Belle. The closer the unicorn approached, the more subdued the voices that were surrounding Sweetie Belle became. Finally, the unicorn came close enough for Sweetie Belle to be able to take a good look.

The unicorn was a mare with a white coat and a carefully styled mane of blue and violet. Her eyes were a lighter blue, almost the color of a clear sky. She carried herself with dignity and grace and Sweetie Belle thought to herself the mare looked as if she belonged in Canterlot, not in some dark abyss.

As Sweetie Belle looked closer, she was surprised to see the mare's cutie mark was the same as hers and Rarity's. The mare smiled as she followed Sweetie Belle's gaze.

"That's right, it's just like yours. Or perhaps I should say, yours is just like mine." The voice was calm, collected and it had a soothing effect on Sweetie Belle.

"I'm Sweetie Belle, what's your name?" Sweetie Belle asked politely.

"My name is Diamond Belle," the mare answered with a gentle smile. "I know who you are my dear, I am your great-great-great-great-great-great grandmare." Seeing Sweetie Belle's curious expression, Diamond Belle continued. "The effect of the spell you are under allows my echo to speak to you here."

"Where is here?" Sweetie Belle asked curiously, feeling much less afraid.

"This place is a mystic resonance, a place where the memories of your ancestors have collected over the generations." Diamond Belle answered. "But I am puzzled, I would not have expected to find such a young filly in this place." Diamond Belle's face furrowed thoughtfully. "I am also fairly certain you couldn't have cast the spell that opened the way for you here."

"Oh, no...that was Twilight. She cast the spell on all three of us, so we could try and find a way to help our sisters." Sweetie Belle replied.

"There are more of you?" Diamond Belle lifted her head to gaze about, as if searching. "I do not sense any more of my descendants present, who else is here? Is this Twilight your sister?"

"No, that's Rarity, and she's...I...I think I should start at the beginning." Sweetie Belle said quickly. Diamond Belle nodded and listened patiently as Sweetie Belle related the tale of finding the book, then earning her cutie mark that was the same as Rarity's. The elder mare frowned as Sweetie Belle related the evening where Rarity had collapsed and her cutie mark had faded away completely. Sweetie Belle finished by telling of her sister's condition at the hospital and Twilight's use of the spell to open the way for herself, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo.

"I believe I understand. You now have her talent, no, even more, you have taken her destiny." Diamond Belle said after a moment. "The spell that you inadvertently triggered is one that was created many, many years ago before the three tribes were united. In those times, occasionally a talent was deemed to be vital for survival. This spell would allow a descendant to tap into that talent from their ancestor, drawing their destiny from a legacy."

Sweetie Belle nodded as Diamond Belle spoke, not fully understanding but trying to follow along. Diamond Belle paused a moment, then continued her explanation.

"The spell eventually was forbidden and was intended to be lost over the years in the obscurity of history. But I don't think the creators planned for it to be found by someone so eager to embrace their destiny, any destiny, such as yourself my dear." Diamond Belle looked closely into Sweetie Belle's eyes. "And now, you must make a choice. You can keep this destiny, this talent, and claim it as your own. If this is the choice you make, you need do nothing more. In a short time, the effect of the spell will become permanent. If you choose to relinquish your talent and forgo this destiny, you can release it here, back to your ancestors."

Sweetie Belle gulped, she didn't like the tone Diamond Belle's voice had taken. "What...what happens to Rarity if I keep this destiny?"

Diamond Belle reflected thoughtfully for a moment. "She will become a mare with no destiny, a shadow of her former self. She will fade away, to join the other shadows here."

Sweetie Belle's eyes grew wide with fear. "Fade away? As in forever?" Diamond Belle simply nodded in response.

"No! I can't do that!" Sweetie Belle cried. "I want the other choice, I want to give her destiny back to her."

A puzzled look crossed Diamond Belle's features. "I never said you could bestow what you had taken back to your sister. Yet the idea is intriguing. Perhaps..." Diamond Belle turned silent as she went over her thoughts. "Perhaps it would be possible. You will have to bring her here. In this place, when you release what you have taken, she can try to reclaim it."

Sweetie Belle looked back at Diamond Belle resolutely. "If that's what it takes to fix this, then that's what I'll do."

Diamond Belle smiled gently. "You have much determination for one so young. I can see why the spell latched itself onto you. I will send you from this place for now. When you and your sister are ready, cast the spell again and I will be waiting to guide you. Until we meet again, Sweetie Belle."

The glow around Diamond Belle started to shine brighter, until the radiance was blinding. Sweetie Belle closed her eyes against the painful light and when she opened them again, she saw she was back in the library. Twilight was still seated by the Neighcronomicon, her features showing the strains of maintaining the spell. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were also there, but looking shaken but unhurt.

"Are...are you guys alright?" Sweetie Belle asked.

Scootaloo snapped out of it first. "Yeah, I'm cool." she answered slowly. "I was flying in an empty sky, no clouds, I couldn't see the ground below. Then suddenly another pegasus appeared, he called himself Rapid Winds. We talked for a bit and he asked why I was there. I tried to explain but he seemed to be confused." Scootaloo shook her head, as if to clear her thoughts. "He asked why I had stolen my ability to fly and I said I hadn't done that. He didn't believe me though. I explained what had happened and he asked if my relative had passed away since I had stolen her destiny. I was confused and told him it wasn't a relative, but he just smirked. Then I heard your voice calling me and there was a bright light and we were back here."

Scootaloo rubbed a hoof along her mane and asked, "Does any of that make any sense to either of you?"

Sweetie Belle said slowly, "Perhaps a little...I think he was one of your ancestors, if what happened to you was the same as me. But that doesn't explain why Rainbow Dash was affec..." Sweetie Belle's voice trailed off as the ramifications hit her. "Scootaloo, I think this means you and Rainbow Dash share a common ancestor!"

"Really?!?" Scootaloo started in surprise. "That's...that's awesome!". Scootaloo's face broke into a broad grin.

"Yes, but we still have to fix things, and I think I know what to do." Sweetie Belle replied. The two fillies then turned towards Apple Bloom, who had been still and silent during the exchange.

"Apple Bloom?" Sweetie Belle asked. "You OK?"

"I'll be fine." Apple Bloom said softly, a tear rolling down her cheek. "I jus'...I jus' got to see mah parents an' I was tryin' to keep the picture of them in mah head."

"Oh..." Scootaloo gasped, then moved to give her friend a comforting hug. Sweetie Belle quickly joined in and the three girls clung to each other.

"Girls?" Twilight's voice interrupted after a moment. "What did you find out about reversing the spell?"

"I think I know what we need to do." Sweetie Belle repeated, letting go of the other two Crusaders and turning to face Twilight. "We need to cast the spell again, but with all six of us together. The three of us need to take our sisters into that place were just in and then give back what we took from them."

Twilight levitated the tome closed and into a saddlebag. "And you believe you know how to do this?" she asked Sweetie Belle.

"Not exactly, but Diamond Belle will be there to guide us. That's what she said." Sweetie Belle admitted.

"Then let's go to the hospital, I don't know how long this spell will remain active." Twilight urged.

The three fillies and Twilight gathered up their things, then they all set off from the library headed to Ponyville Hospital. The time had come to end this particular crusade, the crusade to give up their cutie marks.

After a final check that all of the preparations were complete, Nurse Redheart walked back into the isolation ward to tell Twilight they were ready. The non-critical patients from nearby rooms had been relocated to a different wing to eliminate any possible effect from a mystic backlash. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie had placed themselves outside of the ward to ensure that nopony would accidentally walk in and interrupt the ritual once Twilight had begun.

"Are you girls comfortable?" Nurse Redheart asked to the three fillies now reclining on the portable beds that had been brought in. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo each nodded their heads affirmatively, their expressions a mix of concern, anxiety, and preparedness. "Alright, good. We'll be monitoring their condition as best as we can." Nurse Redheart said with a look at the comatose forms of Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash.

"Thank you, Nurse Redheart." Twilight acknowledged. "I'll still be aware while the spell is active, so if there's any sudden emergency, please let me know and I'll try to bring them out." Nurse Redheart wished Twilight and the girls good luck, then took her leave from the ward. The room fell into silence once again and Twilight brought out the Neighcronomicon once again, turning the pages carefully to the proper spell.

Twilight then turned her gaze to the three fillies. "Are you all ready?"

"I'm ready, let's do this." Scootaloo answered, the slight quiver in her voice betraying her air of confidence.

"Me too." Apple Bloom said. Her voice carried no hint of fear.

Sweetie Belle just nodded her head yes.

"Very well. If it looks like there's any serious problem, I'll try to pull you back through the portal." Twilight said, and started reading aloud the words of the spell. As she spoke, the black mist formed again, stretching tentacles of darkness around each of the six ponies in front of Twilight. Reaching the spell's conclusion, Twilight's horn glowed brightly and a sudden flash of magical energy rippled outward. The black mist drew itself into each of the bodies and surrounded them in a dark nimbus, all of them interlinked.

"Good luck." Twilight whispered to everypony and nopony in particular as she concentrated on maintaining the mystic portal.

Reckoning - Part 1

Sweetie Belle had prepared herself this time for the crossing. As soon as she regained her senses from the initial effects of the spell, she lit up her horn with a radiant glow to counter the surrounding darkness. To her great surprise, however, there was no overwhelming blackness, rather she was standing in what appeared to be some sort of clearing in a forest.

The trees were old and misshapen, their limbs twisted as if reaching outwards to grasp anything that was foalish enough to come too close. A chill wind whistled through the branches, giving the trees an almost animated appearance. Overhead, the sky was darkened with clouds with occassional flashes of lightning. Sweetie Belle reluctantly cancelled the light spell; while it wasn't required to see it had helped to push back the gloom a little.

"Where are we?"

The sudden sound of Scootaloo's voice behind her made Sweetie Belle jump. She turned around to face her friend and said with an unsure voice, "I don't know. This isn't the same place that I was in last time."

"Yeah, the sky was perfectly clear the first time. I don't like the look of that storm." Scootaloo said apprehensively.

"Hey y'all! Come an' help!" Apple Bloom called out.

Any further discussion about the weather halted as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo whirled and ran towards the sound of Apple Bloom's voice. Apple Bloom was not far, just beyond a fallen trunk of a rotted tree. Apple Bloom didn't look up as her friends approached, she was tending to the prone forms of Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity. The three older mares were all starting to stir as if waking from a deep sleep. Scootaloo flew over to Rainbow Dash and Sweetie Belle quickly moved to help with her sister.

"Ughhh...my head. What happened? How long have I been out?" Rainbow Dash asked, sitting up and rubbing a forehoof through her mane.

"Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo cried, scooping her idol into a huge hug. "I was so worried you weren't going to wake up!"

"Heh, if you hadn't caught me Squirt, I might not have." Rainbow Dash said thankfully, returning the warm embrace. Her muzzle creased in a frown as she let Scootaloo go and stood up to take stock of their surroundings. "I don't remember us flying over a forest or in a storm. And when did everypony else show up?"

Applejack stood up and shook her head from side to side to clear the cobwebs and straightened her hat. "This here sure ain't the hospital. What in tarnation is goin' on?" Applejack suddenly noticed that Apple Bloom had tears running down her muzzle and asked, "What's wrong Sugarcube? Are you hurt?"

"Nope, I'm jus' glad yer back." Apple Bloom replied, smiling up at her big sister.

Before Applejack could respond, Rarity rolled over and sat up. "Oh my, I feel absolutely dreadful." she moaned. It suddenly dawned on Rarity that she was no longer inside the safe and tidy confines of the Boutique. "Where are we? How did we get here?"

Sweetie Belle helped Rarity stand up, then said "I can explain, just give me a moment." As Rarity dusted herself off, Sweetie Belle recounted the story again from the beginning, just as she had to Twilight. Sweetie Belle told them about Twilight sending them into the resonance to speak with their ancestors and the dire implication of Diamond Belle's concern. She then filled in the parts about Twilight casting the spell a second time to try and find a way to undo the mess they had made.

Rarity wore an expression of disbelief as Sweetie Belle unfolded the story. Applejack just listened stoically, nodding every so often at the important parts. Rainbow Dash paced around to work out the kinks, stretching her wings as she listened. When Sweetie Belle was done with her story, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo each told of their own experiences in the resonance. Apple Bloom shared her tale of meeting her parents and Applejack's expression grew a little sad as she gazed with sympathy and understanding at her little sister. Finally, there was nothing left to tell and a heavy silence fell over everypony as they each tried to sort out their thoughts and feelings over all they had heard and said.

Finally, Rainbow Dash spoke up. "Well, if this is the place Twilight sent us, then there must be something around here that is important. I'll fly up and scout around, you all wait here." She flared out her wings and jumped up to take off, before landing roughly back on the ground with a thud.

Rainbow Dash's expression twisted with frustration. "What the...something's wrong, I can't fly." She stretched out her wings and gave a tentative flap before folding them against her side in defeat. Looking down to the filly beside her, Rainbow Dash asked, "Scoots, can you?"

Scootaloo spread her wings and took off straight upwards, clearing the tops of the trees in a flash. She hovered for a few moments, turning a slow circle as she scanned the area, then fluttered back down to land beside Rainbow Dash.

"There's some sort of stone building or something not too far from here." Scootaloo said, pointing a hoof to one side of the clearing. "It's over that way."

"Come on y'all, let's get a move on. We prolly should try an' take shelter there." Applejack urged. She walked up to the treeline and struggled with the overgrowth to try and clear a path, but found herself getting winded rather quickly. Apple Bloom trotted up beside her and said apologetically, "I guess I still have yer strength, sis. Let me." Apple Bloom quickly began tugging and pulling at the vines and lower branches. Soon enough, she had cleared an opening wide enough for everypony to squeeze through.

The six ponies carefully made their way through the forest, with Applejack taking the lead. Rainbow Dash followed next, then Sweetie Belle and Rarity, with Apple Bloom bringing up the rear. Scootaloo flew slowly overhead the group, weaving through the lower branches. Eventually, the trees started to thin out again and the ponies found themselves at another clearing. In the center of the clearing was what appeared to be an old stone ruin, roughly shaped like a pyramid, wide at the base and tapering upwards.

"Looks like something from a Daring Do book." Rainbow Dash muttered out loud.

"Y'all stay here, an' Rainbow and I will check it out." Applejack said to the others, motioning for Scootaloo to come land near the others. "Let's go, Dash."

"Right behind you, AJ." came Rainbow's confident reply.

The two mares started towards the ruin as the others sheltered in the treeline. As they approached, the sky was torn with a sudden bright flash of lightning that dazzled everypony for a few moments. When their sight had returned to normal there were three figures that now stood atop the ruin. One was an alabaster unicorn mare with an elegantly-styled azure and amethyst mane. The second was a chocolate-colored pegasus stallion with a wild, windswept yellow mane. The third was a saffron-colored earth pony mare with a long flowing mane that had been tied into tails behind her head.

Gazing down at Applejack and Rainbow Dash then over to the other ponies huddled in the trees, the white unicorn spoke.

"We've been expecting you, there's no need to fear us or hide. Come out so we may speak about why you have come to this place."

Rainbow Dash took a step forward next to Applejack, but Applejack remained rooted in place, staring up at the orange earth pony. Applejack slowly reached up to take off her hat and her eyes misted over as she asked in a shaky voice, "Ma? is that you?"

The orange mare smiled at her daughter. "Yes, it's me, Sugarcube. Look at yerself, all grown up. Yer Pa would be so proud."

"Oh Ma, I've missed ya so much!" Applejack started to walk towards the ruin but Rainbow Dash held up a leg, holding her friend back. "Rainbow Dash, what are ya doin'?" Applejack burst out angrily.

"Hold on, AJ. Something isn't right." Rainbow Dash answered her, standing her ground. "Let's see what they want."

The pegasus atop the ruin grinned and said, "It's not so much what we want, but what you want. You've lost what makes you special and without it, soon you'll be shadows of yourselves, just like us."

Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo had walked forward as he spoke to join the others.

"Good, now that you all are here together, we may begin." Diamond Belle looked down to Sweetie Belle and said "I told you that I would guide you as I could." Diamond Belle then looked over the rest of the group. "I cannot say specifically what challenge each of you may face, but you must overcome it to release the destiny you have taken back to its rightful bearer. When you are ready, please stand apart with your sister and we will start."

Slowly, the group parted, with Applejack and Apple Bloom moving to one side and Rarity and Sweetie Belle moving to the other leaving Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo in the middle.

"Very well." Diamond Belle said. Looking over to the other two ponies at the top of the ruin, Diamond Belle said, "Let us join our strength." Her horn glowed and an aura enveloped the pegasus and earth pony, shining brighter as the other two added their own elements of magic to the spell. Once the power had reached its peak, a bright beam shot forward and split, opening three portals before each of the three pairs below. "Step through, quickly!" Diamond Belle urged.

Without hestitation, Applejack and Apple Bloom stepped through their portal and vanished. Rainbow Dash nodded to Scootaloo and they also stepped forward, vanishing from the base of the ruin.

"Come on, Rarity." Sweetie Belle said. Rarity swallowed down her uncertainty and together, the two sisters crossed the threshold of their portal. As soon as they had, all three portals winked out as Diamond Belle completed her spell.

"Their destinies are in their hooves now." Diamond Belle said quietly.

As the glare of the portal faded from her vision, Scootaloo realized they were no longer standing in front of the ruin. Looking around, she saw they were in some sort of gorge. The walls seemed very high with a very narrow path zagging back and forth along one of the rock faces. At the top edge of the cliff was a single tree with a branch that extended over the gorge. Dangling from the branch was a key. Scootaloo turned around to look for Rainbow Dash and saw that she was next to a large rock, her four legs each secured in shackles that were attached to the rock.

"Something tells me you have to get that key." Rainbow Dash quipped.

"I'l be back in a moment, don't go anywhere without me!" Scootaloo shot back. She spread her wings and took off towards the tree.

Almost instantly, a bolt of lightning shot down from the sky, striking Scootaloo on the right wing. She tumbled back down to the ground roughly and Rainbow Dash strained against her shackles trying in vain to catch the little filly. "Scootaloo! Are you OK?" Rainbow Dash called out. Scootaloo gathered herself up and said, "Yeah, I'm fine, I think."

A laugh rang through the gorge. "She is unhurt...for now." a male voice replied. Looking up, the two pegasi saw Rapid Winds hovering in the sky above the gorge. "Flying in the gorge isn't permitted here for her, she'll have to find another way. Oh, and I do suggest you hurry, Scootaloo, you haven't got that much time." A sudden rushing sound accentuated Rapid Winds' words, and Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash saw that further down the gorge, a wall of water was surging towards them.

"Not good!" Rainbow Dash growled, tugging uselessly at the chains. She looked down to Scootaloo and said as encouragingly as she could, "Scootaloo, it's up to you. You'll have to get up to that key. I know you can do it."

Scootaloo gulped and promised, "I won't let you down Rainbow Dash!" She then took off at a full run towards the small winding path up the cliff face. Scootaloo's heart was racing as reached the path, the water looked to be moving much too fast. Her eye caught a glint by some rocks at the base of the path and Scootaloo saw the wheel of a scooter sticking out. Her first instinct was to try and dig it out, but something in her mind stopped her. She could never hope to reach the top in time if she wasted the time to unearth the scooter.

"I can't fly straight to the key, but maybe I can fly up this path!" Scootaloo thought. She spread her small wings and shot up the path, a small orange trail behind her. No bolt of lightning struck down as she weaved her way up, calling on Rainbow Dash's talents of speed and agility to fly low and follow the twisty narrow path. Once she reached the top, she hovered, using her legs to work her way up the tree trunk and onto the branch overhanging the gorge.

Risking a quick look at the water that seemed to be cascading down the gorge at an alarming rate, Scootaloo edged herself out along the the branch, forcing herself to keep her eyes on the key. Her hooves trembled as she stretched for it, swiping once...twice...then finally grabbing it.

There was no chance to make her way down the way she had come in time, Scootaloo realized. She briefly thought about dropping the key to Rainbow Dash then decided against it, with all four hooves chained what if Rainbow Dash couldn't undo them all in time herself? There was only one answer. Scootaloo took a deep breath and let go of the branch.

As she fell, she waited for the lightning strike as penalty for flying, but none came, falling apparently wasn't the same. At the last possible second, she opened her wings and turned the fall into a controlled glide, landing roughly beside Rainbow Dash.

"Great work, Scootaloo!" Rainbow Dash said. "Now get my front legs free, quick!"

Scootaloo started fumbling with the key, trying to ignore the sound of the rushing water that was growing louder by the second. She finally collected her wits enough to get Rainbow's right foreleg free, then Rainbow's left. But by then, it was too late...the water was too close. "Oh Rainbow Dash, I wish you could fly us out of here!" Scootaloo said in desperation.

"Hang on Squirt!" Rainbow Dash instructed, grabbing the key and working hastily to free her back legs. The last thing Scootaloo saw was a wall of churning white before she took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

The wall of water slammed over the two ponies, making an angry roar as part of the deluge broke against the rock.

Then there was silence.

Rapid Winds looked down, shaking his head. He had thought for sure they were going to make it. Such a shame, he thought.

Suddenly, the water near the rock stirred and a blue and orange blur tore the surface of the water, causing Rapid Winds to blink in surprise. Rainbow Dash blasted up out of the flooded gorge, carrying Scootaloo on her back. The young filly was coughing, trying to catch her breath. Rainbow Dash flew up right in front of Rapid Winds and sneered angrily, "We beat your test! Now we want to go back to our friends!"

Rapid Winds grinned. "So you did. Looks like the little one got her wish as well." Rapid Winds nodded at Rainbow's flank, where the familiar cloud and lightning bolt had reappeared. "The portal is just over there. Your friends will be on the other side." Rapid Winds said as he pointed with one hoof. Rainbow Dash held Rapid Winds' gaze with hers for a moment, then without another word, she turned without a word and flew into the portal with Scootaloo.

Reckoning - Part 2

The first thing that Apple Bloom noticed as she stepped out of the portal was the scent of fresh apples. She was surrounded by apple trees, all laden with ripe juicy fruit ready for bucking. As she looked around, she realized she was back at what appeared to be Sweet Apple Acres, most likely the south orchard. "Huh, looks like home, wouldn't ya say, Applejack?" Apple Bloom mused.

When no reply came, Apple Bloom realized her sister wasn't next to her. "Well, they said it was gonna be a challenge. I guess I'm supposed ta find her." Orienting herself, Apple Bloom trotted off in the direction of the main farmhouse. It didn't take too long to reach the edge of the orchard and head up the path toward the main house. What Apple Bloom wasn't expecting, however, was the presence of a wooden fence blocking the path at the end of the orchard. The fence appeared to extend as far as Apple Bloom could see, with no apparent gate or other entry.

A movement caught Apple Bloom's attention and as she looked she saw three ponies come into view on the other side of the fence. Her breath caught in her throat as she realized it was Applejack and both of her parents. Waving a hoof over her head, Apple Bloom called out "Ma! Pa! Applejack!" The three older ponies turned their heads at the sound, their faces breaking into smiles as they saw the littlest Apple. Applejack said something to their parents that Apple Bloom couldn't make out, then Applejack walked over to the fence.

"Howdy, Apple Bloom." Applejack said cheerily. She looked the happiest that Apple Bloom could remember seeing her sister in a long time. "Can ya believe it? I've been telling Pa and Ma all about the farm, an' Big Mac an' Granny Smith, an' my friends." Applejack's smile grew a little dreamy. "I could just stay here forever."

At those words, Apple Bloom felt a little chill run down her back. "Sis...I know ya have missed Ma and Pa so much, but this ain't real. This is all part of the spell. We need to get you fixed up an' get back to everypony else."

"Applejack? What's keepin' ya?" her father called out.

Applejack craned her neck to look at her father. "I'll be right there, Pa!" Applejack called back. She turned to look back at Apple Bloom and said, "Now you just go on back, Sugarcube. I've been thinkin' about it an' I'm gonna stay here with Ma and Pa. This is where I want ta be."

"No, it's not!" Apple Bloom retorted. "I know what yer feelin', but this ain't right!"

"How can you know?" Applejack snapped, her tone growing angry. "You were just a couple a weeks old when we lost them, ya never knew them." Applejack's narrowed her eyes at Apple Bloom and she said in a dark tone, "You can't have missed them like I do. You can't understand what I'm feelin' an' you can't understand how it feels to be with them again. " Applejack glanced back at her parents then back to her sister. "I'm stayin' here, I won't lose 'em again. I just can't!"

Apple Bloom took a step back, surprised by the outburst. Then her own anger flared and she growled back, "Yer right, I never knew them. But I remember all ya told me about them, an' I know they wouldn't want you to abandon the rest of the family." Apple Bloom took a breath, trying to calm herself.

"Sis. I know you want to be with them again, but this ain't the place. You need to come back with me. We need ya, Applejack. The farm, your friends, Big Mac, Granny Smith. They all need you." Apple Bloom swallowed and said, "And I need you. You've been more than jus' a sister to me, you're practically my Ma. I know ya never expected to have to take on that role, but ya did, an' you've become the core of the family. Without you, Sweet Apple Acres feels empty."

The two sisters just looked through the fence at each other for several moments.

Apple Bloom looked down for a moment, then back up at Applejack. "I never felt it before, not this strong. But ever since I took yer destiny from you, I can feel just how connected ya are to the farm, an' to our family. I'm guessin' yer not feelin' like yourself right now, or you wouldn't be sayin' what you did."

Apple Bloom sighed and said, "I never meant to take what was yours, an' I'd do anythin' to give it back." Apple Bloom looked past Applejack at her parents. "They're jus' memories, Sis." Apple Bloom stretched a hoof through the fence, reaching for Applejack. Applejack raised her own hoof and took Apple Bloom's into hers, squeezing it tight.

Applejack's eyes teared up as she turned her head to take another look at her parents. "They seem so real. Jus' like I remember. I wish they could come back with us somehow."

"They'll always be with us." Apple Bloom said gently. "Please come back with me. I want to go home." Apple Bloom closed her eyes and poured all of her strength into her plea.

"Home..." Applejack said thoughtfully, gripping her little sister's hoof tighter. Applejack turned back to look at Apple Bloom, smiling at the hope and love shining in Apple Bloom's eyes. "Home." She repeated.

"Applejack? Are you coming, Sugarcube?" The voice of her mother broke the moment, and Applejack let go of Apple Bloom's hoof and turned to face her parents.

"No, I can't. I have to go home." Applejack answered.

The wind picked up, swirling a few leaves around the base of the trees nearby. Applejack's father started advancing slowly and said in a voice that had taken a much more sinister tone. "Nnope, yer comin' with us. Once ya come here, ya can't leave."

"P...Pa?" Applejack stuttered in surprise, backing towards the fence.

"That's right, Sugarcube." Applejack's mother said. "Yer gonna stay with us here forever."

"STOP IT!" Apple Bloom yelled. "Our parents would never do this! Y'all can't really be them!" Apple Bloom turned and bucked the fence as hard as she could but it seemed to have no effect. She tried again, but the wood would not yield. "Applejack!" Apple Bloom called out. "I can't break it! Yer gonna have to do it. Take it back, take back yer strength!" Apple Bloom reached through the fence, grabbing for Applejack and putting her hooves on her back. "Take it!" she pleaded.

Applejack's expression hardened and she called out "Y'all leave us alone. Whatever y'all are, I'm not lettin' ya hurt us!" Applejack stomped one foot into the ground, feeling a surge of strength shoot through her. "We're going home!"

As Applejack focused her will, she felt another burst of strength and heard Apple Bloom gasp, then felt her little sister let go. "Get back, Apple Bloom!" Applejack cried out, and calling on her renewed strength, bucked with all her might against the fence. The wood cracked and splintered and Applejack's parents paused their advance. Applejack gritted her teeth and bucked once more, and the fence broke, the rails collapsing in a heap.

Applejack didn't hesitate, she turned around to look for Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom was laying face-down near the fence, apparently unconscious.

"Apple Bloom!" Applejack cried out. Applejack pushed aside the broken timbers from the fence and ran to her little sister. Gathering her in her forelegs, Applejack shook Apple Bloom gently, trying to wake her. After several moments, Apple Bloom opened her eyes and looked up at Applejack. "I feel so weak." she whimpered.

"I've got ya, Sugarcube. Everythin' is gonna be fine now." Applejack looked around and saw that a portal had opened again nearby. "Let's go home." Applejack gently set Apple Bloom onto her back to carry her and then walked back through the open portal.

As they stepped through the portal, Sweetie Belle shivered, the air had a definite chill about it. Looking around, she could see they were in some sort of underground tunnel which was dimly lit by torches set into sconces at odd intervals. The dull, grey rock seemed to draw the light in hungrily from the torches, enhancing the gloom.

"I wonder what this place is." Sweetie Belle asked, her voice echoing slightly.

"I'm not sure, but there's something familiar about it." Rarity answered. Her brow knitted in concentration for a moment before she sighed in frustration. "Sweetie, dear, can you give us some more light please?"

"Of course!" Sweetie Belle replied, casting her light spell. The glow from her horn made it much easier to see. The tunnel stretched in both directions as far as either Sweetie Belle or Rarity could tell.

"I guess our challenge is to find our way out of this place." Sweetie Belle mused.

"I'll follow you, it will be easier for you to see what lies ahead of us." Rarity said.

The two sisters set off down the tunnel, trying to keep alert for any sign of trouble. It wasn't long before the tunnel started to branch off into a maze of connecting twisty passages, all alike.

"Right hoof rule?" Rarity offered helpfully.

Sweetie Belle shrugged and said, "I guess so. I wish we had some way of marking where we've been."

Rarity put on her bravest smile and said, "We will just have to chance it. I still can't help but feel I've seen tunnels like this before."

Sweetie Belle nodded and turned down the right-most passage, which sloped downwards slightly. Rarity followed close behind. Together, they carefully made their way down the slope to see where the tunnel would lead.

The gradual slope of the tunnel became more pronounced after a bit and started to spiral downwards, widening slightly. Eventually the tunnel began to level off and opened into a larger chamber ahead. A bright light spilled from the opening, causing Sweetie Belle and Rarity to raise a hoof to shield their eyes as they approached the entry cautiously. Before they walked from the partial concealment of the tunnel, the sudden sound of voices stopped them in their tracks as they reached the threshold of the cavern.

"We must find it!" said a gruff voice.

"We don't know where it is!" answered another.

Rarity suddenly gasped and she whispered in a strained voice to Sweetie Belle, "Diamond Dogs! I knew this was all too familiar." Sweetie Belle squinted against the light to take a closer look. There were two large canine figures, both wearing colored vests and gem-adorned collars. In the room with them were several larger, more brutish looking dogs wearing metal skullcaps.

"You remember how I told you they captured me and tried to make me find gems?" Rarity asked. Sweetie Belle nodded her head. Shuddering at the memory, Rarity continued, "They are the most dreadful creatures, even if not overly bright."

"So what do we do?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"We need to avoid them, that is certain." Rarity stated. "Perhaps if we..."

An unexpected voice from behind them cut Rarity off. "Oh ho! What do we have here? Ponies!" A sudden glint of metal caught off of the light as a third Diamond Dog and two guard dogs with brandished spears closed in from behind. "Get moving, ponies!" the Diamond Dog commanded. Rarity and Sweetie Belle were herded unceremoniously forward into the chamber and quickly surrounded.

One of the Diamond Dogs stepped forward, looming over Rarity. "Big pony can find gems. She can find it for us!"

Rarity put on her most pathetic expression and whined, "But I don't want to find gems! My hooves are sore! It's cold! I'm tiiiiired. I want to go home!"

The Diamond Dogs laughed. "Pony noise doesn't help you this time. You will find it for us, or we will lock you up until you do!" the largest one sneered.

"What do we do with the little one?" one of the other Diamond Dogs asked, poking at Sweetie Belle.

"Throw her in a cell, we only need the big one." the larger Dog replied. Sweetie Belle took a step back as the guard dogs started to creep forward towards her.

"Wait a moment!" Rarity exclaimed. "I need her to do my magic, if you lock her up we'll never find whatever it is you're looking for."

The large Diamond Dog scratched under his chin, trying to decide if this was a ruse. "Very well, both ponies will find it." He glared dangerously at Rarity and Sweetie Belle. "No tricks, ponies, or we'll lock you up forever!"

Sweetie Belle gulped and whispered under her breath, "Rarity, I can't do your gem-finding spell."

Rarity whispered back, "They don't know that dear. Just keep your horn lit and we'll try to escape when we can."

"Start searching, ponies!" The large Diamond Dog urged, nodding for the guard dogs to prod Rarity and Sweetie Belle with their spears. "There is a huge diamond in one of the caves, find it!"

Sweetie Belle increased the intensity of her light spell and the group set off down another tunnel that exited from the opposite side of the chamber. For several minutes, Sweetie Belle did her best to try and lead them in a confusing pattern, looking for any opportunity for her and Rarity to make a break for it. Unfortunately, the Diamond Dogs were keeping too close of a watch.

Finally, Sweetie Belle ran out of options and was forced to start retracing their path. Her ploy didn't last very long and eventually the lead Dog brought them to a halt. "Little pony is walking in circles, trying to trick us." he growled. "Guards! Take her and lock her up."

The guard dogs quickly advanced on Sweetie Belle to drag her away. Sweetie Belle yelped and tried to duck behind Rarity, but the guards were too fast and they snatched Sweetie Belle around her barrel to drag her away to the cell block.

"Let her go!" Rarity yelled, wrapping her forelegs around Sweetie in an attempt to tug her from the guard dogs. Sweetie Belle struggled to hold on to Rarity, but felt her grip slipping, the guard dogs were too strong.

As Sweetie Belle squirmed, trying to get free, she began to feel despair. It was her fault that they were in this predicament, she was the one that had read the spell that had started this dilemma. With all her heart, she wished it was just some horrible nightmare that she and Rarity could wake up from.

"I'm sorry, Rarity!" Sweetie Belle cried, struggling with all her might. "I wish I'd never cast that stupid spell, I wish we could just go home!" Sweetie made a final lunge towards Rarity and for a moment, their horns connected. There was a powerful flash of magic and the guard dogs stumbled back, dropping Sweetie Belle.

When the flash was gone, Rarity felt her magic surge within her again. Sweetie Belle was lying on the ground and the Diamond Dogs were rubbing their eyes. Rarity reached out and lifted Sweetie Belle back onto her feet.

"Are you alright, Sweetie?" Rarity asked with concern.

"I think so, I just feel so tired." Sweetie Belle replied. As she shook her head to clear it, Sweetie Belle exclaimed, "Rarity! You have your cutie mark back!"

Rarity glanced back at her flank, the three diamonds had indeed reappeared. Rarity concentrated, and her horn glowed blue for a moment. "My magic is back also! There's a rather large gem not far from here."

"Good, good! Pony will take us to the gem!" the large Diamond Dog said eagerly.

"Let my sister go and I'll lead you to it." Rarity demanded. The large Diamond Dog made a gesture and the guard dogs backed away from Sweetie Belle.

Rarity turned and led the group down another set of passages, occasionally pausing to get her bearings with the spell. Eventually they entered into another large cavern that was being lit by a pulsing light. On one side of the chamber was a large diamond, partially buried in the rock of the wall. Across the chamber was a glowing portal.

The Diamond Dogs immediately rushed for the huge gemstone and Rarity hissed, "Now's our chance. Run for it!" She and Sweetie Belle galloped over to the portal, escaping through before the Diamond Dogs could react.

Back at the ruin, Diamond Belle's horn ceased glowing as she turned to face the other two ponies.

"They have all completed their challenges. The spell is complete."

"Then this means everything is back to as it should be?" Rapid Winds inquired.

Diamond Belle chuckled. "As much as can be where those three fillies are involved."

Twilight sensed the change in the spell and opened her eyes. "They're coming back!" she called out. Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Nurse Redheart all rushed back into the isolation ward room. The black glow that had surrounded the six ponies was fading and each of the girls was starting to stir. Twilight held the spell until she was certain that everypony had returned and then the strain finally caught up with her as she dropped her concentration and she slumped to the ground.

Nurse Redheart put a hoof on Twight's withers and said "Are you alright?"

Twilight nodded weakly and allowed herself to be helped back up. To her great relief, Twilight saw her friends and the Crusaders all sitting up and looking around.

"Whoa, I thought we drowned for sure!" Scootaloo burst out.

"We did it! We beat those dogs!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.

"We're back." Apple Bloom said quietly. Something about her voice made the others turn to look at her and Applejack.

"We're fine, y'all." Applejack assured them. "I think we jus' want to head on back home."

"Not until we've given each of you a thorough checkup." Nurse Redheart insisted.

"Well, I never thought that I'd be glad to go on an adventure to lose our cutie marks!" Scootaloo said with a grin.

"Yeah, I'll stick to things like getting covered in tree sap and pine needles." Sweetie Belle agreed.

"Well, you girls all seem to have learned your lesson." Twilight noted. "And I think a letter to the Princess is in order from the three of you."

The girls all groaned. "After all that, yer givin' us homework?" Apple Bloom exclaimed.

Twilight looked at everypony and then said with a wink, "Eeyup!" causing everypony to burst into a long and cleansing fit of laughter.

Epilogue - The Letter

The sun room was one of the most peaceful and serene chambers in the castle. Located in one of the eastern towers, the room was tall, with elaborate stained-glass windows set into the stone on three of the walls. Daylight streamed into the room, bathing the entire chamber with a rich spectrum of colors. The only furnishings were a small table with two pillows around it and a serving cart laden with pastries, tea, and coffee. The perfect place for a morning retreat.

Princess Celestia was seated inside on her favorite pillow, sipping a cup of tea as she gazed at the light of the newly risen sun through the easternmost window. The calm of the moment, however, was interrupted by knocking at the door. Levitating her tea cup back down onto the saucer, Celestia used her magic to open the door.

An officer of the Royal Guard stood outside at attention, a parcel tucked under one wing. "A thousand pardons, your Highness." he apologized. "A parcel from Ponyville marked urgent arrived for your attention. Normally, I wouldn't have bothered to disturb you at this time, but..."

Celestia merely smiled. "At ease, Lieutenant. You did well to bring this to my attention so promptly."

The pegasus relaxed visibly and held out the package, which Celestia levitated over and set down on the small table in front of her. "That will be all, Lieutenant, you are dismissed."

With a respectful bow, the Guardpony said, "By your leave, your Highness." He then turned and left to resume his post and Celestia used her magic to close the door behind him.

Levitating her tea back to take another sip, Celestia read over the letter again that had arrived the night before from Twilight Sparkle.

Dear Princess Celestia,

I am writing to let you know I will be sending you a package first thing tomorrow, marked urgent for your attention. The contents are a book that you had sent to me to study, which I had previously returned to the Canterlot Archives. Recent unusual events have led me to retrieve that book and I am returning it directly to you so it can be stored in your private library. It is my recommendation that you secure this tome to prevent any future mishaps. I will also be including a letter written by three fillies, they have all learned a valuable lesson from these events and I asked them to share their discoveries with you.

Your faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle

Celestia giggled quietly to herself. What Twilight considered "unusual" certainly would prove to be interesting. Setting down the teacup, Celestia levitated the package and opened the wrapping, taking care to separate the neatly folded letter from the leather-bound book. A quick glance at the book's title gave Celestia pause. "The Neighcronomicon." Celestia set the book aside to deal with later and brought the letter in front of her, unfolding it with her magic. After pouring another cup of tea, Celestia started to read.

Dear Princess Celestia,

My name is Sweetie Belle and I'm writing this letter along with my best friends Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. You may not remember us, but we were the flower fillies at Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadance's wedding. Of course, you know our sisters Rarity and Applejack as well as Scootaloo's honorary sister Rainbow Dash.

Celestia smiled again, she definitely remembered the trio. They had quite a reputation for being rambunctious as she recalled.

We are known in Ponyville as the "Cutie Mark Crusaders", since all three of us haven't gotten our cutie marks and we are on a crusade to find our special talents. We recently got a little carried away with our quest and some not so good things happened, but Twilight helped us fix everything. She said we should write you to tell you what we learned.

It all started when we were trying to earn our cutie marks as spies, we found a book that you had sent Twilight that was hidden in the library. I was trying to read from it and accidentally triggered a really old spell. The spell granted us our greatest wish, or so we thought. We all got our cutie marks and they were the same as our sisters! Scootaloo wants me to write that we thought this was 'totally awesome'. But we soon discovered that the spell hadn't made us find our own talents, it had taken away our sisters' destinies and made them ours.

Celestia paused her reading and set down her teacup again. Was that why Twilight had sent her the tome? Celestia made a mental note to follow up with exactly what Twilight had discovered.

At first, it was a lot of fun to be able to do the things they could do. We didn't feel like blank flank losers anymore. But then our sisters got sick because of what we had taken from them. It was very scary, seeing somepony you care for so much and depend on fading away. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo and I haven't really talked about it, but that was one lesson I learned. It's not easy watching your loved ones becoming a shadow of who they are and not being able to help. I know everypony grows old (Almost every pony except you, Apple Bloom says) and someday Rarity will start to fade. I guess this made me think about that and not be in such a hurry to grow up.

Celestia knew this very well. When you had lived as long as she had, there had been many ponies that were dear to her that had faded away over time.

Howdy, Princess, this is Apple Bloom. I asked Sweetie to let me write a bit, she seemed to be getting upset or something. When Twilight asked me what I'd learned from all of this, I had to think about that. There was the obvious, of course, that we shouldn't have gone poking around in something we weren't meant to see. But for me, there was something else. Part of fixing things required we visit some sort of magical resanace resonance or something and undergo a challenge to give back to our sister what we'd taken. For me and Applejack, that meant seeing our parents, or what looked like our parents and having to choose between staying with them or coming back. I learned that memories of those you love are very strong and should be cherished but you can't live in the past. And I think Applejack learned a bit about that also. If anything good came from all of this, it would be that I feel closer to my big sister and I understand more how much she misses our folks.

Celestia couldn't help but smile, she knew how close-knit the Apple family was.

I'm going to let Scootaloo finish the letter, she's getting all jumpy waiting her turn.

Dear Princess,

I'm Scootaloo, and I guess we saved the best for last. I learned that flying is totally awesome! I can't wait for Rainbow Dash to finish teaching me so I can fly again. Someday I'm going to be the best young flier just like her. We also discovered that Rainbow Dash and I share a common ancestor. So we really are related at some point which is very cool.

I'm getting some dirty looks, so I guess I should be more serious. Like Apple Bloom said, I think we all learned we shouldn't do any crusading that invades somepony's privacy. But while I had Rainbow Dash's destiny, I think I learned a few things about loyalty. I can totally see why that's her Element.

I learned how important it is to be somepony that others can depend on to always be there for them. Somepony that won't back away from her friends in the face of danger or trouble. Somepony that will do anything for those she cares for the most.

Oh, I also learned I don't like swimming. I'll give the letter to Twilight to send to you now.

Signed,
Your loyal subjects,
Sweetie Belle
Apple Bloom
Scootaloo

Celestia set down the letter on the table. It seemed the three fillies had all learned some valuable lessons indeed from their adventure. Celestia stood up from the table, levitating the Neighcronomicon to go take it to her personal library. She would remember to speak to Luna that evening, to ask her to watch over the Crusaders' dreams for the next night or so, just in case.