See Who I Am: A Crusaders' Tale

Chapters

Chapter 1: A Day in the Life
Chapter 2: Midnight Crusade
Chapter 3: Star Swirl Strikes Again

Chapter 1: A Day in the Life

Apple Bloom stretched languidly in her bed, the small part of her awareness that was already conscious of reality telling her that she’d woken before both the rooster and the sun. A smile spread across her small face. Today was Saturday, so she knew she could have at least another ten minutes.

Though she had yet to open her eyes, a niggling feeling in the back of her mind gave her the suspicion she was forgetting something about the day already. But, before she could pursue the possibilities, she started dozing again.

Not a minute later, she sat straight up with her eyes wide open and gleaming with excitement.

It was the first day of Applebuck Season!

Applejack had promised her that she could help more this season. Maybe she was finally gonna get bucking lessons!

Her ear swiveled to the door as she heard light hoofsteps approach. Before she could move, the door swung open quietly to reveal her big sister.

“Well, good mornin’, sugarcube.” An easy, lopsided smile worked its way across her freckled cheeks. “Wasn’t expectin’ you t’ be up so early.”

“Applejack! It’s mah firs’ Applebuck Season!” Apple Bloom leaped out of her bed, leaving the blankets in a disheveled mess as she bolted across the room to get ready for the day. “Of course Ah’m up an’ ready!” She grabbed her brush and ran it through her mane quickly.

The orange mare chuckled. “Slow down, sugarcube. You don’t need t’ rush – Ah haven’t even made breakfast yet!” She nudged Apple Bloom playfully with a hoof. “Jus’ wanted t’ make sure you didn’t miss anythin’ by sleepin’ in.”

“Oh.” Apple Bloom’s ears drooped just the slightest bit before perking up again. “Well Ah’ll be ready lickety-split anyhow!”

“That’s the ticket, AB!” Applejack’s eyes roamed the room. “’Specially since that means you’ll have plenty o’ time t’ make your bed.”

Apple Bloom groaned loudly. “But Applejack!”

“No buts, missy. Y’ aren’t gonna miss a thing in th’ meantime, and…” She looked at her sister meaningfully.

The filly sighed. “An organized room means an organized mind,” she muttered.

“Exac’ly.” Applejack smiled again. “Ah’ll have breakfast ready for you when you’re done up here, alright?”

Breakfast did sound good, Apple Bloom admitted to herself as her tummy gurgled quietly. “OK, Applejack.” She turned back to her worn dresser and picked up her pink ribbon with a hoof.

She heard Applejack chuckle quietly to herself as she exited the room, her hoofsteps echoing lightly on the wooden stairs to the kitchen.

Once Apple Bloom felt sufficiently groomed, she made her bed quickly as she knew how. A few wrinkles here and there wouldn’t really make that much of a difference, anyway. Satisfied, she galloped out of her room and down the stairs, paying no mind to the familiar photographs that witnessed her passage. She was in her place at the breakfast table in record time, her mouth watering at the scent of apple pancakes sizzling in the frying pan.

Heavy hoofsteps from behind her signalled the arrival of her big brother. Apple Bloom grinned at the large red stallion as he settled into place beside her.

“Mornin’, Big Mac! Ready for Applebuck Season?”

“Eeyup,” he responded stoically as ever. “Soon as Ah get some o’ them pancakes, anyhow.”

“Y’all’re ungrateful wretches!” Applejack called from the kitchen. “Ah should eat all o’ these mahself!”

“Aw, don’t worry Applejack!” the filly grinned sneakily. “Mac says he’ll clean up after we’re done eatin’!”

A strange kind of noise - half snort, half laugh - came from her brother. He looked down at the filly next to him with bemusement. “Reckon that’s mah job anyhow. Though might be that since you’re old enough for Applebuck Season it’ll be your job someday soon.”

Apple Bloom’s smile dimmed. “Mah job? But, Mac! Ah cain’t even reach th’ sink without a chair yet!”

Steady hoofsteps entered the dining room, bringing Applejack (and, more importantly, the pancakes) to the table. “Alright you two, quit your yappin’ an’ dig in!”

“Wha’ ‘bout Gramny Smiff?” Apple Bloom asked through a mouthful of perfectly cooked, warm and fluffy pancakes.

She was rewarded with a stern look from Applejack. “She’s still in Appleloosa helpin’ Braeburn get his hooves back on th’ ground after that nasty twister, ‘member?”

Apple Bloom swallowed her mouthful before answering with a mumbled, “Oh, right.” She finished off her pancakes and downed the small glass of water in front of her plate in a couple gulps. She licked her lips clean of the syrupy residue left from her less-than meticulous dining. Her belly pleasantly full, she grabbed her dishes and deposited them in the sink for Big Mac. She scampered back out to the kitchen just as her siblings were finishing up their own stacks.

“Ah’m ready, Applejack! Let’s go buck some apples!”

“Alright, jus’ give me a sec.” Her sister laughed and polished off the last bite of her own pancakes.

Apple Bloom thought she’d die of anticipation as she watched her sister leisurely chew and swallow before drinking the rest of her own glass of water. Applejack delivered her own dishes to the sink and started the tap for her brother before grabbing her trademark cowpony hat down from its hook and settling it upon her head.

“Ready, AB?” She called out from the front door of the farmhouse.

In a flash, Apple Bloom was at her side, the eagerness in her eyes making the red-orange orbs grow to two or three times their usual size.

Applejack chuckled and ruffled the filly’s mane affectionately. As she opened the door she called out over her back, “Don’t you let that sink overflow, now, Mac!”

“Eeyup,” his reply drifted back from the kitchen.

Apple Bloom followed her sister excitedly outside to the barn. She wondered how many apples she’d get down on her first buck. Ten? Twenty? Maybe if she tried extra hard, she could clear the whole tree! Her enthusiasm bubbled up inside of her, threatening to cause her to go running off into the orchard just to give it a try. Quashing that urge, she looked expectantly up at her sister.

“What do we do first, sis?” Her voice quivered with suppressed energy. “Ah bet Ah could buck at least a dozen apples off a tree right now!”

Applejack shook her head as she chuckled again. “We ain’t gonna be buckin’ jus’ yet, Bloom. Firs’ we gotta get the carts an’ buckets ready. Before we can even do that, though, we gotta feed the animals. Won’t do for them t’ go hungry t’day either, ‘specially as Fluttershy’d give me quite the stern talkin’ to if’n Ah let that happen…”

The farmpony’s voice faded to a drone in Apple Bloom’s ears. No bucking right away? How many things did they have to do first? She stifled a groan, trying to remind herself that she was actually excited. She looked to the horizon, noticing the sun was just beginning to rise. She couldn’t hold back a small sigh. At least it was only… fourteen more hours ‘til she’d see Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle to put their next crusade into action. Her ears drooped at the thought.

“Hey!” Applejack’s voice made her start. “Ah thought you were chompin’ at the bit t’ get started t’day?” She smiled knowingly at her little sister as the filly hung her head. “Ah know you wanted t’ get buckin’ right away,” she said gently, resting a comforting hoof on Apple Bloom’s shoulder. “But we’ve got a lot t’ take care of before that can happen. Can Ah count on you t’ help me out so’s we can get you buckin’ before sunset?”

Apple Bloom felt a budding resolve take form in her chest. She would get to buck today. The more she helped out now, the faster it could happen. She raised her head proudly again, a look of determination in her eyes.

“You can count on me, Applejack! Let’s move our cabooses!” She mimicked Granny Smith’s lilting accent perfectly.

The orange mare chuckled and beckoned her over to begin their first task of the day.

~*~

Hmm thunk, thunk, thunk, thunk, thunk

Sweetie Belle awoke to the familiar drone of Rarity’s sewing machine echoing through the floor. She cracked open a jade-green eye and yawned deeply. She’d been up far too late last night with Scootaloo, trying to devise another plan to get their cutie marks. Apple Bloom had joined them for their first adventure that afternoon before she’d gone to bed early so she could be ready for Applebuck Season. The Crusaders’ little adventure had not gone as well as they had planned. Apparently they would have to scratch “crocodile catchers” off of their list. While Gummy had been an easy catch, the crocodiles lurking in the Everfree Forest had been less…friendly.

Sweetie Belle reached up and poked at the tuft of her mane that had nearly been sheared away by razor-sharp teeth.

Scrubbing her eyes with a white hoof, Sweetie Belle rolled out of bed and landed delicately so as not to disturb her sister. As expected of her, Sweetie Belle turned back to her bed and quickly made it, smoothing out any wrinkles that might offend Rarity’s keen eye. Sweetie Belle wasn’t overly fond of the daily room check to make certain that all was in order, but what could she expect from a sister who was so well organized in her craft?

Or at least she was usually organized...unless a fashion line was due.

Sweetie Belle quickly grabbed her brush and ran it through her mane, carefully curling it and tucking away any loose strands so Rarity would not have reason to comment about a disheveled appearance. She looked at herself in the mirror and cleaned off a speck of dirt on her hoof left over from last night’s adventure.

“‘Being muddy just makes a lady seem so uncouth,’“ Sweetie Belle mimicked her sister to near perfection then laughed to herself. She needed to stop imitating Rarity before her sister caught her in the act.

Still giggling, she trotted out of her room and hopped down the stairs. She could smell buttery toast, sweet pastries, and fresh-brewed tea coming from the kitchen. Sweetie Belle bypassed them, though, and instead walked timidly into Rarity’s work area.

The white and purple unicorn stood before her beloved sewing machine, running the sleeve of a green gown through the needle. Sweetie Belle watched her curiously, already able to recognize the sewing techniques her sister used.

Hmm, she’s using the overlock stitch today. At least that looks like it’ll help keep the sleeve intact.

She watched Rarity guide the sleeve under the needle then stop and swap a few threads when she got to the cuff. With precise movements, Rarity managed to rotate the cuff so that it started to acquire a decorative, ruffled curve.

Purl stitch, Sweetie Belle guessed, though she did not dare to disturb Rarity in her work. The filly looked over her shoulder, her stomach rumbling and begging for food. She could go eat...but it was lonely to eat breakfast without her sister.

“Marvelous!” Rarity cried suddenly, jerking Sweetie Belle’s attention back to her. “This is simply darling! Hoity Toity will surely adore this new design.” She rubbed the fabric against her cheek with a giggle then turned to find Sweetie Belle standing at the front of her room. “Oh! Sweetie Belle, have you been there long?”

Sweetie Belle quickly shook her head and smiled broadly. “It looks pretty, Rarity. Do you want to eat breakfast with me?” she squeaked.

“Pretty?” Rarity asked, appalled. “Pretty? Is that all? Why, I spent all morning working on this ensemble! If it’s only pretty I…”

Sweetie Belle sighed and hung her head. “It’s marvelously stupendous,” she tried again.

Rarity gave her a look and pulled down her sewing glasses. “Now you’re just being facetious. No matter. Yes, yes, I suppose breakfast is indeed in order.” She placed the gown lovingly over one of her mannequins and trotted to her sister. “Come along, then. We shall have a quick bite to eat and then it’s off to work for the pair of us.”

Sweetie Belle’s eyes widened in alarm. “But...I’m supposed to meet Apple Bloom and Scootaloo for a CMC meeting this evening. We-”

“Oh really, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity sighed loudly and went into the kitchen. She poured two cups of jasmine tea and added a squirt of honey to both. “You were up late all last night, and I’ve barely seen you for the past week. I was hoping you could help model some of my dresses, and then there’s the meteor shower this evening. We shall be finished well before night. You can speak with your friends then.”

Sweetie Belle lowered her ears. “Finnnnne,” she grumbled and picked up a sweet bun. She set cooling toast on her plate and blew on the tea. She went to take a sip but noticed Rarity giving her the stinkeye. “What?”

“Manners, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said and pointed to Sweetie Belle’s lap. “Napkin first, then you can drink and eat. Must I remind you all the time?”

Sweetie Belle puffed air into her cheeks and tried not to snap at her sister. They had been getting along a lot better for the past week, but maybe that was because Sweetie Belle had not been around very much to begin with.

As they started to eat, Sweetie Belle looked at a picture on the wall of her parents both dressed up in flowery t-shirts. That had been from their trip down south last summer, and the picture next to it was from Manehatten just two months ago. They hardly looked like prosperous, rich ponies, but they certainly spent their bits as such.

“Are Mom and Dad going to visit soon?” Sweetie Belle asked as she took a sip of tea.

Rarity dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “Hm, the last postcard I received from them said that they were stopping at the Crystal Empire next month and then they would make their way back to Ponyville. Mother says she has a lovely little gift for us.” Rarity’s eyes grew wide. “Oh! Maybe it’s one of the new fabrics from Manehatten. I could certainly use that in my next fashion line.” She looked back to her room and squealed softly. “Ideaaaaas!” she sang.

Sweetie Belle slapped a hoof to her face.

And now I’ve lost her for the rest of the day...she thought.

Oh well. Even if Sweetie Belle didn’t like trying on dresses hours on end, at least she’d be able to spend time with her sister. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo would have to wait until they put their evening plan into action, she supposed.

Sweetie Belle finished up her meal and brought the plates to the sink. The moment she set them down, she heard Rarity bolt from the room to continue her work. Sweetie Belle cleaned the dishes slowly and looked out the window to the birds lining the trees. A mother bird nudged her little one closer to the edge of a branch. The baby bird shook with fear until it saw its dad hop off the tree and hover nearby. Taking a deep breath, the baby jumped from the branch and fell like a rock towards the grass.

“Oh no!” Sweetie Belle gasped.

The mother bird flew down after the baby and fell with it, chirping encouragement. Suddenly, the frightened chick spread its wings and flapped into the air. The trio flew joyously together and headed off to another section of Ponyville.

The filly breathed a sigh of relief. At least that baby had parents to watch out for it. Sweetie Belle missed hers, and while she had her sister, it still didn’t feel like enough sometimes.

She looked around the house, admiring the golden- or silver-gilded statues their parents had purchased for them. They were lovely trinkets, but treasures could not replace her parents.

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity cried. “Come here, will you? It’s time to start...the fashion showwwww!”

In spite of herself, Sweetie Belle couldn’t help but giggle a little at Rarity’s enthusiasm. At least Rarity was getting her involved in the craft rather than sending Sweetie Belle off to play outside alone.

She headed into the workroom and stood beside a mirror, preparing herself for their day of fashion together.

~*~

Birds serenaded Scootaloo with their lovely song, but all she wanted to do was throw a pillow out the window at them. She pulled one flat pillow over her head with a grumble and tucked a blanket over that for good measure. Why was it morning already? Couldn’t she just sleep in for a few more hours? Well, she could, but there were things she had to get done, and first on the agenda was silencing the growling beast that was her stomach.

Scootaloo grumbled and muffled into her pillow then sat up. A feather stuck out of the corner of her mouth, and she quickly swiped it away with a giggle.

“Uh oh,” Scootaloo laughed to herself. “Maybe Apple Bloom is right. I am a chicken. Bawk!!”

Feeling both amused and a little more awake, Scootaloo climbed out of her bed and looked through her window to a trio of birds sitting on a branch. She smiled at them, feeling just a smidgen spiteful that the baby had parents to keep it company, but the emotion did not linger. She turned away, leaving her bed in disarray, and looked around her room.

Posters of the Wonderbolts and famous flyers, like Rainbow Dash, lined her walls. Her scooter leaned against a chair beside another scooter she’d broken about a month ago trying to leap over two carts filled with apples. Applejack had been less than pleased when Scootaloo had not only managed to break her scooter and bruise her wing, but she had also bruised two buckets of apples.

It had not been one of her most spectacular moments, and worse, Rainbow Dash had seen her. Oh, Scootaloo’s face had resembled a crimson sun for about three days after that.

She walked out of her room and looked down the dark, cold hallway just outside of her door. With one ear perked, she listened for any signs of life, but of course there were none. No one lived in the house except for Scootaloo and, on the rare occasion, Aunt Tawny who actually owned the house. However, Aunt Tawny hadn’t been seen for over a year, and Scootaloo was starting to wonder if she would ever come back. Not that she particularly missed her. Even when Aunt Tawny was around, she typically slept the day away and then went out to gamble at night.

Scootaloo glanced at the empty walls around her. At one time, pictures of her parents had littered the hallways and living room, but it had gotten a lot harder to look at them over the years.

She just didn’t want to remember the accident.

The orange filly headed into the kitchen and looked around. She opened the bread container, but it was empty. The cupboards looked just as dismal, and when she went into the fridge, she found only a half-jar of jelly, a little sliver of cheese, and a leftover eclair that Sweetie Belle had brought to her three days ago.

Scootaloo sighed and pulled out the eclair and cheese before plopping them on the table.

“Breakfast of champions,” she said in a slightly mocking voice. Well, she supposed she would have to go shopping today.

She wandered over to an old, cracked cookie jar on top of the fridge. Scootaloo pushed a chair against the door and climbed on top of the seat to peer inside the container.

Her stomach dropped.

“Where are all the bits?” she gasped.

Aunt Tawny had left nearly an entire jar filled with bits that Scootaloo had been living on for the past year, along with the little allowances she earned from chores she did around Ponyville. She just hadn’t realized she’d gotten so low! There was enough for the essentials, but that was all.

Scootaloo pouted and picked out a couple of bits. “So much for getting a big gift for Bab Seed’s birthday when she comes and visits in two weeks.” Maybe she could find some more chores to do. There were usually plenty of ponies who needed help. Why, she’d helped water and weed Roseluck’s garden a few weeks ago and delivered some donuts for Joe.

“I’ll just work harder,” she said, trying to sound optimistic.

Scootaloo hopped down and brought the bits to the table. She shoved the eclair and cheese into her mouth then ran upstairs to fetch her scooter and helmet. Daringly, she eyed the stairs and let a smirk cross her face. With determined hooves, she clicked the straps of the helmet and jumped onto her scooter. She kicked off and shouted as she shot for the stairs.

“20% COOLER!!” she cried, flapping her little orange wings to add speed. She flew off the top of the stairs and descended to the ground. There was a jarring jerk as she landed, but all she could do was laugh with glee as she zoomed around the kitchen. She grabbed her bits and shoved them into a small saddlebag. Still cheering, she sped toward the door and headed out into Ponyville.

The shops passed her in a blur of colors. Ponies moved quickly out of her way, though she was always careful where she was driving when pedestrians were around; she didn’t want to hurt anypony after all. She spotted Fluttershy walking through the town with a little duckling sitting in her mane while two others followed along behind her. A familiar striped pony appeared out of the corner of Scootaloo’s eye, and she watched as Zecora stepped into an herbal shop. Ponyville was already so alive! It made Scootaloo even more hopeful that she’d find work soon.

She zipped around a corner and came across Sugarcube Corner. Mr. Cake was just turning the "Closed" sign around to "Open" when Scootaloo skidded to a halt in front of him. “Hey, Mr. Cake!” Scootaloo cried.

The baker turned to her and pushed his hat back a little. “Well hello there, Scootaloo. Looking for some chores today?”

“Yes, sir!” Scootaloo said with a bright smile. “What do you have for me?”

Mr. Cake chuckled and motioned for her to follow him inside. Scootaloo set her scooter against a bush and left her helmet on one of the handlebars. She trotted in after him and caught the sweet scents of almond and cinnamon.

“Ohhh, that smells delicious!” Scootaloo practically drooled.

“Well there, aren’t you a dear?” Mrs. Cake replied as she poked her head through the kitchen door. She had what looked like two saddlebags on, but they were actually little carriers for the Cakes’ twins, Pound Cake and Pumpkin Cake. Pound Cake flailed his little hooves while Pumpkin Cake gnawed on one of her stuffed toys. “I’m cooking some cinnamon buns and also a new almond cake. Maybe I’ll have some left over, dear.”

“Oh, thank you!” Scootaloo said, beaming. A warm bun or a slice of cake would certainly taste better than the old food she’d had in the fridge.

Mr. Cake looked around then motioned to a broom leaning against the wall. “If you could sweep and mop the floor quickly before the customers come, that would be fantastic. Oh, and the glass over the cake display could use some cleaning too.”

“Yes, sir! Right away, sir!” Scootaloo said and scurried to do as he asked. She grabbed the broom and ran through the room, making sure she caught every speck of dirt she could find. Mr. Cake retreated to the kitchen to keep cooking with Mrs. Cake. Scootaloo glanced at the partially open door and started to sweep up some dirt near it.

“She comes here so often for work,” Mrs. Cake said in a whisper. “I never see that aunt of hers around. Do you think anypony is taking care of her, hun?”

“I don’t know,” Mr. Cake said with worry in his voice. “I’ve heard her going to more than a few ponies during the day for chores. I try to give her a little more…just in case. It isn’t right, though. Somepony should be taking care of that little filly. A filly that young shouldn’t be responsible for making ends meet, doncha know?”

Mrs. Cake sighed and started pushing a few things around. “Let me give her a little care package. You can give that to her along with the bits. I...think I may make a call to somepony to see if she can be helped.”

“Good idea. Until then, we can offer her some more work if she’ll take it.”

Scootaloo couldn’t help but frown as she put the dirt in a bin and went to fetch the mop. How many ponies were starting to notice that she was living alone? Or did they notice? Apparently the Cakes were starting to wonder. Her stomach tightened with nerves, and briefly she wondered if she should just leave without payment so they wouldn’t worry.

But I can’t. I need the bits, and if they want to offer me food…

She couldn’t just say no.

I have to act like nothing’s wrong. I’m just being a helpful, respectful filly, that’s all!

Trying to reassure herself, she went back to mopping and cleaning. She was just finishing up on the cake display when the first customer arrived. Scootaloo hid the cleaning supplies and ran into the kitchen.

“Somepony is here,” she said. “Everything is clean.”

Mrs. Cake smiled over the counter at her while Mr. Cake left to help the customer. “Thank you so much, Scootaloo. You know, we could always use somepony to help clean up the shop in the morning. Would you be interested in coming each day the shop is open? We can give you some breakfast and extra bits for payment.”

Scootaloo brightened considerably, and she started to bounce on her hooves. “Oh, of course! I would love to help! Though, I should check with my aunt,” she added quickly. “Aunt Tawny always wants me to be a good filly and help ponies with their chores. She says it teaches me responsibility.”

Mrs. Cake tilted her head. “Oh? I think I would like to speak to your aunt sometime and make sure it is okay that we’re giving you this little job, dear.”

“Oh…” Scootaloo bit her lip. “Well, see, she’s leaving for a trip tonight, bu- but when she comes back, I’ll let you know and you two can talk!”

She could see the doubt on Mrs. Cake’s face. The blue pony sighed and retreated for a moment before she appeared over the counter with a little sack. She nudged it towards Scootaloo. “Here you are, dear. Thank you again for your help. We’ll see you tomorrow morning, then?”

“Yes, of course!” Scootaloo said exuberantly. “Thank you, Mrs. Cake!”

Scootaloo grabbed the bag and headed out of Sugarcube Corner before she could be questioned again. By the time she escaped, there were at least six customers.

I bet they’re getting orders for the meteor shower tonight, Scootaloo thought with a smile. She set the bag down and opened it. Three cinnamon buns, a slice of almond cake, and a little bag of bits sat within. Licking her muzzle, Scootaloo picked up a bun and took a big bite of the gooey, delicious treat. It warmed her stomach and made her feel even better about the day.

Now if she only could find more ponies who needed chores done.

Not wanting to waste her treat, she put the rest of it away in the bag, tucked that in her saddlebag, and headed off to find her next customer. She wasn’t far into her journey when she spotted a familiar blue- and rainbow-colored streak in the sky. With a loop and a daring cartwheel in the air, Rainbow Dash turned around and headed right for Scootaloo.

“Hey, Squirt!” she called. “Are you ready for the meteor shower tonight? You’ll be there, right?”

“Hey, Rainbow Dash,” Scootaloo greeted her and blushed a little. Even though Rainbow Dash had offered to take her under her wing as a mentor, she still couldn’t help but feel slightly intimidated in Rainbow Dash’s awesome presence. “Oh uh...no, I had a busy night last night, and I’m not feeling um, the best, yeah..ugh, *cough cough.* I probably should stay in to rest.”

Rainbow Dash frowned. “Aww, bummer. Well, you feel better, Scoot. Catch you later!” With a whoosh, Rainbow Dash vanished into the sky.

“...bye,” Scootaloo said and gave a halfhearted wave. She frowned a little. While she wanted to go on her quest tonight with her friends, she did regret not being able to spend time with Rainbow Dash. Her idol was often so busy with her own antics and other ponies, that sometimes she just didn’t have enough time to spend with Scootaloo.

Well, it’s not like I’m family, Scootaloo reasoned.

Not wanting to dampen her mood, Scootaloo turned her scooter around and headed off down the street to find somepony else who needed her help. All she knew was that evening couldn’t come too soon. Maybe tonight she, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom would FINALLY find the solution to their cutie mark problem.

They’d have to not get caught first though…

kbooms

Author's Note

This is a collaborative story between SilverMuse and the amazing kbooms. Be sure to check out his page and his awesome stories!!

Chapter 2: Midnight Crusade

The sun sank toward the horizon, and a small filly took a silent moment to watch the familiar dark blues blend with greens and yellows, then oranges and reds. Luna would soon raise her moon and send her stars to light the sky. After a long day of work, Apple Bloom was ready to rest. She could smell dinner cooking even from the barn, where she was depositing a small bucket full of bruised apples they’d not be able to sell.

The thought of dinner, a short nap, then the secret meeting with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo had become the only thing that had kept her moving. She had a sneaking feeling that she might not be able to even lift a hoof tomorrow from soreness.

“Apple Bloom!” Applejack called from the farmhouse. “You can c’mon in for dinner soon as you’re done with those apples!”

The little filly nearly cried with relief to hear the word “dinner.” She forced her now leaden limbs toward the farmhouse, thinking for the first time that day that she’d rather skip out on crusading tonight and actually stay in bed. One hoof in front of the other, she finally made it to the dinner table. She looked up to find her siblings looking at her with mixed expressions of understanding, pride, and… was that sadness?

Applejack smiled, her green eyes wavering ever so slightly. “Ah’m right proud o’ the work you did t’day, Apple Bloom. Not ev’ry filly can stand up t’ that long of a day, an’ you did it without any complaints.” She looked over at her brother. “Our little filly’s growin’ up, Mac.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded in agreement, a kind smile of encouragement directed toward Apple Bloom.

The filly smiled tiredly back at both of them, the warm feelings of accomplishment, pride in her work, and love for her family filling her belly even more satisfyingly than the delicious meal.

The three siblings ate their dinner with gusto, pausing to make the occasional comment about how the first day of the season had gone. As Applejack stood to clear the dishes away, she looked over at Apple Bloom, whose head was jerking with the effort to stay conscious.

"Hey, sugarcube," she murmured with a small nudge of her hoof. "Looks like it's time for you t' get some shut-eye."

"But Applejack..." she tried to protest.

"No buts this time, AB. Ah reckon it's best you jus' rest for th' evenin'." She stopped to think for a moment. "Shoot, guess that means you'll miss the meteor shower later."

"It's OK, Applejack." Apple Bloom stifled a large yawn. "Reckon there'll be others."

Applejack smiled, the surprise at her sister's response vanishing almost instantly.

"C'mon, then, sleepyhead." The farmpony nudged her sister again. "Let's get'cha all tucked in."

~*~

Across town, a young white-coated unicorn rolled her eyes at the image in the mirror. Why did Rarity’s designs always have to be so precise? She felt like she hadn’t been able to move a hoof for hours! Just as she felt a frustrated scream about to burst from her throat, her stomach interrupted with a loud growl.

Rarity looked up from the hem she was fixing. “Opal, was that you?” She glanced over her red-rimmed sewing glasses at the prissy longhair lounging on the nearby chaise.

Sweetie Belle couldn’t suppress her groan. “No, Rarity!” She frowned at her sister. “It’s dinnertime, and I’m really hungry!” Her head hung. “Not to mention really tired of just standing here.”

The older unicorn’s azure eyes widened as she turned to look at the ornate clock hanging on the wall. “Sweetie Belle! Why didn’t you tell me it was getting so late?” A light blue aura surrounded nearly everything in Sweetie Belle’s vision as Rarity began packing up her work.

“You were in the zone…as it were,” the filly mumbled, more to herself than to the sister she figured wasn’t really listening.

“Well, next time you simply must speak up! We’ll have to eat quickly if we’re to make it to the stargazing meadow near Sweet Apple Acres in time to be fashionably late!”

“Rarity?”

“Yes, darling?” The sapphire eyes landed on the young unicorn for what she thought must’ve been the first time that day. “What is it?” Rarity’s voice sounded concerned.

“Well…” Sweetie felt her vocal chords clench around the lie she was about to tell. A familiar tiny bead of sweat formed at the base of her left ear. “I just… am really... excited to go to the meteor shower with you later!” She smiled broadly, internally cursing herself for being unable to say what she’d meant - no, what she’d needed - to say.

“Oh, Sweetie Belle, you are just too precious!” Rarity wrapped her young sister in a large hug. “I’m sorry if I’ve been a bit preoccupied - this order is for a very important pony. But no! I should not let myself get so wrapped up in my work so that I begin ignoring you again! After all, I do remember last year before the Sisterhood Social…”

Rarity’s voice droned on, like a bee buzzing around Sweetie Belle’s head. She’d long since learned not to fight Rarity’s sudden affectionate spells, which were generally accompanied by a dramatic monologue. Even so, she’d be the first filly on the playground to admit that she loved both them and her sister dearly, even if Rarity could be, well… Rarity.

“...and I shall never forget that lesson!” Rarity finished with a bone crunching squeeze.

Sweetie Belle looked up and saw that her sister’s eyes were fixed on the picture she’d drawn that day before the Sisterhood Social, bedazzled with sapphires that she’d stolen from Rarity’s stash. She blushed a little to see the emotion as well as the beginnings of tears in the older unicorn’s eyes.

The picture had earned a permanent place in the boutique, right next to Rarity’s favorite vanity. It was too heavy to hang, of course, but the little end-table that housed it had had no previous function and served its current purpose admirably.

“Well,” Rarity said briskly, withdrawing her forelegs from her sister and sniffling almost imperceptibly. “Let’s go get ready, shall we?”

Sweetie Belle simply nodded and followed her sister out of the room, her mind churning with plans about how to go crusading without disappointing anypony.

~*~

Scootaloo paced in front of the Golden Oak Library, which currently had no lights on and was completely silent. Her scooter and helmet leaned crookedly against the tree right next to the door. The young pegasus was grateful that Pinkie Pie had turned the meteor shower into a widespread event - nopony was to be found in this part of Ponyville.

Her hooves made little sound on the dirt path. She was always the first one to show up for crusading that happened on non-school days, and she didn’t suppose it had much to do with her scooter. A strand of fuschia mane fell into her eyes briefly. As she brushed it away with a hoof, she sat and regarded the ‘Closed’ sign hanging in the library window.

She would never begrudge her friends their families, nor the time they “had” to spend with them. But she couldn’t deny a growing ache of loneliness pulsing in her little chest, strangely linked to each beat of her heart. Usually she kept such feelings locked up tight, but it had been getting harder to do that lately, especially with the Cakes….

Orange ears perked up at the sound of hoofbeats drawing closer. Scootaloo turned to see her two best friends running up to join her, one nearly vibrating with unspent energy and the other… well, frankly, Scootaloo was surprised Apple Bloom was able to run, judging by how tired she looked.

“Sorry we’re late!” Sweetie Belle squeaked when they reached the spot where Scootaloo had planted herself.

Apple Bloom yawned.

“That’s OK,” Scootaloo replied. “What happened, Apple Bloom?”

“Wha-?” Her red-orange eyes blinked slowly. “Oh. Ah jus’ had mah firs’ day o’ Applebuck Season.” She shook her head a little. “It was way more work than Ah expected. ‘S a good thing Sweetie Belle came t’ wake me up, otherwise Ah’d’ve missed our crusade!”

The pegasus filly shared a look with Sweetie Belle, raising her eyebrow.

The unicorn’s cheeks turned from white to pink and her gaze dropped to the path. “I, um… had trouble lying to Rarity. So I went over to Sweet Apple Acres with her, then slipped away to wake up Apple Bloom.”

“What?” Scootaloo gasped. “So when she notices you’re gone, they’ll all come running this way?”

Sweetie Belle blushed even brighter. “I’m sorry….”

Apple Bloom patted her shoulder. “It’s OK, Sweetie. It jus’ means we better get a move on!” She turned to survey the building in front of them. “So… is it unlocked, or do we hafta do this th’ hard way?”

Scootaloo jumped to her hooves. “Only one way to find out!” She trotted up to the door, experimentally tugging on a handle. She frowned when it did not give way but, upon trying the other handle, smiled brightly. “Success!” she whispered as the lower left half of the door swung open.

The three fillies crept into the dark library, the threat of being found out giving them extra caution.

Thunk. THUD.

“Ow…” Scootaloo’s voice drifted from somewhere in the darkness ahead of the other two fillies.

“You okay, Scoot?” Apple Bloom felt the area in front of her with a flailing hoof, unable to see her fallen friend.

“Yeah,” came the disgruntled reply. “Where are the lights in this place? We aren’t gonna find anything if we can’t see!”

Without any indication, light suddenly flooded the main floor of the library.

“Ta-da!” Sweetie Belle squeaked, standing just inside the door where they’d entered, her hoof still resting on the light switch. She wore a satisfied smirk that matched the glint in her pale green eyes. “‘In any civilized building, the lights are just inside the door so nopony will get hurt!’” She trotted over to a bookshelf and began scanning the titles.

“Well it’s a little late for that part,” Scootaloo grumbled, eyeing the large wooden statue of a horse’s head that always sat in the middle of the room. Now, it lay on the floor where it had toppled when she’d bumped into it. She rubbed a hoof gingerly over the growing goose egg on her forehead.

Apple Bloom perused another section of shelves, a hoof tapping her chin in contemplation. “Ah don’t see why Twilight wouldn’t let us read some of these… Beginner’s Guide to Spelunking couldn’t be all that bad for us t’ read, whatever it is….”

Scootaloo snorted. “Yeah, she really overreacted when I asked to check out Daring Tricks for Pegasi.”

“Well,” Apple Bloom replied. “Ah suppose she thought you might want t’ get good at flyin’ by itself first.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothin’! Ah’m jus’ sayin’ she’s tryin’ t’ keep you safe!”

“Fine,” Scootaloo huffed. “But right now we need something to get us our Cutie Marks. Would that be under ‘C?’”

“Dunno,” Apple Bloom answered quietly, eyes darting toward the door. “Might be we should split up an’ cover as much as we can.”

“Good idea!” Scootaloo affirmed. “I’ll do this shelf.” She trotted off to the opposite wall of books.

“Girls!” Sweetie Belle’s eyes were wide and fixed on a worn, thickly-bound book on the third shelf up. A small, silver inscription on the spine pictured four scattered stars of various sizes over a spiral pattern. “I think I found something!”

After two failed attempts to climb onto each others’ backs to reach the book, Apple Bloom heaved an exasperated sigh. She trotted away, only to return with a step ladder. The other two fillies blushed at the oversight, but Sweetie Belle was quick to clamber up the sturdy steps to retrieve what she’d found. She set it on a lectern near the bookshelf.

Three large pairs of eyes stared down at the tome entitled, Advanced Spells for the Scholarly Unicorn.

“Wonder who wrote this book?” Apple Bloom pondered.

“Who cares?” Scootaloo countered, flipping open the cover. “We need our Cutie Marks, and now we’re going to get them!” She skimmed the Table of Contents for a spell to use. “‘Turn apples to oranges,’ ‘Spells for defense,’ ‘Spells to cure a hangover…’ whatever that is!” Scootaloo frowned in concentration. “A-ha! ‘Spells to alter fate!’”

“This makes me nervous,” Sweetie Belle whispered. “Are you sure this is a good idea? Magic can be complicated. Remember Apple Bloom’s Cutie Pox?”

“Do you want your Cutie Mark or not?” Scootaloo snapped as she flipped to the section she wanted.

“Ah’m sure it’ll be fine.” Apple Bloom’s eyes held a spark of determination, and she gave Sweetie Belle a reassuring grin. “That was a potion, after all!”

“Here’s one! It’s called ‘A Spell to Discover One’s Special Talent.’”

Two pairs of wide eyes widened even more. The third looked away as Scootaloo focused her attention back on the book.

“It looks like all we have to do is chant it.” The orange pegasus flipped the page back and forth, finding no other information or instruction.

“That sounds easy enough!” Apple Bloom grinned, looking toward Sweetie Belle. “Ready, Sweetie Belle?”

The unicorn sighed, an unhappy look still on her face. “If you’re sure it’s a good idea….”

“Great!” Scootaloo wrapped a foreleg around each of her friends, drew them close so they could all see the text, and began chanting:

“Talent and destiny, in one mark combined….”

~*~

The navy backdrop of the sky glistened with fiery rain, causing even Luna’s brightest stars to seem dimmer than usual. Nearly all of Ponyville was gathered on the highest hill in the currently fallow Northeast field at Sweet Apple Acres - the best view in the area.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash sat next to one another, enjoying cups of punch (courtesy of Pinkie Pie) and each others’ company.

“Hey, AJ.” Rainbow nudged her friend. “Have you seen Fluttershy tonight?”

“Oh, Ah think she went to go chat with Rarity for a bit.” The farmpony looked up, trying to find the yellow pegasus within the crowd.

“No worries, I was just curious. Heard she was looking for you today.” Rainbow lay back, her forehooves under her head. “So how was the first day of Applebuck Season? Do you need us to help out again?”

“Nah, it went really well t’day.” Applejack smiled at the memory. “Apple Bloom is helpin’ out this year an’ that li’l filly is a champ.” Her ears swiveled as she heard rushed hoofsteps approaching.

Rarity and Twilight came running up, the whites around Rarity’s eyes showing.

Applejack frowned and shared a look of confusion with Rainbow Dash. “What’s got your knickers in a twist, sugarcube?”

“Have you seen Sweetie Belle anywhere? She said she was going to go looking for Apple Bloom and Scootaloo and I haven’t seen her anywhere for quite some time!”

“Scoots stayed home tonight,” Rainbow answered slowly. “Said she wasn’t feeling good.”

The farmpony’s frown deepened. “Apple Bloom’s been in bed all night - right after dinner she said she was too tired t’ stay up.” The uncharacteristic nonchalance with which Apple Bloom had spoken earlier finally registered and her green eyes widened. She shook her head, determined to stay calm. “Ah reckon it’s time t’ check on her.”

The four mares trotted briskly toward the farmhouse. Applejack led the way upstairs, pausing briefly in front of her little sister’s door. She looked sternly over her shoulder at the mares who had followed her, whispering as commandingly as her quiet volume permitted.

“Now, don’t anypony panic - might be she’s sound asleep and don’t need us nosin’ around an’ wakin’ her up!”

Three wide pairs of eyes watched her closely as she crept forward and laid a hoof gently on the handle. The farmpony opened the door as inconspicuously as possible, mentally praising herself for having oiled the hinges just the other day.

A thin shaft of light from the hall crept into the room, perfectly highlighting the bed in the middle of the room. She slowly peered around the edge of the door. Her eyes locked on the covers, which were so lumpy they could as easily have been empty as occupied. The green orbs narrowed as she laid eyes on the pillow, however.

It was empty.

Calmly, Applejack withdrew her head and quietly shut the door. She turned to face her friends again, her demeanor unreadable.

“Well.” Her words were measured. “If you were a dishonest little filly, where might you sneak off to this late at night?” The farmpony surveyed everypony in turn.

Nopony spoke, all deep in thought.

“Oh no,” Twilight breathed at last. She looked up with regret, her purple wings fluttering with distress. “The three of them were in the library yesterday, asking me if I could find them a spell to get them their Cutie Marks. I told them no, and that it was too dangerous to try a spell like that… I should’ve known they’d try again! I should have listened when Spike said he saw somepony lurking near the library as we left to come here.”

“It’s not your fault, darling,” Rarity affirmed, a hard glint in her eyes promising punishment for the fillies gone astray. “But we really ought to go after them, now, oughtn’t we?”

“You bet we do!” Rainbow said, a determined frown on her face. “Come on!” She flew down the staircase and out the door without another word, leaving the others to follow.

Once the remaining three mares had galloped out the door, Rainbow tempered her pace to match.

Applejack ran with single-minded determination but had to remind herself not to outpace her friends, even if it would be an easy task. Finally, she could see the lights of the library. They shone brightly relative to the darkened windows all around. Her ears quirked, and she hoped frantically that what she heard wasn’t three fillies casting a spell. She traded a desperate look with Twilight, who seemed to be flagging from the pace.

The four ponies reached the library at the same time, all laying a hoof on the door and opening it as quickly as possible as three young voices continued their chant:

“Through one another your identity you will find.”

It swung open forcefully, and the four mares gasped in unison as their eyes were blinded by a flash of fiery, blue-green light.

Chapter 3: Star Swirl Strikes Again

Somewhere nearby, a rooster crowed. Small orange hooves grabbed the pillow and shoved it on top of their owner’s head, muffling the sound. It couldn’t possibly be anywhere near what decent ponies would call morning. The sun hadn’t even cleared the horizon, and her large four-poster bed was just too comfy right now.

Scootaloo bolted upright, her eyes frantically scouring the unfamiliar room. Her bed was pink, to begin with – such an un-cool color. The walls were painted green instead of blue, her blankets had apples on them….

Wait.

The room suddenly became very familiar and, before she could scramble out of the nest of covers she’d worked herself into, the bedroom door swung open.

“Mornin’ sleepyhead!” Applejack called, grinning widely. “You ready for th’ firs’ day of Applebuck Season, Scoots?”

“The first day of…” Scootaloo’s voice died in her throat. Why did it not seem strange to Applejack that she was sleeping in Apple Bloom’s room? Also, the first day of Applebuck Season had been yesterday… right?

“Yep, firs’ day o’ th’ season!” Applejack trotted over to her bed. “Thought Ah’d give you a few extra minutes since you were so eager t’ help out this season.” The farmpony tousled the filly’s dark pink mane affectionately. “Breakfast’ll be ready lickety-split, so y’ better get movin’!”

Scootaloo blinked rapidly as Applejack vanished from the room in a blur of blonde and orange fur. She rubbed her eyes with a hoof, convinced this had to be a dream. What had happened before she’d gone to sleep again?

Her eyes widened as her memory came back to her.

The spell.

But the spell was supposed to--

Frantically, she fought her way out of the blankets surrounding her, falling with a thump onto the floor. Her flank! She twisted her head around to see from her awkward position, her rear still half-swaddled and suspended from the ground. Was it still…?

Blank.

Her ears folded back as she saw the unblemished, unmarked orange fur that was quickly becoming the most disappointing sight of her young life.

She sighed loudly, her head beginning to pound painfully. Apparently spells had uncomfortable side effects, a fact she wished the book had mentioned. How was it even possible for Applejack to be so cheerful so early, spell or not?

A loud grumble from her midsection interrupted her thoughts, reminding her of the promise of a breakfast she didn’t have to scrounge for – that somepony was preparing for her.

Magenta eyes danced as Scootaloo allowed a wide smile to lift her muzzle. Maybe living as an Apple wouldn’t be so bad.

She followed her sensitive nose into the hallway and toward the staircase. Something smelled amazing! No wonder even Pinkie Pie agreed that the Apple Family’s baking and cooking skills were unrivaled.

Her small hooves began to descend the staircase, but her eyes were on the wall. Scootaloo perused the photographs she’d never much paid attention to when galloping to and from Apple Bloom’s room. After all, who spent time looking at family portraits when there was crusading to be done?

The first picture showed two ponies Scootaloo had never seen in what seemed to be a special section of the orchard. A yellow mare who looked strikingly like Apple Bloom, down to the yellow fur, red mane, and red-orange eyes, smiled gaily out of the frame. She sported a familiar cowpony hat, and a pink bow bound her braided mane. Next to her stood a large stallion with a rusty-colored coat, a sandy mane and vibrant green eyes, a yoke resting upon his shoulders. He had an easy smile, reminding her of Apple Bloom’s big brother.

The next picture showed the entire Apple Family at the big reunion she remembered Apple Bloom talking about a while back. Another growl from her stomach urged her to move along before she could look too closely.

The last picture near the bottom of the staircase showed just the four Apples of the household. Granny Smith sat in her rocking chair, Big Mac stood stoically as ever in the background, and Applejack smiled proudly in front of him. Apple Bloom was… wait, that couldn’t be right.

Apple Bloom wasn’t in the picture – Scootaloo was in her place.

The young pegasus couldn’t stop staring at her smiling face in the photograph. She was surrounded by family. She didn’t even realize her mouth was hanging open until a small gnat buzzed into it and tickled her tongue.

Spitting and rubbing her muzzle, she finally tore her gaze away. Her brow creased in thought. Something must have gone very wrong with the spell they had cast.

“Hey Scootaloo!” Applejack hollered from the dining room. “Are y’ comin’ t’ breakfast by way o’ Vanhoover?”

Jolted by the sudden realization that there was breakfast waiting for her on the other side of the wall, the filly scrambled down the last couple stairs and into the dining room. She was greeted with the sight of Big Mac and Applejack sitting at the table, both eyeing her with confusion.

“Thought maybe y’ weren’t hungry or somethin’,” Mac rumbled.

“Sorry!” Scootaloo apologized. “I’m here now, but I have to ask… where’s Apple Bloom?”

“Apple Bloom?” Applejack cocked her head, green eyes suddenly full of concern. “Ah reckon she’s at home. Why d’you ask?”

“Well...” The young pegasus suddenly felt uneasy. “She’s your sister and, as nice as it is to be here right now, she should be sitting here.”

Applejack exchanged a worried glance with Big Mac, a frown on her face, before focusing on the little filly. “Ah don’ understand what you’re tryin’ t’ say, Scoots. Ah’ve told you that the Sisterhood Social deal was jus’ a one-day thing. You’re our sister. Apple Bloom has Rarity t’ take care o’ her.” She scratched her head with a hoof. “Are you feelin’ sick t’day?”

“I don’t feel sick...” Scootaloo tried to explain, trailing off as her mind tried sorting through all of the confusing new information she’d gathered in the last 30 minutes.

“Don’ reckon y’ ought t’ be out buckin’ t’day,” Big Mac said firmly.

“Ah agree.” The orange mare surveyed the filly closely. “Ah don’t s’pose you got a concussion while you were out crusadin’ the other day?”

“No!” the pegasus gasped in exasperation. “I’m fine! I guess I just need to talk to Apple Bloom later.”

“Well, you’ve got the perfect chance at the meteor shower t’night - Ah think Ah remember Rainbow Dash sayin’ she’d bring Sweetie Belle, too.”

Scootaloo felt her eyes bulge in shock. “Rainbow Dash is bringing Sweetie…” She felt a pang of jealousy that her idol would now be spending time with Sweetie Belle, who was arguably the least cool of the crusaders. She swore her heart stopped beating, however, as she realized that the young unicorn must have woken to her empty house, alone, without food, and extremely confused.

“Ah’m thinkin’ we may need t’ call Nurse Redheart in t’day, jus’ t’ be safe.” Scootaloo heard Applejack mutter to Big Mac. “Ah’m a mite worried.”

“Eeyup,” Mac agreed.

Scootaloo sighed, eyeing her bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal. Whatever it was that had gone wrong, there was no need to try to figure it out on an empty stomach. This evening couldn’t possibly come soon enough.

After the filly had cleaned her second bowl of oatmeal, which had been every bit as delicious as the first, she took the dirty dish to the sink and washed it quickly and thoroughly. She put it in the dish rack to dry, not hearing the hoofsteps behind her.

“So Ah reckon y’ might need some bedrest t’day, Scoots.” Applejack’s voice still held a note of concern. “O’ course, you can still come t’ the meteor shower - Ah don’ reckon that’ll hurt anythin’.”

“Applejack,” Scootaloo begged. “Please don’t make me spend all day in bed! I’ll go crazy! Let me help with apple bucking.” She did her best impression of Apple Bloom’s most irresistible puppy dog eyes, even adding in a lip quiver for good measure.

“Don’t think Ah don’t know where you learned that from!” the older mare warned, though her muzzle twitched with the beginning of a smile.

Scootaloo held firm, feeling her eyes begin to water from the effort.

The farmpony let out a heavy sigh. “Fine.” She gave the pegasus a stern look. “But if’n Ah see anythin’ that makes me think you’re not feelin’ well, it’s straight up t’ bed with ya!”

“Deal!” Scootaloo beamed, prancing out the door of the farmhouse.

Applejack shook her head and trotted over to the sink where her brother was starting the rest of the dishes. “Mac, you gotta stop teachin’ that filly your bad habits.”

The large stallion’s answer was the very same facial expression Scootaloo had just displayed. Unfortunately, it was ruined by the dishtowel his sister threw in his face as she exited the kitchen with a chuckle.

~*~

The bed felt extra soft and comfortable, Apple Bloom remembered thinking as her consciousness drifted in and out of sleep. Her instincts told her that the sun hadn’t risen yet - after all, Apples always rose before the sun. She allowed her mind to dispel the fog of sleep, remembering that Applejack had asked for her help in the orchard today as well.

Eyes still closed, the little filly stretched her whole body out with the expectation of feeling like she’d been hit by a wagon after all the hard manual labor she’d done yesterday. Her eyelids popped open as she realized she felt absolutely no pain, no indication that she’d done any work on the farm at all.

Bewildered, she looked around her bedroom only to realize that it most certainly was not within the farmhouse. Everything was done up in pinks, blues, and purples - diamond shapes everywhere - and decorated with so much flair that Apple Bloom felt slightly nauseous.

The yellow filly crawled out of the too-soft bed, which she made grudgingly, her mind frantically working. Finished making the bed, she put a hoof to her chin. She frowned, realizing that she might have a better idea of what was happening if she actually knew where she was.

As she made her way to the door of the bedroom, something clicked in her mind.

The spell! That’s what had happened most recently in her memory. But, it had been a spell for Cutie Marks not for… whatever it was that happened. Bracing herself, she turned her head to look at her flank, hoping it showed anything at all - even a turnip would be better than nothing.

She sighed as she saw that it was still, unsurprisingly, blank.

“Stupid magic,” she muttered under her breath.

With a sigh of resignation, she raised a hoof to the door and pushed it open, revealing a small, circular corridor, another door to her left, and a stairway to her right. The same pink and purple diamond theme continued for as far as she could see.

Unfortunately, she still wasn’t sure what building she was in - if it was even in Ponyville….

With a decisive nod, she trotted toward the staircase and began to make her way down. Everything in this place was elegant, there was no denying, which also meant that it was probably quite expensive.

“Who do Ah know who could possibly enjoy all this?” Apple Bloom mused to herself as she reached the ground level of the building. Her eyes widened as she took in the familiar scene around her and everything suddenly made sense. Ponykins, mirrors everywhere, pedestals, curtains and… dresses.

She was at Carousel Boutique.

The sound of hoofsteps upstairs caused her ears to twitch, and the filly realized that Rarity must now be awake.

Honestly, she wasn’t sure how to feel about that.

Before she could decide, however, Rarity waltzed out of her room and began descending the stairs, her mane already perfectly coiffed. She didn’t even notice Apple Bloom standing in the middle of the Boutique in bemusement until she reached the last step.

“Oh! Apple Bloom, you’re already awake?” Her azure eyes widened in shock.

“O’ course Ah’m already awake!” the yellow filly huffed. “Apples are always up afore the sun!”

“You made your bed and everything?” Rarity’s face now held a look of skepticism.

Apple Bloom groaned. “Yes!” she cried with exasperation, before the realization hit her. “Wait. Mah bed? Ain’t it Sweetie Belle’s bed? An’ where is she?”

The white unicorn turned and walked toward the kitchen after giving a satisfied nod, seeming not to have heard Apple Bloom’s questions. “Well, then I shall begin breakfast for us - it shan’t take long, but you can go give your mane a good brushing in the meantime. A good day can’t happen without a good beginning, after all.”

Under her breath, so Rarity wouldn’t hear, Apple Bloom muttered, “For two ponies who ain’t got a thing in common, she’s certainly startin’ t’ sound a lot like Applejack….”

“I can’t hear whatever it is you’re muttering, but it is hardly ladylike to speak behind ponies’ backs!” Rarity’s scolding voice floated out of the kitchen.

“Ah take that back,” Apple Bloom said to herself as she scrambled up the stairs again to brush her mane.
Once she was back in what she now knew was Sweetie Belle’s room, the earth pony looked around a little bit more critically. Everything was extremely tidy - well, except for the bed. Apple Bloom had hastily thrown the comforter back over the mattress, and she could see wrinkles and lumps in it. She shrugged, dismissing the thought that it ruined the feel of the room.

She made her way over to the filly-sized vanity opposite of the bed, and picked up a brush. Lazily, she ran it through her hair as she gazed at the other items resting near the mirror. There was an ornate music box on one side, a lifelike pony ballerina on top stuck in an everlasting pirouette. The rest seemed to be porcelain, painstakingly painted swirls and accents standing out in relief. The words “With love from Prance!” were inscribed on a small golden plate at the base.

Apple Bloom shook her head, amazed that Sweetie knew anypony who had been to Prance - much less given her such an expensive gift! Her eyes continued to peruse the items in front of her, mostly mane-do supplies, none of them catching her eye until she reached a photograph on the other side of the mirror.

The mane brush dropped from her hoof and fell to the floor with a clatter as she stared back at her own face in the picture. She was smiling, held close between a couple of white unicorns. The yellow filly suddenly realized she’d never even met Sweetie Belle’s parents. Could they have been the ones to get her the fancy music box? Is that why they were never around - because they were always traveling?

She shook her head in bewilderment as the biggest question of all surfaced. Why was she in the picture instead of Sweetie Belle?

Before Apple Bloom could wrap her head around the change she assumed was caused by the spell, she heard a rap on the door.

“Knock-knock!” Rarity sang as she pushed the door open. “Breakfast is ready, darling!” Her eyes narrowed as she glanced around the room. “Apple Bloom, you told me you made the bed.”

“Ah did.” Apple Bloom frowned, still reeling from the discovery of the photograph.

The older unicorn gave as ladylike a snort as the filly imagined could exist. “There are wrinkles everywhere! Once you’ve made the bed properly, you may come down and eat.” She exited the room without further comment.

The filly sighed as she trotted over to fix the bed. She needed to meet up with Sweetie and Scootaloo - and fast! She doubted how much time with Rarity she could stand for longer than the usual few hours when she watched over some of their Crusades.

After smoothing out as many wrinkles as she could in the two minutes she tried, Apple Bloom made her way back downstairs and into the kitchen. She had to admit that, from the delicious smells wafting in her direction, Rarity must at least be a somewhat accomplished cook.

“Ah, there you are,” the unicorn said, as she noticed the filly enter the kitchen. “I made crêpes! There’s some jam and nutella here.” She gestured at each jar on the table as she mentioned them. A blue aura surrounded a glass of juice, and it floated gracefully over to the place setting opposite from Rarity’s. “And there’s your orange juice.” She smiled graciously at the filly. “A good breakfast to get you through until lunch, and then we’ll eat at the meteor shower tonight.”

“Uh, thanks,” Apple Bloom said, mentally steeling herself as she sat down. Orange juice was not on the menu for any meal at the Acres. She had been told that it was a fruit rivalry that had begun when her parents had separated, and she’d never questioned it. She reached toward the glass slowly to take a sip of the devil-liquid, and had just begun drawing it close to her muzzle when Rarity interrupted yet again.

“Manners, Apple Bloom,” she said lazily, as if correcting such trivial matters was commonplace. “Napkin first.”

The filly sighed and she threw the napkin down into her lap. Today was going to be extremely long.

~*~

Dappled light filtered through the curtains on the window and danced on Sweetie Belle’s eyelashes. The filly yawned and stretched out her white hooves, letting the warmth of the sun greet her. Birdsong echoed in her ears and made her smile pleasantly. It was nice to have the birds rouse her rather than Rarity’s ever-humming sewing machine. There was no smell of breakfast in the kitchen or sound of her sister shuffling about downstairs in her office, so either it was so early Rarity had not yet begun her work, or so late that Sweetie Belle had slept through it all.

Smacking her lips, she rolled over and let a hoof dangle over the side of the bed. It bumped into something roughly, jarring her from her pleasant slumber.

“Ouch!” Sweetie Belle cried and shook out her hoof. She frowned and leaned over to see what she’d hit, only to find a blue scooter sitting on the floor beside her bed.

A scooter? What’s a scooter doing in my room?

Sweetie Belle slowly pulled back and turned around only to freeze in shock at the sight that met her eyes.

This wasn’t her room.

Posters of famous pegasi hung on the blue walls around her. Papers lay scattered across a tiny desk shoved in the corner of the room, and a helmet dangled precariously from a peg near the door. A couple action figures lined the shelves, set up in a dramatic battle. It took her a moment to realize where she was because she did not visit this room frequently.

What am I doing in Scootaloo’s room? she wondered and furrowed her brow. She jumped out of the green-checkered bed and started to trot out of the room until she noticed a calendar on the wall. The days had been crossed out, and what should have been yesterday, the first day of Apple Buck season, wasn’t crossed off at all. Maybe Scootaloo had forgotten. Maybe, after they’d cast the spell, they’d gotten so tired last night that they’d just decided to stay at Scootaloo’s place.

But then why am I in her bed, and where are Scootaloo and Apple Bloom?

All thoughts of her friends suddenly slammed to a halt when she remembered why they had cast a spell last night. Sweetie Belle spun in a circle to look at her flank.

It remained blank.

“Oh, come on!” she cried and slapped a hoof to her face. Sighing, she slowly let it fall back down to the ground.

“Well...we tried,” she commented dryly and started to hop down the stairs. “Girls?” she called. She really couldn’t remember what had happened after they’d read the spell. She had been quite tired for certain, but surely she would have recalled walking all the way across town to Scootaloo’s home.

It’s really strange, though, she realized. Scootaloo never invites us here. In fact, the first time we actually saw her home was when we apologized for abandoning her while we were practicing for the opening flag ceremony for the Equestria Games. And even then we didn’t stay long! Scootaloo is just so private about this place, but I don’t know why. It’s very pretty.

Yet, it didn’t really feel homey. At Sweetie Belle’s place, pictures of her and Rarity, their parents, and other family members lined the walls. Here, there was nothing. Sure, there was the random painting of a flower or a boat, but there was nothing to suggest that a loving family lived here. Scootaloo really didn’t talk about her family much, and Sweetie Belle had naturally assumed that maybe they traveled a lot, just like her parents.

Maybe there’s more to it than that, she thought.

She looked into the living room and dining room, hoping to find Apple Bloom or Scootaloo but no pony was about. In fact, it appeared as if no pony had actually been in these rooms for...well...years. The living room felt more like a museum than a pleasant place for somepony to live. There was no dust, so somepony had been in here, but the furniture looked otherwise untouched and cold if Sweetie Belle could find the proper term. In fact, the only room that had personality and appeared to have been treated with love was Scootaloo’s room.

“Girls?” she called again with a slight tremor in her voice, but still there was no reply. She wandered into the kitchen and looked around but there was very little there. Mice wouldn’t even find a crumbly morsel on the floor because, really, there wasn’t any food that Sweetie Belle could see. She looked in the cupboards but they were as empty as the counter. “That’s strange…” she murmured to herself.

Knock, knock

Sweetie Belle jumped when she heard the sound at the front door. She closed a cupboard and hesitantly trotted over to it. The peephole was too high so, instead, she slowly opened the door and poked her head around to find Mr. Cake standing in front of her.

“Well hello there, Sweetie Belle,” he said pleasantly and with a warm, yet cautious smile.

Sweetie Belle opened the door all the way and cocked her head. “Good morning, Mr. Cake.” She would have said more, but she didn’t know why he was there in the first place. Still, she wanted to be polite. “Are you looking for Scootaloo?”
Maybe her friend had placed an order.

Mr. Cake looked confused for a moment. “Scootaloo? Oh, no, no. She’s probably busy over with her family since it’s the first day of Applebuck Season. I can’t wait for Applejack to bring some of those fresh apples to my door. Ohhh, the turnovers and pies I could make with those!” Mr. Cake rolled his eyes back dreamily.

Sweetie Belle blinked in surprise. “But...why would Scootaloo be with the Apples? Where’s Apple Bloom?”

Mr. Cake blinked at her in confusion. “With her sister, Rarity, of course.” He leaned forward and reached out to touch her forehead. “Are you feeling okay, Sweetie Belle?”

Sweetie Belle stood there in shock, her mouth dropping open so wide it could have caught flies.

What does he mean Apple Bloom is Rarity’s sister? I’m Rarity’s sister! What in Equestria is going on?!

Sweetie Belle drew back and shook her head, sending her purple and pink tresses flying around her face. “I...don’t understand. Rarity’s my sister.”

Sweetie Belle didn’t understand the grief and sympathy that suddenly crossed Mr. Cake’s face. He settled a gentle hoof on her shoulder and smiled.

“I’m sure that Apple Bloom and Rarity have taken you in like their own. You’re such a sweet little filly.” He reached back and pulled a pack off of his back and handed it to her with his teeth. “Here,” he said, muffled, and Sweetie Belle was forced to take it. “I brought a little treat for you. I didn’t see you in town today, so I got a bit concerned. You sure you’re feeling all right, there?”

“What? I...oh...um. I’m fine,” Sweetie Belle stuttered, though she was most certainly anything but fine.

The tall yellow stallion blew a tuft of orange mane out of his face. “Did you want to do some chores for me today?”

Chores? How can I think of doing chores when I have to find the girls and figure out what’s going on! What did the spell do? It’s like all of Ponyville has gone crazy!

She set the pouch down and shook her head urgently. “I...I actually need to meet with my friends. I think we have to figure something out and….yeah…”

Mr. Cake blinked then nodded quickly. “Oh, of course. Well...if you feel like it, you’re welcome to stop over tomorrow morning for some chores.”

“Yeah, sure, that’s fine,” Sweetie Belle said absently and backed up a step. “I...need to go,” she whispered.

Mr. Cake furrowed his brow but did not protest. Instead, he bowed his head in farewell and walked away. As Sweetie Belle reached out to close the door, she noticed him glance back at her before he trotted off towards Sugarcube Corner.

Sweetie Belle turned to the bag next to her and opened it with a tiny flicker of magic. Inside were a few pastries as well as two bits. She stared at the small treasure and looked back at the window, not understanding in the slightest what was going on. Something had gone very wrong with the spell last night, and she didn’t know what.

I know Twilight had a bad time when she used one of Star Swirl’s other spells, but that one hadn’t been completed; this one was. So what happened?

She had to find Apple Bloom and Scootaloo fast!

Sweetie Belle made to leave, but her stomach suddenly rumbled loudly. She frowned and looked back at the cherry pastry. Quickly, she grabbed it and gobbled it up in two bites before she ran out the door. She trotted for her actual home first, hoping that Rarity might recognize her. It was the best thing she could think to do. And if Rarity didn’t recognize her, then maybe Apple Bloom could help.

The trip to her real home wasn’t far, but as she neared it, she noticed a few ponies waved at her cheerfully as she passed...more cheerfully than usual. They seemed very warm and welcoming to her, which surprised her a little since she didn’t know some of them. Had Scootaloo somehow become acquainted with them?

Sweetie Belle shrugged and turned down the road.

Something zoomed over her head and she skidded to a halt as a blue pegasus with a multi-colored mane descended in front of her. “R-Rainbow Dash?” Sweetie Belle asked in surprise.

“Hey, Squirt!” Rainbow Dash called in greeting and touched down. “Are you ready for the meteor shower tonight? You’ll be there, right?”

“The meteor shower?” Sweetie Belle asked in surprise. So it really was the same day… “Oh, I...don’t know. I need to find Apple Bloom and Scootaloo and-”

“Well, they’ll be at the meteor shower too, goofy,” Rainbow Dash replied with a smirk. She poked Sweetie Belle gently in the chest. “I was going to train some of the young fliers from your school. I don’t think I have to ask if you want to come along,” she said with a wink.

Sweetie Belle looked over her shoulder at her home. “I don’t think I should. I really-”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed and put her hooves on her hips. “What’s gotten into you, Sweetie? You’ve been begging to come watch me for weeks, and now you’re suddenly gonna bail? What’s gotten into you?”

“I don’t know!” Sweetie Belle squeaked in distress. “I woke up this morning in Scootaloo’s room and then...then...Mr. Cake told me that Apple Bloom is Rarity’s sister instead of me, and that Scootaloo’s living with the Apple family, and all we wanted to do was get our cutie marks, and then he asked me if I wanted to do chores, and then you’re begging me to go to training session and I..I...I...justdon’tknowwhat’sgoingon!” she whimpered, her words gushing out of her mouth like a fountain.

Rainbow Dash blinked her magenta eyes once, twice, and a third time before she sat back on her haunches.

“Uh...okay...so...when did you hit your head?” she asked with a half smile as if a joke would fix everything. “Sweetie, I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but you aren’t Rarity’s sister, and Scoot’s with her family so...Yeah.” She rubbed the back of her rainbow mane. “You want to go get a check up or something? Maybe you’re coming down with something.”

“No, I’m not!” Sweetie Belle cried then hung her head. No pony was going to believe her...they all thought she was crazy, and if she went to the hospital, she might not get out to see her friends for quite some time. She lifted her eyes and saw the concern on Rainbow Dash’s face, a concern that had mirrored Mr. Cake’s. Uttering a sigh, Sweetie Belle mustered her bravery and sat up a little taller. “Okay...I’ll go with you,” she said.

“Well don’t sound too excited,” Rainbow Dash replied with a roll of her eyes. She reached out and scooped Sweetie Belle into her arms.

“Wh-what are you doing?” Sweetie Belle gasped.

Rainbow Dash plopped the filly on her blue back and glanced over her shoulder. “What do you think? Flying, silly. By Celestia, you must have really hit your head or somethin’. Hang on!” Rainbow Dash shot from the ground like a bullet.

Sweetie Belle squealed in fright and wrapped her hooves around Rainbow Dash’s neck tightly, though not enough to strangle her. She buried her head into the pony’s mane and just prayed they’d actually make it to the ground in one piece. Sweetie Belle had never been so scared of heights in all her life.

I hope Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are having better luck than I am!