Grow Up, Apple Bloom

by Lux

Rating: everyone
Tags: Applejack, Apple Bloom, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Comedy, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Slice of Life, Zecora
Length: 13190

Apple Bloom makes a desperate attempt to get her cutie mark.

What if a cutie mark was not just related to a pony finding their talent but also a sign of a pony becomming an adult?

This was the question that Apple Bloom thought about after another failed attempt to get her mark.

But is her attempt to get her mark through magic going to work, and more importantly, what will the consequences of her actions be?

Published 2012-06-15 04:54:03 UTC
Last updated 2012-07-16 23:38:17 UTC

Another Failed Crusade

Grow Up, Apple Bloom

Chapter 1 – Another Failed Crusade

“Did you get your cutie mark, Apple Bloom,” Scootaloo said.

The Earth pony looked behind with a look of hope. Maybe, just maybe, today would be the day that she finally got her cutie mark. As she gazed at her empty flank, her looked changed to disappointment.

“No, Scootaloo. No mark yet. Did ya git yers, Sweetie Belle?”

The unicorn looked at her flank and her face looked in surprise. “Wait, I think I see something!”

“Ya found yer mark, Sweetie Belle,” Apple Bloom said as she trotted over to her friend. Scootallo followed and looked at her unicorn friend.

“Aww! It’s just a leaf,” the orange Pegasus pony said as she flicked the red maple leaf from her friend’s flank.

“Ah guess we can scratch trailblazin’ off our list then,” Apple Bloom said with a sigh.

“Well, that’s interpretive dancing, pie eating and trailblazing, and no marks for those,” Sweetie Belle said.

The two Crusaders piled into the wagon attached to the scooter and Scootaloo motored the three of them out of the forest. Overhead, the sun was low in the sky, indicating that soon it would be evening. Their day of crusading was over and it was time the three returned to their respective homes.

“How many things we have tried so far Apple Bloom,” Scootaloo asked Apple Bloom as she buzzed along with her wings.

“Well with the three we did today, ah’d say it’s one hundred an’ thirty three things we did so far, give or take a few,” Apple Bloom said.

Saying this, the earth pony noticed how the two looked even more upset at their recent failure. “But gdon’ worry yall,” she said trying to cheer them up, “Ah know we’ll git our marks someday.”

“Someday,” Scootaloo said exacerbated, “we’ll be grown mares by the time we get our cutie marks at this rate!”

“An’ what’s wrong with gittin’ older,” Apple Bloom said to her friend, “Mah sister, Applejack is older, an’ ah hope ta’ be just like her when I grow up!”

“Stop fighting you two,” Sweetie Belle said, “we’re trying to get our marks together, not fight about it.”

“Sorry, Apple Bloom,” Scootaloo said, “I guess I’m getting impatient that’s all.”

“That’s ok,” Apple Bloom said, “Ah’ git upset too sometimes. But we’re a team, an’ we’ll help git our marks, no matter how old we are when we git them, right?”

“Right,” the two chimed in.

Hearing this from Scootaloo about getting their marks when older, Apple Bloom had a idea. “Hey, Sweetie Belle, when did yer sister git her mark?”

“Oh Rarity told me that she was older than us when she got her mark,” the unicorn said thinking about it.

“Girls, ah’ thing ah have an’ idea,” Apple Bloom said satisfied.
“What is it,” the other Crusaders asked.

“Ah can’t tell ya yet ‘cause ah’m not sure if it’ll work, but if it does, this might solve all our problems.”

“It’s not going to be that potion you tried that made you get all those cutie marks, is it,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Nah, ah learned my lesson about that. Don’ worry. Ah’ll let you know about it in a day or so.”
“Ok then,” Scootaloo said as she pulled up to the entrance of Sweet Apple Acres, “see you later Apple Bloom.”

“Bye Scootaloo. Bye Sweetie Belle,” Apple Bloom said with a wave as her two friends and crusaders pulled away. She then turned and headed back to the farm house, her mind abuzz with her new idea.

At Zecora's

Chapter 3 – At Zecora’s

After the morning chores around Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom proceeded to Zecora’s place in the Everfree Forest. She didn’t know how her plan was going to work exactly, but hopefully Zecora had a potion to assist her. With a deep breath, she knocked on the door.

“Come in my dear friend, Apple Bloom,” Zecora said with a smile,” I usually don’t expect to see you this soon.”

“Hello, Zecora. Ah’ kind of need yer help, actually Applejack does.”

“Is that so. Well by all mean let Zecora know.”

“There’s a tree that we’ve planted, but it’s too young an’ we’re afraid that it’ll die in the winter. Do ya’ have something that can make the tree older so it can be stronger against the cold?”

Zecora thought about it. “Nature shouldn’t be altered by force. It really should move on its own course.”

Apple Bloom’s heart sank as there was a chance that Zecora might not be able to give her anything.

“But if you and your sister are worried about losing a tree, then I may have something if you follow me.”

With renewed excitement, Apple Bloom followed her to a shelf. The zebra then took a green glass bottle from the shelf.

“One bottle should be enough to age your tree, but heed my words carefully. Be careful not to get any on you, or you’ll be the one who’ll be aging too.”

“Ya’ mean, if ah’ accidentally try any of this stuff ah’ll git older too,” Apple Bloom said trying to mask her excitement with concern.

“Yes, Apple Bloom, it is true. This potion will also age you. So be careful when you try and use it, or else when it comes to your current age, you might lose it.”

“Thanks, Zecora,” Apple Bloom said as she took the potion, “Ah’ll be careful with it.”

“Goodbye my dear Apple Bloom,” Zecora said to her as the filly left, “I hope to see you again soon.”

With that the filly happily trotted back to the farm, ready to initialize her plan.

The Plan

Chapter 4 – The Plan

Apple Bloom returned to Sweet Apple Acres, the aging potion concealed neatly into her saddlebag. She was so excited that she was more than willing to try it out on herself the moment she arrived at the orchard. But Apple Bloom knew that what she was doing had to happen where there would be no interruptions, especially from her family. If her family found out what she was planning before she was able to actually do it, they would be really upset. The fact that she tried something similar before to get her cutie mark and failed didn’t help matters. She had to be somewhere safe and secluded where no pony could interrupt her. Luck for her, Apple Bloom knew the perfect place.

She galloped through the forest of apple trees, a single goal on her mind, and a single location she needed to be. Finally she came to the familiar clearing where the Cutie Mark Crusaders’ clubhouse stood. With her friends and fellow Crusaders not meeting her today and with the knowledge that the rest of the Apple Family was working on the opposite side of the orchard, she was able to breathe a sigh of relief that her plan would actually go through.

She entered the empty clubhouse and took out the potion from her bag. “Ah’ know it wasn’t right lyin to Zecora an’ doin’ this behind mah family’s back, but ah’ want mah cutie mark now, and I’m not wantin’ ta’ wait fer it several years.” With that she opened the bottle and smelled the contents. She immediately backed away as it smelled worse that the slop that she fed the pigs. “Well bottoms up ah guess,” she said as she drank the bottle. Immediately Apple Bloom began to gag, and it was through sheer will power that prevented her from throwing up. “No wonder why Zecora said not to drink this, this stuff tastes bad. Well ah’ guess ah’ just have ta wait until ah become an adult.”

Apple Bloom paced about the clubhouse, waiting for whenever the changes to begin. She wondered when it was going to happen and how. She wondered if she was going to age over the period of a few days or suddenly. She hoped for the later as this would take care of her troubles quickly. She also was worried if the changes were going to be very painful.
A half hour passed and Apple Bloom was getting frustrated. “Ah come on! Nothin’ is happenin’. Ah think this potion’s a dud.” Suddenly when she said this, Apple Bloom began to feel strange. “That’s strange. Ah’m feelin’ dizzy all of a sudden.” She tried to walk but she kept stumbling and bumping into the few pieces of furniture in the clubhouse. “Ah’m feeling so tired of a sudden. Think… ah’m… gonna… lie down.” After taking two steps Apple Bloom’s legs gave out and she collapsed onto the wooden floor of the clubhouse with a loud thud.

(Author's note: Sorry about the short chapter, but this was a good place to break up the scene.)

Growing pains

Grow Up

Chapter 5 – Growing Pains

“Ugh! Mah head! What happened,” Apple Bloom said as she slowly woke up. Her vision was still blurry, the colors and objects blending together. Then she realized that something was different.

“Wait a minute. Why does mah voice sound different, like Applejack’s,” Apple Bloom said, surprised at how her voice had changed. It was definitely no longer the high pitched voice of a filly, but it sounded a little deeper, more mare like.

Apple Bloom then tried standing up, still feeling a little dizzy. The moment she got up on her hooves her legs started wobbling before giving out, causing her to crash to the wooden floor of the tree house with a thud.

“What was in that potion,” she exclaimed, “Alright Apple Bloom, time to git back up.”

Slowly she got back on her hooves, bracing herself for another fall. Thankfully she was able to stand. “Now let’s see about walkin’,” she said as she put one hoof in front of the other. Her body felt sore like after a hard day’s work in the orchard. Every muscle felt like it was on fire. But at least she could still walk.

Apple Bloom noticed as her vision finally cleared up that everything was different from when she first saw things when entering the clubhouse. “Huh, that’s strange. Everythin’ looks lower to the ground, or I’m higher up. It’s almost like ah’m taller.” Then a thought shot through her mind. “Maybe the potion did work. Maybe ah am a mare now! Ah have ta know fer sure.”

Apple Bloom looked around the clubhouse for a mirror, even if it was one just for her face. “Awww,” she said in frustration, “Ah must’ve taken the mirror back to the house.”

She sighed as she realized that the only way to see if she had truly became an adult was to return to the house and face the great possibility that she’d meet the rest of the Apple Family along the way. She knew however that couldn’t stay in the clubhouse the rest of her life. So with another sigh, she slipped on her saddlebag and walked out of the tree house.

The trip was painful as her muscles still ached. Yet Apple Bloom found herself being able to gallop faster than she normally could and was able to cover more ground with each stride. She felt stronger and more powerful that she had ever felt in her life.

She made it to the open area in the middle of the orchard where the barn, farm house, and other buildings of Sweet Apple Acres were. Sneaking around the buildings like a ninja, she watched to see if her family was around. Thankfully the three had still not returned from picking apples. She then made a beeline right towards the house and up the stairs. She knew in her bedroom there was an old full length mirror. It would be perfect for her to see what she looked like. She approached the mirror as her reflection came into full view and gasped.

Apple Bloom’s reflection no longer was that of a filly but of a grown young mare about the same age as Applejack. She was now double her original height with long legs and a lean body. Her mane and tail had grown out but maintained roughly the same shape. The pink bow that once was comically larger than her head was now looking small.

“Oh mah gosh! Ah did it! Ah did it,” Apple Bloom said as she pranced about her room, “The potion worked. Ah became a mare.”

She was so excited about the potion working that she almost forgot about the purpose of becoming an adult in the first place. “Oh yeah. Ah almost forgot. Mah cutie mark! Ah wonder if ah got it.”

She turned her flank towards the mirror, her eyes fixated on her reflection. He hoped that this was it, that this was the time that she would get her cutie mark. She didn’t care what it was as long as she had it. As he flank came into view she stared and saw….

Nothing.

“Awww come on,” Apple Bloom yelled at her reflection. There was no mark but just a glaring big open patch of yellow fur that slapped of failure.

“Great. Ah’m now a mare without a mark. Ah’ look like even more of a freak! Now what am ah gonna do,” she said as she sat on her bed.

“Ya can start by telling me why ya lied to Zecora,” a familiar voice said. Apple Bloom turned, hoping it wasn’t who she thought. To her dismay, there was the whole Apple family in the doorway of her room. Applejack face was knotted in a scowl, Big Macintosh could barely believe at what he was seeing, and Granny Smith was at the point of fainting.

Apple bloom’s ears flattened as she realized that there was no way out of this mess.

Guilt Trip

Chapter 6 – Guilt Trip

The dinner table, normally a place of joy, had become an interrogation room for Apple Bloom. She sat uneasily on the chair as the rest of the Apple Family stared at her with a look of disbelief and disappointment. This was especially seen by her sister, Applejack. Apple Bloom just waited for the inevitable storm that was about to be unleashed on her. Finally after intense minutes of silence and staring, the storm broke.

“Apple Bloom,” Applejack said trying to hold back her anger like a dam holds back water, “what in tarnation do you think yer doin’? Ah was in town today and who do ah’ meet but Zecora. She asked me how mah sapplin’ was doin an’ if the potion she gave you was helpin’. Ah’ told her that ah’ had no clue what she was talkin’ about, an’ she told me the whole thing ‘bout how you asked her fer a potion to make a tree git older. Well ah knew somethin was up, but ah never thought that you’d be doin somethin like this!”

“Is Zecora mad,” Apple Bloom asked quietly.

“Well, she sure shootin’ ain’t happy about what you did lyin’ an’ usin’ her potion to do this. But thankfully Zecora is a forgivin’ sort, although when this is all said and done you’re gonna have ta apologize to her. Ah’ hope that she also has something that can fix what ya did.”

Apple Bloom gulped at the thought of the possibility of not having an antidote. But then her fears subsided a little. In her mind, Zecora must have an antidote to fix this. For a moment she thought that everything was ok, that all she had to do was apologize to the zebra and take the antidote and all would be well. She began to get up off her seat as if the conversation with Applejack was over.

“Now hold on there,” Applejack said, her voice returning the filly turned mare back to her seat, “Ah’ ain’t done talking to ya just yet. First of all ah’ want ta know why ya wanted ta grow older.”

“Because ah’ wanted ta git mah cutie mark,” Apple Bloom said as she shuffled her hooves. Obviously by looking at her empty flanks it was clear that her plan had failed..

“And who or what exactly told ya that if ya became a mare you’d git yer mark? Was it yer Crusader friends that put ya up to it?”

“No,” Apple Bloom said bluntly, upset that her sister was accusing her friends, “Well, you did Applejack kind of.”

“Me,” Applejack said stunned, “Now when did ah ever tell you that if you grow older you’ll git yer mark?”

“Well ah’ was with the Crusaders, and we were talkin’ ‘bout how Sweetie Belle’s sister Rarity was late in getting’ her mark. So ah’ thought that maybe getting’ older had ta do with somethin’ about it. So ah’ asked you when you got yer mark an’ ya said when you were older. Big Macintosh said the same thing. So ah thought that if ah’d somehow grow older, ah’d git mah mark.”

“Now yer just twistin’ mah words around there, young lady,” Applejack said. She paused, thinking about how she always called Apple Bloom a “young lady” when being serious with her, but now she really was a young lady. “Ah’ only told you that ah’ got mah’ cutie mark late. Ah never told ya that bein older meant that you’d git yer mark easier. An’ ah certainly never said that you should have done what you did. Yer mark is not ‘bout yer age, Apple Bloom. It’s ‘bout findin’ yer talent. And ah’ have ta say that you may look older now, but you still have a lot of growin’ up ta do.”

The last sentence stung Apple Bloom like a swarm of bees. She was a young mare now, and yet her family still treated her as that same filly. She knew her actions were nowhere near something that an adult would do.

“Ah’m sorry fer lyin’ an’ doin’ this,” Apple Bloom said with her ears flat against the sides of her head.

Applejack looked into her sister’s eyes. She wondered if Apple Bloom was truly sorry for what she did or sorry for getting caught. But in her eyes Applejack did see guilt and remorse, for she was the bearer of the Element of Honesty and could see the truth among the lies.

“Alright Apple Bloom. Ah believe you. But there is gonna’ have ta be consequences fer yer actions. First, you can’t go ta school like this. Now this doesn’t mean that yer free from homework. Ah’m gonna talk ta Cheerilee an’ she’ll give me yer homework fer as long as needed until ah’ can sort this out with Zecora. Also, ya can’t go into Ponyville unless yer with me.”

“But why can’t ah’ go in by myself,” Apple Bloom asked.

“Because ah said so,” Applejack snapped back. Now the blonde manned earth pony the matter of her Crusader friends. Apple bloom’s sister thought about not letting her see them, but that would be too harsh considering that Apple Bloom said that she hatched this plan of becoming a mare all by herself.

“Now as fer your friends,” Applejack finally said as Apple Bloom braced for the possibility that she wouldn’t be able to see them again until Applejack got the antidote, “you can see yer friends, but you can only see them on this here farm an’ you can’t go on any crusadin’ with them. Do ya understand?”

Apple Bloom was going to protest not being able to leave the farm with her friends and not being able to go on Crusader missions. Yet she didn’t want to spoil Applejack’s gesture of goodwill of letting her at least see them.

“Ah’ understand,” she said to her sister.

“Alright, then let’s shake on it,” Applejack said as she spit on her hoof and offered it to her sister. Apple Bloom did the same thing and the two shook, sealing their contract.

“Alright now,” Applejack said, “come give yer sister a big hug.”

Apple Bloom hugged her sister, knowing that no matter what happened in their lives families had to stick together and love would always see them through. She thought about what was going to happen next in her life, knowing that things would never be the same.

Friendly Competition

Chapter 7 – Friendly Competition

Apple Bloom woke up the next morning. For a moment, she thought that everything that happened was just a dream, and when she woke up, she’d still be a filly. She quickly went to the mirror in her room and looked. Her reflection still confirmed that she was a mare. Part of her was upset with all the rules she had to follow like not being able to go to school, needing Applejack to accompany her to town, and only being able to see her friends on the farm. Yet there was also part of her that liked being a mare. She enjoyed feeling strong and powerful and looking beautiful, just like her sister. There were times she wondered if she wanted to become a filly again or stay as a mare.

Even though she was a mare, Apple Bloom still had to help around the farm. This was especially true considering that she couldn’t attend school, at least not in her current state. She wished she could just stay home or go on adventures on her own, but Applejack wouldn’t hear any of it.

“Since you’re not going to school, you’re going to help us around the farm,” she said plainly. There was no arguing with her. And so with a sigh she followed the family out to the field.

“Ah’ promised that Ah’d meet my friends at the clubhouse today,” Apple Bloom said as the three passed through the rows of apple trees.

“Don’t you worry about that,” Applejack said, ‘If the three of use work hard in the mornin’, you’ll be able to see yer friends later.”

The family finally reached the area where the trees were unpicked of their apples.

“Alright everypony,” Applejack said as she stood on a stump like a pony giving a speech, “we have about a hundred trees left to buck before heahin’ over to the other side of the farm. So let’s git this done and we can finish early today. Are you ready to haul apples Big Mac?”

“Eyup,” the stallion said.

“Alright Apple Bloom, you’re gonna help me buck the trees since yer older now. Let’s make this a friendly competition, shall we?”

“What do you have in mind, sis?”

"We each get fifty trees to buck. The pony that clears their trees the fastest wins the competition. The loser gets to feed the pigs. What do you say?”

“Sounds like a deal,” Apple Bloom said with a smile as she spit and shook hooves with her sister. She always seemed to be put on pig feeding, and it was a very messy and smelly job.

The two sisters took their places at the first trees of the area while Big Mac stood to judge. It was easy to judge this event as a path ran through this part of the orchard, cutting the area neatly in half for this event.

“Alright ah’m ready. Are you ready sis,” Applejack shouted.

“Ah’m ready,” Apple Bloom shouted back.

“Big Mac, are you ready to judge who cleared their trees the fastest,” Applejack asked.

“Eyup,” the stallion said, “On your marks.”

The two lined themselves up with their first tree. For a moment Apple Bloom and Applejack stared at each other both with winning on their mind.

“Get set.”

The two then returned to the task of the tree both focused on the task that was to come.

“And go!”

With the shout of Big Macintosh, the two sisters turned around and bucked the first tree, causing a shower of apples to fall into the baskets below. Apple Bloom was amazed at how easy it was as a mare to clear the trees. But this was no time for her to dwell on her newfound strength. She had trees to buck.

The two were neck and neck in the competition, making short work of the first fifteen trees and showing no signs of stalling. While Applejack had more strength in her back legs to buck a tree, Apple Bloom found she had a faster galloping speed than her sister, making her able to dash from one tree to the next.

By the time the two were at their thirtieth tree, they were showing some signs of slowing down. Then Applejack pulled ahead by quickly bucking several trees in quick succession. Apple Bloom thought that she was going to lose this competition, but then she gathered her strength and her nerves and sped forth. The burst of speed took her sister by surprise as Apple Bloom quickly caught up with Applejack. Finally with the last tree looming, Apple Bloom barreled into the tree with her side and a burst of speed, clearing the tree before her sister.

“The winner is Apple Bloom,” Big Macintosh announced.

“Ah’… Ah’ won,” Apple Bloom said in shock that she beat her sister.

“Ah’ lost,” Applejack said at the same time, disbelieving that her sister who was barely a mare for a day’s length of time beat her. Yet her look of amazement and disappointment turned into a satisfied smile.

“Well done sis,” the orange mare said hugging her sister, “You won this competition fair and square. Ah’ll go and feed the pigs today. Now how about we git these apples back to the barn.”

“Sure sis,” Apple Bloom said happy that her sister was accepting of the loss. The two then emptied the baskets filled with apples into Big Macintosh’s wagon until there was a mountain of red, green, and yellow.

“Ok then. Our work in the orchard is done fer today,” Applejack said as she remover her hat only briefly to wipe the sweat from her forehead before putting it back on, “Now let’s git home an’ have some lunch. Then Apple Bloom you can meet yer friends.”

The two walked back happy at their hard work and a little friendly competition.

Meeting the Crusaders

Chapter 8 – Meeting the Crusaders

Apple Bloom returned to the barn area and helped her sister, Applejack, and her brother, Big Macintosh, unload the apples from the cart that were collected in the apple bucking competition. The newly minted mare was beaming at the fact that she had just beaten her sister in bucking apples, but she tried to act humble so not to hurt her sister’s feelings.

“Apple Bloom,” Granny Smith called from the house, “yer friends came by. Ah’ told them you were out helpin’ in the field, so in think they’re in yer clubhouse in the woods.”

“Thanks, Granny Smith,” Apple Bloom said as she bid her siblings goodbye and trotted through the orchard to the clubhouse.

“Where is Apple Bloom,” Scootaloo said as she stood outside the tree house, “she’s never late to a Crusader’s meeting.”

“Granny Smith said she was working with the others,” Sweetie Belle said.

“I know I know,” the orange Pegasus said with a huff, “I just want to get started getting our cutie marks, that’s all.”

“Hey,” Sweetie Belle said in a high pitched squeak, “did,’t Apple Bloom say she had a idea about how to get our marks easy and she’d be showing it to us.”

“You’re right, Sweetie Belle. I just hope that Apple Bloom didn’t try anything dumb like the last time when she got all those cutie marks and was acting crazy.”

The two then saw a silhouette in the distance of a pony.

“That looks like Apple Bloom,” the white unicorn said.

“Nah, it can’t be. That pony looks more like a mare. Maybe it’s Applejack,” Scootaloo said.

The two waited as the pony shaped image came closer until finally the blurry shape became clear.

“Apple Bloom,” the two friends said in shock and disbelief.

“Um… hi Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo,” the mare said nervously.

“What happened to you,” the Pegasus filly said, “you’re all tall and stuff.”

“It’s a long story,” Apple Bloom said.

“Well, I want to hear it,” the unicorn said.

“Me too,” Scootaloo replied.

“Ok then,” Apple Bloom said, “here it goes.”

Apple Bloom explained about her idea she got from talking with her friends and Applejack, how she got the potion from Zecora, and how she was now a mare.

“So, that’s what happened,” Apple Bloom said, trying to catch her breath after telling the whole story.

“So, it didn’t work. You didn’t get your cutie mark,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Nope,” Apple Bloom said, putting her head down.

“So how long are you going to be… you know … a mare,” Scootaloo said.

“Ah’ don’ know Scootaloo,” Apple Bloom said, “Applejack told me she’s gonna talk to Zecora an’ see if she has an antidote. So it could be a few days I’m like this or longer.”

“Could you possibly be stuck like that forever,” Sweetie Belles said looking worried.

“Ah’ don’ know,” Apple Bloom said. The earth pony was thinking about that herself ever since she became a mare. She liked that she was a mare, feeling strong and beautiful. Yet the possibility of her friends being younger than her now and the fact that she wouldn’t be able to return to school scared her. The fact that she was a mare without a mark also didn’t sit well.

“But come on yall,” apple Bloom said trying to cheer up the two, “We’re still friends, right?”

“Um…Sure,” the two said, albeit with some uneasiness to their voice. Apple Bloom wondered if that was due to them now having a mare as a friend without a mark.

“So,” Sweetie Belle said, “do we have some ideas for our marks?”

“Ah got nothing’,” Apple Bloom said. The past events had sapped Apple Bloom of any ideas for getting her mark. Any ideas she did have were quickly tossed after this grand failure of an idea to grow older to get a cutie mark.

“How about we go into town to see if anypony needs our help. Maybe we’ll get our marks that way.”

“Sorry, Crusaders,” Apple Bloom said, “but Applejack said ah’ can’t go into town after what happened. Ah’ can only go with her an’ she’s busy around the farm an’ goin’ to Zecora’s.”

“But you’re a mare,” Sweetie Belle said, “Aren’t you supposed to do… you know… mare things like Rarity does?”

“Yeah,” Scootaloo chimed in, “why does Applejack have to come with you?”

“Ah’m sorry, but ah’ already upset mah sister with what ah did, an’ ah’ don’ want to upset her anymore. But if you two want to try an’ git yer marks in town, ah’m not gonna stop ya.”

“Well,” Scootaloo said a little upset that the Cursaders would be missing a member, “fine then! Come on, Sweetie Belle. We’ve got our cutie marks to get!”

“Sorry Apple Bloom,” Sweetie Belle said as she got into the wagon attached to Scootaloo’s scooter, “we’ll come by tomorrow to see if you are able to go Crusading with us.”

With a buzz of Scootaloo’s wings, the two took off into the orchard. Apple Bloom walked into the empty clubhouse. There were several sheets of papers attached to the walls fluttering in the breeze. Some were lists of things the Crusaders tried without success; others were plans from past activities like trying to get Cheerilee and Big Mac together.

Looking at the clubhouse, Apple Bloom was upset. She was upset that her friends and fellow Crusaders had abandoned her for the sake of getting their marks in town. But as she thought, her anger turned to sadness.

“Ah’ really messed things up this time,” she said as tears formed in her eyes, “ah’ didn’t git mah cutie mark, ah’ upset Zecora, ah’ upset Big Macintosh an’ Applejack, and ah’ now mah friends are gone. Oh why did ah’ do such a thing?”

At last Apple Bloom couldn’t stay in the clubhouse any longer. She dashed out of the tree house and broke into a run, crying her eyes out. She felt trapped, a prisoner in her body, neither completely a mare nor a filly. She felt like a monster, unloved by all.

Sisterly Concerns

Chapter 9 – Sisterly Concern

“Apple Bloom,” Applejack said as she retuned home in the evening, “Ah’m home. Ah’ got some good news fer you.” The house was eerily quiet, too quiet for this time. Usually Applejack would hear Granny Smith singing and cooking or Apple Bloom chatting away at her recent Crusading adventure. Such sounds lightened the orange earth pony’s heart, no matter how tough the days were.

“Hello,” she said again, “Anypony home?” She walked into the kitchen and saw Granny Smith and Big Macintosh sitting around the table with dour faces. “What’s goin’ on? Where’s Apple Bloom?”

“Apple Bloom’s up in her room,” Granny Smith said, “she came back early from her Crusadin’ that she does an’ without a word she bolted up to her bedroom.”

"Eyup,” Big Macintosh replied, “she’s been cryin’ the whole afternoon. We’ve been tryin’ to git her to talk to us but she doesn’t want to talk to anypony but you.”

“Alright then,” Applejack said as she straightened her hat, “Ah’ll go try talkin’ to her.”

Applejack padded up the stairs to Apple Bloom’s room. As she approached the door, she could hear little sobs. “If she’s been crying fer this long, somethin’ must be up,” Applejack said as she approached the door. With a front hoof she rapped lightly on the door. “Apple Bloom, it’s yer sister. Cah ah’ come in?”

There was a pause, and then amidst the sobs the Applejack heard a soft “yes.” She opened the door and saw Apple Bloom lying on her bed curled up in a ball. In front of her, the sheets of the bed were stained from her tears.

“Apple Bloom, what happened?”

“They left me,” the red manned mare said.

“Who left you,” the orange mare said.

“The Crusaders did”

Applejack stood there in shock. The Crusaders were Apple Bloom’s best friends. The three were always seen together in town. Whatever happened, it was something big to cause them to abandon one of their own. “Alright,” Applejack said, “tell me what happened.”

Apple Bloom explained how she met the Crusaders and told them about how she became a mare, how they looked at her like she was strange, and how then ultimately left her to go into town to try and get their cutie marks.

“Oh Apple Bloom,” Applejack said as she removed her hat, “ah’m so sorry to hear that yer friends did that. Ah’m gonna have a talkin’ to them. They should have stuck with you, especially since you are already goin through so much now. Ah’ also have to apologize myself.”

“Apologize fer what sis,” Apple Bloom said through the sobs.

“Ah was the on to tell you that you couldn’t go into town. Ah’ was tryin ta protect you because ah didn’t know how ponies in town would react to yo bein’ a mare now. But in doin’ so, ah’ denied yo bein’ able to go with yer friends Crusadin’. Can you forgive me?”

Apple Bloom looked up at her sister in shock. After all Apple Bloom did with becoming a mare to get her cutie mark, Applejack was asking for her forgiveness!”

“Well of course ah’ forgive you sis. You just wanted to protect me that’s all. Ah’m the one that did wrong. Ah’ thought that if ah’ became a mare ah’d be getting’ mah cutie mark, but instead ah’ messed everythin’ up. Ah’m sorry. Can ya forgive me?”

“Of course ah’ forgive you Apple Bloom,” Applejack said hugging her sister, “you made a mistake sure, but you are ownin’ up to it. Anypony can make mistakes. Ah’ know ah’ made mistakes like as a filly leavin’ here to try an’ live in Manehattan. But as long as you admit yer mistake and make sure to avoid doin’ it again, well then everythin’s fine. The true sign of growin’ up is not how you look, but it’s bein’ responsible fer yer actions.”

“So, you don’t think ah’m a monster,” Apple Bloom said.

“Now Apple Bloom, have you looked at yerself in the mirror lately? Yer very beautiful as a mare. Why ah’d say yer one of the prettiest mares in Ponyville, maybe even Equestria!”

“Thanks, Applejack.”

“Oh, ah’ almost forgot. Ah’ have some good news fer you Apple Bloom, speakin’ of bein’ a mare,” Applejack said.

“What sis?”

“Well ah’ said ah’ was gonna talk to Zecora today to see if she had some kind on antidote. She said she didn’t have any yet, but she said that she’d be able to make an antidote. It would take three days for her to do so as she needed to git the herbs and such, but you’ll be back to yer old self in no time!”

Apple Bloom bounced for joy. While she liked being a mare, she didn’t like being without her friends and being able to go to town or school. She missed her filly life. But now was the chance to get that back.

“Thanks Applejack fer askin’ Zecora,” Apple Bloom said giving her sister a hug.

“Yer welcome,” Applejack said ruffing her man a little, “how ‘bout we git down stairs an’ see what Granny Smith’s cookin’ up fer us.”

The two sisters walked together down the stairs their bonds of love even stronger today.

Apologies

Chapter 10 – Apologies

“Wake up, Apple Bloom,” Applejack’s voice was heard along with a shaking feeling. Apple Bloom’s eyes fluttered open as she saw her sister staring down at her.

“Oh, hi there Applejack,” she said before giving a little yawn.

“Hey there sleepy head,” the orange mare said, “You look like you could’ve slept in the whole day. It’s the last morning right now.”

Apple Bloom quickly shot up, almost knocking Applejack to the ground. “What? Oh mah, sorry ‘bout that, sis. I guess it was a long day yesterday.”

“It was a long day fer both of us,” Applejack. But don’t you worry. You didn’t miss anythin’ important. Today we’re gonna do a couple of things in town you and ah’. So whenever you’ve eaten and when you are ready, ah’ll be wating fer you.”

Apple Bloom quickly took a bath and headed downstairs to grab a muffin for breakfast before meeting Applejack in the barn. “Alright then. Are you ready to go,” Applejack said.

“Sure am,” Apple Bloom replied as she followed her sister out of Sweet Apple Acres.

“So, where are we goin’,” the yellow mare said.

“Well,” first yer goin’ to apologize to Zecora,” Applejack said.

Apple Blooms ears flattened as her head sunk down. She still was upset over the fact that she lied to the zebra, her friend.

“Do ah’ have to,” apple Bloom asked.

“Now Apple Bloom,” Applejack said as they made their way into the Everfree Forest, “Ah’ know yer upset that you lied to Zecora, but one of the things ‘bout being grown is not only tellin’ the truth, but also when you make a mistake, an’ believe me we all do some time, we have to own up to it an’ apologize to anypony we’ve hurt. Understand?”

“It’s still gonna be hard facin’ her,” the yellow mare said with a sigh.

“Ah’ know sugarcube. But you’ll feel much better when you do.”

With another sigh the two continued down the forest path until they reached the hut.

“Alright now Apple Bloom, it’s yer turn to go in.”

Apple Bloom sighed again and knocked on the door.

“Zecora? It’s Apple Bloom. I want to talk to you, if yer not busy.”

The door opened and Zecora appeared. She appeared the same, except she didn’t have as bright of a smile as she normally did when greeting Apple Bloom.

“Hello there Ms. Apple Bloom. What can I do for you?”

“Ah’ just wanted to come by and say ah’m sorry fer lyin’ ‘bout the growth potion. Ah’ wanted to git mah cutie mark so badly that ah’ thought maybe if ah’ was older ah’d git mine.”

Zecora looked at the mare. Apple Blom thought that the zebra was going to yell at her. But then a smile emerged on her face.

“Thank you for apologizing to me. It fills my heart so joyfully. It seems Apple Bloom you have learned that a cutie mark does not come with age but it is earned.”

“So, yer not mad?”

“No Apple Bloom, I’m not mad. Your twlling the truth has made me glad. I must say that as you stand there, you look like a very pretty mare. Remember how you look this day, because as time goes by, you’ll look this way.”

“Really? You think ah’m pretty?”

“Yes I do, Apple Bloom. Now I must get back to making a cure. In just a few days you’ll be your filly self for sure.”

“Thanks, Zecora,” Apple Blom said as she gave the zebra a hug before leaving.

“Farewell, dear Apple Bloom. I promise you will see me soon.”

With the hard part of apologizing to Zecora out of the way, Apple Bloom felt happier.

“So, are you feelin’ better now that you apologized,” Applejack said.

“Ah’ sue am,” Apple Bloom remarked.

“Good, ‘cause now ah’ think there are two ponies that owe you an apology. So let’s git a move on.”

Apple Bloom knew the two ponies Applejack was referring to her friends and fellow Crusaders Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Apple Bloom was upset that the two abandoned and was glad that her sister was standing by her. The two made their way through town. Some ponies stared at her, most likely wondering who the new mare was with Applejack.

“Doesn’t that pony look like Apple Bloom,” a pony was heard saying.

“Nah, it can’t be,” another replied, “Apple Bloom’s still a filly. Maybe it’s one of Applejack’s cousins. She sure has many.”

Apple Bloom’s head dropped as she heard the gossiping.

“Don’ let them git you down, sugarcube,” Applejack said, “They’re just bein’ curious.”

The two then approached their destination: Carousel Boutique. Applejack opened the door and walked in, the yellow mare trailing behind.

“Rairty, ah’ need to talk to you,” Applejack said as she approached the white unicorn.

“Darling, I am busy with a customer,” Rarity said as she levitated a tape measure with her magic. There was a mare standing on a platform, most likely getting measured for a dress. “Could you possibly come back, Applejack, say in a half hour?”

“’Fraid not Rarity,” the orange earth pony pressed on, “this has to do with yer sister Sweetie Belle an’ Apple Bloom.”

Hearing that it had to do with Sweetie Belle, Rarity grit her teeth. She wondered what the unicorn filly did this time. This didn’t make her day easier considering she had customers to meet and dresses to make.

“I’ll be back in just a moment,” Rarity said to the mare as she set down the tape measure, “I have a little… family emergency to attend to.”

Rarity then ushered Applejack into her creativity room with Apple Bloom trailing behind.

“Um, Applejack, is that mare a friend of yours,” Rarity said, ‘she bears an awful resemblance to…” The white unicorn stopped and looked at the yellow mare. “Apple Bloom?”

“Hi there Rarity,” the mare said.

“But, you’re a mare now. How did this happen?”

“It’s a long story, but ah’ll try to make it brief,” Applejack said.

Rarity listened as her friend explained how Apple Bloom took the potion to grow older thinking it would get her cutie mark, how there was thankfully an antidote, and how Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo abandoned Apple Bloom.

“So that’s the story,” Applejack said.

“Well, I must say that is quite a tale,” Rarity said, “I must say that as a mare you look absolutely stunning, Apple Bloom. Perhaps in the future after maturing back to how you look now, I’ll make a dress for you.” Clearly the unicorn mare had ideas floating in her mind for a new dress.

“Um… Rarity? ‘Bout Sweetie Belle,” Applejack said.

“Oh, right. Sorry. I was lost in a creative moment. Yes, it was a very uncouth thing to abandon friend like that, especially in her time of need. Don’t worry darling, we will settle this at once.”

Rarity then trotted to the steps leading to the second floor. “Sweetie Belle, I need you to come down here at once.”

The soft footfalls on the steps were heard and the unicorn filly appeared with Rarity. Sweetie looked at Rarity who had a crossed face, then at Applejack with a crossed face, and then at Apple Bloom.

“Um, hi Applejack and Apple Bloom. What’s going on?”

“Ah’ll tell you what’s goin’ on,” Applejack said, “you left Apple Bloom at the clubhouse when she needed you, just so you could git yer cutie mark. Now ah’d like you to apologize to mah sister.”

Sweetie Belle looked at Apple Bloom and the sadness and betrayal seen in the mare’s eyes. “I’m sorry, Apple Bloom,” She said with her head down and her ears flat, “I really wanted to stay with you, but Scootaloo wanted me to go with her and help get her cutie mark. You aren’t mad at me, are you?”

Apple Bloom looked at Sweetie Belle as the unicorn stared up at her with her pleading eyes.

“No, ah’m not mad,” Apple Bloom said.

“Then can we still be friends?”

“Sure we can be friends,” Apple Bloom said as she gave the filly a hug.

“So Scootaloo was the culprit,” Rarity said.

“Alright Sweetie Belle,” Applejack said, “Where’s Scootaloo now?”

“I think she’s practicing with Rainbow Dash in the park,” Sweetie said as she put a hoof to her chin.

“Thank you, for apologizing and telling me where Scootaloo is,” Applejack said.

“Yes, that was very sweet of you, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said, “You may go play, but I’ll be up in a moment to talk to you about what it means to be friends.”

Sweetie Belle then bounded up the stairs, happy that she had apologized to Apple Bloom, but nervous at the inevitable talk that was to follow with her older sister.

“So, Applejack, are you going to talk to Scootaloo now,” Rarity asked.

“Yes Rarity. Ah’ think Scootaloo owes Apple Bloom an apology just like Sweetie Belle did.”

“Well, I wish you the best of luck,” the unicorn said, “now I simply must be getting back to my client.”

“Well ah’ won’t hold you any longer then. Come on Apple Bloom.”

The two left Rarity and the Boutique and headed towards the park. There in the park they saw Rainbow Dash flying close to the ground. There was a rope attached from the rainbow Pegasus to a scooter where Scootaloo was riding.

“Woohoo,” the orange filly called out, “faster Rainbow Dash!”

“You got it kid,” Dash said as she accelerated.

“Rainbow Dash,” Applejack called out, “Ah’ need to talk with Scootaloo.”

“Yeah yeah, can’t you see we’re busy,” the Pegasus said.

With a grunt, Applejack grabbed her lasso out of a saddlebag and with a quick flick looped it around Rainbow Dash. The rope tightened around the flying pony. Binding the wings to her sides and causing her to crash to the ground.

“Applejack,” Rainbow Dash said as she spit out a clump of grass, “what did you do that for.

“Ah was trying to git yer attention. Ah’ need to talk to Scootaloo.”

“About what,” Rainbow Dash said. The Pegasus then saw the yellow mare near Applejack, “Apple Bloom? You… you’re a mare now? What happened?”

Scootaloo looked like she had seen a ghost when she saw her friend and dashed behind Rainbow Dash. Applejack told the story again to Rainbow Dash as the rainbow pony listened.

“Wow,” Rainbow Dash said, “so that’s what happened.”

“Yep, an’ that’s why Scootallo owes Apple Bloom here an apology.”

Scootaloo looked at Rainbow Dash, hoping the mare would defend her, but all he was a look of disappointment in her hero’s eyes.

“Not cool, Scootaloo,” Rainbow Dash said, “You don’t leave a friends hanging, no matter what. I’d gladly give up my chance of being a Wonderbolt to help my friends. So, what do have to say for yourself?”

Scootallo looked at the other three ponies before dropping her head. “I’m sorry Apple Bloom. I goofed up. I was upset that we couldn’t go Crusading so I split. But I realize now I wasn’t being a good crusader or a friend, was I? So, can I be your friend still?”

“Sure you can,” Apple Bloom said as she gave the orange filly a hug, “from now on let’s make a pact to stick together, got it?”

“Sure,” Scootaloo said.

“Now that’s what ah’ like to hear,” Applejack said, “Alright Rainbow Dash. Ah’ll let you git back to playing with Scootaloo. Come on, Apple Bloom. Let’s go home.”

“Ok then,” the yellow earth pony said, “Bye Scootaloo. Bye Rainbow Dash.”

With that the two Pegasus ponies watched Applejack and Apple Bloom disappear down the road.

“So, can we try that cool trick again,” Scootaloo said.

“Maybe later,” Rainbow Dash said, “Right now I think we should have a talk about what it means to be loyal to your friends.”

“So, Apple Bloom,” Applejack said, “Are you feelin’ happier that your friends apologized?”

“Yes sis,” Apple Bloom said, “looks like everythin’s gittin’ back to normal.”

“Ah’m happy to hear that. How about ah’ race you home. Loser gits to help Granny Smith do the dishes.”

“Ok then,” Apple Bloom said.

“Ok. One. Two. Three.”

Right after saying three, Applejack and Apple Bloom took off down the streets of Ponyville to their home.

Market Day

Chapter 11 – Market Day

The next day Apple Bloom woke up bright and early, eager for what lay ahead. Today she knew was a special day, a day that she and the rest on the apple family looked forward to: Market Day. This was the day that she, along with Applejack and Big Macintosh would sell their apples in town as well as some of Granny Smith’s pies and jams.

“Mornin’ Apple Bloom,” Applejack said, “Are you ready to head into town fer Market Day?”

“Sure am sis,” Apple Bloom said, “Are you ready Big Mac?”

"Eyup. I have the wagon all set up an’ filled up.”

“All right then,” Applejack said as she reared up with excitement, “Let’s git into town.” with that the orange mare galloped away from the farm.

Apple Bloom quickly galloped away as well shouting, “Wait fer me sis!” Big Mac chuckled and shook his head as he slowly pulled the wagon towards Ponyville.

The two sisters reached the market area of Ponyville a few minutes later. “Now that’s what ah’ call a good mornin’ run, right Apple Bloom,” Applejack said ruffing her sister’s mane playfully.

“It sure was,” Apple Bloom said, “guess we’re waitin’ fer Big Mac to arrive.”

“Don’ worry,” Applejack replied, “We have a few things we can do before he does like cleanin’ off this table an’ getting this sign straight. Ah’ll take care of the sign while you clean the table. What do you say?”

“Sounds like a plan,” Apple Bloom said as she fetched a bucket of water and a rag and began wiping down the table and the other smaller tables where baskets of apples were set. Applejack in the meantime was retying the ropes that held the cloth sign up, making sure they were taut. While Apple Bloom was completing her task, she realized that she felt like Applejack was treating her less like a little filly anymore and more like the mare that she now was.

There wasn’t much time to ponder this as Big Mac showed up with his wagon. The two mares then set to unloading the several baskets of apples, and the baked goods and pies. Finally the last most important thing was placed on the table: a metal cash box.

“Ah’ hope that the cash box is burstin’ with bits today,” Apple Bloom said.

“Ah’ think it will,” Applejack said, “In fact, how ‘bout you work the table today.”

Apple Bloom looked at her sister stunned. Applejack always helped sell things while Apple Bloom and Big Mac aided in loading the purchasing pony up with what they bought.

“You mean it? Ah’ can help sell?”

“Sure you can,” Applejack said, “an’ I think we’re just about ready to git started.”

The yellow mare noticed that there was a line starting to form of ponies eager to buy some apples and apple products.

“Alright everypony,” Applejack said in a clear loud voice, “The Sweet Apple Acres stand is now open!”

With several cheers from the line of ponies, Apple Bloom set to work. The ponies were eagerly awaiting purchasing apples and Apple Bloom seemed to be selling more than Applejack ever did during a market day.

“Wow, Apple Boom,” her sister said seeing her progress, “you sure are sellin’ our apples quickly.”

“Yeah, ah’ don’ know why. You’re a way better seller then ah’ am.”

“Ah’ think it has to do with that yer a mighty pretty mare, Apple Bloom. Ponies like to buy things from ponies who are pretty, smart and friendly. You just have the total package there. So why not use this to yer advantage an’ sell those apples.”

Applejack then paused as she thought about something. Then a smile appeared on her face.

“How ‘bout ah’ make you a deal, Apple Bloom. If you sell everythin’ we have by three in the afternoon, then ah’ll git you some ice cream. Does that sound like a plan?”

Apple Bloom’s eyes lit up when she heard that her sister would give her ice cream.

“Ah’d definitely like some,” she said.”

“Let’s git to sellin then,” Applejack said.

As the day passed on, Apple Bloom noticed how friendly the ponies were to her and how willing they were able to buy apples, pies, and jams from her. She was happy that she was getting the attention, finally getting noticed as an adult rather that a filly. As a filly, she always felt ponies were talking at her. Now as a mare they were talking to her on an even footing.

“Applejack, can ah’ ask you a question,” Apple Bloom said during a lull in the action.

“Sure thing, sugar cube,” her sister said while arranging the apple baskets.

“Why are the stallions actin’ all funny like around me,” the yellow mare said.

“Funny like,” Applejack said, “what do you mean?”

“Well, they’re actin’ all goofy, winkin’ an’ talking all nice. One even asked me where ah’ lived.”

“Ah’ had a funny feelin’ this was gonna happen,” Applejack said, “You see, Apple Bloom, when you are older, ponies start to like each other, not just like friends, but couples.”

“You mean like that time we made Cheerilee and Big Mac try to fall in love?”

Applejack looked over at her brother who was thankfully out of earshot and was helping a customer.

“Well, not as much as that,” the orange mare said, “but kind of like that. Those ponies think they may like you, so sometimes they may be actin’ funny like that to try an’ get to know you. You understand, right Apple Bloom?”

“Oh ok,” Apple Bloom said, “Ah’ don’ think ah’ want to be a couple with somepony yet.”

“An’ that’s perfectly fine,” Applejack said. In reality the yellow mare was happy that Apple Bloom understood what little she told about romance to her. Otherwise, she’d be getting close to some adult territory. She was also glad that despite being a mare Apple Bloom had a filly mentality. The cowboy hat wearing pony wasn’t yet prepared for her sister dating.

With the question settled, Apple Bloom got back to selling the remaining baskets of apples. Finally there were three left and one pony in line. The pony wasn’t at first interested in all three, but after Apple Bloom turned on her charm and with a little help from Applejack, they were able to convince the pony to buy them all!

“Wooohoo,” Apple Bloom squealed in delight, “We sold them all, and even before three.”

“We sure did sis,” Applejack said hugging her sister, “so you know what that means?”

“Ice cream,” the excited mare said bouncing up and down.

“Well then, let’s git this stand all closed up an’ we’ll head to the ice cream store.”

“The two mares along with Big Macintosh packed up what little they had remaining from the day at the market before heading to the ice cream store. Apple Bloom had a chocolate shake, Applejack indulged on a banana split, and Big Mac has his usual root beer float. It was a fun ending to a busy day as the three talked and laughed over their frozen dessert.

That night before bed Apple Bloom stood in front of the mirror looking at herself. Tomorrow she knew Zecora would come by with the potion to change her back into a filly. At first she was sure she wanted to be back to her old self again, but now with the fun she had as a mare she wasn’t so sure. As she slept, she wrestled with the thought of whether on not she wanted to be a filly again. She hoped that by tomorrow she would have a clear decision.

Decisions and Doubts

Chapter 11 – Decisions and Doubts

Apple Bloom woke up the next day feeling entirely out of sorts. Her lack of a good night’s sleep had left her body tired and her mind in a hazy fog. That past night she was bombarded by questions that swam in her mind ever since she became a mare. These questions were subdued for a while, but after the events of Market Day they broke free.

All of the questions related to this day: the day that Zecora was going to have the antidote ready for her to change back to a filly. As she looked at herself in the mirror, she wondered if even wanted to be a filly or stay as a mare. As a filly, she was able to go to school and play with her filly and colt friends. As a mare, however, she felt like ponies recognized her more and took her more seriously. This was clearly seen during Market Day when many ponies were talking to her on an even level rather than talking at her when she was a mare. Furthermore, the ponies overlooked the fact that she didn’t have a cutie mark.

Aside from her wrestling with this important decision, she was thinking about all the others in her life that were important to her and how they would react. She wondered about her friends Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, about Zecora and Cheerilee, about Big Macintosh and Granny Smith, and especially her sister Applejack. If she stayed a mare, would they treat her like the same Apple Bloom they all knew, or would things change?

Her thoughts were interrupted by a light rapping on the door.

“Apple Bloom,” Applejack’s voice was heard, “Are you up? Zecora’s going to be comin’ to the house in two hours with her potion for you.”

“Ah’m up,” Apple Bloom said with a hint of sadness.

“Hey, are you ok,” the orange mare said, her sister’s distress not lost on her, “Cah ah’ come in?”

“Sure,” the yellow mare said still staring at the mirror.

“Apple Bloom, you look like you didn’t sleep a wink last night. What’s wrong?”

“I was just thinking’ ‘bout things, ‘bout you know, me being what a mare an’ all.”

“You’re wonderin’ if you actually want to change back to a filly, right,” Applejack said.

“Yeah. I mean it’s great bein’ a filly an’ all. Ah’ can play, go to school, an’ be with mah friends. But then there’s bein’ a mare too. Ah’m seen differently as one. Ponies talk to me differently. They treat me like ah’m not just some silly filly but that ah’ matter more.”

The last thing Apple Bloom said struck her sister in the heart like a bolt of lightning.

“Are you sayin’ that you don’ think that ah’ treat you like you matter?”

“Well, no, yes, ooohhh ah’ don’ know anymore!”

With that the yellow mare flopped on her bed in frustration. Applejack sat on the bed and gently stroked her sister’s mane.

“Apple Bloom, when you’re a filly, ponies will treat you differently that if you’re a mare. They see a filly as nice an’ all, but they know that a filly hasn’t had the experience in life that most mares an’ stallions do. Mares basically treat other mares the same because they’re the same age. They understand each other. Now ah’ and the rest of the family know you better. We know that you should be taken seriously an’ should be treated as an equal member. So, no matter what happens in the rest of Ponyville or even Equestria, you matter to us.”

Applejack’s brightened up Apple Bloom as she sat up next to her sister and gave her a big hug. She knew that here family had love and cared for her, and that was enough.

“So, what should ah’ do about whether to be a mare still or a filly, sis?”

“Well, the decision is up to you sis, and no matter what ah’ an’ the rest of the family will stand by you. But in my opinion, ah’ think you should become a filly again. Bein’ a filly is a magical time learnin’ an’ playin’ an’ makin’ friends. It’s also a time where you git to find out who you really are an’ what you want to do with yer life. Ah’ personally wouldn’t want to skip those years fer anythin’, not ever fer a cutie mark. Plus ah’ want to see you grow up, Apple Bloom an’ experience it with you.”

Apple Bloom spent several minutes silent and in thought as she considered Applejack’s words.

“Ok. Ah’ll do it. Ah’ll become a filly again.”

“Well alright then,” Applejack said as she got up off the bed, “is that yer final decision?”

“Yes it is,” Apple Bloom said confidently.

“Alright, well ah’ll let you git ready an’ ah’ll meet you downstairs for breakfast before Zecora comes.”

Apple Bloom got up off the bed and paused one more time at the mirror looking at her mare like body. She let out a sigh, and then surprisingly felt a hoof on her shoulder.

“Ah’ know this is tough,” Applejack said, “makin’ a big change like this, but ah’ want you to remember what you look like as a mare, because this is what you’ll look like again sooner than you think.”

“Thanks, sis,” Apple Bloom said, giving Applejack a hug before starting her routing to get ready for the day and her upcoming change back to being a filly.

Change Back

Chapter 13 – Change Back

The creaking sound of the wooden stairs signaled the arrival of Apple Bloom as she made her way down to the first floor. The slowness of her walk signaled to Applejack who was waiting patiently at the foot of the stairs that her sister was still apprehensive about changing back to a mare. It was no wonder to the orange mare. When Apple Bloom first experienced her first taste of the benefits to being a mare, there was no doubt she would have a tough time giving that up.
Applejack wondered as she waited for her sister if it was a really good idea to push Apple Bloom into changing back. She could stay a mare and eventually she would find her cutie mark and all would be well. But then Applejack realized that staying a mare would be just as bad as her sister would be robbed of her fillyhood. She would hate to see Apple Bloom look back five, ten, or even fifteen years from this time wondering what life would be like is she became a filly. All the missed opportunities, missed friendships, and missed experiences.

With a nod in agreement to her conscious, Applejack waited until appeared.

“Howdy, sis,” she said to Apple Bloom, “Are you ready for breakfast?”

“Sure am,” Apple Bloom said as she followed her sister in the kitchen.

“Oh wait,” Applejack said, “ah’ almost fergot to take a picture of you, fer nostalgia sake.”

She grabbed the camera off the table and pointed it at the yellow mare as she posed.

“Alright then, say apple!”

“Apple,” Apple Bloom said with a smile as her sister took a picture.

The two then ate together, both deep in thought. There was still the elephant in the room, the realization that in a short time Apple Bloom would be a filly.

“Apple Bloom, ah’ know yer thinkin’ about becommin’ a filly again. Ah’ just wanted to say that you don’ have to do this because of me, or Big Mag, or Granny Smith, or Zecora, or any other pony fer that matter. We’ll all still love you no matter what. But ah’ just want to make sure you made yer decision based on what yer heart tells you. So, sis, are you still up to becommin’ a filly again?”

Apple Bloom thought one more time about the decision. She knew her sister was just as concerned as she was about whether she should stay a mare or become a filly again. The two were so close that they shared each other’s triumphs, tragedies, and lives together.

“Ah’ still want to go through with it,” Apple Bloom said finally.

“Alright then, sis. Ah’ think Zecora’s going to be arrivin’ very soon.”

Just when Applejack said this, there was a knock on the door. Applejack went to the door with her sister it tow. The orange earth pony opened the door to see Zecora standing there with a smile on her face.

“Good morning Applejack and Apple Bloom. I hope my arrival wasn’t too soon. “

“Not at all, Zecora,” Applejack replied, “we were just finishin’ havin’ breakfast.”

“Then before I do begin, Apple Bloom are you ready to become a filly again?”

“Yes Zecora.”

“First we need an open space. Applejack, do you know of such a place?”

“Sure do. The livin’ room is nice an’ open. Let me move some things around. Can you help me, Apple Bloom?”

“Sure can sis,” Apple Bloom said as the two moved some furniture to the outer area, creating an open space.

“Now we need some things to make a soft bed. We don’t want Apple Bloom to hurt her head.”

Applejack pulled off the pillows from the couch while Apple Bloom grabbed a few pillows from the bedrooms. The center of the room looked like a big fluffy pile soft enough to sleep on.

“With these things done now Apple Bloom, can you now stand in the middle of the room?”

Apple Bloom walked over the pillow pile until she reached the center and stood.

Zecora then reached into a saddlebag and pulled out a small bottle containing a greenish liquid.

“And now Apple Bloom, you must drink this entire potion up. Until it’s finished, please do not stop.”

Apple Bloom took the bottle and drank the strange looking liquid. It tasted worse than anything she ever ate or drank before, worse than the rotten apple she tried or the medicine she was given by a doctor when she was sick with the flu. The taste lasted in her mouth even when she swallowed it and she could feel it burning down her throat. She gagged a couple times as Applejack looked on, worried Apple Bloom would get sick and lose her breakfast.

Suddenly Apple Bloom began to feel very dizzy. “Ah’m feeling kind of tired of a sudden sis,” she said as she began to sway back and forth in her body’s desperate struggle to maintain its balance, “Ah’ … think… ah’m… going to … lie down.”

With that Apple Bloom suddenly fell over and closed her eyes. Applejack was about to rush over to her sister’s side, when Zecora put a reassuring hoof on the earth pony.

“I thought that Apple Bloom would fall asleep, and fall asleep she did. That is why before we started we made this pillow bed.”

“Ah’ guess that worked out pretty fine. How long until Apple Bloom changes back?”

“That dear Applejack I do not know. I would, however, give it an hour or so.”

“So ah’ guess we have to wait then. Well there’s no use standin’ around fer it. We can wait in the kitchen then. Do you want anythin’, Zecora?”

“I would like to try some of Granny Smith’s apple flavored tea, that is if you have any.”

“One apple tea comin’ right up,” Applejack said as she fetched the pitcher and some glasses.

The pony and the zebra then conversed to pass the time. Zecora was interested in Applejack’s planting techniques that she could use for her herbs. Applejack asked about some simple cures for injuries if any should arise on the farm. Both were so busy talking that they didn’t realize the time.

“What a nice sleep that was,” a familiar voice was heard from the entry into the living room. The two looked and saw Apple Bloom standing there. “So did it work? Am I a filly again?”

Applejack and Zecora looked at each other with a smile before turning back to Apple Bloom.

“Ah’ think you should see fer yourself in yer bedroom mirror.”

Apple Bloom bounded up the stairs with the others behind her. She looked in the mirror and realized instantly the truth.
“It worked,” she said looking at her reflection in disbelief, “Thanks Zecora!”

“You’re welcome, Apple Boom. I was glad that I could help you.”

“Ah’ hope you learned somethin’ from this time,” Applejack said as she ruffed her sister’s mane.

“Ah’ sure did. Ah should be happy fer who ah’ am an’ not try to git my cutie mark the wrong way.”

“A wise thing for you to learn. With experiences like this, knowledge you ear. Now I must be getting back home really soon. Until we meet again, farewell Applejack and Apple Bloom.”

Apple Bloom then gave the zebra a loving hug before she departed down the path before disappearing from view.
“Ah’ have to go see Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. They’re probably missing me.”

“Hold on there sis,” Applejack said, “We got to do a few things before you go scamperin’ off with yer friends. First, give yer sister a hug!”

Apple Bloom smiled as the two lovingly embraced each other.

“Now, how ‘bout you help me git this livin’ room back to actually lookin’ like one.”

The sisters cleaned up and moved back the furniture to where things were. Although Apple Bloom wasn’t as strong as she was as a mare, she was still happy that she made the right decision.

“Well, ah’ guess you can go meet yer friends now. Just be back fer supper, ok?”

“Alright Applejack,” apple Bloom said and gathering her Crusader cape and a saddle bag headed through the orchard to the clubhouse and her friends.

Back to Normal

Chapter 14 – Back to Normal

Scoootaloo and Sweetie Belle sat at the bench outside of the clubhouse. In front of them were scattered several sheets of papers and pencils. Some of the papers were crumpled up in a ball. There were others that were full of random doodles done by Sweetie Belle, made as a vain attempt to pass the time and quell the boredom.

“No, no no,” Scootaloo exclaimed as she furiously crumpled up a piece of paper and threw it. The paper ball bounced off the wooden bench and then smacked Sweetie Belle on the side of her head as she stared off into oblivion.

“Hey,” she exclaimed in a high pitched squeak as she felt something hit her.

“Sorry Sweetie Belle. I was just frustrated I couldn’t think of another way to get our cutie marks. How about you? Can you think of and ideas?”

“No,” the unicorn filly said with a sight, “I’m just bored. I miss Apple Bloom.”

“Me too,” the orange Pegasus said as she played with a pencil, “She always had good ideas to get our marks.”

“Wait,” Sweetie Belle said, “I think I see a pony coming our way.”

Scootaloo turned in the direction where Sweetie Belle was looking. There they saw the silhouette of a pony moving towards their direction.

“Are you sure it isn’t Applejack,” the Pegasus filly said.

“It looks like a filly. It must be Apple Bloom.”

“I thought Apple Bloom became a mare. This pony can’t possibly be her,” Scootaloo said.

The two waited as the figure approached closer until they realized that it was their friend.

“Apple Bloom,” the two said in a unison of surprise.

“Hey, Scootaloo. Hey, Sweetie Belle.”

“What happened to you,” Scootaloo said.

“Yeah, you were big like Rarity, and now you’re not,” Sweetie Belle said.

“Zecora helped change me back.”

“So, you’re back to normal then,” Scootaloo said.

“Eyup, Ah’m back to ‘bein my old self again. Well, not old self like when ah’ was a mare, but bein’ a filly.”

“So what was it like, you know, being a mare,” Sweetie Belle asked.

“It was fun ah’ guess, but ah’ like bein’ a filly and hagnin’ out with you. Now how ‘bout we go on a little adventure. Ah’ have some ideas fer getting’ our cutie marks.”

The two other Crusaders looked at each other with a smile before giving their friend a big hug. and fellow Crusader back.

“Allright, Crusaders,” Apple Bloom said, “off to adventure!”

The three boarded the scooter wagon transport. With a buzzing sound and a cloud of dust, the three took off towards Ponyville with new ideas, new chances for fun, and new attempts to get their cutie marks.

In the farm house Applejack stood in her bedroom looking at the picture of Apple Bloom that she took. It was like looking into the future, seeing how her sister would look in a few short years. She wondered how life would be for Apple Bloom, whether she'd be the same pony she was today full of energy and wonder, or something different. She hoped that she would stay the same but she knew otherwise. Change was inevitible, just like an apple tree going through its seasons.

"Well, ah' don' want to rush you bein' a filly," Applejack said as if talking to the picture, "You still have some growin' up to do, Apple Bloom.There's so much fer you to learn and do before you become a mare again. An' ah' hope that through it all, ah'll be there to help you when you need it, laugh or cry with you when you do, an' love you forever an' ever."

She then opened her dresser and placed the picture neatly in the drawer. She let out a little laugh as right next to the newly placed picture was an older photo of Applejack when she was a filly around Apple Bloom's age. Reflecting her times as a filly and how she was very much like Apple Bloom was now, she close the drawer and walked out of the room.

"Ah wonder what you're goin' to be when yer my age," Applejack said thoughtfully to herself as she headed outside to help Big Macintosh with the recent apple harvest. The mare was enjoying her sister's past and looking forward to a bright future. And as she promised to the picture, she would be there, constant as the sun and the moon.

The End!

Thanks for reading!

Dinner Time Chat

Chapter 2 – Dinner Time Chat

It was supper time and the whole apple family was seated around the big table. It was a time filled with conversation and good eating and most importantly a sign of how a close knit family showed their deep rooted love for each other.

“So, Apple Bloom, how was yer crusading,” Applejack said as she passed some beans to Granny Smith.

‘It was all right ah’ guess, except none of us got our mark,” Apple Bloom said with a sigh.

“Don’ you worry,” her sister said, “you’ll get yours someday, right Big Mac?”

“Eyup,” the stallion said simply as he ate a carrot.

“Applejack, how old were ya when you got yer cutie mark,” the filly inquired.

“Huh, I never told ya that,” Applejack said surprised, “Well, ah don’ remember exactly when, but ah think ah was a few years older that you are now when ah got mine, right Big Mac?”

“Eyup, and I was older too when I got mine.”

“How old were you, Granny Smith, when you got your mark,” Apple Bloom asked.

“You think I know how old I was when ah got my mark when ah can’t remember what day it is… er… what were we talkin’ about?”

Applejack couldn’t help but chuckle at Granny Smith’s forgetfulness. “So sis, what’s yer sudden interest about when we all got our cutie marks?”

“Well, I was wondering if age had ta do with it, that’s all,” Apple Bloom said.

‘Well ah’m not a science type like Twilight is, but ah can say that a cutie mark is not just about finin’ yer talent, although that has plenty ta do with it. Ah think it’s also a sign that yer no longer a filly or colt but instead a young mare or stallion. It comes with the territory of becommin’ an adult, just like getting taller an’ that sort of things.”

“Oh ok,” Apple Bloom said satisfied at her sister’s wisdom, “thanks sis.”

“Anytime, Apple Bloom. Now how ‘bout we clear off some space on this table so we can have some of Granny Smith’s apple pie she made today.”

That night, as all of the Apple Family was tucked soundly in their respective beds, Apple Bloom pondered her idea and what Applejack said. “So getting a cutie mark means ah’m an adult, an’ Applejack and Big Macintosh got their marks when they were older. Maybe ah’ have ta be older ta’ git mine. But ah don’ wanna wait that long. Ah’ want mah cutie mark now!”

She put a hoof to her chin, pondering how to solve the problem. “Maybe there’s a way that ah’ can grow older quickly so ah can git mah mark. Ya know, that’s just crazy enough ta work! Ah’ll go talk to Zecora tomorrow.”

With a plan in her head, Apple Bloom fell asleep, dreaming of her being older and having her mark.