Rumble's Cutie Problem

Chapters

The Cutie Mark Lesson
The Party Invite
Training with Lightning Dust
Redheart's Laboratory
Things Only Sometimes Work Out As Planned
CMC Assemble

The Cutie Mark Lesson

School isn’t something most children look forward to. It involves sitting down in one place for hours on end, listening to facts that either don’t interest you or you will never use in real life. The only reason one of them never tried to fall asleep was because of Cheerilee herself. She had an eye for those not paying attention. They often found themselves asked a tricky question and flubbering about to answer. Needless to say, it earned them a few mocking laughs. She wouldn’t let them continue more than a few seconds however. She did care about her students.

This day was different. None of the children were complaining about school. They were sitting attentive and interested. Cheerilee would normally be smiling because of this, but she knew the real reason why. They just wanted a little normalcy back. The school was one of the few places not destroyed by the nightmare forces or the dragon. It paid to be a bit of a ways from town.

Many of the chairs were empty. She sighed, ‘How many are left? I’d wager more than a third of the town’s packed up and moved on by now. Holy Celestia, if this keeps up, Ponyville might become a ghost town.’ Given everything that’s happened, she wondered if that would be a bad thing.

She pushed those thoughts aside and gave her remaining class a heartwarming smile, “Good morning, students.”

“Good morning, Miss Cheerilee.” Was their reply.

It nearly broke her heart to see them now. They didn’t have that ‘spark’ they usually did. ‘Damn nightmare. Damn dragon. Damn… just about everything.’ Her students were her life and to see them lose their enthusiasm hurt her. She would need to change that soon enough. First, however, she needed to lift their spirits with a prayer. She bowed her head and so did the students.

“Princess Celestia, goddess of the sun, thank you for giving me a mind that can know and a heart that can love. Help me to keep learning every day of my life, no matter what the subject may be. Let me be convinced that all knowledge leads to you and let me know how to find you and love you in all the things you have made. Encourage me when the studies are difficult and when I am tempted to give up. Enlighten me when my brain is slow and help me to grasp the truth held out to me. Grant me the grace to put my knowledge to use in aiding our beloved kingdom so that I may repay your benevolence. Amen.”

“Amen,” they said in turn.

“Now that I have your attention,” she pushed over a paper board. “I wanted to start this class period with something simpler.”

“Oooh, oooh!” Diamond Tiara held up her little hoof. “Is it algebra?”

Cheerilee chuckled, “No Diamond Tiara, it’s not algebra.” Most of the students sighed in relief. “No, today we’re going to be talking about cutie marks.” She moved the first sheet up and over to reveal a number of cutie marks on it.

“Ugghh,” she faintly heard Scootaloo groaning in the back, but she didn’t pay her any mind. Scootaloo was never one for studies. Normally Cheerilee reprimand her, but given what had happened, she decided to let it slide.

Cheerilee turned to her side, “Can everyone see my cutie mark?” They simply nodded, “Good. Now I didn’t always have my cutie mark. I was once just like you.” She moved up another sheet. “A blank flank.” Said picture was of her six year old self. ‘I was so adorable back then, if I do say so myself.’ “Now-”

Suddenly the door burst in, “Hold everything. The star has arrived.” A nearly white earth pony with a foppish light pink mane barged into the room. His glasses sat tilted on his face as if he was always looking down at everypony. He was suited up good and proper, like a number of business ponies Cheerilee unfortunately had to deal with over the years. Comes with Ponyville being, or rather was, a growing town.

“And you might be?” Cheerilee started to ask.

“Svengallop,” the stallion hooved her a card. She quickly put it down on her desk, trying to ignore how ‘sleezy’ this stallion sounded. “I represent Equestria’s growing star, Sweetie Belle. I’m sure you’ve heard of me.”

“Ah yes,” Cheerilee nodded. “I think she mentioned you once or twice. Is there a reason why you’re here?”

He sneered, “Sweetie Belle still wishes to attend your school. I haven’t the foggiest idea why, but she always gets what she wants.” In after him followed a little filly by the name of Sweetie Belle, Rarity’s younger sister. “Thankfully, we don’t have any tours planned any time soon so this won’t be a problem.” He turned to the filly. “However, you’re scheduled to perform a couple concerts through the month for ‘funds’ for the town.” He didn’t seem to like the idea and Cheerilee had to stop the urge to kick him out of her class.

“That sounds okay, Mr. Svengallop.” Sweetie smiled up at him and walked over to her seat.

“Now keep an eye on my star, Miss Cheerilee.” Svengallop walked off. “Remember, we can always find another teacher.”

‘Not likely,’ Cheerilee internally scoffed. Nopony would be stupid enough to accept a job in Ponyville after what had happened. If she had been smart herself, she’d have left some time ago. Looking over her students reminded her of why she stayed. “Now, Sweetie Belle, we were just going over cutie marks and-”

“You get them when you achieve your special talent,” the filly interrupted.

Cheerilee frowned, “Yes. That’s the simple version.” ‘This is going to be a long day.’

________________________________________________________

‘This is going to be a long day,’ Rumble couldn’t help but groan inwardly. He didn’t want to come today. He just wanted to stay home and get his brother to train him. ‘I can be a guard too.’ So he didn’t really pay attention to the lesson. Instead, he was focusing on drawing a few pictures of himself as a guard. This particular one was of him beating up Nightmare Moon. It wasn’t the best, but it made him feel better.

“Pfft,” he heard Scootaloo scoff beside him. “As if they’d make you a guard.”

Rumble glared at her, trying not to shiver as he saw her large saber teeth. “I so am going to be a guard. Just like my brother.”

“As if,” Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “Thunderlane is awesome and has a bunch of stuff that you don’t have.”

“Like what?”

“A cutie mark,” Scootaloo smirked and looked back up at the teacher.

Rumbles eyes widened. ‘I can still be a guard if I’m a blank flank, right?’ He didn’t pay much attention when Sweetie Belle took her seat next to him. He was honestly glad she had that seat. It could have been Silver Spoon. She was annoying when sitting behind him. He didn’t need her beside him.

“Now as Sweetie Belle said,” Cheerilee began again. “A cutie mark appears when you find your special talent.” She moved up another sheet to reveal a teenage version of herself wearing baggy clothing, frazzled hair, and braces.

Some of the students started to laugh, “Looks like a fashion trainwreck.” Silver Spoon couldn’t help but comment loud enough for Scootaloo and a few students to hear.

Cheerilee rolled her eyes with a smile, “Yes I know, but that’s what everyone was wearing back then. Every single cutie mark has a different meaning to them. The flowers of my cutie mark represent my wish to see my students bloom and grow as they learn, while the smiles represent the cheer I wish to give them. A cutie mark will appear when you discover you’re special talent and not a moment before. They can’t be forced, whether by complaining, wishing, or even magical means. A cutie mark requires a specific spark that is tied to everypony's inner magic. No two ponies share the same spark, however. They will come when they come and it’s up to you to go out there and find them.”

Scootaloo raised her hoof, “Miss Cheerilee, I have a question.”

“What is it, Scootaloo?”

“If you don’t have a cutie mark, are you really good at anything?” Scootaloo briefly glanced at Rumble. Said colt lowered his ears in shame. Scootaloo had gotten hers not long ago.

“Well, not exactly.” Cheerilee said. “You can be good at a lot of things that aren’t privy to your cutie mark.”

“But if you don’t have it, you can’t be as good as others right?”

Cheerilee frowned, “No, you can’t.” Some of the students started to murmur to themselves and others. “But listen, a pony's cutie mark is tied to their true passion and talents. Everypony gets them and you can enjoy yourself in the meantime.”

“Does that mean you won’t get some jobs if you’re a blank flank?” Scootaloo asked.

“Some jobs do require certain skills, so that varies.”

Scootaloo smirked and looked over at Rumble. While Cheerilee tried to get the class back on track, Rumble lost himself in thought. ‘So they might not take me if I’m a blank flank? I might not get to be a guard?’ A cold dread filled his being. ‘But Cheerilee said that only some jobs would do that… But who would want somepony to watch over them if they don’t even have a special talent? I can’t be as awesome as I can be.’ He looked down at his drawing. He knew he had to do something. He was going to be a guard, no matter what. Glancing down at his bare flank, he frowned, ‘I wish I knew my talent though.’

Author's Note

Hello and welcome everyone to the next installment of the Shimmerverse. Taking place not long after Fanning Our Flames we pick up after another crucial part of the mlp cast: The CMC

I hope you all enjoy this story and please leave a comment.

The Party Invite

Rumble was usually ecstatic about weekends. He’d always race home the moment school ended. Not that he hated school. He loved Miss Cheerilee and he did like to learn new things. He was on the honor role after all. ‘Maybe that’s not important anymore.’ There wasn’t as many kids around to show off that too, not that he liked to. Most of his friends had left, but now it was just him and Strike.

“I think I got an A on that quiz. I can feel it,” his best friend, Strike, spoke up. Strike was a pale, golden colored earth colt. His blue and white striped mane bobbed up and down as he walked beside his friend, “Rumble? Are you okay? You didn’t let them get to you, did you?”

Rumble sighed, “Kinda.”

Strike snorted, “That’s just silly, Rumble. Scootaloo and Silver Spoon are always trying to make us feel bad.” Rumble didn’t say anything as he moped. Strike walked in front of him, making sure to walk backwards so to speak to his face. “Come on, we can go to the arcade or something.”

Rumbles ears perked up at that, before they lowered. “The arcade was destroyed by the dragon, remember?”

Strike frowned, “Oh yeah. Stupid dragon.” He scuffed the ground.

“The bowling alley is okay, right?” Rumble asked his friend.

Strike nodded, “Yeah, but my big sister is doing a tournament so it’s full right now. I’m sure we can find something else though.” Before he could say anything else, the two of them found themselves in a cloud of dust as something whizzed by them. They coughed and tried to wipe it out of their eyes.

“Watch where you’re walking,” Scootaloo stopped her scooter not far from them. Gripping her around the waist was Silver Spoon. The filly was shaking slightly from the intense speed. “You could have bruised my scooter.”

“Or bruised us,” Strike spoke up.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes, “A real pony could take it, but you aren’t real ponies are you?” She smirked.

“We are so real ponies,” Rumble glared over at her, trying not to shrink back as she advanced. ‘Royal Guards are brave. They never back down from a challenge.’

“Yeah?” Scootaloo smirked. “Well why don’t you impress me with your special talent? Oh no. I forgot. You don’t have one. So what does that make you?” She poked him in the chest hard enough to make him stumble backwards. Both her and Silver laughed. “You’re just a blank flank and you’ll always be one.”

Rumble opened his mouth to speak, but he couldn’t think of what to say to that. ‘What good am I? I don’t have a talent. Maybe Thunderlane knows if they’ll let me in anyways.’

“Maybe we’ll get a cutie mark,” Strike piped up.

The two fillies laughed again, “Oh please.” Silver Spoon smirked. “Like, what would a loser cutie mark even look like.”

“Anyways,” Scootaloo strutted in front of them. It wasn’t that impressive to Rumble, since her wings were rather small for a pegasus. However, she more than made up for that with her large fangs and muscular body. She looked like she could break bones with ease. “My cute-ceañera is coming up and I thought I’d be nice and invite you there. It’ll be fun. We’ll get to see some real talents and ponies who are going someplace with themselves.”

“Yeah, won’t that be fun?” Silver Spoon chuckled.

Scootaloo got back on her scooter, with Silver getting up behind her. “See you there, blank flanks.” She took off, leaving them in another coughing fit and covered in dust.

“I really don’t like her,” Strike glared off into the distance.

“And bring Thunderlane too,” she called back, causing the two colts to look at each other in confusion.
__________________________________________________________________

Silver Spoon pouted as she looked at her friend. Rather, she looked at the back of her helmet. “Really? You just had to shout that back?”

“What about it?” Scootaloo asked.

“Making it pretty obvious, aren’t you?” Silver snorted. “Why are you so hung up on Thunderlane, anyways?”

“It’s nothing,” Scootaloo tried to hide her blush, but being this close, Silver could plainly see it. “Look. He’s awesome and my party is awesome. Two awesomes make something… more awesome. Follow?”

“I follow,” Silver sighed. Ever since the Nightmare attack, her friend had been obsessing over Thunderlane. Apparently, he had saved her from some nightmare soldiers. That was great. She couldn’t thank him enough, but Scootaloo wouldn’t stop thinking about him. ‘She should be thinking about me instead.’ She just grumbled inwardly as the two kept speeding off. ‘I swear, she intentionally goes so fast as to make me sick.’
__________________________________________________________________

Rumble couldn’t help but pause as he stared up at his big brother’s bedroom door. Thunderlane was always there for him. Always, without fault. He’d help him through this, no problem. ‘Royal Guards don’t let fear control them.’ Letting out a conscious breath, he knocked on the door. ‘Maybe big brother will find something for us to play together. That could get my mind off of this.’

“It’s unlocked,” Thunderlane called out to him. Rumble fluttered upwards and turned the knob, pushing the door open. Once inside, he saw that his brother was fixing his dress uniform in front of a mirror on his desk. “What’s up, little buddy?” He was fretting with his collar.

Rumble sighed, “We were talking about cutie marks today.”

“Yeah, and?” Thunderlane started to look through an open drawer that held his ties. He picked up a green and red striped one and a purple one with his wings and showed them to his little brother. “Which do you think looks better on me?” His feathers held them before his neck one at a time. Rumble just gave him a pleading look, causing him to sigh. “Yeah, just go with the solid color.” He stuffed the other one back in the drawer and closed it.

“This is serious,” Rumble stomped his hoof on the ground.

“Of course it is,” Thunderlane half listened as he started to put the collar around his neck. “Look Rumble, is this because you don’t have one?”

“Nearly everypony in my class has one,” Rumble whined. “Even Scootaloo.”

“Ah, she’s the one that’s been giving you trouble.” Thunderlane grunted as the tie proved to be a challenge loosening up.

Rumble nodded, “She just got her mark and now she’s having a party.”

“Well good for her,” Thunderlane scowled as he bit down on the tie’s knot and started to pull away with a hoof.

Rumble rolled his eyes and tapped his brother’s leg. He laid out a hoof and Thunderlane begrudgingly gave him the tie. The little colt quickly undid it and gave it back.

“Thanks,” Thunderlane smiled as he finally got it back around his neck. “So what if she’s got her mark already? I was the fourth to last one in my entire class to get a cutie mark.”

“Yeah, but I don’t want to wait until then.” Rumble frowned. “I could be the last in my class to get it or I won’t ever get one at all.”

Thunderlane chuckled as he ruffled his brother’s mane, “Now that’s crazy talk. Everypony gets their mark. It just take some longer than others.” He narrowed his eyes as he looked over a few bottles with strange liquid. He opened one and sniffed it, nodding in satisfaction and then dabbing a little around his neck.

“But that means she’ll make fun of me for a long time,” Rumble pointed out. “I just want it now. I can’t be a royal guard without a cutie mark.”

“No you can’t,” Thunderlane off-handedly commented, not really paying attention at that point. This caused Rumble to look at him in horror. “You’ll get it when you’re ready, Rumble. Not a second before.” He finally turned to his little brother, not really catching the look of horror on his face. “Do I smell bad?”

‘Your smell? What about my cutie mark?’ Rumble glared at him, “You smell weird. Are you going on a date with Miss Rarity again?”

Thunderlane’s cheeks turned a tint of pink, “Absolutely not. I told you. We’re just going on patrol and Rarity will not leave me alone unless I’m properly dressed. She is a freak when it comes to style.”

“Then why do you always come back so messy?” Rumble tilted his head in question.

“...” Thunderlane just stared at his little brother. Luckily for him, the doorbell chimed. “Oh look at that. Flitter’s coming over to look after you. You like her. Ask her all these questions.” He pushed Rumble out of his room with a wing and all the way into the living room. Flitter, a light purple pegasus mare, stared at them in confusion as he hastily pushed his little brother into her. “Rumble has questions. I gotta go. Bye.”

The two pegasi jumped slightly when he slammed the door behind them, “So, what got him so riled up?” Flitter asked.

Rumble smiled up at her. Flitter was always nice to him, no matter what. ‘She’s like the big sister I never had.’ That and she always got him little sweets when his brother wasn’t looking. He was trying to ween him off of them because they ‘weren’t healthy’. “I asked him about cutie marks.”

“Well that’s not-”

“And why he’s always so messy after patrolling with Miss Rarity.”

Flitter blinked in shock for a few seconds, “Well… let’s talk about those cutie marks then. Though you don’t mind if we go out today. Lightning Dust needs some more help clearing the skies.”

Rumble nodded. More than half of the weather team had quit and moved away, so the other pegasi in town were being employed as temporary workers. ‘Maybe I could get my cutie mark in weather making.’ His face lit up. “Let’s go.” He quickly opened the door and zoomed outside.

Flitter laughed, “Aren’t we eager today.” Without another word, she took off after her charge.

Author's Note

And there we have it. It honestly took me longer then I expected to make this, but blame writer's block and sales at my work. I hope you all enjoyed this and please leave a comment. They really do help out. :twilightsmile:

Training with Lightning Dust

Rumble quietly wondered to himself why today was especially cloudy. He remember Flitter telling him yesterday that today was going to be clear. ‘Maybe they forgot.’ His eyes widened, ‘Maybe I’ll remind them and get a cutie mark in reminding ponies… Nah, that doesn’t sound guard material.’

Still, the cloudy sky didn’t do his nerves any favors. After the Nightmare Moon incident, Mayor Mare had called for the skies to be clear for the next few months so as to let the citizens feel Celestia’s gaze upon them always. No one wanted to be in the dark. So what used to bring momentary comfort from the heat, now just made him uneasy. Shadows weren’t exactly friendly in the wrong hooves. So he stuck close to Flitter. The pegasus mare kept a wing protectively over him, calming him down.

Suddenly, something smashed the clouds apart with a loud ‘crack’. Rumble’s eyes widened as he saw a lightning bolt styled trail zip about the sky. The skies almost instantly cleared. The sun’s calming gaze shined down on the town.

The lightning bolt landed on the ground with a solid ‘thud’. Sparkes of electricity played around Lightning Dust’s body, “How was that, Cloudchaser?”

Cloudchaser held up a watch in her wing. She was the second in command of Ponyville’s weather team, directly underneath Lightning herself. As well, she was Flitter’s awesome sister. She’d always race him and made him feel great. Flitter was awesome too, but it was in a nice ‘mommy’ sort of way. “Ten seconds flat.”

“Yes!” Lightning hoof-pumped. “I told you I could do it. Oh, the Wonderbolts are going to be begging me to join. I can see it now.” Her wings fluttered in excitment. “They’ll be cheering my name all across Equestria: Lightning Dust. Lightning Dust.”

Cloudchaser rolled her eyes and looked over at the pair, “Hey Flitter.”

Lightning Dust blinked in surprise, “What are you doing here, Flitter? I thought you were going to stay inside?”

“I asked her to come,” Cloudchaser said earning a glare from Lightning. “Hey, we need all the help we can get. We’re short hoofed at the moment.”

Lightning snorted and flexed her wings, “Eh, I can take care of it all by myself if I had to. It’s easy.” Cloudchaser just sighed. “So squirt,” she looked down at Rumble. “Ready for some weather patrol?”

Rumble nodded, “Yep, I’m sure to get my cutie mark doing it.”

Flitter giggled, “Oh he’s started his ‘I want a cutie mark’ stage. That’s adorable.”

Cloudchaser paled, “Hopefully it’ll be better than ours.”

Lightning just smirked, “So you want your cutie mark now, huh?” Rumble nodded. “Well then let’s get you started.” She looked up at the now empty sky and rubbed the back of her head. “Someplace with some clouds to work with.”

_________________________________________________________________________

“Alright,” Lightning flapped up beside Rumble. They’d gone a ways out of town. Not far enough that they couldn’t race back to town quickly enough, but far enough for some training that wouldn’t disturb the town folks. “I want you to clear the skies as fast as you can. Now I know you can’t do it as awesome as I can, but maybe, just maybe, you’ll have a fraction of my talent.”

“She’ so supportive,” Cloudchaser sarcastically muttered, causing Flitter to giggle.

Lightning held up a timer in her hoof, “Ready, set, go!” She clicked a little button to start it.

Rumble’s wing flapped with determination. He glared at the cloud as he sped on toward it. He was going to wreck it. He was going to show everyone how awesome he was and get his cutie mark. Nearing the cloud, he turned and bucked it…

Only to put a dent in the cloud.

“I…. I have no words,” Lightning frowned in complete disappointment. She chucked the timer over her shoulder and looked over at Flitter.

“What?” Flitter asked. “He doesn’t get out much.”

“And why’s that?” Lightning narrowed her eyes.

“Because he’s inside with me most of the time studying,” Flitter snooted. “A good education can get you far in life.”

Rumble blinked in surprise, falling a bit as he momentarily forgot to flap his wings. He really wasn’t paying attention to what the grown ups were saying at that moment. “What? But… but I kicked it really hard.”

“Awww,” Flitter flew up and offered a comforting hug. She took on a motherly tone with her voice, “It’ll be alright, Rumble.”

Lightning pushed her off, booping her nose with a glare. “No. Stop treating him like a foal. He’s a pegasus. We’re warriors and if he wants to get a cutie mark, by Celestia, I’m going to work him like one.” She nudged Rumble on through the air. “Come on, we’ve got a long day ahead of us.”

Flitter looked on after them with worry, “Oh I hope she doesn’t push him too hard.”

“It’s Lightning,” Cloudchaser snorted, flying up to her sister’s side. “Of course she’s going to.” Flitter gave her a small glare. “What? It’s the truth… so wanna go get some ice cream?”

“Can I save one for Rumble?”

“...You obsess over that colt too much,” Cloudchaser deadpanned.

______________________________________________________________________

“Alright,” Lightning marched around Rumble, looking him over to make sure everything was in place. “The first step in hoof-gliding is-”

“Ummm, Miss Dust?” Rumble held on to paraglider. It wasn’t huge like the ones he sometimes saw Earth ponies use, but it still felt pretty big.

“Call me, Lightning.” She corrected him. “And what is it?”

“Can’t I already fly?” Rumble asked.

Lightning nodded, “Yes, but you’ve got to try everything you can when it comes to your cutie mark. Never let your fears or morals get in the way. Just do it.”

“But-”

“And go!” Lightning shot off a lightning bolt into the air, scaring the daylights out of Rumble. He ran as fast as he could… only to stumble and fall on to his face a couple of meters away. Lightning Dust face-hooved, “This is going to take a while.”

_____________________________________________________________________

The two of them next tried the local dojo.

“Come on,” Lightning stomped a hoof as she gestured towards a punching bag. The two of them were wearing gi's, with hers having a black belt. ‘Fun times.’ “I want you to knock it to the wall. Just do it.”

Rumble nodded and raced towards the bag. Jumping up, he tried to kick it… Only to stop dead upon contact. The impact reverberated around his form, causing him to shakily fall to the ground. Lightning sighed and lightly smacked the punching bag away.

“Come on, Kid. Work with me here.”

___________________________________________________________________________

Lightning snarled as Rumble struggled to make the second mile run around the park, “Run faster!!!” She groaned as he just fell to the ground right that moment. She trotted over to him. "Are you laying down on the job?"

"But this isn't a job," Rumble pointed out.

"No excuses," Lightning shouted. "Get up and do it better. Don't stop until your foe is beaten. That's the pegasus way. Are you a pegasus?" Rumble nodded. "Good, then run faster!"

____________________________________________________________________

Lightning smacked her head down on top of the table. The duo had met up with Flitter and Cloudchaser at Sugar Cube Corner, “Juggling, acrobatics, penmanship. Nothing worked.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” Flitter comfortingly patted her head. “His cutie mark will come with time.”

Just then, a lanky yellow stallion trotted over with a tray full of sweets. Lightning couldn’t help but perk up a bit as she smelled the wonderful confectionaries. “Your order.”

“Thank you Mr. Cake,” Flitter smiled as she took it.

“It’s no problem,” Mr. Cake waved her off and patted Rumble’s head. “I heard the little guy was trying to get his cutie mark so we just thought he shouldn’t have to wait. It can be quite the experience, can’t it Rumble?” Rumble nodded and Mr. Cake went back to the kitchen with his wife.

“Well we can try again another day,” Cloudchaser shrugged. “No big deal.”

“But Scootaloo’s cute-ceañera is coming up,” Rumble grumbled as he started to lick his ice cream cone. “I can’t just go without a cutie mark.”

“And you won’t have to,” Lightning snorted. She raised a defiant hoof. “With Celestia as my witness, you will have a cutie mark by the end of the day.” She slammed her hoof down hard enough to shake the table. Rumble squeaked and dropped his cone. The little colt’s eyes started to water upon the miserable site of his beloved ice cream decorating the floor.

Lightning Dust knew at that moment that she had bucked up. She could feel the killer gaze upon her at that moment. Drawing whatever courage she could, she looked over into the mother of all glares. Flitter may not have the deadly stare of Button’s or Dinky’s mom, but it was deadly in its own ways. “Hehe, come on, Flitter. It was-”

She didn’t get to say another word as Flitter grabbed her and slammed her hard enough on the floor to embed half of her body like one would plant a tree. Flitter swatted her hooves in satisfaction, “Apology accepted. Mrs. Cake, could I have another ice cream cone?”

“Of course deary~” Her sing song voice called from the back. A rather blue pudgy earth pony with a frosting stylized mane trotted out with the same cone. She frowned as she gave the cone to the eager colt. “Could you please refrain from slamming ponies into the ground?”

“No promises,” Flitter gave her a gleeful smile and started to eat.

__________________________________________________________

Rumble deeply pondered his next move as he ate his ice cream. ‘Ice cream really helps with the tough thinking.’ A sound piece of advice if there ever was one. He’d tried it the hard way, so maybe he should try it another. He hummed in thought before he saw one of the nurse ponies walk in. Then a proverbial light bulb appeared over his head. ‘Maybe I can help sick ponies. The guards let in ponies like that all the time.’ He smiled as a plan set itself in motion.

Author's Note

I sincerely hope you all enjoyed this chapter and I can't wait to read your comments. They really do help. :twilightsmile: And don't worry. It won't take me long to finish this story. Until next time.

Redheart's Laboratory

When Ponyvillians think of a ‘laboratory’ they often think of Quickfix’s house. This was of course easy to see. Her entire house was made to be a station for her engineering marvels. There wasn’t a day that went by that she wasn’t fixing some toaster or creating a new tech that would, four times out of five, blow up or cause mayham.

Yet, there is another laboratory that doesn’t get as much attention from Ponyville. Mostly out of respect for the owner. She wasn’t as ‘insane’ as Quickfix, but when she was in the zone… she was in the zone. It wouldn’t be the smartest thing to disturb her. Yet that was what Rumble planned to do. He planned to go to the very heart of one of Ponyville’s infamous labs.

Right under Ponyville’s hospital.

Rumble was up to the challenge. Nothing was going to stop him from getting his cutie mark. ‘I’m so going to rub it into Scootaloo and Silver Spoon’s faces. My cutie mark is going to be awesome.’ He just needed to find a way in. He needed to be smart, like a true guard. He was going to be sneaky-like. He’d outsmart all the grown up and prove to the world that he was the best guard ever.

“Uhh, kid?” A local cop stared at him with a raised brow. “Are you going inside or not? You’ve been standing there, looking at the door, for the last several moments.”

Rumble blinked in surprise, “Ummm, I’m going inside?”

The cop opened the door, “Then go on inside. A little colt like you shouldn’t be outside all alone. Something could happen to you.”

Rumble rolled his eyes. The grown ups had been saying that a lot lately, ever since Nightmare Moon happened. ‘I’m a big pony. I can take care of myself.’ He didn’t say that out loud, since the cop would say that wasn’t true. “Thank you.” The little colt grinned in victory as he trotted inside, ‘I’m in.’ He had it made. He just had to find…

‘Wait, where is Redheart’s lab?’

____________________________________________________________________

Nurse Redheart was a mare of science. That’s pretty much a fact anyone could guess upon meeting her. She wasn’t as ‘enthusiastic’ as Quickfix all the time, but she had to admit. She had her moments. She did her best to keep them isolated in her laboratory though. ‘I don’t want to spook the patient's.’ Her laboratory wasn't as grand as Quickfix's house, but it was rather expansive. There were vials and notes everywhere, with little experiments going on. This was a place where she could live out her passions in life, aside from helping others. More specifically, genetic manipulation was her truest of passions. Right now, the mare held a microscope over a little petri dish. She smiled.

“It seems my tomato hybrid is coming along nicely,” Redheart nodded and turned around, only to come to face a little colt… wearing a nurse outfit. “Rumble? What are you doing here and why are you wearing that?”

Rumble looked down at himself. Nurse Redheart had to admit, it made him even more adorable. “I asked where you were, Nurse Redheart. Some ponies said that only nurses and doctors could go down here, so I grabbed this... “ He blushed in embarrassment. “It was the only thing I could find.”

Redheart shook her head, resisting the urge to chuckle. “And why do you need to see me?”

Rumble smiled as he looked up at her, “I want to get my cutie mark.”

“Ah, I see.” Redheart nodded. ‘He’s going through his cutie mark phase.’ “Well why don’t you go over there,” she nodded to the changing room. “And get out of those clothes. I’ll see what I can do.”

“Yay~” Rumble hugged her foreleg, melting her heart from the cuteness. “Thank you, Nurse Redheart.” He sped off.

Redheart sighed, “This is going to be a long day.” It wasn’t that she didn’t want to help Rumble. He was a nice colt and never gave her a hard time when he came in for check ups. It’s just that she knew what mischief little ponies could get into when looking for their marks. She knew this from experience. ‘I’m lucky to still have any hair.’ She mentally grumbled as she remembered Lightning Dust’s early years.

He trotted out, stripped of his clothing. “Now can I get my cutie mark?”

Redheart giggled and ruffled his mane with a hoof, “We’ll see what we can do. Not everyone can get a cutie mark in science.”

“But you did,” Rumble pointed to her cutie mark.

Redheart shook her head, “No, that means I’m great at healing others. Genetic research is my other passion. It’s a long story, but I’ll tell you it one day. Now let’s practice some science.”

*One Hour Later*

Rumble groaned, regretting his decision. He was a brave colt. He’d weather any storm. Fight any monster if he had to. This however…

“And as we can see,” Redheart tapped a chart detailing a splice of DNA with a pointing stick. “DNA structures are quite complex in simple terms.”

“Nurse Redheart?” Rumble piped up. “How is this going to get me my cutie mark?”

Redheart chuckled and put down the stick. “Before one can truly achieve their talents, they need to study.” She patted his head. “It will take some time, but you’ll get the hang of it.”

“I don’t want to wait,” Rumble crossed his forehooves and pouted. “I want my cutie mark right now.”

“Cutie marks don’t work like that,” Redheart shook her head. “You can’t just force them to appear and start with science. We don’t know how to create the phenomenon and I’m not willing to test out possibilities on a child.”

“Not even once?” Rumble did his best puppy stare. He even jutted out his lower lip and quivered slightly.

Redheart wasn’t phased, “Nice try, but I’m a nurse. I’ve seen that trick far more times then I can count. I’m immune to cute.” She booped his nose. Suddenly, there was a loud beeping. She sighed and trotted over to the wall. She tapped a large green button, stopping the noise. “I’ve got a couple patients to take care of. Stay here and don’t touch anything.” She narrowed her eyes, “I mean it.”

Rumble nodded before she walked off. He smirked and rubbed his hooves the moment she closed the door. He had his chance. There would be no stopping him now. His time had come and he was going to get his cutie mark.

‘...So which one should I take?’ He pondered as he walked around. The little colt didn’t really know what to think of all the vials and stuff lying around and he was hesitant to just try them. ‘Maybe they might make me sick.’ He thought to himself, doubting his plan. That is, until he came to one potion on the bottom shelf. He didn’t even have to fly up to get it. He looked down at the label.

“Growth serum?” Rumble said aloud. “Well, only grown ups have cutie marks. Maybe this will help.” He took the bottle, uncorked it, and took a long swig. He smacked his lips as he tried not to throw up. “Ugh, this tastes nasty.” He put down the potion and wiped his lips. “I’m never trying that again.”

Before he could move, he felt his body start to shift. Everything seemed to itch and the room around him started to shrink. At least, that’s what he thought at first. “Hey, what’s going on?” His eyes widened. “My voice sounds like a grown ups.” He smiled and then looked to his flank. He frowned, “Awww, still blank.”

“Redheart?” A mare’s voiced called down into the lab. “Are you down there? I brought you the samples you wanted. I can’t believe you actually want this stuff though.” Cloud Kicker trotted into the room with a large sack on her back. She placed it down on the ground. “Hello, is anypony…” Her eyes widened when she saw Rumble. A strange smile came across her face. “Oh hello big boy~”

Rumble blinked in confusion, “Umm… Hello?”

“What is a hunk like you doing in a place like this?” Cloud sauntered over to the stallion. Her flank was moving more than it should.

Rumble was starting to feel nervous and he didn’t know why, “I… I’m helping Nurse Redheart.”

Cloud pouted as she stood right in front of him, barely a couple hoof lengths away. “And she didn’t invite me? For shame. I could help.” She touched his chest, moving her hoof in ways that made him tingle. “I’m good at that~”

“Rumble,” Redheart called down as well. “It appears Flitter’s here to….” Her and Flitter’s eyes widened when they saw what was going on. “Rumble? You drank my growth potion, didn’t you?” Rumble nodded, looking down at the ground in shame.

“Rumble?” Both Cloud Kicker and Flitter said in surprise. Cloud Kicker’s heart sank and she started to sweat.

“You were trying to seduce little Rumble?!!” Flitter roared.

“I didn’t know he was really a colt!” Cloud Kicker said in her defense. Flitter wasn’t having any of that as she tackled the mare.

Redheart sighed and shook her head, “She should really get a hold of her anger.” There was a ‘pop’ and Rumble was back to normal. “Huh, wasn’t expecting it to wear off so soon. Not with how much you drank. I must have used too much magic and it burned through your system.” She walked over to the table and started taking notes.

Flitter huffed and used her wing to scoop up Rumble onto her back, “We’re leaving.” She trotted upstairs.

Redheart nodded as she continued to take notes. She used her tail to pull on Cloud Kicker’s own, since her head was stuck in the nearby wall. Thanks to her Earth Pony strength, it was easy. “Next time, don’t try and seduce my assistants.”

“Duly noted,” Cloud groaned and shakily trotted out. “I’m… going to check myself in now.”

Redheart sighed and rubbed her forehead, “Nothing is ever easy in this town.”

Author's Note

Sorry for the delay. Writer's block. I hope you all enjoy this chapter and please leave a comment. :twilightsmile: Until next time, I hope you all do well.

Things Only Sometimes Work Out As Planned

Rumble wouldn’t normally mind a walk around Ponyville, especially going off to see his friend. However this time was different. The little colt was amazed he could actually walk. He was covered in soft padding and a helmet. The reason why he was like this was trotting beside him with a protective wing around his midsection.

“Don’t you think that’s a little much, Flitter?” Cloudchaser, her elder sister, spoke up. “He looks like he could fall over at any second.”

“Nonsense,” Flitter snorted. “This is just extra precaution. We don’t know what dangers lurk about Ponyville.”

“We’re in the middle of Ponyville,” Cloudchaser swept her hoof to encompass the whole town. “Filled with all sorts of guards and stuff. The home of the Elements of Harmony. No one’s going to do anything to us here.”

“Aside from Nightmare Moon, a dragon, cultists, and the occasional monster.” Flitter pointed out.

Cloudchaser was silent for a moment, “Okay, you’ve got me there. Still, that stuff usually happens on Tuesday. It’s Thursday.”

“Usually,” Flitter shook her head. “There’s that word. ‘Usually’. We sometimes got monsters or such things going wrong on other days too. I’m not taking any chances when it comes to Rumble.”

“Just promise to take that stuff off him when we get back home,” Cloudchaser sighed. Her sister was hard to deal with sometimes.

“I make no promises,” Flitter’s response caused Cloudchaser to sigh even harder.

Rumble almost wished they were heading home that very moment. Then he could actually move right. For now though, he had a mission. If he couldn’t get a cutie mark yet, he’d take his friend. There was power in numbers. ‘That’s a guard saying.’ He proudly walked up to the door once they made it.

“Oh do be careful,” Flitter called out to him. “She could swing the door and hit you.”

“The door opens inwards,” Cloudchaser pointed out.

“It’s just a precaution,” Flitter responded.

Rumble didn’t pay her any mind as he knocked on the front door. It didn’t take long before it was opened by a very familiar mare. She was a tall pale unicorn with a blue striped mane. “Oh Rumble, I didn’t expect to see you here.” She was none other than Alleyway, Strike’s older sister. She was wearing a boller’s shirt.

“Is Strike home?” Rumble asked.

Alleyway nodded and looked back into the house, “Strike! Rumble’s here!”

“Coming,” Strike called down to them. The little earth pony smiled up at Alleyway as he came to the doorway. “I just got my bags packed up, sis.”

Alleyway smiled, “Good job, squirt.” She ruffled his mane as she went back inside. “I’ll finish up while you talk with your friend.”

Strike nodded and looked to Rumble, “Hey Rumble, what are you doing here?”

Rumble frowned, “The party, remember? We were going to go there together. You know… since we’re both blank flanks.”

Strike frowned, “Well.. you see…” He turned to show off his cutie mark. It was a bowling ball knocking over a pin. “I got it earlier today when I challenged some ponies making fun of my big sis.” He grinned. “I showed them and now my big sis wants to take me with her in the junior bowling league.” He started to jump up and down in excitement. “I always wanted to go with her.”

Rumble lowered his head. His ears flopped downwards, “Oh, I’m really happy for you.”

Strike heard the tone of his voice and he stopped bouncing, “Hey, we’re still friends Rumble. I won’t be gone that long. Just a few months. When I get back, we’ll do a bunch of stuff together.”

“Yeah…” Rumble nodded and slowly walked away. He couldn’t help but feel the last bit of hope he had for today wither and die. ‘Scootaloo and Silver Spoon are never going to let this go. They’re going to hound me for being a blank flank for the rest of my life.’

Flitter could sense his distress and hugged him, “It’s alright, Rumble. Everything’s going to be alright.” He didn’t believe a word of that.

_________________________________________________________________________

Scootaloo wasn’t normally one for dresses. She preferred her jacket, but this was a party. She had to look her best. How else was she going to show up everypony? This was her day to shine and shine she would. It was a red, simple dress with dark red jewels adorning her collar.

“Oh you look simply smashing,” Rarity crooned as she combed Scootaloo’s hair into a pleasing shape. “You’ll be be the star of the show, as it were.” Coco Pommel trotted over with a little case of perfume. “Oh thank you, Coco.” She used her magic to spray it over Scootaloo, who coughed slightly. “There, now you smell heavenly.” As she was adjusting the dress, she heard a knock at the door. “You can come in.”

The door creaked open and an elderly earth pony stallion walked in. This was Night Watch, the chief of the local police. He smiled down at his granddaughter, “My, my, my. You fill out that dress perfectly.”

Scootaloo smiled and brushed a little dust off it, “Yeah, I know. I’m awesome.” Night Watch chuckled and gazed at her. He didn’t say anything. He just looked at her with a pleasant smile. A tear seemed to well up in the corner of his eye. “Grandpa? Are you alright?”

“Oh it’s nothing,” he rubbed the tear away. “You just remind me of your mother when she was your age. She loved that dress.”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes with a smile. Her grandpa didn’t like to show his soft side with anyone outside of her, so it was a little weird to see it on occasion. She went over and hugged him, “Thanks for finding it. I love it too.”

Night Watch hugged her back. He nuzzled the top of her head, “I’ve got everything ready for your cute-ceañera. You’re going to have a great time, that much I assure you.”

“Is Thunderlane going to be there?” Scootaloo’s tail wagged in excitement. She imagined him wearing his form fitting armor and.. ‘I don’t know what this funny feeling is, but I really like it.’

Night’s jaw tightened, “We’ll see.” He grumbled. He and Thunderlane never got along, which put a damper on Scootaloo’s attempts to get the Captain of the local Militia to notice her. He sighed. “I know he saved your life, Scootaloo. I thank him for that… I don’t know what I’d do without you.” He pursed his lips, “But he and I have trouble seeing eye to eye. I don’t want you hanging around him.”

“But grandpa-” Scootaloo started.

She was cut off when he stomped his hoof, shaking the room slightly. She got a bit of her strength from him. “No buts, am I clear?” Scootaloo was silent. “Am I clear?” She nodded slowly. He smiled and gave her another nuzzle. “Good. Now try to not get your dress dirty before the party, okay?”

“Yes grandpa,” she grumbled.

“Now see here,” Rarity got up in his face, glaring at the stallion. “That is no way to talk to your family. Thunderlane may be a little crude at times, but he is a noble stallion when he puts his mind to it.”

“Oh of course you of all ponies would stick up for him,” Night Watch scoffed. “Seeing as we all know what you two are up to on your little patrols.”

Rarity’s eyes widened, “Good sir, are you insinuating I am having an affair?” She gave him a narrowed glare. “Well if I was, it is none of your concern. Besides, there are plenty of ponies that are rather fond of Mister Thunderlane themselves. So please do try and be civil while in my shop, or I might have to throw you out.”

“You and what army?” Night felt a large paw clasp his shoulder. He looked over to see a few large Diamond Dogs, wearing armor and carrying a few weapons. Coco was in their midst.

Rarity smirked, “That one.”

“Is he messin’ wit ya, Miss Rarity?” One of her dogs asked. It was none other than Rover, her second in command. He wasn’t the most muscular, but he was probably the smartest of the bunch.

“At the moment, no. So let him go, Rover.” Rarity said, waving them off. The Diamond Dogs took up positions around the room, glaring at Night Watch. “Thank you, Coco.”

Coco blushed slightly at the praise, “Well I didn’t want you to get hurt and you two seemed like you were going to argue, so I just did what I thought I had to. Sorry if I just made things worse.”

“No Coco, you were right for doing so,” Rarity pulled her into a comforting hug. “Now, back to the filly of the hour.” She turned and whispered into Scootaloo’s ear. “Thunderlane will be at your party. I promise that.”

Scootaloo gasped and grinned up at her, “Really?” Rarity nodded. The little filly hugged her. “Thank you!”

“You’re very much welcome, Scootaloo.” Rarity smiled.

Author's Note

Short but sweet. Sorry it took so long. Had to rework this chapter a few times. Hope you all enjoy it and please leave a comment. They really do help. :twilightsmile:

CMC Assemble

‘Royal Guards never back down from a challenge,’ was what Rumble told himself as he looked at the building before him. It wasn’t the biggest or fanciest house in Ponyville, but it certainly looked intimidating. The little colt gulped. He just need to walk in for a bit and then leave. They’d know he wasn’t scared of them. He was a real Guard.

He had precautions of course. That’s why he was wearing a little suit, kind of like his big brothers when he wasn’t in his armor. They’d never see his cutie mark, so he could lie that he had it. Of course, it didn’t occur to him at that moment that they’d eventually find out another day. He was more focused on the party itself.

He straightened his collar once more and then proudly took a step forward… And then proudly took a step forward…. And then proudly took a step forward….

*Five Minutes Later*

...And then proudly took a step forward through the door, for Celestia’s sake. He was inside. “I’m in.” He said more to himself, with a hint of pride. Now he just had to go drink some punch, eat some cake, and leave. Some of the other ponies would tell Scootaloo he was there. That way he didn’t have to confront her about his lack of a cutie mark. ‘It’s the perfect plan.’

“HEY!” Scootaloo’s loud voice shook him to the core. Without thinking, he dove under a table and hid behind the cloth. “Don’t you dare eat my cake, Snails.”

“But I’m hungry,” a lanky unicorn whined.

“Then go to the punch table,” Silver Spoon snooted. “Some ponies just have no manners, right Scootaloo?” Scootaloo just scoffed and he heard her walked away. Silver Spoon, ever so loyal, was on her heals.

Rumble sighed in relief, ‘That was a close one.’ He’d just hide here for a bit before grabbing a bite and leaving. That was his plan before he heard a familiar voice speak up.

“I still don’t know why I can’t wait another hour,” Thudnerlane spoke up. Rumble gasped and stuck his head out from under the table to get a good look at his older brother. “I had a very important meeting scheduled.”

“You were going to the all you can eat donut buffet,” Rarity could be heard scoffing.

“They were made by Donut Joe,” Thunderlane countered. “He doesn’t come by Ponyville that often so sue me for wanting to eat a few.”

“Oh stop thinking with your stomach and think with your head,” Rarity rolled her eyes. “You can survive just a little while longer without your precious donuts. You’re here to make a little filly happy.” Thunderlane grumbled in response and started for the punch table before she pulled him back. “Oh no, you’re not leaving my side until this is over.”

“I remember you saying that on our first assignment together,” Thunderlane smirked, earning a blushing glare from Rarity.

“Thunderlane!” Scootaloo rushed over and captured his leg in a hug. “You made it.”

“I told you that he’d be here,” Rarity smiled, earning a hug from the little filly. She returned it, “Now go on and soak in the attention, darling. This is your day. Thunderlane wants to visit the buffet here because he’s a glutton.”

“I’m not a glutton,” Thunderlane grumbled as the two walked off to another room. While this one had a number of snacks, most of them were in the kitchen. This room was mostly for party games and stuff.

Rumble furrowed his brow as he tried to think of something. His big brother was here, so he could hide out with him. He smiled, ‘Yeah, Scootaloo couldn’t get to me if I’m with him.’

“Rumble?” Apple Bloom spoke up from beside him. Rumble couldn’t help but look at her in surprise as she was hiding with him. “What are ya doin’ here?”

Rumble opened his mouth before Diamond Tiara, hiding on his other, spoke up. “This is our hiding spot. Get your own.”

“What are you two doing here?” Rumble asked.

“We’re hiding,” Diamond rolled her eyes. “Duh. Aren’t guards supposed to be clever or something?”

“Diamond,” Apple Bloom glared at her best friend. “That wasn’t very nice.”

Diamond Tiara cringed, “Right, sorry. I’m just frustrated is all. We shouldn’t even come to this party.”

“But ya didn’t want Silver Spoon to say yer a chicken,” Apple Bloom smirked at her friend’s embarrassed blush.

“Why aren’t you having fun out there?” Rumble gestured to the party games. “You stand up to Scootaloo and Silver Spoon all the time. WHy is now any different?”

“That’s because we do it at school, Rumble.” Diamond explained. “Scootaloo won’t go that far with Miss Cheerilee nearby, so we can afford to be a little braver than usual.”

“So…. are we just going to stay here the whole time?” Rumble asked, only getting silence as his answer. He sighed, “I’m going to go get my big brother. See you later.”

“Rumble,” Scootaloo piped up. She grinned over at him, causing the colt to silently curse himself for not waiting for her to leave. “I’m glad to see you.”

Rumble gulped, “Y-you’re glad?”

Silver Spoon nodded, “Of course we are. We’re proud you can go out in public, even though you’re a nobody.”

“I’m not a nobody,” Rumble glared at them.

“Then prove it,” Silver smirked. “Show us a cutie mark.” Rumble faltered as he looked away. “Ha, you looked away~ You don’t have a cutie mark, do you blank flank?”

“I have a cutie mark!” Rumble stomped a hoof as he returned his glare to them. “I just don’t want to show you. I spent a lot of time putting this on so shut up.”

“Hey,” Scootaloo snarled, showing off her saber teeth. She walked in front of Silver Spoon and glared down at him. Rumble quivered as he kneeled down closer to the ground. “Don’t you start talking like that to her. Now just show us the cutie mark. Pull down your pants, Rumble.”

“Whoa,” Cloud Kicker chuckled as she passed by to get a drink. “Not even ten and already getting some. Lucky Rumble~”

“...What?” The three of them said as they looked at the adult. They thought nothing of it. Adults were weird.

Scootaloo shook her head, “Never mind her.” She moved closer. “So you have your cutie mark, right?”

Rumble nodded with a confident smile, “Yeah, it’s so awesome that I didn’t want to show it here. This is your party.”

Scootaloo snarled, “So it’s so awesome, right?” Rumble nodded again. Scootaloo moved forward, bearing her teeth once more to make him quiver. “Show me your cutie mark or I’ll force you.”

Rumble took a step back. He gulped in fear as his eyes darted around. He cursed his luck that the adults weren’t present at the moment. They were probably in the kitchen or upstairs chatting and letting the kids be kids. ‘I can’t tell her I’m a failure. I can’t. I’m going to get my cutie mark soon and I’ll show you up, Scootaloo!’ Yet the more he tried to feel confident, the more he faltered under the saber toothed glare. “I… I…” He looked down at the ground. “I don’t have one.”

Scootaloo smirked and looked back at everyone, “Hey everypony. Rumble was trying to lie about his cutie mark.” All the other fillies and colts drew their attention to the three. The bully turned her attention back to the pegasus colt. She poked him in the chest. “He thinks he’s going to be a strong guard, but here he his.” She pushed him to the ground, “A sniveling liar. The Royal Guard’s never going to hire somepony like you.”

Rumble sniffed, ‘S-she’s right. Guards don’t lie and… I shouldn’t have come here.’

“Oh that tears it,” Apple Bloom’s angered voice spoke up from below. The farm filly walked out from under the table and stood by Rumble’s side. “Yer the liar, Scootaloo.”

Scootaloo blinked in confusion, “I’m the liar?”

Apple Bloom nodded, glaring at the pegasus. “Just cause he aint got a cutie mark yet, doesn’t mean he won’t be in the guard on eday.”

“Yeah,” Diamond Tiara stood out from the table as well, taking Rumble’s other side. “He’s still a kid, like us. We can be anything we want to be when we grow up.”

“But you’re blank flanks,” Silver Spoon snorted. “You don’t have any talents and if you don’t have any talents you’re not good for anything.”

“That just means we haven’t found it yet,” Apple Bloom countered. “We’ve got time.”

“It also means we can be whatever we want to be,” Diamond Tiara added. “We can be doctors, rich ponies, farmers, or even guards.” She put an arm around Rumble’s shoulder. “We’re not tied down yet, so shut up and leave him alone.”

Scootaloo wanted to say something, but was cut off when she heard a few others agree with Diamond. She turned her head to see most of the colts and fillies were nodding their head in agreement, “Stop agreeing with them.”

“What’s the matter?” Apple Bloom smirked. “Can’t handle the truth?”

Scootaloo turned her fierce glare over to the three, causing them to flinch. “I don’t see why you’re so proud of this, blank flanks.”

Something in Rumble came out that moment. A fiery bit of courage, “Of course I am. I’m proud and at least I have something to look forward to.” He spread his wings over his two companions. “With my friends by my side, I’ll be a guard in no time.”

Scootaloo snarled, hearing a few hollers of ‘you go, Rumble’ from behind. “Fine. Have it your way. Be stupid blank flanks together, see if I care.” Suddenly the other colts and fillies cheered and rushed over to the trio, congratulating them. They even pushed her back from the trio. Scootaloo gaped at the sight.

“Hey, pay attention to me.” None of them moved.

“Pay attention to me!” They didn’t act like they heard her.

“PAY ATTENTION TO ME!” She shouted, but they still ignored her. Like she wasn’t there. She stomped her hoof in frustration.

Rumble himself couldn’t believe it either. ‘They’re… proud of me?’ He couldn’t help but start to smile. He looked to his side and he could see his new companions matched his grin.

______________________________________________________________________

“Hmph,” Silver Spoon snooted as she watched the scene. “What do they know? They’re just a bunch of stupid blank flanks, right Scootaloo?” She moved her butt to bump against her friend’s own. Her smile faded when she saw her friend glaring at the partying ponies, biting back tears. “Scootaloo?”

Scootaloo didn’t answer. She just raced back upstairs. Silver Spoon wasn’t one to readily abandon a friend, well her only friend, so she raced up there as well. Her friend was faster as she found the pegasus already on the bed, her face covered by her pillow. Silver Spoon closed the door behind her. “Scootaloo?”

Scootaloo was growling into her pillow, “It’s not fair. It’s not fair.”

Silver Spoon climbed into bed with her, laying next to her long time friend. “Hey, what’s not fair?”

Scootaloo looked up at her as the tears started to flow down her cheeks, “This was supposed to be my day and now everyone’s paying attention to them. To those blank flanks.”

“Oh that’s just the heat of the moment,” Silver Spoon waved off her concern. “They’ll realize how stupid those blank flanks are and come back to you.”

“...No they won’t,” Scootaloo sniffed. “You saw it. They wouldn’t pay any attention to me.”

“I paid attention,” Silver Spoon pointed out, nuzzling her friend.

“You’re my friend, of course you did.” Scootaloo snorted. “The rest of them….” She whimpered. “This was supposed to be my big day.”

Silver Spoon couldn’t stand seeing Scootaloo so defeated. ‘Any other day and she’d be okay, I think.’ She moved her head protectively over Scootaloo’s. “Well you still have me.”

Scootaloo weakly chuckled, “I know, but-”

“No buts,” Silver Spoon mumbled. “Cuddle time.”

Scootaloo grumbled as she went into her friends’ embrace. “I’m going to make them pay for this.”

______________________________________________________________________________

Sunset was actually having a good day. Yeah she wasn’t doing much, but honestly that was the best part. It was just her and her books. She wanted to read with her brother, but he was off with some mare. Not the perfect day, but still very good. She breathed a sigh of relief. She needed a day like this after what had happened. That’s of course when someone rang the little bell at the door.

She sighed and stood up, delicately placing her book on a nearby nightstand. “Okay, whoever that is better have a good reason for why they’re bothering me today.” Opening the door, she looked down to see three young ponies. “Okay, what do you want?”

“To write a letter to Princess Celestia, of course.” The rich looking earth pony filly with the tiara bowed as she spoke. She could have sworn she had seen this filly somewhere before. The same with the cute earth pony filly with the large red bow. “If Your Majesty will permit it.”

Sunset smirked, ‘I like this one.’ “What’s the letter about?”

“I think we learned about friendship,” the grey pegasus colt spoke up. “And I heard that you were studying it so…” He cutely scuffed the ground, looking down nervously.

Sunset, fighting the urge to cuddle him, smiled. “That doesn’t sound so bad.” As the three walked on over inside. “Say, who are you three anyway?”

“I’m Rumble,” the colt said.

“I’m Apple Bloom,” The country filly spoke, reminding Sunset that this was Fiddlesticks’ little cousin on the farm.

“And I’m Diamond Tiara,” the rich filly smiled. “And we’re on a mission to get our cutie marks.”

“Crusading for you cutie marks, eh?” Sunset smiled. She remembered when she was their age. ‘Celestia would give me play armor and dresses and I’d run her haggard as I’d dissapear to get my cutie mark. Good times.’

Apple Bloom gasped, “That’s it. That’s what we’re gonna call ourselves.”

“What?” Rumble tilted his head, reminding Sunset how cute this trio were. So cute she feared a heart attack would come her way.

“The Cutie Mark Crusaders!” Apple Bloom jumped up into the air in excitement. The other two smiled and nodded in aggreement. They put their hooves together.

“Cutie Mark Crusaders, HO!”

Something in Sunset Shimmer told her that this would cause her no end of headaches in the future. She dismissed this. ‘Three kids can’t be that much of a hassle.’

________________________________________________________________________

Celestia steeled herself to appear before her sister again. The last letter had gone a bit better then the one before. Progress was being made. That’s what she was telling herself with each passing day. She wouldn’t linger on the negative aspects of their encounters. She had her sister back and she was going to keep her. She smiled as she finally neared the cell, “How are you doing today, Luna?”

“Nightmare Moon,” the chained mare trotted back and forth, going as far as she could before her chains tightened and then doing the same going back.

Celestia hated seeing her sister in chains. It wasn’t fair. It wasn’t right. She deserved to be free just like her. Yet she knew it was for the best. They needed to take every precaution with her, lest she kill more innocents. “Are you ready for today’s letter?”

“You should kill me,” Luna spoke, looking Celestia dead in the eyes. “If you were smart, you’d end me now.”

“You’re my sister,” Celestia started.

Luna cut her off with a wicked laugh, “And? If I was in your position, I would have killed you the moment I had a chance. I would never let someone as powerful as you pose a threat to my nation, no matter if we’re related.”

“You know that’s not an option,” Celestia sighed and laid down in front of her sister’s cell. She opened the new letter with her magic. “Now let us begin. Oh by the way, a certain someone will be present as well?”

Luna quirked an eyebrow before the cell walls next to her started to glow. Then they turned crystal clear, letting her see a certain stallion behind them, “Apostle?”

“Your Majesty,” he bowed to Luna, which made Celestia smile. Even if it was one pony, her sister deserved a little bit of loyalty. “I am so pleased to see you well again.” He glared on over at Celestia. “Not so the false goddess.”

Celestia rolled her eyes, “He will be staying in that cell so you won’t be lonely.” Luna opened her mouth to ask a question, “And no, he will not be joining you. For two reasons, really. The first is that I know you might try and use his soul to break out of here, futile as that may be.”

“My Mistress can do whatever she puts her mind to,” Apostle snorted. “You simply lack the needed vision to see her greatness.”

“And I’m not sure I’m ready to be an aunt,” Celestia hid her mirth when the two of them blushed, with Luna adding a fierce glare to it. “Not yet, but possibly soon enough.”

“You are a vile pony, Celestia.” Luna growled.

“Vile?” Celestia mock gasped. “I am no such thing.” At Luna’s derisive snort, she giggled. “Now, onto the letter.”

“I have no time to listen,” Luna sat down and folded her ears back. “Apostle, mock her until she leaves.”

Apostle bowed, “Of course, Your Majesty.”

Celestia smiled. ‘Just like old times.’

Author's Note

And now we reach the end of this fic. Sorry it took a while for this chapter. I should have finished this a week ago, but I started a semester of college which has eaten into my time. Also, I'm really excited to have finished my fourth Shimmerverse story. I had planned to have done more in these two years, but hopefully more will come out sooner. Anyways, I hope you liked this chapter and please leave a comment. They are very much appreciated. :twilightsmile: