The bandit's hideout felt very chilly, the sensation made Apple Bloom shiver, feeling cold all of a sudden. She looked to her fellow crusaders, giving them a silent hoof wave for them to proceed.

The air was moist, almost damp, yet there were no signs of any bandits in the near by area. Apple Bloom noticed a bridge that crossed over a bunch of sharp rocks. So sharp, she didn't want to even think about what would happen if any of them would slip. Apple Bloom decided to put a forehoof carefully onto the bridge to test it's firmness. The bridge made a loud creak as she shifted her full weight onto it, but the bridge didn't' falter, it shook a bit, but it stood up to her weight. Letting out a heavy breath, she crossed the bridge slowly, not wanting to simply rush across and end up stumbling. She wasn't about to take that risk. Once she made it to the other side she assured the others it was safe to cross.

Scootaloo just looked at the bridge and then towards Sweetie Belle.

“Since I can fly now, I could just take you across ya know?” she puffed out her chest fur, a lot more confident now that she could actually fly. It didn't even cross her mind that once they got home, she'd still be the same flightless filly, she had been before, her excitement getting the better of her.

“Thank you, Scoots that's so kind of you to offer.” smiled Sweetie Belle as she took a nervous gulp before waiting for Scoots to fly her over to the other side. She didn't want to admit she was a bit nervous about stumbling. Rarity would never freak out if she was stuck here, after all it was just a bridge. It wasn't like she was facing an army of angry stallions that might want to do who knows what to her. Suddenly, she found her heart racing further as she shook those thoughts out of her head.

“Hey...Sweetie Belle?” questioned Apple Bloom, as she couldn't help but notice the wide eyed look in her hues, and how she chuckled and coughed into her hoof, acting like nothing was wrong. “You alright?”

“Oh course! Why wouldn't I be...” she fidgeted a bit nervously, fixing her mane. Her inner self shook her head. No she wasn't fine, but there was no sense in worrying over nothing. Yeah...nothing. It was just a bridge. Nothing for her to be scared of.

Apple Bloom just raised an eyebrow at that, it was very clear to see Sweetie Belle was scared but she wouldn't push her into talking, if she didn't want to talk. She looked back to see Angel Heart still waiting on the other side. Apple Bloom took a deep breath, and walked back across the bridge to see what was wrong. Of course the bridge shook wildly as she trotted across it, but it held up to her weight just fine.

“Angel, is something the matter?” questioned Apple Bloom.

Angel Heart just sighed, as she looked to the bridge and then to Apple Bloom. Angel Heart wasn't scared about crossing the bridge, she was scared at not being able to help. What could she possibly do? Her self doubt seemed to consume the young filly.

Apple Bloom just stood there, waiting for Angel Heart to say something, but when she just stared into the distance, Apple Bloom sighed slightly. Apple Bloom gently reached out putting a forehoof on Angel Heart's shoulder gently, as she began to speak, but kept her voice to a hushed whisper so not to alert any pony of their presence.

“Listen, I know how hard it can be to feel like you have no purpose, and to search endlessly with no answers in sight, can drive any filly crazy, but you've got to believe me when I say this. It takes time, when you finally realize it, it will be a moment of your life you shall never forget. You see...the three of us struggled to find our purpose for the longest time, but we've never felt closer since gaining our marks,” explained Apple Bloom, hoping that something might help put Angel Heart at ease. She was growing through a tough time, and Apple Bloom was reaching out to her, to show her concern, and her compassion as a leader.

Angel Heart let out a heavy sigh, as her blue hues gazed into Apple Bloom's. She knew she was right, but it wasn't just her mark. It was her, what could she possibly do to help them? They'd probably be better off without her.

“Maybe it's best if I just wait here. I want to help, but I don't know what I could actually do to help.”

“The important thing is to try. Come on, we've got your flank.” smiled Apple Bloom lending her a hoof, and helping her across the bridge. Apple Bloom just knew they were doing the right thing by helping this filly, and who knew, there might be other children in this world that needed their help too. Even if it was just a game, Apple Bloom couldn't not help a filly or colt in need. Once they were all across the bridge, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle went to hug the two of them, before they all began moving on as group.

Apple Bloom led the way, with the others following behind her. She noticed as she was walking further in lights coming into her view, she shielded her eyes as the cavern illuminated much brighter, and then she jolted to a stop when she noticed a campsite below. Sure enough, not just one, but five ponies were down there. Sleeping bags were placed onto the floor, a bright warm fire glowing from the center. Each pony was sitting around the fire, enjoying some sort of meat they had cooked up over the fire. Apple Bloom ushered the others closer, pointing down to the bandits, and telling the others very quietly her plan of attack. A sneak attack would be their best opportunity.

Apple Bloom studied the layout and even the structure of the campsite below, to figure out what would be their best position. Suddenly, she could hear the bandits talking, and even while observing she couldn't help but listen in.

The first one that spoke up was a bulky well toned gray stallion, with a musky auburn mane and tail.

“I reckon, we got one heck of a score from that little town. They never even saw us coming!” chuckled Slate.

He seemed to be an earth pony just like her, however she didn't even want to think about how strong he might be just from his build alone, he had to be just as big as her brother, and that was no easy feat to accomplish! Apple Bloom, gestured to the others to start sneaking along the shadows, hoping they could get through to unleash their attack without the bandits noticing them first.

“Yeah...but overtaking little towns is beneath me. I live for something truly epic, like taking down a dragon. That would certainly give us more ferocity, and send the fear into the citizens of this crazy world we live in.” retorted Straight Arrow with a huff. Straight Arrow was a pegasus pony, a deep dark blue coat, and bright orange mane and tail. His frame seemed a lot slimmer and more athletic than the large earth pony beside him. Though it seemed like the two had one thing in common, hurting young filly's lives. It honestly infuriated Apple Bloom, that she almost forgot for a split second, not to just bull rush in and give them a piece of her mind. Argh...sometimes she wished she had Scootaloo's wild side, but she knew she had to be wise, or something terrible might happen. She didn't want to think about it. She took a deep breath, but when she went to make sure every pony was still there, she noticed Angel Heart had dashed down to where the bandits were! She would've gasped out her name, had Sweetie Belle not covered her muzzle, and pulled into the shadows, putting her forehoof over her mouth, she shook her head at Apple Bloom.

“How dare you! How dare you act like destroying my town was a good thing. You are evil, and I'm going to stop you.” spoke Angel Heart, tears running down her cheeks as she held her father's axe in her hooves, though it was very clear from how she held it, she wasn't accustomed to wielding a weapon.

Straight Arrow just raised an eyebrow as he looked at Angel Heart, sighing as he stood up and grabbed his lance.

“Honestly, kid your loss is no loss on my part. Now be a good little filly and stand still.” commanded Straight Arrow pointing the tip of his lance, right at her chest.

Angel Heart couldn't help but swallow a gulp of fear. She was expecting the crusaders to do something but maybe they were waiting to see if she could get herself out of this first. Yeah...that must be it. They wouldn't just let her be filly napped. Right?

“Listen, Apple Bloom, I realize you want to go down there and rescue her, but if we keep doing that how will she ever discover her special talent?” questioned Scootaloo as the three of them were silently staying away from what was going on down below. Even though, Apple Bloom felt they should just go down there and confront the bandits, but she knew Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo was right. The best chance to save Angel Heart was to keep their presence unknown to the bandits below. If they got discovered before they were ready, they might all be captured, and then there would be no one to save them.

Angel Heart shivered, as she swallowed a gulp of breath. The tip of the lance wasn't just sharp, but dangerous. One false move and she could end up just like her father, dead. Angel Heart dropped her axe, knowing full well if she dared make a move now, she'd regret it.

Another stallion whom had been sitting calmly until now stood up on his hooves, sighing as he got a coil of rope from his pack.

“She's just a filly...you don't have to kill her Straight Arrow.” sighed Gravel Throat. He was another earth pony, a lot smaller than Iron Wings, but a lot more bulk to his frame then Straight arrow. His body was a lime green color, his mane and tail a solid black shade. “We'll just tie her up and take her to the chief, and see what he wants to do about her.” he spoke as he coiled the ropes, firstly around her neck, to make a leash so that he could easily pull her along if she refused to walk. Then he coiled ropes around her muzzle, tightening it around her jaw so she couldn't scream or yell for help. Then once he was sure the coils were securely tight, he pulled on the end he was holding to test it, forcing Angel Heart to move forward to avoid being choked. Angel Heart couldn't help glancing over her shoulder to see if the crusaders would come to her rescue now, but no pony came. She fell into the pit of despair, as she followed the five bandits to where the leader was, at the bottom of their base of operations.

Angel Heart ears flattened to the sides of her face as she was trotted further and further down into the cavern, being treated more like livestock then a pony. Gravel Throat didn't waste any time in putting her right in front of their leader. Angel Heart took a deep gulp, as she looked up to him.

His build seemed rather slender to be the leader of a group of bandits, but the muscles in his forehooves and legs, clearly told a story. He had a scar under his left eye, marks on his flank over his cutie mark, clearly from some sort of battle, but he didn't seemed phased at all by the scars, nor the fact he was staring at a young filly before him. Angel Heart couldn't help swallowing a gulp of breath, as she nervously shook, while Gravel Throat held tight to the end of the leash.

The lavender stallion unicorn looked down to Angel Heart, studying her. Sensing her fear, and her inner self doubt, just by the look in her eyes. He simply let out a huff.

“So...what's your name child?” he questioned towards her.

Angel Heart blinked, she didn't know why he was even bothering to ask her her name, when they were probably just going to kill her, or worse...She quickly shook those thoughts out of her head.

“My name is Angel Heart...sir,” she spoke up softly, her hooves still shaking as she managed to calm her nerves even slightly, able to suddenly see three shadows in the distance. They had come, they were just waiting for the right time. Suddenly, relief washed over her face, and she calmly sat upon her flank in front of the leader of the bandits, pointing a hoof at him.

“You're just a coward that ruins ponies lives. You should be ashamed of yourself for the things you've done. Not like your lackey's here are any better. I mean seriously, you might be bandits and all, but filly napping is a bit extreme don't you agree?” she let out a huff of air after her little rant. Let's see if this leader was as tough as he acted or if it was all just games.

“I like your spunk kid.” chuckled Sky Chaser. The audacity of this filly, to stand up to someone like him, and act like she somehow had any say in her current situation. He looked towards his fellow stallions as he gave his orders. “Kill her. I have no uses for a bratty child.”

“As you wish, Commander.” spoke Straight Arrow as he lifted his lance into his forehooves once more, and prepared himself to kill the little filly. But he suddenly found himself frozen in space by some sort of magic, but Sky Chaser was the only unicorn here, so where was the magic coming from?

Suddenly, the three crusaders bolted into action. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo focused on freeing Angel Heart to a safe spot, while Apple Bloom stood almost nose to nose with Sky chaser, he sword drew and directed towards his throat. Apple Bloom had never in her life ever thought of killing any pony, but right now she knew what she had to do.

Sky Chaser simply glanced back and stared into the young filly's eyes. She had a lot of confidence to stand up to him. Like she could ever compare to the amount of battles he had been through.

“You don't stand a chance kid, I suggest you all go back home where you belong if you want to continue living.” he spoke adamantly.

His threats didn't phase Apple Bloom in the slightest. She didn't move from her position, if anything she nickered her sword against his throat to show him she was clearly going for the kill, and yet the bandit simply stood there like nothing was happening.

He sighed, using his magic to send Apple Bloom flying towards a wall, but Scootaloo was right there waiting, catching Apple Bloom in her arms, and setting her back down to safety. Sweetie Belle was using her newly found mage powers to freeze the other bandits to stone. It wouldn't be permanent, there was a time limit on it, but at least for now they'd be out of their manes.

Apple Bloom stood back up, and this time wasted no time in using her sword to aim for his neckline one more, a side sweep.

Sky Chaser once again blocked it with his magic, letting out a yawn of boredom, as he picked up his old trusty iron sword. “I suppose it's only fair to see which of us is superior.”

“You can do it, Apple Bloom, show that jerk your stuff!” spoke Scootaloo, surveying the area to make sure no more bandits were going to come out of nowhere by surprise. After all there couldn't simply only be six of them. There had to be more, so Scootaloo was doing her best guard impression, and making sure no pony messed with Apple Bloom's fight. She couldn't deny she was wishing she could give that bandit a piece of her mind right now, but she knew and trusted that Apple Bloom knew what she was doing here, she was the leader after all.

Apple Bloom steadied herself as she held her own swore within her forehooves, ready to take this stallion down once and for all. She didn't care that he was bigger than her, or more experienced, the look in her eyes shimmered with light.

Sky Chaser swung his sword towards Apple Bloom's legs trying to knock her off her feet with one swing of his blade.

Apple Bloom watched and waited for his first move, and made her own counter, swinging her sword back at his, as the two swords connected, and made a loud clash, iron against iron. Of course the weight of Sky Chaser didn't exactly give Apple Bloom much of an advantage, however that didn't stop her from putting all her might into making sure she wasn't knocked back down onto her haunches.

Apple Bloom managed to get the advantage and pulled back. She swung her sword towards his chest area, she wasn't quite tall enough to reach his neck, she felt the blade connect, but it barely even scratched against his fur.

He chuckled, amused by her, and landed a blow to her own forehooves, causing her to stumble and fall forward.

Apple Bloom managed to stand up, squinting her eyes as she forced herself to stand. “I'm just getting started,” she spoke, that same fierce gaze staring into his own yellow hues.

“Listen, filly you ain't got no chance against me. You might as well just surrender now and leave with some of your dignity intact,” spoke Sky Chaser with a huff, however he hadn't expected a pegasi to jump on his back in the middle of his conservation.

“Get him, hurry!” spoke Scootaloo covering his eyes so he couldn't see what was going on.

Apple Bloom didn't even hesitate, as hard as it seemed she made quite the good gash against his torso, causing blood to flow out rapidly, and the stallion flew to his knees.

Sweetie Belle couldn't help but smile towards the two of them, as she used her magic to teleport them all to the safety of the town once more. Her horn illuminated with a glow, and then all appeared in what was left of the town, though most of it was burned ashes of the remains of the buildings, but at least the lot of them were safe for now.

Apple Bloom couldn't help but grunt, and fall back onto her flank holding her forehooves where she had been hurt.

“Ack, what I wouldn't give for some of Granny's special ointment right about now,” spoke Apple Bloom, wincing a bit, not wanting to hold the others back. She turned to Angel Heart.

“I don't suppose you reckon there is anything that we could use to help me tend to this is there?” she asked her softly. After all she had lived in this town for who knows how long, surely if there was some kind of medicine, she might know about it.

“What would I know about herbs and stuff? I grew up by the forge, it's all I really know, but I'm sure they're are herbs out in the wilds. We'd just have to find them.”

“I reckon I ain't in much shape for traveling right now, unless Scoots can carry me for a bit.”

“You'd know I'd do anything for you Apple Bloom.” smiled Scootaloo softly, wasting no time, in hunkering down so Apple Bloom could climb up on her back.

Apple Bloom couldn't help but smile, however she also couldn't help but worry too. She knew that hit was lethal, that pony would need a miracle to live through that. She didn't want to think herself a murderer, but at the end of the day, she had to remember this was just a game, none of it was really real. So she wasn't really hurting any pony.

Angel Heart couldn't help but think this was all her fault, if she wouldn't have dashed in like she had, Apple Bloom wouldn't have gotten hurt. Her ears drooped to the sides of her face, as she let out a heavy sigh, kicking a pebble with her forehoof into the distance.

“I just seem to only be good at causing trouble. Maybe it's best you go on without me.” stated Angel Heart somberly.

Apple Bloom just shook her head, and looked towards Angel Heart. “Never leave any pony behind. That's what Applejack taught me, and there ain't no way we're leaving you behind, besides we need you. We don't know where we're going, and you know where the herbs are, so lead the way!” encouraged Apple Bloom.

It was very clear, Angel Heart's talent had nothing to do with physical strength or prowess, it had to be something more...unique. Something that only fit her. Apple Bloom couldn't help but think maybe...just maybe her talent had nothing at all to do with fighting, but with helping ponies.

Angel Heart shifted her gaze towards the dirt on the ground, sighing slightly, but then she held her head up high.

“Father never gave up on me...even in his last movements he wanted to help me to find my purpose, if I give up, his death will mean nothing. Alright, Crusaders, let's go get those herbs!” smiled Angel Heart as she lead the way out of the remains of the town. Of course, she couldn't help having a bittersweet feeling, as she glanced back, to what she had known as home for so long. With a heavy heart, and a clear head, she made her first hoofsteps forward to a new path, and suddenly she could see she might have been looking at things wrong this entire time.

In the nearby distance, Apple Bloom could clearly make out a luscious forest in the nearby distance, it reminded her in a lot of ways of the Everfree Forest back home. She had no fear, as she twinged slightly in pain, grimacing her teeth against her maw, so as not to worry the others. She probably could have walked but it would've been a lot slower than simply allowing Scootaloo to carry her.

“You know for a game this place is very well thought out.” smiled Sweetie Belle admiring how the forest really looked like well a forest.

“This place is amazing. I hope Wild Ace is doing alright.” replied Scootaloo, with a bit of a worried expression.

“Oh, I'm sure he's fine. If he's anything like Button is, he's probably already found all the bonus lives.”

“Bonus lives?” questioned Apple Bloom. “Does that mean if a pony dies, they can respawn at the last save point? But...we haven't found any saving spots yet.”

“What the heck are you all babbling on about? Bonus lives? Saving spots? Games?” questioned Angel Heart, a bit stumped as she trotted into the forest, to lead them to the herbs.

The trees themselves remained Apple Bloom of oak trees, tall and full of strength. There were plenty of things to observe, like how critters scattered about when they saw them, almost as if they were afraid. Angel Heart leaned over, and picked up what appeared and looked like an oddly shaped leaf.

“These leaves when mixed with ash, and wild berries can make a traditional healing ointment. My mother would always make it for my father when she was still around.” explained Angel Heart, as she took a bit of ash out of her saddlebag, and had Sweetie Belle collect wild berries from one of the bushes nearby, as she was blending the ingredients together, she hummed a gentle tune.

“Oh berry, forever make us young, make us see all that we can be. To let our true selves shine through. Though the days can be dark, we know how ash can be brightened by even the smallest bit of hope, and blossom.”

Sweetie Belle couldn't help but sing along to the gentle melody, however, she stopped and stared at Angel Heart.

“Angel Heart, look!” she pointed to her flank.

Angel Heart looked to her flank, to notice a heart had appeared. A big grin spread across her muzzle. “Oh my gosh! I got my cutie mark. Oh...I understand now.” she smiled looked towards Apple Bloom, as Scootaloo gently let her down, so that she could apply the ointment to her forehooves.

“I had a feeling your special talent might have something to do with healing, call it a gut feeling, but you had to figure it out for yourself.” smiled Apple Bloom softly. She could feel the ointment working, and even though she was sore, she managed to stand up on her own, letting out a sigh of relief. She held her hooves out, and pulled Angel Heart into an embrace, wrapping her forehooves around her.

“See? Everypony is special, even a pony like you. Now...could you tell me what you know about this place? You see...it's kind of complicated but we're not really from around here.” explained Apple Bloom as best she could. She highly doubted that Angel Heart would believe their true story, if they eventually decided to tell her. Right now, Apple Bloom was just happy to have helped yet another blank flank find her destiny, she had a feeling, they weren't just sent here to help Wild Ace, but to help other young fillies and colts in needs of their help.

Scootaloo looked towards Sweetie Belle curiously.

“So...you've played these games before?” she asked.

“Oh yeah, Button Mash and I would play them all the time, but don't tell Rarity that I borrowed her manuals...” chuckled Sweetie Belle.

“Why would I tell? Your secret is safe with me,” smiled Scootaloo, deciding to wrap a wing around Sweetie Belle, We crusaders gotta stick together, no matter what. Who knows what all awaits us.” Scootaloo wasn't sure what awaited them in the future, the one thing she did know was that as long as she was with her friends, it would be awesome.

Author's Note

Special thanks to the following for help with names!
https://www.fimfiction.net/user/50596/Obsi
https://www.fimfiction.net/user/336590/Makerofthebuttswagger
If I somehow forgot to mention some pony, please let me know, so I can give you credit.

I just want to thank all of you for encouraging me, at first I wasn't sure about this story, and whether it was even worth putting up on Fimfiction, but as I sit here, I'm glad that I was convinced to publish it, and show that I can do other things besides dramas. So thank you every pony.