AppleBloom stood confidently in front of her two best friends and fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders. “Today’s the day, girls. Ah can just feel it.” she turned to face them. “Today, we earn our Cutie Marks in…” Pause for dramatic effect.

“Bowlin’!” She presented a hoof to the local bowling alley, where ponies were gathering for fun and relaxation.

“Woohoo!” Scootaloo shouted as she floated in the air for a second.

“Wmmm.” Sweetie Belle mumbled as she had a bowling bag in her mouth, which she promptly spat out before shouting “I mean, yay!”

“Why, after today, we won’t even be the Cutie Mark Crusaders anymore, we’ll be the uh… the Three Strikes!” Scootaloo frowned at the name.

“That makes it sound like we struck out.” And like bowling pins, the idea was knocked aside. AppleBloom thought for a moment.

“Then how about… the Pin Twins.” Now Sweetie Belle frowned.

“But there are three of us.” Another idea struck out.

“Then how about… the Bowling Dolls!”

All three fillies grinned. “The Bowling Dolls, that’s it!”

“Perfect!”

AppleBloom turned to the bowling alley entrance. “Okay then, let’s bowl them over!” The filly declared, taking a lesson from her half ghost brother’s pun book. The three ran inside, unaware of the Saddle Arabian looking mare watching them from afar.

Star Phantom in:
The Cutie Pox
Ring Around the Rosies, A Cutie Pox for Ponies

The bowling alley was full today, as dozens of ponies were either having fun or competing in tournaments. Every lane was taken, which included the one being used by the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Sweetie Belle was up first, as she gently rolled her ball forward, using her head to do it. She watched as the ball rolled down the lane, banking right into one of the gutters, completely missing the pins.

She blinked, then smiled at her two friends as if she just won a race. Scootaloo and AppleBloom gave fake grins before looking at each other in confusion. Next was Scootaloo’s turn, who decided to buck the ball as hard as she could.

The heavy ball went flying into the air, slamming into walls, other lanes, and almost hit the face of a bowling pony. All eyes turned to the pegasus, drawing attention away from the little colt a few lanes away.

The young colt sighed as he looked at his score. With only four pins knocked down, on the fifth round, he was losing big time. His family was all about the bowling sport, so to not be a great bowler is not something they accept.

The colt sighed. “I just wish I was good at bowling, great even.” He muttered before going up to grab his ball. A soft mist hovered over him.

“So you have wished it, so shall it be.” A sultry voice echoed before the colt glowed a toxic green. The pony felt a sudden boost of strength and confidence. Where it came from, he didn’t know and he didn’t care. With a grin and a glow of his eyes, he launched the ball down the lane.

AppleBloom took the ball in her mouth. It tasted disgusting, but the idea might work. She ran forward and spit the ball out, sending it rolling down the lane. There was the sound of pins being knocked over and the crowd of ponies in awe.

“Look, a bowling Cutie Mark.” AppleBloom shot up as she heard that.

“Ah… ah did!” She cried. “Ah finally-!” The filly cut herself off as she stared at her still blank flank. Her attention then turned to the crowd of ponies praising a young colt for getting his bowling Cutie Mark. No pony noticed the soft glow that surrounded him.

AppleBloom frowned. “But, ah don’t get it. Where’s mah ball?” She turned to her lane to see her bowl slowly rolling toward the pins. It crawled over to the set of pins, taping them before stopping. Not a single pin fell over. The apple filly growled before angrily stomping away, her two friends watching her go with worry on their faces.

A third pair of eyes watched with glee as the young pony angrily marched from the bowling alley. A laugh of satisfaction echoed out.

AppleBloom was beyond angry. This was their fiftieth attempt at getting a Cutie Mark, and she still messed it up. What was her destiny supposed to be? Why did she have to be one of the only ponies in town without a Mark? That colt from the bowling alley was younger than her, and yet he got his Cutie Mark just like that. She was hoping to surprise Star today with a Cutie Mark, hoping the happy occasion would make him feel better.

The halfa was still sick in bed after the bounty hunter injected him with Blood Blossoms, and while the pain has died down, his body was still recovering. Zecora helped out however she could, but potions could only do so much.

“Come on AppleBloom, it’s just a Cutie Mark!” Scootaloo called out.

“Yeah, we’ll find something else to do!” Sweetie Belle added.

“Like what?” The pegasus muttered, earning an elbow bump from her unicorn friend. AppleBloom sighed as she heard them. To them, this was just a Cutie Mark, but to AppleBloom, it was for something more.

“Beware!” An annoying voice called out. The Box Ghost appeared before them. “For I, the Box Ghost, will take over this town with my power over the cardboard!” The annoying ghost laughed before an ecto-blast knocked him down. All three heads turned to see Octavia standing there with her ecto-blaster in hoof.

She ran up to the three fillies and stood between them and the Box Ghost. “Run along now, little ones. Octavia will take care of this.” She grabbed the thermos and sucked the Box Ghost inside. The ghost screamed out his revenge before the lid sealed him in. Octavia didn’t say a word as she ran back to the Acres to drop him off.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo watched in awe, while AppleBloom just rolled her eyes and continued walking. Since Star was out, the others took turns watching over the town. Today was Tuesday, Octavia’s turn.

A part of her wanted to join them, grab a blaster and fight. But AJ, Big Mac, and even Star said she was too young. She had hoped getting her Cutie Mark would change their minds.

“AppleBloom, wait. I know what will cheer you up!” Sweetie Belle declared.

A cupcake was thrown in front of the grumpy filly. “A treat from SugarCube Corner.” AppleBloom pushed the treat away.

“No it won’t.” The young mare jumped down from her seat and walked away, leaving her two friends behind. The mist continued to follow up above, away from the eyes of the towns ponies.

AppleBloom made her way back to Sweet Apple Acres, where AppleJack and Big Mac were busy working the orchards, bucking trees and collecting apples. She walked inside to see Granny helping Zecora with ingredients for Star’s medicine. Neither the older mare or the zebra noticed her head upstairs.

She sneaked up the stairs and made her way to Star’s bedroom. It was the third door down from the hall, in between her and Applejack’s rooms. His door was marked with bright white and dark black stars in a strange arrangement.

AppleBloom raised a hoof to knock, but stopped herself. She really thought about what she wanted to do. She was upset that she didn’t get a Cutie Mark, something she had grown accustomed to since she founded the Cutie Mark Crusaders, but Star was the one sick and in pain because of hunters. What right does she have to complain about anything to him? With a sigh, she lowered her hoof and trotted sadly into her room, slamming the door behind her.

The little filly jumped onto her bed, landing face first into her pillow. She groaned into the fluffy object before looking outside her window. The sun was going down, meaning she wasted a whole day crusading… again.

With a sigh, she turned around and stared at her ceiling. “Ah wonder if ah could just wish for a Cutie Mark.” She scoffed. “Not likely.” The young pony decided to call it a night, she didn’t feel like having dinner tonight. As AppleBloom closed her eyes, the mist manifested into Desiree the Wishing Ghost.

“Well… she did say ‘wish’.” She said deviously. With a flick of her ghostly hoof, the sleeping form of AppleBloom glowed a toxic green and a flash on her rump appeared. The wishing ghost didn’t stay to see what it was, as she didn’t want to risk attracting Star Phantom to her presence. She wanted her revenge to be perfect.

The morning call of the rooster woke AppleBloom up with a start. The little filly practically launched from the bed, running through her door and down the stairs. She almost fell down the steps (again) as she ran down them into the kitchen, where the rest of her family was sitting down having breakfast. Well, almost all of her family were at the table.

She could see AppleJack readying an extra plate as Granny Smith prepared the potion that Zecora had left them.

“This should be the last of it.” The old mare said with hope. “After this, Star should be right as rain.”

“Ah hope so.” AJ said as she turned. The orange mare stopped in her tracks, nearly dropping the plate in surprise. AppleBloom was confused. Was something wrong? Was her bow still attached to her head and messed up in her sleep (again)? She noticed that Big Mac and Granny Smith were all staring at her in shock. What was it? What was wrong? She had to ask.

“What?” Okay, could’ve asked a better question.

“A-AppleBloom, when?” AJ asked as she stepped forward, plate in hoof.

“When… what?”

“When did y’all get yur Cutie Mark?”

What?! Not funny! She didn’t get her Mark, that’s why she was upset last night! Was this AJ’s way of joking around? The little filly turned to look at her rump, and there it was. Oh, she wasn’t kidding.

But how?! When?! Where?! Why?! And possibly, Who?!

“Uh, I mustn’t ‘ave noticed.” Smooth~

“Not noticing ya got yer Cutie Mark?” Granny asked suspiciously. AppleBloom gulped. “Well, golly! We gotta celebrate! AppleJack, give that plate and this potion tah yer brother, then help me bake an Apple Cake!” AJ nodded with a smile, placing the potion on the plate before running upstairs. AppleBloom watched her go up, shock still evident on her face. She did it, she got her Cutie Mark, she didn’t know how, and frankly, she didn’t care. She finally got her Cutie Mark in…

What was her Cutie Mark for anyway. She took a closer look at the mark on her rump. It looked like a silver ring. What? She didn’t know what that was! Was her Cutie Mark for ring making?

“Well now.” AppleJack said as she came back down the stairs. “Yur talent is balancing plates, eh?” The mare elbowed her younger sister, who grinned sheepishly. “Looks like Star won the betting pool.”

“Betting pool?”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac answered. “We all bet on what kinda Cutie Mark ya’d get. Star made a bet that it wouldn’t be something Apple related.”

AppleBloom wasn’t sure was happy that Star had faith she’d do something outside the farm, or offended that she’d get something outside of her family lineage. Oh well, guess he was right. Good thing he wasn’t here to boast about it.

“Ah’ll let him know after he wakes up.” AJ said, then grumbled. “Now I’m out 50 bits and a chance tah see him in drag.”

Okay… AppleBloom did not need that image in her head. Wait a minute. “Star is wakin’ up?!”

“Eeyup, just one more drink of Zecora’s potion and he’ll be alright. The last Blood Blossom juice was extracted last night. This is just to double check.” AppleBloom couldn’t believe it. Her half ghost brother was waking up and now she had a Cutie Mark to show him when he did. He’s going to be so happy when he sees it!

Granny turned to face the clock. “Oh geez. Sorry AppleBloom, ya gotta git goin’, don’t wanna be late for school.” Oh come on!

“Can’t ah stay home, ah wanna be there when Star gets up.” She said sadly.

“Sorry, sweetie. Star ain’t gonna wake up for a few hours, he should be awake after you get home.” AppleBloom looked sadly at the floor. “Besides, don’t ya wanna show it off to yer friends?” That’s right, she had to show Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, they were going to be so excited! With a wide smile, the little filly grabbed her saddlebags and ran out the door and down the road towards town.

All three Apples watched her go with proud smiles. “Our little AppleBloom is all grown up.” AJ said.

“E-Eeyup.” Big Mac agreed, trying to hold back the tears. Granny simply nodded. Once the youngest member of their family was out of sight, she turned to face them.

“Ah’ll keep an eye on Star, y’all gather some apples til lunch. After that, Big Mac will take over and AJ can help me with the cake.” The two siblings nodded before heading off into the field. Granny watched them go before heading back into the house and up the stairs toward Star’s room. None of them saw the mist floating above, nor did they hear her dark laughter.

“All too easy.” Desiree silently flew into Star’s room just before Granny could close the door. She stared at the unconscious form of Star Phantom on the bed, in his Star Apple form. Perfect, now all she had to do was keep him like that for one more day. She watched as Granny Smith readied the potion for consumption. That gave her an idea. The older mare didn’t notice the glow coming from the potion as she opened Star’s mouth and poured the contents down his throat.

“A simple sleep spell will keep him out for another day. More than enough time for the spell to take effect.” Desiree chuckled as she flew off toward town, desperately wanting to see her plan bloom.

AppleBloom had to think. No doubt her friends were going to ask what her Mark was for, and she had no idea what that was. She had to think fast before she embarrassed herself. The little filly was so caught up in her dilemma, she didn’t notice the object on the road until after she tripped over it.

The young mare fell to the ground, rubbing her head to clear the apples that spun around it. When she did, she looked at the thing she had tripped over. It was a silver ring, most likely a spare part that fell from the cart when Big Mac was grabbing tools and stuff for repairing the barn. AppleBloom thought for a moment before an idea flew into her head.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were talking near the front of the school, concern evident on their faces. They hadn’t seen or heard from AppleBloom since yesterday and now they were worried. Their friend was extremely upset yesterday, and they knew why. They heard that Star Apple was sick and had been bedridden for nearly a week. It must’ve been bad because ponies saw Zecora dropping off potions at Sweet Apple Acres. If the zebra had to come over and help, things were serious.

Gasps and awes drew their attention, as they saw AppleBloom approaching, with her Cutie Mark?! The two joined is aweing their friend as she approached them, strutting her stuff in order to draw attention to herself. It was then the two fillies saw her using her tail to casually spin a silver ring around.

“Hey girls. Check it out!”

“You got your Cutie Mark?!” Sweetie Belle asked in shock. “But how?!”

Thankfully, AppleBloom thought of an excuse on her way down. “Ah just figured ah’d try mah hoof at it last night, bored as any. Ah never realized that ah that good at balancing plates, but there it was.”

“Ha!” Came an annoyingly mocking voice. All eyes fell on Diamond Tiara as she and her satellite Silver Spoon marched haughtily into the schoolyard. “So your good at what exactly, spinning rings?” She snarked, her ‘friend’ laughing alongside her.

“Oh please, as if that’s a real talent.”

“Ri~ght.” AppleBloom said, rolling her eyes. “And ah suppose your talent is wearing a tiara?” That got the school ponies laughing, much to Diamond’s embarrassment. She scoffed.

“Whatever, enjoy the attention while it lasts, dork.” With that Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walked away, laughing mockingly until they were out of earshot. AppleBloom paid them no mind as her schoolmates gathered around. She youngest Apple was clearly enjoying this new found attention to herself and decided to get cocky.

“Alright, everypony. Get ready for a real show.”

The earth pony then kicked her hind legs into the air, allowing the ring to fall down to her ribs before standing tall and spinning it around. She then stood tall and gyrated her hips to keep it spinning, while also spinning around herself. After that, she let the ring fall to her left hind hoof before kicking it out, sending the ring flying into the air. It flew over the flagpole, spinning around it as it went down. Before it hit the bottom, AppleBloom used her snout to send it flying back up. The ring flipped through the air until AppleBloom jumped through, catching it, and letting it spin around her midsection as she landed on the ground.

The school ponies watched in amazement, and cheered. Miss Cheerilee was the loudest of all.

“Spectacular performance AppleBloom, however. It’s time for class. So if you could please put it out in the yard…”

“Just one more trick, Ms. Cheerilee, please?” She gave the puppy dog eyes, the terribly, evilly adorable puppy eyes that no loving adult could resist. Not even the teacher training could prevent Cheerilee from caving in.

“Oh alright, one more trick.”

“Thanks, Miss Cheerilee. Ah call this one, the Hoopla!” With a kick, the ring was back around her tail, which she spun around at high speed. The ring and her tail became a blur, and the little filly was lifted up into the air by her tail. She got to a reasonable height when there was a sudden flash. AppleBloom looked at saw that she had gotten a second Cutie Mark.

“W-what?!” The shock of the event forced her to stop spinning, leaving her with no way of staying in the air. She fell with a thud, giving everypony a good look at her new Cutie Mark. Gasps filled the air as the realization took hold.

“Two Cutie Marks?” “How?” “She must be faking it!” “No way, Apples are always honest!” “I knew her family was involved in spiritual activities!”

AppleBloom shied away, suddenly not liking the attention that has been put upon her. Miss Cheerilee decided to fix that.

“My goodness, AppleBloom. You did what has never been accomplished before!” All questions and conspiracies ceased. “You managed to acquire two Cutie Marks! Amazing!” AppleBloom caught the wink and smiled. Now the conversations turned to ones of amazement and cheery. This attention, AppleBloom liked.

“I have a feeling that no pony will be paying much attention in class today.” Cheerilee continued. “So, in honor of this special pop occasion, I’m cancelling class today, so that AppleBloom may present her amazing feat to the rest of Ponyville.”

AppleBloom smiled and stood to be praised by her classmates. She looked at her Cutie Mark, thankfully, this one was easy to decipher. Two plates being balanced on sticks was much more obvious than a ring.

Ponies gathered around, watching as AppleBloom showed off the talents her two Cutie Marks claimed she had. She spun around two plates on her shout as her tail continued to loop the ring around. Ponies both young and old cheered as the Apple filly performed spectacular moves.

Her family watched with pride as she did so, making the youngest member tear up. She only wished Star was able to see this.

From above the crowd, Desiree watched with glee. Her plan was working, and her enemy was still blissfully sleeping away. By tomorrow, the filly was going to become Patient Zero.

The moon rose above the orchard, officially ending the eventful day. An exhausted AppleBloom stepped inside the house, with a proud AppleJack and Big Mac walking in front of her.

“Yeehaw, lil’ sis. Congratulations on not gettin’ just one, but two Cutie Marks!”

“Eeyup!”

“What’s all this then?!” Granny Smith called as she came down the stairs. “What’s this ‘bout lil’ Bloom gettin’ two Cutie Marks?!” The elderly pony looked down at the filly’s rump, then beamed. “Land sakes, child. Had to get two fur yerself!” She said teasingly. “Now we really gotta celebrate.”

AppleBloom yawned. “Ah think ah’d rather sleep first. Maybe tomorrow?” She asked hopefully.

“Sure thing, AppleBloom. Y’all git some rest, now.” Granny said as she let the filly go up to her room. Once she heard the door close, she frowned. AppleJack and Big Mac noticed.

“Star still hasn’t woken up.” She said solemnly. “Ah just… don’t know. Zecora is gonna try another remedy but… ah just don’t know.” The two siblings wrapped their hooves around her, holding each other close.

“Don’t tell AppleBloom.” AJ said. “She’s deserves tah enjoy her Cutie Marks. Ah’ll keep an eye on Star tonight, see if he wakes up. Y’all git some sleep.” Big Mac helped Granny up the stairs while AppleJack went out to the barn.

Inside was a large assortment of weapons, ranging from big to small. AppleJack grabbed her ecto-rope, a large blaster, and a thermos. Something bothered her about today. Two Cutie Marks, Star not waking up on time, and a lack of any ghosts were a sign of something coming. The orange mare hoped she was wrong, but her instincts rarely were. So she was going to guard Star for the rest of the night, as well as keep an extra eye on AppleBloom until this feeling in her gut went away, if it goes away.

She went back into the house, into Star’s room, and set herself up in a chair to keep watch. Her twin was still in the bed, in the exact same position he had been in once he stopped squirming from the pain. If it wasn’t for the occasional rise and fall of his chest, she could swear he was fully dead.

“Why did this have tah happen, Star?” AJ whispered, hoping for a response. “Can’t ya just wake up and joke around like ya used to?” For some reason, the mare could feel herself falling asleep. Strange, she had been fully awake a moment ago.

“Ah just wish everything would get better.” Was the last thing she said before her body gave in and her eyes closed.

“Oh it will get better, for me.” Desiree chuckled darkly as she flicked her hooves.

*TapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTap*

What the hay was that racket?

*TapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTapTap*

Could whoever was tap dancing please stop? It was ruining her sleep. Wait, she wasn’t supposed to be asleep!

AppleJack woke with a start. Her head was filled with tapping. She looked at the bed to see Star unmoving, still asleep. With a groan, she poked her head out of the door. She could see a light coming from AppleBloom’s room, along with the tapping noise. “AppleBloom?” She asked softly. She got no response. AJ grabbed the blaster from the floor, along with her ecto-rope and thermos. Once she had her supplies, she quietly, but quickly made her way into the room.

“AppleBloom, are y’all alri-” As she opened the door, she saw AppleBloom tap dancing uncontrollably next to her bed. Her face was filled with exhaustion and pain. On her rump was another Cutie Mark! A pair of tapping shoes.

“Help… me.” AppleBloom begged. AppleJack could only stare in horror. “Help me!” Her little sister cried. That woke AJ up. With a determined look, she threw the ecto-rope, wrapping it around the filly. With a tug, the rope tightened and dragged AppleBloom to the ground. Her hooves continued to flail around, trying to find ground from which to continue tapping.

“It’s okay, AppleBloom. Ah’ll help ya!” A loud beeping caught her attention. The mare looked to see her ecto-scanner going haywire. Something was in the room. She readied her blaster as dark laughter echoed in the room.

“Oh this is simply too adorable.”

“That voice.” AppleJack swore she heard it somewhere before.

“That’s right, AppleJack.” The country mare aimed her blaster at the source of the voice. Standing in the doorway was Desiree. “I’m back, and ready to grant more wishes than ever!” AJ wasted no time firing her blaster, however the Saddle Arabian stepped to the side. AppleJack was about to fire another when the weapon disappeared.

“Sorry about this, my dear. You really do have a lovely family, but Star Phantom ruined my wishing streak last time, and I wanted pay back.”

AppleJack growled. “You stay away from mah family.”

“Oh I intend to, once Star sees what a mess his meddling has caused me.” Desiree grinned. “But I’ll have to wait a while, that sleeping spell knocking him out hard.” She sighed. “I suppose I’ll just have to have my fun with you until he awakes.” AJ got into a fighting pose as the genie tapped her hoof in thought.

“Maybe I should give Granny the Trots. Big Mac can catch Frog’s Throat.” Her eyes fell on AppleJack. “And you, you can have another brush with the Poison Joke, Apple Tiny.” The ghost laughed, unaware of the sudden drop in temperature. She was, however, made aware of the low growl coming from her right. She turned to see Star Phantom standing in the hallway. His hooves glowed with ecto-energy and his sharp fangs were bare.

“Uh oh.”

“You have ten seconds to leave this house before I make you.” The halfa growled, his eyes tinting from green to red. Desiree was frozen. She wasn’t expecting this from Phantom. His aura was different. It was darker, angry, and deadly.

“One.” She couldn’t move.

“Two.” Why couldn’t she moved, she needed to get out!

“Ten!” The halfa rushed forward, tackling the genie. With a cry, she was carried outside, leaving a stunned AppleJack and frightened AppleBloom alone in the room. Big Mac rushed out with his large bazooka while Granny had her cane.

“What happened?!” The elderly mare called out, snapping her head in several directions. AppleJack and AppleBloom had no idea what to tell her.

Desiree was slammed into the ground, forming a large crater. She struggled to get up as Star Phantom floated over her. She couldn’t help but stare into his blood red eyes.

“Ah only have one rule.” He said, his voice getting deeper and his accent becoming more drawn out. “Don’t. Touch. Mah family.” He floated down until his face was right up to her’s. “It’s a simple rule. Requires no explanation. But you lot insist on breakin’ it.” He grabbed her, something Desiree would have normally been outraged about, but she was too scared to notice it.

“I’m done being merciful. Ah was gonna let ya off with a warnin’, but now ya have tah be punished.” Tears pooled in her eyes.

“Unless…” Unless? “Unless you beg.”

Beg? Her? The Wishing Ghost? Never! She would sooner die again than beg. But then again, she waws going to die again if she didn’t. She was about to when Star smirked. He could see the fear in her eyes.

“Ah think you learned your lesson.” What? She felt his hooves let her go as he stood up. Desiree stared at him, seeing a completely different being. Gone were the red eyes and fangs, gone was the dark aura. Now all that was left were his toxic green eyes and innocent, yet determined smile.

“I wish you would turn everything back to normal and that you never touch my family again.” That was it? She had another chance?

“So you have wished it, so shall it be.” With a flick of her hoof, there was a blinding flash. Star shielded his eyes until the bright light went away. Desiree was gone, and Star knew he would come home to a safe and happy home.

His stomach growled. “Wow, must be hungrier than I thought.” Without a second thought, he flew back toward the Acres, where his family was waiting for him.

Author's Note

Hooray, Star is back and so is... Him. Great. Hope y'all enjoyed this little chapter. Keep on Spooking!