It is the last day of school for the students of Ponyville Elementary School. In the school’s early days it housed just around ten students and a certain earth pony Miss Cheerilee was its sole teacher. In about twenty years, Ponyville Elementary had expanded and now housed about 1,500 students. The teaching staff was much larger and Miss Cheerilee served as the school’s principal. The town of Ponyville had also expanded in terms of its population and technical advances. Ponyville’s citizens now included Griffons, Hippogriffs, a few yaks and dragons. Still the citizens of Ponyville were friendly and almost everycreature acted as family. What had not changed were the dangers of the Everfree Forest and The Castle of Friendship that towered over the slowly modernized town. It was just five more minutes for the school bell to single the end of the school day and the beginning of the long summer break. Finally the bell rings and Ponyville Elementary’s students burst through the school’s doors and out onto the streets. Among the young students was a little Pegasus filly with a white coat and a mane made up of dark purple and pink named Echo. She was the daughter of Scootaloo and Rumble, the former having quite the reputation of forming a little kiddie group called The Cutiemark Crusaders. Echo was in the same position that her mother was at her age: Echo was a blank flank. However, Echo was a good flier by age six and by the time she was ten she was performing her own tricks. She had quite the athletic build for a filly her age which enabled her to compete in a lot sports at school. Yet, she had an Achilles heel: she was rather shy, maybe as shy as Ponyville’s top animal caretaker Fluttershy. Despite this, Echo still managed to have a close group of friends: video game enthusiast Pixel Bit and the youngest resident of Sweet Apple Acres Api Apple.

As Echo started to make her way home a young earth pony colt ran past her eventually meeting up with five other colts. Echo was familiar with this particular colt. She always noticed this colt in the hallways of Ponyville Elementary. His name was Quickstep. His coat was tan and his mane was a mop of blonde locks. Quickstep was one of the popular colts in school, a gifted track athlete and a straight “A” student. Despite his talents, Quickstep was always humble and ready to help those in need. It was quite unfortunate that he never noticed that a particular filly took a liking to him. “What I wouldn’t give to have a colt like that with me,” Echo would think to herself. They both had so much in common: they were both into sports and both did not have their cutiemarks. However, Echo could not bring herself to break the ice. Echo let out a sad sigh, and continued on her way home.

***

Sweet Apple Acres was one of the few places that were virtually untouched by Ponyville’s embrace of modernity. What has changed was that the apple farm managed to expand to four more lots. One lot was reserved for growing cherries. It was the sole provider of Ponyville’s apples and gave an air of primitiveness. It was the ideal place for the daughter of The Princess of Friendship to have her physical training. Princess Starburst did not possess the prissy attitude of most royals in Equestria. She was more serious minded, quite moody and did not share her mother’s love to seek all knowledge. She had one goal in mind and that was to be the first female captain of Equestria’s Royal Guard. Her only hindrance was that she was smaller than most mares and she was the daughter of Princess Twilight Sparkle. Despite all this she took pride in the fact that for a tiny Pegasus she had the largest wings in Equestria. She was particularly honored to have beaten her older cousin Princess Flurry Heart for that record. Starburst got her training down by helping buck apples out of the trees, doing laps around the farm and helping carry the hay for the farm animals. The problem was she would overwork herself to the point of passing out. When this happened it sent those around her into a panic but then Starburst would come to in about an hour or so. In spite of this she never slowed down but the cycle of passing out would continue. One time she broke her wing as a result of passing out in mid-air while flying and falling to the ground. She would overlook such incidents telling herself that all the pain was worth it for it was a step closer to securing her place in The Royal Gaurd. That morning her workout routine was flying around Sweet Apple Acre’s skyline. She glided in the air, did somersaults and made fancy shapes with the clouds. It was a mesmerizing sight for a certain filly who watched Starburst from the nearby house.

Api Apple would sit on the porch of her house and watch Starburst do her workouts. It was her next favorite thing apart from trying to find her special talent since she was a blank flank. The white, brown spotted, red haired earth filly really looked up to Starburst because the princess always reminded Api to never allow naysayers to judge her based on her looks. Whenever the kids at school would tease Api for her small size all she had to do was think about Starburst and what she was capable of despite being shortest of her friends. Api stayed home from school that day determining that it was pointless to be present at school since it was the last day of school. She was particularly no fan of school or schoolwork. Her oldest cousin Red June, Sweet Apple Acre’s sole cherry harvester and the daughter of Principal Cheerilee and Big Macintosh the co-owner of Sweet Apple Acres, would always try to emphasize the importance of school and try to help her buckle down and do her homework. Despite Red June’s efforts Api’s grades did not seem to be getting any better. On that day Api’s mom Applebloom was away helping Api’s Auntie Applejack and Uncle Big Mac sell their famous apple pies while her dad Pipsqueak was traveling on the road helping a certain doctor promote a new invention. She was not home alone, however. With her was Pixel Bit, the daughter of famous singer Sweetie Belle and game designer Button Mash. Also present was her second older cousin Gold Delicious, called Del by friends and family and was the son of Applejack and Caramel. Like all earth ponies born of the Apple Family, it was always Del’s destiny to live and work on Sweet Apple Acres. However, Del never allowed himself to be confined to life on the farm. He excelled in cooking and always presented his dishes in the most beautiful of displays. His culinary skills caught the attention of one of Canterlot’s elite, Fancy Pants when Del was asked to cater at Fancy’s birthday by the daughter of Pixel’s cousin Crystal Clarity, called Claire by her friends. Ever since catering at Fancy Pants’ birthday Del was always sought after to cater to other major events in Canterlot. Del always stayed true to his roots, however, never forgetting that he was an Apple born and bred in Ponyville.

That day Api was seated on the porch watching Starburst do her flying. Seated next to her was Pixel playing her Joy Boy 7. “Do you really think Del’s going over to Canterlot to help with some big get-together, Api?” asked the unicorn filly holding her Joy Boy with her magic.

“No way,” said Api. “That’s like the second time he’s going over there in three weeks.”

“So what do you think is really going on?”

“He’s totally hitting on those two mares.”

“Two mares? I thought it was just one.”

“Oh yeah. Crème de la Crème is one who Del say is one of his besties, but I saw how he was looking at that nurse.”

Pixel sat up straight and looked straight at Api with wide eyes. “A nurse?” said Pixel. “What’s her name?”

“Amber Lily, I think,” said Api. “She came to the farm with Annie when Annie was invited to the Apple Family reunion by Star. I really think Del’s got the hots for Amber.”

“I know Amber,” said Pixel. “She came over to my house to see Annie when Annie and T were babysitting me. She’s half crystal pony and half earth pony. You don’t really notice how sparkly Amber gets unless she’s really, really happy.”

“Humph! I don’t think she’s good enough for Del,” said Api with a scowl.

“Why not?” said Pixel. “She seems like a nice mare and she’s really pretty. Plus, it’s a good match since Amber’s half earth pony.”

“Star said all Amber does is party and she’s always a flirt. Del doesn’t need a gal who likes to play kissy face with everycreature she sees. Crème on the otherhoof is always helpful, humble and smart, plus she’s rich.”

“But Amber’s got money too,” said Pixel.

“Star told me that a nurse doesn’t make a lot of money like a super model,” said Api. “And Crème just happens to be a famous super model.”

“Is that why you’re always setting Del up with Crème so she can give you guys money to fix up the farm?”

“No. A stallion with smarts and charm like my cousin need a mare who can help him through a tough high society world. A crazy, mixed up party mare can’t do that.”

“Well good luck with that,” said Pixel turning her focus back on her Joy Boy. “Just so you know, you’re not exactly a good matchmaker.”

“Hey, who got Prism and Whirlwind to start talking again?” said Api.

“That doesn’t count, Api,” responded the unicorn filly. “They’re still broken up.”

Api refocused on Starburst who was right in the middle of landing on the Apple Acres’ surface. Her face was drenched with sweat. She took out the pink ribbon from her mane and did a hair flip which projected an epic scene putting Api in absolute awe. The princess started to make her way to the house when suddenly after three steps she fell forward landing flat on her face. She laid motionless on the ground as the breeze kicked up dust which swirled around her. Api and Pixel meanwhile looked on with blank expressions. Api sighed. “Del!” Api called out. “Star passed out again!”

***

Starburst laid on the family couch in the living room. Api looked on as Starburst breathed soft, gentle breaths. Pixel sat on a nearby chair engrossed in her Joy Boy. Gold Delicious meanwhile was busy in the kitchen. Api left Starburst’s side to join the large, orange coated, brown haired stallion. As Api set hoof in the kitchen a sweet aroma touched her nostrils. She closed her eyes and for a short moment she was in a state of ecstasy. She opened her eyes and saw Del pulling out a tray from the hot oven and placing it on a nearby counter. Api galloped towards the counter, hoped on a chair and gawked at the tray that contained squared shaped delicacies. “This looks even more delicious than the last stuff you made, cuz,” said Api. “What are they?”

“Cheddar Quiche Squares,” Del replied.

“Quiche?” said Api facing her cousin with a confused look.

“It’s Prench for tart,” said Del. “Crème made a request fer 36 squares fer her annual gala this Sunday. Ah made another batch fer you an’ Pixel to try some.” Del pointed to a container on the other counter which had six quiche squares in it. Api’s face beamed and she ran over to the counter jumping on top of a stool to get to the top. She picked up one quiche and shoved it into her mouth. The moment the pastry touched her taste buds her eyes opened and deep moan came out of her. “It tastes even better than it looks, Del,” said Api with a full mouth. She then licked her hoof. “I’m sure a lot of folks here in Ponyville would love to have some of this,” Api said.

“Yeah, Ah’m sure they would,” said Del.

“Just imagine how much money you can make.”

“Ah don’t do it fer the money, Api. Ah do it ‘cause ah love it.”

“Claire told me that if you’re doing something you love you should get paid for it.”

“Mama told me that there’s more to life than money,” said Del. “As long as you’re doin’ somethin’ to make Ponyville an’ Equestria happy, that’s the greatest reward you can ever ask fer.”

Api let out a sigh. She was particularly frustrated at her cousin’s refusal to look at the bigger picture. The profits that the Apple Family made from their apple sales were enough to just cover equipment maintenance and house repairs, but in Api’s opinion they were basically living like paupers. Api would look at her closest friends and she would see Pixel Bit with her expensive stereo systems and her 85 inch 4KQLED Smart TV playing the latest video games thanks to the combined salaries of her parents. Api would look at Echo and she would see Echo riding on her expensive bicycles and go on expensive trips with her parents. Though she loved her friends dearly, Api felt so out of place considering that Pixel and Echo were living lives that she could only dream of. Api then got out of her train of thought when she noticed Del in the process of mixing flour. A smirk comes across her face when she came up with an idea. She went to a nearby drawer and found a notepad and small pencil. “So Del, how exactly do make your Cheddar Quiche Squares?” said the earth filly talking through her teeth as she held her pencil in her mouth and her notepad in one hoof.

“Oh, a lotta stuff,” said Del not facing his little cousin. “Ah don’t wanna bore ya to death.”

“I won’t be bored. I promise.”

“Well, first, you need four cups o’ flour, a quarter teaspoon o’ salt, a quarter teaspoon o’ grounded ginger, a quarter teaspoon o’ black pepper, two cups o’ milk, a cup o’ shredded cheddar cheese an’ a half cup o’ grounded garlic.” Api stopped writing the ingredients and looked at her notepad. The page was littered with numbers and measurements. Making a quiche involved more measuring than she had anticipated plus she and numbers were already sworn enemies. “How could you be so sure that you’re putting in the exact amount, Del?” asked Api. “Do you like, hope that the flour you put in is four cups?”

“Nope,” said the orange stallion. He then grabbed a measuring cup, some measuring spoons and faced Api. The earth filly in turn quickly hid her notepad and her pencil under her plot. “This here is a measuring cup an’ these are measuring spoons,” Del said. He then walked to a container of flour. “All you gotta do is dip the measuring cup in an’ scoop one, two, three four cups o’ flour an’ put in the bowl,” said Del demonstrating by transferring four cups of flour from the plastic container to the bowl on the counter. He then took out a full pepper shaker containing black pepper, removed the lid and took one measuring spoon between his teeth. “You do the same with the black pepper” said Del as he transferred about a quarter teaspoon of black pepper from the pepper shaker to the bowl containing flour.

“Ohhh,” said Api. Del got back to making another batch of quiches turning his back to his little cousin. The moment the large earth stallion showed his back Api pulled out her notepad and pencil from under her. “After you do all that what else?” said the tiny filly as she held the pencil between her teeth.

“You start up the oven at 350 degrees like this,” said Gold Delicious demonstrating by turning the knob to the oven. “You can tell by looking at the meter right here an’ turn it to 350 degress. While the oven heats up mix up the ingredients in the bowl ‘til they turn to a large filling then put the filling into a flat pan. In the pan is a premade crust Ah made earlier. The crust the most important thing.”

“Why?”

“A lotta ponies told me that the best thing ‘bout the quiche is the crust. They jus’ love that buttery, flakey taste. It’s somethin’ that you gotta make separate though.”

“How do you make that?”

“You take ‘bout three an’ a half cups o’ flour, a quarter teaspoon o’ salt, a half cup o’ butter an’ a cup o’ water. You mix ‘em all up in the bowl ‘til the dough forms an’ roll it all up in a ball. Then wrap it up in plastic an’ put it in the fridge fer ‘bout four hours. When four hours are up take it outta the fridge, put it into the flat pan an’ keep pressin’ it with yer hooves ‘til the crust takes the shape o’ the pan. That’s when you put yer quiche fillin’. After that slip it into the oven an’ leave it fer ‘bout forty-five minutes. You can make sure that you don’t overcook it with this here timer.” Gold Delicious picked up an oven timer nearby and faced Api. Before he completely turned to Api she quickly hid her notepad and pencil under a kitchen cloth next to her. She displayed a broad smile in an effort to act normal. “You simply turn this knob to any number,” said Del approaching Api with the oven timer. “Every number represent minutes like when we want somethin’ to bake fer ten minutes we simply turn it to the number 10.” He turned the timer to ten. “When ten minutes are up it makes this noise,” Del said turning the timer to 0 which let out a loud DIG!

“Cool!” said Api in awe.

“After yer quiche is done, you cut it up in twelve squares with this here pizza cutter,” said Del. He demonstrated by taking a pizza cutter and running it horizontally and vertically across one of his freshly made quiches until they were twelve even squares. “An’ that’s how ya make Cheddar Quiche Squares,” said Del with a smile.

“Awesome!” said Api beaming.

“Jus’ remember, after the quiche cools down you gotta put ‘em in the fridge or they won’t be good no more. When yer ready to serve you gotta heat them up in the microwave,” Del added.

“Right,” said Api. Del then turned back to the counter while Api uncovered her notepad and wrote in the last instructions. She reviewed what she had written and got a good sense of accomplishment. Though she was young, Api had a talent of observation that was way beyond her years. While she mentally patted herself on the back there was a sudden knock on the door. She turned her focus to the door and noticed Pixel running towards the door. Pixel turned the door knob with her magic and opened the door wide open. Standing before her was none other than Echo. “You’re here!” Pixel said with a broad smile. She then hugged Echo.

“You made it, girl!” said a beaming Api as she ran towards the Pegasus filly and hugged her.

“You all know what time is it, right?” said Echo with a smirk.

“Summer Break!” the fillies said in unison.

“That’s right,” said Api brimming with excitement. “Three months of nonstop fun, especially when it comes to earning our cutiemarks.”

“You know it!” said Pixel.

“To the clubhouse!” declared Echo. With that the fillies rushed out of the door towards the other end of Sweet Apple Acres.

***

It was the first night of Summer Break and on this night Api, Echo and Pixel were sleeping out in the old Cutiemark Crusaders Clubhouse. Aplebloom renovated the treehouse when she noticed that her daughter showed the same keenness and enthusiasm she had when it came to getting her cutiemark. Api wasn’t exactly as desperate as Applebloom was in finding her cutiemark but Api was inspired to form her own brand of the Cutiemark Crusaders after hearing of the exploits of her mother and Pixel and Echo’s mothers. Also it was the perfect excuse to satisfy Api’s hunger for nonstop adventure which often got her into trouble. The newest batch of Cutiemark Crusaders spent the afternoon experimenting on whether or not their special talent was spingboard diving like athletes do in the Equestira Games. When night finally fell, it was evident that they were not world-class divers worthy of the Equestria Games by their lack of cutiemarks. After telling each other scary stories they huddled themselves into their sleeping bags to prepare for the next day of “Intense adventure” according to Api. Pixel was already fast asleep. However, Echo tossed and turned in her sleeping bag. She sat up and blew her short purple hair from her eyes. She had too much on her mind which made sleep impossible. She could not even focus on the upcoming Summer Break. She needed somepony to confine in and that was a certain brown spotted white earth filly. She turned to her right expecting to find Api in her sleeping bag. To Echo’s surprise, Api was missing. Echo looked all around the clubhouse and saw the walls plastered with plans for cuitemark crusading, a radio in one corner and Pixel in her sleeping bag. No sign of Api whatsoever. “Api?” Echo called out. She got out of her sleeping bag and made her way to the door of the clubhouse being careful not to awake the white unicorn filly asleep on the floor. Echo looked out over Sweet Apple Acres. The apple farm was blanketed by darkness only being illuminated by Princess Luna’s moon and stars. Still there was no sign of the youngest member of the Apple Family. Echo figured the only place Api would be was in the main house. Echo climbed down the ramp that served as a stairway to the clubhouse and ran all the way across the apple fields towards the wooden structure. She approached the front door and twisted the doorknob. The door slowly swung open revealing the family living room. Echo walked in the room and looked up to find the kitchen light on. In the kitchen there was Api Apple standing on a stool next to a counter. Api’s coat was stained with flour and she appeared to busy at fixing a midnight snack. So busy was Api in her work that she didn’t noticed a white Pegasus filly standing directly behind her. “Api?” said Echo. The sudden sound of Echo’s soft spoken voice jolted Api and she almost fell off her stool. Echo rushed towards Api and held the stool still. Api looked down finding Echo holding onto the stool. “Echo?” said Api with a look of shock on her face. Her face then contorted to anger. “What the heck?” Api said in a hushed tone.

“Sorry,” said Echo with sheepishness plastered on her face. “Watcha doin’?”

“Del was making some quiche squares for those Canterlot ponies,” Api replied. “So I thought Ponyville has a right to enjoy them too.”

“You’re making those tasty quiche squares?” asked Echo. “Do you even know how to make them?”

“I just made some over there. Try one.”

Echo turned to the other counter and found a bowl of freshly made quiche squares. She trotted over to the counter, picked up one of the squares and took a tiny bite. Her eyes widened with delight and within seconds she gobbled down the entire quiche. “Wow, Api, this is just as good as the ones Del made,” said Echo with her mouth full.

“Baking runs in the family,” said Api with her chest puffed out with pride. “Is it such a surprise?”

“Well, too bad the same thing can’t be said about Cotton Candy’s baking.”

“So true. Just imagine how much folks will be willing to pay for some of these babies.”

Echo looked at Api with a cocked eyebrow. “You’re gonna sell them?”

“A lot of fillies and colts sell lemonade for Summer Break. I thought well, wait till Ponyville gets a load of the Apple Family’s great baking skills,” said Api. “Tomorrow, this will be selling out in the middle of Ponyville Square and everycreature would love it just as much as we do.”

“Cool. What did Del say?”

“Oh…” Api seemed stumped for words. “I kinda didn’t tell him about this,” she finally said.

“Why not?” asked Echo.

“Del is just like Auntie Applejack,” said Api. “He doesn’t think about the future. Baking shouldn’t be a hobby. Look at Rarity. She wouldn’t be able to open a Carousel Boutique in ten cities across Equestria if she was making dresses as a hobby. Once Del and everyone else see how much bits I make from selling these it’ll make our lives even better than it is now.” Api got started mixing up ingredients in a large silver bowl as Echo looked on. Api then looked back at Echo with suspicious eyes. “You didn’t come to stop me, did you?” she said.

“Oh no, no, no,” said Echo shaking her head. “I just got a lot on my mind. I couldn’t sleep so I thought I’d talk to you about it. But I see you’re busy.”

Api straightened up. Echo’s problem should have been one that could have been relayed to her parents or even her older cousin Whirlwind. Api knew Echo would not have come to her unless it was a situation she knew she could help fix. Api turned around and faced the Pegasus filly. “You’ve got a crush, don’t you?” she asked with a smirk.

Echo’s cheeks flushed with red. Api knew her all too well. “Well,” Echo began. “He’s in the 5th Grade; he’s on the school’s racing team, he’s got straight “A’s and…”

“It’s Quickstep!” said Api cutting off Echo.

“How did you know?” said Echo with shock.

“You have no idea how good I am in noticing things,” said Api as she jumped off her stool and trotted towards Echo. “I see the way you look at him the halls. Even in P.E. you can’t take your eyes off that kid. I gotta say you’ve got good taste.”

“Yeah,” said Echo barely containing her blushing. “I was really hoping that he’d noticed me, but I don’t think I have a chance.”

“Hey! Don’t ever say that. If our moms didn’t think they had a chance in getting their cutiemarks they would’ve never gotten them especially on the same day.”

“. Everypony has to get their cutiemark someday, but not everypony gets to be with their special somepony. I’d really wanna to talk to him but I don’t think we have anything in common.”

“What do you mean? You’re both sports freaks.”

“Look at the kind of kids he hangs around. They’re the popular type. It’s not like I’m ashamed of you and Pixel, but Quickstep might look at me and think he’s too good for me or if it does work out he’ll think that you guys might cramp his style.”

Api nodded her head. “I think I understand,” she said. “But seriously, if there’s anypony who looks good together, it’s you two.”

“What if doesn’t work out?” said Echo.

“Our moms tried everything to get their cutiemarks. Yes, it’s a different thing, but the point is they didn’t give up. You on the other hoof should stop being so negative and go after Quickstep until he notices you.”

“But what if he doesn’t think you and Pixel aren’t cool enough?”

“Pixel’s mom is one of the greatest singers in Equestria and my Auntie Applejack is on Princess Twilight’s Council of Friendship. What colt wouldn’t want a filly that has so many famous connections?”

Echo thought long and hard on what the earth filly said to her. There were a lot of cute colts in school but not many of them were colts Echo felt she could personally identify with. She decided to take a chance at love. She watched on as Api climbed back on her stool and got back to baking “You know what?” Echo said. “Before Summer Break’s over I’m gonna trot up to Quickstep and tell him exactly how a feel.”

“That’s the spirit!” said Api beaming. Suddenly there was a loud DIG! “Oh, Echo, while you’re here can you take those out of the oven for me?” said Api.

Echo grabbed a baker’s hook that the Apple Family often used take baked goods out of the oven. She opened the oven’s lid, placed the hook into the little hole at the edge of the silver tray and pulled it out. The tray was laden with quiche squares. Echo then laid the tray on the counter where she noticed about four more trays with freshly baked quiches. “How many of these are you baking anyway, Api?” said Echo.

“Just enough for everycreature who’s everycreature in Ponyville to have taste first thing tomorrow,” said Api. “and you and Pixel are gonna help sell them.”

Author's Note

In her headcanon for her characters Kilala97 said that Api's father Pipsqueak is always absent doing some business. I've always imagined that the reason being was because Pipsqueak became an assistant for Dr. Whooves. I like to imagine in the Kilalaverse there is another reincarnation of Dr. Whooves. I can't tell what number The Doctor is this time, but I envision him as being a pale grey earth pony with a pale blue mane and the same hourglass cutiemark.