My Little Pony: Guardians of Crystal Growth (Season 1)

Chapters

Episode 01: The Return of the Crystal Princess – Part 1
Episode 02: The Return of the Crystal Princess – Part 2
Episode 03: Three Mares and a Princess
Episode 04: Bread and Calamities
Episode 05: Light and Darkness in the Crystal Guard
Episode 06: A Guard's Life

Episode 01: The Return of the Crystal Princess – Part 1

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It's now exactly three years ago... Three years since we left our home to find out if we still have a purpose. And now, we have to return to Ponyville with bad news...
When it all started, the three of us thought that it's just a local problem. And we were sure that it's easy to solve. If foals can't get cutie marks anymore, the best scientists and doctors of Equestria should be able to find a solution, isn't it? Unfortunately, they didn't. None of them could figure out what was wrong and until today, nopony knows the cause.
All ponies of Equestria are now unable to get a cutie mark. Which means, that the Cutie Mark Crusaders have become pointless... And we really tried to help ponies with their special talents, anyway. But without cutie marks, it has become a lot harder and nearly all ponies just settle on anything they're at least remotely good at.
Nopony cares about cutie mark counseling anymore these days... Somehow, it's nice that ponies practice more than just one of their talents now. But it means that there is nothing for us to do anymore...
We are glad that we can finally return home and see our families and friends again. But now that the Cutie Mark Crusaders aren't needed anymore, we don't know what we should do with our lives from now on...
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The quill that was just written with on the page of the book hovered out of sight, wrapped into a green aura. The same aura shut the book and, behind it, a brown dirth path, embedded into a lush, green landscape with the occasional tree dotting it, came into view.

Sweetie Belle hovered the journal and quill onto the wagon she was pulling. She closed her eyes and sighed. To her left and right, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo gave her a worried glance, the latter's glance coming partially from one slightly narrowed eye, with a skin-colored scar that stretched itself across it.

“Ya okay, Sweetie Belle?” Apple Bloom's voice rang out.

Sweetie Belle sighed again. “I'm fine,” she said then. “We are almost back home.”

A smile got cast on the faces of Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. They looked ahead and now all three mares faced the path in front of them. It was steadily going up. As they reached the top of the small hill, their eyes fell on the houses of Ponyville below them. Their smiles increased.

The three mares let their eyes wander over the little town, bliss and a receding homesickness in their eyes. The crystal castle that stood tall at one edge of Ponyville entered their view, then the building of the friendship school next to it.

“Hasn't changed much in the last three years..... Everything still looks the same,” Scootaloo remarked.

“Um-hm.” At her side, Apple Bloom nodded. “But ah think it's gotten a lil' bigger.” She held a hoof above her eyes to block out the gleaming sunlight and took a closer look.

“Maybe. I do think I can see a few more buildings stretching farther beyond the borders we know,” Sweetie Belle confirmed.

A deep satisfaction appeared in Apple Bloom's face. “An' that means Ponyville developed jus' great!” She cast a look at the towering school building with its waterfalls again. “Looks like friendship is still magic here!”

“So, should we go down?” Scootaloo asked, turning at her.

“Yep! Nothin' better than comin' home to ya family after three years of failure.”

Instantly, their faces grew stern. The three mares nodded together. A last glance was cast on the town by them, then they turned away from the sight and slowly trotted down the hill on the other side.....
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The morning sun shone down onto Sweet Apple Acres and somewhere from the distance, a rooster could be heard. Inside a room on the second floor of the farmhouse, Apple Bloom stirred in her bed as one of the sun's rays found its way onto her face. She turned away from the window. “Jus' two more minutes.....” a drawl left her mouth.

“Breakfast! Come down 'ere fer ya pancakes before Big Mac an' I eat 'em all alone!”

The sound of Applejack's voice made Apple Bloom sit up instantly. “Breakfast?! Pancakes?!” She fought herself free of the blanket and kicked it away, something that took her less than a second to do, jumped out of the bed and already galloped through the door and down the stairs.

As she arrived in the kitchen, she zipped towards the table and hastily sat down on one of the chairs, flashing a huge grin that spanned across her entire face. To her left, Big McIntosh gave her a startled look, momentarily looking up from his plate that was occupied by a large stack of pancakes and a waffle on top.

Applejack approached the table, holding a pan in her hooves and chuckling. “Swif' down the stairs the moment breakfast is mentioned. Just like ah remember it!”

She proceeded to Apple Bloom's plate and shoveled a stack of pancakes on it, one that was easily nearly twice as high as Big Mac's. She left the table for a moment to put back the pan onto the oven, then returned, grabbed a waffle from another plate in the middle of the table and added it to the stack, before she grabbed a bottle of apple syrup and poured its content over everything. The entire process was wordlessly watched by Apple Bloom, with an opened, drooling mouth.

“P-Pancakes?” the younger mare stammered. She rubbed some drool off her lips, closed her mouth and swallowed. “And waffles? A-At the same time?” Her eyes gleamed down onto her plate.

“Sure thing!” Applejack said, sitting down behind her own stack. “Ah thought that occasion just calls for it! Ya've been gone fer three years an' that means we need an extra special breakfast ta celebrate!” She gave her little sister a happy smile.

“Eeyup!” Big Mac voiced his agreement.

Apple Bloom kept staring, wordlessly.

“Ya not goin' ta eat?” Applejack lifted one eyebrow and smirked.

“Sure!” Apple Bloom shouted, suddenly awoken from her trance. She grabbed a fork that was placed to the right of her plate, pierced it into the waffle and shoved it as a whole into her mouth.

Applejack and Big Mac watched, gasping, then both of them broke out into laughter.

Apple Bloom looked around between them. “What?” she asked. A line of apple syrup was trailing down from her lips to her chin.

The fits of her siblings lasted for a few seconds longer. Applejack wiped the tears from her eyes. “Oh, nothin' much. But ya might wanna clean ya face, cause ya lookin' mighty silly right now, Apple Bloom!” she teased.

Casting down her eyes, Apple Bloom finally noticed the mess in her face. She grabbed a napkin and wiped away the syrup. “Thanks!” she said, crumpling up the used napkin and placing it on the table, then immediately digging into the pancakes and putting a huge chunk of them into her mouth.

“Ah can't believe ahm finally gettin' to eat ya sweet pancakes again, Applejack, it's almost like a dream after all this time!” Apple Bloom spoke with a full mouth, sputtering some bits onto the table. The mental picture of nearly-burnt pancakes, courtesy of Sweetie Belle, came up for her.

“Right so!” Applejack said, confirming the notion. “Ya can't imagine how glad Big Mac an' I are that ya finally back, Apple Bloom! Sittin' in that 'ere kitchen just ain't the same without the whole family bein' together!”

“Eeyup!”

Apple Bloom nodded. “More than right!” she then said, after swallowing. “An' when did we have pancakes and waffles at the same time for breakfast?! That must 'ave been when Granny was still here, ah wish she could see this!” A sigh came out of her throat, before she noticed what she just said. Apple Bloom let her fork sink and eyed her plate.

Immediately, a dark cloud hung over the table and the heads of the three Apple siblings. Big Mac and Applejack kept eating in complete silence, while Apple Bloom continued to sit completely still.

“Ah think ahm done eatin',” she announced and got up.

“Um-hm.” Applejack rose her head and looked at her. “Ya still comin' fer lunch later, Apple Bloom? Scootaloo an' Sweetie Belle are welcome, too, if they wanna join.”

“Um-hm. Yeah.” Apple Bloom did not answer the look. She reached to her left and gave her big brother a hug. “See ya later, Big Mac.” The stallion stopped eating for a moment and gave his sister a squeeze with his left hoof.

Apple Bloom let go of him and moved to the other side of the table, where she repeated the gesture, wrapping herself around Applejack. A faint smile built on her face, indicating that her spirits got momentarily lifted.

Applejack squeezed her tightly, resting her head on her sister's shoulder, with closed eyes. “Send Twilight my regards, will ya?”

“Okay. Yeah,” Apple Bloom spoke, absentmindedly, while returning the squeeze. She retreated and made her way for the door, where she turned around one last time. “Bye. See ya later.” Then she stepped through the door.

Outside, Apple Bloom stopped and let her eyes wander over Sweet Apple Acres, another sigh leaving her throat. For a few seconds, Granny Smith appeared in front of her eyes, slowly trotting over the acres, before she disappeared again. Apple Bloom reached up and wiped some tears out of her slightly reddened eyes. Then she braced herself and left the farm, heading for Ponyville.....
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In Ponyville, Apple Bloom knocked at the door of a house. Some arguing between two ponies could be heard inside, then brisk hoofsteps coming towards the door. It opened and Scootaloo appeared before Apple Bloom. Her mane was unkempt, with stray hairs sticking out at different angles, and there were noticeable bags under her eyes.

“Mornin', Scootaloo,” Apple Bloom greeted her, trying to sound chipper, but only succeeding with it somewhat.

“Good Morning, Apple Bloom.....” Scootaloo's voice rasped in response. She yawned loudly into her hoof.

“Ya lookin' like ya didn't get any sleep last night, Scoots,” Apple Bloom noticed. She watched her friend with a growing worry in her eyes.

“Not much,” Scootaloo confirmed. She scratched the left side of her body, taking care of an itching that came from a roundish scar where once one of her wings had been. “Because.....” Scootaloo didn't get a chance to continue her sentence, as hoofsteps emerged behind her and came closer. She put her hoof back on the floor.

Aunt Holiday appeared behind Scootaloo. One could almost say she was towering over her niece, she was a big mare and about one head taller than her. The look in her eyes and the expression in her face weren't happy ones.

“Did Apple Bloom come to pick you up?” Her voice was tender and caring, but it also sounded strained.

Scootaloo peered at her aunt suspiciously, with a hint of dread in her eyes. “Yeah.....”

Holiday sighed. “I think you should stay at home, Scootaloo. It's safer here.”

Now it was Scootaloo who sighed. She looked back at her. “Aunt Holiday, we talked about this last night..... It's not dangerous. I'm just going to the castle and talk with Princess Twilight.”

“But..... It could be, Scootaloo, couldn't it?” Her eyelids flittered. “You could trip and hurt yourself. Your wing or one of your hooves could get caught in a door when it closes..... Or a pegasus who flies above you could lose their grip of something heavy they're holding and it falls right on you!” She stepped at Scootaloo's side and turned to face her. The mare lifted a hoof and began to gently stroke over Scootaloo's cheek. “Please stay at home, Scootaloo. Do it for me.”

“I can't, Aunt Holiday, I'm sorry. It's an important meeting. And the castle of the princess is safe, nothing bad will happen there.” Scootaloo gazed at her aunt intensely, hoping to be understood.

“We thought the same of Sweet Apple Acres.....” Aunt Holiday suddenly swallowed hard and her eyes filled with tears.

The mention of the farm caused grim despair to flash up in Apple Bloom's face and she looked down.

“And then the–” Holiday continued, but then stopped herself from talking further, lips quivering and tears rolling over her face. She removed her hoof from Scootaloo's face. “You can never be sure where something will happen, Scootaloo. No place is truly safe.”

While she talked, Scootaloo's face dissolved into empathy, her sad eyes watching her aunt wordlessly. She reached out and gave her aunt a tight hug. “And it's the same with the house,” she explained, using the argument that just came to her.

Holiday's eyes widened as she grasped the logic behind the statement. “Y-You are r-right.....” she spoke hesitantly. “B-But you have to promise me to be extra careful, S-Scootaloo..... I-If the same t-thing happens again.....”

“It won't,” Scootaloo said, filling her voice with conviction. “Things like this only happen once in life. And I will be very careful.”

Her aunt squeezed her harder. “Okay..... T-Then I will let you go, this once.”

The two mares separated. “Please be careful!” Holiday uttered again, as Scootaloo stepped out and at Apple Bloom's side.

Scootaloo turned at Holiday. “I will,” she reassured her. “I have to leave now or we'll be late. But I'm going to be back in a few hours. Bye, Aunt Holiday!” She gave her a wave.

Holiday waved back, worry and trepidation about letting her niece go still visible in her eyes.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo finally turned away from the house and began trotting through the streets together. “Three more years an' she still ain't over it.....” Apple Bloom spoke in a mix of surprise and sorrow.

Scootaloo looked at her friend with a very similar expression. “Yeah. And the saddest thing is that she probably never will. There were always some things Aunt Holiday worried about and since the accident, she doesn't feel safe about anything anymore.”

Apple Bloom looked into Scootaloo's eyes, not knowing what to say.
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A purple door opened in front of Apple Bloom and Scootaloo and they found themselves looking at Rarity's face. The fashionista stared at them in surprise. “You're already here?” she asked, a little bewildered.

“Yeah,” Apple Bloom said. “It's the time we arranged yesterday. Is Sweetie Belle ready?” There was now a small smile on her face, her mood perceptibly better.

Slight regret appeared in Rarity's face. “I'm sorry, dear, Sweetie Belle is still upstairs and getting prepared.”

“Really?” Scootaloo asked, sporting a surprised expression. “What is she preparing for, we're only going to see Twilight.”

“I'm not sure. But I guess she might want to look extra fabulous for meeting the princess!” Rarity's voice piped up and her face brightened at these words.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo exchanged a confused look.

Rarity turned away from them and trotted a few steps into her boutique. She raised her head a little. “Sweetie Belle, darling? Your friends are here! Are you ready?”

“Almost!” Sweetie Belle's faint voice came ringing down from the second floor.

They had to wait for a few more seconds, then there were steps on the stairs and a door opened, Sweetie Belle coming out of it. She trotted past Rarity and joined her friends at the door. “Good Morning! Are you ready to leave?”

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo blinked. “Sure, but Scootaloo an' ah thought ya weren't ready.” At her side, Scootaloo closed her eyes and nodded.

Sweetie Belle looked at them incredulously for a few seconds. Then a small blush streaked across her face. “My bad.....” she chuckled, a sheepish expression in her eyes that was completely disarming. “I just overslept a little. We should leave.”

Sweetie Belle went ahead, aiming to get out of the boutique, but Rarity cleaned her throat, holding her back. “Sweetie Belle, are you sure your mane is brushed enough?” Rarity pranced at her side and began scrutinizing it.

Sweetie Belle grimaced, displeased. “It's fine, Rarity.....”

“Ah, but not quite,” Rarity countered. “I think it's better to go through it one more time.” A brush hovered over, wrapped into her blue aura, and Rarity began to move it through her sister's mane, holding it with one hoof.

“I'm sure it doesn't need that, Rarity..... Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and I have to leave.” She tried to get away but Rarity kept holding her mane.

“Oh, but it does!” Rarity objected. Her eyes grew a little. “You're going to meet a princess today, we want you to look extra special for this occasion.”

The looks Apple Bloom and Scootaloo gave Rarity became awkward.

“A princess?” Sweetie Belle asked, craning her neck to look at Rarity.

“Hold still there.” Rarity gently pushed her face so that she was facing forward again.

Sweetie Belle groaned. “We're just going to see Twilight, that's all.”

“Yeah, what's so special about this? We met Twilight hundreds of times. We're her friends, it's not necessary to make an impression,” Scootaloo argued, watching the scene with growing scepticism.

“Twilight?” Rarity let the brush sink and gave Scootaloo a look of surprise. “Oh, I'm not talking about Twilight. The other princess, of course. It's being talked about all over town. She hasn't been in Ponyville for six years, imagine that. But today, she will finally return.” She lifted the brush back up and continued with her task.

Apple Bloom's face became cold all of a sudden, while Scootaloo cocked her head and narrowed her eyes until they had almost become slits. Only Sweetie Belle's face remained normal, although, a slight recognition glimmered on it.

“Which princess?” Scootaloo asked. Her voice had taken on a slow, careful tone, like she was bracing herself for something.

“Princess Flurry Heart, dear.” There was a very faint accusation ringing in Rarity's voice. “I'm really surprised you didn't hear about it after your arrival yesterday.”

“What?!” Sweetie Belle's pupils shrunk and a squeak left her throat.

“You got to be kidding me.....” Scootaloo immediately added to the commotion. “I thought she would never show up in Ponyville again.....”

Rarity's face became sorrowful over the reactions. She started brushing Sweetie's mane a little slower.

Apple Bloom was the only one who didn't say anything. But she was gritting her teeth and her face showed pure rage. Her body was trembling slightly.

Rarity noticed, taking a glance at her. “I can see this isn't good news for you.....” she spoke, now in a serious and dry tone. Casting her eyes down, she focused on Sweetie Belle's mane. “But maybe,” she continued quietly “with a little generosity and forgiveness, you could–”

“NEVER!” it suddenly burst out of Apple Bloom.

Rarity twitched, showing her teeth. Her aura around the brush disappeared and it clattered onto the floor. Rarity let go of her sister's mane and Sweetie Belle used the opportunity to escape. She joined Scootaloo's side, where she gave Apple Bloom a cautious glance.

“I-I see.....” Rarity stammered.

“Ya didn't see anythin'!” Apple Bloom spat at her.

Rarity flinched back noticeably.

“Apple Bloom,” Scootaloo spoke to her friend firmly. She lifted her right hoof and placed it on Apple Bloom's shoulder. The other mare did not react, but also didn't talk anymore. She only glared at Rarity, with a piercing look of hatred radiating from her eyes.
Sweetie Belle looked away from Apple Bloom. “Rarity, it will be best if we leave now. Twilight is waiting for us anyway.”

“Um-hm.” Rarity only nodded, not a word was leaving her lips.

The trio of mares left the boutique, Apple Bloom only tagging along because of a firm push by Scootaloo.
Rarity looked after them, frowning. “I hope this won't become a disaster.....”
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“That varmint is comin' back to Ponyville!” Apple Bloom began ranting as they went through the streets of the town, face distorted with rage. “I can't believe it!”

“Me neither, Apple Bloom,” Scootaloo responded dejectedly. Her ears were dropped, just like Sweetie Belle's. Only Apple Bloom's ears stood upright, stiff from anger.

“How can she even dare to come back after everythin' she did?!” Apple Bloom exposed her teeth. She looked down and stepped onto a large pebble, crushing it under her hoof.

“I don't know.....” Scootaloo looked over at Sweetie Belle. “Do you think we're going to meet her, Sweetie?”

Sweetie Belle lowered her eyelids. “I hope not..... I think it wouldn't end well if we do.”

A grim understanding was in Scootaloo's face. For a second, she gave Apple Bloom a glance from the corner of her eyes, before looking back at Sweetie Belle. “Maybe she isn't here yet..... It's still early in the morning. If she only arrives in the afternoon, we can meet up with Twilight and be done before lunch. Then we can avoid her until she returns to the Crystal Empire.”

“She better ain't here yet!” Apple Bloom shouted to her left. “Cause if ahm havin' to see her, then she won't be save from mah hooves!” She crushed another pebble to underline her threat.

Sweetie Belle gave her a shy glance. “You can't attack her, Apple Bloom. That would just make everything even worse.”

“Oh, really?!” Apple Bloom stopped dead in her tracks and instantly turned around. She blocked Sweetie Belle's path. “Worse, Sweetie Belle? How could it get any worse?!” She brought down a hoof on Sweetie Belle's chest with force.

Sweetie Belle frowned, sternly.

“Have ya forgotten what this little pest did, Sweetie Belle?! How she thanked us for foalsittin' her when she came to Ponyville?!”

Scootaloo took up position behind Apple Bloom and placed a hoof on her back. “Apple Bloom,” she spoke as firmly as before. “You have to calm down. Sweetie Belle is your friend. She just doesn't want you to get into trouble.”

Apple Bloom's face became softer. The rage and the hatred vanished from it and became replaced with grief. “What she did.....” Apple Bloom sobbed. Her legs suddenly wobbled, then gave in. She sat down. “What she did to me and to Scootaloo and to her aunt..... Granny Smith and Grand Pear..... Without her stupid, foolish idea and her lies, they'd still be here today.....” Her body began to shake violently and she started crying.

Swiftly, she was being embraced by her two friends. “Apple Bloom.....” Scootaloo started an attempt to calm her down. “You know this isn't true. It happened six years ago. Granny Smith and Grand Pear were both very old when it happened. Even if Flurry Heart hadn't done this, they'd would still be gone by now.”

“B-But not like this, Scootaloo..... It happened the wrong way, they deserved somethin' peaceful.....”

Scootaloo fell silent. She kept her hooves clasped around her friend, eyes closed and head rested on her mane.

A rustling sound suddenly attracted Scootaloo's attention and she looked into its direction. In some distance in front of them, a pile of letters had appeared.

Hovering above the pile was Derpy Hooves. She looked down at the letters with a sad frown, an open mailbag hanging around her body. It was pointing upside down.

The mailmare descended with slow, steady wingflaps and landed next to the pile. “Oh no.....” she moaned, staring at the mess. “I hope no letters have gotten dirty.” She looked around, a little helplessly, as she suddenly locked her crossed eyes on something. They widened and her face lit up instantly. “Scootaloo!” she shouted happily. “I didn't know you returned! How are you doing?”

The happy voice of the mare cast a smile on Scootaloo's face as it washed over her and filled her with warmth. Before she answered the question, she looked down. “Apple Bloom?”

“Ahm fine..... Jus' go an' see her, Scoots.” Surprisingly, Apple Bloom's voice didn't sound tear-filled anymore. Even her sobs had stopped.

Scootaloo nodded and released her embrace. Sweetie Belle stayed with Apple Bloom. She stepped up to Derpy. “I'm doing good! How's it going for you? And how is Dinky doing?”

“I'm so glad to hear you are okay!” The enthusiastic pegasus mare swung her hooves around Scootaloo for a hug. “And I'm happy, too, have you heard that Dinky has been hired as a teacher at Princess Celestia's magic school?” She giggled.

“Really?!” Scootaloo pulled away and looked at Derpy in astonishment.

“Really!” Derpy grinned and fluttered her wings. “They needed a new teacher after her graduation and her grades were so outstanding that they offered her the position!”

“That's awesome news, wow!” Scootaloo shared Derpy's grin now. “I have to visit her in Canterlot soon!”

“You should, Dinky will be so happy that she can finally see you again! And how about we celebrate your return together? We can meet at my house once my morning shift is over!” Her grin grew even brighter.

Scootaloo nodded. “I will love to come! We have a meeting with Twilight now, but we can be there in the afternoon!”

“Great! I'll have muffins ready once you come!” Derpy leaped into the air a little, full of joy.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle joined her side. Scootaloo turned at each of them. “You girls are okay with this?”

“Fine with me,” Apple Bloom answered taut.

“I'll join, too!” Sweetie Belle piped. Then her face changed expression, like an idea just hit her. She directed her attention at the mailmare. “Hey, Derpy. You were just flying over Ponyille, right? Have you seen Princess Flurry Heart anywhere while delivering the mail?”

Derpy looked at her, surprised and a little confused. “Princess Flurry Heart? No, I haven't seen her anywhere. I think it's too early for her to arrive.”

A collective sigh of relief went through the trio. Although, Apple Bloom still wore a hostile expression at the same time.

“That's good,” Sweetie Belle said. The relief in her voice was mixed with condemnation.

Derpy lowered her ears a little. “Are you still hating her?” There was no accusation in her voice, but understanding and a little curiosity.

Apple Bloom's face distorted again. Scootaloo noticed and began pulling her away. “Sorry, Derps, but we gotta leave! We'll see you in the afternoon!”

“Bye!” Derpy said, sounding and looking a little sad over the sudden departure.

Sweetie Belle ignited her horn, quickly hovering the dropped letters into Derpy's mailbag, before she waved at her, turned around and ran to catch up with her friends. Derpy flashed her a smile in response.
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Sweetie Belle took a look up into the air, then turned at her friends. “Okay, so it seems we won't have to worry about Flurry Heart showing up at Twilight's place at the same time as we do,” she concluded while the castle drew closer, the view of the building only blocked by a few houses anymore.

“Lucky for her!” Apple Bloom growled.

Scootaloo eyed her, prepared to keep her in check if it should become necessary.

“We hurry so we'll be done here as fast as we can and then leave the castle immediately. Derpy said she hasn't arrived yet, so if all goes well, we won't even–”

“It won't go well.....” Apple Bloom suddenly interrupted Sweetie Belle's speech, her growl having become sharper. She pointed ahead of them, at the entrance of the castle that had come into view now.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle followed her hoof and gasped. In this moment, Princess Flurry Heart was entering the castle, a guard trailing along closely behind her.

“The varmint's here to ruin even more lives.....”

The faces of Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle collectively darkened at the sight of the young princess.....
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Episode 02: The Return of the Crystal Princess – Part 2

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“All ponies of Equestria are now unable to get a cutie mark. Which means, that the Cutie Mark Crusaders have become pointless...”
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“Looks like friendship is still magic here!”
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“Ya can't imagine how glad Big Mac an' I are that ya finally back, Apple Bloom!”
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“That must 'ave been when Granny was still here, ah wish she could see this!”
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“We thought the same of Sweet Apple Acres.....”
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“She hasn't been in Ponyville for six years, imagine that. But today, she will finally return.”
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“Even if Flurry Heart hadn't done this, they'd would still be gone by now.”
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“The varmint's here to ruin even more lives.....”
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Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle stared at the sight in front of them with eyes full of disdain.

In the distance, the gate of the castle opened and Princess Twilight appeared in the frame. She welcomed her niece with a hug, then Princess Flurry Heart entered the castle, followed by her guard. The gate fell shut behind them.

Apple Bloom huffed. “That pest..... She must 'ave lost her mind to show up 'ere again. But ah can bring back that mind easily.....” Her mouth formed a wicked grin and she began marching towards the castle, her hate-filled eyes locked at the gate. Scootaloo rushed in front of her before she could advance more than a few steps.

“Stay here, Apple Bloom!” she spoke sharply. “Remember what Sweetie Belle said. If you let your anger out on Flurry Heart, you'll only get into trouble.”

Apple Bloom ignored the warning and squirmed to get past her friend, but Scootaloo held her in place with both hooves. She looked past Apple Bloom. “Let's return into town for now, Sweetie. Maybe Applejack or your sister can tell Twilight later why we didn't come. I'm sure she'll understand if we wait with the meeting for a few days.”

Stern-faced, Sweetie Belle nodded. She turned around and began heading back the way they had come from. But just as Scootaloo began to try turning Apple Bloom around, the earth pony mare was hit by a pink blur and shoved away a few yards. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle gasped in shock and turned around to see what their friend got hit by.

Princess Flurry Heart stood leaned over Apple Bloom, pinning her down. She grinned at her widely. “Apple Bloom!” she called out to the mare under her in a high-pitched, squeaky voice, that bore a slight resemblance to the sound of chalk on a blackboard. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle covered their ears for a moment.

“Do you still remember me? It's me, Flurry Heart! I'm so happy I saw you when I looked out of the castle window, I had to come and say hi! How are you doing?” Flurry Heart spoke fast, in a long, seemingly neverending stream of words.

Apple Bloom looked up at the teenage filly with a startled expression, but the hatred remained in her eyes all the same. “Get off me, ya ear-piercin', walkin' disaster!” she hissed.

The grin faded from Flurry Heart's face and a hurt expression took its place. She let go of Apple Bloom and trotted a few steps backwards. Apple Bloom lifted herself off the ground, until she stood tall in front of Flurry Heart. She gave the young princess an intense glare.

Flurry Heart was smiling again now. Her face gave the impression that she was completely oblivious to the feelings the mare had for her. Thrusting herself forward, Flurry Heart grabbed one of Apple Bloom's forehooves in a tempo that left her no chance to react. “I bet you have so much to tell me!” she shouted in excitement. “Come with me!” She shot away and pulled Apple Bloom with her, almost in the same tempo she had nearly crushed her a moment ago.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked after them with strained, nervous faces, each of them one forehoof raised into the air. They set themselves into motion and hurried after Flurry Heart.

Pulling Apple Bloom after her, Flurry Heart burst into the castle. Twilight stood in the hall, watching Flurry Heart come inside and towards her, with a surprised, puzzled expression. “Flurry Heart?” she asked. “Why did you run off so suddenly?”

“I was just catching up with an old friend!” she shouted. Flurry Heart pulled Apple Bloom past her, right into the face of the other princess.

The sudden movement deepened the surprise in Twilight's face, but then a knowing smile appeared on it. “I see. Catching up with a friend is always a good idea. Even though it looks more like you caught a friend there.” She smirked at Flurry Heart.

The younger princess beamed at the joke. Apple Bloom, however, growled.

“And it's just the friend I was waiting for, too! Now I'd only need–”

The gate burst open again and Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle appeared in it. They rushed at Apple Bloom's side.

“–exactly you two,” Twilight completed her sentence. She smiled at the arrivals.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were panting. Scootaloo looked up. “Is everything okay here?!” she asked, frantically.

“Of course,” Twilight said. “What would not be okay?” She gave Flurry Heart a furtive wink.

Apple Bloom acknowledged the gesture with a cold stare. She pulled her hoof out of Flurry Heart's grasp, forcefully, and stomped at the side of her friends, as far away from Flurry Heart as it was possible in the hall of the castle. Flurry looked after her, with a startled, sad look in her eyes.

“If you three would like to talk with Flurry Heart first, I won't mind. We can discuss your journey later. Getting in touch with an old friend is always worth the wait.” Twilight winked at Flurry Heart again.

Flurry's smile returned.

“Won't be necessary!” Apple Bloom erupted, her face grim and hostile.

Twilight pursed her lips and her pupils shrunk. But she quickly returned to her composure. “Very well,” she spoke, kindly. Twilight turned at Flurry Heart. She placed a hoof on her niece's shoulder. “I hope you can excuse us for a few hours, Flurry Heart. Your friends and I need to talk about some important things in the throne room. How about you go and explore Ponyville in the meantime? A few things have changed in the last six years.”

“She ain't a–” From the left, Sweetie Belle kicked Apple Bloom's leg, earning a glare from the earth pony. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo eyed Twilight with sheepish grins, though, she didn't seem to have noticed anything and kept looking at her niece.

Flurry Heart nodded, eyes closed and still wearing her smile. “Will do, Auntie!” she chirped. She reached out and gave Twilight a hug.

“Good,” Twilight said. “I'm sure you can discover a few surprises.” She leaned down and reciprocated the hug.

They remained like this for a few seconds, then Flurry Heart retreated. She trotted for the gate, presenting Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle with a grin as she went past them. The three didn't look at her and kept their gazes fixated on Twilight.

Before Flurry Heart opened the gate, she turned round and waved at her aunt, giggling. She cast a determined glance at the three mares, then went outside, followed by her guard.

The gate snapped shut. Instantly, the expressions of Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle eased. Every hostility in Apple Bloom's face fell off.

“Follow me now,” Twilight beckoned them over. “The letters you sent me in the last three years give a lot of reason to worry. There is much we have to discuss.” She turned away from them and headed for a large, double-leaved door. She opened it with her magic and entered the room beyond it with hasty steps; her long, flowy mane trailing behind her.

Wordlessly, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle followed.

Inside the throne room, their view was instantly occupied by the large map in the middle and the seven thrones that were arranged around it. They stopped and their eyes wandered over them.

Twilight trotted around the right side of the table, still with the same, brisk movement. She took seat on her throne. There, she looked at them with a serious, but friendly, expression. “Feel free to sit down on the thrones of your big sisters. The map rarely calls us for a friendship mission these days.”

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle kept staring for a few more moments. Then they slowly began to aim for their sisters' thrones. Reverently, each of them approached the respective throne. Their eyes wide and their mouths gaping, they stroke with their hooves over the armrests. Finally, the three of them sat down hesitantly.

Twilight nodded. “Good. Now we can finally start.” A slight trace of impatience came through her otherwise collected voice. Using her magic, she shut the throne room door. Then she turned at a bulletin board that stood to her right, at the far end of the table. It was densely covered in sheets of paper and about a dozen photographs. Foals could be seen on them, each one staring at their flank with a bitter look on their face. The sheets had little notes stickied to them. “Rainbow Falls”, “Manehattan”, “Fillydelphia”, “Canterlot” and the names of the rest of the towns and cities in Equestria were written on them. Some of the sheets were connected with red threads.

Twilight came right to the point, turning her head away from the board and looking at the other three ponies with a serious face. “As you had to discover during your journey, all of our worries have been confirmed. Not only are the foals of Ponyville unable to get cutie marks, the same problem occurs in all of Equestria.”

“All foals who are ten or younger,” Sweetie Belle added.

Twilight nodded. “All foals who were born ten years ago, when Tirek, Chrysalis and Cozy Glow attacked Equestria.” Her voice was shaking for a split-second as she uttered the name of her failed friendship student. “Thousands of foals who have suddenly lost the ability to get a cutie mark.” Twilight leaned back in her throne.

The three former Cutie Mark Crusaders watched the movement without saying a word, their faces dark.

“And I suppose even you couldn't find any causes for this, during the entirety of your journey? Is there any conclusion you have come to?” Twilight's voice sounded slightly desperate. She looked at them expectantly.

All three of them closed their eyes and sighed, shaking their heads simultaneously. Apple Bloom looked at Twilight. “No. We tried everythin' to help them get cutie marks still, but it all failed. Nothin' else was out of the ordinary, either, not anywhere in Equestria.”

Her friends nodded to confirm her words.

Twilight got up from her throne, abruptly, and went over to the board. “Then what is the cause?” she asked, her eyes flitting over it. “I have done my own thoughts and analyses on the problem, every time a new letter of yours arrived..... But nothing I did was leading anywhere.” She frowned, eyes darting over the collected information faster and faster.

“With all of this happening everywhere in Equestria,” Scootaloo chimed in, “it has to be the work of a villain.....”

Twilight shook her head, still looking at the board. She turned around at Scootaloo. “No. Equestria is at peace for ten years now. There wasn't a single attack on the kingdom during this entire time..... For what reason would a villain wait so long without striking?”

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle stayed silent as the question lingered in the room. They stared at the princess, helplessly.

Twilight waited for a few seconds before she continued. “Even if Tirek had somehow gotten free again, we would have noticed it. You didn't meet any unicorns without magic, right? Or any ponies without cutie marks who aren't foals?”

Again, all three of them shook their heads.

“Then we have to rule out a villain.....” Twilight faced the board again, continuing to scrutinize it. “There must be an answer here somewhere,” she muttered.

“What about ex-villain?” Scootaloo's voice suddenly rang out while her thoughts raced.

Twilight's eyes widened. She turned around again, fast this time. “Ex-villain? The only one who could.....” Anger appeared on her face. “Discord!” she shouted.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle exchanged sceptical glances.

Nothing stirred. Twilight put her head back. “Discord! Come here this once!”

In a flash, the draconequus appeared above the map. “You called?” he asked, hovering above the map, reading in a book whose cover said “Cutie Marks”, with spectacles on his nose. “Rather rudely,” he added, without looking up from his book.

Twilight came closer and put her forehooves on the table. “I am only going to ask this once..... Are you responsible for it that foals can't get cutie marks anymore?”

“Me?” Discord looked up, startled. “Why would I do such a thing?!” He let the book disappear with an angry snap of his claws.

“Because we all know how much you still love it to cause chaos. With all the things you have done in the past, I am not putting a prank like this past you.” Her eyes drilled into Discord.

The draconequus did likewise. Small drills popped out of thin air mere inches away from Twilight's face. They pinwheeled menacingly. Discord spun around and crossed his arms. Suddenly, his face took on a surprised expression. He turned at Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

“My friends are back!” he spoke enthusiastically. “This calls for a party, don't you think?” He snapped his claws once more and dancing pinatas appeared on the table. “How did you miss me, your honorary Cutie Mark Crusader?” He leaned in close on them and wiggled his eyebrows.

The three of them broke out into laughter.

“Don't try to distract now.....” Twilight addressed him again before any of his friends could answer. “I want to have a clear answer. Did you do it or did you not?” She looked at him sternly.

The dancing pinatas and the drills disappeared. Discord turned around in a furious manner. “Why in all of Equestria would I ever do something like that, Twilight?! Do you really think I would go that far, after all these years of being an ally?!”

“Do you want me to answer that question?” Twilight was wearing a dry expression now.

Discord's face softened and he grinned mischievously. “I mean, of course I could do that, if I wanted,” he said, ignoring Twilight's question.

A snap by his claws let a little filly appear. He cradled her in his arms. The filly pouted at him angrily.

“I can do everything I want,” Discord clarified, lowering his eyelids while he looked down at the filly caringly. “But how could I ever be so cruel and make these cute, little buggers suffer by letting something that important to them disappear?” Using one of his claws, he gently scratched over the filly's belly. “I am not a villain anymore, Twilight,” he added more seriously then.

The expression of the filly looked like she had a different idea about this. “Let me go,” she demanded. “I am in the middle of a test at school!”

Discord frowned. “As you please..... The youth of today, no cutie marks and not the slightest bit appreciative of a good belly rub.” The filly stuck out her tongue and sputtered at him before she disappeared in a flash.

Twilight kept wordlessly glaring at Discord for a few seconds before she finally spoke again. “Fine..... But if it turns out you were lying, I will find a way to turn you back to stone, Discord.”

“Whatever,” Discord rolled his eyes. “Is there anything else you need me for?”

“You may leave,” Twilight groaned.

“Finally!” Without further hesitation, the draconequus disappeared again.

Twilight heaved a deep sigh. “One of these days.....” she muttered.

“So, what are we going to do, Twilight?” Sweetie Belle brought them back on the subject.

Twilight looked up. “We don't have a villain who is responsible. Scientists and doctors are clueless. None of the affected foals are sick in any way. And their magic is okay,” she summed up the situation. “We don't know why this happens. But whatever is causing it, it has to leave traces eventually. All we can do is keeping our eyes and ears open and to monitor Equestria in the best way possible, so we can act once the cause reveals itself.” She brought out a sheet of paper and a quill and began to jot down notes.

The next couple hours went by like a blur for them. Twilight was writing and all of them suggested ways to keep an eye on the situation. The princess paced back and forth between the table and the board while Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle helped forging a strategy. The board became occupied with detailed plans for the positioning of guards, the involvement of the Pillars of Equestria to aid in the effort and even for the help of Discord.

As all of it was done, it was way past noon. Twilight sank back into her throne. She closed her eyes and began to rub her temples with her forehooves, groaning. The aura around her horn disappeared.

“Is this all we can do, Twilight?” Apple Bloom inquired, looking at her. She didn't appear happy and neither did Scootaloo or Sweetie Belle.

Twilight took a few deep breaths. Then she opened her eyes and sat up. “I fear it is..... For now, all we can do is monitoring. If there is anything new, I'll let you know as the first ones.”

The three other mares nodded. Together, they got up from their thrones and made themselves ready to leave. But before they could reach the door or say their goodbyes, sounds were coming from outside. They heard hooves clopping over the crystal floor. A second later, the door sprung open and Flurry Heart entered the throne room. Their faces became weary.

“Aunt Twilight!” Flurry Heart shouted. “Aren't you coming? Rumble has lunch ready and it's already starting to get cold!” The face of the teenage princess was filled with worry.

Twilight gave her niece a smile. “We are on the way, Flurry. We just got done here.”

“We?” Apple Bloom asked, narrowing her eyes. The hostility returned into her face. Scootaloo shot her a warning glance.

“Yes,” Twilight spoke, matter-of-factly. “I was thinking you should stay for lunch before you leave the castle. Coming up with this plan and discussing everything was hard on all of us, you deserve a good meal now.” She looked at them invitingly.

Her suggestion was met with three very deep frowns. “I think–“ Scootaloo began, but then she got interrupted, their stomachs starting to grumble. They looked down and scrunched their faces.

“Should we stay and eat here?” Scootaloo looked at her friends, unhappily. “It's going to be a long trot to Sweet Apple Acres.”

“No,” Apple Bloom said. “Ah rather eat with ma family.” She shot Flurry Heart a deadly glare.

“I wouldn't mind.....” Sweetie Belle confessed, glancing shyly at Apple Bloom.

“And at least Rumble is a really good cook. That should make it worthwhile to eat together, I guess.” Scootaloo shrugged her shoulders.

“Without me then.....” Apple Bloom announced. “Ahm gettin' out of 'ere.” She left the side of her friends.

Flurry Heart approached Apple Bloom again, unexpectedly solving the problem of their disagreement. “But you can't leave!” she shouted. “We haven't seen each other for so long!” She grabbed one of Apple Bloom's hooves, like she did earlier.

Apple Bloom removed it from Flurry Heart's grasp before the teenager could pull her with her again. “What in the name of Celestia is wrong with you?!” She brought her face close to Flurry's.

Flurry Heart responded with a smile, not appearing the slighest bit intimidated. She zipped around Apple Bloom. “Come on, please join!” Despite her plea, Flurry Heart began to push Apple Bloom with her head now, not awaiting an answer. As Apple Bloom attempted to get away, Flurry Heart ignited her horn and wrapped Apple Bloom into a blue aura. “We're going to have so much fun, I promise!” She hovered her helpless captive out of the throne room, wearing an eager grin.

Scootaloo looked after them. “I think if I survive this lunch, I'll have to eat two whole trays of muffins at Derpy's house.”

Wordlessly and with a flat flace, Sweetie Belle nodded her agreement. The two mares hung their heads, sighing, then followed Flurry Heart. Twilight left the throne room as the last one. The princess of friendship wore a grin as she shut the door.
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Twilight sat in the dining room of her castle at one end of the long, crystal dining table. To her left, Flurry Heart bit with delight into a hayburger that she kept hovering in front of her. She wore a content smile.

To Twilight's right, Rumble was sitting. The grey pegasus stallion had a plate full of pasta with tomato sauce in front of him, at which he ate away with great appetite. A white chef's hat was still sitting on his head.

Twilight dipped a spoon into a bowl of soup.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle sat at the other end. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle concentrated on their meal, a greenish vegetable stew. Only Apple Bloom couldn't stop herself from glaring at Flurry Heart while she shoved one spoon of stew after another into her mouth.

Next to Twilight, Flurry Heart put down her hayburger and popped some fries into her mouth. Her eyes aimed for the three mares opposite of her. She swallowed and then started talking to them.

“So, how's it going for you these days?” she started the conversation.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked at her, then over at Twilight. The princess nodded, wearing a special kind of smile in her face that looked like it would not accept any resistance. They redirected their glances at Flurry Heart.

“We're doing fine,” Scootaloo answered quickly.

“What Scootaloo said,” Sweetie Belle merely confirmed the statement.

Apple Bloom said nothing.

“What were you doing for the last three years? Auntie mentioned it was something important,” Flurry Heart continued.

“Lost our jobs,” Sweetie Belle said between two spoonfuls of stew.

“No cutie marks anymore,” Scootaloo added.

“Oh..... I'm sorry.” Flurry Heart's ears drooped.

There was no response coming from the other side of the table.

But in Flurry Heart's face, a sudden, optimistic expression appeared. She looked enlightened. Flurry cleared her throat. Her horn ignited and she hovered three wrapped gifts out from under the table. One was red, the other purple and the third one was white. All three of the packages were tied with pink ribbons.

“I..... got something for you while I was in town. Some gifts for you.” She let them float over to them, placing the red one at Apple Bloom's side, the purple one at Scootaloo's side and the white one at Sweetie Belle's side.

All three of them stopped chewing at once. They looked at Flurry Heart from sceptical faces. Apple Bloom was the first one to react. She put her spoon down into the bowl with force and thrust at the package with both hooves. Before she could touch the it, though, it shimmered green around the edges and got carried away from her.

Sweetie Belle hovered the package at her side and placed it on top of her own. Then she did the same with Scootaloo's package. “Thank you,” Sweetie Belle said taut.

“You're welcome!” Flurry Heart flashed them a cute smile. Then the smile faltered again and her face expressed uncertainty. “But, uh, you're not going to open them?”

“We'll open them later, at the party,” Scootaloo said, only giving the young princess a short glance.

“Oh, a party?” Flurry's face brightened. “What party? Can I come to?”

“Sorry, no. Invite-only.” Sweetie Belle was the one talking again this time.

“Oh..... Okay. But.....” Flurry Heart gulped a little. “I was wondering, would you like to come to the Crystal Empire with me and become my personal guards?” Now her smile had become shy.

Once more, the three interrupted their eating. This time, their faces were downright deprecatory. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle continued to chew what was in their mouths very slowly.

“WHAT IN TARNATION?!” Apple Bloom exploded at their side.

The filly twitched a little and Twilight looked up.

Apple Bloom pointed a hoof at Flurry Heart, sharply. “How can ya seriously believe that we would want to become the guards of such a–” Her mouth got suddenly blocked by a spoon full of stew that was being shoved into it with green magic.

“What Apple Bloom meant to say was, why do you want us of all ponies as your guards?” Sweetie Belle addressed the offer, more diplomatically.

Flurry Heart fidgeted around. “Well.....” She gave a glance at the guard that stood at the side of the table not far from her, with narrowed eyes. “My parents demand that I have a guard following me around..... but there's nothing a filly like me can do with such a boring, old stallion,” she sneered. The guard shot her a glare in response. “Plus, he hates me.”

“Well, likely story, we ha–” Another spoon got shoved into Apple Bloom's mouth.

“Just continue,” Sweetie Belle said, carefully looking over at Twilight.

“And since I just heard that you have no jobs anymore, I was thinking that maybe you could become my new guards.” Flurry Heart stopped for a moment. She took a deep breath. “You know, because we share a past with each other, so I thought having you as my guards would be better, since I already know you and everything.....” She mustered up another cute smile.

Sweetie Belle put her spoon down. She didn't respond, instead, looked at her friends.

Their faces showed the same, unrelenting expression.

Sweetie Belle got up from her chair. “Sorry, but we have obligations here in Ponyville, so we have to decline your offer.”

To her left and right, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo left their chairs, as well.

“Oh..... W-What obligations?” Flurry Heart asked. Her smile lost a bit of its energy.

“That's private,” Scootaloo said.

“Oh..... Will you think about my offer?” Flurry Heart started another attempt. Her smile was almost gone.

“Maybe,” Sweetie Belle answered. She wrapped the gifts into her magic and floated them alongside her as she trotted at the side of the table towards the exit of the dining room. “But now we have to leave. We don't wanna be late to the party.”

None of the three gave Flurry Heart as much as a glance as they went past her. They only looked at Twilight. “Bye, Twilight!” they shouted at the same time.

Twilight answered their looks. “Bye, you three. I'll still be in Ponyville for a few days until my vacation is over. If you need anything, come by at any time!”

“Okay!” they shouted back into the room, then the door fell shut behind them.

Eyes looking down in sadness and her cheeks pouting, Flurry Heart grabbed the hayburger with her hooves and bit into it weakly.

Twilight looked away from the door and at Flurry Heart. She sighed. “Maybe next time.” She set up a reassuring smile and patted the head of the younger princess.
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Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked morosely at a stack of muffins in front of them. None of them was attempting to eat one. They appeared to be deeply sunken in thoughts.

At their side was Derpy. She looked down on the table plate in sadness. “So, this is what worries you..... That's a dilemma.”

“And the worst thing isn't deciding if we should take that offer, the worst thing is that we're actually thinking about taking it.....” Scootaloo lamented.

Derpy looked up. “Really?”

“Um-hm,” Sweetie Belle confirmed. “Apple Bloom can work on the farm of her family, but there's nothing for me and Scootaloo to do here in Ponyville. If we were her guards, we would have a job again.....”

“Surprisingly, even Apple Bloom agreed,” Scootaloo kept explaining.

The earth pony mare turned away with a stubborn look on her face.

“If only because she wants that we stay together. But we aren't sure how to handle this..... Flurry Heart, she.....” Scootaloo trailed off without finishing.

Derpy reached for the muffin pile. She placed one muffin in front of each of her guests. Then she took another one for herself. “My first muffin didn't look like this,” she spoke slowly. “But I learned and got better at it with time.”

The three of them sat up and looked at the pegasus, puzzled.

“Try it with a little patience,” Derpy advised them. “Nopony is perfect.”

“Are you sure?” Scootaloo asked her.

“Um-hm.” Derpy reassured them. She smiled.

The three looked at their muffins. After a moment, they took them and bit into them.

“Maybe we can try it for a while.....” Scootaloo voiced their thoughts.
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The sun was descending as Sweetie Belle knocked on the gate of Twilight's castle, with Scootaloo at her side. Apple Bloom stayed farther behind them.

The gate opened and Flurry Heart poked her head out. Her face was puzzled and surprised, but only for a moment, then it changed to expectant joy in a heartbeat. “Have you thought about it?” she asked, brimming from excitement.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked at each other. Sweetie Belle looked back at her. “Does your guard offer still exist?” she asked her in a similar taut tone as she did in the dining room a few hours ago.

“Of course it does!” it blurted out of Flurry Heart. She crushed the two of them with a hug. “Also.....” she said, letting go of them again. “You forgot these in front of the gate when you left!” The gifts appeared behind her and she placed them on the stairs in front of them with a sheepish grin.

Their faces turned tired. “I hope this was the right decision,” Scootaloo whispered at Sweetie Belle.

Episode 03: Three Mares and a Princess

The train to the Crystal Empire rode fast on its tracks, drifts of snow and sharp winds accompanying it. Inside one window, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle could be seen, staring outside at the landscapes that rushed past them.

A morose, unhappy atmosphere permeated the wagon they sat in. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were sitting next to each other on the same seat, the latter leaning towards the window with a grumpy expression, head propped up on one hoof. Sweetie Belle sat opposite of Apple Bloom.

The door of the wagon that was a few seats away from them opened and in came Flurry Heart, a smile on her face. She trotted past the seats and the other passengers, who paid her no attention and looked outside the window or were engaged in conversation. On her back, she carried four sandwiches and four small paper cups with a straw poking out at the top. Her guard trotted behind her with a stoic, bored expression.

Arrived at the trio of mares, Flurry Heart levitated the sandwiches and drinks off her back and sat down next to Sweetie Belle, while her guard moved to the free seats at the opposite window.

“I bought sandwiches and soda for you!” her voice shrieked with excitement as she let them float onto their laps.

Apple Bloom responded with a grunt and Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked down at the food with a doubtful, hesitant expression.

“I thought all of you have to be hungry because of the long trainride!” Flurry Heart further explained. She levitated her own sandwich to her mouth and bit into it, starting to chew with a satisfied, happy expression, eyes closed.

“Guess it can't hurt to eat a little before we arrive.....” Scootaloo spoke, sounding slightly annoyed, then picked up her sandwich with her remaining wing and started chewing. Sweetie Belle followed her example a second later.

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Flurry Heart ate in silence, while Apple Bloom kept staring out the window, not touching her own food. After a couple bites from her sandwich, Flurry Heart interrupted the silence.

“I'm so happy you accepted to become my guards! I already know where in the castle we can make your guard quarters, you're going to love your new rooms!” The young princess squeed, another grin flashing up on her face.

Sweetie Belle stopped eating and turned around at her. “You already planned that?” Her face looked a little shocked. A more than audible huff came from Apple Bloom.

“I did!” Flurry Heart confirmed, her voice sounding prideful.

Scootaloo looked up now. “But what about your parents? We can't decide this alone, we have to convince them of becoming your guards. They need to agree first,” she explained.

“Oh, don't worry about this!” Flurry Heart shouted. The suitcase in the compartment above her head clicked and opened, engulfed by yellow magic, and three sheets of paper came flying out. As Flurry Heart levitated the paper in front of their faces, crude drawings became visible.

“Once they see the guard armors I designed for you, they will agree!” She placed her hooves between her hindlegs and looked around betweem the expectantly, still grinning the entire time.

“Well, I guess drawing isn't Flurry Heart's special talent,” Sweetie spoke flatly. She glanced at Flurry Heart's bare flank.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle hung their heads and heaved a deep sigh. At the window, Apple Bloom gritted her teeth, angrily.

Not far away in the distance, the green oasis of the Crystal Empire came into view.
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On the main street of the Crystal Empire, the group of five ponies approached the castle. Flurry Heart was cantering merrily at the top of the group. Smiling in anticipation and her eyes fixated on the crystal castle, she skipped from one hoof onto another.

Behind Flurry, her guard trotted stoically, carrying all of their luggage on his back. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked at the castle with unhappiness and dread in their faces, unable to share Flurry's sentiment.

Apple Bloom turned at her friends. “Ya really wanna stay with that pesterin', winghorned princess catastrophe and be on her tail the entire day?” She did not care about the volume of her voice. Disgust appeared on her face.

Flurry Heart's tempo decreased a little, but the happy look she radiated from her eyes remained. Her guard did not react.

“Maybe Shining Armor and Cadance will say no to the idea,” Sweetie Belle suggested, without looking away from the castle nor changing her expression.

Scootaloo nodded absently.

Apple Bloom huffed her discontent with the situation and looked away again. Her eyes drilled into the princess in front of her. Just in this moment, Flurry Heart turned around. They had arrived under the castle now, the crystal heart spinning at Flurry Heart's side.

“We are here!” the teenage princess shouted. She reared up on her hindlegs for a moment, forehooves flinging through the air in an exuberant, energetic fashion. “Now I'll lead you inside and then we will convince my parents in no time!”

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle flinched back a little, the latter upholding her glares, and gritted their teeth.

Flurry Heart smiled at them, confidently and wide-eyed, her curly tail wrapped gently around her left hindleg.
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“No!” Shining Armor spoke sternly.

The grin in Flurry Heart's face vanished. Her lips forming a frown and her ears dropping, she hung her head and looked at the purple carpet of the throne room. At her left side, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle smiled.

“I agree with Shining,” Cadance spoke next to her husband, in a contrasting, soft voice. She wore a look of concern on her face. “We know that you have reasons to hold a grudge against Flurry Heart and it probably would not end well if you became her guards.” The expression in her eyes turned from benevolent to strict.

“Plus–” Shining Armor made a step forward, “– Flurry Heart already has a very capable guard. She doesn't need a new one.” He looked down and gave the guard of his daughter a nod of stern approval.

The guard remained silent, stoically looking in front of him.

“But.....” Flurry Heart's eyes became wet as she kept looking down. “I want them to be my guards.....”

Shining Armor came down the stairs of the crystal throne and trotted to his daughter. He lifted a hoof and raised her chin with it, making Flurry Heart look at him. Shining Armor's eyes remained stern, but a warmth radiated from them now as he looked at his daughter intensely. “I understand why you want that they become your guards, Flurry. But they aren't the right ponies for the job. You need guards who aren't biased. How else would a guard be able to protect you?”

Flurry Heart looked at him pleadingly from big, wet eyes. “But.....” she uttered again.

To her left, Sweetie Belle cleared her throat, making Shining Armor look over to her. Flurry Heart turned her head, a bit of hope glimmering in her eyes.

Sweetie Belle put her hoof back on the floor. “May I answer that question?” She stepped forward and at Shining Armor's side, his and Flurry Heart's eyes following her movements, then turned to look at him. “What happened between us and Flurry Heart was a long time ago. And we can't forgive her, because we have suffered too much from what she did.”

The glimmer of hope in Flurry's eyes vaporized and she looked away from Sweetie Belle, staring down once more. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo nodded grimly.

Shining Armor put his hoof away from this daughter's chin and turned around to face Sweetie Belle, a keen expression on his face.

Sweetie Belle continued. “But even though all three of us hate her, we now have a good reason to be around her anyway.” Her eyelids lowered a little in sadness. “It is hard not having a purpose in life, when all you do is existing from day to day without being able to contribute anything meaningful. Becoming Flurry Heart's personal guards would give us such a meaning again and it is because of this,–“ She paused again, closing her eyes and placing her right hoof on her chest, “– that we are able to prevent our emotions from affecting the correct execution of our duties with guarding your daughter.”

To her left, the eyes of Apple Bloom and Scootaloo grew in size and their mouths gaped open. “Ya can talk like this?” Apple Bloom sputtered in surprise, even momentarily forgetting her anger about Flurry Heart.

Sweetie Belle gave her a wink, before she turned at Shining Armor again.

The captain of the Crystal Empire guards stayed silent for a moment, his eyes probing Sweetie Belle's face for a sign of dishonesty. Sweetie Belle did not falter and gave him a look of flawless conviction.

Shining Armor flashed a look at Apple Bloom, then addressed Sweetie Belle's vow. His face lost any softness and returned to the stern expression from earlier. “That sounds impressive, but I can't trust you that everything would go over well. I noticed the way Apple Bloom looks at Flurry Heart and I can tell that she isn't able to keep herself in check.”

The determination in Sweetie Belle's face slightly faded. She looked over at Apple Bloom, then at Scootaloo. The pegasus mare nodded. Sweetie Belle refocused her attention on Shining Armor. “Scootaloo and I will keep her in check. She won't hurt Flurry Heart.”

Shining Armor's face remained hard like a rock. “That's nice,” he spoke, not sounding the least bit convinced. “But as Flurry Heart's guards, all three of you must be able to work at your full potential to protect our daughter. Apple Bloom's emotions would distract her from her guard duties.” He looked at the earth pony mare again before he continued. “Maybe Cadance and I can agree if Apple Bloom returns to Ponyville and only Scootaloo and you will work here as Flurry Heart's guards.”

Now Sweetie Belle's face became hard. “That won't be possible. It's either all three of us or none of us.”

“Then I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do for you if you don't agree to this compromise,” he rejected Sweetie Belle. The mare kept her hard expression, but there was some insecurity in her eyes now.

“Don't worry about me, Sweetie Belle,” Apple Bloom interferred. Shining Armor and Sweetie Belle looked away from each other and over to Apple Bloom. Flurry Heart looked up, as well, giving the earth pony mare a shy, careful glance.

Apple Bloom was wearing an expression somewhere between empathy and sadness. “Ya and Scootaloo jus' take the position. There's plenty for me to do on Sweet Apple Acres and Shining Armor is right. Ah'd rather help ma family than guardin' that f–”

Both Shining Armor and Cadance gave Apple Bloom a warning glance. Apple Bloom lifted her left hoof and gave a little cough into it. Sweat appeared on her forehead. “–filly.” Then she turned around to leave. She looked back over her shoulder. “Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, take the job. Ya need it more than me and there's no point in ya sittin' around in Ponyville and doin' nothin'.” She turned her head around again and began slowly trotting towards the huge gate of the throne room, ears flat and head lowered.

Flurry Heart watched her and pure despair appeared on her face all of a sudden. Her head shot up. “No!” she shouted. She looked at her parents pleadingly, first at Shining Armor, than at Cadance. “I need all of three of them as my guards!”

Apple Bloom stopped in her tracks and turned around rapidly. “What are ya needin' us for?!” Suspicion and newfound rage were on her face. She came stomping towards Flurry Heart.

Alarmed, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle hurried over to their friend, blocking her path.

Flurry Heart ignored Apple Bloom. She raced up the stairs of the throne. “Mom!” her high voice whined through the throne room. Arrived at the top, she grabbed one of her mother's hooves and squeezed it tightly. “Please!” She gazed at Cadance with a heartwarming display of adorable puppy dog eyes. Some tears were collecting in them.

Cadance's face softened. She looked down at her daughter, then at Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, who were busy preventing Apple Bloom from going further. She watched them in silence for a few moments. Then she spoke to them. “Would you three go through a test to prove yourself?”

The struggling below her stopped and all three mares looked up at her in surprise.

Shining Armor looked his wife, doubt in his face. “Are you sure about this, Cadance?”

Cadance met his eyes and nodded. “The least thing we can do is let them try, Shining Armor.” Below her face, Flurry Heart started to beam and her eyes began to sparkle. She squeezed her mom's hoof stronger.

“Maybe,” Shining Armor responded, not quite agreeing. “But what could they do?”

Cadance smiled. “I was thinking they could try to solve our little problem for us.”
Shining Armor appeared a little shocked. “This problem?” he asked.

Cadance nodded. She looked down at Flurry Heart and stroke her mane. “Flurry Heart needs guards who are patient and have tact and who can work under stress and pressure. And who can put their hooves down if it is necessary.”

“No doubt the last requirement on this list is fulfilled,” Shining Armor spoke, taking a glance at Apple Bloom's still slightly hostile face.

“Um-hm. And solving the problem we have right now is perfect for the rest of them. I already thought it through.” She stopped caressing her daughter's mane and looked at her husband again.

Shining Armor still didn't look convinced. “But what if they fail, Cadance? You know that a lot is on the line. We should send somepony who is more skilled at those things.”

Uncertainty appeared in Cadance's face and a frown built on her forehead. “That's right..... We only have one chance to succeed, otherwise.....” Sunken in thoughts, she trailed off, her eyes becoming distant.

“I will help!” Flurry Heart suddenly piped up. “Let them try it, if they fail, I will use all of the bits that I saved and pay for everything myself!” She looked even more pleadingly at her mother.

Cadance's face cleared up. She looked down at Flurry, surprise adorning her face. “You would sacrifice all of your savings if they fail their test? Is it that important to you, Flurry Heart?”

“Um-hm.” Flurry Heart nodded. Then her eyes turned sad and she lowered her head. “I have only one chance, too,” she whispered in a low volume.

Cadance gave her daughter a warm smile. She gently brushed a hoof over her mane and left ear. Cadance looked at Shining Armor. He was smiling, as well, now. Shining Armor nodded at his wife, then turned around at Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle stepped away from Apple Bloom and stood to attention.

“Okay, here is what you need to do.....” Shining Armor began.
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Several streets away from the castle, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were heading towards a new destination. Flurry Heart was not with them. Their faces were happier than before, only Apple Bloom wore a grouchy expression. After a few seconds, Sweetie Belle began to speak.

“I think we're almost there.” Sweetie Belle hovered a slip of paper in front of her face. “Two cross streets behind the stadium. A big, green house that stands taller than those around it,” she read out loud. “A house that big should be easy to find.” She looked up and hovered the paper away.

Scootaloo smiled. “Yeah and the test doesn't sound too hard, either! What do you think, Apple Bloom?” She looked ahead at her friend.

The only answer from Apple Bloom came in the form of a disgruntled mumbling.

Taken aback, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked at each other. Scootaloo scrunched her face. A few seconds of silence followed before she continued to speak.

“We only need to convince a pegasus of changing their mind about not participating in the charity flight race that happens to collect funds for the Crystal Empire Orphanage. This should be easy!” An optimistic smile graced her face.

Sweetie Belle glanced at her, doubtfully. “A race that happens in only two hours,” she added. “And we don't even know why this pegasus doesn't want to participate in the race anymore. All we know is that they suddenly said they aren't interested in flight races anymore and would rather try out something new from now on. And isn't it odd that Shining Armor and Cadance didn't tell us who it is? They only said we will find out when we're there.”

Scootaloo wrinkled her forehead. “Yeah, it is. But I'm not worried. If you can talk to the pegasus as convincingly as you did to Shining Armor and Cadance in the castle, they will agree to participate in the race in ten seconds flat!” Her face became determined now.

“I hope you're right.....” Sweetie Belle looked ahead of them. “There it is,” she pointed into the direction they were heading, at a large house carved out from a green crystal. “I hope this will be as easy as you said, Scootaloo.” Sweetie Belle eyed the house with a nervous expression.

“I'm sure it will be! Come on, let's get there and talk to the pony and in a few minutes, we can return to the castle!” Scootaloo reassured her and galloped ahead.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked after her with sobering glances before they increased their tempo to catch up.

Arrived at the house, Scootaloo rushed up the stairs. She had barely stopped as she already lifted her hoof and eagerly knocked on the door twice. A second later, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle emerged behind her. Scootaloo looked back at them. “This is going to be nothing, don't worry. Convincing a racer to keep racing will be fun!”

In front of Scootaloo, the door got unlocked. She smiled and turned her head around again to face it. The door got pulled open from the other side. Scootaloo's smile increased, then suddenly dropped sharply and was replaced with a dumbfounded look, before in evolved into a hostile frown. “You?!”

Behind her, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle gasped.

In front of them, in the frame of the opened door, stood Lightning Dust. Her amber mane was unkempt, the feathers of her wings ruffled and there were bags under her eyes. “Yeah? What's the matter?” she asked, a clear annoyance in her voice.

Scootaloo's pupils had become shrunken to the size of tiny pinheads. She opened and closed her mouth a few times, but no words came out. Eventually, she merely gritted her teeth while her face became twisted by more and more anger.

Lightning Dust seemed oblivious to her identity. Only now that the hostility of the mare opposite of her increased, her face became clear with realization. All of a sudden, Lightning Dust looked more awake. She flashed Scootaloo a grin and smirked. “Ex-Washout,” she spoke. “Wouldn't have expected to meet you again.”

“Same here,” Scootaloo snarled. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were speechless.

Instead of making a hostile remark, Lightning Dust stepped further inside and held out a hoof in an inviting manner. “Come inside!”

Scootaloo eyed her with suspicion for a few seconds. Then she hesitantly followed the invitation, without taking her eyes off the other mare. Trotting past Lightning Dust, she didn't take her hoof and instead slapped it away. Finally, Lightning Dust's expression changed and she glared at Scootaloo. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle gave Lightning Dust frowns as they followed their friend.

Lightning Dust closed the door, then turned and caught up with them. “Living room's to the right, the door next to the stairs,” she told them, her voice having become noticeably sour.

Wordlessly, Scootaloo stepped into the living room, her friends trailing closely behind. The walls of the room were richly decorated. Opposite of the door, their eyes wandered over framed pictures, each of them showing Lightning Dust. One of them showed her in a rookie uniform at Wonderbolts Academy next to a number of other recruits, on another one she was seen standing at the side of Rainbow Dash, in the same uniform. Other pictures showed her posing in a Washouts uniform with her teammates Short Fuse and Rolling Thunder or flying next to a colt with a cerulean coat and a short and spiky, sea green mane. Lightning Dust looked younger on this picture.

Aside from the pictures, the entire room was decked out in Washouts memorabilia; posters, flags, stickers and also a Washouts uniform that had been tacked to the wall. Only in one corner of the living room, a Wonderbolts poster was hanging. It looked worn and old, with scratches all over it and the corners of it ripped.

Scootaloo grimaced as her eyes went over everything.

Lightning Dust stepped into the room behind them, eyeing Scootaloo sternly. “Let's get to the point,” she spoke, now sounding impatient. Silently, she offered them a group of black chairs made of faux leather that were grouped around a small table, by pointing a hoof at them. The table was cluttered; papers with hastily written lines on them, books about a variety of subjects, tools and small papercraft figures were spread out over it.

The four mares sat down, spreading themselves around the table. “Ignore the mess,” Lightning Dust said, waving a hoof over the table. “I am busy figuring out a few things right now.” She gave each of them a glance. “So, why are you here?”

Sweetie Belle sought eye contact with Lightning Dust. “Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor sent us here,” she began.

“Yeah?” Lightning Dust adressed the explanation, in a gruff manner. “It's about the flight race, isn't it? Should have guessed they will send somepony to me. If you are here to convince me to fly again, then you can grab your tails and leave. This mare doesn't fly anymore.” Lightning Dust leaned back in her chair with a smug expression, placing her forehooves behind her head. Her eyes looked distant and empty, though, which betrayed her display of confidence.

“And why is that?” Sweetie Belle asked, making her voice sound caring.

“Not your business.” Lightning Dust closed her eyes and shrugged her shoulders, dismissively.

Scootaloo looked to the left, casting her eyes over the wall decorations again. Then she stared Lightning Dust straight into the face, now wearing a smug expression of her own. “Because she failed it all and now flying gives her nightmares.”

Instantly, Lightning Dust's eyes shot open. She glared at Scootaloo with a deep hatred.

Scootaloo's expression remained. “Isn't it right? All the stuff on the walls makes it obvious, if you ask me. Well, that, and the fact you're hiding here in the Crystal Empire like a butterfly that developed backwards into a grub.”

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom gave Scootaloo looks of concern. “Scoots? Ya think it really is a good idea to provoke her? She ain't gonna be convinced if ya try it like that.” Apple Bloom tried to stop her.

Scootaloo only flashed her a short look, then focused her attention on the outraged face of Lightning Dust. “I guess things didn't quite go up for you after you tried to play me off against Rainbow Dash. Right?”

Now Lightning Dust's lips curled into a mocking smile. “Like you never managed to go up. Must be tough flying with only one wing left.”

Scootaloo shrugged. “I don't miss it, my wings have always been useless for flying.” She grinned at Lightning Dust. “But I at least always kept flying in my mind. Unlike you. It's better to be a grounded pegasus with a reputation, than a fallen Wonderbolts recruit.”

Lightning Dust's eyes turned to slits and she bit her bottom lip. Her forehooves started trembling, but she remained silent.

Scootaloo got up from her chair and aimed for the picture on the wall that showed Lightning Dust with the colt. “I wonder what Sky Stinger would say if he knew you're hiding in here, grub. He's your younger brother, right? Rainbow Dash told me about him. I heard he's a high-ranking member of the Wonderbolts now. Sucks that you never managed what Sky Stinger could do.”

In a rapid movement, Lightning Dust stood up and knocked over the table. Books and the rest of the items on it whirled through the air and the table smashed with a bang against a cabinet. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle flinched in their chairs.

With two quick steps, Lightning Dust was at Scootaloo's side. She grabbed her and turned her around with force, then pressed her face into hers. “Never say his name again.”

Scootaloo did not flinch. She smiled. “I know what he would say: 'Dust, I'm ashamed. You didn't manage to get into the Wonderbolts and you ruined your own flight team, too. And now you have given up and sit here in a puddle of self-pity. Weak, little grub.' That's what he would say, isn't it?” She shoved Lightning Dust, who was frozen in place, away from her and slipped out of the other pegasus' grasp.

Scootaloo trotted across the room, towards the exit. Her eyes were resting on Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. “He would be so disappointed to hear that his big sister is giving up like that. But that's not even the worst thing..... I can't imagine how disappointed you must be of yourself for being a quitter like this.”

Scootaloo waved Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle over. They looked at her in confusion, but got up and followed her outside when she left the living room. In the foyer of the crystal house, a shout by Lightning Dust rang into their ears. Her voice sounded cracked. “I'm going to be better than him!”

Outside, Sweetie Belle voiced her confusion. “What was that all about, Scootaloo?” she questioned her behavior in Lightning Dust's house.

Scootaloo gazed at her, not looking any less confused. “I'm not really sure, Sweetie..... But I think it worked.”

“Ya think she'll fly again now?” Apple Bloom came closer.

Scootaloo nodded. “Yeah. You heard what she shouted after us.”

Their faces remained confused as they headed back to the castle.
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Back inside the castle, the successful trio marched through the gates into the throne room. A victorious look adorned their faces. Only's Apple Bloom's expression was, as usual, tarnished by a hateful glare as her eyes fell on Flurry Heart. Scootaloo gave her a subtle push with one hoof and Apple Bloom hid her feelings the best she could. They stepped in front of the crystal throne.

Shining Armor stood next to the throne, on which his wife still sat. Flurry Heart flanked the throne at the other side. Shining Armor and Cadance were visibly surprised to see them, while Flurry Heart gazed down at them full of excitement, eyes glowing.

“You are back already?” Shining Armor asked, voice ripe with surprise, but also distrust. “How did it go?”

“She's back in the game,” Scootaloo said, simply. She looked a little smug.

Shining Armor and Cadance exchanged a look. “You have been gone for barely an hour,” Shining Armor spoke, looking at them again. “Don't be surprised if we have a bit of trouble to believe you that it worked so quickly.”

Flurry Heart raced down the stairs and took up position in front of the three of them. Her eyes gleamed with happiness as she looked over them. “I knew you would pass the test!” She turned around on her hooves, facing her parents. “Now you have to hire them as my guards!”

Another look got exchanged by Shining Armor and Cadance, before they addressed their daughter. Cadance spoke first. “If Lightning Dust flies in the race today, then we will give them a chance, Flurry.”

“But we will verify this first. It happened all a little fast.” Shining Armor gave his daughter a stricter expression than this wife. He switched his focus to Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. “For now, you can stay. Flurry Heart wants to watch the race today and we allow you to attend it together with her. Flurry's current guard will join you and he will report to us how it went.”

Cadance picked up where her husband left off. “And if you said the truth and everything went well at the stadium, we are willing to let you try. Do you agree with this?”

The three mares nodded, silently.

Cadance smiled. “Then this is settled. The stadium will fill with ponies soon. You and Flurry Heart should get ready to get good seats.”

Flurry Heart squealed. “Oh, I'm so, so happy!” The princess gave each of them a crushing hug, making them gasp for air. She stepped in front of them again. “Now that you are my guards, we are going to have the best time ever and I will do everything for you!”
Sweetie Belle set up a diplomatic smile. “We aren't your guards yet, Flurry Heart,” she explained.

Flurry Heart did not respond, she only stared at them with a wide grin. After a few seconds, she paced around them and began galloping out of the throne room.

“Follow me! We have a flight race to watch! The popcorn is on me!” they heard her overly excited voice shout back at them from the corridor behind the gate.
They facehoofed and shook their heads, collectively, before they set themselves into motion to follow Flurry Heart.

Episode 04: Bread and Calamities

A long line was in front of the Crystal Empire stadium. Ponies, crystal ponies, griffons and hippogriffs chatted and waited to get inside and secure themselves a good seat with a nice view. Near the end of the line and close to the entrance of the stadium, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle stood, wearing rather annoyed looks. Flurry Heart's guard stood in front of them, stoic as always, and Flurry Heart was in the line right before him. The princess was wearing a large, pale green hat, that was big enough to slightly bend over in the middle and was accentuated with indigo stripes in two different shades. Her face was painted pale green, as well, and around her neck hung a scarf of the same color. The ends of the scarf had indigo-colored fringes and were adorned with an indigo stripe and, right above it, a pale green ocean wave inside an indigo circle. On her back, Flurry was carrying large, brown saddlebags. A pale green foam hand with black outlines was sticking out of the right one.

Flurry Heart was looking ahead of her with a nervous, anxious expression. She bit her bottom lip slightly. Taking a small step to the left, just enough not to leave the line, Flurry Heart peered at the entrance of the stadium. Ten ponies waited before her, the one at the top entering the stadium in that moment. Flurry Heart stepped back in line. She did a nervous glance past her guard and at Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

“Gee, why is she so nervous?” Scootaloo asked, lowering her eyelids.

“Heck if ah care!” Apple Bloom blurted from behind her, her face turning angry.

“If painting her face hadn't taken that long, we would have been here even earlier,” Sweetie Belle determined.

Flurry Heart tripped with her hooves on the ground, her face more strained than before. She looked behind her a second time, then back to the front. Suddenly, her facial expression drastically changed. She gave the pony in front of her, a mare with a grey coat that looked almost silver and with a magenta mane and tail, who wore a short, wine-red lady's jacket and a small hat of the same color, a serious look. Flurry quietly ignited her horn. The mare's hat was engulfed by Flurry's yellow aura, then got immediately flung from her head.

The mare looked sharply to the left, her mouth opened for a shocked gasp. “My hat, no!” she screeched and ran after it.

Flurry Heart grinned and zipped forward onto the spot where the mare had stood a moment ago.

Next to the line, the mare grabbed her hat from the ground and put it back on with a frown. She looked back at the line and gasped again, then her face immediately turned angry and sour. She stomped over to Flurry Heart, eyes narrowed. “What are you doing on my place?!” she sneered.

Flurry Heart turned her head around at the mare, wearing a haughty expression. “Your place?” she asked. “I stood here the entire time.”

The glare of the mare became more hateful. “Stop lying, you royal brat! You know that I was standing here before my hat got blown away by the wind! Go back to your place!”

Flurry Heart opened her mouth and eyes wide. “You call me a liar?” she spoke. “How can you dare?! You were behind me!” Flurry Heart started glaring herself now. “You are trying to steal my place in the line, lady, go back to your own!”

The mare's pupils shrunk and she began stammering at this blunt display of cheating. “B-But..... Y-You.....” Dumbstruck, she teetered behind Flurry Heart. For a second, she just stared at the princess in disbelief, but then turned around at Flurry Heart's guard.

The crystal guard looked to the right, seemingly staring at something. Sweat trailed down his forehead.

Her face turned angry again. “Hey, why aren't you telling the princess you're guarding that she should give me back my place in the line?” the mare bluffed at him.

The guard turned around and looked at her. “Sorry ma'am, I haven't seen anything.”

The mouth of the mare fell open.

Scootaloo lowered her eyes in a sobering fashion, looking at the guard. “Seriously?”

Sweetie Belle wore a similar expression. “I think I can't blame him, Scootaloo.” She looked past the guard and the mare at Flurry Heart, who used her magic to pull at the mane of a brown stallion, her tongue cheekily sticking out of her mouth.

The stallion looked to the side for a moment and Flurry Heart zipped past him quickly and pushed him back.

Instantly, the stallion looked at Flurry Heart, flashing her an angry look. “HEY!” he shouted.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo closed their eyes and heaved a deep sigh.
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Inside the Crystal Stadium, Flurry Heart was looking down from a seat in the middle of the tribunes, with a smile of satisfaction on her lips. She had a perfect view of the stadium below her, of the playing field and its lush, green grass and the brown dirt track that surrounded it. Above the dirt track, a parcour consisting of several obstacles; rings, clouds, pipes and poles was located, the race track of the pegasi.

The seat to the left of Flurry Heart was occupied by her saddlebags, the four seats to her right were empty. Around her, the blue-colored seats of the tribunes slowly filled up with the ponies, griffons and hippogriffs who had waited outside. The ponies who trotted past Flurry Heart gave her disgruntled frowns or gritted their teeth at her.

Unphased by the hostile reactions, Flurry Heart looked at the entrance of the stadium, a tunnel between two sections of the tribunes. Her smile grew more eager as she kept her eyes locked on the entrance. After a few seconds, her guard came in, with Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle in tow. Their faces looked more chill than earlier, a neutral expression adorning them.

Flurry Heart grinned widely. She raised her forehooves into the air and began waving them. “Heeeeey! Come over here! I saved the best seats for you!”

The three mares and the guard turned their heads at her and, instantly, frowns returned to the faces of the former.

The four ponies came closer and sat down without saying a word or giving Flurry Heart as much as a glance, her guard next to her and Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, in that order, further on the right.

Flurry Heart opened her mouth, but before she could say anything, a deep, sonorous voice full of energy blared from the speakers of the stadium. Flurry Heart looked behind her and up to one of the speakers.

“Ponies and creatures! I hope you're having a good day, because today, it is finally time for the great Crystal Charity Flight Race to help our orphanage! It happens on short notice, but you'll be awaited by some of Equestria's best fliers, with special guests fliers from Griffonstone and Mount Ariiiiiis!”

The ponies and creatures around them broke out in deafening cheers and the voice stopped for a moment. Flurry Heart's eyes were glued to the speaker and Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked around, their frowns being replaced by smiles.

The voice continued, ponies and creatures listening in delight. “Every bit you spend in the stadium today will directly benefit the orphanage! That's right, you heard correctly, all the funds of today will go right to the orphans of the Crystal Empire, so make sure to eat and drink until your bellies burst and our food stalls are empty! And make sure to get a good seat, cause we're about to start in a few minutes!”

The ponies and creatures burst into cheers once more. As they were quiet again, a couple of them spoke a few words to their companions, then left their seats for one of the food stalls. Flurry Heart looked away from the speaker. She flashed a cute smile past her guard, at the three mares who came with her. She was about to start speaking as, once more, a voice interrupted her. It sounded sneering and hostile.

“How about you go and remove your saddlebags from that seat here, miss princess?”

Flurry Heart gasped, slightly startled, and her pupils shrunk. She turned to the source of the voice. The mare from earlier glared at her, face distorted in grim anger. She stood in front of the seat on which Flurry Heart's saddlebags lay. The seats to the left were all taken.

Flurry Heart's face relaxed. “Uh-huh, that seat's taken, my saddlebags sit there,” she spoke halfheartedly, then immediately turned back at Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. While the mare's expression became darker, Flurry Heart left her seat and trotted away. “Guard my seat,” she spoke to her guard while she made her way to the three mares.

The guard merely nodded, stoically as ever.

The expression of the mare who Flurry Heart left behind eased somewhat. She shrugged her shoulders and shoved the saddlebags of Flurry Heart onto the floor and sat down on the now free seat.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked up with annoyed faces. Flurry Heart had appeared in front of them. The teenage princess grinned at them eagerly. She started speaking and finally got to say what was on her mind. “Now I'm going to get you snacks and drinks! What would you like?” The grin, that had made room for moving lips and jaws while she spoke, returned.

Apple Bloom looked demonstratively to the side, crossing her arms, while Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked past Flurry Heart with blank expressions.

The grin on Flurry Heart's face remained for a few seconds, then it devolved into a smile, then the smile became a slight frown. Flurry Heart looked down for a moment, but back up almost right away and a new smile adorned her face. “Okay, then I'll choose for you!” she shouted. Flurry Heart zipped away from them, not awaiting a response.

Flurry Heart approached a food stall. “Hi!” she burst into the face of the salespony, a crystal pony mare with a blue coat and a blonde mane.

“Hi!” the mare cheered back. “Which snacks do you want?” She pointed at a vast offering of food that looked and smelled deliciously and was placed behind a glass pane. There were bowls filled with nachos and hot sauce on top of them, potato chips in bags that displayed a pony who bit into a potato chip of a massive size, slices of pizza and funnel cakes on paper plates, cupcakes and muffins and, to the right, a large, red popcorn machine. Behind the crystal mare stood a shelf equipped with cans in every color imaginable. The mare gave Flurry Heart a smile. “I have nachos, potato chips, pizza, funnel cakes, cupcakes and muffins!” the mare spoke, pointing at each choice. “And” – she turned away and patted her left hoof down on the popcorn machine – “there is also popcorn here!” She took her hoof down, placed it on the counter in front of her. She looked at Flurry Heart expectantly.

Flurry peered at the snacks behind the glass from narrowed eyes. She slowly moved her eyes over everything, giving each snack a long, scrutinizing look.

The mare inside the stall stayed patient, but eventually, she began to look at Flurry Heart weirdly. A few more seconds passed, then she addressed Flurry Heart again. “Have you decided for something?” She set up a grin.

Flurry Heart did not look up from the snacks. “I am buying snacks for my three friends, but I don't know what they like,” she explained. “I need to make the best choice for each of them.”

The mare's look became a little weirder. “You don't know what your friends like?”

Now Flurry Heart looked up, dumbfounded and with a puckered mouth.

The pupils of the salesmare shrunk. “I mean.....” She coughed slightly. “Maybe I can help you find the right snack? What can you tell me about your friends?”

Flurry Heart's face returned back to normal, then she flashed the mare a smile. “That's fantastic, I could really need your help!” Her voice sounded bright and cheerful. “One of my friends comes from an apple farm in Ponyville, one is a pegasus who can't fly but performed the best scooter stunts in Central Equestria and my third friend has one of Equestria's most famous fashion designers as her big sister and she loves singing!” Flurry Heart closed her mouth and flashed a smile, that spanned from one side of her face to the other, at the mare.

The mare smiled back, friendly. “Okay, let's see.....” She bent down at the food. “You said one of your friends comes from an apple farm, so, how about a cinnamon-spiced apple cupcake?”

Flurry Heart looked at the cupcake and nodded in excitement. The mare took the cupcake and placed it on the counter. She bent down again. “Hmm, your other friend likes stunts, you say? So I'm sure she likes many cool things. Pizza sounds fitting for her, what do you think?”

Flurry Heart nodded again.

The mare grabbed a plate with two slices of tomato-cheese pizza and placed it next to the cupcake, then scrunched her face. “Okay, then we have your third friend who loves to sing..... That's a little difficult.” She held a hoof at her chin and scratched it. Her eyes moved down at the assortment of snacks and rested on one of the muffins. Her face cleared up. “But how about a muffin for them? Everypony loves muffins!”

Once more, Flurry Heart nodded in an excited fashion.

The mare took out the muffin as well and placed it next to the other two snacks. She looked at Flurry Heart with another smile. “Do you need drinks for them, too?”

“Yes!” Flurry Heart shouted in response.

The mare turned around and picked a blue can from the shelf. She held it at Flurry Heart. “Is this one okay?”

Flurry Heart bobbed her head up and down, faster than before.

The crystal mare took two more cans, then carried all three of them over and put them onto the counter next to the food. She looked over everything. “I guess that is all,” she determined.

“Um-hm.” Flurry Heart gave her another nod, this time wearing a satisfied smile. Then she pointed at a bowl with nachos, followed by the popcorn machine. “And I take nachos and a large bucket of popcorn!”

“Okay.” The mare kept smiling and put the requested bowl of nachos on the counter. She pulled out a bucket from underneath it, approached the popcorn machine and filled the bucket to the brim. She added the bucket to the other things. “Something to drink, as well?”

“Yeah, the same, please!” Flurry Heart ordered, still beaming happily.

The mare picked another one of the blue cans and brought it to the front. The counter was nearly completely covered with the snacks now. “Okay, would that be all?” The mare was sweating a little now. She breathed out and wiped her forehead.

“Yes, that's all I need!” Flurry chirped. She hovered a blue wallet that was covered in stickers with silly yellow faces into view. “How much makes that?”

“Let me see.....” The salespony let her eyes wander over everything. “One cupcake, pizza, one muffin, nachos, a large bucket of popcorn and four cans.....” She looked up for a moment, with a slightly puzzled expression, then back down at Flurry Heart. “That makes 43 bits!” She gave Flurry another smile.

Flurry Heart opened her wallet and poured a pile of bit coins onto the counter. Smiling, the mare counted them with one hoof. As she was done, she opened a drawer under the counter and pushed the coins inside. “Thank you!” the mare beamed, eyes closed. She opened them again. “Can you carry this alone?”

Flurry Heart nodded. “Um-hm, not a problem!” She tucked away her wallet and, all at once, the snacks became engulfed by her yellow aura. She lifted them off the counter. “Bye!”

The mare waved after her and Flurry Heart cantered away with a swing in her step, the snacks hovering above her head. Behind her, another pony trotted up to the stall.

Back at the tribunes, Flurry Heart swiftly approached Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. “I am back!” she shouted happily.

Apple Bloom gave her a snarky look. “Yeah? Back sounds good, maybe ya can go back where ya came from.”

Flurry Heart trotted past her, ignoring the remark. She looked at Sweetie Belle, a charming smile on her lips. “I got you a muffin!” The muffin and one of the blue cans floated into Sweetie Belle's lap. Flurry Heart turned at Scootaloo. “You like pizza, right? I got you two slices!” She hovered the paper plate and the can over to Scootaloo and gently placed everything in her lap. Lastly, she turned around at Apple Bloom. “And for you, an apple cupcake with cinnamon!” The snack and her can landed in Apple Bloom's lap.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle gave the snacks doubtful glances.

Apple Bloom looked at the cupcake with gritted teeth and growled. “Ahm eatin' nothin' of this.”

Now only hovering her own food anymore, Flurry Heart trotted past her guard and aimed for her seat. Arrived in front of it, she froze and gasped. She looked down at her saddlebags on the floor. A glare built on her face and she flashed it over to the mare. “Haven't you heard what I said a few minutes ago? This seat is taken!”

The grey mare with the magenta mane gave Flurry a look from the corner of her eyes, mouth forming a frown, but she looked away again quickly.

Flurry Heart approached her seat and sat down. She put the nacho bowl and can onto her lap and the popcorn bucket between her hindlegs. The princess craned back her head, at an empty seat behind her. Then she looked at the mare. “There's a free seat behind me, why don't you go and sit down there?” Flurry snarled.

The mare's head shot around. “Because that's where I want to sit!” she said, gesturing at her seat in an outraged way. “This seat isn't meant to put stuff on it!”

Flurry Heart's hostile expression did not change one bit. “Why you, how can–”

Above them, the speakers started blaring again, interrupting Flurry Heart. “Fillies and gentlecolts, the moment is here!”

Flurry Heart gasped, fear on her face. “I don't have time for this!” She ignited her horn and wrapped the mare next to her into her magic.

The mare looked around, a slightly panicked expression on her face. “Don't you dare! Ah!”

Flurry Heart hovered her into the air. The ponies around them, including Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, looked up and gasped. Hastily, Flurry Heart flung her into the seat behind her. The shocked eyes of the crowd followed her.

“Ya seen all this?” Apple Bloom looked over at her friends, outraged. “She wants us to be her guards, but that looks more like other ponies need to be guarded from her!”

Wordlessly, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle nodded, with consternated looks on their faces.

Lying in the seat, back pressed against the seat and hindlegs limply hanging down from it, the mare rubbed the backside of her head while distorting her face in pain. “Ruthless brat.....”

The ponies to her left and right gave her sad looks.

Flurry Heart did not turn around again. The voice from the speakers continuing, she reached for a hoofful of popcorn and shoved it into her mouth, while simultaneously hovering her saddlebags back onto the seat to her left and the foam finger out of them and down onto her left forehoof.

“Stand up and cheeeer, for our team of admirable, generous fliers who decided to support this cause today! And remember, the funds from all purchases made during this charity race will go to the Crystal Empire Orphanage, so leave your bits at the food stalls or buy some merchandise of your favourite flier!”

Excited chatter and murmurs went through the audience all throughout the stadium. The ponies and creatures cast their eyes down onto the field. A yellow mare with a fiery mane and tail and a pair of shades in her face entered the stadium. Flurry Heart threw another hoofful of popcorn into her mouth. Then she opened the can, causing it to sizzle, brought it to her mouth and took a sip from it, not taking her eyes away from the field.

“And it looks like our first racer is here! She is one of Equestria's most elite fliers and captain of the Wonderbolts! Give your best cheers, for the fierce, the daring..... SPITFIRE!”

The crowd erupted. Flurry Heart held her forehooves at the sides of her mouth. “YEAH, SPITFIRE!” the teenager shouted.

A few seats to the right, Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. Scootaloo looked at Spitfire in fascination, not bothered by Flurry Heart's demeanor.

Spitfire took off her shades, taking up position in the middle of the stadium, and waved at the audience.

“Next up, from beyond the eastern ocean, long-standing participant in the Equestria Games and one of the most well-trained griffons in her team..... Giselle from Griffonstone!”

A black and grey gryphon was flying into the arena below. She only gave the audiences slight glances before she landed at Spitfire's side.

“And now we are setting our sights to faraway lands.....” the voice from the speaker hinted at the next flier.

Flurry Heart's eyes began to glow. She stopped eating, craned her neck and leaned forward, clutching her scarf against her chest.

“A mighty hippogriff, born on Mount Aris, winner of the flight race at the Equestria Games two times in a row, a flight career like no hippogriff had before.....”

Flurry Heart held her breath.

“The one and only..... LAGUNA!”

A pale green and indigo blur shot into the stadium.

“LAGUNA!” Flurry Heart repeated what the voice from the speakers had said and jumped up on her seat. Nachos got sent flying through the air and landed on the ponies that surrounded Flurry. They looked at her with annoyed faces. Behind her, the mare she had tossed away so unceremoniously began to look at her angrily.

The female hippogriff took up high into the air, where she flew a couple daring loopings, before she stopped in the middle of the stadium and waved at her audience. She looked into Flurry Heart's direction and winked.

Flurry Heart's eyes grew to the size of plates and her mouth opened wide. She jumped up, sending more nachos flying. Some of the sauce landed on the hat of the mare who sat behind her. The mare noticed it with a frown.

Flurry Heart looked over at Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. “Have you seen? She winked at me! I know she winked at me, there is no way how she could have meant anypony else!” Flurry Heart squeed in delight.

A grey hoof from behind tapped on her back. “Hey, would you mind if you sit down and take off that ridiculous hat? I can barely see anything from back here.” The mare eyed Flurry Heart with disgust.

“Yeah, whatever,” Flurry Heart responded without turning around. She sat down, however, without taking off her hat. She reached into the bowl of nachos and picked out a large number of them, then put them all into her mouth at once.

“And now we come to the last of our fliers for today..... A fearless mare who braved dangers without shaking a feather..... Former leader of The Washouts, welcome, Lightniiiiing Duuuuust!”

Lightning Dust trotted into the arena, slow and with a stern, cold expression in her face. She looked stressed. The pegasus mare joined the other three fliers without giving anyone a look.

Scootaloo narrowed her eyes. “I know who I won't be cheering for,” she said. Absentmindedly, she grabbed a slice of her pizza and bit into it.

Down below, the four fliers went onto their starting positions.

“Get ready, ponies and creatures!” the voice psyched up the crowd. The racers looked sternly and determined ahead of them.

“3, 2, 1..... GO!” the voice blared.

Spitfire, Lightning Dust, Giselle and Laguna took off almost simultaneously. Flurry Heart poured down the rest of her nachos into her mouth and started chewing in excitement. She took a large sip from her can.

“And the race has started! Who are you cheering for? Let me hear your favourite!”

The crowd erupted into wild shouting of names.
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“Spitfire!”
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“Giselle!”
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“Laguna!”
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A few seconds of silence followed, then Lightning Dust's name rang out. Compared to the other three, only very few ponies shouted it. One of them was the mare who sat behind Flurry Heart.

Lightning Dust scrunched her face. She fell behind Laguna and was quickly surpassed by Spitfire and Giselle, as well.

The crowd flashed angry, disappointed faces. New shouting emerged across the stadium. “BOOOOOO!”

Lightning Dust tried to accelerate her tempo and to catch up, but all she could do was looking over the booing faces. She closed her eyes, then suddenly shot up into the air and flew out of the stadium.

Sweetie Belle lowered her ears. “Well, that went horrible.....” she said. She gave Scootaloo a furtive glance.

Scootaloo looked over at her, acknowledging her glance. “Don't worry, Sweetie. We were only supposed to convince her of participating and we managed.”

Apple Bloom agreed with a nod, but Sweetie Belle cocked her head, uncertainty in her eyes.

Flurry Heart watched the development with a shocked face. Her nacho bowl was empty now. She tossed it carelessly aside onto the floor and placed her popcorn bucket on her lap instead. The boos for Lightning Dust increased in volume.

“Well, it looks like we have a loser already.....” the voice from the speakers said with pity. It couldn't suppress a small chuckle. “But don't worry, crowd, our three other racers are still in the game! Now the most exciting part of the race will start, when the racers will leave the stadium to fly around the Crystal Empire!”

The voice had no effect on the crowd. “Lightning Dust, you failure!” a bulky stallion two rows above Flurry Heart shouted, grinning maliciously.

Soon, a couple more ponies started shouting the same thing. The crowd got riled up.

“Why would such a failed pegasus even dare to show up here?!” A green mare laughed, a row below Flurry Heart.

Behind Flurry, the grey mare got up from her seat and began shouting down to the other one. “Oh, will you shut up! Lightning Dust is a better flier than these three clowns over there!” She shot a hoof at Spitfire, Laguna and Giselle who flew out of the stadium in this moment. Laguna was still at the top.

Below, in the arena, a unicorn ignited their horn and a massive screen made of magic appeared in the air. It flimmered, then the three remaining racers appeared on it, flying between the crystal houses.

“And now the holo spells are set up!” the voice from the speakers announced. “Let's see how our fliers do out there!”

The green mare did not pay attention. She got up from her own seat and glared at the mare behind Flurry Heart. “You shut up yourself! That birdbrained pegasus doesn't deserve support!”

The two mares began a shouting match. More ponies around them did the same, as a few scattered fans of Lightning Dust began to raise their voices, as well.

Flurry Heart looked around at the shouting and fighting ponies. The look on her face indicated great attention. She listened to the fights for a little while. Eventually, Flurry Heart stood up on her seat and turned around at the grey mare.

The mare looked at her. “Yeah? What do you want now?” She narrowed her eyes at Flurry.

For a moment, Flurry Heart said nothing, just eyeing the mare with a blank stare. Then her face became hostile. “The other mare is right!” she shouted. “Lightning Dust is nothing but a loser and failure!”

The green mare looked up at her. “There you hear it! Even our princess has actual taste!” A roar sounded out in response, all in support of Flurry Heart.

Flurry Heart flashed a smirk at the grey mare. Then she hovered her bucket into the air and emptied her popcorn over the mare's head. It rained down on her. “That's what a fan of such a miserable flier deserves!” Flurry Heart shouted. She laughed gleefully.

More voices shouted at the grey mare, who now eyed Flurry Heart with unmatched hostility.

The mare's head had taken on an unhealthy, red color, a vein on her neck protruding. She exposed her teeth at Flurry. “HOW CAN YOU DARE?!” she screamed out loud. She reached for Flurry Heart. “How would a prissy princess like you even–” All of a sudden, the voice of the mare cracked and she stopped. Her eyes closed and she fell back into her seat, having fainted from the stress. Ponies around her started laughing, while others rushed up to the mare with concerned faces.

Flurry Heart huffed, then turned around and fixated her eyes on the screen, following the race. She took another sip from her can like nothing happened, not paying further attention to her surroundings.

To her right, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle stared at her with gaping mouths. Only Flurry Heart's guard remained calm.

As the race had ended and the masses left the stadium, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle still looked at Flurry Heart with bewilderment and disbelief. Flurry Heart was wearing a cute and happy smile and she clutched her scarf tighter, making clear who had won the race.

None of the three mares could produce a word to describe what they had seen, they were completely speechless.

Flurry Heart's guard stepped at their side. “Now you know why the young princess needs a guard. I really hope for you that you can deal with this better than I did. Good luck,” he deadpanned, then followed after Flurry Heart.

The trio of mares stayed behind, looking after Flurry Heart still with the same expressions. It was Scootaloo who eventually voiced their thoughts.

“What in the name of Celestia did we sign up for?” she uttered.
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Author's Note

Featured Voice Performers
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Ashleigh Ball as Princess Flurry Heart, Green Mare
Michelle Creber as Apple Bloom
Madeleine Peters as Scootaloo
Claire Corlett as Sweetie Belle
Mariee Devereux as Pinot Noir
Andrea Libman as Food Stall Mare
Peter New as Princess Flurry Heart's Guard,
Line Stallion
Sam Vincent as Stadium Announcer
Michael Dobson as Bulky Stallion

Episode 05: Light and Darkness in the Crystal Guard

Inside the Crystal Castle, at the end of a narrow corridor, Flurry Heart trotted up to three doors. She reared up and spread her forehooves wide. “And these are your guard quarters!” she announced in a ceremonial way, as much as her high, squeaky voice allowed for it. Flurry Heart turned around. She wrapped her tail around her left hindleg. “One room for each for you! What do you think?” Her smile was cute and inviting.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, the three mares who were now her freshly appointed guards, moved back their heads ever so slightly, their eyes twitching. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle tried to muster up a smile, barely succeeding, and Apple Bloom was giving Flurry Heart a frown.

Flurry Heart was keeping up her smile. As no response came from the mares, she puckered her mouth, her pupils shrunk slightly and she looked around between them. “You don't like them?”

“Uh, well..... See, we, uh.....” Sweetie Belle stammered, not able to produce a proper answer. Scootaloo shifted her eyes away, pretending to look at something on the wall. Apple Bloom's expression remained the same.

The pinpricks in Flurry Heart's eyes grew again and her smile returned. “Oh, you are going to like them, don't worry! I know it's hard to get used to a new place, but once you see the rooms, you won't leave them anymore!” Flurry approached the mares and gave each of them a nudge in the face.

Apple Bloom looked after the princess with her teeth exposed, growling. Scootaloo's pupils shrunk and her face became a blank stare, while Sweetie Belle coughed awkwardly, her eyes shifting away like Scootaloo's had done before.

“Never leavin' sounds like a good idea, we should go inside and lock the door before she can follow us,” Apple Bloom spoke between gritted teeth.

Flurry Heart approached the middle door and opened it. She turned at her three guards again and waved them over with an eager expression. Then she went inside.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle followed her with slow, hesitant steps.

As they were all inside, Flurry Heart turned round at them. The walls of the room were made of blue crystals, like the rest of the castle, and a large wooden bed with purple and orange bedding formed the centerpiece of the room. The green nightstand next to it housed a crude-looking figure of Rainbow Dash and the walls were decked out in Wonderbolts and Rainbow Dash posters and merchandise. On the ceiling, right above the bed, a large poster of Spitfire in her Wonderbolts uniform, looking down at the bed from half-lidded eyes and flashing it an enchanting smile, was hanging.

Flurry Heart, tail wrapped around her left hindleg once more, closed her eyes, cocked her head and gave them a proud smile.

Scootaloo looked up at the poster on the ceiling, a faint blush streaking across her face, then let her eyes wander around the room, taking in all of the interior. “What's.....” She looked Flurry Heart into the face. “What's all my stuff doing here already?”

Flurry's smile grew wider. She opened her eyes. “I let it all bring here right after we arrived at the castle!”

The three guards gulped after the sentence had washed over them. Scootaloo shifted her eyes to look at Sweetie Belle. “There really isn't an escape from her, is it?”

Flurry Heart kept looking at them, her proud smile unfaltering.
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Not far from the castle, only a few side streets away, stood a colossal two-story building shaped like a square and carved out of a red crystal, with massive, imposing sections that surrounded a large courtyard in the middle of the construction. Its towering gates were flanked by two guard statues standing on high sockets, made from the same red crystal, that wielded long spears which got crossed at their ends, forming a portal-like structure together with the statues.

Flurry Heart approached the building with a respectful look in her eyes, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle trudging along behind her. They stopped in front of the building and raised their heads to look up at the statues.

“That's the crystal guard residence,” Flurry Heart explained, turning around at them. “Now that you are my guards, you need to know this place. Come on, I show you around!” A boisterous expression appeared on her face and she ran off, towards the gate and up the crystal stairs. She opened the gate with her magic, making it swing to the outside. Flurry Heart stepped into the hall behind it, took up position at the side of the gate, stretched out her left forehoof and gestured them inside, invitingly.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle crept closer. They trotted up the stairs looking at the statues with wide eyes and open mouths. In the building, Flurry Heart closed the gate behind them. As it fell shut, the sound of it reverberated menacingly through the halls of the cavernous building. Instinctively, the mares ducked their heads a little.

Flurry Heart turned away from the gate and did a few steps past them into the hall. The building was quiet. Only from far away, faint shouts found a way into their ears. Flurry Heart looked to the left, then to the right, watched by her guards. She tapped her chin. “Hmm, what should I show you first? You need to know where the locker room, the guard canteen and the training grounds are..... And I definitely want to show you the training chamber in the castle, but that has to wait.....” Her face scrunched as she was sunken in thoughts, pondering her next step. After a few seconds, her lips returned to their smile and she turned around on her hooves, her tail swishing through the air. “I know!” she shouted. “You have to see the locker room first!” Flurry started grinning widely. “I even prepared a surprise for you in there!” She zipped away, through a swinging, blue crystal door on the left and into the corridor behind.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle followed, as slow as before.

Behind the door, they looked down a long and wide corridor. They followed Flurry Heart through the corridor, past blue crystal doors on the right, that had generous spaces between them.

As they had reached the middle point of the corridor, large windows, that consisted merely of one big window pane, appeared to their left. Scootaloo looked up and out of the windows into a large, expansive, inner courtyard. Crystal pony guards in shining, silvery crystal armors, with silver or blue crests on top of their helmets, were dueling each other with long wooden spears in one corner or doing push-ups in another corner of the courtyard. Some others were galloping on a round dirt track at the outer perimeter of the courtyard. In the middle stood a tall, muscular crystal stallion, wearing the same armor as the other guards, but no helmet, with a purple-grey coat and a rose-colored, striped mane and tail. He looked at Scootaloo all of a sudden, a cold and passionless look full of scorn in his eyes. Scootaloo instantly frowned back at him.

Flurry Heart stopped in front of Scootaloo at one of the doors and she bumped into the princess, still looking at the stallion.

“Here we are, the locker room!” Flurry Heart chirped. She went on, pushing the door open.

The room behind it was not remarkable. A line of blue lockers made of something that looked like a mix of crystal and metal stood left and right at the red walls. There was a vast, free space between them, in the middle of which two blue crystal benches stood. At the far end, the room had a turn to the left, to a part that could not be seen from their position. The right line of blue lockers ended a few steps before the outer wall of the room. Next to them, a blue washbasin was fixated on the wall. It looked lonely and bleak in its corner. To the left of it, at the wall right opposite of the door, was a small window. It stood open and they could see the brown trunk of a tree, some of its leaves and a patch of grass through it.

Flurry Heart marched onwards, not wasting a minute, and stopped in front of the lockers on the right, roughly in the middle of the line. She turned around, looking at them secretively. “Close your eyes!” she shouted.

The three mares lowered their eyelids and sighed, annoyance apparent in their faces.

“Come on!” Flurry Heart said, looking at them motivatingly. “It's a surprise, it needs to be extra exciting for you! Close your eyes!”

Scootaloo exchanged unhappy glances with her friends. She looked at Flurry Heart, frowned and took a step forward. “Is this really necessary? Can't you just show us what it is so we can get this over and done with?” Her face was cold and hard.

Flurry Heart's ears sunk and she puckered her lips. She remained like this for a second, then she lowered her head slightly and looked onto the floor with a frown. A tiny sniff, almost unnoticeable, came out of her nose. Then her head suddenly shot up again and the smile was back in her face. “Okay! Then let's just skip the moment of suspense and I show you right now!” She whirled around and opened the three locker doors, in quick succession.

Behind the formerly closed doors, three sets of armor came into view, one of them pink, the other one of a pale red and the third one blue. They became engulfed in yellow magic and Flurry Heart hovered them out, in front of each of the mares they were meant for.

The three new guards gritted their teeth nervously as they looked at them. “Are these our armors?” Scootaloo asked. Her voice sounded strained. “The ones you designed for us?”

“Um-hm!” Flurry Heart flashed them a proud smile like earlier. She opened her eyes. “I actually designed them already before I came to Ponyville! And the blacksmiths of the Crystal Empire are quick, they finished them in just a day!” She squeed.

Sweetie Belle coughed. “And they are supposed to look like this?” A blush appeared on her face.

“Of course.” Flurry Heart nodded. “They fit to you, don't you think?” She grinned.

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow while scrutinizing her armor. “Really? Why can't we get silver armors like the other guards? They are going to laugh at us if we show up like this.” Scootaloo blushed, as well. And so did Apple Bloom.

Flurry closed her eyes and shook her head. “No, they won't, I'm sure!” She came closer and put the helmets onto their heads with a smile. “Come, put them on, I promise you, nopony will laugh!”

Reluctantly, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle did.
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“HAHAHAHAHAHA!” A group of crystal guards, outside in the courtyard, laughed at the top of their lungs. They patted on each other's backs, unable to control their delight.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle wore their armors and looked down into the grass, smiling profusely, their mouths thin lines. Flurry Heart stood between the guards and them, smiling.

One of the guards opened his eyes. He pointed a hoof at them. “So, you are the new guards of the princess? Those armors look lovely, I hope you will enjoy your daily tea parties! Your outfits are perfect for that!” The laughter got even louder and became a roar. Some guards lost all their discipline and collapsed to the floor, where they rolled around in laughter.

The purple-grey stallion stood next to the guards, smiling in amusement, but he was quiet.

Apple Bloom's face took on a darker shade of red and she exposed her teeth. Furiously, Apple Bloom ripped her helmet off her head and flung it to the ground with full force.

“SHUT UP!” she roared at the guards, then flashed them a mad glare out from under her mane.

Instantly, the guards stopped laughing and froze in place, their pupils small. None of them dared to say a word.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle shifted eyes over to Apple Bloom, looking at her warily. The blushes in their faces had disappeared, they looked pale now.

Flurry Heart gasped, fearfully, and flinched her head back. Her eyes had become wider. She looked at the helmet and her expression became bitter, then she switched her eyes to look at Apple Bloom. Tiny tears appeared in their corners. As she became the target of Apple Bloom's glare, she evaded it by casting her eyes down.

The stallion next to the guards was still smiling, unphased by the outburst. His smile had even grown wider and there was a fascinated gleam in them now. He lifted his forehooves and clapped them together, three times, before he put them back onto the ground. He came closer and approached Apple Bloom.

“That was very impressive,” he said, smiling at the outraged mare. His voice was deep and rough. He set himself into motion and came closer.

Apple Bloom gave him a glare, her face still red.

The stallion stopped in front of her. “My name is Cherry Quartz. I am the combat trainer of the crystal guards. How is your name?” He smiled down at Apple Bloom. From a closer view, the smile had something murky and wrong to it.

Apple Bloom did not respond and kept up her glares.

The impolite silence did not affect his smile. “And very revolting too, I see.” He brought his right forehoof under Apple Bloom's chin and lifted it, so that she had to look at him. “Revolting, stubborn, impolite,” he spoke. The stallion looked into her eyes deeply.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle exchanged looks of concern. Apple Bloom shoved his hoof away, but stayed calm otherwise.

After a short pause, Cherry Quartz, his hoof back on the floor, continued. “Full of rage and very aggressive. Nothing how a Crystal Empire guard should behave themselves..... I like that.” He smirked. “I can already tell that you will be a fierce fighter in battle. If you offered your services to the right ponies, you could earn a fortune in less than a month. Talk to me, if you ever–”

A deep, female voice interrupted him. “Quit tempting the new guards with your strange desires, Cherry Quartz!” The voice was swift and sharp, akin to a blade that rushed through the air.

Cherry Quartz rose his head, abruptly, and looked to the side with a cold expression.

Out of the door, the same one through which the trio of guards and Flurry Heart had entered the courtyard a few minutes ago, a crystal mare with a light-blue coat, orange eyes and a mane whose colors resided somewhere between purple and a very dark shade of pink, came. Her mane was flat and dull. It covered her forehead and was just short enough not to cover her eyes. At the back of her head, it was tied up and formed a short, stubby ponytail. She was wearing an average crystal guard armor but, much like Cherry Quartz, without a helmet. The mare's eyes drilled into the guard trainer with disdain. She stood there for a moment, staring at him, then came closer.

Flurry Heart looked up at the mare as she stopped at her side.

The mare gave Cherry Quartz one last flash from her eyes, then she redirected her attention, first at the new guard trio, then at Flurry Heart. She looked at Flurry from disciplined, rigid eyes. “Introduce me to your friends,” she spoke. Her voice sounded strict, but slightly less so than it had sounded when she addressed Cherry Quartz.

As the voice of the mare washed over her, Flurry Heart's body became instantly stiff and she stood to attention. She looked over at Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. “This is Cherry Valley,” she introduced the mare, pointing her right hoof at her. “She is my combat trainer.” Flurry Heart turned her head and gave Cherry Quartz a stern look. The stallion gritted his teeth.

Cherry Valley nodded. “Good.” She looked back at the trio of mares. “And you are?”

“I'm Sweetie Belle. Nice to meet you!” Sweetie Belle gave the mare a welcoming smile.

“And I'm Scootaloo.” Scootaloo's face eased again, now that the tension decreased.

Apple Bloom said nothing, her eyes were tightly locked on Flurry Heart.

“And that's Apple Bloom,” Scootaloo added, giving Cherry Valley an apologetic grin.

Flurry Heart's trainer nodded again. She gave a sideways glance at Cherry Quartz, then looked at them again. “Don't listen to Cherry Quartz too much. He'll just pull you into something shady if you do.”

Cherry Quartz' face darkened. “And your lectures of righteousness are exactly what they need, huh?” he shot back, sarcastically.

Cherry Valley ignored him. She looked at Flurry Heart again. The young princess still had tears in the corners of her eyes. The mare gave Apple Bloom a glance, then looked back into Flurry Heart's face. “Princess,” she said.

“Yes, ma'am?” Flurry Heart immediately answered her look.

“I will take your friends and give them the rest of the tour. I'm sure they would like to see where your training happens.”

Disagreement flared up in Flurry Heart's face momentarily, but the strict look Cherry Valley gave her made it disappear again quickly. “Okay,” she said.

Cherry Valley nodded and looked at the trio. “You, follow me,” she told them in a sharp tone that did not allow for any protest.

Flurry Heart looked after them with a thoughtful expression as they left the courtyard and went through a door on the opposite side.
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Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle followed Cherry Valley through a different corridor inside the large guard residence. The mare did not look around at them, not even once she spoke. “I need to make sure you are aware of this. Don't pay attention to Cherry Quartz if he offers you anything. He is filled to the brim with a questionable, personal life philosophy that will do you no good if you decide to go down his path.”

The three guards looked at her and nodded solemnly.

“You got this?” Cherry Valley asked them, sharply, as she did not hear any answers coming from them.

“Yes!” they shouted together, flinching.

“I hope that, for you. Now, what else do you need to see here? I am on the way to Princess Flurry Heart's training chamber, but we can one make one staging post.” Cherry Valley shifted her head slightly to the side, not quite looking at them.

“Uh, the guard canteen?” Apple Bloom asked. At her side, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle stared at Cherry Valley from blank and slightly startled faces.

“Alright. You are lucky, we just went past it.” Cherry Valley stopped abruptly and turned around. She pointed at a blue double door a few meters behind them.

The three guard mares went back and took a look inside. The guard canteen was a long room that seemed to stretch almost over the entire length of the corridor. It was empty at this time of day, but the smell of food drifted over to them from a kitchen they could not see. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle held their noses into the air and sniffed.

“If you are done sniffing at the dinner for tonight, guards, then move your flanks back over here!” the commanding voice of Cherry Valley cut through the air.

Startled, they jumped up and pulled their heads out of the door. Cherry Valley's strict face stared at them. They turned away from the door and hurried to get back to her.

“Now follow me, we need to get back to the castle!” Cherry Valley turned away from them and trotted further down the corridor towards the exit, not looking around to see if they came after her.

“Who does she think she is, bossin' us around like we are her recruits?” Apple Bloom mumbled under her breath as they followed Cherry Valley.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle stared at the combat trainer, wordlessly.
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Cherry Valley entered through a door into a dark room. She reached to the left and pushed a switch and, instantly, bright, orange lights flared up on the ceiling and the walls. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle entered behind her. Their heads turned around as they took in what they saw with eyes wide from astonishment. The walls of the large chamber they found themselves in now were littered with small stepping stones, undoubtedly serving the purpose of climbing walls. Gymnastic apparatuses were placed all over the room and every inch of the floor, except for a tiny space in front of the entrance door, was covered in soft workout mats. They were of turquoise color. A barrel filled with wooden spears stood in one corner and in the middle of the room was a large, free space, marked by mats that were of a red color instead.

Cherry Valley went ahead and further into the room. “The royal training chamber. Only I, Princess Flurry Heart and her parents have access to this room,” she explained, once more without turning around. She approached the barrel with the wooden spears and began to rummage in it.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle spread out and gave the room a closer exploration. After about a minute, Cherry Valley let go of the barrel and turned around at them. Nothing about the barrel behind her had changed, the wooden spears still stuck in it as randomly as before.

“So, you three are Princess Flurry Heart's new, personal guards.....” Cherry Valley spoke the sentence as if she had just found out about this fact. “I can't say that I'm surprised that her old guard quit the job. It's a miracle that he lasted for so many years.”

The three mares stopped their exploration and looked at Cherry Valley. “Not quite quittin', more like she–” Apple Bloom began, but Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle covered her mouth before she could finish the sentence.

Cherry Valley's eyes narrowed slightly. “You have taken on a lot by accepting this position,” she continued. “I suppose you will have it easier than the princess' last guard as there are three of you. But guarding Princess Flurry Heart is a special and delicate task.”

Apple Bloom mumbled something, but Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle did not remove their hooves from her mouth.

Cherry Valley headed back for the door and waved the three guards after her. They followed suit. The combat trainer laid a hoof on the door, then flashed them a glance from stern eyes. “If you want to keep this job and stay here, you better make sure that Princess Flurry Heart is not getting hurt, neither by you nor anypony else.” She pushed the door open, not awaiting an answer.

Flurry Heart appeared in the door frame. She stood a few steps in front of the door, her old smile having returned into her face. Cherry Valley looked at her in surprise. “You waited for us, Princess?”

“Um-hm.” Flurry Heart nodded, while her trainer and her guards left the chamber.

Cherry Valley switched off the lights and closed the door, then locked it. Finished with the task, she turned around and approached Flurry Heart. “Training's tomorrow afternoon at 2 PM sharp. Be ready.”

“I will be.” Flurry Heart stood tall in front of the mare.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle raised their eyebrows and cocked their heads at the sight of the princess' unexpected discipline.

“And you” – Cherry Valley turned away from Flurry Heart to face them – “better head for your quarters now and get prepared for tomorrow. Guard training happens in the morning and Cherry Quartz has no patience with latecomers.”

“We'll be there in time,” Scootaloo promised.

“You better be.” Cherry Valley headed back they way they had come from, the three guards trailing behind her.

Flurry Heart watched them trot down the corridor that was in front of them. Hope and determination were in her eyes. “I will make you become my friends again, you'll see,” she whispered.
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Author's Note

Featured Voice Performers
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Ashleigh Ball as Princess Flurry Heart
Michelle Creber as Apple Bloom
Madeleine Peters as Scootaloo
Claire Corlett as Sweetie Belle
Kathleen Barr as Cherry Valley
Doc Harris as Cherry Quartz
Peter New as Laughing Crystal Guard

Episode 06: A Guard's Life

Scootaloo was lying in bed, peacefully asleep inside her new room in the crystal castle. Through the window, a ray of sunshine was cast onto the floor, from where it got reflected, wrapping the room in a beautiful, natural light. Next to her, an alarm clock stood on the nightstand, quietly ticking away, but otherwise silent.

Outside the room, a shout and then faint murmuring could be heard through the thick crystal walls. A second later, stampeding hooves on the floor. The door of Scootaloo's room got flung open and banged against the wall. Scootaloo scrunched up her face and turned on the other side. In the door frame stood a visibly excited Flurry Heart, mane still in disarray, and a vivid, perky grin on her face. In her right hoof was a sparkling crystal horn, which she now held to her lips. She blew into it will full force, producing a loud and obnoxious blaring that would never pass as any kind of music.

The sound made Scootaloo do a jump into the air, her blanket getting flung aside in the process. Her eyes were opened wide and her teeth gritted.

“WAKE-UP TIME!” Flurry Heart blared, having taken down the horn. Her voice was very akin to the sound of the instrument from a moment earlier. “Your guard training happens in two hours, get ready!” Flurry narrowed her eyes and did a probing look at Scootaloo, who was now slumping on her bedsheets, before she zipped out of the doorframe and to the left.

Scootaloo looked in front of her from half-lidded eyes, a trace of bags under them. In the corridor, she could hear Flurry Heart stampeding again, then flinging open the door to Apple Bloom's room. The horn blared. Flurry Heart's voice, only a little quieter, rang out again. “WAKE-UP TIME! Your guard training happens in two hours, get ready!”

“GET OUT OF MAH ROOM, VARMINT!”

Scootaloo's alarm clock began ringing. She gave it a punch, making it instantly stop.
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Inside the kitchen of the royal apartment, Flurry Heart and her three guards sat at a table. In front of Flurry Heart hovered a large piece of toast with jam on it. Crumbs fell down onto the empty plate below as she munched away at it, eyes closed and a happy smile on her face. Steam from hot cocoa inside a mug rose up into the air. The mug was white, with the winking face of Laguna on it.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were slumping in their chairs. All three of them had slight bags under their eyes. In front of them stood crystal mugs with black coffee, still steaming as well.

Flurry Heart finished chewing. She hovered over her Laguna mug, blew onto the cocoa with an exuberant expression, cheeks bulging, and took a sip from it. Putting the mug back down again, she gave her guards a smile.

“I'm so excited that you have your first training today! I'll join you and watch and I won't leave your side!”

“Uh-huh.” The three mares responded, nodding weakly. They reached for their mugs and took a gulp.

“Cherry Quartz is a great trainer!” Flurry Heart continued. “The crystal guards are all strong and you'll be as strong as them in no time! My parents will like that, cause then you'll be good at protecting me, and that means you can be my guards forever!” The last word reverberated menacingly through the room.

“That's a really great outlook on the future.” Scootaloo took another gulp of her coffee.

Flurry Heart made a loud gasp. Her mouth opened wide and her eyes bulged in their sockets. “Really?! I'm so happy you say this, Scootie!” She bit into her toast again, closed her eyes and munched in content, her mouth forming another smile.

Scootaloo gave Flurry Heart a doubtful look. “Scootie?” she asked. “Nopony has called me that in years.”

Flurry Heart opened her eyes and swallowed. “But now a pony does again, because we are back together! And we'll be a good team!” She leaned over the table. “And I'm getting combat training, too! We can go on adventures together and have fun!” She directed her attention at Apple Bloom. “Maybe we can even go to the fire swamp and vanquish the chimera who is responsible for–”

Instantly, a dark glare flashed up on Apple Bloom's face and she put her hoof down on the table with force. “Don't finish that sentence!” she growled.

Flurry Heart flinched back a little, puckering her mouth. “Oh..... Okay.” She lifted her toast to her lips again. “But we can go on adventures together! Imagine the four of us saving Equestria one day! Wouldn't that be awesome?!” Flurry Heart bit another piece out of her toast.

Apple Bloom's glare did not change. “Ain't no chance for that with a disaster like ya around.” Her expression became more sour.

A flash of sadness appeared in Flurry Heart's eyes, but she quickly concealed it by closing her eyes and taking a sip from her mug.

The three mares hastily emptied their mugs all of a sudden and got up from their chairs. Without saying a word, they folded their piece of toast, took it and left the table. They bit into their breakfast while trotting out the kitchen door.

Flurry Heart looked after them, surprised. “Hey, wait for me!” her voice rang out, carrying a trace of disappointment. She threw the rest of the toast into her mouth and zipped away from the table, hurrying after them.

Two crystal guards in full armor clashed together on the training grounds, their faces showing zeal and grim determination. The sharp, metallic ends of their spears trembled against each other for a moment, then the guards jumped back and brought distance between them.

Flurry Heart sat on a chair at the outer edge of the courtyard, throwing a hoofful of popcorn into her mouth and watching the combat training from wide, excited eyes that were glued on the spectacle in front of her. In a few meters distance, the two guards clashed again.

In a different part of the training grounds, Apple Bloom struggled with a pushup. Her eyes were closed and her teeth exposed, there was sweat running down her face. Next to her, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were busy with the same exercise. In front of them stood Cherry Quartz, staring down at them with a strict frown in his face.

The three new guards attempted another pushup, but as they were at the highest point, their forelegs fully stretched, they started trembling. For a few seconds, they resisted, but then broke down and fell into the grass. They kept lying there, panting with ragged breaths.

Cherry Quartz shook his head, still frowning. “That was a miserable show,” he judged them. “You only managed ten pushups before you gave up. Nopony will be interested in your skills as guards or fighters if your efforts are that low.”

Flurry Heart's head shot around at Cherry Quartz. She narrowed her eyes at him. The princess put her popcorn bucket onto the ground and stomped towards the guard trainer. Arrived at the scene, she approached Cherry Quartz with a mad glare.

“Hey, you shady excuse of a combat trainer! Stop talking like that to my friends!”

In another corner of the courtyard, Cherry Valley stood. A smile built on her face.

Cherry Quartz turned at Flurry Heart, his lips curling into a sardonic smile. His eyes looked down at her derogatory. He didn't say a word and turned back at the three mares under him. “Get back on your hooves!” he shouted. “For mares who travelled through Equestria for three whole years, you give a pitiful impression! The crystal guards operate on a higher standard! Ten more pushups before you grab your flanks and get into the armed training!”

The three of them groaned, but they did as told and got back up on unsteady hooves.

Flurry Heart began growling, her face distorting in anger. “Hey, do you even listen to me?!” her voice shrieked.

Cherry Quartz ignored her, watching the three guards how they begrudgingly started with more pushups.

Flurry Heart ignited her horn. All of a sudden, Cherry Quartz found his head wrapped into her yellow aura. His pupils shrunk as Flurry Heart forcefully yanked his head around to make him look at her.

His face became outraged. “You ridiculous, royal brat!” he shouted. Then the anger in his face disappeared and the mocking, sardonic smile returned onto his lips. “How do you want to stop me?”

Flurry Heart's eyes became hateful and she showed him her teeth. “Call me what you want, but if you insult my friends, I will show you what I can do!” Her horn flared up stronger and it was slightly pulsating now.

“Leave it be.” Cherry Valley's strict, disciplined voice suddenly rang out. She stood next to Flurry Heart and placed a hoof on her back.

Flurry Heart kept staring at Cherry Quartz, still concentrating her magic.

“Princess Flurry Heart, put your magic down at once!”

Flurry's face took on a startled expression and she gasped. The magic around her horn dissipated and Cherry Quartz' head got freed from her grip.

The guard trainer looked away and touched his face with his left forehoof. He moved his head carefully and groaned. Cherry Quartz spat on the ground, right next to Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, then he looked at the three mares. “Now it's twenty pushups! Thank your royal friend for that!”

“She ain't our friend!” Apple Bloom pressed out between gritted teeth, already struggling again.

Flurry Heart looked onto the ground, a sad expression appearing in her eyes. She turned around and trotted away.

Cherry Valley turned her head and looked after her, frowning.

The princess sat down on her chair again. She hovered the bucket back into her lap and began stuffing herself with popcorn.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle dragged themselves to the other end of the training grounds. Their heads hung low and they wore exhausted looks on their faces, eyes partially closed and tongues hanging out of their opened mouths as they panted. Cherry Quartz trotted behind them and followed in a close distance, his strict eyes resting on them.

The other guards had left the space where their earlier, armed training happened. It was completely empty as the three of them arrived there, save for two spears that were lying in the grass. Flurry Heart rushed at their side, carrying their helmets in her magic, and put them onto their heads with a smile. She patted each of them on the head. “Now you're ready! Show Cherry Quartz what you can do, I know you will be great!” Flurry zipped away and took up position at the side of the battlefield, smiling in anticipation.

Cherry Quartz trotted past the three guards. He leaned down in front of the spears and grabbed one. Then turned around swiftly and chucked the spear at Apple Bloom. “You're first!”

The mare gasped. She hardly caught the spear. Apple Bloom looked down on it with a doubtful expression, then at Cherry Quartz. “And who am ah fightin' with? Do we fight against each other?” She looked at Scootaloo to her right, then at Sweetie Belle to her left.

“Atticus will be your opponent!” Cherry Quartz looked away from them and at a cobalt blue stallion with sea green eyes who stood in one corner of the courtyard. He was fully clad in the armor of the crystal guard, only his face, ears, neck, the underside of his torso and his legs weren't protected. The stallion set himself into motion the moment Cherry Quartz' eyes rested on him.

Atticus stepped in front of Apple Bloom. Cherry Quartz looked at him with scorn in his eyes, then back at Apple Bloom. “Atticus is one of the guards who are here the longest. He's also the best in the entire regiment. You will fight him and learn from his skills.”

Apple Bloom gulped.

Cherry Quartz stepped away, out of the battlefield and took position at the opposite side of where Flurry Heart stood. He looked over Apple Bloom and Atticus, the latter of which lifted the remaining spear from the ground. Cherry Quartz nodded, sternly. “Start fighting!”

Apple Bloom's legs began to tremble and she gulped again.

Scootaloo gave her a look with slight worry in her eyes. “Be careful, okay?” Then she and Sweetie Belle stepped back and out of the battlefield, as well.

Apple Bloom nodded, eyes fixated on the sharp spear Atticus was holding. Her own spear trembled in her hoof.

Atticus whirled the spear in his right hoof. He narrowed his eyes at Apple Bloom and, without a warning, rushed at her.

Apple Bloom reflexively yanked up her spear. It deflected the other spear from her neck, causing it to scratch over the backplate of her armor. Atticus jumped back a little, whirled around and came back for Apple Bloom, his spear pointing at her neck once more. Apple Bloom whirled around, as well. She held her spear in front of her and managed to block the strike. Atticus pushed on, trying to break free, but Apple Bloom held against his efforts. Sweat trickled down Atticus' face as he tried harder. After a few seconds, he applied more pressure and pushed himself away from Apple Bloom.

Atticus panted a little. He brushed a leg over his lips. Apple Bloom turned around to look at him and readied her spear. She took the opportunity and rushed forward before Atticus could recover. Atticus lifted his spear to block the attack, but it happened a second too late and Apple Bloom's spear halted a mere inch before his exposed neck.

“Gotcha!” Apple Bloom shouted. She smirked.

Cherry Quartz clapped his forehooves together. “That's enough!” he shouted. He looked at Apple Bloom with a sly smile. “Just as I said yesterday, the right amount of aggression that the crystal guard needs! You did well.”

Apple Bloom left the battlefield, grinning.

Cherry Quartz turned around and pointed at Scootaloo. “Now you!” he ordered. “Step up!”

Scootaloo exchanged a hoofbump with Apple Bloom, now grinning as well, and took her spear while she followed the command. Sweetie Belle smiled at the two of them.

Flurry Heart ran over to Apple Bloom, waving with a red towel. She hung it over Apple Bloom's neck and gave the mare a proud smile. “You did great, Apple Bloom!” Flurry cheered. She lifted one of the ends of the towel and began to wipe the sweat off Apple Bloom's face.

Apple Bloom growled and pushed her away. She grabbed the towel herself. “Go clean a worm or somethin', will ya?”

Disappointment flashed up on Flurry Heart's face and she returned to her spot, not saying any more.

As Scootaloo was on the battlefield, Cherry Quartz examined Scootaloo depreciatory. Lastly, he looked her into the eyes. “A pegasus' strength in battle is their speed. You're missing a wing, that means you're slower. Don't disappoint!”

The glare Scootaloo gave in response drilled into Cherry Quartz. The trainer did not flinch.

At the opposite side, Atticus had recovered and got ready for his first attack on Scootaloo.

Scootaloo prepared her spear, as well. She pointed it at the more experienced guard. “Come over here, big one!” Her mouth formed a grin.

Atticus did not waste time and rushed towards her. Just when his spear was about to hit, Scootaloo reared up and jumped back. The spear just about missed her stomach. Standing on all four hooves again, Scootaloo swirled around and flung her spear at Atticus. It hit his chest plate and scratched over it sidewards. Atticus lifted his own spear and thrust Scootaloo's weapon away from him. He instantly started attacking again and let a series of strikes rain down on Scootaloo. Agile and swift like a feather in the wind, Scootaloo moved her body and head left and right, dodging attack after attack, occasionally parrying some of them. After many strikes like this by Atticus, one got through and Atticus' spear scratched over Scootaloo's right cheek. Scootaloo yanked her head to the side and jumped away. There was a red cut on her cheek. A few drops of blood trickled out and Scootaloo wiped them away. She was finally panting a little, staring at Atticus from a strained face.

Scootaloo thrust forward at her opponent again, when Cherry Quartz' voice interrupted her movement. “That's enough for now!”
Scootaloo halted and put her spear down.

Cherry Quartz gave Scootaloo a cold stare. “Faster than I thought for a flightless.”

Scootaloo answered the cold stare with one of her own.

Cherry Quartz pointed at Sweetie Belle. “Now the last of you! Come on, don't waste time, the training is almost over!” he shouted at her in a hectic voice.

Scootaloo began trotting out of the battlefield, as Flurry Heart already hurried towards her, an orange towel wrapped in her magic and a concerned, fearful expression on her face. She rushed in front of Scootaloo, blocking her path, and began to dab the cut on her cheek. “Does it hurt?” she asked. “Don't worry, I'll have it cleaned in a moment. I can even heal it, I know about a spell that instantly closes the wound!”

Scootaloo huffed. She took the towel out of Flurry's hooves, looking at her annoyed. “I can do it myself.” She trotted past Flurry Heart and let her stand with a similar disappointed face as before.

Sweetie Belle took over the spear from Scootaloo, a nervous grin on her face. Scootaloo took up position at her side and looked at her with a smile. “You can do it, Sweetie! Just don't think too much, let your reflexes be your defense!”

“Uh-huh.” Sweetie Belle nodded, clutching the spear tightly with a fearful face as she looked at Atticus who stood back at his starting position. Legs trembling, Sweetie Belle moved onto the battlefield

Cherry Quartz cast a short, amused glance at her, then looked over to Atticus. “Be easy on her,” he told him.

Sweetie Belle frowned at her trainer for a moment, but quickly redirected her attention at Atticus. She held her spear in front of her with a shivering hoof. Her teeth began to clatter. Atticus watched her, waiting a moment.

Sweetie Belle eyed him carefully. Eventually, Atticus gallopped up to her, spear in attack position. Sweetie Belle yelped and covered her eyes with her left forehoof, the spear clumsily stretched out in front of her. Atticus struck the handle of Sweetie's spear with his own and sent it flying. Sweetie Belle shrieked. She opened her eyes and backed away. The spear spiraled through the air above her, then bore itself into the soil right next to her. Sweetie Belle fixated it with fear-filled eyes.

Flurry Heart gasped. She grabbed a white towel from below her and held it ready.

Cherry Quartz facehoofed. He shook his head. “A complete rookie.....” He sighed, then looked at Sweetie Belle, irritated. “Do it again!” he shouted. “In battle, you never let go of your weapon, no matter what happens!”

Sweetie Belle shook as she picked up her spear and held it in front of her once more. Like before, Atticus waited a little, then attacked. This time, Sweetie Belle froze in fear and dropped her spear on the ground.

Cherry Quartz watched with an incredulous face. “This isn't possible.....” He shook his head. “PICK UP YOUR SPEAR!” he yelled, angry now.

Sweetie Belle jumped and reached down for her weapon. Nervously, she fumbled around in the grass, not taking her eyes off Atticus, who pointed his spear at her head. As she finally managed to grab the spear, it immediately fell out of her hooves again.
Flurry Heart watched the scene with fear in her eyes. “Sweetie Belle!” she shouted and rushed onto the battlefield.

Sweetie Belle ignited her horn and lifted up the spear with her magic, the sharp end pointing towards Atticus. The stallion veered to the right, attempting to evade the spear. In this moment, Flurry Heart tripped. The filly yelped, then bumped into Atticus. The guard got knocked into the direction of Sweetie Belle's spear.

Sweetie Belle covered her mouth with her forehooves. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo gasped.

Atticus' helmet flew through the air. The stallion was lying flat in the grass and pressed his forehooves down on this brow. A bit of blood trickled out from under them.

Sweetie Belle looked at him in shock. Her spear lay in front of her on the ground, the edge of it reddened.

Next to Atticus, Flurry Heart groaned. She slowly rose onto her hooves and rubbed her head.

“Atticus!” Cherry Valley's voice rang out. The mare came closer. She gasped as she saw his head injury. Cherry Valley flashed a short look at Flurry Heart, then sighed, closed her eyes and shook her head.

Cherry Quartz facehoofed. “Training's over!” he said.

Flurry Heart sat on a chair in a long corridor of crystal walls that was lined with white doors. She wore an unhappy expression and eyed the floor. To her left, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle sat, staring at the opposite wall with grim faces. The teenage filly looked up and gave the door to her right a shy glance, before looking onto the floor again.

A few seconds passed in silence, then the door next to Flurry Heart opened and Cherry Valley stepped out of it. A doctor in white scrubs left the room behind her. They exchanged a few words, then the doctor left. Cherry Valley turned around at Flurry Heart and her guards.

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle got up from their chairs and joined the mare. Only Flurry Heart stayed where she was and kept eyeing the floor. “How is he doing?” Scootaloo asked.

Cherry Valley's face was still adorned with worry, but lesser than before. “He's over the worst,” she said. “They had to shave off a part of his mane and needed twenty stitches for the wound, but he is okay. Atticus won't be able to join the guard training for a while, though.” Cherry sighed.

Behind them, Flurry Heart raised her head slightly, but then looked reflexively back onto the floor.

A compassionate look was on Sweetie Belle's face, directed at Cherry Valley. “Can we go in and see him?”

“Sure, he's awake and–”

“Cherry!” A deep, calm voice that come from behind her interrupted Cherry Valley. She turned around. A yellow crystal stallion with a two-toned, blue mane and tail came down the corridor with brisk steps.

The three mares looked at him, surprised. “Who's that?” Apple Bloom asked.

Cherry Valley's face softened a little. “That's Ivory Rook. He's the owner of the Crystal Empire library and Atticus' brother.”

Ivory Rook stopped in front of Cherry Valley. A blue rook graced his flank. His face looked composed, but the expression couldn't hide the worry in his eyes. “I have heard about everything that happened already,” he explained. His voice sounded refined and a little stiff. “How is my brother doing?”

Cherry Valley mustered up a smile. “Atticus is doing good. They stitched him together already and he'll have to stay in the hospital for a couple days,” she explained. “He might keep a scar on his forehead, as well. But other than that, he's alright.”

Ivory Rook breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh, good. I imagined this accident much worse in my mind.” He did a curious look to the right. “Are these three mares the new guards the empire is talking about?”

Cherry Valley nodded. “Yeah, these are Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.”

The three of them each raised a hoof as their name was said.

“They've come from Ponyville and arrived in the Crystal Empire only yesterday.”

“I see.” A frown appeared on Ivory Rook's forehead. “Pleased to meet you. I'm sorry you have to go through this.

Compassion radiated from their faces as they looked at the yellow stallion. “I'm sorry,” Sweetie Belle apologized. “It happened too fast, so we couldn't stop it.”

Ivory Rook shook his head, stern-faced. “Oh no, you three have no fault in this.” He looked past them and directly at Flurry Heart, his frown deepening.

Flurry lowered her head even more, like she could escape by sinking into the floor.

The reaction changed nothing about the anger that Ivory Rook felt. “My brother has been hurt because of you! The pain he feels now is your fault!” he scolded the young princess.

Flurry Heart squeezed her eyes shut and turned her head to the left.

The expression in the stallion's face did not become softer. “Don't think you can escape from everything this time! From now on, you are not welcome in my library anymore!”

Flurry Heart's eyes opened and she shot her head up with a gasp.

Ivory Rook looked at Cherry Valley again. “I need to see my brother now. You said he is awake?”

Cherry Valley nodded. “Yeah and I'm sure he wants to see you. Go inside.”

Ivory Rook nodded, as well. He aimed for the door, opened it and went inside. It clicked shut behind him.

As Cherry Valley turned around again, she suddenly faced Flurry Heart, who had gotten up from her seat in the meantime. The princess looked distraught, some tears forming in the corner of her eyes. “He can't ban me from the library, can he?” it burst out of her.

Behind her, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle gave her hostile looks.

Cherry Valley's face was stern. “It's his library, of course he can,” she explained.

Flurry Heart's bottom lip started quivering. “Can you help me?”

Slowly, Cherry Valley shook her head, eyes closed. She opened them again. “My grandmother works there as a librarian and she might be able to convince him of lifting your ban. But I won't ask her for this favor.”

Flurry Heart's expression became more desperate.

“It isn't just because Atticus is my friend,” Cherry Valley explained. “This could only happen because you were too eager, not careful enough and undisciplined, Princess. Maybe being banned from the library will help your discipline in the future.” Before Flurry Heart could say more, Cherry Valley gave a nod to her guards, then turned away from her and trotted down the corridor.

Flurry Heart looked after her, horror and disbelief in her face.

Flurry Heart entered the throne room of the crystal castle, her three guards trailing along behind her. Cadance came into her direction, a hectic expression on her face.

“Mom? I need your help with something!” Flurry addressed her, coming closer.

Cadance flashed a quick look at her daughter. “I'm sorry, Flurry, I am in a hurry right now. The mayors of Fillydelphia and Trottingham wait in the dining room to negotiate the new trade agreements. We can talk tomorrow!” She rushed past Flurry Heart, not giving her another glance.

Flurry Heart knocked at a high crystal door, then opened it and poked her head inside. Shining Armor sat at the back of the room, at a massive, brown desk that was covered in files and papers. He hovered a quill and was writing something. His face showed pure concentration.

“Daddy? I need to talk, I have a problem!” Flurry whimpered.

Shining Armor barely looked up. “Not now, Flurry. I am busy, hiring new guards is always so much paperwork. Maybe in a few hours.”

Flurry Heart's ears dropped. She retreated from the crack and closed the door again. Outside, Flurry Heart turned around at her three guards. She looked at them, shyly and subdued. “Could you help me?” she asked them. “Maybe, if all three of you talk to Ivory Rook, then–”

They shook their heads before Flurry Heart could finish her sentence.

“No chance!”

“Forget it!”

“You're going to have to do this alone.”

A deep sadness appeared in Flurry Heart's eyes. “B-But..... You are my guards, you must help me!”

“We mustn't do anythin'!” Apple Bloom shouted at the filly. “It ain't our job to pull ya tail out of trouble!”

The faces of her three guards were stone-cold and hard.

Now Flurry Heart's eyes got filled with tears. She opened and closed her mouth a couple times, trying to stammer a few words. As the tears ran over her face, Flurry Heart turned away and gallopped past them, wailing loudly.

Her guards turned around and looked after her, still wearing the same, cold expressions. Only in Sweetie Belle's face was a glimmer of empathy. None of them followed Flurry Heart.

Flurry Heart sat at the desk in her bedroom, a huge, leatherbound tome lying in front of her. She rubbed the last tears from her reddened eyes, then looked down at the tome with a grim, determined expression. Her magic engulfed the book and she opened it up and flipped through the pages. She stopped at one with aesculapian symbols on it. Her eyes darted over the page. Flurry Heart shut the book again, got up from her chair and left her room.

Atticus and Ivory Rook were talking in Atticus' room in the hospital. Suddenly, they looked up as the door of the room got flung open. Flurry Heart stood in the doorframe, looking at them with the same grim expression she already wore in her room. Atticus gasped as he saw the princess.

Ivory Rook, however, flashed her a glare. “What do you want here? I am not changing my mind, no matter what you tell me!”

Flurry Heart entered the room and aimed for Atticus in his bed, ignoring Ivory Rook. She bent down her head and held her horn at Atticus' forehead.

“What are you doing? Get away from my brother before I bring you into more trouble!” Ivory Rook threatened her.

Flurry Heart did not respond. She closed her eyes and her horn became engulfed by yellow swirls. Atticus looked up at his wound, surprise building up on his face. All of a sudden, the swirls around Flurry's horn disappeared. She retreated it and began to remove the bandages on Atticus' head.

“Okay, that's enough!” Ivory Rook went around the bed, readying his hooves to grab Flurry Heart.

Atticus raised a hoof and signaled his brother to stop. “Wait,” he said. “It doesn't hurt anymore.”

Ivory Rook stopped at the hoofboard of the bed and watched in confusion as Flurry Heart took off the bandages from Atticus' head. His cobalt blue coat appeared under it. There was no injury visible anymore, not even a scar.

“What did you do?” Ivory Rook's mouth gaped open.

Flurry Heart tossed the bandages into a basket next to the bed. She turned around at Ivory Rook. Her face was still grim, but she tried to make it look sympathetic. “Can I enter the library again now?”

Ivory Rook eyed the now pristine forehead of his brother. His own forehead was furrowed and his face showed that he was deeply sunken in thoughts. Eventually, he turned to face Flurry Heart. He looked at her for a few seconds.

“Fine,” he said then. “I am changing my mind only this once, because you undid the damage you caused. You may enter my library again.” His face remained stern.

Flurry Heart's face, however, quickly turned into the opposite. She beamed brightly. “Problem solved!” she cheered and zipped out of the room, without saying as much as a thank you.

Ivory Rook kept furrowing his brow as he watched her leaving the room.

Outside, Flurry Heart stampeded down the corridor. She galloped past an old mare with a trotting frame and whirled her around. “Watch where you step!” the mare shrieked.

Flurry Heart only giggled in response.
.

Author's Note

Featured Voice Performers
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Ashleigh Ball as Princess Flurry Heart
Michelle Creber as Apple Bloom
Madeleine Peters as Scootaloo
Claire Corlett as Sweetie Belle
Maurice LaMarche as Ivory Rook
Kathleen Barr as Cherry Valley
Doc Harris as Cherry Quartz
Brian Drummond as Atticus