Apple Bloom's Solo Adventureby SugarTwirlChaptersThe TriggerTraincapadesHollyHooves, here I am!Up-Close and PersonalTo bust or not to bust?The TriggerApple Bloom’s Solo Adventure Chapter 1 – The trigger Apple Bloom looked out at the scenery of passing trees under the moonlight. She shifted a little in her seat then sighed to herself. She’d done it now. She had just ran away from home…. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Earlier that day, she was helping her big sister sell apples at the usual market place, like they always do. The anxiety of still not having her cutie mark was weighing heavier today on the little filly. Applejack had just sold four apples to a customer when Diamond Tiara happened to walk by. “Looks like somepony is still a blank flank. Such a fitting look for you, Apple Bloom.” Just as Apple Bloom was about to respond, a familiar voice said, “Now look here, lil missy, I dunno who ya are but that don’t give ya the right to talk to mah little sister dat way.” Laughing Diamond Tiara merely walked away, “Gee, having your sister fight your battles for you? How. Lame!” Furious, Apple Bloom shouted at Applejack. “I am NOT a baby anymore! I can take care of mahself!” “I was just trying to help ya. I am your big sis, after all.” “You don’t have to keep reminding me. I know that!” “Well, excccccuuuuussseeee me for tryin to help my lil sis out.” Apple Bloom and Applejack made the journey back together in silence after selling all the apples. Neither one wanted to admit that they were wrong. When they arrived home, Big Macintosh was out on the front porch sitting with Granny Smith. He was busy sewing a new dress for his doll, Smarty Pants. The dress was green with a shiny pink ribbon sewn onto it as a belt. A little clumsily sewn but done with love. Apple Bloom slowly walked over to Big Mac, “Big Mac, where’d ya find the ribbon that you’re using on the dress?” “It was just lying on the table in the kitchen, so I thought I’d use it for Smarty Pants’ new dress. Do ya like it?” he asked holding it up for inspection. The already upset filly burst into tears this time. “B-b-but…That was my favourite ribbon! How c-could you?!”, and with that she galloped upstairs to her room. Big Mac’s apology was drowned out by the loud bang of Apple Bloom’s door. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ “No one in this family thinks that I can take care of myself. Well, I’ll show em…” Apple Bloom muttered to herself as she packed her things in a little blue duffel bag. She wrote a letter saying goodbye and placed it on her bed. She slowly opened her door and there was a note and a brand new red ribbon from Big Mac. This was even better than her last one. Not only was it pink and shiny, it had a lovely apple pattern printed all over it. On the note was written: I’m Sorry. Love you, Big Mac. Apple Bloom hesitantly took the note and ribbon, put it in her bag and quietly crept out of the house. She took one last look at her house. “Just y’all wait, I’ll show ya who’s a big pony!” whispered to the wind as she trotted away. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ This is how she ended up here. On the train. A run away. She had a plan. And she was gonna stick with it. And hey, who knows? She might even get her cutie mark along the way. TraincapadesChapter 2 – Traincapades The warm rays of the sun waked Apple Bloom from her slumber. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes with her hooves and wondered where she was. “That’s right…I ran away from home last night.” She smiled to herself in a barely awake daze for about five seconds before her eyes grew wider. “SWEET APPLES! I RAN AWAY FROM HOME LAST NIGHT!” Those words had finally sunk in and she started having a little panic attack in her carriage. What will I do for money? It’s not like I had that much to begin with. What if some homeless pony tries to rob me? What if I’m sold to a factory and made to work under the evil rule of an evil mare Mistress named Madame Mirage?!... She calmed down after she realised that she did have a plan in mind and things were already set in motion. She was on her way to HollyHooves! Her Aunt and Uncle Orange had moved there from Manehattan about 2 years ago after they retired. Having acquired a reasonable amount of wealth from their business, they wanted a change of scenery and HollyHooves was the perfect choice. Being the home of the rich and elite ponies of entertainment, it still had the glamour and sophistication they adored. The bonus was that they had less neighbours to deal with. “Gosh darn it! This is booooorrrrrriiiinnnngggg. I’m gonna have a look around this train.” And with that Apple Bloom got out of her carriage. The first carriage that she found was the dining carriage. It was decorated in a Victorian style with chandeliers and velvet cushioned seats with tasteful flowers arranged on each dining table. “Wow, this is where everypony eats? Sure is fancy.” She was so enamoured by everything as she exited the carriage that she absentmindedly bumped into the pony in front of her. “AAAAAAAHHHHHH! My new dress!!! It’s ruuuuu-ined!” The pony immediately whipped around her black mane at Apple Bloom furiously. She pointed at her dress with her hoof, “This is a brand new designer Gallopuci dress from Canterlot and it is now ruined!” True enough, she was holding a cup in one hoof and there was now a brown splodge on her sheer white dress. “I-I’m awfully sorry, ma’am. It was an accident…” “Sorry isn’t going to fix my dress, you brat!” Suddenly, a pair of hooves grabbed Apple Bloom. They belonged to an elderly unicorn gentleman with kind green eyes. “So this is where you were my dear! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” HUH?! Is this old pony crazy? I don’t know him! Miss Angry Mane (as Apple Bloom had deemed her) looked at the old pony and asked, “Do. You. Know. This. Filly?” “Indeed I do. She is my poor grandchild. Is a bit dumb sadly. Dropped on the noggin one too many times as a young one. Sad thing indeed.”, the old pony replied in a strange but somewhat familiar accent. Apple Bloom was about to respond when he smiled and winked at her. She played along and turned to the gentleman, “Grandpa! Your cloud is talking to low! The apples need to be picked tonight! Tonight, dang nab it!” Miss Angry Mane stood there stunned. Using this to their advantage, the elder pony said, “I’ll just take her back to the carriage now, poor dear.” So, he pushed Apple Bloom along as she continued to speak. “I used to be somepony till I took an arrow to the knee! Cats don’t fart rainbows! Chickens eat candy!” When they arrived at his carriage, they burst into laughter. Another elderly unicorn merely smiled at them. She had eyes the colour of butterscotch and her mane was a deep green. “What sort of silly games are you playing now, dear?” she asked with curiosity. He smiled cheekily and replied, “Well, my queen, I happened to have saved this adorable little filly from the clutches of a seemingly angry pony. Of course, we had a bit of fun along the way.” Realising that she had not yet even introduced herself, Apple Bloom held her right hoof out to him. “I appreciate what you did back there, Mister. My name is Apple Bloom.” “Mister Puck at your service.”, he replied shaking her hoof. BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZIIIINNNGGGGGG! Apple Bloom stood there stunned by the shock that she felt. Laughter erupted from both unicorns. Mr.Puck held out his hoof and Apple Bloom saw the buzzer strapped onto it. “Oh…my….dear. Look what you’ve done. The poor thing is speechless. Come and sit here by me”, the lady said to her as she tried to control her chuckling. She did just that and caught a reflection of herself in the carriage window and she too burst out laughing for her hair was so poufy that she could pass for a mini version of Pinkie Pie! The unicorn with butterscotch eyes introduced herself as Merry. However, she told Apple Bloom to just call her Nan and to regard Puck as Pop. “Even the little ones from the neighbourhood call us Nan and Pop.” “The both of you aren’t from around here, are ya?” she inquired curiously. Pop sat down in front of her with a twinkle in his eye. “You are a smart one, aren’t you? Indeed. We’re actually from Trottingham. My wife and I are on the way to meet somepony. And what about you?” “I’m…uh…well, I’m on the way to go and stay with my aunty and uncle.” I’m not lying. I’m just telling em my main reason for going. Which is the truth. HollyHooves, here I am!Chapter 3 – HollyHooves, Here I am! Apple Bloom studied the couple’s appearance closely and they really did look like a happy and kind pair. Though a bit on the crazy side. They invited her to sit with them the rest of the way and she gladly returned their hospitality (and earlier help) with some apples from Sweet Apple Acres. “So, I was a young comic pony who was trying to make a name for myself in the local Trottingham scene. I had big dreams of being the first female to make it big and possibly land a big tour across Equestria.” “I was the same but Merry dabbled more in intellectual jokes and I with physical comedy. Fate had other plans in store though. We were rivals none the less but slowly we fell in love.” “It was love at first stunt for me. So we started dating then got married and opened our own little joke shop called Galloping Giggles. Soon, we had a family and…” Nan’s voice trailed off and there was a whimsical look in her eyes. “Then you guys lived happily ever after?” Apple Bloom said. Pop smiled and said, “Indeed and now with delicious apples too.” As they munched on their apples, Apple Bloom felt as if they were hiding something from her. A secret of sorts. She didn’t want to pry though. She had her own secrets that she’d like to keep. Apple Bloom awoke the next morning just as the train came into a halt at the station. She saw that the old couple were still fast asleep and knowing from experience, mostly from episodes where Granny Smith would hit her for waking her up from her naps, she didn’t want to wake them up. She left a little note thanking them and left. *** Apple Bloom’s eyes widened at the landscape before her. The trees and green grass that had surrounded Ponyville were no more! They were replaced in HollyHooves by magnificent film studios and tropical palm trees. She trotted along the sidewalks and couldn’t help getting distracted by every little detail that was in her grasp. Sweet Apples! Look at the pony’s mane! It’s practically glittering!... That food looks delicious AND fancy. Doesn’t look like anything we’d get back home at all! Her stomach suddenly let out a massive rumble and other ponies on the street turned and looked at her. She blushed a deep crimson and figured that perhaps it would be best to eat a big hearty breakfast would be just what she needs. Somehow, she ended up at the Holly Hut Diner. Apple Bloom ordered a stack of pancakes and sat at a little booth in the back, wondering what her next step of action should be afterwards. She takes out the sheet of paper with her relatives address on it. I should probably try and find where this place is… The pony waitress brought over her pancakes and said, “Here’s ya pancakes, hun, enjoy.” “Thank you and, urm, excuse me Ma’am but I was just wondering if you knew how I could get to this place?” The waitress merely smiled and said, “Did you just call me Ma’am? Awww, aren’t you just the cutest thing ever! What’s your name sweetie?” “My name’s Apple Bloom.” She replied. Then, she realised that she probably should’ve used a fake name…or something. “Well, Apple Bloom, my name’s Twinkle Shine. You can just call me Twink.” the other pony said as her yellow eyes sparkled like her name. She took a look at the slip of paper and laughed, “My, you must be fancy rich or something. The Oats Plaza is a few blocks away from here. I’ll draw you a map kiddo. In the meantime, you enjoy those pancakes while they’re hot.” Apple Bloom did as instructed and ate the pancakes. Well, she was starving to begin with. Soon, Twink sat down and joined her with a map, just as she promised. “Twink, you’re not really a waitress are ya?” Apple Bloom asked curiously. “Course not sweetie. I’m also an actress. Well, trying to be one anyways. Competitions tough here in big ol’ HollyHooves. Everypony wants to be somepony.” Twink sighs with a faraway look in her eyes. *** Apple Bloom gulps as she stands in front of The Oats Plaza. It was definitely a place for the elite. 50 stories high with a golden door and a red carpet to welcome you. Suddenly a group of ponies came galloping out of the Plaza in a hurry and in the process, a big stallion wearing shades knocks Apple Bloom over. “OUCH! You should watch where you’re going Mister! You could hurt somepony ya know?”, she yells out to him. Awww, just great…I’ve got a bruise now! Suddenly, the swarm of stallions wearing dark shades pause as she hears a whisper coming from the middle of the swarm. They then start reversing and rapidly move closer to her. “STOPPPPPP!!!!! WHAT ARE Y’ALL DOING?! LEMMMEEEE GO!!!! Up-Close and PersonalChapter 4 – Up-Close and Personal The little filly still screamed and kicked with all her might as 2 big stallions dragged her into a lavish carriage. “WHAT DO YA WANT FROM ME?!” “Please don’t scream. We’re not going to hurt you. I just wanted to make sure that you were alright.” a voice says from inside the carriage. She came face to face with a young colt that looked to be about her age. His coat was a midnight shade of blue and his mane was a subtle but bright gold. Something quite rare in Ponyville. “Just who the heck are ya?”, Apple Bloom replies, still in awe somewhat. The young colt smiles at her in a dazzling way that only certain ponies like Rarity can pull off, “You really have no idea who I am, do you?” “Urm, should I?” “Not really. I suppose it’s better this way. I’m Knight Charm and you are?” Apple Bloom could sense that he meant no harm to her. “The name’s Apple Bloom.” She holds out her right hoof to shake his own that he had extended to her in friendship but instead she retracts it in pain…She forgot about the bruise for a second. “Oh dear, I was right. You are hurt. I’ve got a first aid kit here though.” Apple Bloom didn’t realise that they had actually started driving somewhere until she felt the carriage jerk at the lights. The swarm of stallions from earlier on had disappeared and only the two remained. He must be really important to have that many people take care of him… The 2 stallions merely watch as Knight Charm treated her. At least she thinks so. She can’t tell when they’re wearing such dark shades. Knight Charm talks as he treats her with antiseptic. “So where are you from?” “I’m from Ponyville, it’s a long way from here. I just came to visit my Uncle and Aunt. They’re staying at your building.” “Wow, Ponyville? That is pretty far.” “You born and raised here then Knight Charm?” “Oh…Well, I was born somewhere else but I was raised here. I rather not talk about it, if that’s alright.” Apple Bloom realises that she must’ve been all ‘Gabby Gums’ for a second. “Oh, I’m sorry. It’s okay. I won’t ask you anything else. T’was already mighty kind of you to actually fix me up.” He looks at her with an appreciative smile. “Don’t worry about it. You don’t have anything to do today do you? You wanna be my companion for the day? Sure gets boring on the lot sometimes.” Well, it’s not like she has anything better to do. And she was on an adventure after all? “Sure, why not? I don’t know what cha do but maybe I could be like a personal assistant or something?” “Personal assistant? Don’t be ridiculous Apple Bloom! You’re my friend.” She felt mighty pleased at that statement and proceeds to tell Knight Charm about her other friends back home and the Cutie Mark Crusaders. He listens intently. “Of course, you don’t have to worry about finding your cutie mark. You already have it.” she replies, gesturing at the white mask on his flank. He pauses thoughtfully for a second, “Urm, yeah, I guess you’re right about that.” Soon, they arrived at Shutter Sister Studios! Apple Bloom could hardly believe her eyes. Here she was at a real live movie studio! Ponies in different costumes were walking around the studio lot as if it was the most natural thing. Giant cameras and equipment zoom around her. Knight Charm taps her on the shoulder, “Hey Apple Bloom, you want a quick tour around the studio?” “You betcha!” nodding her head in excitement. Knight Charm and the 2 stallions (whose names she still didn’t know) led her through the different sheds of the huge studio lot. They led her through the first shed where a movie was being shot. “What’s this movie about?” she asks curiously. “Oh, this is one about aliens from another dimension that call themselves humans. It’s a real interesting one. I can’t wait to see it myself” he replies. They then reach the second shed, which was the workshop for sets and props for the scenes. One gentlecolt with a spiky orange mane and goggles works on a chair and is clearly concentrating with all his might but he stops as soon as he sees Knight Charm. “Carver! Working hard as always I see.” Knight Charm exclaims beaming broadly as Apple Bloom trails behind him. “Haha, you know it KC. Someone’s gotta make the stuff for your big budget movies, right?” he replies laughing. Carver peers at Apple Bloom and snickers, “So, KC, who’s your little friend? Is she going to be in the next movie with you?” Apple Bloom shakes her head furiously, “Oh no, sir! My name’s Apple Bloom and am just here visiting. Knight Charm here was just being all hospitable like.” “Did you just call me sir? Call me Carver kid. I’m not that old. So you’re not a buddying star are ya?” “No siree. I’d be more interested in the sorta stuff that you’re doing actually. Why I fixed up my old tree house a while back and it was pretty fun.” “A little filly who likes to do some honest work…You don’t find many of those around here.” Knight Charm laughs, “She’s from Ponyville, so yeah, that makes sense.” He turns to Apple Bloom, “I’d look to come visit you some day and see this tree house.” Just as she was about to respond, somepony suddenly yells out, “NOW HOLD IT RIGHT THERE LITTLE FILLY!” To bust or not to bust?Chapter 5 – To bust or not to bust? Busted. Now I’m going to have to go back to Ponyville without getting my cutie mark. Dang it! That’s what Apple Bloom thought, till she realised that the voice actually came from a pony she had recently met. Twink looks at Apple Bloom with a smile on her face, “Oh my, didn’t think I’d see ya here, Apple Bloom!” “Hi Twink. Didn’t think I’d see ya here either.” Apple Bloom replies hesitantly, unsure of the current situation. Carver looks at Twink and then back at Apple Bloom. “How do you two know each other?” “Oh, little Apple Bloom came by the diner during my shift today. Isn’t she just the cutest thing?” Apple Bloom just stands there blushing as Knight Charm laughs at the story. Twink takes out a paper bag from her satchel and puts it on a nearby table, “I brought you your favourite today, Carv. Toasted Oats with Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich.” Carver kisses her lightly on the cheek, “Thank you.” Apple Bloom and Knight Charm look at each other awkwardly before he starts making funny faces. They burst out laughing at each other. “Knight Charm! Where have you been? You were supposed to be in Wardrobe and Make Up 10 minutes ago!” a shrill voice says in a manner of fact way. Both of the little ones turned around to find a young mare wearing a business suit with her mane in a high ponytail. Knight Charm merely smiles, “Hi S, I was just on my way there.” “Nice try, young colt but you know I can see through your charms. I discovered you after all,” she replied, playfully wacking him on the head with a rolled up sheet of paper. A second later she finally caught on to Apple Bloom’s presence. “WAITAMINUTE, WAITAMINUTE! Who is this filly?” “She’s Apple Bloom. My new friend, and I insist that she stays with me during her time here.” Knight Charm replies coolly. Okaaaaayyyy, looks like, I’ll let them handle it between them? To her amazement, it works and soon she found herself in his dressing room. Apple Bloom watches as Knight Charm unravels his trademark maroon scarf to put on his costume. “That’s a pretty necklace you have there, Knight Charm,” she commented on the pretty silver trinket that he wore around his neck. “Thank you. It is…Was…My mothers.” She felt a heavy weight of sadness fill its presence slowly in the air and decide not to press any further. “It’s okay, I understand but hey now I understand why you wear that scarf in this sorta weather.” “Yeah, it can get a bit rough sometimes but this is my most treasured possession” he replies, keeping the necklace away in a simple tin box. “So tell me about your new movie then!” she asks excitedly, trying to shift the mood. That did the trick as Knight Charm started enthusiastically telling her about the character he was playing. His latest movie as it turns out is about a young colt spy and his partner and how they are sent to a mysterious island to take down an evil organization. “So I get to do all these like action scenes and work with awesome special effects!” “Could you at least sit still please KC? I can’t put your make up on properly if you keep moving every 2 minutes…” Lila, the make up artist, points out as she makes an exasperated sigh. “KNIGHT CHARRRRRRMMMMMMM!!!!!”, a young filly squeals as she bursts in through the door and hugs him. Knight Charm removes her iron hoof grip and gets up from the chair. “Hey Prima. I don’t really mind you coming here but you could at least knock first?” “B-b-but Hank wants to see you on set right away.” “Oh does he? Okay, well, I think we’re good Lila. Thanks a lot. Oh yeah, Prima this is Apple Bloom, my friend. Prima’s my co-star, she’s playing the part of my partner.” Knight Charm says making swift introductions. Apple Bloom shakes Prima’s hoof, “It’s mighty nice to meet ya, Prima.” “It's Prima. Well, aren’t you charming?” She replies shaking her hoof and then saying to Knight Charm, “Hank says now Knight Charm. I’ll be right there.” “Oh. Okay then. You can just make yourself comfortable Apple Bloom. I’ll talk to Hank and see if you can come watch us film.” He replies as he heads out the door. As soon as the door closes, Prima slams her hooves down on the ground, her blue mane raging with a menacing look in her eyes! “LISTEN HERE, AP-PLE BLOOM! I’m only gonna say this once, so you better listen well. Knight Charm is mine! We’re set to be the hottest young stars in HollyHooves and I will NOT let you stand in my way. So I suggest you get out of here while you still can. Or I will make this…VERY unpleasant…for you...”
The TriggerApple Bloom’s Solo Adventure Chapter 1 – The trigger Apple Bloom looked out at the scenery of passing trees under the moonlight. She shifted a little in her seat then sighed to herself. She’d done it now. She had just ran away from home…. _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Earlier that day, she was helping her big sister sell apples at the usual market place, like they always do. The anxiety of still not having her cutie mark was weighing heavier today on the little filly. Applejack had just sold four apples to a customer when Diamond Tiara happened to walk by. “Looks like somepony is still a blank flank. Such a fitting look for you, Apple Bloom.” Just as Apple Bloom was about to respond, a familiar voice said, “Now look here, lil missy, I dunno who ya are but that don’t give ya the right to talk to mah little sister dat way.” Laughing Diamond Tiara merely walked away, “Gee, having your sister fight your battles for you? How. Lame!” Furious, Apple Bloom shouted at Applejack. “I am NOT a baby anymore! I can take care of mahself!” “I was just trying to help ya. I am your big sis, after all.” “You don’t have to keep reminding me. I know that!” “Well, excccccuuuuussseeee me for tryin to help my lil sis out.” Apple Bloom and Applejack made the journey back together in silence after selling all the apples. Neither one wanted to admit that they were wrong. When they arrived home, Big Macintosh was out on the front porch sitting with Granny Smith. He was busy sewing a new dress for his doll, Smarty Pants. The dress was green with a shiny pink ribbon sewn onto it as a belt. A little clumsily sewn but done with love. Apple Bloom slowly walked over to Big Mac, “Big Mac, where’d ya find the ribbon that you’re using on the dress?” “It was just lying on the table in the kitchen, so I thought I’d use it for Smarty Pants’ new dress. Do ya like it?” he asked holding it up for inspection. The already upset filly burst into tears this time. “B-b-but…That was my favourite ribbon! How c-could you?!”, and with that she galloped upstairs to her room. Big Mac’s apology was drowned out by the loud bang of Apple Bloom’s door. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ “No one in this family thinks that I can take care of myself. Well, I’ll show em…” Apple Bloom muttered to herself as she packed her things in a little blue duffel bag. She wrote a letter saying goodbye and placed it on her bed. She slowly opened her door and there was a note and a brand new red ribbon from Big Mac. This was even better than her last one. Not only was it pink and shiny, it had a lovely apple pattern printed all over it. On the note was written: I’m Sorry. Love you, Big Mac. Apple Bloom hesitantly took the note and ribbon, put it in her bag and quietly crept out of the house. She took one last look at her house. “Just y’all wait, I’ll show ya who’s a big pony!” whispered to the wind as she trotted away. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ This is how she ended up here. On the train. A run away. She had a plan. And she was gonna stick with it. And hey, who knows? She might even get her cutie mark along the way.
TraincapadesChapter 2 – Traincapades The warm rays of the sun waked Apple Bloom from her slumber. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes with her hooves and wondered where she was. “That’s right…I ran away from home last night.” She smiled to herself in a barely awake daze for about five seconds before her eyes grew wider. “SWEET APPLES! I RAN AWAY FROM HOME LAST NIGHT!” Those words had finally sunk in and she started having a little panic attack in her carriage. What will I do for money? It’s not like I had that much to begin with. What if some homeless pony tries to rob me? What if I’m sold to a factory and made to work under the evil rule of an evil mare Mistress named Madame Mirage?!... She calmed down after she realised that she did have a plan in mind and things were already set in motion. She was on her way to HollyHooves! Her Aunt and Uncle Orange had moved there from Manehattan about 2 years ago after they retired. Having acquired a reasonable amount of wealth from their business, they wanted a change of scenery and HollyHooves was the perfect choice. Being the home of the rich and elite ponies of entertainment, it still had the glamour and sophistication they adored. The bonus was that they had less neighbours to deal with. “Gosh darn it! This is booooorrrrrriiiinnnngggg. I’m gonna have a look around this train.” And with that Apple Bloom got out of her carriage. The first carriage that she found was the dining carriage. It was decorated in a Victorian style with chandeliers and velvet cushioned seats with tasteful flowers arranged on each dining table. “Wow, this is where everypony eats? Sure is fancy.” She was so enamoured by everything as she exited the carriage that she absentmindedly bumped into the pony in front of her. “AAAAAAAHHHHHH! My new dress!!! It’s ruuuuu-ined!” The pony immediately whipped around her black mane at Apple Bloom furiously. She pointed at her dress with her hoof, “This is a brand new designer Gallopuci dress from Canterlot and it is now ruined!” True enough, she was holding a cup in one hoof and there was now a brown splodge on her sheer white dress. “I-I’m awfully sorry, ma’am. It was an accident…” “Sorry isn’t going to fix my dress, you brat!” Suddenly, a pair of hooves grabbed Apple Bloom. They belonged to an elderly unicorn gentleman with kind green eyes. “So this is where you were my dear! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” HUH?! Is this old pony crazy? I don’t know him! Miss Angry Mane (as Apple Bloom had deemed her) looked at the old pony and asked, “Do. You. Know. This. Filly?” “Indeed I do. She is my poor grandchild. Is a bit dumb sadly. Dropped on the noggin one too many times as a young one. Sad thing indeed.”, the old pony replied in a strange but somewhat familiar accent. Apple Bloom was about to respond when he smiled and winked at her. She played along and turned to the gentleman, “Grandpa! Your cloud is talking to low! The apples need to be picked tonight! Tonight, dang nab it!” Miss Angry Mane stood there stunned. Using this to their advantage, the elder pony said, “I’ll just take her back to the carriage now, poor dear.” So, he pushed Apple Bloom along as she continued to speak. “I used to be somepony till I took an arrow to the knee! Cats don’t fart rainbows! Chickens eat candy!” When they arrived at his carriage, they burst into laughter. Another elderly unicorn merely smiled at them. She had eyes the colour of butterscotch and her mane was a deep green. “What sort of silly games are you playing now, dear?” she asked with curiosity. He smiled cheekily and replied, “Well, my queen, I happened to have saved this adorable little filly from the clutches of a seemingly angry pony. Of course, we had a bit of fun along the way.” Realising that she had not yet even introduced herself, Apple Bloom held her right hoof out to him. “I appreciate what you did back there, Mister. My name is Apple Bloom.” “Mister Puck at your service.”, he replied shaking her hoof. BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZIIIINNNGGGGGG! Apple Bloom stood there stunned by the shock that she felt. Laughter erupted from both unicorns. Mr.Puck held out his hoof and Apple Bloom saw the buzzer strapped onto it. “Oh…my….dear. Look what you’ve done. The poor thing is speechless. Come and sit here by me”, the lady said to her as she tried to control her chuckling. She did just that and caught a reflection of herself in the carriage window and she too burst out laughing for her hair was so poufy that she could pass for a mini version of Pinkie Pie! The unicorn with butterscotch eyes introduced herself as Merry. However, she told Apple Bloom to just call her Nan and to regard Puck as Pop. “Even the little ones from the neighbourhood call us Nan and Pop.” “The both of you aren’t from around here, are ya?” she inquired curiously. Pop sat down in front of her with a twinkle in his eye. “You are a smart one, aren’t you? Indeed. We’re actually from Trottingham. My wife and I are on the way to meet somepony. And what about you?” “I’m…uh…well, I’m on the way to go and stay with my aunty and uncle.” I’m not lying. I’m just telling em my main reason for going. Which is the truth.
HollyHooves, here I am!Chapter 3 – HollyHooves, Here I am! Apple Bloom studied the couple’s appearance closely and they really did look like a happy and kind pair. Though a bit on the crazy side. They invited her to sit with them the rest of the way and she gladly returned their hospitality (and earlier help) with some apples from Sweet Apple Acres. “So, I was a young comic pony who was trying to make a name for myself in the local Trottingham scene. I had big dreams of being the first female to make it big and possibly land a big tour across Equestria.” “I was the same but Merry dabbled more in intellectual jokes and I with physical comedy. Fate had other plans in store though. We were rivals none the less but slowly we fell in love.” “It was love at first stunt for me. So we started dating then got married and opened our own little joke shop called Galloping Giggles. Soon, we had a family and…” Nan’s voice trailed off and there was a whimsical look in her eyes. “Then you guys lived happily ever after?” Apple Bloom said. Pop smiled and said, “Indeed and now with delicious apples too.” As they munched on their apples, Apple Bloom felt as if they were hiding something from her. A secret of sorts. She didn’t want to pry though. She had her own secrets that she’d like to keep. Apple Bloom awoke the next morning just as the train came into a halt at the station. She saw that the old couple were still fast asleep and knowing from experience, mostly from episodes where Granny Smith would hit her for waking her up from her naps, she didn’t want to wake them up. She left a little note thanking them and left. *** Apple Bloom’s eyes widened at the landscape before her. The trees and green grass that had surrounded Ponyville were no more! They were replaced in HollyHooves by magnificent film studios and tropical palm trees. She trotted along the sidewalks and couldn’t help getting distracted by every little detail that was in her grasp. Sweet Apples! Look at the pony’s mane! It’s practically glittering!... That food looks delicious AND fancy. Doesn’t look like anything we’d get back home at all! Her stomach suddenly let out a massive rumble and other ponies on the street turned and looked at her. She blushed a deep crimson and figured that perhaps it would be best to eat a big hearty breakfast would be just what she needs. Somehow, she ended up at the Holly Hut Diner. Apple Bloom ordered a stack of pancakes and sat at a little booth in the back, wondering what her next step of action should be afterwards. She takes out the sheet of paper with her relatives address on it. I should probably try and find where this place is… The pony waitress brought over her pancakes and said, “Here’s ya pancakes, hun, enjoy.” “Thank you and, urm, excuse me Ma’am but I was just wondering if you knew how I could get to this place?” The waitress merely smiled and said, “Did you just call me Ma’am? Awww, aren’t you just the cutest thing ever! What’s your name sweetie?” “My name’s Apple Bloom.” She replied. Then, she realised that she probably should’ve used a fake name…or something. “Well, Apple Bloom, my name’s Twinkle Shine. You can just call me Twink.” the other pony said as her yellow eyes sparkled like her name. She took a look at the slip of paper and laughed, “My, you must be fancy rich or something. The Oats Plaza is a few blocks away from here. I’ll draw you a map kiddo. In the meantime, you enjoy those pancakes while they’re hot.” Apple Bloom did as instructed and ate the pancakes. Well, she was starving to begin with. Soon, Twink sat down and joined her with a map, just as she promised. “Twink, you’re not really a waitress are ya?” Apple Bloom asked curiously. “Course not sweetie. I’m also an actress. Well, trying to be one anyways. Competitions tough here in big ol’ HollyHooves. Everypony wants to be somepony.” Twink sighs with a faraway look in her eyes. *** Apple Bloom gulps as she stands in front of The Oats Plaza. It was definitely a place for the elite. 50 stories high with a golden door and a red carpet to welcome you. Suddenly a group of ponies came galloping out of the Plaza in a hurry and in the process, a big stallion wearing shades knocks Apple Bloom over. “OUCH! You should watch where you’re going Mister! You could hurt somepony ya know?”, she yells out to him. Awww, just great…I’ve got a bruise now! Suddenly, the swarm of stallions wearing dark shades pause as she hears a whisper coming from the middle of the swarm. They then start reversing and rapidly move closer to her. “STOPPPPPP!!!!! WHAT ARE Y’ALL DOING?! LEMMMEEEE GO!!!!
Up-Close and PersonalChapter 4 – Up-Close and Personal The little filly still screamed and kicked with all her might as 2 big stallions dragged her into a lavish carriage. “WHAT DO YA WANT FROM ME?!” “Please don’t scream. We’re not going to hurt you. I just wanted to make sure that you were alright.” a voice says from inside the carriage. She came face to face with a young colt that looked to be about her age. His coat was a midnight shade of blue and his mane was a subtle but bright gold. Something quite rare in Ponyville. “Just who the heck are ya?”, Apple Bloom replies, still in awe somewhat. The young colt smiles at her in a dazzling way that only certain ponies like Rarity can pull off, “You really have no idea who I am, do you?” “Urm, should I?” “Not really. I suppose it’s better this way. I’m Knight Charm and you are?” Apple Bloom could sense that he meant no harm to her. “The name’s Apple Bloom.” She holds out her right hoof to shake his own that he had extended to her in friendship but instead she retracts it in pain…She forgot about the bruise for a second. “Oh dear, I was right. You are hurt. I’ve got a first aid kit here though.” Apple Bloom didn’t realise that they had actually started driving somewhere until she felt the carriage jerk at the lights. The swarm of stallions from earlier on had disappeared and only the two remained. He must be really important to have that many people take care of him… The 2 stallions merely watch as Knight Charm treated her. At least she thinks so. She can’t tell when they’re wearing such dark shades. Knight Charm talks as he treats her with antiseptic. “So where are you from?” “I’m from Ponyville, it’s a long way from here. I just came to visit my Uncle and Aunt. They’re staying at your building.” “Wow, Ponyville? That is pretty far.” “You born and raised here then Knight Charm?” “Oh…Well, I was born somewhere else but I was raised here. I rather not talk about it, if that’s alright.” Apple Bloom realises that she must’ve been all ‘Gabby Gums’ for a second. “Oh, I’m sorry. It’s okay. I won’t ask you anything else. T’was already mighty kind of you to actually fix me up.” He looks at her with an appreciative smile. “Don’t worry about it. You don’t have anything to do today do you? You wanna be my companion for the day? Sure gets boring on the lot sometimes.” Well, it’s not like she has anything better to do. And she was on an adventure after all? “Sure, why not? I don’t know what cha do but maybe I could be like a personal assistant or something?” “Personal assistant? Don’t be ridiculous Apple Bloom! You’re my friend.” She felt mighty pleased at that statement and proceeds to tell Knight Charm about her other friends back home and the Cutie Mark Crusaders. He listens intently. “Of course, you don’t have to worry about finding your cutie mark. You already have it.” she replies, gesturing at the white mask on his flank. He pauses thoughtfully for a second, “Urm, yeah, I guess you’re right about that.” Soon, they arrived at Shutter Sister Studios! Apple Bloom could hardly believe her eyes. Here she was at a real live movie studio! Ponies in different costumes were walking around the studio lot as if it was the most natural thing. Giant cameras and equipment zoom around her. Knight Charm taps her on the shoulder, “Hey Apple Bloom, you want a quick tour around the studio?” “You betcha!” nodding her head in excitement. Knight Charm and the 2 stallions (whose names she still didn’t know) led her through the different sheds of the huge studio lot. They led her through the first shed where a movie was being shot. “What’s this movie about?” she asks curiously. “Oh, this is one about aliens from another dimension that call themselves humans. It’s a real interesting one. I can’t wait to see it myself” he replies. They then reach the second shed, which was the workshop for sets and props for the scenes. One gentlecolt with a spiky orange mane and goggles works on a chair and is clearly concentrating with all his might but he stops as soon as he sees Knight Charm. “Carver! Working hard as always I see.” Knight Charm exclaims beaming broadly as Apple Bloom trails behind him. “Haha, you know it KC. Someone’s gotta make the stuff for your big budget movies, right?” he replies laughing. Carver peers at Apple Bloom and snickers, “So, KC, who’s your little friend? Is she going to be in the next movie with you?” Apple Bloom shakes her head furiously, “Oh no, sir! My name’s Apple Bloom and am just here visiting. Knight Charm here was just being all hospitable like.” “Did you just call me sir? Call me Carver kid. I’m not that old. So you’re not a buddying star are ya?” “No siree. I’d be more interested in the sorta stuff that you’re doing actually. Why I fixed up my old tree house a while back and it was pretty fun.” “A little filly who likes to do some honest work…You don’t find many of those around here.” Knight Charm laughs, “She’s from Ponyville, so yeah, that makes sense.” He turns to Apple Bloom, “I’d look to come visit you some day and see this tree house.” Just as she was about to respond, somepony suddenly yells out, “NOW HOLD IT RIGHT THERE LITTLE FILLY!”
To bust or not to bust?Chapter 5 – To bust or not to bust? Busted. Now I’m going to have to go back to Ponyville without getting my cutie mark. Dang it! That’s what Apple Bloom thought, till she realised that the voice actually came from a pony she had recently met. Twink looks at Apple Bloom with a smile on her face, “Oh my, didn’t think I’d see ya here, Apple Bloom!” “Hi Twink. Didn’t think I’d see ya here either.” Apple Bloom replies hesitantly, unsure of the current situation. Carver looks at Twink and then back at Apple Bloom. “How do you two know each other?” “Oh, little Apple Bloom came by the diner during my shift today. Isn’t she just the cutest thing?” Apple Bloom just stands there blushing as Knight Charm laughs at the story. Twink takes out a paper bag from her satchel and puts it on a nearby table, “I brought you your favourite today, Carv. Toasted Oats with Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich.” Carver kisses her lightly on the cheek, “Thank you.” Apple Bloom and Knight Charm look at each other awkwardly before he starts making funny faces. They burst out laughing at each other. “Knight Charm! Where have you been? You were supposed to be in Wardrobe and Make Up 10 minutes ago!” a shrill voice says in a manner of fact way. Both of the little ones turned around to find a young mare wearing a business suit with her mane in a high ponytail. Knight Charm merely smiles, “Hi S, I was just on my way there.” “Nice try, young colt but you know I can see through your charms. I discovered you after all,” she replied, playfully wacking him on the head with a rolled up sheet of paper. A second later she finally caught on to Apple Bloom’s presence. “WAITAMINUTE, WAITAMINUTE! Who is this filly?” “She’s Apple Bloom. My new friend, and I insist that she stays with me during her time here.” Knight Charm replies coolly. Okaaaaayyyy, looks like, I’ll let them handle it between them? To her amazement, it works and soon she found herself in his dressing room. Apple Bloom watches as Knight Charm unravels his trademark maroon scarf to put on his costume. “That’s a pretty necklace you have there, Knight Charm,” she commented on the pretty silver trinket that he wore around his neck. “Thank you. It is…Was…My mothers.” She felt a heavy weight of sadness fill its presence slowly in the air and decide not to press any further. “It’s okay, I understand but hey now I understand why you wear that scarf in this sorta weather.” “Yeah, it can get a bit rough sometimes but this is my most treasured possession” he replies, keeping the necklace away in a simple tin box. “So tell me about your new movie then!” she asks excitedly, trying to shift the mood. That did the trick as Knight Charm started enthusiastically telling her about the character he was playing. His latest movie as it turns out is about a young colt spy and his partner and how they are sent to a mysterious island to take down an evil organization. “So I get to do all these like action scenes and work with awesome special effects!” “Could you at least sit still please KC? I can’t put your make up on properly if you keep moving every 2 minutes…” Lila, the make up artist, points out as she makes an exasperated sigh. “KNIGHT CHARRRRRRMMMMMMM!!!!!”, a young filly squeals as she bursts in through the door and hugs him. Knight Charm removes her iron hoof grip and gets up from the chair. “Hey Prima. I don’t really mind you coming here but you could at least knock first?” “B-b-but Hank wants to see you on set right away.” “Oh does he? Okay, well, I think we’re good Lila. Thanks a lot. Oh yeah, Prima this is Apple Bloom, my friend. Prima’s my co-star, she’s playing the part of my partner.” Knight Charm says making swift introductions. Apple Bloom shakes Prima’s hoof, “It’s mighty nice to meet ya, Prima.” “It's Prima. Well, aren’t you charming?” She replies shaking her hoof and then saying to Knight Charm, “Hank says now Knight Charm. I’ll be right there.” “Oh. Okay then. You can just make yourself comfortable Apple Bloom. I’ll talk to Hank and see if you can come watch us film.” He replies as he heads out the door. As soon as the door closes, Prima slams her hooves down on the ground, her blue mane raging with a menacing look in her eyes! “LISTEN HERE, AP-PLE BLOOM! I’m only gonna say this once, so you better listen well. Knight Charm is mine! We’re set to be the hottest young stars in HollyHooves and I will NOT let you stand in my way. So I suggest you get out of here while you still can. Or I will make this…VERY unpleasant…for you...”
