As the Crusaders collectively chortled while trotting down the town square, they passed a throng of bustling ponies. The stallions and mares smiled at the group of rambunctious and vivacious fillies. The CMC were renowned amongst Ponyvillians for their exuberance and desperate attempts to gain their cutie marks.

In response, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo gave affable expressions and friendly waves that the ponies reciprocated. The fillies remained amenable to the townsponies until they left the town square and could isolate themselves away from the bulk of the town’s civilization.

“Wow, Scootaloo. You were really awesome back there in our clubhouse. I’ve never seen you act with such confidence before.” Sweetie Belle praised.

Scootaloo proudly stuck her chest out and bristled her orange feathers from the compliment. She replied while looking at the white unicorn.

“Thanks, Sweetie Belle. But it was nothing special. I’ve been doing that with Rainbow for weeks and before she left for the academy.”

Apple Bloom let out an impressive whistle and playfully nudged her pegasus friend in the ribcage.

“That a fact? Why didn’ ya tell us what’cha were doin’?”

“Well, initially, Rainbow told me that it couldn’t be revealed to anypony. She wanted it to stay confidential. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to tell you and Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom. I just wanted to keep my promise to Rainbow Dash. But, when you discovered our interplay today, you both found out for yourselves. So I kept my word and haven’t sullied my conscience.”

The three friends continued to amble together, turning down a back street as they roamed. Their hoofsteps were synchronized in tandem, and each filly glanced at each other. Simultaneously, they beamed happily.

“I must admit that it feels great to own Rainbow, girls.” Scootaloo confessed.

“Ah’m still shocked, bu’ long as yer happy, so am Ah. ‘Sides, Ah’m sure Rainbow don’ mind. Aft’r all, Ah didn’ hear one word of complainin’.”

Sweetie Belle agreed with Apple Bloom and explained her support for her friend’s new interaction.

“Thanks, girls. You’re absolutely my best friends for life.”

The three fillies shared a concomitant three-way hoof bump and giggled again. They turned their attention to the road in front of them. Dilapidated, off-kiltered, abandoned homes littered the vicinity with their unattractive and grotesque appearance. This wasn't a normal road that many ponies sauntered, but it was a faster detour that quickly led to their destination.

“So, Scootaloo, have you decided what you’ll do with her? Owning Rainbow Dash, one of the most acclaimed and famous ponies, is huge. She’s always strutting around Ponyville confessing her desire to join The Wonderbolts. Are you going to allow that?”

The inquiry caught the orange pegasus by surprise and she halted her movements. When she put a pensive hoof to her chin, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle stopped perambulating and turned their heads to look at their fellow crusader.

“I haven’t mulled that over. I want Rainbow Dash to be happy. Serving me gives her purpose, satisfaction and joy. Concurrently, so does her aspirations to join The Wonderbolts. She’s nearly complete with her prerequisite one-month tenure at the academy. So, she’s practically at the cusp of achieving her dream.”

Sweetie Belle nodded comprehendingly. She took a step towards Scootaloo and replied.

“I don’t speak for her, of course, Scootaloo. But, perhaps she’d prefer being your pet, over being a Wonderbolt. I think it’s a conversation you should eventually have. She seemed enamored when I watched you two interact.”

Scootaloo opened and closed her mouth several times in her attempt to formulate a response. Nothing came for several moments. After she took a shaky, deep breath, she tried again. Slowly, words escaped the filly’s mouth.

“I… suppose I should, huh? While I love having her be my pet, I love her more. Truthfully, I want the best for her and what makes her happy.”

Apple Bloom walked towards the orange filly and put a comforting hoof upon Scootaloo’s shoulder. The yellow Earth pony smiled proudly at her friend.

“Take yer time. Ah’m none an expert in ownin’ ponies, bu’ Ah think Sweetie’s righ’. Nuh matt’r wha, ya’ll are gonna be in each oth’rs lives. Eith’r as yer friend, o’ yer pet.”

Scootaloo was taciturn for a minute. She gazed into Apple Bloom’s face for several moments before doing the same with Sweetie Belle. Then, she released a soft sigh before nodding.

“I’ll heed your advice. It’s something I need to bring up eventually and I’d rather do it soon. But, enough of my future duties. We’re on a mission, remember?”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle put a hoof to their mouths and tittered. Both simultaneously nodded to Scootaloo.

The crusaders began walking again. Empty homes and former businesses littered the cobblestone side road. It was a depressing sight, so the CMC were reticent. They turned left and emerged from an alleyway.

Several ponies were teeming with astired activity. The crusaders huddled together and continued trekking to their destination. Their ears picked up passing conversations of hubbub in the vicinity, but they paid no attention. They moved with resolved purpose as their hooves clopped along the cobblestone.

After traversing down that road and three others, they emerged outside of Ponyville’s perimeters. All stopped for a respite. Apple Bloom looked around to ensure they were away from bustling throngs. The coast cleared, the energetic country pony spoke to her two friends.

“Ya know, Ah jus’ had an awful thought.”

“What’s up, Apple Bloom?” Scootaloo asked.

“Well, iffin Fluttershy an’ Rarity are enjoyin’ some spa time, then Fluttershy ain’t gonna be home.”

Scootaloo’s face dropped. She smacked a hoof to her forehead in irritation. Feeling ignominious, she released a long sigh followed by a growl of annoyance.

“How do you know if she’s at the spa, Apple Bloom?”

“Sweetie said suh at the clubhouse, Scoots.”

“I did.” Sweetie affirmed. “You must’ve been distracted by Rainbow and didn’t hear me.”

Scootaloo groaned before facehoofing. She slowly rotated an orange hoof in a circular pattern around her face for a fleeting moment. Sighing, she stood fully erect and stared at her two best friends.

“Well, we made it this far. Makes sense to get to her cottage and find out, right?”

Scootaloo looked intently at Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. The pegasus was silently pleading for support.

The other two fillies looked at each other, before turning back to Scootaloo. They smiled and shrugged.

“Course! I didn’t walk towards Fluttershy’s cottage just to turn around partly through.”

“Yeah! We’re goin’ with ya, Scootaloo. C’mon. Let’s find ou’.”

The three fillies began cantering to their destination, silently hoping that Fluttershy had any possible reason to leave the spa appointment early.

After another twenty minutes, they arrived outside of Fluttershy’s cottage. Lush, blooming vegetation grew around the outer perimeter of the pegasus’s home. Sitting in a clearing, just outside of the Everfree Forest, the two-story abode was lavish with bedecked homely touches that accentuated Fluttershy’s penchant for nature.

As the Crusaders inspected the vicinity, they collectively turned their heads eastward, and noticed a stout oak tree that was adorned with several birdhouses. Underneath the small walkway, a babbling brook meandered in multiple directions.

They noticed a light aglow on the first floor and grinned eagerly. Collectively, they ran towards the front door. A few rabbits and racoons scurried away from the energetic propulsion of ponies.

Sweetie Belle was the first to reach the doorway and lifted a white hoof, before rapping harshly on the cherrywood door.

“Fluttershy? It’s Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. Are you home?”

Silence followed for several fleeting moments. The crusaders looked uncomfortably at each other, before Sweetie Belle tried again. Now, she knocked harder and spoke loudly.

“Fluttershy! It’s the Cutie Mark Crusaders! Please be home! Open up!”

This time, shuffling could be heard on the other side of the door. Sweetie pressed her ear to the cherrywood object and listened intently. Nearby, the Earth pony and pegasus stood abreast.

The door opened and Sweetie Belle nearly fell over in her unbalanced position.

However, a yellow hoof grabbed the filly’s shoulder and held her upright.

“Oh, goodness! That was close.”

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo galloped towards Sweetie Belle. They stood alongside each other and smiled politely at the shy pegasus. All were surprised that she was actually home.

“Good aft’rnoon, Fluttershy!” Greeted Apple Bloom.

“Lovely to see you, Fluttershy!” Scootaloo added.

“How’re you doing, Fluttershy?” Sweetie Belle inquired.

The shy, meek, pegasus stared at each of the Crusaders in turn. After regarding all three, she weakly coughed into her hoof and shook her head sadly.

“Hello, girls. Sorry, but I’m feeling under the weather and can’t have any visitors today. I even had to cancel my spa date with Rarity. I think I’m coming down with a case of the feather flu.”

The Crusaders felt their hearts break. While they loved to showcase their dominance over Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy was a different story. Each of the CMC adored the diffident, yellow pegasus, and felt awful about her sickness. All hung their heads at the unfortunate news.

“That’s just terrible, Fluttershy.” Scootaloo said.

“Ah’m sorry, Fluttershy.” Apple Bloom lamented.

“We won’t keep you, Fluttershy.” Sweetie Belle added.

The pegasus smiled gratefully at the young fillies and attempted to close the door.

However, Apple Bloom’s hoof wedged itself into the doorway and prevented it.

Fluttershy gasped and looked at the Crusaders in shock. She opened her mouth and reiterated that she had an ailment and couldn’t take visitors.

“We know, Fluttershy. We don’ wanna come in an’ git sick. We came by ta ask fer a fav’r.”

At the announcement, Fluttershy curiously tilted her head before coughing weakly into her hoof.

“A favor?” Fluttershy parroted.

Scootaloo nodded eagerly and began to elucidate. She told Fluttershy that they wished to attempt earning their cutie marks in animal caretaking.

“Well, that sounds safe. It’s different from the usual daredevilish and extreme ways you girls try to achieve your cutie marks.”

The three fillies beamed at the yellow pegasus and waited patiently for her answer.

“Are you certain you girls want to try your hooves in caretaking? It’s not so easy, especially for little ponies.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle nodded at the inquiry. Both had experience dealing with animals before and reminded Fluttershy that they had pets at home.

“Ah’m aroun’ Winona ev’ryday, an’ nev’r git any trouble.”

“Yeah! Opal can be a pain sometimes, but I think she loves me and Rarity. Sorta.”

Scootaloo stepped forwards, and, with a cheeky glance towards her two friends, added her opinion to the conversation.

“While I technically don’t have an animal pet like Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle…”

As she trailed off, she grinned cockily at her two fellow Crusaders. The three shared a tacit understanding before the pegasus continued.

“I’m confident we can handle it just fine.”

Fluttershy nervously regarded each of them for several seconds before she coughed in her hoof again. She opened the door and told the fillies to remain outside for a brief moment while she went to fetch an animal.

The CMC did as instructed and soon Fluttershy returned with a black-and-white border collie. When the young ponies saw the dog, their faces lit up. Fluttershy had gotten the exact animal they had hoped.

The vivacious canine yipped eagerly and ran in a circle around Fluttershy’s hooves. The dog happily wagged its tail while looking at the fillies.

Fluttershy smiled at the hyperactive pooch and gently stroked the canine’s head. She chuckled at its ebullience and gently whispered soothing words designed to calm the animal down.

Unsurprisingly, it obeyed Fluttershy and lay on its stomach. The dog looked up at the three fillies while still wagging its tail.

“This little guy showed up at my cottage unexpectedly last week. Somepony must’ve let him loose and he became a stray. Poor thing was malnourished and ailing. I just had to help him. So, I took him in and took care of him to ensure he got better. He needs a few more days before he’s chipper and fully improved.”

Fluttershy procured a leash and hoofed it over to Apple Bloom. As the item left her grasp, Fluttershy spoke to the young Earth pony.

“I’m entrusting him to you, since you’re familiar with dogs. However, I don’t know if he gets along with other canines, so promise me you’ll keep him away from Winona.”

That was an easy promise as Apple Bloom had no intention of bringing the pooch inside the farmhouse. She shook her head and vowed to Fluttershy that the dogs wouldn’t meet.

“That’s a relief. I trust you, Apple Bloom. Also, he really loves belly rubs. I rubbed his tummy three days ago, and he couldn’t stop kicking his paws. It was completely adorable.”

Apple Bloom giggled at the imagery and whistled a melodic tune while pulling on the leash. The dog scurried over to the filly and lay by her side.

“Nothin’ ta worry, ‘bout, Fluttershy. Ah’m familiar with dogs, an’ Ah promise he’ll be okay. Bu’ Ah’m sorry ta see ya bein’ so sickly.”

Fluttershy smiled at the exhibited kindness of the filly and coughed again into her hoof. Her eyes were puffy and she replied wearily.

“Thank you. I’ll be hale soon. Sorry to send you away, girls. But I must rest.”

“We understand, Fluttershy. Feel better soon, okay?” Sweetie Belle stated.

“Yeah! We’ll bring the dog back after several hours. We promise.” Scootaloo supplied.

“Jus’ focus on restin’ kay? We’ll see ya lat’r.”Apple Bloom added.

Both parties waved goodbye and Fluttershy closed the door to her cottage. The CMC could hear a few weakened coughs from the pegasus and felt empathetic for her plight.

Apple Bloom tugged on the leash and turned on her hooves. She began walking away and the dog followed a moment afterwards.

The Crusaders walked in tandem out of the serene and tranquil vicinity of Fluttershy’s abode. They passed the oak tree of several birdhouses, and a few shrubs and groves of flowers. Rabbits, racoons, birds, squirrels, and ferrets scurried away once the fillies approached.

The dog panted as it walked alongside Apple Bloom. The border collie occasionally yipped or woofed, but mostly remained reticent. So too, did the Crusaders. Each of them felt distraught for Fluttershy. The sight of the meek pegasus looking so febrile made their hearts lurch in sadness. After walking for ten minutes, Scootaloo broke the silence.

“I feel bad for Fluttershy, Crusaders.” Scootaloo admitted.

“Me too. We should return and tend to her once we bring the dog back.” Sweetie said.

“Ah agree. Seein’ Flutters like that made me distraught. Ah wanna look aft’r her an’ ensure she gits bett’r. ‘Sides, she does so much fer others. It ain’t fair ta not return courtesy.”

Collectively agreeing with Apple Bloom, the CMC swore to check in on Fluttershy and help the pegasus with anything, once they returned the canine.

The trio were quiet for another five minutes. They took the same path towards the clubhouse as they did for Fluttershy’s cottage. There were less ponies encountered on their trek and all were grateful. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo wanted to return to the clubhouse and check on Rainbow Dash.

As Apple Bloom extended a foreleg downwards to affectionately pet the border collie’s head, the fillies heard snickering behind them.

Turning around, each filly found themselves in the proximity of Diamond Tiara, and her toady sidekick, Silver Spoon. The sight of the two made the trio glower with annoyance. They squinted with frustration at the pair. Sweetie Belle broke the silence.

“What do you two want?”

Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon shared a malicious cackle and walked forwards. The bullies briefly eyed the dog before turning their gaze back to their nemeses. In response to Sweetie Belle’s abrasive attitude, Silver Spoon sneered at the unicorn and replied.

“Ooh! Looks like somepony isn’t happy to see us.”

Sensing the tension, Scootaloo stepped forward and stood next to Sweetie Belle. The dominant pegasus shot back icily.

“We’re never happy to see either of you. Both of you can kick rocks. Leave us alone.”

Apple Bloom stood alongside Scootaloo, with the dog tailing her. She glared at the bullies and spoke with ire.

“Git away frum us. Ya’ll are the mos’ stuck-up, prissy, annoyin’ ponies that we got the displeasur’ o’ knowin’.”

The two scourges glanced at each other at the altered demeanors of the Crusaders. Both blinked at the brazen responses from the trio. Diamond Tiara joined the fray and pointed a hoof towards the Crusaders.

“You know, Crusaders, that dog has a better chance of getting its cutie mark than you three. Even if it’s just a mangy mutt, it’s not a loser like you blank-flanks.”

That quip made Apple Bloom snap. She turned towards Sweetie Belle and gave her friend an innocent smile while asking the unicorn to hold the leash.

Sweetie complied and took it. “Alright. But what are you-”

Apple Bloom held up a hoof to stop the inquisition.

“Jus’ watch. Somethin’ Ah should’ve dun long ago.”

Scowling, the yellow Earth pony trod towards the two pests. Her expression was one of unbridled hatred and aggravation. Baring her teeth to them, Apple Bloom snarled an animalistic growl of detestment.

The remaining CMC shared a look of surprise and continued to observe their friend.

Worried, Silver Spoon retrograded a step. The glowering facial emotion of Apple Bloom was something she hadn’t witnessed. She looked towards Diamond Tiara and whispered for her friend to leave and follow her somewhere.

The pink filly bully rolled her eyes at the pleading tone of Silver Spoon and shot her a glare of annoyance.

“You’re worried about this blank flank? Just because she scowled at us? Come on, Silver Spoon. This hick is all bark and no bite.”

Hearing that, Apple Bloom lost it. She galloped towards Diamond Tiara and reached the pony in a few seconds. She put a yellow hoof on Diamond’s shoulder. Apple Bloom gripped it tightly and smirked with malicious intent.

“Say it ta mah face.”

Apple Bloom leaned towards Diamond’ head and cocked her ear to the filly’s mouth. She cupped a hoof around her earlobe, taunting the bully to repeat herself.

Diamond Tiara was taken aback for a brief moment at the display of aggression from her victim. However, it dissipated almost immediately and she gave a cocky grin. Sneering at Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, she leaned in and whispered the derogatory slander.

“You’re a hick.”

Apple Bloom whirled her head around.

Before Diamond Tiara could blink, a yellow hoof struck her in the jaw. She gasped at the sudden pain before another clout whacked her in the snout. The impetus of the blow caused an immediate nosebleed. Diamond Tiara whined in agony as blood seeped from her nasal cavity.

Apple Bloom clutched Diamond’s shoulder tightly and delivered another powerful punch to the pony’s mouth. Like her injured nose, blood seeped from the wallop to her muzzle.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo gasped at the aggressive and physical behavior that their friend was exhibiting. They voiced their protest and asked Apple Bloom to stop.

“Ah won’t! She’s been makin’ our lives hell fer too long. We nev’r did anythin’ to des’rve her bullyin’. Far as Ah see it, what Ah’m doin’ is justified!”

Apple Bloom delivered a powerful uppercut to Diamond Tiara’s chin that caused the pink filly to sprawl on the ground.

Diamond squealed in pain as the dirt cloud surrounded her. She had never been struck before. Now, she was absolutely terrified. Pleading earnestly to Apple Bloom, she begged the filly to stop the onslaught of clouts and promised to apologize.

“Yer apologies mean nothin’ ta me!” Apple Bloom shouted in ire.

Her fellow crusaders tried to placate Apple Bloom again. They told their friend that she made her point. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle reassured Apple Bloom that Diamond Tiara wouldn’t cause them any more problems.

The words reached the seething red-maned filly. She began to relax, and the adrenaline left her body. Apple Bloom took a few deep breaths to remove the last of the anger from her body. She craned her head towards the Crusaders and smiled warmly at them.

“Ah’m fine, girls. Ah’ll be ov’r in a jiffy.”

The Earth pony turned her attention towards Silver Spoon. In response, the gray filly released a whimper, and, trembling, outstretched two hooves past her chest.

The southern pony marched over to Diamond Tiara’s sidekick and raised a hoof towards her.

Silver Spoon closed her eyes and braced for impact.

But it never came.

Instead, Apple Bloom placed a gentle hoof on the filly’s shoulder. When Silver Spoon peeked an eye open, she saw the red-maned filly gently smiling at her. Before she could vocalize, Apple Bloom shook her head.

“Yer bett’r than this. Ah’m guessin’ ya only team up with her ta eith’r save yerself frum bein’ a target, or ta impress her. Diamond Tiara is foul an’ yer above her level, Silver Spoon. Git outta her shadow an’ be yer own pony.”

With that, she turned away from Silver Spoon and walked over to Diamond Tiara. She glared down at the fallen filly and spoke with utter detestment and malice in each syllable.

“Iffin you ev’r try ta bully mah friends an’ Ah again, Ah’m not gonna stop hittin’ ya til oth’r ponies pull me off. Ya understand?”

Diamond Tiara gulped at the thought and gave a meek nod. Horrified at the sudden change in the farmpony’s demeanor, she squealed a reply of comprehension.

“Yes! I won’t bully any of you ever ever again!”

“Good. Ah won’t warn ya a second time.”

Before she rejoined her friends, Apple Bloom spat a loogie directly on Diamond Tiara’s face. The repulsive action made the pink filly whimper in disgust and humiliation.

“Keep yer word, or Ah’ll make sure ya regret it, bitch.

Joining Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo again, Apple Bloom grinned triumphantly at her friends before taking the leash from Sweetie’s hoof.

Apple Bloom glanced at Silver Spoon who had made her muzzle agape and was rapidly gazing between Diamond Tiara and herself.

“Rememb’r. Yer bett’r than this. Don’t become garbage like her.”

The yellow filly trudged away and was flanked by her two best friends and the border collie. An awkward silence lingered for less than a minute before Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo goggled from the incredulous decision that Apple Bloom showcased and voiced their amazement.

“I can’t believe you hit her, Apple Bloom.” Sweetie stated.

“That was pretty awesome back there.” Scootaloo admitted.

“Ah told ya’ll that Diamond Tiara won’t be causin’ us any more hassles. ‘Sides, she had it comin’. Mah sis says ya gotta stand up ta bullies an’ give ‘em a taste o’ their medicine, b’fer they leave ya alone.”

“Well, it works. I’m sure Diamond Tiara got the hint and won’t cause more mayhem for us, Apple Bloom.”

“Yer righ’ Sweetie Belle. Else, Ah’ll make true ta mah threat an’ whack her again!”

The Crusaders ceased conversing. They focused on returning to the clubhouse to check on the cerulean pegasus they had left inside. After another fifteen uneventful minutes, they reached the farm and headed to the barren portion that their clubhouse oversaw.

Giggling, with the dog flanking behind, the fillies climbed the wooden staircase. They pushed the door open and found Rainbow Dash, still blindfolded and now asleep on the floor.

Scootaloo released a titter at this and quickly walked over to her pet. She gently put her orange hooves on both sides of Rainbow’s face and lifted the pegasus’s head. The filly lovingly placed her lips over Rainbow’s and passionately kissed her marefriend in an enamored embrace.

The sudden contact caused Rainbow to awaken. Momentarily confused, but understanding quickly what was happening, Rainbow kissed her owner back with romantic desires.

Both Scootaloo and Rainbow moaned softly at the doting gesture. Each was in the presence of their lover and felt extreme happiness at the proximity. As the kiss deepened, Scootaloo removed a hoof from Rainbow’s face and cupped her pet’s chin.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle observed the snogging for a moment before turning their attention to the canine.

Sweetie Belle cleared her throat and reminded Scootaloo that they had acquired the dog for their planned endeavor.

Sheepishly, Scootaloo grinned and a small tinge of crimson appeared on the orange pegasus’s face. She locked lips with her girlfriend for another brief kiss before pulling away.

“Oops. Guess I momentarily forgot. Dashie is always on my mind.”

Rainbow released a small ‘aww’ of appreciation at the compliment which caused Scootaloo to proudly beam.

“Hang on.” Dash began. “Did you say you brought a dog?”

Scootaloo nodded her head affirmatively and gestured to the border collie, who was now sniffing the interior walls of the clubhouse.

“Yes. There’s a dog in here with us.”

“What’s the dog for, Mistress?”

“I’m glad you asked, Rainbow. Remember yesterday when Apple Bloom called you a puppy and claimed you were a bitch like Winona? Then Sweetie Belle constantly referred to you as a puppy?”

“Vividly, Mistress.”

“Well, it gave me an epiphany. Since you’re a bitch, well, my bitch, of course, I want to treat you like a dirty puppy bitch.”

Rainbow scratched her mane and underneath her chin before explaining that she didn’t understand the implication.

“The dog is here because me and my friends want to watch him mount and mate with you.”

Hearing this, Rainbow Dash fainted.

Author's Note

Placeholder chapter. However, it contains a cameo by a Mane Six, and a certain bully gets her overdue comeuppance. Kink fun continues with the next installment!