Chapters It was a particularly nice day in the vast land of Equestria. While clouds were indeed present, they did not travel in front of the sun in an effort to ruin this most pleasant of days. It was before mid-day, which let the sun cast radiant rays of light for those who wanted it and a nice cool shadow for those who need it. It wasn’t often that Equestria actually had a miserable day, but the colours of the land just seemed to enhance themselves on this occasion.
Right in the middle of all of this beauty and blissfulness was possibly the most dark and disturbing part of this land.
The Everfree forest.
A shadowed and miserably unknown part of the world. The creatures are foul and odd, unlike anything the mind could possibly perceive. The trees inflict a sense of danger and uncertainty, contorting themselves into unusual and oddly terrifying formations. Even the shrubbery is considered a threat and best avoided. All of which is encased in an aura of sinister mystery. It is as dangerous as it is intriguing. Nopony dare venture in to this place unless it was completely necessary.
Unless you are the fearless Cutie Mark Crusaders, of course.
Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo stand at the shadowy border between the nice, green field of rural Ponyville and the less than inviting forest. Apple Bloom scoped out the mystifying landscape in front of her, studying the scene as best she could until it faded into complete blackness. Sweetie Belles’ breathing was slow and heavy as she stood between her friends, glancing from one to the other to see if they were as frightened as she was. They did not appear to be, so she bottled up her fear as best she could, but she could feel the terror radiating off of herself, which only heightened her breathing pace. Scootaloo looked lamely at her potential faint prone friend and proceeded to give the forest a savage grin and a disappointingly adorable growl. Despite that, she was ready to charge in and face whatever this forest had to offer, going as far as to rev her inoperative wings like an engine.
“Alright!” Apple Bloom piped up in her thick southern accent, causing Sweetie Belle to jump and give a little startled squeak, earning a disappointed shake of the head from Scootaloo and a quick roll of the eyes from Apple Bloom. “Are you girls ready for this’r what!”
Sweetie Belle blushed as she recollected herself. Scootaloo gave her a sly look. “I’m pretty sure she’s talking about you ‘Scaredy Bail’.” She prodded. “Heh, I’m so clever.” She said to herself, not as quietly as she thought.
Sweetie glared at Scootaloo “I’m not scared! I mean.. I’m not usually scared. I mean..” she struggled. Scootaloo snickered at her and she conintued. “I just don’t understand why the Everfree forest is a logical place to crusade. We usually don’t go in here unless it’s an emergency. Do neither of you remember all of the danger in this crazy place? Not like stub-hoof or renegade-housecat danger! I mean legitimate totally end a filly, like, forever danger!” She squeeled.
“We’ve pretty much exasperated all our options in Ponyville.” Apple Bloom stated matter of factly. “This is the only place around Ponyville we haven’t done any hard core crusading in.”
“And besides,” Scootaloo interjected “You need a little danger in your life, sister. You’ve been spending too much time with Rarity. At this rate you’ll get a cutie mark in being her thrall.” She teased.
“I just don’t see what we would expect to find in ways of getting our cutie mark. I mean, would we even want to obtain a cutie mark from something in the Everfree forest?” Sweetie rambled.
Scootaloo ignored her and scratched her chin thoughtfully. “What would a thrall cutie mark even look like? Are they more like servants or slaves? Chains? A whip maybe? Does Rarity whip you?”
“Now when you say whip…”
“Gals…” Apple Bloom interrupted. “Can we focus on the matter at hoof.”
The tall trees loomed over the little fillies as the prepped themselves to cross over to the dark side of Equestria. As if one unit, they stepped into the trees cascading shadows and began their journey into the scraggly depths of the woods.
Apple Bloom led the way, equipped with her trusty map and compass and Cutie Mark Crusader brand snack packages for later and everything else they would need for this journey. She was face deep in the map, stumbling over every rock and roots that crossed the path. Scootaloo took center and watched out for trouble. She was equipped with her signature Cutie Mark Crusaders anti-feral creature club that Apple Bloom had carved for her out of wood as a Hearths Warming Eve day present. She had never a real need for it except swatting away rouge parasprites from time to time, but she considered that a feral beast in this peaceful and dreadfully mundane land. Sweetie Belle, much to her dismay, took the rear. She decided she would not look ahead until she could no longer see the entrance to Ponyville. It was getting smaller and smaller as they made their way inwards. It was still barely visible when it appeared that the trees moved themselves to cover the remaining light shining through. Sweetie Belle gulped and pretended that she saw nothing as she turned her head towards the forest.
“Now look here little sis, I know your curious about things outside’a Ponyville,” Applejacks image clouded and replayed in Apple Blooms head. “So I want ya to understand, as much as I don’t approve, and as much as I know you’re going to venture there anyways just to spite me, but if ya ever travel to the Everfree forest, make sure ya stay on the path.” The thought was escaping her mind when it came it came back. “Stay. On. The. Path.” Each word was exaggerated and Applejack seemed to poke her in her head after each one was spoken, but it was just her imagination.
“The Everfree forest?!” Rarity exclaimed disgustedly in side Sweetie Belles mind. “Why would anypony in their right mind venture to such a foul place?! Sure, might seem nice when you stick to the grimy old dirt path, but anywhere outside that is just a pleather of looming danger! Retched! Smelly! Unclean! DANGER!” Raritys image poofed from her mind, but the word repeated itself, leaving her eyes wide and constricted and her whole body trembling.
“Pfffft! Paths shmaths!” Rainbow Dash jumped into Scootaloos thoughts. "I prefer to fly though all the so called danger. Y’know, taunt them a little bit” She poked at Scootaloo from inside her thoughts. “What’s the matter Scoots. Chicken?” The thought vanish and Scootaloo glared angrily at the woods in front of her. She started up her wings again and prepped herself for Mach speed. Her eyes were clenched and her wings were giving their all. She peeked out of one eye to find mid-section slightly elevated while her hooves still trotted on the ground. She let out a disappointing sigh and carried on as she was.
“So,” Sweetie Belle piped up. She thought engaging conversation might distract her from her surroundings. “Anyone hear from Babs Seed lately?” She asked, trying not to let out too much shakiness from her voice.
“Yes, actually.” Apple Bloom said. “She got a nice little group down there already. Can ya believe it?! Guess more fillies and colts are without a cutie mark then we thought, especially in Manehattan.
Scootaloo chimed in. “Wicked! How are they? I wonder if we can meet ‘em?”
“The way Babs tells it. They all seem real nice.” Apple Bloom spoke, trying to keep joy in her voice despite the atmosphere. “She even says they think of themselves as a family. Gave them all nicknames! Well, actually they only gave Babs a nickname. All of them call her the “Dawn”. I guess its cause she shines a light on them’r somthin’. I don’t know really.”
Scootaloo stopped in her tracks. “Woah” She gasped. She paused only for a moment. “That’s deep.” And they continued on.
None of them were quite sure how big the forest really was. When they seemed like they had been walking in a continuous direction for an exhausting period of time, they passed buy a familiar stone or tree or something of the sort. Sweetie thought up a theory that the forest manipulated and morphed itself while ponies were inside. Of course, she kept this theory to herself. She knew Apple Bloom would lead her to a destination that was at least a sliver less horrifying than their current one.
But of course, she led them right off the path.
“Danger! Danger! Danger!” Sweetie Belle shook her head intensely, trying to shake away her sisters words, to no avail.
Much too the relief of anxiety of Sweetie Belle, and much to the relief of restlessness of Scootaloo, Apple Bloom led them to her idea of the most practical crusading spot yet. One that in her mind had no chance of failure. A crusade that would be unquestionably successful in the earning of the three fillies cutie marks!
“Cutie Mark Crusader Extreme Spelunkers!” Apple Bloom announced loudly into the mouth of a dark, gaping cave, send her words blasting out of the cavern with such force that it blew all the fillies hair back until its final repetition. Wind blew through the tunnel, voicing a low growl like whistle, at least, they hoped it was a whistle.
“Seriously? Spelunking?” Scootaloo let out a huff of disappointment. She was hoping for something with at least orange level radicalness. She would even settle for yellow level.
Apple Bloom dug her face into her saddle bags and muffled “Not just spelunking.” She tossed the two fillies a head lamp while placing one on her own head. Suddenly she was up in both of their faces with a hard core look in her eyes. “Extreme spelunking” She exclaimed, almost devilishly.
“How can spelunking be extreme?” Sweetie asked, knowing she will dread the answer.
Apple Bloom paced in front of them as she spoke. “Don’t you think if I wanted to take you gals on a simple spelunkin’ endeavor I would have done it in borin’ some cave around Ponyville?” She extended her neck towards her friends and widened her eyes “Hmmmm?” She hummed rhetorically, and then continued pacing. “Everfree caves probably have for more to experience than your average cave, thus presenting us with more possibilities to earn our cutie marks!”
Scootaloo sprung with excitement and Sweetie, despite her initial fear, was seeing some logic to Apple Blooms madness.
Apple Bloom switched on her head lamp and looked toward the cave “So whaddaya say girls?”
Scootaloo immediately clicked on her light, and Sweetie Belle, after a slight delay of reconsideration, threw a smirk on her face and did the same.
They all walked in unison into the dark depths of the unknown.
The cave began as a tight and jagged path. Sharp spears of rock sprung out the walls of the cave, occasionally poking one of the girls in the side or rump as they struggled through the claustrophobic passage. Scootaloo even having the misfortune of getting poked in the eye buy one of the more dull spears. Sweetie and Apple Bloom couldn’t help but snicker at her pain. Some friends.
Once they finally shimmied their way out of the narrow spiked path, they were greeted with something less dangerous, and far more spectacular. They were led to a grand opening inside the cave where the walls and roof were cover in sprinkles of stunning aqua glow. In the middle was a pond, glowing in a more illuminated colour of the walls. In the middle of the roof was a hole where light shined through, shining its light directly in the pool, encasing the cave with a dazzling combination of illuminated and natural light. The girls couldn’t help but to stare flabbergasted at their surroundings.
“Well” Apple Bloom broke the silence. “What did I tell ya girls?”
“What are those glowy thingys?” Sweetie Belle asked, still unable to look away.
“I think they’re called stalactites.” Apple Bloom answered as she wandered in towards the center of the cave. “I remember Twilight ramblin’ on about them one time when I came over to borrow a cook book ‘er something’. I don’t even remember how we got onto to the subject.”
“Ooh ooh!” Scootaloo hopped towards her “Those are like rock boogers right?”
Apple Bloom looked around her and winced. “I sure hope not.”
“Wait, look over there.” Sweetie Belle pointed a hoof to the far end of the cave.
They were all so encapsulated by the sights around them that they didn’t notice that a part of the wall on the far side of the cave wasn’t glowing. It seemed like some rocks had collapsed, sealing off a small portion of the cave. The girls cautiously trotted their way towards it, each of them unable to help themselves from glancing at their own reflection as they passed the luminous body of water.
They reached the area where the supposed miniature avalanche had taken place. They could see about half a dozen large stones blocking the path, but they were sure there was more behind the visible ones.
“What do you thinks behind there?” Apple Bloom asked quietly, not quite sure if this was still an avalanche prone zone.
“Maybe it’s treasure!” Scootaloos’ eyes popped at the thought.
“Or maybe there is a reason it’s sealed off.” Sweetie voiced, fear starting to make its way back into her body. “What if it’s a monster of sorts? An evil! Smelly! Unclean! Monster!” Scootaloo shot her a quizzical glance.
“And what if it’s some more rock bind a pile of rock?” Apple Bloom took authority. “We’ll never know until we start diggin’, so help me out will ya? Come on crusaders!”
Sweetie and Scootaloo shared an apologetic look at each other and commenced with the moving of the boulders.
Indeed, there were more boulders behind first set, but each filly put there all into moving each one. They were not impossibly heavy for a full grown pony maybe, but they were just fillies and even with all three of them, this was strenuous work, that coupled with the fact that there were way more than anticipated.
Once the final one was removed from the wall, they were left with what they only assumed was a thick pile of dirt stacked up against the cave wall. The three were extremely exhausted and hungry.
“We… should keep… diggin’.” Apple Bloom said through gasps of breath.
“I don’t know, Apple Bloom.” Scootaloo said. She was definitely the strongest of the three, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t tired of digging. “What if you were right? What if it just leads to the cave wall?”
“We can’t give up now!” Apple Bloom exclaimed, then drew in various long breathes. “Not after all… that we have already done.”
“I think Scootaloo might be right.” Sweetie Belle groaned. “My hooves are tired and I haven’t eaten in a while. Maybe we should jus-“
“Hello?”
Everypony was silent. They all looked from one, and then to the other. It was muffled, but they all heard it.
It came from the dirt pile.
Apple Bloom looked at the girls and put her hoof up to her mouth to signal them to be quiet. She crept toward the pile, and slowly placed her ear on it. She focus all of her senses to try and hear another sound. But there was nothing. She could hear anything. Not a word. Not a movement. Not a peep. Not a-
CRASH!
A solid grey cylinder popped out of the pile with a vigorous force. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle shrieked in fright and leapt behind one of the previously moved boulders.
CRASH!
Another one flew out of the dirt, both of them now waving furiously. Apple Bloom back away until her body froze up, slightly in curiousity, but primarily in complete shock. She stopped about three hoof lengths away from the emerging mystery. It seemed to be digging itself out.
And succeeded.
A body lay before Apple Bloom. Not a monster, but rather a mare. Her coat was a murky grey colour. Her long dark blue hair draped over her body in a ratty mess. When she opened her eyes, she could see that they were a deep aqua, much like the walls of the cave, but brighter. But one thing about this mare over shadowed every little detail.
Her lack of a cutie mark.
The mare huffed and huffed, trying to collect her breath. She looked up at Apple Bloom, formed a ghost of a smile, and panted.
“I’m… free.”
At this point, Scootaloo found this to be the opportune time to bring out her Cutie Mark Crusader Anti-Feral Creature Club and whack the pony on the top of her head, knocking her unconscious.
Sweetie emerged from behind the rock and the three of them were left staring at the comatose pony
Apple Bloom snorted and gave a disappointed look at Scootaloo.
“Smooth, Scoots. Just smooth.”
“SHH! Do you hear that, Reggie?”
…
“There a pony! How? Nopony ever comes here. Not ever!”
…
“I don’t know exactly how long it’s been, I know we’ve been counting but…”
…
“20 years, 9 months, 22 days? Are you sure?”
…
“I guess I may have skipped a few days then.”
…
“Okay okay, I’ll call out to it. Ahem. Hello?”
…
“Well maybe he or she can help us finally bust out of here.”
…
“What do you mean more than one? Oh no! What if… what if they aren’t even ponies?! Who knows! The world could have underwent a chaotic nuclear war which morphed every pony into an asymmetrical beast with a hoof sticking out of there chest, which they use to pummel all that they oppose!”
…
“You’re right. We haven’t had any nuclear contact since Discord ruled over and filled the local pools with it nuclear waste… BUT WHAT IF HE CAME BACK TO REEK HAVOCK ON ALL AND-“
…
“Sorry.”
…
“Yeah, it sounds like they are digging us out!”
…
“I can almost hear their voices now. They sound… rather young. Maybe time has altered everyponys’ vocal chords.”
…
“Hey, it’s more logical than the whole discord thing.”
…
“Uh huh, they moved all of the rocks… Wait, they just want to leave. No no no! I have to get out of here!”
…
“This is the closest I’ve been to freedom Reggie! I’m not letting this oprotunity pass like this!”
…
“Okay, I’ll start digging, you stay there in case something goes down.”
…
“Grrmph. Oof. Hmmpf. Just. A bit. More.”
CRASH!
CRASH!
…
“Huff huff huff… I’m… free.”
THWAK!
The mysterious mare was pulled out of her comatose déjà vu dream by an unusual sensation. Her head felt as if it was floating around, drifting freely while her body felt limp and stationary. It was a pleasant feeling at first, until she noticed another more concerning sensation.
She couldn’t breathe.
The pony started thrashing her hooves about, triggering the fillies to pull her head out of the glowing liquid pool. They flopped the mare on her back, and she instantly started shuffling away from her guests.
“I knew it was a bad idea.” Apple Bloom yelled. “Jus’ look at her. She probably thinks we’re psychopaths now!”
“She hadn’t moved at all” Scootaloo retorted angrily. “We weren’t just gonna leave her there and hoof it back to Ponyville.”
“Girls.”
“This wouldn’t even be an issue if ya didn’t go all wild with that club a’ yours.” Apple Bloom snapped. “I mean, if I woulda known you’d be beatin’ down anypony who startled ya, then I wouldn’t have even made it for ya.”
“Girls?”
“Well excuuuuse me for trying to save your hide missy.” Scootalo snapped back. “Don’t worry, next evil monster we see I’ll be sure to just stand in the bushes and watch it beat your-“
“GIRLS!” Sweetie Belle cracked. Both of them looked at her, and saw her staring at the pony they were arguing about. Slowly, they did the same.
For a moment, the ponies just stared at each other, eyeing the other up, looking for any potential threat that the other may pose. Neither parties seemed to feel in danger, but the silence continued. The quiet was awkward and somepony had to break it.
“Sooo… what’s your name.” Apple Bloom asked carefully. The mare looked at her hooves, evaluating the question in her head. “I’m Apple Bloom, this is Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.” She motioned to each as she said there name and put an over exaggerated grin on her face. The mare was silent. “Erm, hablo Española? Umm, el name-o?”
The mare looked up at them. “I…”
“Irene?” Scootaloo interpupted
“Iris?” Sweetie did the same.
“Iroquois” Apple Bloom suggested
“Iceland?”
“Isotope?”
“Ice capped latte?”
The mare stammered “I… I don’t know.”
The three girls looked at each other and frowned. What kind of pony doesn’t even have a name?
Or a cutie mark?
“If ya don’t mind me askin’, where’s your cutie mark?” Apple Bloom asked curiously, trying not to offend the pony. “I mean every mare your age is supposed to have one.”
The mare blushed in embarrassment and Apple Bloom apologized. “I… I’ve trapped in that little hole since I was a little filly.” She began to explain as she motioned a hoof towards her living quarters. Her voice was soft, but also rough due to all of the dust intake. The fillies looked at the small area where the mare emerged. It seemed to be big enough to only fit for ponies, and had the height of about 2 and a half stallions. “I was never able to get out, so I was never really given the chance to find a special talent I guess.” The mare was still blushing furiously. This was obviously not something to be proud of.
“How’d it happen?” Apple Bloom asked. “I mean, how’d you end up trapped in there in the first place”
The mare glanced away, her eyes were glossed over with tears she was trying to fight back. “I was on a trip here with one of the local Baltimare orphanages. I… never really knew who my parents were.” She shut her eyes tight and continued. “I was fortunate enough to be in one of the more well-funded orphanages. We were able to take a tour of the Everfree forest, under the guard of several ponies capable of fighting off any danger. I wasn’t interested in the lame tales the tour guide was spouting, so I walked away from the group, off of the path.”
“DANGER!” Sweetie Belle burst out, waving her arm wildly. They all looked quizzically at her, and she just blushed and shrugged.
The mare continued. “That’s when I found this cave. It was amazing! Much more interesting than the actual tour, that’s for sure. I saw an opening in the side of the cave wall and I just had to investigate. I crawled in to find that it was pretty spacious. It was lined with the same glow as the outside walls. That’s when it happened. I had forgotten that one of the activities on the tours itinerary involved make some kind of tool to protect yourself. I guess on of the more rambunctious foals managed to make a bomb of some sorts.” She furrowed her brow and threw her hoof in the air, speaking angrily now. “I mean seriously! What kind of organization would allow young colts and fillies to make weapons!” She sighed and bowed her head. “Yeah, so the rocks tumbled down and I’ve been trapped in hear for over 20 years. No one really felt the need to come back for me I guess.” Despite her efforts, a single tear managed to escape the mares eye and roll down her cheek.
“Also, how are you even alive?” Sweetie Belle asked a little too insensitively. She did not even look remotely close to starving, slender, but not starving.
A small cheery smile formed on her face. “Well, that’s easy. You see Reggie and I-“ The mare stopped talking, her eyes widened as she looked back at the hole she came out of. “Reggie.” She said quietly. “Reggie!” She galloped back and jumped in the hole she emerged from. “We did it! We’re free!” She said happily from inside. They could hear her shuffling around. “Now don’t move, I’m gonna get you outta here, okay?”
The girls looked at each other, confusion in each of their expressions. “Umm… Do you need some help?” Apple Bloom asked.
“No no! We’re fine.” The mare called back.
“We?”
“Alright, here we go?” The mare said eagerly. There was a quick faint sound of dirt being flung. “Oh quit being such a baby. You’re fine! We’re fine!”
“I don’t think this mare is quite all there.” Scootaloo whispered to her friends. They agreed with silence.
The pony trotted out of the opening with a smile on her face. She was faced directly in front of the three girls. “Girls, I would like you all to meet Reggie.”
The confusion was over-whelming as the mare turned her body to show a beautiful flower sitting on her lower back in a small mound of dirt. Its petals were a stunning light violet colour, which curved themselves counter-clockwise around the flower, never crossing over one another. The petals surrounded a vibrant orange-red center, all supported by a healthy green stem.
“Reggie, this is Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle.” The mare gestured her hoof at the dumbfounded fillies.
They all just gaped at the sight. This mare was absolutely bonkers.
“Umm, hello?” Sweetie greeted.
…
“He seems great.”
“Yeah, great.” Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “Can I side bar with you gals for a sec?”
They made sure they were out of her hearing range before talking.
“So she’s nuts.” Scootaloo stated.
“She’s been locked up in there for her entire life pretty much.” Apple Bloom countered. “We can’t judge her for trying to give herself some company.”
“She’s talking to a flower .” Scootaloo retorted.
“You’re both missing the big picture here.” Sweetie Belle interjected. “She’s a blank flank.”
Scootaloo waved her hooves in front of her. “Woah woah woah. Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”
The mare could only hear faint whispers from the girls. She thought nothing of it until the turned their heads to stare at her, and then carried on whispering. They did this a few times before they were actually done and trotted back over. The mare put a gleeful little smile on her face.
“So, uh, Reggie.” Apple Bloom stammered. “How did you, umm… How’d you two meet?”
“Well like I was saying, after I realized I was trapped and there was no escaping, I actually looked at my dwindled surroundings.” The mare explained cheerfully “Only then did I notice a lone flower. It was the only thing in the cave besides myself. I didn’t really think much of it at the time. Days past and I was getting extremely hungry. The flower was the only other thing there and I would not resort to chewing on my own hoof. So I ate it. And then there was nothing, nothing but the tiny roots. I went to sleep, my hunger barely satisfied. When I awoke, I found it there, the same flower that I had devoured the day before. I was hungry and fully rested, so I carefully bit of the top. I didn’t need to wait long before the petals and all sprung into existence before my eyes. It had to be some sort of regenerating plant, that’s how I got the name, Reggie, one that is only found in the Everfree forest. Or who knows maybe this is the only one in existence. Anyways we were both quiet at first, but eventually we got to talking and he agreed to let me eat him regularly if I kept him company. He had been there far longer, you see. So there you go. That’s how I survived all this time.”
The three again stood with mouths dropped open and the grinning mare. They collected themselves and gave each other approving looks.
“Well.” Sweetie Belle spoke. “We have a name for him, so what should we call you?”
Apple Bloom started. “How about we call you… Rodent!”
“Why rodent?” Sweetie asked.
“Because she’s like a bat! Dwelling in caves and what not.” Apple Bloom explained. How did they not see the logic? The mare didn’t seem to enjoy the name, so she let it pass.
“What about Boulder?!” Sweetie suggested. “We did move a lot of boulders to get to her. It seems appropriate.”
“She doesn’t even look like a boulder.” Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “I know the perfect name.” Everypony leaned in for her thrilling reveal. “ROCK BOOGER!” They all just looked at her, surprised by her ridiculousness.
“How about… Sprout.” The mare suggested. They all gave her a puzzled look. She looked from side to side, worried that her suggestion was insufficient. “Because I sprouted from the wall?” She explained, hoping for their agreement. The girls nodded at each other and they all smiled.
“Sprout. I like it.” Sweetie Belle smiled.
“We got a little surprise for ya waiting back in Ponyville, if you’re interested.” Apple Bloom approached her and put a hoof on her shoulder.
Sprout frowned and looked back at the empty lot where she had spent over twenty years of her life. “Well I sure ain’t going back in there.” She said to the girls, giving them a little smile.
The girls jumped up and slapped one of their hoofs together with the other. The mare just looked at them oddly. They were disappointed that she had never experienced a hoof bump. In time.
They exited the cave in a single file line. “I can’t wait for the initiation!” Scootaloo exclaimed with delight.
“The what?”
“All in good time, Sprout.”
The four made their way out of the Everfree forest. The light was over-whelming for Sprout, but she slowly got used to it. They followed the path all the way out of the forest, but Sweetie still found it necessary to remind them repeatedly not to wander off.
Once they made their way out of the forest, they decided to go around Ponyville to get to Sweet Apple Acres, rather than through it. They though it would be best not to give Sprout any unwanted attention. Sprout inhaled the cool clean air of Equestria deeply through her snout, and out through her mouth. She missed the air. She had been breathing the same room full of air for twenty years, and this was a very welcome change. She had almost forgotten what these familiar colors looked like. It was good to be out. It was good to be free.
After a long walk along the borders of Ponyville, they finally reached Sweet Apple Acres. They ignored introducing their new friend and went straight to the Cutie Mark Crusader Clubhouse. Their they found a pot to place Reggie in so Sprout wouldn’t have to balance it on her back anymore.
“You’re heavier than you look.” Sprout winked at the plant. The girls shared a concerned look, but it was quickly replaced with smiles.
“Why don’t you have a seat over there?” Apple Bloom said as she pointed towards a chair that Sweetie Belle had moved into place for her.
The chair was the fit for a filly, so she sat on it as gently as she could. Despite her grace, the chair collapsed under her and she was left sitting on the floor in a pile of wood, shifting her eyes as if nothing had happened. The three girls gave her delightful little smiles.
The room suddenly went completely dark. The shutters were slammed shut and the lamps were put out. Sprout was sitting in the dark, confused and frightened. She tried to focus in the darkness, but her eyes had already adjusted to the natural light. A single lamp was suddenly turned on above her. She could see the faint image of the three fillies, laced in hooded robed, their eyes were covered so only their snouts were visible.
“Sprout!” Apple Bloom boomed in a low and sinister voice. “You have faced much hardship in your lifetime. More than anypony should ever experience, and yet this cruel land has still denied that most special mark on your flank, even as a full grown mare! We have brought you here because we think you qualify more than anyone to be a part of this most prestigious of clubs!” She pointed a hoof to sprout. “Do you agree to be a part of this cutie mark obtaining association? Do you agree to be…?”
All three fillies announced in unison. “A CUTIE MARK CRUSADER!”
Sprout was still for several seconds, only able to blink. A smile started to appear on her face. Slowly it was increasing, and as it did, the fillies smiles grew as well. There was no way she could refuse; this was one of the best initiations yet. Sprouts smile grew wider and wider, almost ear to ear.
In a moment it was gone. “A what now?”
The lights flashed back on and the shutters reopened. The fillies groaned. “We’re a club that makes an effort in obtaining our cutie marks together.” Apple Bloom explained reluctantly. “We noticed that you were a blank flank just like us, so we figured we’d invite you to join our club.”
Sprout didn’t know what to say, she knew that getting your cutie mark was a really big deal, but the idea of trying to do so with three little fillies was just crazy. She considered asking Reggie if this was a sane idea or not, but the thought of actually getting a cutie mark had her pretty excited.
“Okay” She smirked. “I’ll do it.”
Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo sighed in relief and they dropped to the floor. All that effort was worth it.
Apple Bloom motioned for the to rise to their feet for the honorary hoof bump. They each raised a hoof in the air, and motioned for Sprout to join. This was a momentous occasion indeed. She just stuck her hoof out and let the fillies do the rest.
Apple Bloom put her foreleg around her neck and led her outside of the clubhouse cheek to cheek. They exited onto a balcony which was able to overlook a portion of Ponyville.
“Alrighty Sprout.” Apple Bloom said with joy.
“Let’s go get your cutie mark.”
“Come on, Reggie, quit being such a pansy!” Sprout teased her inanimate companion
Sprout and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were making their way through central Ponyville in the hopes of finding something that Sprout found interesting. They had covered Sprouts blank flank with a plus sized Cutie Mark Crusader cape, to avoid anypony staring at her, or claiming that she’s some kind of defected pony at the worst. That wasn’t the only thing the fillies hooked her up with. Her once tangled and ratty hair was now combed neatly. None of the fillies wanted to risk actually cutting off any of the ponys hair, so instead Sweetie Belle decided to just curl it in neat inward spirals just to keep her hair at level with where her forehooves started. Sprout had tied a rope around the base of her tail which pulled a little red wagon that carried Reggie. They had made their way from the Cutie Mark Crusader clubhouse to the central Ponyville market place. The place was bustling with ponies that were set out to buy something from one of the various market vendors that circled the center.
Reggie remained silent.
“Umm, what’s it’s- uhh, his problem?” Scootaloo asked, still uncomfortable and weirded out with referring to this plant as if it was actually aware.
“Oh, he’s just not used to being around so many ponies.” She said, still looking at the plant. She then looked around her shrinkingly and laughed awkwardly, “and, well, neither am I.”
“Don’t you worry,” Apple Bloom chimed. “This town is filled with the nicest ponies you’ve ever met.” Who knows, maybe the only ponies she’s really met. Apple Bloom had the feeling that this pony was sheltered even before she was trapped. There was something about the way she interacted with ponies, or lack thereof.
Sweetie Belle slowed her trot to end up walking next to Sprout. “So, what are you interested in exactly?” She asked. “You know, before the whole unfortunate incident and whatnot.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t call it totally unfortunate. I got to meet this crazy character didn’t I?” She winked at Reggie. He didn’t respond.
“And vice versa.” Scootaloo spoke to herself with a roll of her eyes.
“Come on. There has to be something.” Sweetie Belle continued. It would be good to establish a good area of opportunity for getting Sprout her cutie mark.
“Well, in the orphanage I enjoyed lots of things,” Sprout scratched her chin with her hoof in, trying to recollect some foggy memories. “Hmm, let’s see. I enjoyed looking out the window, Pacing around the halls, umm, staring at the lone crack in the wall! That was good fun!”
The three fillies shared yet another concerned look as Sprout listed off several more mundane activities she considered fun. It dawned on them that this pony had no real interest, nothing to aspire to. Getting her a cutie mark might be harder than they anticipated.
Sprout continued on. “What else. OH! Sometimes when new kids came to the orphanage, I would stare at them constantly from afar. It was great! And also-”
“LOOK OUT BELOW!” A familiar cyan Pegasus voice called from above.
It was natural for Rainbow Dash to perform her stunts in congested locations, showing off to the folks. Every so often, her stunts didn’t go exactly as planned. This was one of those particular occasions. Everyone in range of her voice immediately darted out of the area and behind the surrounding shops. They were used to her shenanigans and acted accordingly.
Everyone except for Sprout.
She stopped making her list and looked around her. She was only given a brief second to process the information in her mind that she should also clear out of the area. But it was too late. Rainbow Dash hit her at a downward angle at vigorous speed, sending them both tumbling across the marketplace in a cloud of dust.
When the shroud settled, Sprout was sprawled on her back with a shocked and very puzzled look on her face while Rainbow Dash was collapsed over top of her across her stomach. The Pegasus heaved herself off of Sprout and shook her self too her senses from head to rear hoof.
“Ugh! I swear I almost had it that time!” She pouted and then shot a nasty look at Sprout. “Y’know, when most ponies hear someone call to look out, that’s general what they do. And everyone did, except for you!” She scolded. “What’s your excuse, huh?”
When her tangent was over she saw that Sprout was breathing very heavily while she stuttered uncontrollably and she had fear clearly present in her eyes. She scanned the crowd that now surrounded the two ponies, looking for her fellow crusaders. Not seeing them there only increased her panic. They made their way through the crowd and eventually burst through and rushed to Sprouts aid.
“Are you okay?!” Sweetie Belle asked in alarm. Sprout couldn’t speak through her hyperventilation.
Apple Bloom trotted up to Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow! Settle down will ya. This pony ain’t used to this place yet. Cut her some slack and quit making a scene.” She asserted much to the surprise of Rainbow Dash.
“Um, yeah, okay, I, uhh, I’m sorry.” Rainbow Dash stuttered. “Even though she ruined my super awesome trick.” Rainbow huffed to herself quietly. Clearly not quietly enough due to the scornful look Apple Bloom gave her. “Uhh, yeah, sorry.” She blushed.
The three fillies were now tending to the mare in shock. Her eyes were dilated unusually, and she was shaking slightly.
“Easy now, big girl.” Scootaloo tried calming her while stroking her mane, which was now slightly nestled up from the crash.
Sprout was sitting upright now. She began to compose herself, taking deeper, more relaxed breathes. “I’m fine.” She choked out. “I’m just not used to associating with these ponies yet. Was that a normal interaction for you people? Did I do good.”
“Well, it definitely wasn’t normal.” Scootaloo said, earning more looks from Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. She corrected herself. “Well, try to get rid of the whole hyperventilation thing. Same with the shaking and… Ya know what, how about you just don’t do anything you did here, alright.”
Sprout gave a blushing nod and they carried on into the town.
There were many starting grounds for obtaining ones cutie mark, as the fillies were all too familiar with, but Sprout was something different. It was unanimous that before delving into cutie mark related endeavors Sprout must first learn basic pony to pony interactions.
And what better way to channel this than to visit Ponyvilles most interactive resident.
The Crusaders trotted their way up to the entrance of the local bakery, and halted before the steps. Sugarcube Corner was usually bustling with ponies eager to supply themselves with some of their delicious treats, but the Cakes were off on some sort of important delivery, which means they left Pinkie Pie in charge. It’s not that she was a bad pastry chef, quite the opposite actually, but she was still getting used to having such a demanding responsibility of not only making all of the goods, but also taking care of the Cakes two little foals. So out of consideration for her, the residents kept away from the store unless it was absolutely necessary. In other words, only if it was worth the risk of burning the only bakery in town to the ground. It wasn’t a highly possible risk, but it was still present.
“Alright here’s the game plan,” Apple Bloom formed a huddle, “Sprout’ll head in there and strike up a conversation with Pinkie Pie while we observe from the window. Any questions?”
Sprout peered through the window. The flowers that hung there gave off a nice scent when she was near. “Which one is she?” She asked.
The three fillies popped their heads up to the window to see a lone Pinkie Pie sitting at the register, fiddling with her mane, she glanced over to the window and adopted a wide grin and started waving vigorously.
“The pink one.” Sweetie Belle stated obviously.
“What if she doesn’t like me? What if she’s like that Rainbow one and tackles me and she takes Reggie and bakes him into-”
Sprouts panic was silenced by Apple Bloom shoving her hoof into Sprouts mouth. When she was done trying to speak, Apple Bloom removed her hoof. She smacked her lips in grimace at the taste of hoof and dirt.
“There’s nothing to worry about. Pinkie Pie is the friendliest mare in town. Everypony’s her friend” Apple Bloom stated.
Sprout calmed herself, inhaling deeply through her snout and exhaling through her mouth. She unleashed Reggie from her tail, giving the rope to Sweetie Belle so he wouldn’t run away. Sweetie just rolled her eyes and took the rope in her mouth. Sprout marched her way to into the store and gave a final glance back as she entered.
“Remember! Don’t do anything you did last time.” Scootaloo gave a final word of advice as Sprout nodded and entered the store.
The three dashed to the window and watched as Sprout made her way towards the counter. She didn’t appear nervous which was a good sign.
“Why hello th-“ Pinkie began, but then let out a large gasp. The fillies thought this would frighten Sprout but she still made her way towards Pinkie. The door to the shop closed and everything was muffled “You’re new here, aren’t ya! I know you because I know everypony! Absolutely everypony! I’m pretty much everyponys best friend! Not to toot my own horn or anything, if I even had one, it’s just the way it is. Do unicorns horns make sounds when you squeeze them? If I had one I’m sure it would! I’m Pinkie Pie!” She never even took a breath as she greeted Sprout wildly.
Sprout had made it to the counter and Pinkie continued on. “So where are ya from, huh? You a big city pony, looking for some small town delights as you wander across the lands searching for the most memorable sweets you could ever taste. Well look no further! I can whip up whatever it is your taste buds desire! Just say the word!” Pinkie Pie finished with a big smile.
From the outside everything appeared to be going smoothly.
“Well she isn’t huddled in the corner, so that’s a bonus.” Scootaloo said, genuinely pleased.
“She might be real pony material after all.” Apple Bloom smiled.
“Umm, girls?” Sweetie Belle still watched through the window and Apple Bloom and Scootaloo joined her.
Sprout was standing at the counter, expressionless, as Pinkie still smiled her wide smile. They remained like this for several seconds, neither moving nor talking. They simply blinked as they just stand there as statues.
The fillies entered the shop and trotted their way up to Sprout. When they got to her she looked down, gave them a small smile and then looked back up at Pinkie Pie, expressionless. The girls looked at each other, this time with intense confusion.
“Umm, Sprout?” Apple Bloom asked, confusion present in her voice.
Sprout looked down at her and smiled. “Yes?” She replied simply.
“Why aren’t you saying anything to Pinkie Pie?” She asked. Pinkie still stood there with an unaltered grin.
Now it was Sprout who looked confused. “You told me not to do anything I did at the market place with the Rainbow one. I said a lot of words when she crashed into me. Incoherent but words none the less.” She said matter-of-factly. “I also did quite a bit of moving around, so I figured I would do none of that. Just like you said!”
The three fillies looked shocked and dumbfounded at Sprout, unable to even form a sentence. Scootaloo slapped her face with her hoof hard in disappointment.
“That’s not exactly what we meant.” Apple Bloom said, slightly annoyed but also feeling sorry for Sprout. She just didn’t know any better.
Sprout ears dropped and she looked at the floor and sat hard, disappointed in herself.
“Aww, don’t worry Sprout,” Sweetie Belle patted the mare on the back. “Once you get the hang of it, it’ll be easy as pie.”
“THAT’S THE WORD!” Pinkie Pie shouted as she darted into the kitchen, startling everyone who had forgotten she was there. There was a lot of banging and clattering coming from the swinging doorway. Suddenly, a fresh baked pie flew out of the kitchen, flying straight into Sprouts face. The pony opened her eyes, confused. She looked at her crust and berry covered nose and gave it a good lick, grinning at the wonderful taste.
The fillies were running out of ideas. Maybe this mare was just unsavable. Maybe they could get her a cutie mark that didn’t involve interaction of any kind.
Or maybe they just weren’t going to the right ponies. Pinkie Pie is to open for a concealed mare like Sprout. Rainbow Dash is too brash. They need someone who is more on Sprouts level. Somepony who she could actually tolerate, and vice versa.
They needed a pony who was just as awkward as Sprout.
They made their way to Fluttershys cottage, Sprout enjoying what was left of the pie that was still intact. She generously offered a bite to the fillies, but they declined. More for her.
Sprout couldn’t help but notice how beautiful the scenery was around this area. This pony clearly knew how to take care of her pad. The plants that surrounded seemed to greet them as they walked by.
“This is great!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. “Fluttershy’s not good with ponies. You certainly aren’t good with ponies. You two are destined to be the best of friends!”
“And once you are, we can get a grown mares help to get a grown mares cutie mark! It’ll be perfect!” Sweetie Belle added with glee. Sprout blushed awkwardly. She didn’t mind there banter as much now that they were friends, but it was still embarrassing to be reminded that she didn’t have a cutie mark.
They walked up to the entrance of the cottage. Sprout was the only one who didn’t exude any amount of confidence. The fillies banged on the door wildly, until it creaked open slightly. A soft blue eye peered through the doorway. The door opened more and Fluttershy stood there with a relieved look that it wasn’t some stranger. Well, not completely.
“Why, hello girls. Is there something-”
Fluttershy was cut off by Sprout jumping right up into her face, barely a nose distance from each other, with a wild look in her eyes.
“Hey! I’m Sprout! I’m new and looking for tasty treats! Everyponys my friend! Will you be my friend?! BE MY FRIEND!” Sprout spat the words out of her mouth with such ferocity. That combined with the zany look in her eyes and the maniacal grin, she looked terrifying.
It’s a wonder Fluttershy hesitated so long for letting out a frightened squeal. She slammed her hoof into Sprouts stomach. She then twirled her around, lifted the pony up above her head and tossed her all the way into the muddy creek before slamming her door. Multiple locks were heard being used as the fillies ran to help Sprout.
Sprout was sprawled on her stomach, flailing around in the water. “Help! I can’t swim! These hooves were not designed to keep me afloat! Oh, cruel fate!” She yelped as she thrashed about.
The fillies trotted up to the mare, the water only at mid hoof level, each sporting arched brows. Sprout stopped squirming and examined her surroundings. She rose up, blushing furiously and wearing an embarrassed little grin. The fillies just gave concerned looks at her. Her grin faded and she looked down, disappointed in herself once again.
“What was that all about?” Scootaloo asked. That was definitely not what anny of them expected.
“I was just trying to be more like that Pink one.” Sprout said, ashamed of her actions. “You said everypony was her friend so I figured I’d just act like her.”
“You may have over done it just a bit.” Apple Bloom said, noticing her friends despair. “Maybe we can-“
“Forget it…” Sprout sighed.
Silently, the four made their way back to the clubhouse.
When they arrived back, nopony knew what to say to her. She just groaned as they entered the clubhouse.
“Why do I have to be such a perplexed pony.” Sprout complained. “These things are supposed to come easy for ponies. But nooo. I gotta have issues. I gotta be different!” Sprout finished her tirade by flopping onto the floor, doing her best to push away the sadness that was creeping inside her.
But it didn’t go unnoticed. “Don’t be sad Sprout” Sweetie Belle attempted to cheer her up. “We can still get you your cutie mark. We have barely even scratched the surface of our crusading adventures!”
Sprout pouted. “So what? So I can be a lonely mare with a lonely talent with a lonely cutie mark of loneliness? Sounds like a dream!” She said sarcastically.
“Well you still got us.” Scootaloo chimed in.
“Face it. I’m hopeless.” Sprout whimpered. She rolled onto her stomach and put her face in her crossed forehooves. “You should have never found me. All was well before you showed up!” She said angrily now.
Sprout lifted her face from her hooves to find the fillies looking at the floor, sadness masking their faces.
Sprout sighed. “I’m sorry, girls.” She rose to her hooves and brought them in for a big hug. This brought a slight smile to their faces.
“I should go.” Sprout said sadly.
The girls looked up at her in shock. “What?!” They gasped in unison.
“Town isn’t for me… maybe towns in general aren’t for me… maybe anywhere with ponies aren’t for me, I don’t know.” She said. “But I think I should go, somewhere isolated, that’s where I belong. I’ll just take Reggie and…”
The fillies waited for her to continue but she didn’t. She just looked straight ahead, sweat starting to escape from her forehead. She looked to the left of her, then to the right, and then to every possible angle of the room.
“Girls…” She started quietly.
“Where’s Reggie?”
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