The Cutie Mark Crusade Is Over

Chapters

Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV

Part I

The Cutie Mark Crusade Is Over: Part I

The sun was shining down upon Ponyville, it was a magnificent day. Spring had brought upon the flowers and the sweet scents of blooming apple trees all across Equestria. Everypony was out and about. They all had their tasks to do whether it was to do some shopping, meeting up with some friends or find their Cutie Marks...

Yet again the 3 fillies combined forces in their Cutie Mark Club House on the property of Sweet Apple Acres. Applebloom was getting desperate, it had been weeks since the three ponies combined forces and so far, none of them had accomplished their goal.

“Skydiving?” Scootaloo suggested, the orange pony diving to a prone position on the floor the purple mane collecting the dust that lay on the floor.

“Naah,” Applebloom sighed dismissing the thought before she even really considered it. “How in Celestia’s name are me an’ Sweetie Belle supposed to get up there?”

“Oh,” Scootaloo muttered disheartened, “I didn’t think of that.”

“What if we are all inventors?” Sweetie Belle piped up “We could make anything and help everypony out!”

“Aww Yeah!” Scootaloo shouted “We could build really cool robots and stuff!”

“Then it’s decided.” Applebloom stated, “We shall all be inventors.”

“YAY!” The fillies huddled together in excitement and bounced in a circle. When the intense friendship moment ended they all realised they had no idea where to start.

“We need building materials” Applebloom suggested.

“Right on it!” Scootaloo was already on her scooter zooming off into the distance.

“What are we going to invent?” Sweetie Belle asked herself, “Equestria’s first ever robot pony?”

“It’s as good an idea as any.” Applebloom conceded “I don’t have anything better.”

The two ponies started drawing designs on the floor, hours passed and Sweetie Belle had long since given up and Scootaloo was not yet back. By now, the sun was high in the sky and everything everywhere seemed to enjoy the warm glow.

“There, finished!” Applebloom said sounding pleased with her work.

“Wow, Applebloom that is REALLY good.” Sweetie Belle said obviously stunned and impressed by her friends amazing design.

“Thanks,” Applebloom replied shyly, not accustomed to this sort of praise.

It was a full page picture of a shiny gold construct with intricate detail on the hooves and tail (the hardest parts to draw as anypony knows) and the construct was in the process of bucking an apple tree in Sweet Apple Acres.

“Even the background is easily recognized” Sweetie Belle thought to herself. The colour spread across was realistic and smooth. Just as it happened, it looked exactly like today.

Scootaloo returned whilst Sweetie Belle was admiring the picture and promptly pulled the other ponies outside to look at the materials they had to work with. A large timber pole, four iron rods and a few nuts and bolts.

“Uhhh, Scootaloo. What is this?” Applebloom said, obviously confused.

“It’s our materials of course!” Scootaloo replied proudly. “What are we waiting for? Let’s get started!”

The other two ponies looked at eachother and shrugged. The ponies started to build their creation with enthusiasm, but after a short time they were out of materials and the construction was a stick with random bolts attached with glue everywhere and metal rods attached in random directions.

“It’s hopeless.” Applebloom sighed and sat on the ground, defeated.

“I guess we aren’t meant to be inventors then.” Sweetie Belle stated.

“I guess not,” Scootaloo added. “So? What’s next?”

“Well hey there little fillies, whatcha all up to?” Applejack called walking into the clearing.

“Hey Applejack,” The ponies sighed in unison, not wanting to tell her that they failed miserably, again.

“Aww, am ah that mean?” Applejack replied dropping her head slightly as if taking it to heart.

“No, it’s just that we can’t seem to get it right. We try so many things and not one of us has yet gotten our Cutie Marks!” Applebloom explained, clearly upset.

“Well, what did you do this time?” Applejack said enthusiastically, trying to cheer them up a little.

All three ponies pointed towards the horrible mess they had put together and hid their faces in shame.

“Oh, it looks uh, abstract?” Applejack could only stare at the mess of materials attached together in no particular form or manner.

“But, I thought I told you ponies to do something you like,” Applejack said trying to change the topic. “What do you like? Scootaloo?”

“Well, riding my scooter, but uhh, cool things.” Scootaloo replied unsure of what she actually liked.

“What sorts of things are cool?” Applejack said trying the jog the little pony’s memory.

“Break dancing is pretty cool I guess.” Scootaloo said, finally coming up with an answer for the larger pony.

This set Applejacks mind thinking, “We have some sheet metal in the barn ah’m sure of it, and as it seems you are in luck.”

“How are we in luck AJ?” Scootaloo inquired, intrigued.

“It just so happens that DJ Pon-3 is in town.” Applejack smiled remembering all the times she had spent with the pony at her rocking concerts. “Ah’m more than sure if you asked her she’d lay down some beats for you. Did I say it right?”

“Oh wow Applejack, you have the best ideas!” Scootaloo became excited and rushed to her scooter, “Come on fellow crusaders!” Before too long the ponies were speeding down along the track.

“You said it perfectly AJ.” Scootaloo shouted from the distance.

Applejack smiled to herself and just hoped that the ponies had fun this time. Then resumed her duties on which she fallen behind on, it was mid afternoon and she was only half-way through her work.

“They better have fun or next time they’ll find themselves working late rather than me” she thought to herself, laughing at the image of the tiny ponies pulling along the apple cart.

Once at the barn the ponies quickly uncovered the sheet metal and sped off once more towards where the concert was being set up. DJ Pon-3 was overseeing the stage construction making sure that everything was going exactly as planned; showmanship is half the act of a talented musician.

“Umm, excuse me? Scootaloo approached Vinyl Scratch in awe of the well respected pony.

“What can I do for you, kiddo? Vinyl was surprised at the sudden appearance of a small filly.

“Well, I was just wondering if you could play some sweet tunes for us while we break-dance?” Scootaloo replied timidly, hoping that the musical genius was friendly.

“Break-dance?” This was something that even as a DJ, Vinyl had not encountered before.

Seeing the puzzlement on the musicians face Scootaloo quickly tried to explain “Well, uhh you see me and some friends don’t have our Cutie Marks, and we are trying to get them but we haven’t tried break dancing yet so we were just wondering whether you could, you know, umm, help us out?”

Sudden realisation dawned upon Vinyl, “I would be glad to help you fillies out!” grabbing her gear and setting it up as she spoke. “It would be a great time for a sound check too.”

“Thanks Vinyl!” Scootaloo shouted excitedly grabbing the sheet metal and her friends, who quickly greeted and uttered their thanks to DJ Pon-3.

“So, who’s first?” Vinyl said, flicking a switch and the machine came to life.

“I’ll go first” Sweetie Belle said “I don’t think I’ll do very well though.” Filled with self doubt Sweetie Belle stepped onto the smooth shiny surface that was slick and easy to spin on.

The music started at a rapid pace and Sweetie Belle gathered momentum and spun in a circle on her back once, twice, three times, four times, five times and finally stopped! Not knowing what to do now Sweetie Belle got up and stepped off the plate, and the music simmered down.

“It was cool, but a bit short-lived." Vinyl said encouragingly trying to make the little pony feel better.

“My turn!” Applebloom stepped up to the plate and the music started once more. Applebloom Made feeble attempts at simple moves and just ended up stumbling around on the surface. “I’m making a fool of myself in front of my friends!” she thought and quickly moved off the large metal sheet, embarrassed.

The DJ felt sorry for the pony and said, “Uhh, your turn Scootaloo.” Trying not to dwell on or remember the terrible performance.

Scootaloo stepped up confidently onto the plate and waited for the music to start. When it did Scootaloo caught on quickly tapping in time with the beat. Suddenly she dropped and started in a spin, just like Sweetie Belle. Before too long 3 spins had passed and immediately Scootaloo slammed one hoof into the centre of the sheet swinging her body around without touching the ground, swapping hooves she spun 6 times and somehow then rolled up onto her head! Spinning faster and faster everypony lost count of how many spins Scootaloo had performed then using both her forelegs she pushed herself high into the air spun 180 degrees to face her friends and landed on her back hooves, arms crossed, face determined. The music stopped. Everypony other than Scootaloo just stared in amazement.

“That was... Awesome.” Vinyl said finally, she had never before seen such a complicated manoeuvre performed. Let alone by a little filly with next to no dancing experience.

Jaws open, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom could not help but stare at the flank of Scootaloo, where slowly but surely a Cutie Mark appeared.

“Scoot-Scoot-Scootaloo, you-you’re flank...” the words would hardly come to Applebloom’s mouth.

Understanding rushed through Scootaloo. She quickly turned to look at her flank to see that a shiny image: a metal sheet and a wild tornado spinning on top of it had appeared.

“No way!” Scootaloo shouted, “I have my Cutie Mark! Thankyou Vinyl, ThankyouThankyouThankyouThankyouThankyou!!!”

”Hey, no problem kiddo, I was just playing music; you did all the hard work.” Vinyl was pleased with the effort that the ponies had put in to help each other and just hoped that the others got their cutie marks soon too.

“I have a concert to set up, you fillies feel free to come along, Free of charge I might add.” With that DJ Pon-3 turned and started barking orders at the stage crew.

“What now?” Applebloom said to the others, “Scootaloo has her mark, we now only need to find two more special talents.”

“Well you all helped me get mine, now I will return the favour.” Scootaloo beamed with joy now knowing what made her unique.

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS UNITE!” They said as one.

End Part I

Part II

The Cutie Mark Crusade Is Over: Part II

Dreary clouds covered the whole of Ponyville and rain splashed down upon the school building as the school bell rang, but nopony went to their seats to wait for Miss Cherilee. Instead they were all gathered around Scootaloo as she showed off her new Cutie Mark. The small crowd whispered in wonder as to what the filly’s special talent could possibly be, as Scootaloo had not said a word since walking into the classroom that morning.

“Ok, ok settle down class.” Miss Cherilee said walking in the door and shaking off what raindrops she could that still clung to her sodden magenta fur.

“Why is everyone not in their seats?” Miss Cherilee was startled as usually all of the ponies were so obedient.

Noticing that the small crowd was surrounding Scootaloo, Miss Cherilee walked and saw what all the commotion was about. “That is a fine looking Cutie Mark there Scootaloo,” Raising her voice above the commotion. “But, please tell us all, what makes you unique?”

The room went dead silent in expectance of Scootaloo’s answer. “Well, I don’t want to brag...” A huge smile creeping onto Scootaloo’s face. “But, I may or may not be the best Break Dancer that Equestria has ever seen.”

The commotion of many words and questions erupted from the crowd from everypony in the room except Sweetie Belle and Applebloom whom had slunk away into their seats, heads down wallowing in their own sorrow.

“It’s not fair Sweetie Belle,” Applebloom whined “We were going to get all of our Cutie Marks together, at the SAME time.”

“Well, thinking back, it did seem a bit silly of us to think that would be the case Applebloom.” Sweetie Belle replied looking out into the rain as if to distract herself from the goings on inside the classroom.

“If everypony would find their seats,” Miss Cherilee said “I would like to invite Scootaloo up to the front of the classroom to give a demonstration of her special talent.”

Scootaloo was expecting as much. Miss Cherilee always wanted to see the ponies’ special talents. Pulling a speaker system from here saddlebag and grabbing the sheet metal discreetly hidden against the far back corner of the room Scootaloo prepared herself for her first performance in front a proper crowd.

Pushing the ‘play’ button, the music started. Scootaloo soon got the feel of the music and started tapping. When the song’s introduction finished Scootaloo started very much like she had when DJ Pon-3 was playing the music, spinning around on the very slippery sheet metal surface for a bit then immediately twisting into a head spin! Picking up pace Scootaloo made various poses whilst upside down making for a good show of skill and impeccable balance.

Still spinning Scootaloo brought her front hoof’s down, did a 180 degree spin and landed on her back hoof’s front legs crossed, she had decided that would be her signature sign-off. The classroom cheered encouragement and praise towards the orange filly.

“Well done Scootaloo, that certainly is an entertaining talent you have there, very unique!” Miss Cherilee applauded.

Packing up her things Scootaloo could not help but smile, glad that she had a reason to be. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, although proud of their friend, pushed their heads even deeper into their desks as if to block out all the noise and commotion.

“Now, today we will be learning about the food pyramid.” Miss Cherilee started, obviously trying to gain the young ponies’ attention.

School was over and the rain has stopped, leaving only a muddy path for the students to walk home through. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle trudged along the path, heads held low. Hardly caring where their friend was.

“Wait up,” Scootaloo called from a distance, “Wait for me!”

Scootaloo was running as fast as she could whilst carrying her break dancing materials. By the time she caught up, the little filly was worn out.

“So, what are the Cutie Mark Crusaders going to try today?” Scootaloo asked after finally catching her breath.

“Nuthin’.” Applebloom replied trying to ignore the question proposed towards her.

“Why the long face?” Scootaloo said, trying to cheer her friend up. “Whatever’s on your nerves can’t be that bad after a glorious day like today!”

“Look, Scoot.” Sweetie Belle said before Applebloom could respond, “I think you need to calm down a bit, we just watched you show off your Cutie Mark all day and all we could do was sit there and wish it was us!”

“Oh,” Scootaloo realised that in her own happiness she had hurt her own best friends. Her friends that had helped her get what was causing the happiness. “I’m sorry, I-I didn’t realise.”

“It’s ok,” Applebloom sighed, “I’m sure we would’ve done the same if it was us in your position.”

“So, I’m forgiven? Scootaloo asked timidly, hoping her friends were not too badly hurt by her actions.

“Of course!” the other ponies said as they leapt at Scootaloo and wrapped her in an embrace.

“I didn’t even have a chance.” Scootaloo muttered to herself.

“But, promise us it won’t be like that again,” Applebloom said.

“Never again.” Scootaloo replied boldly.

After several seconds the group broke off and chatted until they parted ways, making promises to try and find the remaining ponies Cutie Marks at the club house after school the next day.

The clouds held their place over Ponyville as the afternoon subsided and the night began.

The bell rang and the three ponies ran towards Sweet Apple Acres. The day was near perfect, the afternoon sun shone brightly down upon Ponyville and the vegetation looked lively after the rain the day before.

The ponies made it to the clubhouse after some solid running and of course, scooting. Sitting in the middle of the clubhouse the three ponies gathered their breath.

“The Cutie Mark Crusaders have successfully completed one third of their mission,” Applebloom said boldly, breaking the silence that held the group. “and so, we still have more work to do. What shall we do today to achieve our Cutie Marks?”

The silence began once more after Applebloom spoke, (like a true professional) as each pony thought of some way to achieve the Cutie Marks they were so desperately after.

“Howdy there little ponies!” Applejack said, looking in through the window of the club house.

“Hey Applejack!” Scootaloo piped up “I haven’t had the chance to thank you yet.” Scootaloo spun and showed off her new Cutie Mark.

“Well, there you go little ponies, always trust my advice an’ you can get anything you want.” Applejack boasted smiling as if she meant for it to happen.

“So whatcha’ gunna do today?” Applejack quickly changed the topic seeing the sadness in the remaining ponies’ eyes.

“We-We don’t know.” Sweetie Belle said, her eyes cast downwards as if the floor suddenly became interesting.

“What do you like Sweetie Belle?” Applejack said, using the same tactic as before.

“Umm, I like spending time alone?” Sweetie Belle considered.

“That isn’t a special talent; everypony does that at some point or another.” Applejack said, urging to pony towards another option.

“Poetry?” Sweetie said thinking of her ability to write and come up with lyrics and rhymes with ease.

“That’s sooo boring!” Scootaloo couldn’t help herself, she didn’t mean to be rude, but it was something she just despised.

“Scootaloo, it’s not about what we like!” Applebloom said “You need to at least give it a try.”

“Ah’ll leave you fillies to it” Applejack said, she really didn’t want to fall behind in her work again.

Grabbing pencils and paper the three ponies started thinking and writing whenever a word seemed appropriate. After a short time Scootaloo sat up and looked upon her work in disgust. A bit later Applebloom caved and could write no more, she had 6 words on the sheet.

Sweetie Belle finished and looked at work with pride.

“How is it?” Applebloom asked hoping that her friend did better than herself.

Sweetie Belle cleared her throat and read:

Strength has not nor never been my gift
But as time is turning I begin to shift
Now I must look and follow my heart
To find that of which is my talent, my art
Not now, if ever am I to say
What struggles are ahead to keep me at bay
But finally, I know who I am.

As the last words were spoken everypony’s eyes moved to Sweetie Belle’s flank. They waited, and waited. Finally they realised that long awaited Cutie Mark was not going to appear.

Sweetie Belle’s face fell, “I was so sure this time!” Tears sprung to her eyes.

“Maybe you have to perform it to someone who likes poetry?” Applebloom suggested.

“Fluttershy!” all the ponies said simultaneously.

A quick run and the three ponies were at Fluttershy’s door knocking furiously. Every creature that was outside Fluttershy’s house scurried away when the three familiar ponies fast approached the property, the three ponies that had caused so much trouble when staying the night at Fluttershy’s place for a sleepover.

“hello?” Fluttershy opened the door timidly. “oh, hello girls. I-um, how can I help you?”

“You like Poetry right?” Scootaloo questioned far too loudly for Fluttershy’s ears.

Cowering away slightly Fluttershy nodded hoping that the orange pony didn’t shout again.

“Please listen to this Fluttershy; we hope that Sweetie Belle will get her Cutie Mark from it.” Applebloom whispered at a level that she knew Fluttershy much rather preferred.

“oh, ok” Fluttershy said hoping that it was good.

Sweetie Belle started:

Fluttershy let her tears fall, “It was so beautiful.”

The ponies’ all rolled their eyes, Fluttershy was nice and all but just a bit too sensitive. But how Fluttershy felt was the last thing on their minds. Just like before everypony stared at Sweetie Belle’s flank.

Once again, there was no change; the flank was still a pure white. Tears streamed from Sweetie Belle’s eyes. To have her hopes raised twice and then shattered both times was too much. Fluttershy shut her door to the fillies, not to be rude, but it was just too much emotion for the sensitive pony to handle.

Scootaloo and Applebloom hugged their friend and comforted her. They sat there embraced and watched the sun fall from the sky and disappear behind the mountains.

“Don’t worry Sweetie Belle,” Applebloom said, “There’s always tomorrow.”

End Part II

Part III

The Cutie Mark Crusade Is Over: Part III

A few days had passed since the Cutie Mark Crusaders had last attempted to create the magical symbols of which they sought more than anything else. Everyday had been ruined by the Weather Control Squad, rainy day after rainy day had occurred, leaving the Ponies’ thirst for talent testing unquenched.

But today was different, today was sunny. Today was also the last day of school for the week and the ponies were eager to get going. Counting the final seconds as if they were hours the bell finally went and before Miss Cherilee could even say goodbye to all her students, more than half were already gone.

The colours of Orange, White and Pale Yellow were but a blur across the countryside, dodging every puddle that stood in their way. Just ahead lay their goal, the club house that housed all their ideas and hopes to gain success from their goal. So close, when suddenly a Purple pony crossed their path just up ahead.

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were forced to stop at the appearance of Twilight Sparkle. Slowing to a brisk walk the three fillies tried to regain their breath before they reached Twilight.

“Hello there girls! What are you up to?” Twilight knew very well what the three ponies would be doing this fine afternoon, but she still knew that you could not force your Cutie Mark to appear.

“We were just gonna’ try to get our remaining Cutie Marks Twilight,” Applebloom said innocently enough that she just hoped that Twilight would be on her way so that the ponies could begin their work.

“You know you can’t force the- Wait, hold your hooves for a second there, did you say, REMAINING Cutie Marks?” Twilight was confused; she was so sure that you could not get your Cutie Mark by forcing yourself to do activities.

“Yeah, we helped Scootaloo to get hers just a few days back!” Sweetie Belle piped up excited to tell the news to an out-of-the-loop pony. “Show her Scoot.”

Spinning, Scootaloo flashed her Cutie mark of a tornado on a shiny metal sheet with a smug grin on her face. That quickly changed when she remembered what happened last time she showed off her Cutie Mark.

“Wow, that is great!” Twilight said saddened by the fact that she could quite possibly be wrong. “Uhh, what is it?”

“I’m a professional Break-dancer!” Scootaloo said excitedly. “Well, maybe not professional, not yet at least!”

“Well, I suppose I couldn’t help one of you to get your Cutie Mark, could I?” Twilight was now so intrigued by how the ponies had managed to get one part of their goal she could not help asking, wanting to learn the secret to their success.

“Weell,” Applebloom began. But was quickly cut off by Sweetie Belle.

“Of course you can Twilight. Any suggestions as to what we do would be greatly appreciated.” The Cutie Mark Crusaders were back to trying random things Applejack’s advice had worked once but it seemed to be a fluke.

“You got your Cutie Mark by a random suggestion!” Twilight was getting frustrated, everything she knew was turning around and she started to question if she knew anything at all!

“Well, no,” Applebloom replied “Applejack said do what you like, and as it turns out, what Scootaloo really liked was break dancing.”

This set Twilight’s mind thinking, she knew that a cutie mark was always gained by something a pony liked, but what she couldn’t get her head around was why the pony’s were trying random things again. “So tell me, if doing what you liked worked, why not do that for yourselves?”

“Well, we did.” Sweetie Belle began, tearing up remembering a few days ago at how she thought she was so close to getting what she so desperately wanted, to know who she was. To know what made her unique to every other pony.

“But it didn’t work.” Applebloom replied strongly, picking up where Sweetie Belle left off. “Sweetie Belle thought about what she liked and it turned out to be poetry, we tried it and performed it. You-You know the rest.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring this all up” Twilight could see the tears forming the smaller ponies’ eyes, as they felt for their friend and as Sweetie Belle felt for herself. “Have you all tried making cupcakes at Sugarcube Corner? I’m sure Pinkie Pie would be willing to help you out.”

The three ponies’ eyes lit up, they hadn’t even though of that. The sun had fallen a lot more than the ponies would have hoped in the time they had spent talking and explaining things to Twilight, they realised they needed to hurry if they were going to get a batch of cupcakes done before they needed to be home.

“Thanks Twilight,” The three ponies called heading back the way they had come.

Pinkie Pie was outside Sugarcube corner “Twichy-Twitcha-Twitcha-Twitch!” Pinkie Pie called to the three fillies that immediately stopped in their tracks, everypony round Ponyville knew about Pinkie Pie’s twitches.

“Stay away from doors,” Pinkie called knowing all too well what can happen when her advice is ignored.

The three ponies, feeling a little safer that something is not going to fall out of the sky approached Pinkie, keeping well clear of the door to Sugarcube Corner.

“Pinkie Pie,” Sweetie Belle started. “Could you help us get our Cutie Marks? We need to give baking cupcakes a try.”
The door to Sugarcube corner slammed open and Pinkie got up and bounced in right after a large stallion walked out carrying a large box. “Sure, I can help you!”

“Really Pinkie? You’re the best!” Applebloom was glad that she was able to try something new in hope of finding it to be her talent.

Pulling things from various cupboards around the room Pinkie Pie started telling the ponies what to do, “crack the eggs, add milk and add sugar, LOTS of sugar!”

Soon enough there was a huge mess in the kitchen of Sugarcube Corner. Flour coated just about every surface of the room and the ponies. A huge bowl of just the right consistency was being taste tested by Pinkie Pie.

“For a 5 kilogram batch of cupcakes like this we needed to have put in 1.5 kilograms of sugar, 500 grams of chocolate chips, 2 kilograms of Flour and then all the eggs, milk and other secret ingredients should make up the last few Kilograms!” Pinkie Pie smiled, it all made sense in her mind.

“But Pinkie P-“ Sweetie Belle started but was suddenly cut off when Applebloom made eye contact and shook her head.
“It’s Pinkie Pie.” Applebloom need not say anymore because everypony knew about it. Pinkie Pie just had a different way of thinking than everypony else, it’s not that she was stupid (which she definitely isn’t) it’s just that she took a different path and somehow ended up just off the answer but still really close and that’s what mattered...

Taking a big scoop of the mixture Pinkie opened her mouth as wide as it would go and put the delicious mixture in. Chewing happily away Pinkie started bouncing up and down eyes rolling around in her head.

“It’s PERFECT!” the shout was so loud that everypony in Ponyville had heard it and wondered what could possibly be going on in Sugarcube corner.

Putting the mixture in the little holds in the cupcake tray the little ponies put them into the oven at just the right temperature, Hot. The excitement got the benefit of the two ponies that didn’t already have their Cutie Marks in prospect that they were so close to another chance.

Spinning and dancing in the kitchen of Sugarcube corner, just making a bigger mess of all the flour and spilt ingredients on the floor. They were so excited and made so much noise that they didn’t even see Pinkie Pie humming and singing softly to the cupcakes.

After a time, the two ponies ran out of energy and out of breath. Leaving them sprawled in a heap on the floor, panting. A strange new noise reached their ears, Pinkie Pie was still humming and singing to the cupcakes that were half-way through their cooking cycle.

“Uhh, Pinkie? What are you doing?” Sweetie Belle said, listening to the music wondering what was wrong with Pinkie, she had never heard her speak or do anything so quietly.

“I’m singing to the cupcakes so that they grow to be big, tasty cupcakes.” Pinkie Pie sounded dead serious. “You should sing too. You have been part of their life until now, you can’t just abandon them!”

“Go on Sweetie Belle, you have the best voice of all of us!” Applebloom pushed her forward.

“Wha-what do I sing?” Sweetie Belle was surprised at this sudden turn of events. “Why not Scootaloo? She was the singer for our performance.”

Staying quiet until now, Scootaloo had just been watching everything that had been going on. “I was terrible and I know it. You do have the best voice Sweetie Belle!”

“You will sing to them then.” Pinkie Pie stood from her knees and stretched her sore legs. “Just tell them what you want them to do!”

Before Sweetie Belle could reply Pinkie Pie has bouncing out of the kitchen and left the girls alone. Utter fear shook Sweetie Belle to the core. “What if I get it wrong? What if I ruin the batch?” Terrible thoughts of ruining everything were the only thoughts she had.

“Calm down Sweetie Belle” Applebloom said, “They’re just cupcakes.”

Rationality took over Sweetie Belle, “Oh, right, I knew that.” Pinkie Pie had momentarily changed her thinking pattern.

(Author’s note: Use your imagination here. Make it nice.)

“Little Cupcakes,
Think of the future,
Think. Of. How.
You. Will. Be.
Don’t be scared now,
Face to your fears,
Grow. Up. Strong.
It Won’t. Be. Long.
What you will do will be,
Greater than Anything.

Applebloom and Scootaloo could do nothing but stare; they had never heard Sweetie Belle REALLY sing before. They had only heard bits and pieces while she wasn’t paying attention.

Running out of the room as quietly as possible, the little ponies roused every pony in sight. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were just some of the ponies around as they had been meeting up. Curious as to why the little fillies had rushed them towards Sugarcube Corner, they followed.

“Now, you have to be quiet everypony!” Applebloom said before they all went in.

As each pony shuffled into the room and headed towards the kitchen, a beautiful sound could be heard. Although the lyrics were quite strange, the enticing music lured them to know who it was.

Everypony stood with their heads through the doorway of the kitchen and gasped in shock to who was singing the words. Sweetie Belle was concentrating on her song and didn’t even notice they were there.

(Author's Note: Once again, PLEASE make it nice.)

DING! As if on cue, the oven timer went off and the cupcakes were ready.

“How did I do Pink-“ Sweetie Belle started, turning around to see nearly 15 heads staring at her through the doorway. Everypony started clapping and cheering Sweetie Belle who was going bright red.

“Wow, you have the BEST voice Sweetie Belle,” Scootaloo said, “Not my style of music, but that was incredible!”

“We knew you liked singing Sweetie Belle, but...” realisation dawned in Applebloom. “You LIKE singing!”

Every eye from the 3 fillies fell onto Sweetie Belle’s flank, where now shined in bright silver, 3 musical notes. Sweetie Belle could only stare.

“CONGRATULATIONS!” Applebloom and even Scootaloo hugged their friend. This sudden surprise stopped the crowd in the doorway. They all looked over to see two of the fillies hugging their friend with huge smiles on their faces.
They also saw Sweetie Belle.

Crying.

But this time, tears of joy.

End part III

Part IV

The Cutie Mark Crusade is over Pt IV

(Yeah, I’m sorry that this one took so long to get here and I’m also sorry for what it may entail. No matter what I did, I couldn’t find a style of writing that seemed... right. So this is the best version I could come up with) ((It may seem a bit rushed)) (((If somebody wants to remake this chapter using the same storyline, it would be GREATLY appreciated)))

A few weeks had passed since the wondrous voice had been discovered in Ponyville. From that time, everypony had requested audience with Sweetie Belle whether to perform or just to hear the newfound talent. Once more Applebloom was struggling, struggling to deal with another one of her friends having the popularity and normality that comes with a Cutie Mark.

Wishing, wanting, jealousy, envy. It was all there, shutting herself off from the world didn’t help too much either. Over the soft breeze that was ever present through Ponyville the voice of Sweetie Belle performing, practicing and creating new musical masterpieces was heard.

Applebloom’s confidence was shot, her ability to cope was gone, the slightest of tasks that were laid before her sent her into a cascading spiral of depression and sadness. No matter who talked to Applebloom noticed this and whatever they did to help was to no avail.

At last Applejack had given up on her little sister; there was no longer anything she could do to give her even a brief reprieve from the sadness she held present. A decision was made.

“You are leaving.” Applejack started packing a bag in Applebloom’s room.

“I’m what?” Applebloom replied, unsure whether her sister was making another attempt to cheer her up or at least change her mood.

“You are going to Manehattan.” Applejack said steadily, even though it hurt her to say so. “I went there and I realised my future, you can do the same.”

Applebloom thought it over and although it made sense in a way, but there were too many variables to really be confident about the idea. “Do I have to?”

“You have been moping around here for days now, you show your face to take your food and hide once more,” Applejack tried to make the words hit hard against Applebloom. “Your friends and family are worried, there is nothing we can do to help the situation, YOU won’t let us help.”

“Alright, when do I leave?” Applebloom had no opinion in the matter anyway it seemed, but she still didn’t really want to go to Manehattan. Or go anywhere.

“Today, for one week.” Applejack left the room and tears welled up in her eyes, that had taken more strength from her than she was really willing to admit to anypony.

Later that day, Applebloom was on the train speeding for Manehattan, it was an overnight trip so she found an empty bunk and settled in for the long trip. “I hope this helps.”

The train slowed and the whistle blew awaking the passengers within, Manehattan was upon them. High-rise buildings shot up through the ground before them and the masterpieces of architectural ability were quite obvious in the little filly’s eyes.

“Applebloom!, Applebloom!” Aunt and Uncle Orange (to Applebloom at least) were calling to her from the platform.

“Yay, some more people who just want to attract everypony’s attention” Applebloom muttered to herself.

After embraces and greetings and Applebloom forcing a smile the whole while, they all headed towards the Orange’s home. Unpacking occurred and little talk between anypony was present.

Sensing a need to change the mood Aunt Orange said, “Come on Applebloom, go out and do some sightseeing, we have some work to do at the orchard.”

Not wanting to strike up an argument, Applebloom obliged and left back towards the city. Slowly, Applebloom trudged from one structure to the next; their huge size was daunting enough as it was, but the intricate work on the outer walls, the statues that hung precariously close to the edges. Everything went by in a blur. The more and more Applebloom walked her mood lightened as her mind travelled elsewhere into a world of its own.

Excitement began to grow inside Applebloom, she was so interested in the works around her she could do nothing but stare. Eventually the light dimmed and Applebloom came to her senses, she needed to get back to the orchard before problems arose as the nightlife crept in every shadow.

Nervousness took over Applebloom, she had no idea what the city would be like in the darkness and to put it simply. That scared her. Applebloom ran, and didn’t stop until she was safe back at the orchard.

“Where have you been?” Aunty Orange inquired. It was quite obvious she had been worried, she knew as much as anypony how dangerous the city could be at night.

“I’m sorry, Aunty. I was so caught up with the city that I didn’t realise the time.” It was the first time in ages that Applebloom had actually meant what she had said.

“PLEASE, be more careful next time you go into the city. I don’t want to be the one to face your sister if you went missing.” Uncle Orange called from the kitchen.

“Get yourself some food and get some rest, you look tired” Aunty Orange instructed.

“Ok,” Applebloom did as she was told and fell into the covers of her bed. Dreams soon came, Applebloom slept peacefully. Something that had not happened in a LONG time.

At the crack of dawn, a rooster called his greetings and Applebloom arose, scoffed some breakfast and left for the city once more to gaze upon its sights. Applebloom left a note saying where she was just to not worry the Oranges’.

The day washed away, Applebloom stopped at a stall and bought some lunch and soon enough she was heading back to the orchard. The day had flown, and Applebloom’s mood had once again lightened and she felt open enough to talk with her Aunt and Uncle about the city and its origins.

Applebloom continued her days in Manehattan exploring the history behind the walls. Although she didn’t know it, Applebloom was herself again and she was heading back to Ponyville.

A crowd had formed on the platform of Ponyville station. “Here it comes!” Scootaloo shouted.

The train approached and stopped. A lone Pony exited from the train and looked upon the ground. Applebloom looked at everypony and said “Everypony, I am sorry. I treated you all badly, ignored your advice and deliberately put myself in the state of sadness that had you all so worried, after going to Manehattan; I had some time to think.”

Nopony even drew a breath hanging off every word of the small filly’s apology. “I’m me again!”

A cheer rose up throughout the crowd and Applejack and the other Apples’ embraced Applebloom, this was soon followed by Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and every other pony present, a huge group hug formed.

Regularity ensued in Ponyville; a few days had passed since Applebloom returned. The Cutie Mark Crusaders waited until the weekend and met in their club house.

“What are we going to do with you Applebloom?” Sweetie Belle said. “Even with everything we have tried, you haven’t gained your Cutie Mark.”

“What do YOU like Applebloom?” What took your interest in Manehattan?” Scootaloo broke in before Applebloom could reply.
“I know what it will be. I know what will make me unique.” Applebloom replied coolly.

“WHAT?!” Both ponies said in unison. This was an answer they had not been expecting. They always had just gone with the flow and ended up lucky.

“Get me timber. A LOT, also I need nails, and tools and other pieces of equipment. Here’s a list.” Applebloom breathed in deeply and started drawing on a piece of paper.

Speechless, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle left to gather the supplies from the list that they had been given.
Dusk soon came over Ponyville and the ponies finally returned with the stuff and entered the Club House. Pictures and blueprints hung around the entire room.

“Wow, how did you do all these in that time? They are so intricate!” Sweetie Belle complimented.

“Are you an artist Applebloom?” Scootaloo said, seriously considering the idea.

“No,” Applebloom said still calm and in control. “Leave me and return in two days. THEN you will see what I am. My future”
Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo left, wondering what had happened to their friend at Manehattan, she was always excited or had some emotion to show. Now she seemed to be in a state of tranquillity.

The night wore on and Applebloom worked on her project with ease and caution, no mistakes could be made or everything would be ruined. The next day started and yet still Applebloom toiled until once again night began.

Dawn broke and Applebloom was finished, everything was perfect. A huge sculpture lay before her, she nodded with approval of her masterpiece and her flank was still bare.

Before too long, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo had assembled and their attention was on a large tarp in the middle of the clearing.
“This is me. We now know where our talents lie and we must disband our name of Cutie Mark Crusaders.” A smile broke across Applebloom’s face, “I can’t stay docile any longer.”

“But, you don’t have your Cutie Mark yet!?” Sweetie Belle was obviously very confused at the concept that Applebloom had her mark but didn’t yet have it.

“Yes, but this is it!” Applebloom revealed a structure from behind the gigantic tarp.

Curvaceous were the buildings corners that led to the peak. A miniature scale tower stood before the ponies, the colour scheme was perfect against the forest background and matched in near camouflage.

“Go inside,” Applebloom opened large double doors and revealed the inside of the structure. A spiral staircase stood central in the room and paintings were on every wall of memories the three had gathered together in their journey to find their own uniqueness. Inside the building was square despite the strange outside of the structure.

The whole while, the walls and building was perfectly sanded and were perfectly painted. The second floor was even more intriguing eight posts held up the roof that slanted downwards from a pointed tip and the walls were all open, showing the landscape from just above the canopy of the trees.

In just a few days Applebloom had created a building with the best view that Ponyville had ever seen and it was only of a miniature scale.

No words were said, and none were needed. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were in awe of the amazing work that had been produced by their friend and they also saw a hammer, a saw, and a paintbrush crossing each other diagonally on her flank.

The three embraced, satisfied alone by each other’s company as they stared into the distance over the trees towards Ponyville.

“Finally, I know who I am.” Applebloom whispered.

The End

(Yes, I know it needs editing, but I have not the skills or the time, volunteers would be GREATLY appreciated and someone who could rewrite this using the same ideas but better, I would be in your eternal debt.) Thankyou everyone, for the support you have given me, You’re the best!