The Club: Cutie Mark Crusadersby deleted account DNBChaptersThe two blank flanksThe big surprise! The Talent Search Plan The Crusading Begins The Sugar Cube Crisis!The Sad GoodbyeThe two blank flanks"Apple Bloom! There's a letter from Manehattan for you!" said Applejack. I raced down the stairs and grabbed the letter. "What's it say?" asked Granny Smith. I replied, "It's from Babs!" Dear cousin Apple Bloom, It's summer now and my first year at my new school has been great. To celebrate I'm coming to visit for my summer break along with the other two friends I made who want to be initiated into the club. See you soon, Babs Seed "I can't believe Babs is coming with two new crusaders! Sorry Granny, I've got to go tell Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo!" I ran quickly to our clubhouse and they were they were playing horse shoes outside! "Oh, how you doing Apple Bloom," Scootaloo asked. I replied, "Great. I've got some important news to tell yall." Sweetie Belle said, "Well come on tell us." "Ok, Babs is coming for the entire summer," I said. "Really," replied Scootaloo. They both jumped up and I said, "Calm down. Theres more! She's bringing two new members to join the cutie mark crusaders!" After I said that their faces look puzzled. " Whats wrong guys. Aren't you exited," I asked them. Sweetie Belle said, "How do we know if these new friends of Babs are worthy to be into our club. "Yea, I mean did she say anything oh I don't know what there like," Scootaloo asked. .I shock my head, and she continued, "Seriously, I hope she at least told you their names!" I said, "No, but she did say they wanted to be initiated and that they have been Babs' friends since she switched schools. So come one. They will be here in a week, and we have to prepare!" They replied, "Ok." So we prepared our clubhouse for their visit. Sleeping bags, a fire pit, and plenty of paper are now in the place.We also decorated the place for the summer (beach ball lamps, palm tree pictures, and a chest full of water toys). "I think were a go," said Scootaloo. "We have to get to the train station extra early in case the train comes in early," I said. " Cutie Mark Crusaders Hoe," we all said as we put our hooves together. So for next few days we stayed with Sweetie Bell because her house is closest to the station. We visited the station every hour . " Only 1 day until they show up," said Scootaloo. "Yea, I can't wait to meet other ponies she's bringing with her," I said. "It's getting late maybe we should go to bed," Sweetie Belle said. Scootaloo and I nodded. So we shut the light. Then we drifted into sleep. "Good Morning Cutie Mark Crusaders," AppleJack said to us. The three of us got out our beds/sleeping bags and headed down stairs. We quickly at our toast. "Hold on, the train isn't coming in for another hour so slow down," my sister said. I replied, "But what if it comes early? And Babs doesn't see that were there. And what If?" She put her hoof over my mouth and replied, "I just came from the station and they said the train should arrive in thirty minutes so slow down." "Oh, fine," I said. So after a nice breakfast we got to the train station just as the train was pulling in. After some of the passengers got off I saw out the corner of my eye Babs and her friends. I quickly ran up to her, giving her a hug. "Babs! I'm so glad to see you," I said. She replied, "Me too! Oh, here are my classmates I told you about in my letter. This is Sun Setter and to the right is Sillyena. Sun Setter is a Pegasus with a light orange coat and a sunset color mane and tail. Sillyena on the other hand was a light blue unicorn with a dark purple blue mane and tie tied with bands. "Pleased to meet you Apple Bloom. Your cousin told us all about you," said Sun Setter. Sillyena stuck her hoof out and I shacked it. But there was a joy buzzer on her hoof so it shocked me! " That's my way of saying hello," Sillyena said. "Well, that's cool. It's time to introduce my friends Sweetie Belle and Scoootaloo," I said. Then they came to my sides and we said, "And we are the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" "Well I'm Sweetie Belle, " Sweetie Belle said. Scootaloo said, "And I'm Scootaloo the best scooter rider ever!" Babs said, "Don't you guys think we should show them the clubhouse?" "That's a great idea. Come on let's get to it," I said. We quickly went to our clubhouse. "And here's the official Cutie Mark Crusaders clubhouse." Scootaloo said. "When are we going to get into your so called club," asked Sun Setter. "We will after we show you around," I said. I pointed to the checklist, "This is were we take roll," I said then pointed to the table. "And this is here we eat our lunch," I said and finally pointed to the spot on the floor. "This is were we think of good ideas," I said. "This place is so cool, can we get on with the initiation," Sillyena asked. "Sure, but after we have some lunch," Sweetie Bell said. So we ended up having peanut butter and zap apple jam sandwiches. Then we began the initiation. The big surprise!Me and Babs are on the left side of the podium while Scootaloo is on the right. Sweetie Belle is at the podium. And of course we all are wearing our capes. In front of the podium were Sun Setter and Sillyena. Then Scootaloo played her drums. The reason for the drums was to emphasis the seriousness of the ritual. We also put the new checklist on the wall to show our two new members. "We the cutie mark crusaders, elect Sun Setter and Sillyena to join as sisters, friends, amiags, and fellow cutie mark crusaders! You are solemnly sworn in, here this day, in witness of your fellow sisters," said Sweetie Belle. "Congratulations!," we all said. Then we threw them their capes. And they put them on they look really good on them. "What do we do now?," Sillyena asked. I replied, "Now it's time for the initiation dinner!" We prepared a special feast for our new crusaders. Apple cider, apple pies, zap apple jam, hay fries, and bread to make zap apple jam sandwiches. We also put a table cloth and made it look fancy. "Hey look my horns glowing," said Sillyena. Her horn glowed in a blue light and a flower appeared. Then it squirted water at Babs! The rest of us laughed because of how silly it was. Babs replied, "Good one Sillyena you got me good! I think your getting better and controlling your magic. You done a loud horn, a pie, and now this! I say you'll get your cutie mark in comedy! "Your right Babs. I've never herd of a comedy talent before! I now realize when people laugh at my jokes its in good fun and not to laugh at me," Sillyena said proudly. Suddenly, a flash of light came from under her cape. She pulled it off and like magic a cutie mark appeared. It was the symbol for comedy which was a joker hat. The hat was purple with gold bells. All of us in the room were shocked by sudden appearance of a cutie mark. "Sillyena, you got your cutie mark! And it was only your first day of being a crusader wowza," said Babs. "I commend you on your great achievement my dear friend. Um, Apple Bloom can us three have a talk with Sillyena outside alone please. We have some personal things to say to her," Sun Setter asked. "Sure. Don't forget to come back we have a surprise for you," I said. The three of them walked out of the room, and Scootaloo slammed the door. "What was that for?," Sweetie Belle asked. "I can't believe she got her cutie mark before us without even trying! I mean we try everyday and she's a newbie! Arrg," Scootaloo ranted and then sat down with a pout. "It was surprisin, but we should be happy for her. It's not like she just started doing that magic now. Babs said she had done it multiple times and she realized something. Wait,she realized something!," I said jumping up and down. I then replied and said, "That's the Key!" Scootaloo said, " What key?" I replied, " The key to getting a cutie mark. Think about it when my big sis got hers she realized that she needed to be home. And Sillyena just realized that there is a difference between laughing at somebody and laughing with them. All we have to do is realize something important and our cutie marks will appear!" "I guess that makes sense," Sweetie Belle said. Just as we finished our conversation they re-entered the clubhouse. "Excuse our sudden absence, we had business to discuss," Sun Setter said. Babs said,"Yea, and we all talked to Sillyena about it and can she still stay in the Cutie Mark Crusaders?" We all looked shocked from her words but Sillyena jumped in. "The reason I got my cutie mark was because of this club, and because I met you, and I want to help you realize your talents too. Can you please say yes," she said. "Its alright with me," Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle said. I replied," It's alright with me as well so let's eat!" So we all feasted on our sandwiches, pies, and cider and then we decided to announce our surprise! So we gathered all of us in the center of the clubhouse. The Talent Search PlanThe Talent Search Plan We had our new friends sit in the middle of the room while we stood up. Behind us was a tarp over the wall. They had a puzzled look on their face and in their head they were probably thinking what is that. So after my realization I deiced to tell um. "We have called you hear for something real important!," said Scootaloo as she turned her head to me. I replied, "Yea, and now I am now going to introduce." Then Sweetie Belle pulled the rope and behind the tarp was a big poster that read Fillies Talent Search. "The Fillies Talent Search," I said pointing to the poster. Sun Setter, Babs, and Sillyena looked shocked. "Ah, cous what in Equestria is a Fillie Talent Search?," Babs Seed asked. "It's a contest for all ponies who don't have their cutie marks," I said. "It let's you try different things to see which one is your talent," Scootaloo interrupted while she flapped her wings really fast. "You also get to be in teams!," Sweetie Belle said in joy as she jumped in the air and fell on me. "Ow! Sweetie Belle get of me!," I said in a yell of Rage. Sweetie Belle said," Sorry," and she got off of me and we regrouped together around the poster. Sillyena put her hoof up and asked, " What does the winner get and how do you win?", and then she put her hoof down. "You see a team of five does these events and try to earn their cutie marks. This goes on for several days right here in Ponyville! The first team to earn all of their cutie marks wins!," I said. Sweetie Belle added, " The winning team gets to go to the Grand Galloping Galla as guests of Princess Celestia!," I said jumping up and down with excitement. "I have one question for you Apple Bloom. Why would we partake in this contest and not try to earn our marks naturally ," Sun Setter asked as she stood up. "Because it’s a great way to discover our talents! And who knows maybe you'll earn your cutie mark and regret not trying. Also it's going to be fun," I said with a huge grin on my face. After the announcement we decided to hit the straw. Me and Babs slept in the barn in my room and the rest of the crusaders slept outside the barn in two tents. Sillyena rooming with Sweetie Belle and Sun Setter with Scootaloo. When my cousin finally went to sleep I decided to sneak downstairs and sleep in the clubhouse. The reason was because I could not sleep with Babs' snorring! Yet when I got their I saw Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle in their too. "What in the wide world of Equestria are you too doing her?," I yelled while walking towards them. "I didn't want to Sun Setter to get woken up by me moving around," Scootaloo said then sat down on her sleeping bag. "And I didn't want to get caught by Sillyena's magic surges because a few minutes ago a pie appeared on my face!," Sweetie Belle yelled then sat down. "I didn't want to deal with Babs snoring. Is it alright with you two if a stay in her too?," I asked. "Of Course!," they both said then walked towards me. After a very girly group hug, we all went to bed. As the sun rose the roosters cock-a doddle-do woke all of us up. We hurried into the barn to meet the others their for breakfast. When we got their they had already started eating Granny's apple pancakes. "What took you all so long? I'm sorry we didn't wait for ya, but these pancakes smelled so good we couldn't resist digging in. Are you guys mad?," Babs asked. We all shock are heads, and then said, "No." "Of course were not mad, but we sure are hungry. Crusaders dig in!," I said as we quickly sat down. After our delicious home-made meal we six of us set out for town square were the contest was being held. When we arrived we saw over 50 teams of 5 together. I started to feel overwhelmed, yet got over it when I saw Mrs. Cheerlee as one of the 3 judges for the event. We rushed over to say something to but she was dragged off into the judges panel inside town hall. After our failed attempt we signed ourselves in while Sillyena was in the stands with Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity to cheer us on in the events. We slapped on our capes which we had to wear because then the judges could tell the teams apart, and then we headed to the opening ceremony. The Crusading Begins The Crusading Begins "Welcome, one and all to the Talent Search Contest!," Mrs. Cheerlee said then every-pony cheered. "Now settle down and leave all applause till the end of the ceremony. Now as you may have seen we have 50 teams of fillies here competing for the same things. I expect to see one hundred percent effort from each and every one. Now to explain the rules. Your team has three chances to stay in the contest if they fail the event. Also, it doesn't count of one of your three chances if one of your team mates gets their cutie mark. If you happen to get your mark you can sit out for the rest of the contest cheering your teammates on to victory. But, if you cheat, hurt some pony, or leave the area your team has forfeited! And I can't forget to introduce the other two judges for the event. Let's first welcome our dear own Madame Mayor!," Cheerlee said as the crowd cheered as the mayor waved at them. "And now for the third and final judge. This is a pony who's wisdom and knowledge has no bounds and kindness beyond belief. Now I'm proudly to introduce our beloved Princess Celestia!," Cheerlee said with joy. Then a quickly blast of filled the room as the Princess and her two royal unicorn guards appeared and the Princess look strait at us. I started to blush. Then she walked up to the podium. "Thank you all. I'm very proud to be here on this day of discovery for each and everyone of you. The goal of this contest is to see what creates a cutie mark. And to discover who you really are. And let the contest commence!," the princess said as the crowd cheered at the top of her lungs. After the ceremony they divided the teams to 5 different tasks with 10 teams trying each task. I saw our little cheering section ready to see a awesome performance from us. Luckily, our first event is jump-rope! I decided to peep talk the team before the event. "Alright, our first event is jump-rope. So we have to jump 30 times or more to pass this challenge. So two of us will hold the rope and swing it around while the rest of us jump. Sweetie Belle and Sun Setter will turn the rope while Babs, Scootaloo and me jump. Every-one understand?," I said as made a huge grin. The team put their hooves in the middle and we all out them while saying, "Break!" Sweetie Belle and Sun Setter got into position holding the jump rope. All eyes were on our team. Our friends and family were cheering for the sidelines but that's only what they could do. The five of us working as a team is the only way we can get our cutie marks. So they turned the rope. We jumped in perfect sync and in the corner of my young eye I saw the princess looking amazed by our team work. "Twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty! Ok stop, you've passed. Now return to your area. Thanks for your effort," said the official said then he walked away. We quickly flipped our capes up, but alas none us got our cutie mark. I walked up to the team and patted their backs and said, "It's ok. This isn't our thing, yet let's try harder on the next contest which is snorkeling!," I said jumping in the air. "Wait! I can't partake in this activity. It would ruin my precious flowing mane and plus the flippers would reform my perfectly shinned hooves!," Sun Setter announced while turning the other way. Scootaloo run in front of here and said, "Look, the Cutie Mark Crusaders are a team. And you are a part of this team! And that means were all in this and besides will get disqualified if you don't do it. So just suck it up!" Sun Setter ran towards Rarity and got her to come over to us. "Oh, Sweetie Belle! Why are you making poor Sun Setter's perfect mane get ruined by foul lake water. But if I promise to give your mane a styling after the snorkeling then can you do it PLEASE!," Rarity said blinking her eyes at Sun setter. "Oh, fine as long as I get to lead this one so I get out the fastest!," she said looking at us. We all nodded at to her request and went for Ponyville's Lake: The swimming hole. Normally, the area is very quiet, peaceful, and deserted. Since the event is here every-pony is here on the sidelines in tents, the picnic tables, and the stands were our group of supporters were being joined by Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Twilight! "All right my little ponies here are your snorkeling gear. And now I'll explain your objective. First, you have to successfully use the snorkel. Then you have two minutes for your team to explore the bottom of the lake. If each of your teammates finds one of the many treasures that are down their you pass. Good luck your team will be the third to go so remember to have fun!," Mrs. Cheerlee explained to us then she went to explain it to the next team. "Since Sun Setter is leading so she can explore by herself. I'll go with Sweetie Belle. While Babs will go with Scootaloo. Any pony have any questions?," I said. Of course, they agreed with the idea and we watched the first two teams go. The first team was of all earth ponies so they passed naturally. The second team was made of three unicorns and two pegasi. The unicorns found their objects, but the other two almost drowned if it weren't for Twilight levitating them out! Finally, it was our turn. The referee was at the sidelines and the judges were in place. All of our team had our gear on and we were ready to dive. Sun Setter went down first and quickly found her item: a pearl quickly because of using her wings like a fan. "Now that was dreadful. Now were is Rarity with my mane dryer?," Sun Setter said aloud as she came out of the water. Sweetie Belle and myself searched the right side of the pond. We found a treasure chest and we brought it up together. Thankfully, the official said the chest counted for the both of us because of its size and weight! I looked into the pond to see Scootaloo and Babs. They looked on the left side. Babs found a crown that was in the middle of a sunken raft, and Scootaloo found a pearl necklace around a skull of a pony! "You guys don't know what I had to do to get this necklace!," Scootaloo said as she put her treasure on the table. The referee came over to see our items and said aloud, " Congratulations you have passed this test. It seems none of you have gotten your cutie mark, so proceed to the next event at Sugar Cube Corner. Thanks for your dedication!," he said as he walked away. We all frowned as we heard the news about our cutie marks, but kept our heads high! "Sun Setter since the next event is in an hour would you like me to style your mane at my shop?," Rarity asked. Sun Setter gladly nodded and went with Rarity to get her mane done while we went home to eat some lunch. The Sugar Cube Crisis!After our break we regrouped at Sugar Cube Corner for the final event for today's competition. Then came Rarity and Sun Setter both looking beautiful! "I'm back! Does every-pony see my perfect mane. The snorkeling, and ruining my mane earlier were worth it because I look absolutely amazing! What do you think Babs?," she said flipping her mane. Babs walked up to Sun Setter and clapped. Then she said,"Wowza! Sun Setter you look great. I like it better than your old mane cut. I like how Rarity made your short mane look longer by making it curve down at the bottom and take away your bangs! I must say Rarity should be your new mane stylist!" Rarity came up and shook Babs' hooves and cheerfully said, "Why thank you for the nice words Babs! You know ahh! Maybe I should do your mane and give you a makeover!Or make you all new capes, or make you all dresses!" Quickly, Sweetie Belle put her hoove over Rairty's mouth and yelled, "Would you be quiet! Your embarrassing us! Now go to the stands with Rainbow Dash, Sillyena, and Applejack ok. Please!" "Alright. Sweetie Belle, but only if I can give them all makeovers after the competition is over," Rarity asked. Sweetie Belle nodded, and she gladly went to the stands inside Sugar Cube Corner. "Hey! We didn't agree to be Rarity's dolls! What were you thinking Sweetie Belle?," Scootaloo ranted while shacking her head. I broke the two up and then announced, "Enough! At least she went back to the stands. And oh my stars! The competition is about to start. So let’s go!." The five of us rushed into the place and we saw a whole lot of ponies there who were not part of the competition in any way. The referee escorted us to our teams waiting area and told us that we were the last team to go. The bright side of this was so we could see what we need to do to pass and most importantly check out the competition! "Alright every-pony it's time for the final event in the first round of the Talent Search Contest. Ten teams will be eliminated from the contest at the end of this exiting event! So what is the test this time. As you are aware Sugar Cube Corner is the main hub for sweets in Ponyville, and I thank Mr. and Mrs. Cake for letting us use their fine facility for this event. This is a combination test and is the most difficult to complete out of the first round tests. The objective is to run the place. Your team will be split up into three jobs: backing, selling, and delivering. You can split the jobs however you like but all of your team must participate. You have thirty minutes to bake 50 treats of your choice. And you have to take orders from the pony volunteers and then deliver then either to the tables or to their home which they will provide their location. You need to sell at least 40 of your treats in order to make it to round two. Also, if every team sells at least forty then the forty teams with the most sold move on too round two tomorrow! You only have 45 minutes to sell your treats so let’s get this party started!," the mayor explained to us and the crowd cheered. I huddled the team around and explained the jobs. "Me and Babs will make the sweets because we are from the apple family after all. Sweetie Belle will take the orders. And finally Scootaloo will deliver the ponies their sweets at their homes and Sun Setter will serve them here. Any questions?," I said then sat down on the bench. Scootaloo fluttered up and said, "Hey. Maybe I can use my scooter to deliver the deserts on my scooter if it's allowed that is. I'm going to ask the judges." She quickly ran over and talked with the judges for a little bit then came back and said," They said yes as long as if I don't carry more than two deserts at a time on my wagon. Oh, I got to go get it. See you in a bit!" She raced out of the shop like a bolt of lightning and then quickly came back in ten minutes. We quickly got board of watching team after team, but finally it was our turn. The referee blew the whistle and we all raced to our positions! Me and Babs wanted to make Granny Smith's bit size apple pies. I grabbed the dough while my cousin chopped the apples. Meanwhile, Sweetie Belle was organizing the counter while the two pegasi cleaned the place up from the big disaster the last team left behind. With one minute too go we put the pies in the boxes and waited for the orders. Sweetie Belle was great at organizing the money, keeping orders, and writing down the addresses of the ponies who wanted their pies to be delivered to their home. Scootlaoo delivered those pies like as fast as Rainbow Dashes' sonic rainboom! On the other hand, Sun Setter was really slow! I mean she walked so slow the ponies were yelling her to speed up. It seems she was worrying about spilling, but at least she should be a little faster. But we had only sold 20 of the forty sweets we need and we only have 15 more minutes! Sweat was dripping down my small neck at a break-left pace. "Cousin we have a problem! The other thirty pies got burt while they were in the oven. Theres no more time to make more so were basicly done fore! I'm sorry for messing up our chances of finding out what we are meant to be," Babs pleaded on her knees. I helped her get up and said, "The entire point of this was to do something fun and work as a team. I really wanted to make this summer great for you Babs. Let's try our best to sell these burt pies!" Unfortunnly the crowd of ponies would't buy our pies, and in turn we were iliminated from the competition. Even though we had 3 strikes we used them all becuase no one got there cutie mark and we failed the task. With our heads down we slowly walked back to the clubhouse, sat in the corner weeping over our failure. The Sad GoodbyeI heard a knock coming from the door. "I'll get it," Sillyena said. And what do you know it was Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash. They came over to their respective "sisters" and hugged us including my sister hugging Babs. "Now stop with those sad faces. I mean come on yall! Upsie daisy," Applejack said and signaled Rarity and Sillyena to use their magic to levitate us outside and sat us on the picnic tables. "Now we just want to tell you all something really important," RD said then pointed her hoof to Rarity. "That we are," Rarity said then pointed to Applejack. "So," she said. "Proud of you!," they all said then Sillyena clapped. "Huh, but big sis we," I said then was cut off by Applejack. My sister said, "Did what make mistakes that is natural of us ponies to do. Listen little sis and this is for all you too. Even though you didn't make it past the first round you still passed the first too tests very well. "And you showed extreme effort," Rainbow Dash added. "And teamwork!," Rarity added as well. She put her hat on me and concluded saying," I love you for doing your best, working together, and making compromises, and most importantly." Then suddenly Twilight flew down from above and said," Be good friends to one another!" "Twilight what are you doing here I mean aren’t you supposed to be in with Princess Celestia supervising the contest?," Sweetie Belle asked. She replied," No, you see I decided to check up on you after I noticed you being upset at the contest, as I am supposed to care to all of my subjects according to the How To Be A Proper Princess Manual page 56 subsection d which involves caring to the needs of your younger subjects. Also I know some of you and I wanted to make sure you were ok." We made a huge group hug even the cool Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash enjoyed. After the hug Twilight flew back to the festivities and we decided play some horse shoes. After some great games the mail pony came and gave a letter to Applejack. "Let's see what we got. Dear my little ponies its Mrs. Seed writing from Manehattan. I have some great news for you. Your father along with Sun Setter's and Sillyena's have returned from the front line of Canterlot and have returned home because of their heroic deeds during the changeling invasion. They have done their service and have returned home. Since the world is at peace they are home. They request to see their beloved daughters as soon as possible. So that means you have to return home early. See you soon Mrs. Seed," my sister read to us. I looked over and saw them really upset. We decided to walk over to them and pat their backs. "This is really exiting I mean you get to see your dads again. Oh, don’t be sad Babs. I mean we can still write to each-other to keep in touch," I said. Scootalloo continued, "Ya, we can totally be pen palls. We could exchange crusading ideas and everything!" "I guess you have a pointmy dear friends we will write.," Sun Setter proclaimed as she made the hamlet pose. So by the next morning the Manehattin train was already at the station waiting to pick up our friends. "It was really great getting to know you over the past few days!," Sweetie Belle said. "It was fun for us too!," Sillyena said as she made some confetti and showered us in it. We all laughed and the train pulled up to the station. A tear came to the Ponyville crusaders and the three newbies patted us on the back. They hopped on the train and left into the sunset having huge tears in their eyes. A month later we heard that my cousin was making awesome memories with her dad. It made me miss my parents even though I never met them. But I still have my bother, sister, dog, and of course Granny Smith. I guess you have to appreciate what you have and be grateful when you get something. I love my family and waiting for my cutie mark is a pain but I know it would be worth the wait.
The two blank flanks"Apple Bloom! There's a letter from Manehattan for you!" said Applejack. I raced down the stairs and grabbed the letter. "What's it say?" asked Granny Smith. I replied, "It's from Babs!" Dear cousin Apple Bloom, It's summer now and my first year at my new school has been great. To celebrate I'm coming to visit for my summer break along with the other two friends I made who want to be initiated into the club. See you soon, Babs Seed "I can't believe Babs is coming with two new crusaders! Sorry Granny, I've got to go tell Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo!" I ran quickly to our clubhouse and they were they were playing horse shoes outside! "Oh, how you doing Apple Bloom," Scootaloo asked. I replied, "Great. I've got some important news to tell yall." Sweetie Belle said, "Well come on tell us." "Ok, Babs is coming for the entire summer," I said. "Really," replied Scootaloo. They both jumped up and I said, "Calm down. Theres more! She's bringing two new members to join the cutie mark crusaders!" After I said that their faces look puzzled. " Whats wrong guys. Aren't you exited," I asked them. Sweetie Belle said, "How do we know if these new friends of Babs are worthy to be into our club. "Yea, I mean did she say anything oh I don't know what there like," Scootaloo asked. .I shock my head, and she continued, "Seriously, I hope she at least told you their names!" I said, "No, but she did say they wanted to be initiated and that they have been Babs' friends since she switched schools. So come one. They will be here in a week, and we have to prepare!" They replied, "Ok." So we prepared our clubhouse for their visit. Sleeping bags, a fire pit, and plenty of paper are now in the place.We also decorated the place for the summer (beach ball lamps, palm tree pictures, and a chest full of water toys). "I think were a go," said Scootaloo. "We have to get to the train station extra early in case the train comes in early," I said. " Cutie Mark Crusaders Hoe," we all said as we put our hooves together. So for next few days we stayed with Sweetie Bell because her house is closest to the station. We visited the station every hour . " Only 1 day until they show up," said Scootaloo. "Yea, I can't wait to meet other ponies she's bringing with her," I said. "It's getting late maybe we should go to bed," Sweetie Belle said. Scootaloo and I nodded. So we shut the light. Then we drifted into sleep. "Good Morning Cutie Mark Crusaders," AppleJack said to us. The three of us got out our beds/sleeping bags and headed down stairs. We quickly at our toast. "Hold on, the train isn't coming in for another hour so slow down," my sister said. I replied, "But what if it comes early? And Babs doesn't see that were there. And what If?" She put her hoof over my mouth and replied, "I just came from the station and they said the train should arrive in thirty minutes so slow down." "Oh, fine," I said. So after a nice breakfast we got to the train station just as the train was pulling in. After some of the passengers got off I saw out the corner of my eye Babs and her friends. I quickly ran up to her, giving her a hug. "Babs! I'm so glad to see you," I said. She replied, "Me too! Oh, here are my classmates I told you about in my letter. This is Sun Setter and to the right is Sillyena. Sun Setter is a Pegasus with a light orange coat and a sunset color mane and tail. Sillyena on the other hand was a light blue unicorn with a dark purple blue mane and tie tied with bands. "Pleased to meet you Apple Bloom. Your cousin told us all about you," said Sun Setter. Sillyena stuck her hoof out and I shacked it. But there was a joy buzzer on her hoof so it shocked me! " That's my way of saying hello," Sillyena said. "Well, that's cool. It's time to introduce my friends Sweetie Belle and Scoootaloo," I said. Then they came to my sides and we said, "And we are the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" "Well I'm Sweetie Belle, " Sweetie Belle said. Scootaloo said, "And I'm Scootaloo the best scooter rider ever!" Babs said, "Don't you guys think we should show them the clubhouse?" "That's a great idea. Come on let's get to it," I said. We quickly went to our clubhouse. "And here's the official Cutie Mark Crusaders clubhouse." Scootaloo said. "When are we going to get into your so called club," asked Sun Setter. "We will after we show you around," I said. I pointed to the checklist, "This is were we take roll," I said then pointed to the table. "And this is here we eat our lunch," I said and finally pointed to the spot on the floor. "This is were we think of good ideas," I said. "This place is so cool, can we get on with the initiation," Sillyena asked. "Sure, but after we have some lunch," Sweetie Bell said. So we ended up having peanut butter and zap apple jam sandwiches. Then we began the initiation.
The big surprise!Me and Babs are on the left side of the podium while Scootaloo is on the right. Sweetie Belle is at the podium. And of course we all are wearing our capes. In front of the podium were Sun Setter and Sillyena. Then Scootaloo played her drums. The reason for the drums was to emphasis the seriousness of the ritual. We also put the new checklist on the wall to show our two new members. "We the cutie mark crusaders, elect Sun Setter and Sillyena to join as sisters, friends, amiags, and fellow cutie mark crusaders! You are solemnly sworn in, here this day, in witness of your fellow sisters," said Sweetie Belle. "Congratulations!," we all said. Then we threw them their capes. And they put them on they look really good on them. "What do we do now?," Sillyena asked. I replied, "Now it's time for the initiation dinner!" We prepared a special feast for our new crusaders. Apple cider, apple pies, zap apple jam, hay fries, and bread to make zap apple jam sandwiches. We also put a table cloth and made it look fancy. "Hey look my horns glowing," said Sillyena. Her horn glowed in a blue light and a flower appeared. Then it squirted water at Babs! The rest of us laughed because of how silly it was. Babs replied, "Good one Sillyena you got me good! I think your getting better and controlling your magic. You done a loud horn, a pie, and now this! I say you'll get your cutie mark in comedy! "Your right Babs. I've never herd of a comedy talent before! I now realize when people laugh at my jokes its in good fun and not to laugh at me," Sillyena said proudly. Suddenly, a flash of light came from under her cape. She pulled it off and like magic a cutie mark appeared. It was the symbol for comedy which was a joker hat. The hat was purple with gold bells. All of us in the room were shocked by sudden appearance of a cutie mark. "Sillyena, you got your cutie mark! And it was only your first day of being a crusader wowza," said Babs. "I commend you on your great achievement my dear friend. Um, Apple Bloom can us three have a talk with Sillyena outside alone please. We have some personal things to say to her," Sun Setter asked. "Sure. Don't forget to come back we have a surprise for you," I said. The three of them walked out of the room, and Scootaloo slammed the door. "What was that for?," Sweetie Belle asked. "I can't believe she got her cutie mark before us without even trying! I mean we try everyday and she's a newbie! Arrg," Scootaloo ranted and then sat down with a pout. "It was surprisin, but we should be happy for her. It's not like she just started doing that magic now. Babs said she had done it multiple times and she realized something. Wait,she realized something!," I said jumping up and down. I then replied and said, "That's the Key!" Scootaloo said, " What key?" I replied, " The key to getting a cutie mark. Think about it when my big sis got hers she realized that she needed to be home. And Sillyena just realized that there is a difference between laughing at somebody and laughing with them. All we have to do is realize something important and our cutie marks will appear!" "I guess that makes sense," Sweetie Belle said. Just as we finished our conversation they re-entered the clubhouse. "Excuse our sudden absence, we had business to discuss," Sun Setter said. Babs said,"Yea, and we all talked to Sillyena about it and can she still stay in the Cutie Mark Crusaders?" We all looked shocked from her words but Sillyena jumped in. "The reason I got my cutie mark was because of this club, and because I met you, and I want to help you realize your talents too. Can you please say yes," she said. "Its alright with me," Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle said. I replied," It's alright with me as well so let's eat!" So we all feasted on our sandwiches, pies, and cider and then we decided to announce our surprise! So we gathered all of us in the center of the clubhouse.
The Talent Search PlanThe Talent Search Plan We had our new friends sit in the middle of the room while we stood up. Behind us was a tarp over the wall. They had a puzzled look on their face and in their head they were probably thinking what is that. So after my realization I deiced to tell um. "We have called you hear for something real important!," said Scootaloo as she turned her head to me. I replied, "Yea, and now I am now going to introduce." Then Sweetie Belle pulled the rope and behind the tarp was a big poster that read Fillies Talent Search. "The Fillies Talent Search," I said pointing to the poster. Sun Setter, Babs, and Sillyena looked shocked. "Ah, cous what in Equestria is a Fillie Talent Search?," Babs Seed asked. "It's a contest for all ponies who don't have their cutie marks," I said. "It let's you try different things to see which one is your talent," Scootaloo interrupted while she flapped her wings really fast. "You also get to be in teams!," Sweetie Belle said in joy as she jumped in the air and fell on me. "Ow! Sweetie Belle get of me!," I said in a yell of Rage. Sweetie Belle said," Sorry," and she got off of me and we regrouped together around the poster. Sillyena put her hoof up and asked, " What does the winner get and how do you win?", and then she put her hoof down. "You see a team of five does these events and try to earn their cutie marks. This goes on for several days right here in Ponyville! The first team to earn all of their cutie marks wins!," I said. Sweetie Belle added, " The winning team gets to go to the Grand Galloping Galla as guests of Princess Celestia!," I said jumping up and down with excitement. "I have one question for you Apple Bloom. Why would we partake in this contest and not try to earn our marks naturally ," Sun Setter asked as she stood up. "Because it’s a great way to discover our talents! And who knows maybe you'll earn your cutie mark and regret not trying. Also it's going to be fun," I said with a huge grin on my face. After the announcement we decided to hit the straw. Me and Babs slept in the barn in my room and the rest of the crusaders slept outside the barn in two tents. Sillyena rooming with Sweetie Belle and Sun Setter with Scootaloo. When my cousin finally went to sleep I decided to sneak downstairs and sleep in the clubhouse. The reason was because I could not sleep with Babs' snorring! Yet when I got their I saw Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle in their too. "What in the wide world of Equestria are you too doing her?," I yelled while walking towards them. "I didn't want to Sun Setter to get woken up by me moving around," Scootaloo said then sat down on her sleeping bag. "And I didn't want to get caught by Sillyena's magic surges because a few minutes ago a pie appeared on my face!," Sweetie Belle yelled then sat down. "I didn't want to deal with Babs snoring. Is it alright with you two if a stay in her too?," I asked. "Of Course!," they both said then walked towards me. After a very girly group hug, we all went to bed. As the sun rose the roosters cock-a doddle-do woke all of us up. We hurried into the barn to meet the others their for breakfast. When we got their they had already started eating Granny's apple pancakes. "What took you all so long? I'm sorry we didn't wait for ya, but these pancakes smelled so good we couldn't resist digging in. Are you guys mad?," Babs asked. We all shock are heads, and then said, "No." "Of course were not mad, but we sure are hungry. Crusaders dig in!," I said as we quickly sat down. After our delicious home-made meal we six of us set out for town square were the contest was being held. When we arrived we saw over 50 teams of 5 together. I started to feel overwhelmed, yet got over it when I saw Mrs. Cheerlee as one of the 3 judges for the event. We rushed over to say something to but she was dragged off into the judges panel inside town hall. After our failed attempt we signed ourselves in while Sillyena was in the stands with Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity to cheer us on in the events. We slapped on our capes which we had to wear because then the judges could tell the teams apart, and then we headed to the opening ceremony.
The Crusading Begins The Crusading Begins "Welcome, one and all to the Talent Search Contest!," Mrs. Cheerlee said then every-pony cheered. "Now settle down and leave all applause till the end of the ceremony. Now as you may have seen we have 50 teams of fillies here competing for the same things. I expect to see one hundred percent effort from each and every one. Now to explain the rules. Your team has three chances to stay in the contest if they fail the event. Also, it doesn't count of one of your three chances if one of your team mates gets their cutie mark. If you happen to get your mark you can sit out for the rest of the contest cheering your teammates on to victory. But, if you cheat, hurt some pony, or leave the area your team has forfeited! And I can't forget to introduce the other two judges for the event. Let's first welcome our dear own Madame Mayor!," Cheerlee said as the crowd cheered as the mayor waved at them. "And now for the third and final judge. This is a pony who's wisdom and knowledge has no bounds and kindness beyond belief. Now I'm proudly to introduce our beloved Princess Celestia!," Cheerlee said with joy. Then a quickly blast of filled the room as the Princess and her two royal unicorn guards appeared and the Princess look strait at us. I started to blush. Then she walked up to the podium. "Thank you all. I'm very proud to be here on this day of discovery for each and everyone of you. The goal of this contest is to see what creates a cutie mark. And to discover who you really are. And let the contest commence!," the princess said as the crowd cheered at the top of her lungs. After the ceremony they divided the teams to 5 different tasks with 10 teams trying each task. I saw our little cheering section ready to see a awesome performance from us. Luckily, our first event is jump-rope! I decided to peep talk the team before the event. "Alright, our first event is jump-rope. So we have to jump 30 times or more to pass this challenge. So two of us will hold the rope and swing it around while the rest of us jump. Sweetie Belle and Sun Setter will turn the rope while Babs, Scootaloo and me jump. Every-one understand?," I said as made a huge grin. The team put their hooves in the middle and we all out them while saying, "Break!" Sweetie Belle and Sun Setter got into position holding the jump rope. All eyes were on our team. Our friends and family were cheering for the sidelines but that's only what they could do. The five of us working as a team is the only way we can get our cutie marks. So they turned the rope. We jumped in perfect sync and in the corner of my young eye I saw the princess looking amazed by our team work. "Twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty! Ok stop, you've passed. Now return to your area. Thanks for your effort," said the official said then he walked away. We quickly flipped our capes up, but alas none us got our cutie mark. I walked up to the team and patted their backs and said, "It's ok. This isn't our thing, yet let's try harder on the next contest which is snorkeling!," I said jumping in the air. "Wait! I can't partake in this activity. It would ruin my precious flowing mane and plus the flippers would reform my perfectly shinned hooves!," Sun Setter announced while turning the other way. Scootaloo run in front of here and said, "Look, the Cutie Mark Crusaders are a team. And you are a part of this team! And that means were all in this and besides will get disqualified if you don't do it. So just suck it up!" Sun Setter ran towards Rarity and got her to come over to us. "Oh, Sweetie Belle! Why are you making poor Sun Setter's perfect mane get ruined by foul lake water. But if I promise to give your mane a styling after the snorkeling then can you do it PLEASE!," Rarity said blinking her eyes at Sun setter. "Oh, fine as long as I get to lead this one so I get out the fastest!," she said looking at us. We all nodded at to her request and went for Ponyville's Lake: The swimming hole. Normally, the area is very quiet, peaceful, and deserted. Since the event is here every-pony is here on the sidelines in tents, the picnic tables, and the stands were our group of supporters were being joined by Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Twilight! "All right my little ponies here are your snorkeling gear. And now I'll explain your objective. First, you have to successfully use the snorkel. Then you have two minutes for your team to explore the bottom of the lake. If each of your teammates finds one of the many treasures that are down their you pass. Good luck your team will be the third to go so remember to have fun!," Mrs. Cheerlee explained to us then she went to explain it to the next team. "Since Sun Setter is leading so she can explore by herself. I'll go with Sweetie Belle. While Babs will go with Scootaloo. Any pony have any questions?," I said. Of course, they agreed with the idea and we watched the first two teams go. The first team was of all earth ponies so they passed naturally. The second team was made of three unicorns and two pegasi. The unicorns found their objects, but the other two almost drowned if it weren't for Twilight levitating them out! Finally, it was our turn. The referee was at the sidelines and the judges were in place. All of our team had our gear on and we were ready to dive. Sun Setter went down first and quickly found her item: a pearl quickly because of using her wings like a fan. "Now that was dreadful. Now were is Rarity with my mane dryer?," Sun Setter said aloud as she came out of the water. Sweetie Belle and myself searched the right side of the pond. We found a treasure chest and we brought it up together. Thankfully, the official said the chest counted for the both of us because of its size and weight! I looked into the pond to see Scootaloo and Babs. They looked on the left side. Babs found a crown that was in the middle of a sunken raft, and Scootaloo found a pearl necklace around a skull of a pony! "You guys don't know what I had to do to get this necklace!," Scootaloo said as she put her treasure on the table. The referee came over to see our items and said aloud, " Congratulations you have passed this test. It seems none of you have gotten your cutie mark, so proceed to the next event at Sugar Cube Corner. Thanks for your dedication!," he said as he walked away. We all frowned as we heard the news about our cutie marks, but kept our heads high! "Sun Setter since the next event is in an hour would you like me to style your mane at my shop?," Rarity asked. Sun Setter gladly nodded and went with Rarity to get her mane done while we went home to eat some lunch.
The Sugar Cube Crisis!After our break we regrouped at Sugar Cube Corner for the final event for today's competition. Then came Rarity and Sun Setter both looking beautiful! "I'm back! Does every-pony see my perfect mane. The snorkeling, and ruining my mane earlier were worth it because I look absolutely amazing! What do you think Babs?," she said flipping her mane. Babs walked up to Sun Setter and clapped. Then she said,"Wowza! Sun Setter you look great. I like it better than your old mane cut. I like how Rarity made your short mane look longer by making it curve down at the bottom and take away your bangs! I must say Rarity should be your new mane stylist!" Rarity came up and shook Babs' hooves and cheerfully said, "Why thank you for the nice words Babs! You know ahh! Maybe I should do your mane and give you a makeover!Or make you all new capes, or make you all dresses!" Quickly, Sweetie Belle put her hoove over Rairty's mouth and yelled, "Would you be quiet! Your embarrassing us! Now go to the stands with Rainbow Dash, Sillyena, and Applejack ok. Please!" "Alright. Sweetie Belle, but only if I can give them all makeovers after the competition is over," Rarity asked. Sweetie Belle nodded, and she gladly went to the stands inside Sugar Cube Corner. "Hey! We didn't agree to be Rarity's dolls! What were you thinking Sweetie Belle?," Scootaloo ranted while shacking her head. I broke the two up and then announced, "Enough! At least she went back to the stands. And oh my stars! The competition is about to start. So let’s go!." The five of us rushed into the place and we saw a whole lot of ponies there who were not part of the competition in any way. The referee escorted us to our teams waiting area and told us that we were the last team to go. The bright side of this was so we could see what we need to do to pass and most importantly check out the competition! "Alright every-pony it's time for the final event in the first round of the Talent Search Contest. Ten teams will be eliminated from the contest at the end of this exiting event! So what is the test this time. As you are aware Sugar Cube Corner is the main hub for sweets in Ponyville, and I thank Mr. and Mrs. Cake for letting us use their fine facility for this event. This is a combination test and is the most difficult to complete out of the first round tests. The objective is to run the place. Your team will be split up into three jobs: backing, selling, and delivering. You can split the jobs however you like but all of your team must participate. You have thirty minutes to bake 50 treats of your choice. And you have to take orders from the pony volunteers and then deliver then either to the tables or to their home which they will provide their location. You need to sell at least 40 of your treats in order to make it to round two. Also, if every team sells at least forty then the forty teams with the most sold move on too round two tomorrow! You only have 45 minutes to sell your treats so let’s get this party started!," the mayor explained to us and the crowd cheered. I huddled the team around and explained the jobs. "Me and Babs will make the sweets because we are from the apple family after all. Sweetie Belle will take the orders. And finally Scootaloo will deliver the ponies their sweets at their homes and Sun Setter will serve them here. Any questions?," I said then sat down on the bench. Scootaloo fluttered up and said, "Hey. Maybe I can use my scooter to deliver the deserts on my scooter if it's allowed that is. I'm going to ask the judges." She quickly ran over and talked with the judges for a little bit then came back and said," They said yes as long as if I don't carry more than two deserts at a time on my wagon. Oh, I got to go get it. See you in a bit!" She raced out of the shop like a bolt of lightning and then quickly came back in ten minutes. We quickly got board of watching team after team, but finally it was our turn. The referee blew the whistle and we all raced to our positions! Me and Babs wanted to make Granny Smith's bit size apple pies. I grabbed the dough while my cousin chopped the apples. Meanwhile, Sweetie Belle was organizing the counter while the two pegasi cleaned the place up from the big disaster the last team left behind. With one minute too go we put the pies in the boxes and waited for the orders. Sweetie Belle was great at organizing the money, keeping orders, and writing down the addresses of the ponies who wanted their pies to be delivered to their home. Scootlaoo delivered those pies like as fast as Rainbow Dashes' sonic rainboom! On the other hand, Sun Setter was really slow! I mean she walked so slow the ponies were yelling her to speed up. It seems she was worrying about spilling, but at least she should be a little faster. But we had only sold 20 of the forty sweets we need and we only have 15 more minutes! Sweat was dripping down my small neck at a break-left pace. "Cousin we have a problem! The other thirty pies got burt while they were in the oven. Theres no more time to make more so were basicly done fore! I'm sorry for messing up our chances of finding out what we are meant to be," Babs pleaded on her knees. I helped her get up and said, "The entire point of this was to do something fun and work as a team. I really wanted to make this summer great for you Babs. Let's try our best to sell these burt pies!" Unfortunnly the crowd of ponies would't buy our pies, and in turn we were iliminated from the competition. Even though we had 3 strikes we used them all becuase no one got there cutie mark and we failed the task. With our heads down we slowly walked back to the clubhouse, sat in the corner weeping over our failure.
The Sad GoodbyeI heard a knock coming from the door. "I'll get it," Sillyena said. And what do you know it was Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash. They came over to their respective "sisters" and hugged us including my sister hugging Babs. "Now stop with those sad faces. I mean come on yall! Upsie daisy," Applejack said and signaled Rarity and Sillyena to use their magic to levitate us outside and sat us on the picnic tables. "Now we just want to tell you all something really important," RD said then pointed her hoof to Rarity. "That we are," Rarity said then pointed to Applejack. "So," she said. "Proud of you!," they all said then Sillyena clapped. "Huh, but big sis we," I said then was cut off by Applejack. My sister said, "Did what make mistakes that is natural of us ponies to do. Listen little sis and this is for all you too. Even though you didn't make it past the first round you still passed the first too tests very well. "And you showed extreme effort," Rainbow Dash added. "And teamwork!," Rarity added as well. She put her hat on me and concluded saying," I love you for doing your best, working together, and making compromises, and most importantly." Then suddenly Twilight flew down from above and said," Be good friends to one another!" "Twilight what are you doing here I mean aren’t you supposed to be in with Princess Celestia supervising the contest?," Sweetie Belle asked. She replied," No, you see I decided to check up on you after I noticed you being upset at the contest, as I am supposed to care to all of my subjects according to the How To Be A Proper Princess Manual page 56 subsection d which involves caring to the needs of your younger subjects. Also I know some of you and I wanted to make sure you were ok." We made a huge group hug even the cool Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash enjoyed. After the hug Twilight flew back to the festivities and we decided play some horse shoes. After some great games the mail pony came and gave a letter to Applejack. "Let's see what we got. Dear my little ponies its Mrs. Seed writing from Manehattan. I have some great news for you. Your father along with Sun Setter's and Sillyena's have returned from the front line of Canterlot and have returned home because of their heroic deeds during the changeling invasion. They have done their service and have returned home. Since the world is at peace they are home. They request to see their beloved daughters as soon as possible. So that means you have to return home early. See you soon Mrs. Seed," my sister read to us. I looked over and saw them really upset. We decided to walk over to them and pat their backs. "This is really exiting I mean you get to see your dads again. Oh, don’t be sad Babs. I mean we can still write to each-other to keep in touch," I said. Scootalloo continued, "Ya, we can totally be pen palls. We could exchange crusading ideas and everything!" "I guess you have a pointmy dear friends we will write.," Sun Setter proclaimed as she made the hamlet pose. So by the next morning the Manehattin train was already at the station waiting to pick up our friends. "It was really great getting to know you over the past few days!," Sweetie Belle said. "It was fun for us too!," Sillyena said as she made some confetti and showered us in it. We all laughed and the train pulled up to the station. A tear came to the Ponyville crusaders and the three newbies patted us on the back. They hopped on the train and left into the sunset having huge tears in their eyes. A month later we heard that my cousin was making awesome memories with her dad. It made me miss my parents even though I never met them. But I still have my bother, sister, dog, and of course Granny Smith. I guess you have to appreciate what you have and be grateful when you get something. I love my family and waiting for my cutie mark is a pain but I know it would be worth the wait.
