8 - To Canterlot

Game cantered to the station, with the foals either side of him keeping up easily. "I have a feeling we're gonna be la –" Game's speculation was both interrupted and proved by the deafening Friendship Express's horn. "Take my back hooves, Apple Bloom, we're going for a ride!" He slowly rose into the air, but gained pace. "Shroom, done much flying practice lately?"

Shroom Hop, airborne, saluted. "Sir, yes sir!"

"Try and keep up," Game smirked. "We've got a train to catch!" He knocked up the pace, and Shroom slid into the slipstream of his father. Shroom Hop was more of a capable flyer than you'd think at first sight. He was very similar in size to Scootaloo, and his wings had only the tiniest bit more wingspan than hers, but he'd trained very hard.

The trio burst onto the train, leaving their tickets sauntering down to the ground in their wake. "Phew, made it..." Game Changer breathed heavily for a while, then noticed a noise beside him...

Apple Bloom was sobbing; she had been hurt by a rough landing on the train. "Are you okay?" Game asked.

"N-no..." A large bruise had appeared on her flank where her cutie mark should've been.

"Don't worry, it'll be OK..."

"But what if that bruise is my cutie mark?"

"If it doesn't hurt, then I guess it might be. Mind if I..." Game awkwardly reached out a hoof to her bruised flank.

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes and sighed, hanging her head. "Ow!" She recoiled in pain and moaned. "Guess I still don't have my cutie mark..."

"The good thing is that you're trying really hard. Dedication's a pretty good trait in a pony." Game smiled.

Canterlot and Applejack were in sight.