Cutie Mark Catastrophe
Chase leaned forward and stretched the kinks from his back. His scruffy orange mane was slick with sweat. Lugging a wagon all the way from the Eastern Coast of Equestria to Ponyville had taken some serious muscle. The stallion's lower body was covered in dirt, leaving only his tan fur showing from the waist up. Just arriving in Ponyville the night before, Chase hadn't made time to clean himself after the arduous trek.
As an earth pony, Fox Chase had an automatic strength advantage over his pegasus and unicorn counterparts. Despite the harmless appearance of many earth ponies, they contained unrivaled physical prowess. Unfortunately, their natural talent for bodily labor didn't leave a variety of jobs for the powerful ponies. Farm work or construction projects were often the only tasks left for them in Equestria. Without wings to fly on weather patrol or magic to manipulate important tools; their destinies weren't too diversified from one another.
The loud crack in Chase's back caused him to melt against the ground with a satisfied grin. "Oooo, that was the spot! I tell ya, Reyn, that is probably the most we've ever packed in that old wagon of ours. Glad I paid the bits to fix her up before we left!"
Reynard rolled onto his back and stretched his legs toward the sun.
"Eh, you don't care… " Chase slid his body up onto all four hooves. "The star of the show had to sleep the entire way here, right?"
A happy yip from the fox confirmed the accuracy of his partner's statement.
"We can come back for the wagon later. Let's go check out the town!" Chase closed his eyes and smiled as the fox jumped onto his back and pointed a paw forward. "Really? You're still not going to walk?! C'mon!" He shook Reyn from his back and trotted forward.
"Gotta stay nice and limber for the pet show, buddy! Only a few hours away. And after that; off to Canterlot to snatch up Role Play!"
Their legs left the comforting softness of the dirt path and clicked against the cobblestone bridge as they entered into the town of Ponyville. Reynard jumped onto the elevated side of the bridge and padded along, while watching the fish swim in the babbling creek below. With the woodlands behind them, all that was left for the duo was to explore the city and pick up their paperwork to finally enter the pet show.
The town hall was the first attraction to catch the interest of the weary travelers. The building itself looked as if three wooden gazebos were stacked atop of one another. The overhanging balcony that circled around each floor was supported by wooden beams. Maybe not that sturdiest of structures, but it certainly showcased the rural design of Ponyville.
It was a sign hanging between two of the pillars that caught Chase's attention.
"Bingo! That's all I needed to see!" Chase exclaimed.
The sign read Ponyville Pet Show: Head west to railroad station. A crudely drawn arrow was pointing away from the town hall. Drops of red paint were splattered on the ground beneath the sign.
"If we didn't need so much stuff for your act we could'a just taken the train. You better appreciate this, furball!" Chase continued walking forward.
The weather was perfect for a day outside. The sky was clear for miles upon miles with only a few wisps of clouds splattered against the azure backdrop. A gentle breeze coaxed the blades of grass to sway rhythmically. Chase breathed in the country air every chance he could get. Not a hint of saltwater to be found.
Ponyville's homes were primarily crafted from wood. The brown timber framing followed the corners of each home up to the thatched roofing. Layers of straw guarded the interior of each dwelling from the elements. Despite the events Ponyville had been subjected to recently, the town's quaint charm was still intact. No perilous villain or disastrous conflict could so easily ruin the spirit of this town.
"New Jockey could really take a page from Ponyville on how to properly design a town. This place makes our home look like a bunch of shacks next to a beach…" Chase's head fell to the ground as he sighed.
Reynard tip-toed into a flower bed and sniffed a lilac. Chase was quick to shoo him away as to not draw attention. The fox scurried away leaving a trail of freshly upturned mulch in his wake.
"Stay on the road. They don't have a lot foxes out here, so people might freak out if they see you. Crazy beast." Chase kept his head on a swivel as they hurried to the train station. "On the other hoof, you being such a rarity could be the whole reason we win this thing!" His nostrils intercepted another wave of the countryside's scent. "Whew, all this country air is really cleaning out the sinuses! Wish we could bottle this stuff and bring it home. My fur is a lot softer without that layer of salt from the ocean breeze!"
. . . . . .
A line of ponies stretched alongside the train tracks. Pets of all kinds were barking, meowing, squawking, and hissing as their ponies attempted to ready them for the upcoming event. Reynard was patiently sitting on Skye's back and sizing up the competition as they entered the back of the line.
"Wonderful. All the way in the back. Ugh!" Chase facehoofed. "I hate waiting… I hate it!" He shouted, drawing the attention of a few ponies up ahead.
The murmurs of the entrants and spectators gathered around the station were almost deafening. Everypony was excited for the competition to begin. The Cloudsdale Rumble had attracted mainly thrill-seeking pegasi, but the Ponyville Pet Show was a much more family friendly affair. Nopony would be thrown into a lightning storm today. Chase settled in place and overheard the complaints of a filly in front of him. He couldn't take his eyes off of her adorable red bow.
"It just ain't fair, Fluttershy! Winona and I trained real hard for this competition and Applejack ruined it!" Apple Bloom pouted.
"Now, now; don't be upset, Apple Bloom. Applejack was only trying to set a good example. She might be hard on you sometimes, but she really does love you with all of her heart." Fluttershy smiled and nuzzled the aching filly.
"I know," Apple Bloom dragged out the last word and huffed. "It's just, I wanted to win all that prize money an' fix up the family wagon. It's gettin' awful rickety. I don't think it'll last another day of my brother's abuse!" She sniffled and closed her eyes. "I wanted to help the family and show them I'm old enough to be a real part of the team, ya know?"
Fluttershy used her wing to wipe a tear from under Apple Bloom's eye and gave her a hug. "And that's exactly why Angel and I are here to help you!" A small, white bunny was looking away with his arms crossed. "He's going to melt all of their hearts with his carrot juggling routine." Fluttershy's lips curled into a smile. "Isn't that right, my cutesy-wutesy widdle bunny?"
Angel nodded and held out a paw.
"You only get your special treat before you're about to perform. I don't want to spoil you," Fluttershy stated firmly.
"I feel bad takin' yer bits if you win, Fluttershy." Apple Bloom bit her lip. "I know you could use the money to fix up your animals' habitats."
"Oh, I'm sure they'll last another winter or two. Today's all about helping you." Fluttershy's whispery voice soothed Apple Bloom's worries until they were all but a memory.
"If you say so…"
Poor thing. Seems like she really wanted to compete. No time to worry about that, Chase! Gotta focus on your own goal: getting to Role Play and shaking some answers outta him!
Reynard interrupted Chase's thoughts by slapping a paw against his face. The line started moving forward. The startled pony shook his head to come back to reality and trotted ahead.
That filly with the bow reminds me of when me and Skye were colts. Boy, did we bust our flanks to help Role get his hooves on all those spell books. Feels like a whole lifetime ago… He was making so much progress. We were all happy. Then… he just left us behind. If Role does have a good reason for abandoning us, I wanna hear it!
Reynard jumped back and growled at Angel. The rabbit danced in place with his fists bouncing in front of him. Fluttershy turned around and gasped.
Chase stomped a hoof. "Reynard, that's enough! Leave the rabbit alone!" The fox obediently sat down and relaxed.
"Woah, is that a fox?" Apple Bloom leaned forward and squinted. "I don't think I've seen any of them this close to Ponyville."
Fluttershy was cuddling Angel and looking up at Chase apologetically. "I-I'm sorry, sir, he's a bit testy today. I think your little friend bumped into him…" She trailed off and turned bright red.
Chase sighed and tapped Reynard on the head. "You better start behaving, mister!" He bowed in apology to Fluttershy. "Sorry, he's very moody around stran-"
Apple Bloom giggled as Reyn swished his tail and pranced around her.
"-gers…" Chase raised an eyebrow. "Or he'll act completely normal and make me look like an idiot. Sure, why not?"
"He's a fluffy lil' fella! You said his name was Reynard, right?" Apple Bloom ruffled the fur between his ears. "Ya ain't so ferocious now!"
Reynard yipped and curled up in front of Apple Bloom's front legs.
Fluttershy slowly reached out a hoof and lowered her ears. "Hi there, little foxie. It's okay. I'm a friend."
Reynard sniffed her hoof and gave a lick before taking his place at Apple Bloom's feet once again.
"He's so precious!" Fluttershy beamed.
Apple Bloom covered her mouth and whispered to Chase. "Sorry, she gets a bit excitable around animals. She's been like a colt in a candy shop all afternoon."
"No worries," Chase laughed. "Sorry, almost forgot my manners. I'm Fox Chase, and this little rascal – as you already know – is Reynard. We're from New Jockey."
Fluttershy cowered slightly and blushed. Her voice was barely audible.
Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. "I'm Apple Bloom, this here's Fluttershy, and the stubborn bunny is Angel. It's a pleasure to meetcha!" She snickered. "And you'll have to excuse Fluttershy. She's a little bashful around new ponies."
"Oh, well, it's a pleasure to meet both of you!" He looked at Fluttershy and winked. "I promise I'm not some big scary stallion. I may look tough, but I'm just a big teddy bear!" Chase's appearance was from tough. Being the youngest of his friends, he was still the most colt-like in regard to his looks and personality. Though around Fluttershy that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
"I like your tail," Apple Bloom blurted out. She was now standing behind Chase with a hoof holding the white-colored tip of his tail. "So, yer a fox trainer or somethin'?" She asked, inspecting his cutie mark. Having a picture of a fox's face stamped on his rear certainly didn't make Chase's talent obvious.
"Apple Bloom, you shouldn't pester him." Fluttershy did her best to reign in the curious filly.
"Nah, she's okay." Reynard hopped onto Chase's back and peeked over his head. "I guess you could say that. It's a long story, but my special talent certainly seems to be training Reyn and the rest of his troop. They're back home though. I doubt I'd be able to handle all of them out here at the same time! Buncha troublemakers!" His eyeballs moved up to the fox climbing over his mane.
"Fluttershy here is good with all sorts of animals! She's amazing!" Apple Bloom skipped over to the blushing pegasus. "Now if only she'd be a bit more forward with ponies…"
The line inched forward again.
"I'm still lookin' for my talent. Me and the other crusaders are workin' real hard to find 'em!" Apple Bloom squeed.
"Cru-saders?" Chase wrinkled his muzzle in confusion.
"Yep! There's three of us here and another in Manehattan. Though I s'pose there's a chance Babs won't get hers at the same time being so far away… Anywho, the whole reason I can't enter the contest with our dog, Winona, is 'cuz one of the crusaders got hurt during our last adventure. My big sister grounded me."
"Oh? What happened?" Chase tilted his head. Thoughts of his own trio almost sent his mind back to daydreaming of years gone by.
"Okay, so me and my friends, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, were just outside of town…"
. . . . . . Several Weeks Ago . . . . . .
"And yer sure this is a good idea, Scootaloo? Those clouds look pretty dangerous…" Apple Bloom's voice was filled with uncertainty.
"I'm gonna get my cutie mark for sure this time! Rainbow Dash won't be the only pegasus daredevil around these parts!" Scootaloo pulled her purple helmet onto her head. It was obvious by the two white racing stripes on the helmet that this filly had a need for speed.
Sweetie Belle was looking down the hill at the storm clouds hanging over the forest. "I don't know about all of this, Scootaloo. Why don't we just go back to finding our talents together? They always say there's safety in numbers." Her voice trembled as a crack of thunder burst from a cloud.
"This opportunity is just too good for me to pass up, Sweetie! I promise if I get my mark I'll do anything to help you and Apple Bloom." Scootaloo fluttered her wings in excitement.
Sweetie covered her face as the grey clouds sizzled and boomed. "I don't know…"
Scootaloo slung her scooter over her back and placed a hoof against the wooden ramp. "Feels as sturdy as ever, Apple Bloom! You might even get your cutie mark for making this thing! Nopony can build stuff as awesomely as you!"
Sweetie trotted over to Scootaloo and used her magic to fasten the official Cutie Mark Crusaders cape around her neck. The red cape prominently displayed the golden silhouette of a filly emblazoned upon a blue emblem very similar to that of a shield. "Just be careful, Scootaloo." She hugged her friend and stepped back.
Scootaloo nodded and hurried up the ladder toward the top of the ramp. Rung-by-rung she climbed higher until she reached a flat slab of wood that would lead to the steep descent in front of her. A strong gust of wind caught her cape and tail causing Scootaloo to gulp.
Gotta do this! No room for fear or second thoughts. I'm going to be just like you, Rainbow Dash. Fearless and strong in the face of danger! Even if I can't fly yet I won't let that stop me from feeling the wind in my mane!
"Those storm clouds do look mighty dangerous though…" Apple Bloom said while chewing on her front hoof.
"Scootaloo said that the Ponyville weather team needed to setup a big thunderstorm, so they are just storing the storm clouds here until the whole team is ready to spread them across the town. I know she's good on her scooter, but-"
"We can't doubt her, Sweetie! The crusaders' code states that we haveta stick by each other no matter what! I'm sure she's scared too, so we need to be strong." Apple Bloom slung a foreleg over Sweetie Belle and pulled her in for a hug.
Sweetie smiled and nuzzled against Apple Bloom's cheek. "I just worry sometimes!" Her voice cracked.
Scootaloo took a deep breath and stared down the ramp. Her hindleg was ready to push off. The path into the forest was straightforward, but hidden inside the thicket of the woods was the real challenge: dodging stray lightning bolts, weaving between trees, and ignoring the earsplitting booms of thunder. The death-defying filly couldn't be more excited.
"Here we go… After this I'm sure to get my cutie mark!"
She leaned forward and kicked off from the safety of the platform.
It only took a few seconds for Scootaloo to regret her decision.
Too steep! Too fast!
Her scooter was barely staying against the ramp as the wheels struggled to turn faster. The wind was pulling her cheeks away from her face. It took as much focus as she had to not go flying off the side of the ramp. The slick planks of wood offered zero traction but did an excellent job of giving her the absurd speed boost she wasn't expecting.
Scootaloo left the stability of the ramp and felt the resistance of the ground as the wheels cut through the dirt. Through one squinted eye she could see the tree line of the forest approaching. A lightning bolt smashed against the ground in front of her causing her to swing to the right and enter the forest from a different direction.
Not the way I planned!
"Hey, she never said she was going in that way! The best way through the woods was just followin' the ramp straight in." Apple Bloom felt her stomach turn. "I got a bad feeling 'bout this, Sweetie…"
Scootaloo was going too fast to even consider stomping a hoof down to brake. Even bailing off the scooter was a bad idea at this point. Her only hope was to get through the forest and overcome the rest of her downhill adventure.
She burst through a bush and entered the forest.
Duck! Turn! ROCK! Still not slowing down!
Scootaloo felt her scooter start to shake violently as she swerved between the incoming trees. The original plan of easily dodging a few lightning bolts had fallen to pieces. She could barely hear the thunder as the wind whipped over her face. This was the closest sensation to flying on her own that the grounded pegasus had ever experienced.
Her eyes widened as she felt the front wheel of her scooter break off.
Everything else was a blur.
Scootaloo's body was sent over the handlebars and tumbled down the hill. She attempted to jam a hoof into the ground to catch herself, but she was rolling too fast. The sound of her scooter smashing into the trunk of a tree echoed up to Sweetie and Apple Bloom.
"Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom frantically cried out.
Both fillies galloped down the hill and entered the stormy forest. They followed her trail and saw the scooter in pieces.
"S-Scootaloo…" Sweetie Belle covered her mouth and started shaking.
"We gotta find her!" Apple Bloom wiped her teary eyes and followed the broken twigs and torn fabric of Scootaloo's cape. Her muddy hooves came to stop when she saw Scootaloo curled up in a ball crying.
"A-Apple Bloom… my leg… it's not moving…" Scootaloo's body was scraped up and covered in dirt. Her hind leg was bent out of shape. "I can't move it… Apple Bloom…" She helplessly watched as Sweetie caught up and got a glimpse of Scootaloo's battered form.
"P-please… help me… It won't stop hurting…" Scootaloo extended a foreleg up to Apple Bloom, who hurried over.
"Yer gonna be okay! Just hang on! W-we'll go to the hospital! Sweetie, go get help!"
Sweetie was whiter than usual. Her tiny chest was heaving violently.
"Snap outta it! We gotta hurry!" Apple Bloom's voice was becoming more panicked by the second. "I'll go find somepony to help! Just stay here and make sure she doesn't pass out!"
A tear slid from Scootaloo's eye and splashed against the dirt. I guess I'll never be as cool as you, Rainbow Dash…
. . . . . .
Apple Bloom sighed and lowered her head. "It was terrifying… I had never felt so sick in my life."
Chase wiped his eyes and tried his best not to cry at the heartfelt story. "That's… a lot for a filly to take in."
"When my sister found out; she grounded me. Said I wasn't allowed to enter the contest. I understand she means well, but I meant well too! All those nights with Winona… We were gonna win for sure!"
Fluttershy stepped forward and bashfully smiled at Chase. "W-when Apple Bloom told me her story I promised to do anything I could to help her. I figured if I could raise the bits for the wagon then we could all sit down with Applejack and try to explain everything. The most important thing to me is having Applejack realize that Apple Bloom was only trying to help the family."
"Whew, you girls really have your hooves full." Chase scratched his head and tried to sort out his emotions. "I was just here to get some money for a trip to Canterlot…"
The line started moving once again. Apple Bloom and Fluttershy turned their attention ahead. Chase could now see a table with stacks of paper neatly arranged at the front of the line.
I can't possibly take this competition away from them… No! C'mon, Chase! Everypony has their reasons for being here. Don't discount your own problem. You need to get to Role Play! If you would have told those two about your own crusade first they would have been just as moved. Just worry about your own flank for now.
Chase felt his legs weaken and his throat close.
Fluttershy and Angel will do great. Just stick to the plan. Everypony will do their best and whoever wins, wins. Simple. Don't go butting into something that doesn't concern you. Canterlot. Canterlot. Canterlot. You're so close…
"Ugh…" Chase felt a sigh push its way from within his chest. Reyn whimpered and tapped the pony on his head. "I'm fine; just… have a lot going on in that noggin of mine."
A piece of paper dangled from Fluttershy's smiling mouth as she guided Apple Bloom away from the dwindling registration line. Ponies were taking their places on the bleachers and around the makeshift competition grounds. A rope dangled from posts hammered into the trampled earth. This thin line was the only thing separating the spectators from the performers.
"Name?"
Chase swung his head away from his former line buddies and studied the middle-aged mare requesting his name. Her curly blonde mane was showing signs of greying. Resting on her nose were thick glasses. She tapped a hoof on the table while waiting for his response.
"Oh, sorry. I'm Fox Chase, and this is-"
"Just your name." She slowly flicked a hoof through the pieces of paper. "Says here you're from New Jockey?"
"Yep, I-" Chase started.
"Just a moment." She grabbed a stamp in her mouth and banged her head forward. The word approved was unevenly displayed in the upper-right hand corner of the form. "Take your dog to the contest grounds."
"Oh no, he's actually a-"
"Sir, please take your dog and follow the other ponies to the contest grounds. I don't want to raise my voice."
Chase blinked and slowly walked away from the registration table. A hoof scratched against his confused head. "She was a ball of laughs… C'mon, Reynard, let's go back and grab the wagon. Almost time to start the show!
Two stallions watched as Chase and Reynard hurried away from the train station. They were both wearing a blue and white pinstriped dress shirt with a black bowtie neatly clinging around their necks. A white stripe cut through their matching red mane and tail.
"Whaddya make of this, brother? Foxes are pretty rare out in these parts." The stallion rubbed a hoof against his moustache.
The clean shaven brother looked younger, but had a devilish smirk on his face. "I wouldn't worry one bit. Nothing is going to stop us from taking home first prize…"
A snarling sound erupted from behind the snazzy ponies. A white cloth was draped over a cage and concealing the source of the noise. Both stallions rubbed their hooves together and glanced behind them at the clattering metal door.
"After all, Timberwolves can be very convincing…"
/) To be Continued (\