Hello Fanfiction readers! T'is I, Ashbel Longhart, here to bring you the newest chapter to I'm a Pony!? Let me just say that I am so, so, so, so, so sorry that I took so long and my only excuse is blame my life. Last time, we just got done cleaning up Winter...That is still weird to say. Anyway, today, we're gonna be spending the day hanging out with Applebloom and helping her find her Cutie Mark.

*A portal to Equestria appears* And as always, here's my ride. Cue disclaimer!

(Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. All rights go to Hasbro Studios. I also don't own any songs that may seen familiar to you people. They belong to their respective owners as well. I just own this story and nothing more.)

Well fellow bronies, see you on the other side. *Jumps into the portal*


Friendship 12: Blank Flank


(Twilight's House)

I gurgled the water in my mouth before spitting it into the sink in front of me. Putting away my toothbrush, and turning the water on to wash away the rinse, I exited the bathroom and entered my room, stopping by my mirror that I got from my Mary Poppins' bag.

I still can't believe it. No wonder I never noticed it. There's really not much to look at. I wonder how the others will react?

A knock on the door made me look away from the mirror.

"Ash, are you in there?" The voice of Twilight called out from behind the door.

"I'm here Twilight." I called back, putting down my cloak and heading to the door. Opening it, I was met with Twilight and asked, "You need something?"

"Well, it's not me who needs something." Twilight said. "It's Applejack."

"Applejack?" I raised an eyebrow in confusion, stepping out of my room and closing it. What in Equestria does the Pony of Honesty want with me?

Making our way down to the library, I saw AJ waiting around until she saw us.

"Hey Ash." AJ greeted.

"Hey Applejack." I greeted back. "Twilight said you needed something from me."

"Yeah, well, you see, you know how my family runs Apple Acres and sells apples to the folks in town?" I nodded, having brought a few apples from her and her family from time to time. "Well, I was supposed to tell Applebloom about today's sale, but forgot to tell her before she left for school." Oh yeah, forgot that they had school here for kids, er fillies, oh you know what I mean. "Could ya go to her and tell about it? I need some extra hooves to help around later and Twilight here says she's got some studying to do."

"Sure, I guess I can do that." I said.

"Thanks Ash, I appreciate it."

"Don't mention it." I said before asking, "And mind telling me where is this school?"

"It's a straight path to the right from Apple Acres. You can't miss it." AJ said.

"Thanks. I'll pick her up later." I said.

"Thank ya kindly Ash." AJ said before she made her way out. "Stop by some time later. I'll give you a discount on some apples."

"I'll hold you to that." I said before AJ left.

"How kind of you, Ash, to do this for Applejack." Twilight said as she went to her usual podium that already had a new book on it for her to read.

I shrugged. "Not like I got anything better to do this afternoon. Besides, it's been a while since I even hang out with the little filly so might as well meet up with her again, see how she's doing."

Twilight just smiled at me before using her magic to open the book. As for me, I headed back to my room to go get ready.


(Later)

Off in the distance, I heard the faint sound of bell ringing. Now that I think about it, today was Episode 12, wasn't it? Which means today AB was going to go crazy on trying to find her Cutie Mark.

In my opinion, I don't see why a Cutie Mark was so important. Sure, it shows what special talent a pony has, but to me, it just gives off the wrong impression. I mean seriously, do these ponies want other ponies to look at their rump?

Calmly walking among the path, I eventually saw what looked like a school one would see back in the old days. As I made my way towards it, small fillies passed by me one by one, all gave me small glances as they passed.

Once I got halfway along the road, I saw in the distance AB with three more ponies.

"We all have them already." A light pink colored pony said. What was her name again? Oh right, Diamond Tiara. "I mean, almost all of us have them already." From her tone alone, I already hate her. "Don't worry you two, you're still totally invited to my Cute-ceañera this weekend." Is it really called that? What are these ponies; part Spanish? "

"It's going to be amazing." Tiara's friend, Silver Spoon I think her name was, said.

"It's a party celebrating me and my fantastic Cutie Mark. How can it not be?" Well, considering the host is a nothing but a brat, I can think of a lot of things.

Tiara and her friend then proceeded to do some kind of special hoof shake. "Fab-Fab! Sugar Love Rump!"

I rolled my eyes as I walked towards small group of fillies.

"See you this weekend." Spoon(I refuse to call her Silver, that be mocking Silver from Pokemon Adventure/Special) said as both girls finished by calling both AB and her friend, "Blank Flanks!"

Angry at how they were treating AB and her friend, I got in the girls paths and 'accidentally' bumped into them.

"Hey! Watch where you're-" They were silenced immediately when I gave them my death glare. They yelled in fright before running away.

Feeling satisfied, I turned off the death glare and turned to AB and her friend. "Hey Applebloom."

"Ash?" AB said, probably surprised to see me. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to remind you about selling apples today with your sis." I said. "Applejack came by earlier and asked for me to deliver the info."

"Oh, thanks." AB said.

I felt a pair of eyes on me and turned to see AB's friend staring at me.

"Applebloom, who is this?" AB's friend asked. What was her name again? I think it started with a T.

"This is Ash, he's a friend." AB explained. "Ash, meet my friend Twist. Twist, meet my friend Ash." So her names Twist, good to know.

"It's nice to meet you. I'm Ash Heart." I said, extending a hoof a for a hoof-shake.

"Twist." Twist simply said, accepting my hoof before asking, "Are you blind?"

"I'm not blind!" My yelling scared Twist who hid behind AB. This running gag is starting to annoy me. "Sorry, I didn't mean to yell. I just get mad when ponies ask that question."

"Don't worry Twist, Ash's a good pony." AB assured her friend. And what do you mean by good pony? What am I, five?

"So, how was school today?" I asked, finding myself walking with the two fillies. I sounded like mom when I asked that question.

"It was OK." AB said, but I caught the tone of sadness in her voice.

"Applebloom, did something happen?" I asked, my tone not taking no for an answer.

Seeing that I wasn't gonna take no for an answer, AB told me what had happened in class, being made fun of just because she didn't have a Cutie Mark.

"So you were laughed at in class for not having a Cutie Mark." I summarized. Are Cutie Marks really that important?

"It's not fair. It's just not fair." AB said, kicking a pebble out of the way.

"Now now Applebloom, no need to get so worked up." I said. "Everypony get's their own Cutie Mark eventually. Isn't that right, Twist?"

"That's right." Twist said.

"But I don't want one eventually! I want one right now!"

"Are Cutie Marks really that important?" Both fillies stopped and looked at me weirdly when I said that. "What? Did say something?"

"'Are Cutie Marks really that important?'" AB repeated. "Of course they're important! A pony wouldn't be a pony without one!"

"Care to explain then?" I asked.

Twist was the one to explain. "A Cutie Mark shows a pony's special talent. It's what tells others what makes that certain pony special and is a sign of maturity for all ponies."

I raised an eyebrow in amusement. To think that those tattoos were signs of maturity. Then what does that make me then?

"You know, I've been wondering something." AB said. "Why are you always hiding your Cutie Mark behind that cloak of yours?"

I looked down at my cloak. As I had mentioned before, the cloak was long enough to cover my rump where a pony's Cutie Mark was located.

"I'm not really hiding it." I said. "The cloak's just that long." We then finally made it back to Apple Acres. "Look, if you're so worried about getting a Cutie Mark, why don't you talk to your sis about it."

"Yeah, I guess I can do that." AB said. "Bye Twist."

"Bye Applebloom." Twist said as AB went into the house.

"Do you need me to take you home." I asked.

"Nah, I'm good." Twist insisted.

"Well, if you say so." I said. "It was nice meeting you."

"It was nice meeting you too, Mr. Heart."

"Call me Ash. Mister makes me sound old." And it was true. It did make me sound old.

After that, we both went our separate ways. Before leaving, I threw one last look at the barn before heading back to Twilight's. Knowing my luck so far, I'll probably get mixed into today's events.


(Later)

And what do you know. Not to far, I saw AJ and AB at their Apple Stand selling apples. I was here for some grocery shopping so might as well get some apples.

"Get your delicious, nutritious apples here!" AJ shouted to passing by ponies as AB was balancing a green apple on her head.

"Delicious and nutritious! And so many other uses!" AB said, eating the whole apple in one bite. "You can eat'em-" That's the most obvious thing to do with an apple. "Play with them-" Apples are not meant to be played with. They're meant for cooking and eating and what are you doing with that badminton racket!?

Whoa! I ducked under pieces and juices of apples. Apples are not birdies AB!

"Create fine art for your home with them!" Oooh, I feel bad for that painter. He just wanted to paint dammit!

"You have to be crazy not to buy some!" No, the ponies would have to be crazy to even buy those apples after all those advertisements you did.

AJ pulled AB back before she could cause more chaos. "Hehe, she's so creative!"

"You sir!" Faster than AJ can say "Hey!" AB dashed up to an Earth Pony with an Hourglass Cutie Mark. If I didn't know any better, I'd say pony was the Doctor. "You wanna buy some apples?"

"Uh, no thanks."

AB didn't give up though as she appeared from another stand, surprising the pony. "Why not?"

"I, uh, have plenty at home." The pony backed away only to back into AB.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm pretty sure."

"You're pretty sure, but you're not absolutely, positively, super-duper sure, are ya?" Okay AB, I think you're freaking out the pony. Not that I'm complaining, this shits funny as hell.

"I-If I buy some apple, will you please leave me alone?" the pony asked.

"Alright!" AB cheered. You really shouldn't be happy about that, even if it is for business.

The pony quickly gave AJ a couple of coins, took an apple and dashed off as fast as it can to get away from the yellow filly.

"You forgot your change!" AJ shouted.

"Trust me Applejack, change is the last thing on his mind right now." I said as I walked up to the two.

"Oh! Ash! Didn't see you there."

"I came for the discounted apples you promised for me." I said, reminding her of the promise she made to me this morning.

"Got it. All green, right?"

I nodded. "Yes please."

"All green?" AB asked as AJ placed five green apples into the bag I brought. "Isn't sour?"

"Ash here has a strange fondness for things that are sour." AJ explained as she handed me and the bag and I gave her the appropriate amount of money.

"So, what's going on here?" I asked.

"We're here to sell some apples and get me my Cutie Mark." AB explained.

I raised an eyebrow to AJ who just shrugged.

"What does my Cutie mark look like?" AB asked, walking in circles to check if a Cutie Mark has appeared. "A shopping bag full of apples?" I glanced at the bag I had in my hoof. "A satisfied costumer eating an apple?" That would be a weird Cutie Mark which I'm pretty sure no one wants.

"Maybe I gotta increase my sales figures first." AB thought out loud before walking up to a pony who was checking at some apples and shouted, "You touch it, you buy it! We take cash or credit." They have credit cards here?

"I'm sorry ma'mam!" AJ tried to apologize to the costumer, but now scared of the little filly, the pony dashed away. "Ma'am!"

"Uh, Applejack?" I tapped her shoulder to get her attention before pointing towards AB who was stuffing apples into a random pony's sack.

"Applebloom! You can't just-!"

But the little filly wasn't listening. "That'll be four bits."

"I didn't put those in my bag."

"Likely story." AB said. "Four bits lady!"

"Applebloom!" I covered AB's mouth and dragged her aside as AJ apologized to the customer. "I'm sorry about her, she's new." She then grabbed some apples and threw them into the bag. "Here, take these. No charge."

...

"And these."

...

"And these."

"Well, she's not gonna be need any apples anytime soon." I commented as I watched the pony walk away with two sack fulls of apples plus bucket.

"Y'all come back now, ya hear?" I highly doubt that the pony will be coming back for a while now, AJ.

"What?" AB asked when AJ gave her a look.

"Sorry little sis, but your apple selling days are over."

Before AB could even say, "What!?" AJ took away the apron AB had on.

"But how else am I gonna get my Cutie Mark!?"

Instead of answering, AJ said, "Home. Now."

AB just gave AJ a mean look.

AJ sighs before speaking. "Listen sugar cube, I know it's hard to wait for your very own Cutie Mark, but you just can't force it. Besides, you're not that grown up yet. Ain't there any other fillies in your class without one?"

"There's her friend, Twist." I said to help.

"See?" AJ said. "You think you'll feel better better if you went to the part with her?"

"Uh huh." AB said quietly.

"Well, there you go." AJ said. "Bet you and Twist will have a great time together. Now run along and find your friend."

"You sure you don't want me to stick around until the end of the market?" AB asked.

"Hey!" I turned and saw a pony holding up the racket AB had used. "Who's been using my racket?!"

"Yeah, I'm sure." AJ said as I quickly waved off AB to go before somepony ratted AB out.

"Sorry ya had to see that, Ash."

"It's okay, Applejack." I waved off before taking my leave. "Thanks for the apples."

"Come back again."


(Twilight's House)

"Hmm..." I mutter to myself as I read off the book on Cutie Marks, a glass of water right next to me.

"What're you reading?" Looking up from my book, I saw that Twilight was the one who had asked the question.

"I'm reading about Cutie Marks."

"Let me guess, your kind doesn't have Cutie Marks?" I nodded. She must have gotten used to knowing that there will be a lot of things that are different from magical ponies and normal human beings. "So, why are you reading about Cutie Marks?"

"Well, Applebloom's been trying to find her Cutie Mark cause she was teased by a classmate about not having one." I explained, turning to page of the book. "In my option, I fail to see the importance of said Mark and don't try to explain it to me." I quickly said when I saw Twilight open her mouth which she closed soon after.

"Hey, isn't that Applebloom?" I looked up from my book and saw Twilight looking out the window. Turning, I saw Applebloom herself...with a dark cloud over her? The fuck?

"Excuse me for a bit." I said, setting down the book before getting back up.

"Think you'll need an umbrella?"

I thought about it for a sec before shaking my head and left the house, going after AB who had stopped at a Well not too far from here.

"Applebloom!" I called out to the filly who heard me.

"Oh, hey Ash." AB mutters before going silent. I think I now see the reason for this cloud.

"Whoa." I looked up and saw Rainbow Dash sticking her head out of the cloud. "Looks like somepony's got a dark cloud hanging over her head." You think? "Let me do something about that." Thanks to her powers as a Pegasus, Rainbow had no problem moving aside the cloud. "There. Now, what's the matter kid?"

Getting up, AB takes in a big breath before speaking. "There's a Cute-ceañera this afternoon and everypony in my class will be there and all of their Cutie Marks and I want to get my Cutie Mark but I'm no good at selling apples, but I really want to go to the party, but how can I go to the party when I don't have my Cutie Mark which my big sister says I'm gonna get eventually, but...I Want It Now!"

She said all that really fast, yet somehow I was still able to follow.

"Cutie Mark? I can get you a Cutie Mark in a snap!" Wait, what?

I gave Rainbow a questioning look as AB said, "But Applejack said that these things take time. I have to just wait for it to happen."

"Why wait for something to happen when you can make it happen?" While I agree with you, Rainbow, I don't think that saying can apply here.

"But, Applejack said that-"

"Hey. Who're you gonna listen to?" Rainbow asked. "Applejack? Or the pony who was first in her class to get her Cutie Mark?"

"Oh boy..." I mutter under my breath.

"I've always liked flying and all, but I was going no where in a hurry. It wasn't until my very first race that I discovered a serious need for speed." Like Sonic? She then showed off her Cutie Mark. "And Chazam! This sweet baby appeared as fast as lightning."

"I have a bad feeling about this." I mutter as AB looked like she had found her solution which wasn't it. Might as well see how this turns out.


(Minutes Later)

I watched as AB was doing push-ups pony style while wearing a headband as Rainbow watched, her hair combed back with a headband of her own and whistle.

"That's right! Stretch out those legs! Gotta be nice and lose!" Rainbow said before turning to me. "Tell me again why you're here?"

"I got nothing better to do, so I might as well see what you have in store for Applebloom." I said.

The Pony of Loyalty just shrugged before going back to AB. "The key here is to try as many things as possible as quickly as possible. One of them is bound to lead to your Cutie Mark. Are you ready?"

"I'm ready!"

"I said, are you ready!?"

"I'm ready!"

Well, let's see how badly this turns out.


(Activity#1: Juggling)

"Juggling! Go!" Rainbow blew her whistle to signal AB to start juggling.

I'll say this much, she can juggle more than I can. She started out good, but slipped and messed up. I crossed out Juggling off the list Rainbow had given me.


(Activity#2: Hang Gliding)

"This is really dangerous, you know that?" I said to the Pegasus next to me.

"She'll be fine." Rainbow waved off my concern before blowing her whistle again. "Hang Gliding! Go!"

AB, who looked liked some sort of flyer back in the old days, ran with a glider on her back. But she then tripped on a rock and flipped, skidding to a stop before the edge of the cliff.

Well, at least I can cross out Hang Gliding.


(Activity#3: Karate-wait, what?)

How the fuck does this make any sense? And when did I put on a karate outfit?

"Karate! Go!"

"Hiyah!" AB immediately started with a flying kick, but when she connected with the punching bag, it looked like she kicked a wall of steel.

I crossed out Karate, wondering how this world knew that I was a brown belt.


(Activity#4: Kite Flying)

At least this one makes sense.

"Kite Flying! Go!"

AB started out good and it looked like things were doing great, but then the kite lost altitude and feel to the ground, the wings destroyed.

I crossed out Kite Flying.


(Activity#5: Ultra Pony Roller Derby)

Basically, Roller Skating.

"Ultra Pony Roller Derby! Go!"

I watched as AB skated along the track and why the hell is she being chased!?

Fortunately, or unfortunately, I really don't know, AB tripped, started to spin, causing the three ponies that were chasing her to crash into one another as AB skated out fine.

I crossed out the strangely named sport.


(Minutes Later)

After doing a couple more activities, we rested under a tree as Rainbow checked the list.

"We tried that one, we tried that one, tried that one..."

"Here, have some water." I said, offering AB some water I got from my Mary Poppins' bag.

"Thanks Ash." AB said, but before she could even get one sip in, the sound of giggling reached out ears.

Turning, I saw none other than Diamond Tiara and Spoon(I still refuse to call her Silver) walking with a giant present box on top of Tiara.

"You're new outfit is like, perfect for the party." Spoon commented.

AB gasped and quickly hid behind a bush, throwing away the glass of water I gave her which I quickly caught.

"I know. It totally shows off my new Cutie Mark." Tiara said.

"I love being special." Trust me little brat, you're not that special.

"Can you imagine how embarrassing it must be to be...not special?" I can imagine. Most of the human race isn't special, or, if one looked at it differently, everyone is special in their own way.

"I don't even want to like think about it." What is with girls and putting likes in their sentences?

"I'm doomed! Doomed!" That's one way of putting it. "I'll never find something I'm good at!"

"Don't you think you're exaggerating a bit?" I asked.

"You look like you'd be good at eating cupcakes." Holy Shit! Pinkie Pie, where did you come from!?

"Eating cupcakes?" Oh no. I know that look.

"Eating cupcakes?" Even Rainbow doesn't sound sure of it.

"Eating cupcakes!" Pinkie Pie said.

AB turned to Rainbow and said, "I really appreciate all your help, Rainbow Dash. You're a really great coach and I really learned a lot from you, and I'm sure I can learn a lot from ya," Then why the hell are you backing away? "But I got cupcakes to eat! See you at the Cute-ceañera!"

"This cannot end well." I commented before following. "It was great hanging around with you, Rainbow Dash. See you at the party."


(Sugar Cube Corner)

The minute I stepped into the house, Pinkie was singing. Fuck! And who the hell is playing music!? Is it TV power again!?

All you have to do is take a cup of flour, add it to the mix!

Might as well as jot some notes down. I'm kinda curious on how to make cupcakes.

Now just take a little of something sweet, not sour, a bit of salt, just a pinch!

Baking these sweets is such a cinch! Add a teaspoon of vanilla! And a little more and you count to four and you'll never get your filla!

I doubt counting to four is all I need to do for cupcakes.

Cupcakes! So sweet and tasty! Cupcakes! Don't be to hasty! Cupcakes! Cupcakes-Cupcakes-Cupcakes!

Okay, I will not lie, that was kind of catchy.

"Did you just make that up on the spot?" I asked.

"Oh! Hey Ash! Didn't see you there." Pinkie Pie said.

"What's going on?"

"We're making cupcakes!" Yeah, I kinda figured AB.

"Do you want to help us, Ash?" Pinkie asked, handing me a cooking hat.

I thought for a sec before shrugging, taking the hat and putting it on. "Yolo."

"Huh?" Both ponies said in confusion.

"Yolo. You only live once." I explained. "I've never baked cupcakes before so might as well go with the flow."

"Oh. Okay. Then let's get started!" Pinkie said before we began baking.


(Minutes Later)

Who knew making cupcakes could be so dangerous!?

I ducked as batter splattered on the wall while eating the cupcakes I made which took about three or four tries to get it right. Not as good as Pinkie's, but still good nonetheless.

"Oh! Those look much better than the last batch." Pinkie said as AB got out her tenth batch. Pinkie tried some, prompting AB to try some which she quickly regretted.

"Guess I'm not cut out to be a baker either." AB said sadly. "I just have to face it. I'm gonna have a Blank Flank forever!"

Before I could say otherwise, Pinkie said, "What about that?"

Looking, I saw some flour on AB's flank.

"What about what? Is there something on my flank? Is there? Is there? Is there?" To check, AB went to a knocked over bowl which was still somehow clean enough to show off a reflection. Seriously, what do they use to clean stuff? We humans can use some.

AB gasped. "A Cutie Mark! It's a...a measuring cup? No, a mixing bowl? No, are those cupcakes? A tower of cupcakes maybe?"

AB's happy mood was then blown away, quite literally, when Pinkie blew away the flour on her.

"Flour! It's flour! Yay! I guessed it!" Pinkie cheered. "What game do you want to play next? Please say bingo, please say bingo!"

'Why bingo?' I thought.

"Whoa!" Turning, we all saw Twilight at the door. "What's been going on around here?"

"Cupcakes Twilight. Cupcakes." Was all I said, eating my last one. Probably should have saved one for her to see her opinion about them.

"We've been making cupcakes, Twilight." Pinkie said, offering her a plate full of failed cupcakes. "Want to try one?"

"No thank you." Twilight said. "Not that they don't look...delicious."

"Just so you know, those are not mine." I said.

"Twilight! You have to help me!" AB said to the Pony of Magic.

"What's the matter?"

Ab takes in a breath before speaking. "Tiara's Cute-ceañera is today and everypony in my class will be there and all of their Cutie Marks and I wanna get my Cutie Mark, but I'm no good at selling apples, or Hang Gliding, or making cupcakes, but I want to go to party, but how can I go to the party if I don't have my Cutie Mark which Pinkie Pie says you just can't make appear, but I need it to appear...Right Now!"

...Somehow, I was still able to follow.

"Uh...I don't follow." I don't blame you.

"Basically, she wants to have her Cutie Mark right away so she can go to Tiara's Cute-ceañera." I summarized.

"Is this about the thing you told me earlier?" I nodded before she turned back to the little filly. "How can I help you?"

"You can use your magic to make my Cutie Mark appear!" I'm pretty sure it doesn't work like that.

Twilight shook her head. "Oh no, Applebloom. A Cutie Mark is something a pony has to discover for herself."

"Please Twilight. Just try." AB begged.

"I'm sorry, but-"

"Oh please please please please please~!"

"Alright! Alright!"

"Oh thank you! Thank you!"

"Oh boy..." I mutter.

Twilight's horned glowed and in an instant, a cart full of apples appeared on AB's flank.

"Yay! I knew you could do it!"

But then it disappeared.

"I'm sorry sweetie, but I told you-"

"Try again! Try again!"

Twilight looked towards me and I just shrugged. Don't look at me, you're the one with magic.

Twilight sighs before she tries again. This time, a kite appeared but then vanished as fast as it first appeared. Then cupcakes appeared, and then a teddy bear, and then a tricycle, many more after that, but they all disappeared as soon as they first appeared.

"Twilight! Stop!" I said, seeing the unicorn was now panting from exhaustion.

"Told you that not even magic can make a Cutie Mark appear before it's time." Twilight said after regaining some energy.

"It's hopeless! Hopeless!"

"Now don't say that." I said. "Nothing's hopeless unless you try."

"Then I'll just won't go to the party." AB said as she walked out of the kitchen. "I can't go. Everyone will just laugh at me and make fun of me and call me names! It'll be the worst night of my life!"

"I'm sure it won't be as bad as all that." Twilight said.

"Forget it. There's no way I'm going to that party."

"Uh...Applebloom." I tapped her shoulder, getting her attention before gesturing to the entire room which was in fact, the place of the party. There were decorations everywhere and presents and music was playing in the background. What are the chances of that?

AB started wide eyed in horror before hiding behind-is that a chocolate pony!?

Looking to make sure nopony was looking, I took a bite out of the chocolate pony and man was it good!

"How could I have forgotten the time? How could I have forgotten Pinkie Pie was hosting the party?" If it's Pinkie Pie, then you should always know she's going to be hosting a party, if not every party, in Ponyville. "How could I have forgotten it was at Sugar Cube Corner?"

"Don't forget your party hat! Forgettty forgetersen!" Pinkie said, placing a party hat on top of me and AB's head. I really don't need one.

"I have to get out of here before anypony sees me." AB said before she began weaving and hiding behind anything that could hide her from sight.

While she does that, I will have some of this cake-hey!

Before I could get a slice, Snails came in and took a huge bite. So much for cake.

"Hey! It's my Cute-ceañera! I'm supposed to get the first bite!"

Well, can't eat cake. Might as well get some punch-holy!

Right before my eyes, the table along with the punch got up and crept towards the door. Must be AB.

"Some party, huh." Twilight said, making her way to me.

"I rather not be here really." I said.

"Right. You get nervous in parties."

"I've been getting better...somewhat."

"Right..." Hey! What's with that look? "So, while we're on the subject of Applebloom's quest for her Cutie Mark, I've been wondering something."

Oh? "What is it?"

"Well, since you being turned into a pony and all, I'm kind of wondering what kind of Cutie Mark you have." Twilight said. "I never really got the chance to check when we first met and that cloak of yours is always covering your flank so I was wondering if I can see it."

"...So what you're saying is that you want to look at my ass."

Twilight blushed scarlet. "I didn't mean it like that!"

"But you were implying it." I smirked.

Before Twilight could even throw a retort, the music suddenly stopped. Turning, we saw that AB had bumped into the Record Player with her rump sticking out. That could give off the wrong impression.

"Oh no..." I said as soon as I heard the laughing voice of Tiara and her friend, Spoon.

"Wow. That is an amazing Cutie Mark," Spoon said as she and Tiara laughed.

"Nice try, Blank Flank!" The girls laughed as everypong started to mutter.

Okay, that's it! I'm gonna-!

"You got a problem with Blank Flanks!?" Wait, who said that?

Turning, I saw two ponies coming out of the punch bowl table. Hey! Those are Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle! The other two members of the Cutie Crusaders!

"I said, you got a problem with Blank Flanks!?" Scootaloo said.

"The problem is that she's totally not special." Spoon said.

Time to make my move.

"OBJECTION!"

(BGM: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney OST: Objection!)

I'm pretty sure everypony jumped in surprise when they heard me as I stepped out of the crowd and seriously! Who the hell is playing Phoenix Wright!? The two fillies must have remembered the glare I gave them this morning for they stepped back when they saw me. "You say that she's not special? I'm inclined to disagree."

"What do you mean?" Tiara asked.

"It means that she's full of potential!" Sweetie Belle said as she and Scootlaoo walked over to AB's side.

"It means she can be great at anything!" Scootloo said.

"Couldn't have said it better myself." I said. "Let me ask you something. What's my favorite number?"

Everypony was probably confused at why I asked a random question like that, so I answered.

"It's the number zero." I said. "The reason is because while the number zero is nothing, its potential can become anything. When you add one with zero, you get one. When you add one hundred to zero, you get one hundred. It's potential is endless. And that saying applies to Applebloom here." Thank you Persona 3. You shall forever be one of my favorite games ever.

Sweetie and Scootaloo nodded at my explanation.

"That's right. She can be a great scientist, or an amazing artist, or a famous writer." Sweetie said. "Should could even be major of Ponyville if she wanted!" Okay, now that's setting the bar up high, don't you think.

"And she's not stuck at being stuck up like you two!" Oh! Burn bitch! Burn!

(BGM End)

Everypony laughed at Scootaloo's comment, all except Spoon and Tiara.

"Hey! This is my party! Why are you three on her side!?" Tiara asked.

The two fillies answers were to show off their flanks which were blank.

AB gasped. "You two don't have any Cutie Marks either!? I thought I was the only one!"

"We thought we were the only two." Scootaloo said.

"I for one think you are three very lucky fillies." Twilight said, making her way over.

"Lucky? How can they be lucky?" Tiara asked.

"They still get to experience the thrill of discovering who they really are and what they're meant to be." Twilight said.

"I second that." I said.

"And they got all the time in the world to figure it out." AJ said. When did she get here? "Not just in the afternoon."

"All the time in the world, huh." I said. "Hopefully, they'll have more success than me."

"What do you mean, Ash?" AB asked as everypony turned to me.

I simply smirked before turning and lifted up my cloak to reveal...nothing.

Everypony gasped in shock.

"Ash! You...You don't have Cutie Mark either!?" AB said.

"You're a full grown pony, and yet you don't have a Cutie Mark!?" AJ said, her expression matching everpony here.

I shrugged and put down my cloak. "That's right. Am I bothered by it? Not really. I really don't care about having a Cutie Mark really. Sure, I may get to know what my special talent is, but I don't want to show it off in front of hundreds of ponies. Well, that's my opinion at least." I then walked over to the soon to be Cutie Crusaders and said, "You three have all the time in the world. Have patience and you'll get your Cutie Mark someday. If it's one thing about the world I know, it's that it rewards those who wait patiently."

They all smiled at me as I turned back to the crowd. "What're you all looking at? Let's get this party rolling!"

That seemed to snap everypony out of it as the music turned back on soon after as fillies surrounded AB.


(Minutes Later)

Ponies danced all around the dance floor as me and the three fillies were at a table. Really, the three forced me to join them.

"So I was thinking..." AB began. "Now that we're friends, I mean, we are friends, right?"

"How can they not be?" I said. "You three have no Cutie Marks and those two," I pointed at Tiara and Spoon who were sulking at the moment, "Drive you three crazy."

"Totally crazy." Sweetie added as the three laughed.

"Well, now that we're friends, what if the four of us work together to find out who we really are and who we're supposed to be?" Wait, four? Did I hear that right?

I pointed to myself.

"Yes, you too Ash." AB said. "You don't have a Cutie Mark like us so we're all gonna work together to help each other out."

Me. A part of the Cutie Crusaders. What form of magic made this possible!?

"Oh! We can form our own secret society!" Sweetie suggested.

"I'm liking this idea!" Scootaloo said.

"If we're gonna form a secret society, we need a name first." I said. I can't believe I'm actually taking part in this conversation.

"You're right. We do need a name." AB said. "Anypony got any ideas?"

"The Cutie Mark Four?" I crossed my arms into an X.

"The Cute-tastically Fantastic?" I'm pretty sure we'd get sued for relating to the Fantastic 4 so no. Another X.

"How about...The Cutie Mark Crusaders!?" There's the name.

"And we have a winner!" I said.

"It's perfect!" Scootaloo said.

"This is gonna be so great!" Sweetie Belle said.

"We're gonna be unstoppable!" I wouldn't go that far AB. "Why don't we make Ash here the Leader of our new society?" Wait, what?

I pointed to myself and AB nodded.

"You're the oldest one here without a Cutie Mark, Ash. So I think you should lead us." AB explained.

"I'm down with it." Scootlaoo said.

"Yeah. Sounds great." Sweetie said.

I waved my hooves in denial. "Oh no! I'm not leader material girls."

"C'mon Ash. You'll do fine." AB insisted. "Please?"

Ugh. She said please. I sighed before saying, "Fine. I'll be the leader." The girls cheer after that. Seriously, what form of magic did this?

"What do you say we celebrate with some of these delicious cupcakes?" Shit! Not the cupcakes!

"Not the cupcakes!" Nice save AB! "Trust me."

"Let's see if they're any cookies!" Sweetie suggested.

"You girls go ahead. I've had my fair share of sweets today." I said.

"If you say so." AB said. "C'mon girls! Let's go find those cookies!"

I watched as the girls walked away with a small smile on my face.

"Isn't that cute." I turned and saw Twilight carrying two cups of punch and handed one to me. "You're the leader of such an adorable group."

"I'm telling you right now, they forced me into the position."

"Really? It looked like to me that they had a pretty easy time getting you to be the leader." She chuckled when I avoided eye contact and instead drank my-wait a minute. Didn't someone drink from the punch bowl earlier? ...I'm just gonna set this aside.

"You really surprised everypony here." Twilight said. "Even I didn't expect you to have no Cutie Mark."

"It was a surprise to me too when I discovered the lack of the Mark." I said. "I made the discovery only a few days back."

"Is that why you weren't in the library those few days ago? Were you trying stuff out to see what your special talent was?"

I nodded. "I did about anything I could think of, but got nothing." I did those things mostly out of curiosity, not because I wanted one.

"Well, maybe you'll discover who you're meant to be with the help of those three girls." Twilight said, gesturing to the Cutie Crusaders who were laughing at Scootaloo when she failed to catch a cookie with her mouth. It's harder than it looks my dear.

"Well, a toast to the newly formed Cutie Crusaders." Twilight said before she drank her punch.

"Twilight, you might want to spit that out." She gave out a noise of confusion. "A pony drank out of the punch bowl earlier." I laughed when Twilight quickly spitted out her drink.

"Warn me next time!"

"And not see you funny expression? I'll think I'll pass." I chuckled even as Twilight slightly glared at me.

Well, I can definitely say today has been eventful. Now that I'm actually the leader of the Cutie Crusaders, I wonder what the future holds for me? Guess I'll find out eventually.


*Comes out of Portal* I can't believe that actually fucking happened. Me, the leader of the Cutie Crusaders. Well, I guess that's what happens when you reveal that you have no Cutie Mark.

Bet you guys didn't expect that, did you? Don't worry, I already have an idea for my own Cutie Mark so don't worry. I mostly did this so I could hang out with the Cutie Crusaders cause seriously people, they're adorable. Again, I am sorry for being gone for so long so I hope this chapter was enough to make you all happy. Next time, we shall enter a race...joy. Like always before I go, here comes the brohoof.

*Incoming Brohoof*

This has been Ashbel Longhart here, signing out. See guys next time.