Chapter 18: The Fault in Our Cutie Marks

One day, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were visiting a family in Ponyville that had requested their help. Scootaloo was in the backyard with another filly as she was busy digging in the backyard. Scootaloo was using a pail to catch the sand that was being tossed around. The orange filly managed to catch one glob of send, then a second, then a third...

SPLAT!

The fourth glob hit Scootaloo in the face. She quickly shook her head to get the sand off her face as the little filly next to her continued to dig. Sweetie Belle and Nyx watched the two fillies from outside the window before joining Apple Bloom on the sofa. The yellow filly was just sipping the tea that had been provided by the parents of the little filly. They were sitting on another sofa together.

"So Scootaloo's keeping Petunia busy like you asked," said Sweetie Belle as she and Nyx took a seat, "What did you two want to talk about?" The two parents were sitting quietly with nervous smiles on their faces.

"I'm sure you get these questions all the time," said Mrs. Paleo, "Oh, this is so awkward."

"Take your time," said Nyx gently, "Nopony is rushing you. We are here to help you after all." Nyx's words did nothing to help Mr. and Mrs. Paleo feel any better.

"Um, you're the experts, so we thought you'd have some insight into our daughter's new, uh, cutie mark," said Mr. Paleo.

Apple Bloom finished sipping her tea.

"What's wrong?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Obviously, we're both very proud of her and her cutie mark," said Mrs. Paleo in an awkward tone.

"Despite its, um...unsettling nature," said Mr. Paleo. The two parents just smiled sheepishly.

"Unsettling?" Sweetie Belle repeated as she, Apple Bloom, and Nyx shared looks with each other.

"Shall we take a look for ourselves?" Nyx suggested.

"I think that would be a good idea, Nyx," said Sweetie Belle as the two ponies looked outside.

Petunia was still digging when Sweetie Belle and Nyx checked her flank. It had a picture of a skull with a single bone on the top and bottom of it.

"Interesting," Nyx pondered aloud. Apple Bloom then took a look at Petunia's cutie mark as well.

"I don't get what you mean," said Apple Bloom as Mr. and Mrs. Paleo walked up to the window.

"Her mark doesn't bother you at all?" Mrs. Paleo asked worriedly.

"Well, it's not the cutest or trendiest cutie mark I've seen," said Nyx, "But that's just Rarity talking. I'm not sensing anything dangerous or..."

"Hey!" Scootaloo called out from outside, "Check out what we found!"

The group quickly headed outside and peek down a rather deep hole Petunia had made. They were shocked to see Petunia, now covered in dirt, was now standing next to what looked like the remains of a ponysaurus.

Look!" Petunia said excitedly, "A spiny-backed ponysaurus! In our own backyard! And I found him on my very own! How cool is that?!" Mr. and Mrs. Paleo were agape for a moment.

"Oh! She's an archaeologist," said Mr. and Mrs. Paleo with chuckles that were filled with relief.

"Of course!" said Scootaloo as Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Nyx were looking down the hole, "What'd you think she was gonna be, a pirate?"

The four ponies then blinked and stared when they found Mr. Paleo holding a pirate outfit and Mrs. Paleo was holding a pirate like scarf. The two quickly tossed the items away.

"Pirate? Pfft! Why would we think that?" said Mrs. Paleo as she and her husband just chuckled sheepishly with smiles that clearly showed their embarrassment.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked disturbed while Apple Bloom and Nyx just looked rather annoyed. Petunia was too busy putting her discovered fossils out of the hole and had no clue about the conversation at all.

And it was probably best she never knew about it.

*Main theme*

"Woo-hoo!" Scootaloo cheered as she rode her scooter alongside Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Nyx as they walked into town, "Another successful cutie intervention! You know, Crusaders, I don't wanna toot our own horn, but we've helped alot of ponies figure out their purpose in life. Like Bluenote here. Nice, saxophone, Bluenote!"

It was then they passed by a blue pony who was playing his saxophone. He then played a long note for them in reply.

Apple Bloom, Nyx, and Sweetie Belle just smirked, at Scootaloo's light boasting. Then the other two fillies looked at each other.

"Yep, everywhere you look, there's a pony we've helped find a purpose," said Apple Bloom. Nearly, Bulk Biceps was showing two young ponies how to weight-lift. Then in the foreground, Tender Taps was performing a tap dancing routine for a crowd of ponies.

"Hey, Apple Bloom," said Nyx, "When are you and Tender Taps gonna have that dancing date?"

"One. Day," Apple Bloom warned as she gave the young princess a death glare.

Nyx just chuckled.

"Easy, AB," said Nyx, giving her the new nickname. "If you don't see him that way, I'm sorry. I honestly thought you two were cute together and he seemed like a nice colt. That's all." Apple Bloom's glare softened and felt better.

"I think you should give him a chance before you turn him down," Sweetie Belle suggested with a smirk.

"One. Day," Apple Bloom warned sternly.

"I was being serious, you dodo," Sweetie Belle said indignantly. Apple Bloom just rolled her eyes.

"Easy, girls. Let's not get carried away. As she said, one day." Nyx said with a smirk on her face.

Apple Bloom shook her head with a smile on her face.

"You've gotta admit," said Apple Bloom, "We've had a pretty good effect on everypony since we've discovered our destiny." Nyx nodded in agreement.

"And started helping other ponies discover theirs!" Scootaloo added, "Could this get any better or what?"

(Scene changes)

After that, nothing more was said until they started getting closer to the location of the clubhouse. It was then Sweetie Belle had an interesting thought.

"Now, Scootaloo," said Sweetie Belle in a level headed tone as the four ponies stopped walking, "you do know there will always be challenges? Someday, somepony might even come to us with a problem that even we can't handle. Like, say..."

"A griffon?" Apple Bloom suggested as she looked into the distance.

"Ha! Exactly!" Sweetie Belle replied, "Like a griffon. But that's just crazy talk."

"Or not!" said Scootaloo and Nyx together as they pointed a fore-leg into the distance.

There at the top of the clubhouse was a teal-blue griffon with her hair feathers tied back into a very short downward ponytail. She seemed to be scouting the surrounding area.

"Hide!" Nyx called out in a loud whisper as he and the three fillies zipped into a nearby bush.

"Is that really a griffon?" Sweetie Belle asked as she and Scootaloo winced at the sight from the bush.

"You're darn tootin' it is!" said Apple Bloom, "What do you think that griffon wants?"

"I guess we've gotta ask her," said Sweetie Belle, "but aren't griffons supposed to be kind of mean and cranky?"

The teal-blue griffon continued to scout the area.

"I'd normally say that's stereotyping," said Nyx, "but since my father has actually been to Griffonstone, that general fact is true for most griffons. Rude and greedy would be two more qualities I would add to that list."

"Oh boy," said Sweetie Belle wearily.

"But that being said," Nyx continued, "Why would a Griffon come all this way just to pick on you guys? You've never been to Griffonstone and Gilda doesn't know who you are. She doesn't even know me. There could be a chance this griffon, like Thorax, is the odd one out."

"Odd one what?" said Scootaloo, puzzled.

"Nyx means that one griffon who might be different from the rest," said Apple Bloom.

"Exactly, Apple Bloom," said Nyx, "but we won't know for sure until we actually try speaking to her. We must be cautious."

"Nyx's right," said Scootaloo, "Crusaders, looks like we've gotta step carefully."

"Good thing we've kept up our turn battle training," said Sweetie Belle, "We just might have to defend ourselves."

"Let's hope that's not the case," said Nyx, "Now follow me and keep quiet."

The Cutie Mark Crusaders did as they were told and walked away as quietly as they could. Unfortunately, the four ponies had forgotten that griffons were part eagle, meaning they had very sharp eyes. In other words, the griffon spotted them the moment the four ponies left the bush. The griffon then surprised them by popping out of the bush.

"The Cutie Mark Crusaders! And Princess Nyx!" the griffon exclaimed excitedly as she got into their faces so fast that they were all knocked into their backs, "It can't believe it's really, really you!"

Gabby then laughed as she pulled them all into a crushing group hug.

"Aah! Ooh!" Scootaloo groaned as she said in a strained tone, "This...griffon's...not...cranky."

"I never thought I'd meet any creature who could give a hug tighter than Pinkie!" Nyx strained, "I...can't...breathe!"

"How in the blooming apples did you know who we are?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Know who you are?" Know who you are?!" the griffon exclaimed excitedly as she set the four ponies on the ground before her, "Why, for Nyx, I saw her father when he came to Griffonstone. As for the Cutie Mark Crusaders, I've heard about you from everypony in Ponyville. I'm so excited to meet you, I could just explode!"

"Oh, that could be messy," said Nyx worriedly, "Maybe I should go get a big towel." The griffon laughed.

"Hahahah! Oh! You're really funny, Princess Nyx! And really cute too!" said the griffon, and the last comment made Nyx blush, "I'm Gabriella, but you can call me Gabby since we're all friends now! Pleased to meet ya!" Gabby then grabbed all of their fore-hooves and gave them a very firm handshake.

Maybe even a little too firm since all four ponies were groaning from being shaken up and left feeling very dizzy. Fortunately, all four ponies quickly recovered.

"Well, howdy...um...Gabby," said Apple Bloom.

"It's...a...pleasure to meet you," said Nyx wearily. Gabby gave a fangirl squeal of delight.

"I'm just about the most excited any griffon has ever been about anything!" Grabby replied. Nyx, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo just looked at her blankly.

"Excited?" Sweetie Belle remarked, "But whatever for?"

"What for? What for?!" Gabby said excitedly, "Everypony in town tells me of your amazing assistance! How you help ponies find their places in the world!" She then did a loop-de-loop to emphasize her excitement.

"It's a calling," said Scootaloo smugly, "but-"

"And that's why I'm here," Gabby interrupted, "I need help, too. I want you to give me a cutie mark!"

"What?!" Nyx yelped in pure surprise as the other three fillies shared stunned looks with each other.

"Um, can a griffon even get a cutie mark?" Apple Bloom asked the others.

"I dunno, but I think we should probably find out," said Scootaloo. Then Nyx noticed that her friends were staring at her with smiles on their faces.

"Uhh...why all the eyeballs on me?" Nyx asked nervously.

"We were hoping you would know the answer," Sweetie Belle replied.

"What do I look like? A library?" Nyx retorted.

"Your adopted father practically married one," Scootaloo remarked.

"Just because Mom spends a lot of down time reading while Dad practices in the dojo with me doesn't mean that we know everything," said Nyx.

"You'll still help us, right?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Of course," said Nyx, "but...I'm not sure. I've heard of such a thing." The group just gave Gabby nervous smiles as she clapped her claws together excitedly.

(Scene changes)

It wasn't long before the group had led Gabby into the clubhouse. They were now all sitting around a round table as Scootaloo handed Gabby a tall glass of orange juice.

"So, Gabriella..." said Scootaloo.

"Gabby, 'kay?" the griffon asked.

"Gabby, why do you even want a cutie mark?" Scootaloo asked as Gabby took a long drink of her juice, "It doesn't seem like a very...griffon-y thing to want."

"Right? Right?! Right?!" Gabby replied in such a hyperactive state that she made Scootaloo fall over.

"You're tellin' me!" Gabby continued as she tapped two fingers together, "I don't know if you've heard, but griffons can be a little bit...unfriendly."

"Were you bullied Gabby?" Nyx asked straight out in a very gently tone.

"Um...no..." said Gabby as a flashback showed Griffonstone, "Most griffons don't pay much attention to each other. And if they do, it's not, y'know, the good kind of attention." It was then three griffons nearly bumped into each other and started to argue.

"As for me," Gabby explained as her past self was seen sitting on a rooftop, "I'm just a little mail delivery griffon who likes to spread a little bit of griffon-y sunshine on my rounds, which always makes me feel different from the other griffons." Past Gabby was seen making her mail delivery with a smile on her face. Her customers would only reply by snatching their letters and rudely slamming the door in her face.

"I'd do anything for any old griffon in need," Gabby continued as her past self tried to help an elderly griffon cross the street.

"Ahh! Uhh!" the elderly griffon grunted as she shooed Gabby away.

"But it just always seemed like the harder I tried, the less I fit in," Gabby pressed on as her past self leaned against the wall, looking sad and dejected.

"So what changed your view exactly?" Nyx asked curiously.

"It wasn't until your friends," Gabby continued, "which included Jiu Jitsu Master Chase Young, came to Griffonstone that I realized some creatures actually like helping each other, and, aside from realizing how cute and handsome Master Chase looked up close, I saw something so awesomely awesome-how helping spreads from pony to pony and griffon to griffon!"

Past Gabby looked from behind her hidding spot and saw Pinkie and Chase having a chat with Gilda and then was watching from a distance when Gilda gave the improved scone to Greta. Past Gabby was touched and inspired.

"I knew then that I had to find out why I was so different from the other griffons," said Gabby as her past self saw Pinkie, Rainbow, and Chase seeing their cutie marks started glowing, "and I knew the answer just had to have something to do with those wonderful, amazing marks on the ponies' flanks. And I admit, hehe, I became, um, maybe a little obsessed."

Past Gabby then watched as Pinkie, Rainbow, and Chase left Griffonstone as she watched them leave from the entrance gate.

"That reminds me of someponies I know," Nyx remarked with a knowing smirk on her face.

"Quiet you!" Sweetie Belle said sternly.

"So first chance I had to deliver a letter from Gilda, I took it, so I could find the perfect pony to help me understand what those marks are," Gabby continued as her past self anxiously took the letter Gilda had given her and flew off as fast as she could to Ponyville, "Everypony here told me one thing-I just had to see the Cutie Mark Crusaders! They've helped everypony here get their cutie marks, and I know, I just knew, that someday I'd have one, too! A cutie mark of my very own!"

Past Gabby was seen speaking to the Paleo family, Bulk Biceps, Tender Taps, and Bluenote, which filled her with hope and determination. It was then her flashback ended. Gabby was now standing before the four ponies with the same expression on her face.

"That's why I flew all the way here!" said Gabby as she jumped on top of the table, making Nyx lean back for a moment, "I want to find my own place in the world, and I know you can help me by giving me a cutie mark! So let's make with the cutie!"

Gabby then hovered before them and covered her eyes with her claws and giggled excitedly. Nyx blinked and then smiled.

"Okay, ignorance or not," Nyx said in a hushed tone to her friends, "that was adorable."

"Whenever you're ready," said Gabby as she peeked out of one of her claws, "Did it happen yet?" Gabby then checked her backside. The four ponies shared puzzled looks with each other.

"Uh, not exactly," said Sweetie Belle.

"Howaboutnow-howaboutnow-howaboutnow-howaboutnow?" Gabby asked eagerly as she kept checking one side of her flank and then the other. Scootaloo just gave the griffon a funny look.

"Take it easy, Gabby!" said Nyx calmly, "Please calm down."

"Sorry!" said Gabby quickly, "I'm just so excited! I'm gonna get my cutie mark! I just know it!"

"Um, Gabby, I hate to break it to ya," said Apple Bloom, "but it sounds like you might've heard some tall tales about what Crusaders can do."

"I mean, we are kinda awesome and all, but nopony can just give you a cutie mark," said Scootaloo, "it just sort of happens." Apple Bloom nodded in agreement.

"Though I'm pretty sure it doesn't happen to griffons," said Sweetie Belle, "or if it does, we've never heard of it. What about you, Nyx?" Nyx pondered.

"Um...well..." said Nyx as Gabby smiled hopefully, "Um...no...no I haven't."

Gabby's smile flipped upside down after hearing that.

"Oh, I hadn't thought of that," said Gabby, not hiding her disappointment, but then immediately perked up afterwards, "Sounds like a challenge! And who could be up to it but the world-famous Cutie Mark Crusaders with help from Princess Nyx? Cutie marks! It's in your name and everything, right? Right?! Right?! RIGHT?!" Gabby didn't hesitate to lean into each of the filly's faces, as well as Nyx's.

"Uuuuhhhh…" Nyx said as she looked to the side nervously.

"Now I have to deliver Gilda's letter to Rainbow Dash," Gabby told the group, "I bet by the time I get back, you'll have it one hundred percent figured out! Toodles for now!" With that Gabby exited the clubhouse and took off into the sky.

"Whee-hee-hee! Gonna get my cutie mark!" Gabby cheered as she disappeared into the distance. Nyx and the CMC just watched Gabby fly away.

"Well, she's certainly optimistic," said Nyx.

"What she wants...It's not possible, right?" Sweetie Belle asked the group.

"I don't know," said Scootaloo, "But I know someone who just might. And she's married to your adopted father, Nyx."

Nyx giggled.

"Well, let's head to the castle!" said Nyx as she and the CMC headed off to the castle.

(Scene changes)

It wasn't long before they arrived at the castle as Nyx and the Cutie Mark Crusaders wasted no time filling Twilight and Chase in on their situation. With Chase at her side, the alicorn couple quickly got to work researching their various books for information. In fact, not even fifteen minutes had passed before their research efforts had finished.

"I've read every book on the subject," said Twilight as she placed a book on a table with her magic, "my husband has even done some research of his own as well as a few algorithms regarding the possibility of a griffon getting a cutie mark."

"And I've never read a thing about any creature other than a pony getting a cutie mark." Chase added as he shifted the pages of another book.

"But, Twilight and Chase," Scootaloo protested, "Gabby flew all the way here so we could help her. There's gotta be something we can do."

"Yeah, Mommy and Daddy." Nyx said desperately to her adopted parents. "She was so excited by the idea of her getting a cutie mark. We can't just damage her spirits."

"I know, honey." Chase said to his daughter gently and sympathetically. "But this is probably one of those situations where she might not get it."

Nyx looked down sadly.

"Say, is there some kind of spell you both can whip up to make her mark appear?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Um, I don't know if any of you remember," Twilight remarked, "but using magic to get a cutie mark never really works out all that well."

"Ohhh. Right," The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Nyx groaned and looked at each other.

"Plus, Apple Bloom nearly blew up Zecora's tree house trying to speed-make another potion after claiming she learned about being patient," Chase remarked.

"Oh, you had to bring that up!" Apple Bloom groaned as she face-hooved herself.

"Not my fault you were slow to learn that lesson," Chase pointed out.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo just rolled their eyes.

"Getting back on topic here," said Twilight as she put her books away, "Crusaders, Nyx, I'm sorry. While I can't say for certain that it's utterly impossible, my husband's research does show that the chances of Gabby getting an actual mark are...pretty slim. Everything I learned tells me that as well. It's just not gonna happen."

"But...but you're married to Mr. Impossible!" Sweetie Belle protested.

"Mr. Impossible?" Chase remarked as Twilight gave Sweetie Belle a funny look.

"Chase is living proof that the impossible is possible," said Sweetie Belle, "How many ponies can perform martial arts like him? How many stallions can master chi and jiu jitsu? And how many stallions can say they actually earned alicorn wings? He is the only male alicorn in Ponyville that knows what to do!"

Chase just stared and instinctively opened his wings and stared at them before he gave the four fillies a blunt look.

"That may be true, but I'm not the only alicorn male in the world. Practically Pakku, Bumi, and Iroh are also the other male alicorn jiu jitsu masters in the White Lotus clan." Chase said firmly.

"Oh!" Sweetie Belle said, realizing what Chase said.

"My husband is certainly the exception when it comes to doing the impossible," said Twilight, giving him a cheek kiss, "but that can't be said about any other pony...or griffon...in this case."

"And I'm also good at being your loving husband, honey." Chase said with a smile, making Twilight return the favor.

"Yes you are, sweetie." Twilight said as she giggled and nuzzled him lovingly, making him nuzzle in return.

"Oh, no!" said Apple Bloom sadly, "Poor Gabby! What the apples are we ever gonna tell her?"

Sweetie Belle looked upset. Poor Scootaloo looked so devastated that she was on the verge of tears as her lips quivered. Nyx was also worried about this.

"Don't worry. You guys will think of a way to get her to listen. I'm sure of it." Chase assured the CMC and his daughter.

But the four fillies still felt worried.

(Scene changes)

Later on, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Nyx headed back to the clubhouse. Scootaloo rode her scooter and the other ponies just walked. While Chase had assured the four fillies that things would be alright, they weren't feeling so good about telling Gabby the truth.

"Crusaders, this is terrible!" Sweetie Belle told the others, "Gabby really believed in us. And now, we're gonna let her down!"

"But what else can we do?" said Apple Bloom.

"Well, you can't help her get something that isn't possible for a griffon," said Nyx, "that's not only lying, but also getting her hopes up for nothing. Maybe we should at least listen to Dad's advice."

"I don't know, Nyx." Apple Bloom replied back glumly.

"Hmm, you know what, Crusaders," said Scootaloo as she rolled in front of the others, "So what? Maybe we can't help Gabby find a cutie mark, but we can still do what we're best at. We can help her find her purpose!"

"That is...a brilliant idea," said Nyx with a smile.

"And I reckon doing that is the same for griffons as it is for ponies or any other creature in Equestria," Apple Bloom added.

"All we have to do is be extra-special clear with her," said Scootaloo, "Like, Crystal Empire clear."

"Agreed!" Nyx nodded, "Gabby needs to understand that a cutie mark might not be possible, but she can still get what she came for."

"Yeah!" the three fillies said in agreement.

(Scene changes)

Soon, the group reached the outside area leading to the clubhouse.

"INCOMING!" Gabby shouted from above as she glided to them.

"Oh, here we go again!" Nyx said bluntly, "UGH!"

Nyx and the Cutie Mark Crusaders groaned as Gabby gave them another bone-crushing group hug.

"Choking...not breathing!" Nyx yelped in a strained tone when Gabby finally let all four ponies go and put them back on the ground. Nyx was left a bit woozy from the tight hug.

"Hiya, you wonderful, wonderful Crusaders and Princess Nyx!" Gabby told them happily, "I just know you've figured out how to help me because you're all so incredible!"

"Well, we might have a solution for you," said Nyx, "Scootaloo." The orange filly quickly collected her thoughts before she spoke up.

"Well, Gabby," Scootaloo stuttered, "we've talked it over, and we think we may just be able to help you out, But not exactly in the way you think. See, here's the thing about you getting a cutie mark-"

"I'm getting a cutie mark!" Gabby screamed with glee as she flew high into the sky, "Woo-hoo-hoo!"

"Wait! You didn't let me finish!" Scootaloo called out, but Gabby wasn't listening.

"Um, I think maybe that could've been clearer," said Sweetie Belle.

"Being clear isn't the problem," said Nyx, "Gabby just has a very short attention span."

"Oh..." said the Cutie Mark Crusaders together with very worried looks on their faces.

(Scene changes)

"Cutie mark! Cutie mark! Gonna get my cutie mark!" Gabby chanted rhythmically and then gave some more loud cheers before flying off again. The four ponies were already inside the clubhouse watching her.

"She's still going," said Sweetie Belle from inside the clubhouse, "Anypony know if griffons ever get tired?"

"Ironically," Nyx replied, "most of the griffons who live in Griffonstone are super lazy. Gabby is clearly the exception...and considering she's got a personality that rivals Pinkie..."

"I think I just got the answer to my own question," said Sweetie Belle bluntly.

"What do you think my mark will be?" Gabby asked as she peeked inside of the clubhouse, startling Sweetie Belle and Nyx, "A lightning bolt? An erupting volcano? I don't care if it's a jar of marmalade! I know I'll love it, whatever it is!"

"Gabby, please..." said Nyx.

"I'll tell her, Nyx," said Apple Bloom and then walked up to the griffon, "Hold on just a hoofstep, Gabby. There's somethin' we need to clear up, We can definitely help you find your purpose, but that mark's probably not gonna happen."

"WHAT?!" Gabby exclaimed as she zipped away from the window and rushed inside of the clubhouse.

"It's true," said Scootaloo, "Twilight and Chase have never heard of a creature other than a pony getting a cutie mark."

"Oh!" Gabby laughed dismissively, "Is that all? You had me worried for a second! I-I mean, there's a first time for everything, right? And neither she nor Chase said it was impossible, right?" The three fillies didn't share in Gabby's optimism and Nyx just sighed and crossed her fore-legs.

"Well, not exactly," said Apple Bloom, "Even Chase and Nyx said the chances are really small."

"Well, then if anypony can make it happen, it's you three," said Gabby as she hovered above them, "I mean, you haven't failed yet."

"Oh, sweet Celestia," Nyx groaned. As much as he wanted to tell Gabby to be realistic, she just couldn't.

"You know what, Gabby?" said Scootaloo with much determination in her tone, "I promise we're gonna do everything we can to help you get your mark."

"Oh! It's gonna happen!" said Gabby as she gave Scootaloo a tight hug, "I can feel it! Woo-hoo! Woo-hoo!" Gabby then zoomed away laughing and cheering excitedly.

"Aaaaand...she's off again," said Sweetie Belle as she and the rest of the group stood outside of the clubhouse.

"Why in tarnation would you promise somethin' that just can't be done?" Apple Bloom asked Scootaloo.

"I know what it's like to want something that's out of reach," said Scootaloo as she opened her wings to prove her point, "and just because it hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it can't. Maybe trying for the impossible isn't so bad."

"I dunno," said Apple Bloom, "what do you think, Nyx?" Nyx had a serious look on her face.

"I'd say...let's do it!" said Nyx firmly.

"Say what?!" said Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle together as Scootaloo smiled excitedly.

"Scootaloo's has a good point," said Nyx, "I mean...do you girls remember why I'm dealing with gloominess a thousand years ago?" The other three fillies shared concerned looks with each other.

"Because you were bullied before the Quinkan took your family?" Scootaloo replied hesitantly.

"That's part of it," said Nyx, "but it's how they bullied me. The ponies at my old village kept telling me what I dreamed of was impossible. That I was foolish to even try or even consider those dreams and goals. Everypony thought my dream to be a great martial arts master like my former parents wasn't worth making the effort to even try. But in the end, I've managed to put that in the past since Twilight and Chase have taken me in as their daughter."

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked at each other and smiled.

"Guess we'll never know for sure unless we give it a try," said Sweetie Belle.

"All right," said Apple Bloom and then looked worried, "but where do we even start?"

"Where we always do," Scootaloo answered, "with a good old-fashioned Crusaders chart."

"Let's do it!" said Nyx as the Cutie Mark Crusaders smiled in agreement.

(Scene changes)

Later inside the clubhouse, a long sheet of paper was hanging on the wall that had various activities drawn on it. Gabby was also there as well...once Nyx was able to calm her down and get her inside.

"The first thing we gotta do is find your purpose," said Apple Bloom as she held an instructors stick with her fore-hoof. She then tapped the various activity ideas on the sheet of paper.

"Nopony gets a mark without one," said Scootaloo.

"Unless you use a magic potion that makes you breakout in multiple cutie marks and nearly convinces everypony in town that you're spreading an influenza..." Nyx remarked to Gabby.

"One. Day," said Apple Bloom in a threatening tone, only for Nyx to slap the back of her head as she yelped.

Gabby just smiled, but deep down she didn't what was so funny.

"All right," said Gabby eagerly, "Let's do this."

"What are you good at?" said Scootaloo, "Do you play any sports?"

"Or like to dance?" Apple Bloom asked as she pointed at the picture, then sternly stuck her stick at Nyx, "And I don't have anypony I like to I dance with!"

Nyx just smirked and rolled his eyes.

"Or how about singing?" said Sweetie Belle, "I just love to sing! La-la-la-la!"

Gabby walked up to the poster to examine her options.

"Wow!" said Gabby, "I kinda wanna just try everything! I mean, I don't know what to pick!"

"Don't worry," said Scootaloo, "That's what we're here for." The four ponies began to march in place as some music in th background began to play. Gabby then started bopping to the beat.

[Sweetie Belle - As she sang, she knelt forward as if she was about to start a race]

Like a racer at the starting line

You're chomping at the bit

[Scootaloo]

You are here to find your purpose

And a place you really fit

[Apple Bloom - She leaned against Gabby as she sang her part.]

And until you find your place in life

You're never gonna quit

[Nyx - wrapped a fore-leg around Gabby's shoulder]

Stay focused and keep your spirits high

Be you while doing it

[Cutie Mark Crusaders - Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle stood before their list. Then they tugged the paper to make it roll up and then it unrolled over the foreground.]

We can help you find the purpose in your life

[Gabby - a purple dynamic background appeared behind her as she held the list under her feathers.]

A griffon mixes lion's strength

With winged eagle's might

When I finally find my purpose

Then my cutie mark's in sight

[Gabby - She stood before the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Nyx and then flew out of the clubhouse as the four ponies chased after her from a short distance.]

Then my cutie mark's in sight

Crusaders, I won't let you down

I've just begun to fight

You're gonna help find a purpose in my life

[Gabby - As the group rushed into town, Gabby looked at the sheet of paper being held by Sweetie Belle's magic. Gabby then helped Zecora stir something in her cauldron. Then she was at the Ponyville Schoolhouse teaching the ponies pre-calculus on a blackboard. Cheerilee stood nearby, impressed at how smart Gabby was. Then she helped scrub Rarity's floor, which Rarity, Nyx, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders smiled for a job well done. She helped another pony rake up excess kept on the beach. Finally, she helped Applejack pick some apples from the trees. The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Nyx were looking at their list from the background.]

Got a job that's just no fun?

Call on me, I'll get it done

Cauldron's stuck and needs a mix?

I'm the one who's got the fix

Help you teach pre-calculus

Scrub the floors, won't make a fuss

Clearing kelp? Just give a yelp

Raring to go, ready to help!

[Cutie Mark Crusaders and Nyx - They looked at the list together as they sang. Then Gabby checked the list as well.]

That's the spirit

You ought to see what you do best

Try it all, pick your fave

And leave behind the rest

[Gabby - She sings to the Crusaders and Nyx as Sweetie Belle rolled up their paper and then the four ponies followed Gabby.]

I'll try anything

To get my cutie mark

Keep up with me, Crusaders

We're just getting our start

[Gabby - She helped a mare rock a foal to sleep in its cradle while hanging up the laundry. She then helped Bulk Biceps with some boxes he was carrying and then handed the muscular Pegasus some more boxes, which made him fall over since he was standing on just his hind legs. Next, she helped Granny Smith across the street, with the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Nyx smiling nearby. She was then battling for a pony team playing baseball. She got a hit and ran to first base. The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Nyx were in the stands as Apple Bloom held a small banner flag in her fore-hoof.]

Rock your little ones to sleep

While hanging up the sheets

I can help you with your heavy load

Walk Granny 'cross the street

I'll run 'round the bases fast

It's really no big feat

[Cutie Mark Crusaders and Nyx - they all had worried looks on their faces as they viewed their list once again. They watched as Gabby fixed the braces of the colt known for the extra strong teeth. The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Nyx still looked worried as they crossed the activity off their list.]

Can we help her find the purpose in her life?

[Gabby - She gave a dejected looking stallion a hug and some comfort. Next, she was watering and trimming somepony's garden...and shocked the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Nyx for being very artistic. Then she finished a music composition for a quartet of musicians and started playing the clarinet with them. Later, she was at Sugarcube Corner and finished baking a chocolate cake.]

Cheer you if you're feeling low

Plant your garden, make it grow

Write a piece for your quartet

Filling in on clarinet

Bake that cake as fast as lightning

[Cutie Mark Crusaders and Nyx - They worriedly looked at their list, which had various activities crossed out.]

She's so good at things, it's frightening

Cutie Mark Crusaders,

I think we've got a problem

[Gabby - She was seen sailing a boat. Next, she was flying past some ponies who were waving hello to her. Gabby kept singing as she flew about the area, even doing a few twirls in the air. Then two ponies carried her off on their backs, leaving the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Nyx behind.]

Build a boat

And sail it out across the sea

You know that you can count on me

CMCs, you're gonna help me find my purpose

The purpose in my life!

In my life!

"Now how are we gonna do this?" Apple Bloom asked worriedly.

"Gabby's special purpose can't be everything, right?" Sweetie Belle added in the same tone.

"It might as well be," said Apple Bloom, "I don't know how we find what she's supposed to do when she can do it all."

"Any ideas, Nyx?" Scootaloo asked when she noticed that Nyx looked very uncomfortable, "Nyx?"

"Are you okay?" Sweetie Belle asked with concern.

"I don't know, guys." Nyx said feeling nervous as well. "I've run out of ideas for her. All we've discovered so far is that Gabby's special purpose is something more than just being good at a particular activity, which means finding what that purpose is supposed to be is going to be much more difficult. It might require Gabby to discover it on her own if that's the case. After all, that's what I had to do."

"Which means actually findin' her purpose is practically impossible," said Apple Bloom.

"And if finding her purpose seems impossible, we can just forget about the whole-griffon-getting-a-cutie-mark thing, which is actually impossible," Scootaloo sighed, "I never should've gotten her hopes up!"

"You didn't Scootaloo," said Nyx, "You told her we'd help find her purpose and see if it would lead to her possibly getting her cutie mark. Our main goal was finding her purpose. As for the cutie mark, we were simply hoping we'd get lucky."

"And it appears we lucked out in both of those things," said Apple Bloom sadly. Just then Gabby had returned.

"I did...it...all!" said Gabby excitedly, "So, lay it on me, Crusaders. What's my purpose? And how do we get a mark on these here haunches?" Gabby pointed at her flank eagerly. Sweetie Belle approached Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Nyx as they shared sad looks with each other.

"Well...the truth is..." Nyx began.

"I'll tell her," said Scootaloo as she bravely approached the griffon in a glum tone, "Gabby we...we don't."

"Wait," said Gabby in disbelief, "What are you saying?"

"We're sayin' that since you can do everything so amazingly well..." Apple Bloom began.

"We just can't figure out what one thing you're supposed to do," Sweetie Belle continued.

"Your purpose appears to be beyond just being good at doing different things," Nyx added.

"Gabby, we can't help you," Scootaloo finished in a very sad tone.

"But, but..." Gabby protested, not wanting to accept the truth as tears pricked her eyes, "you're the world-famous Cutie Mark Crusaders! You're the daughter of the Princess and Prince of Friendship! Even I know the stories about how Chase was good at everything and he got his cutie mark. Why can't the same be said for me? Why can't you help me find my cutie mark?! I can't believe it! I...I...I won't believe it!"

Gabby then flew away just as she started to cry.

"Gabby, wait!" Apple Bloom called out.

"Don't go!" Nyx called out as well.

"We're sorry! We're so, so sorry!" Scootaloo cried out as she tried to chase after her on hoof, but Gabby was already gone.

"For the first time ever, the Cutie Mark Crusaders are cutie mark failures," said Scootaloo sadly as all three fillies eyes filled with tears.

Nyx looked at Gabby's direction she flew off to before she sighed as a few tears left her eyes.

(Scene changes)

A little while later they had gotten back to the clubhouse as they were still feeling rather glum about how they failed Gabby.

"I'm sorry, Crusaders," said Scootaloo as she rolled up their list, "I really thought we could help Gabby."

"I thought we could help anypony," said Sweetie Belle.

"Maybe that's just it," said Apple Bloom, "maybe we can only help ponies."

"I don't believe that," said Nyx, "you three girls can help anypony, or creature, you wanted. Like I said before, you're not expected to know everything about cutie marks and special purposes. Nopony can expect you to be able to solve everything. Just like nopony can expect me or my family to solve every friendship problem...or every problem in general for that matter."

That last remark had some spite in her tone. Nyx could still remember that Canterlot summit where Spike made a mess of things because the delegates weren't willing to solve even the smallest of problems on their own.

"Maybe," said Scootaloo, "or maybe we just plain failed." Scootaloo then tossed the list away from herself.

Before Nyx could say anything, the door to the clubhouse burst open.

"Failed? Then what do you call this?!" Gabby said excitedly when she showed her flank had a cauldron on her flank!

"What the heck?!" Nyx remarked, her voice raising an octave as her jaw hit the floor.

"A cutie mark?" The three fillies said at once in shock.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo quickly rushed up to Gabby as Nyx shook her head with a babble before she stopped to once again see the cutie mark on Gabby's flank again.

"What? You got your cutie mark after all? Even though we couldn't find your purpose?" Sweetie Belle exclaimed and then stuttered, "But - What? Huh?! How?!"

Now it was Sweetie Belle's turn to make faces and then her jaw dropped. Then Nyx lift a foreleg to close Sweetie Belle's mouth before she joined Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Gabby.

"I've seen a lot of strange things in my lifetime," said Nyx, "But I've never seen anypony, or creature, get their cutie mark naturally without knowing their purpose. Unless you've discovered it sometime after you left us, Gabby."

Gabby chuckled nervously.

"And what does it mean?" Apple Bloom asked Gabby, "A cauldron?"

"Uh...I don't know," Gabby stuttered, "Maybe it means my purpose is, uh, helping Zecora with potions. that was the first things I tried. I guess it just took some time to appear. But here it is!"

"Interesting..." said Nyx skeptically, "A cutie mark appears hours after you did the very thing you knew was your purpose. Again, I ask Gabby, did this cutie mark appear the moment you knew that potions were your purpose in life?" Gabby's sweat got heavier as she tapped her claws together nervously.

"I...guess so?" Gabby replied, avoiding any eye contact with him. Nyx looked at her sternly.

"Very interesting," Nyx replied quickly, "quite an unusual way to get a cutie mark, but very interesting..." While Mario remained skeptical, Scootaloo was overjoyed.

"This is awesome!" Scootaloo shouted, "We're not failures! Whatever we did worked! I had a feeling we could help you, and we did!" Scootaloo jumped up, hovered for a bit, and then landed on the other side of Gabby.

"Oh! We've gotta go see Twilight and Chase right away!" said Apple Bloom, which made Gabby wince, "They'll wanna know about it."

"Correction - They need to know about this!" said Sweetie Belle, "I bet Twilight want to write a whole book about the very first griffon to get a cutie mark of her own!"

"Hear that Gabby?" said Nyx, still smirking, "My parents are going to make you famous. Ponies and other creatures all over Equestria are gonna know who you are! You'll be famous!"

"Oh, uh, totally!" said Gabby nervously, "Um, but, you know, Rainbow Dash asked me to pick up her answer to Gilda's letter. I better take care of that before I forget. Heh. Here's an idea. Uh, y-you head to the castle, and I'll meet you there, cutie mark and all!"

"It's alright, we can wait for you," said Nyx casually, "Go deliver your letter and we'll go together once you get back." Gabby winced.

"No!" Gabby snapped but then chuckled nervously, especially since she saw the glare in Nyx's eyes. "I...uh...I mean...no way am I gonna let you guys just sit here waiting for me. Uh, if you guys go to the castle, I can go pick up that letter and meet you there because you just staying here...would...uhh...waste time. That's right! I mean, why just sit here waiting for me when we can just meet there...since it wouldn't waste time and all. Um...toodles!"

Gabby then zoomed away so quickly that some of her feathers got left behind. Nyx was the first to step out of the clubhouse with a stern look on her face.

"You're not fooling anypony Gabby," Nyx said sternly.

"Wow!" said Scootaloo, "Can you believe it? We were able to help her get her mark after all!"

"Well, not me at least," Nyx muttered and rolled her eyes.

"Come on, Crusaders, let's tell Twilight and Chase!" said Scootaloo. Now it was Nyx's turn to wince.

"Uhh...I don't think we should..." Nyx then turned to see that the three fillies were gone, "W-w-wait, girls! Wait!"

Nyx then zoomed off to catch up with the group. But as much she tried to dissuade the Crusaders to not tell Twilight about Gabby, they wouldn't listen.

(Scene changes)

Soon, the group of four were at the castle. Inside the library room, Twilight and Chase were just stacking some books with their magic while the three fillies were bouncing on their hooves excitedly. They were waiting for Gabby to arrive to they could show Twilight the good news. Nyx, on the other hand, just remained calm and silent.

"Gabby?" Twilight said curiously, "You just missed her."

"Say what?!" said Nyx in surprise.

"She was in such a hurry," Twilight explained, "She didn't even come in. Just dropped this letter and zoomed away!"

"It's oddly weird for her to leave like that." Chase said with a skeptical look as Nyx saw her father with the look on his face. "I mean, why would she want to just leave a letter here?"

""Dear Crusaders and Princess Nyx"," Scootaloo read aloud, ""I'll never forget you. You really are every bit as awesome as I'd heard. I'm heading home to tell all the griffons how you did the impossible by getting me a cutie mark. Toodles"."

It was then Twilight's eyes shrunk and she dropped all the books she had in her magic grip. Chase felt suspicious about this.

"Wait. What is she trying to do?" Chase asked, not liking this.

Twilight wasn't listening as a huge smile appeared on her face.

"Wait a second. Cutie mark?" Twilight said excitedly as she teleported in front of the group, leaning into their faces, "You actually got a griffon a cutie mark for the first time in recorded history?! You know what this calls for? A full-scale research project!"

Chase just sighed as the four fillies had puzzled looks on their faces.

"This makes no sense," said Sweetie Belle, "Gabby didn't come in and show you her mark?"

"She showed it to me," said Nyx, "but something felt a little off about her. Did she seems a little edgy to you, Mommy and Daddy?"

"You have got to get Gabby back here right away!" said Twilight excitedly, ignoring her daughter's question, "I have so many questions!"

"Honey," Chase said annoyingly, "Did you hear what Nyx-"

"Oh, I hope I have enough ink and parchment to document everything!" Twilight said anxiously as she rushed out of the library room, "Spike! Guess what just happened!"

Chase watched his wife run off.

"Honey! Honey!" Chase shouted and then grunted loudly before he sighed, "Looks like she's lost her head with all the excitement."

"Agreed." Nyx agreed with her father.

"Weird. Gabby didn't show Twilight her mark like she said she was gonna do? Somethin' in this here applesauce smells kinda fishy." Apple Bloom said suspiciously.

"I agree," said Chase, "and she kept dodging Nyx's questions too! I can tell Gabby didn't use any spells to get her mark. So if that's true...then how would she get her mark when it appears she still doesn't even know her true purpose?"

"We better find her and find out what's going on," said Scootaloo, "Come on, Crusaders!"

"You three go ahead," said Chase as Nyx joined her father, "We've...gotta calm my wife down from her little excitement."

"I'll meet up with you guys sooner." Nyx said as she and Chase then rushed off to find Twilight. The three fillies quickly exited the library.

(Scene changes)

It wasn't long before the three fillies were now on the road to Sweet Apple Acres. The three fillies yelped when Nyx suddenly magically appeared before them.

"Sorry, girls," said the alicorn filly, "I would've been here sooner, but Mom took a few minutes to stop crying."

"She was crying?!" the Cutie Mark Crusaders said in shock.

"It wasn't about you telling her about Gabby's cutie mark," said Nyx, "it was for jumping to conclusions and getting excited over nothing. That and...she kept ignoring Daddy when he and I were trying to tell her something was up and we were gonna get to the bottom of it for the first five minutes. She felt bad for ignoring Daddy...again."

"She really needs to listen to your father more," said Apple Bloom, "She'd have less panic attacks if she did that."

"True," said Nyx, "but anxiety for her is like stubbornness for Applejack. I don't think there's a cure. But...I went into this marriage knowing that. I just gotta remember it's her fault and that she doesn't tune me or Dad out on purpose or because our opinions don't matter."

"But it still hurts doesn't it?" Sweetie Belle asked gently.

"For now it does..." Nyx sighed.

"Um, I hate to change the subject," said Scootaloo, "but we've got a griffon to find. We can come up with a way to help Twilight trust you more later."

"Right," said Nyx, "Sorry to get off topic. Guess I just wanted you to know why I took so long and she doesn't think you girls were lying to her or making up stories about Gabby."

"We would never do that," said Apple Bloom, "but then...grown-ups just assume we would. But never mind, let's find us a griffon."

The others nodded in agreement as they continued down the path with their eyes looking upward.

"Keep your eyes on the skies, ponies," said Scootaloo, "Gabby can't have gone far." Nyx then looked down since her neck was getting stiff. She blinked in realization.

"Look! Over there!" said Nyx.

"She's not in the air," said Apple Bloom, "She's right there!"

Just a short distance away was Gabby. She was currently trying to help Dr. Hooves with his cart. The cart's wheels had sunk deep into some mud.

"Hold up, we're a-comin'!" Apple Bloom called out as the four ponies rushed up to her. Gabby looked back at the four ponies.

"Um...Sorry, no time to chat," said Gabby quickly, "I-I just stopped to help this pony get out of the muck, and then I really gotta fly." She then turned to face Dr. Hooves.

"Okay?" Gabby told him as she started pushing the cart from behind, "Heave-ho!"

Gabby grunted as she pushed. Then the cart broke free of the mud so quickly that Gabby fell forward and splashed into the mud. Dr. Hooves walked off without saying thank you to Gabby, but that was the least of her problems. The four fillies quickly gathered around the muddy griffon.

"Gabby, why are you acting like this?" Nyx asked firmly.

"Yeah, Gabby," Sweetie Belle added, "we're your friends. Why in Equestria are you running away from us?"

"Running away?" Gabby replied nervously, "Oh, I'm not running away. I'm just, uh, e-excited to show my lovely new cutie mark to everyone in Griffonstone!"

"You mean the cutie mark that's runnin' right off your flank?" Apple Bloom asked as she pointed to the now smeared paint that was dripping off the griffon's flank.

"Yup...that's the one," said Gabby. She then cringed and then noticed the stern look on Nyx's face.

"You knew. Didn't you Princess Nyx?" Gabby asked sadly.

"Pretty much," said Nyx, "The way you were stuttering so much and avoiding my questions gave you away."

The CMC were surprised to heart this.

"But...but if you knew..." Scootaloo asked in surprise.

"As much as I could've exposed her," Nyx explained, "if there was one thing I've learned about you Gabby, it's that you and me have something in common."

"What's that your majesty?" Gabby asked nervously.

"First of all, we're friends, just call me Nyx, okay?" Nyx said first.

"Okay Pr...I mean Nyx," said Gabby, "What do we have in common?"

"We both have big hearts," said Nyx, "and I know, deep down, you're not good at lying and eventually, you would come clean about it." Gabby sighed.

"Yup..." said Gabby in a defeated tone as she tried to wipe off the paint on her flank, "I guess the one thing I'm really not good at is faking things."

"Wow, Gabby," said Scootaloo, "Painting on a fake cutie mark to make yourself feel better? You must have been really upset."

"Sure, I was disappointed," said Gabby, "But I didn't do it to make myself feel better. I wanted to make you feel better." The three fillies all gasped. Mario then had a warm smile on his face.

"I couldn't bear you three thinking you failed after you tried so hard to help," Gabby continued, "That's why I had to leave before you or Twilight and Chase found out the truth. Plus I figured Nyx would be upset with me for snapping at her." Gabby sighed. "I'm sorry I wasn't honest with you. I'll just wing my way back to Griffonstone. Thanks for tryin'." Gabby then turned to walk away.

"Hey, no need to be like that, Gabby," said Nyx, "Your heart clearly was in the right place. But if there's one thing I've learned growing up from my past a thousand years ago, it's that the truth is always better than a well intended lie. After all, you meant well, but you had to push your friends away to hide the truth."

"Nyx's right," said Apple Bloom, "You don't need lie to us to make us feel better and you don't need to apologize for carin' about how other ponies are feelin'."

"I'm just sorry we couldn't come through for you." said Sweetie Belle.

"Same here," said Nyx.

"Hmmm...Maybe we can," said Scootaloo.

"What do you mean?" Nyx asked. The orange pegasus filly then whispered something into the alicorn filly's ear. Nyx blinked and then smiled.

"Scootaloo, that is pure genius," said Nyx.

"I try," said Scootaloo smugly and then faced the griffon, "Gabby, clean up and meet us at the Crusaders' clubhouse."

"Well, headquarters would be the better word," Nyx pointed out.

"Nah, too formal," said Scootaloo, "You might have made us a business, Cutie, but we still like to keep things informal when possible."

"Understood," said Nyx with a chuckle.

Gabby then chuckled as well before giving them a salute, but she was still puzzled over what the four ponies had in mind.

(Scene changes)

Soon, Sweetie Belle opened the door to the clubhouse so a now-cleaned up Gabby could enter.

"I know you all tried your very best," said Gabby, "but I guess griffons and cutie marks just don't mix. Maybe...I don't even have a special purpose."

Nyx and Sweetie Belle both shared knowing smirks on their faces.

"Hang on a second," said Scootaloo, "We were racking our brains trying to figure out your destiny. Why don't you take a good look at Nyx's cutie mark? She told us her story, now it's your turn to listen to her. Fill her in, Nyx."

"Sure thing." Nyx said before facing the griffon. "You see, Gabby, while I was living in my village, I was so good at doing jiu jitsu skills following my family's traditions, just like how my adopted father is."

"What does your cutie mark mean then?" Gabby asked curiously as the three fillies smiled.

"Take a good look at my cutie mark," said Nyx, "What do you see?" Gabby hummed as she looked at the cutie mark.

"I see a majestic looking shield." said Gabby and then gasped, "and a...wait a second! There's a half side of the moon in the center! That represents the fact you practice jiu jitsu not only in the day, but also at night doesn't it?!"

"Exactly," said Nyx, "I got my cutie mark when I was practicing at night practicing defense with a shield. My parents have always believed that I would never give up to honor their legacy protecting my former home before Zhao took them away from me. When Twilight and Chase took me in as their daughter, I kept doing defense all night in my new family's dojo so I would always honor my legacy. All of it was also because…"

"...your former parents sacrificed themselves to save you because they loved you so much!" Gabby finished excitedly. Nyx nodded.

"That was when we remembered how every time you did something new, you tried to help everypony around you," Scootaloo continued.

"Even us," said Sweetie Belle, "How did it feel when you showed up with that fake mark, and the four of us thought we'd actually helped you?"

"Well...I was really glad I helped you feel happier," said Gabby, "just not so much when I was lying to you."

"Understandable," said Nyx, "but you felt good helping us out correct?" Gabby nodded.

"So maybe helping is your thing!" said Scootaloo, "You might even say it's your purpose!"

"But helping just feels good," said Gabby before adding sheepishly, "I-It couldn't have anything to do with what I'm supposed to do with my life...right?"

"Gabby, finding your special purpose doesn't have to be about being good at something," said Scootaloo, "Just like with Mario, it's about feeling good about something inside."

"And it looks like your destiny is a whole lot like ours and Nyx," said Apple Bloom as she stepped forward, "helping others. And you don't need a symbol on your flank to know that."

"Exactly!" said Nyx in agreement.

"But since we are the Cutie Mark Crusaders," said Sweetie Belle, "we made you one anyway!" Sweetie Belle then used her magic to present Gabby with a package. Inside the package were a pair of shields that looked just like the three fillies but had a trophy in the center.

"Your very own cutie mark!" said the three fillies and Nyx, "Ta-da!"

"We carved it to mark the moment we all figured out what you should do with your life," said Scootaloo. Gabby was surprised.

"But they look just likes yours, minus Nyx's of course," said Gabby as Sweetie Belle clipped the shields onto her saddle bags, "You can't mean..." Gabby then gasped.

"You bet we do!" said Scootaloo, "You're one of us now! Gabby, today we dub thee..."

"The very first griffon member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders! Woo-hoo!" the three fillies announced as they waved their fore-legs in the air.

"Welcome to the team, Gabby," said Nyx as she offered the griffon a hoof/clawshake. Gabby returned the gesture with another tight hug.

"Ooooooooooooo...choking, not breathing!" Nyx groaned until Gabby let him go. Nyx felt a tad woozy, but quickly recovered.

"You may not be able to get a cutie mark," said Sweetie Belle.

"But you're selflessly dedicatin' your life to helpin' others anyhow," Apple Bloom added, "I can't think of anything more Cruasder-y than that."

"And now, to celebrate you getting your very own cutie mark..." Nyx announced.

(Scene changes)

"Awesome!" Gabby cheered excitedly as she hovered about the center of town, "My very own cute-ceanera!"

The entire area had been decorated for her very own party and everypony, including the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Nyx, were enjoying themselves. Other ponies were chattering happily in the background.

"Oh, land sakes! You sure have earned it," Apple Bloom told Gabby.

"And so have we!" said Sweetie Belle and then turned to the orange filly, "Scootaloo, you're pretty amazing. Even though things looked bleak, you still found a way to help Gabby in the end." Scootaloo smiled happily.

"'Course!" said Scootaloo, "Helping's what we do, right?"

It was then Gabby landed back on the ground, giggling happily.

"I am so grateful!" said Gabby happily, "I'm gonna go home and do my very, very best to bring Cutie Mark Crusaders values to Griffonstone! I promise." She then gave the four ponies another tight group hug. Nyx groaned painfully until Gabby let go.

"And I'm sure you'll keep that promise, Gabby," Nyx replied in a strained tone as she lay on the ground, "but I think I'm gonna need a chiropractor after that last hug!" The three fillies and griffon all laughed as Gabby helped Nyx sit up and then rubbed her back.

"Ahh...that is much better," said Nyx with relief as Gabby stopped the back rub, "thank you."

"Promise us one other thing, too?" said Scootaloo.

"Come back soon!" said the CMC together.

"Yes indeed," said Nyx, "Our door is always open if you need any help...or in need of a friend. And that includes both the clubhouse and the castle!"

"After all, you're a Crusader now," said Scootaloo, "Crusaders forever?"

"Crusaders forever!" said Gabby. Then the group of five all shared a high-hoof, or high claw in Gabby's case, together.

It was then Chase and Twilight approached the Nyx with proud smiles on their faces.

"I'm very proud of you, Nyx. You and your friends did well to help Gabby finding her special purpose." Twilight said as Nyx hugged her mother in reply, making Twilight return the favor.

"All of the stuff you've done with them to help her out took a lot of courage too." Chase added with a smile. "You really are something with you friends, honey."

"Thanks, Mommy and Daddy." Nyx said with a soft smile as her parents held their adopted daughter lovingly.