Chapter 16: Crusaders of the Lost Mark
It was another beautiful morning in Ponyville. Nyx was flying out, humming a merry tune as she did some loop de loops and flew underneath a tunnel. She then noticed Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle heading toward their clubhouse. Nyx chuckled to herself as she watched them run by. She knew the Cutie Mark Crusaders usually had a meeting before heading off to school and decided to see what was going on. She had just arrived at the clubhouse when Apple Bloom spotted her.
"Hey, Nyx! Here to join the club meeting?" she asked.
"Well, if I'm invited to help you girls out." Nyx said in a shy but teasing tone. Apple Bloom giggled.
"C'mon up here!" she called out as Nyx headed inside.
Apple Bloom then took a seat on a crate that was next to a poster on the wall that had drawing of various activities. Yet what Nyx noticed as she sat down behind Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo was how all the activities were marked off with red Xs.
"Okay, Crusaders!" said Apple Bloom to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, "Back to the business of earnin' our cutie marks! Any suggestions?"
"No, we've tried everything!" said Scootaloo sadly.
"We've run out of ideas," Sweetie Belle added.
"Oh, come on, girls! Don't feel down." Nyx said an encouraging tone.
"Are you kiddin' me, Crusaders?" Apple Bloom replied and leaned forward, "Nyx is right. We can do better than that!"
[Apple Bloom - As she sang, she put up a empty sheet on the wall which cheered up Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.]
We've been searchin' for our cutie marks
For a while now
Tryin' to find out how we fit in
So many ways we've tried before
But we keep on tryin' more
[Cutie Mark Crusaders - Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom appeared in succession. Then Sweetie Belle moved from the right side of her friends to the left. Nyx just swayed lightly from side to side as she listened to them sing while giggling.]
'Cause the Cutie Mark Crusaders don't give in
We'll make our mark
One way or another
We'll make our mark
On the day that we discover
The ultimate reward of our cutie marks!
"Well said Cutie Mark Crusaders," said Nyx as she clapped for them and chuckled. "Well said indeed!"
"Now, that's more like it!" Apple Bloom added. The group was then interrupted when somepony loudly opened the clubhouse door.
"Cutie Mark Crusaders! Help!" cried out a familiar white colt with brown spots on his body, whose name was Pipsqueak or Pip for short.
"Hi, Pipsqueak!" Nyx said as she approached Pipsqueak.
"What's wrong, Pipsqueak?" Apple Bloom asked.
"I'm running for student pony president," Pipsqueak explained, "I was hoping you three would be my campaign managers!" The Cutie Mark Crusaders exchanged looks of interest with each other.
"We've never tried gettin' our cutie marks in campaign managin'!" said Apple Bloom excitedly, "What do ya say, Crusaders?"
"Yeah! Hoof!" The three fillies shouted as they shared a hoof-bump together. Pipsqueak tried to join in, but found himself too short to jump up and reach the girls' hooves. That is until Sweetie Belle used her magic to lifted him up. He just smiled in reply as Nyx chuckled to herself.
"Any chance I can offer any help?" Nyx asked curiously, "I know Daddy says that Mrs. Cheerilee likes that the students do most of the work, but a little friendly advice should be safe enough."
"Sure, let's hear it," said Pipsqueak.
"Well, the best advice I can give is to find something the school really needs and focus on that," said Nyx, "focus on running a campaign that's honest and sincere and you won't go wrong, even if the competition tries to play dirty."
"Good idea, Princess Nyx!" said Pipsqueak, "and I know just the thing the school could really use."
The colt and three fillies huddled up to discuss their campaign plan as Nyx quietly excused herself from the clubhouse. She then flew out to continue her flying routine before heading back home.
*Main theme*
Once the four ponies had arrived at the school grounds, Sweetie Belle pushed a crate forward with her nose so Pipsqueak could use it to stand on. Apple Bloom then stood beside the little colt from the right side.
"So, Pip," said Apple Bloom loudly to get everypony's attention, "how would you help the school if you were elected student pony president?"
"Our playground equipment took quite a beating during Twilight and Chase's battle with Tirek!" said Pipsqueak as some ponies stared at him. One pony was sitting on a run-down swing when the seat broke in half and sent the colt plopping onto his stomach.
"If I'm voted in as student pony president," said Pipsqueak, "I'll go to the school board and right this wrong!" The other students cheered. Then came Pipsqueak's opponent, Diamond Tiara and her so-called best friend Silver Spoon.
"Well, I think that's a ridiculous waste of money," said Diamond Tiara snootily as she rudely shoved a pony aside and then pointed out a familiar filly with a red poofy mane and glasses, "It's just like when Twist proposed to repair the window that Discord destroyed! She just wanted to repair it like a plain old schoolhouse window. But you all know voting for me was the best choice because I convinced the school board to give that window visual appeal!" Twist felt rather bad as Diamond Tiara bragged and then showed off the window that had been turned into a stained window of herself.
"'Course, it doesn't hurt that her mother Spoiled Rich is president of the school board," Apple Bloom remarked to Pipsqueak.
"Exactly!" Silver Spoon remarked since she was standing within hearing range, "Which is why when Diamond Tiara is voted student body president, the school will be putting a statue of her in the center of the schoolyard!" Silver Spoon was then taken by surprise when Diamond Tiara pulled her back by her braid.
"Silver Spoon!" Diamond retorted through gritted teeth, "That was my big announcement for when I won!"
"I was only trying to help," said Silver Spoon rather sheepishly.
"I don't need that kind of help!" Diamond snapped.
Yeah, 'cause you think you're a one pony show Silver Spoon thought to herself bitterly. It was then Apple Bloom stood in front of the two rich fillies.
"Haven't we all had enough of Diamond Tiara?" Apple Bloom asked the rest of the students.
"Do we really need a big statue of her?" Scootaloo asked.
"Especially where our playground equipment should be?" Sweetie Belle added. The other students muttered to each other. It was then Scootaloo helped Pipsqueak on top of a giant standing horseshoe.
"A vote for Pip is a vote for the playground!" Pipsqueak announced.
"A vote for Diamond Tiara is a vote for more Diamond Tiara!" the rich filly announced as she stood on her hind legs, but instead of any cheers or praises, she got no response. The Cutie Mark Crusaders started to sing.
[Cutie Mark Crusaders - they head up to the top arc of the standing horseshoe with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo in the left and Apple Bloom on the right. Apple Bloom leaned forward as all three Crusaders give a shout out to Pipsqueak as they raised him into the air and then quickly set him down.]
It's time to make a change
This is our chance
Don't be afraid to do what's right
He's it! Vote for Pip!
[Cutie Mark Crusaders - Apple Bloom pushed Pipsqueak ahead of them, who looked back to see the three fillies singing as they marched behind him.]
We got an opportunity
To have fun again
A vote for Pip, and you can join the fight
[Cutie Mark Crusaders - The four ponies passed two fillies playing on the damaged merry-go-round before they fell off as the merry-go-round tipped over. The four ponies then headed to the tether ball court and Pip buck the ball to make it swing outward.]
It's time for a new leader
It's time to make a change
We're here to fight for what we believe
(Vote for Pip!)
It's finally time we beat her
And play a better game
'Cause when we vote together
There's nothing that we can't achieve
[Diamond Tiara - The rich filly caught the ball with a fore-hoof with a sour look on her face before sending the ball away from herself. She then walked up to a nearby colt, frightening him with her overly sweet singing. She then patted Pipsqueak on the head.]
I don't believe what I am hearing
I'm the only one you should be cheering
Pipsqueak? Try "Pip's weak!" Don't you think?
[Diamond Tiara - She did a ballerina twirl as somepony rolled over a giant voting ballot in the background, which Pipsqueaks face was drawn to make him look dumb and smelly. Then a check mark was done by the box next to her own face.]
But a diamond is perfection
It's natural selection
So your vote better be for me, not the weakest link
"We'll let the votin' decide!" Apple Bloom retorted as she peeked out from the bottom left corner of the giant ballot. Diamond Tiara just stomped off to continue her singing solo.
[Diamond Tiara - she marched deviously about the other students]
Everypony has their little secrets
"I know you do," said Diamond Tiara to a nearby colt.
[Diamond Tiara - she snuck a devious smirk at another filly.]
A vote for me will help you keep them safe
"Like your creepy super strength!" Diamond Tiara remarked at a filly who managed to lift up the entire school to retrieve a lost ball. The suddenly felt insecure after being called out and dropped the school.
[Diamond Tiara - She then walked over to a filly with a very long mane and tail. She then walked up to a colt and pulled down his lower lip to reveal that he had some abnormally large teeth, which made him cover his mouth fearfully.]
Or your mane extension
A little thing I won't mention
Or those freakish large teeth in your face!
"Come on now ponies!" Apple Bloom shouted as she and the other two fillies stood firm, "Don't listen to her!"
[Cutie Mark Crusaders - Another ballot appears showing more proper picture of Pipsqueak and a check mark being placed next to Pipsqueaks picture. And a red X appeared over Diamond Tiara's face. Diamond Tiara was left stunned as an indignant look appeared on her face.]
You've gotta vote for change
It's time for a new leader
End all the tyranny
Vote now and we can beat her
[Cutie Mark Crusaders - the three fillies waved to the students lined up to vote with Pipsqueak standing beside them and Cheerilee was standing nearby to oversee the voting.]
It's now another day
And we believe in what's right
[Foals - Inside the voting booth, a colt checked off Pipsqueak and put his vote into the ballot box]
Vote for Pip! Vote for Pip!
[Cutie Mark Crusaders]
Our victory is in sight
"Stop! Everypony who hasn't voted, listen up!" Diamond Tiara shouted from the foreground as everypony stopped to look at her.
[Diamond Tiara - She walked over to come fillies and noticed one struggling to carry a bunch of books.]
Pip makes promises he can't keep
But I can do more
"You could really use a new book bag," said Diamond Tiara as she started to hand the filly the book bag and then pulled away and walked off.
[Diamond Tiara - She appeared between two ponies and started sing and bragging to them.]
'Cause I'll make things happen
That none of you here can afford
"To do, like, ever!" Diamond Tiara bragged, only earning glares from the two ponies.
[Diamond Tiara - She shoved some candy into one colt's mouth, then gave another pony a parasol. Then she walked past Button Mash, making his propeller hat fly off his head.]
Wouldn't you like a little something sweet?
Here's a parasol to hide you from the heat
Who says that I can't be nice?
[Diamond Tiara - Everypony watched Diamond walk about as she sang. She then headed over to Dinky who was holding a picket sing that was promoting ponies to vote for Pip. Diamond then slapped the panel around to make it show a professionally made poster promoting ponies to vote for her instead.]
But first there's one thing
An itsy-bitsy little string
And voting for me is the price!
[Silver Spoon - She tapped Diamond Tiara's side and began to sing. Diamond Tiara glared at her as Silver Spoon confidence grew as she sang.]
I've a tiny suggestion
That you should be aware
You could probably win this election
If you show them all you real-
"I don't recall asking you to speak!" Diamond snapped loudly at Silver Spoon. Everypony gasped in shock.
"Well, if that's how you treat your best friend," Sweetie Belle remarked, "then I choose Pipsqueak!" She gave the little colt a wink.
[Foals - The Cutie Mark Crusaders marched off the steps with Pipsqueak.]
Vote!
[Cutie Mark Crusaders (Foals) - the other ponies gathered around the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Pipsqueak, except for Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. However, while Diamond Tiara was indignant and Silver Spoon just had a blank look on her face.]
Stand strong and don't be afraid, ponies (For Pip! Vote!)
Let's free ourselves from the past
[Foals - The background showed crayon drawings of Pipsqueak as four ponies held up banners with the same drawing on them.]
He's it! Vote for Pip! Vote!
[Cutie Mark Crusaders (Foals) - Pipsqueak welcomed the other students into the voting booth as the three fillies stood and sang beside him. A Diamond Tiara poster appeared in foreground and was immediately ripped in half. Pipsqueak and the three fillies then marched about proudly.]
Stand strong and don't be afraid, ponies. (For Pip! Vote!)
Let's free ourselves from the past
[Foals]
Vote for Pip!
[Cutie Mark Crusaders - Pipsqueak marched proudly before the smiling students as he and the Cutie Mark Crusaders sang. Diamond Tiara was still indignant and now very annoyed. Silver Spoon was actually smiling.]
It's time for a new leader
It's time to make a change
We're here to fight for what we believe
[Foals - two ponies got into the foreground.]
Vote for Pip!
[Cutie Mark Crusaders - Pipsqueak then stood on one end of a worn down teeter totter. Another colt then helped lift the end Pipsqueak was standing on so everypony could see him.]
It's finally time we beat her
And play a better game
'Cause when we vote together
There's nothing that we can't achieve
[Foals - They lifted a fore-leg in the air as they shouted and Pipsqueak smiled at them.]
Vote for Pip!
It wasn't long before everypony had voted and Cheerilee was ready to reveal the results.
"The votes have been counted!" Cheerilee announced. The screen split into two. On the right was Pipsqueak, who looked very nervous and was biting his fore-hoof. Diamond Tiara looked very confident and had a smug smile on her face.
"The student pony president is..." Cheerilee continued as Diamond cockily took a few steps forward, "Pipsqueak!" Diamond Tiara was stopped in her tracks in complete shock as everypony else cheered excitedly.
"Oh, my gosh, Crusaders!" said Apple Bloom excitedly, "Pip won!"
"I couldn't have won without the hard work of my campaign managers, the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" Pipsqueak announced as he walked up to them.
"Campaign manager cutie marks!" Sweetie Belle said excitedly as the three fillies looked at their flanks. But, as usual, they were still blank.
"Guess you're not as good as you thought, blank flanks," Diamond Tiara taunted, even with Miss Cheerilee giving her a stern glare in the background, "In fact, I demand a recount!"
"Trust me, Diamond Tiara," said Cheerilee smugly and also confidently, "Pip won."
"I'll be the judge of that, Miss Cheerilee!" said Diamond Tiara as she marched importantly inside the count the votes herself.
In less than a minute...
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!" Diamond Tiara shouted from inside the school house so loudly that she startled everypony outside. Even Cheerilee winced at her shouting.
"One vote!" Diamond Tiara exclaimed in shock and devastation as she reappeared at the doorway and rushed over to her best friend, "Silver Spoon! You didn't vote for me?!"
"No, I didn't," said Silver Spoon firmly and unsympathetically. Diamond Tiara was stunned, as well as hurt.
"But you're my best friend," Diamond Tiara protested feebly.
"Am I?" Silver Spoon asked, "'Cause I tried to help by mentioning your 'surprise' statue, and suddenly I wasn't allowed to speak! Whenever I go out of my way to keep you out of trouble or when one of your brilliant plans goes wrong, I'm not allowed to speak! Whenever I try to speak my mind and what I say doesn't agree with you or it's not what you wanted to hear, I'm not allowed to speak! You could have actually won this election if you just listened to me. You wanna know how?" Diamond Tiara just stared with her mouth open as Silver Spoon leaned into her face.
"Sorry, I'm not allowed to speak," Silver Spoon said in a whisper that was stern and straight to the point as she shut Diamond Tiara's mouth herself.
"GrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Diamond Tiara screamed in pure rage before she ran off. The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Pip was left stunned at what had happened and looked at Silver Spoon.
"What?" Silver Spoon remarked, "I don't have to follow her drum anymore!"
Silver Spoon walked snootily away in the direction opposite of Diamond Tiara. The three fillies exchanged concerned looks with Pipsqueak. While the three fillies were grateful for what was literally a truce between them and Silver Spoon, they didn't feel right seeing the friendship between the two rich ponies fall apart.
"I know Diamond Tiara's been pretty awful," said Apple Bloom to the other two fillies as Pipsqueak walked off, "but...we should probably make sure she's okay. Just 'cause she's never cared about anypony else's feelings doesn't mean we shouldn't care about hers." Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo shared sympathetic looks with her.
"True," said Sweetie Belle, "even Chase taught us that even the cruelest of ponies deserve a little kindness and sympathy. Worse case: she doesn't accept it and we know we did the right thing." Scootaloo nodded in agreement.
(Scene changes)
Diamond Tiara was feeling miserable as she headed into town with her head low to the ground. As she past a shop, a mare with a dark pink coat, purple main and tail, crooked nose, gold chain necklace, and a aquamarine top with gold gem trimming along the bottom, took notice of her.
The pony's name...was Spoiled Rich, her mother!
"Diamond Tiara!" the spoiled mare shouted sternly, making Diamond Tiara lift her head to reveal her long face, "Why are you making that face? That's not the face of a winner!" Diamond Tiara bit her lip.
"Because...I didn't win," Diamond Tiara replied sadly.
"What?!" Spoiled Rich retorted dramatically before adding sternly, "You mean I hefted all these party supplies to celebrate nothing?!"
Nearby, were two maids and their butler, Randolph, who were carrying various party supplies from the shop. But poor Randolph was forced to carry a large statue of Diamond Tiara only for it to crush him.
"Sorry mother," Diamond Tiara replied simply, still looking rather glum.
"It's bad enough that you lost to that transplant from Trottingham," Spoiled Rich spat out, "but imagine if you'd lost to one of those blank flanks. As if it wasn't disgraceful enough that some pathetic lowlife is now the Prince of Equestria as well as the Master of Jiu Jitsu while also honoring his grandfather's pitiful spirit, but you've allowed his three little minions to make a fool of you!"
Diamond Tiara winced.
Lackey? Was...that all I considered Silver? Just...a lackey? Diamond didn't have much time to think about it since Spoiled Rich wasn't though with her just yet.
"As a Rich pony," Spoiled Rich continued, "you must always think of your social standing." It was then Fancy Pants and Fleur de Lis walked by.
"Hm," Fancy Pants pondered as he walked by as Spoiled Rich put on an over the top smile on her face and waved. As soon as he looked away, she went back to sternly starting down at her daughter.
"That starts here in Ponyville and reaches all over Equestria," Spoiled Rich continued as she used her fore-hoof to lift Diamond Tiara's chin and got into her face, "Don't ever forget that, Diamond Tiara. EVER!"
Diamond Tiara winced at the shouting, including the Cutie Mark Crusaders, who had been listening in a short distance away behind the corner of a building. Spoiled Rich just walked away, feeling rather pleased with her herself. Diamond Tiara just walked sadly away in another direction, feeling even more dejected.
[Diamond Tiara - She looked at a display window and then kicked a small stone away with her fore-hoof.]
If I'm a diamond
Then why do I feel so rough?
I'm as strong as a stone
Even that's not enough
[Diamond Tiara - She walked away from the shop as the screen shattered like a broken glass window.]
There's something jagged in me
And I've made such mistakes
I thought that diamonds were hard
Though I feel I could break
[Diamond Tiara - She stood on the middle of a bridge as she sang. Behind her a filly with her father walked across the same bridge happily chatting with each other. Then Diamond Tiara noticed Twilight Sparkle and Chase Young playing with their daughter Nyx as they laughed before hugging each other lovingly. She stared at the water below as tears fell from her eyes and into the water. Those water droplets later formed the beads that were on her tiara cutie mark.]
Would you believe
That I've always wished I could be somepony else?
Yet I can't see
What I need to do to be the pony I want to be
[Diamond Tiara - To her left was Spoiled Rich telling her what to do before waving her off with a fore-hoof, leaving Diamond Tiara miserable. To her right, the Cakes were having fun with their twins.]
I've been told my whole life
What to do, what to say
Nopony showed me that
There might be some better way
[Diamond Tiara - She looked at the sky as the ground seemed to swallow her up. But she sadly lowered her head as she appeared to sink deeper underground.]
And now I feel like I'm lost
I don't know what to do
The ground is sinking away
I'm about to fall through
[Diamond Tiara - She was standing on a giant diamond that rotated her clockwise and then floated across the foreground to show her just walking slowly about the town. The Cutie Mark Crusaders just shared curious and worried looks with each other. Diamond Tiara shed some tears as she walked about and sang, then lowered her head sadly.]
Would you believe
That I've always wished I could be somepony else?
Yet I can't see
What I need to do to be the pony I want to be
[Diamond Tiara - She lifted her head once more before walking about town alone.]
To be the pony I want to be
As Diamond Tiara walked about, the Cutie Mark Crusaders came out of hiding.
"Is it weird that I feel bad for her?" Sweetie Belle asked Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.
"If it is, then...I'm weird, too," said Scootaloo.
"She wants to change, but she doesn't know how," Apple Bloom pointed out.
"Seems like she could use a friend or two to help her figure it out," said Sweetie Belle. Apple Bloom smiled in agreement, but Scootaloo had a skeptical look on her face.
"Does it have to be us?" Scootaloo asked.
"Scootaloo..." said Apple Bloom.
"Hey, you weren't teased about something...personal..." Scootaloo protested feebly.
"Would you at least be willing to let it go? It's just like Chase said." Sweetie Belle asked, "Holding a grudge against a pony only hurts yourself. And seeking revenge won't make you feel better either. I would know..."
Scootaloo sighed.
"Fine..." Scootaloo conceded...reluctantly before she came up with an idea. "Wait. I think I know somepony who can help us out."
Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom blinked before they smiled as they knew exactly who Scootaloo was talking about.
The three fillies then walked off to discuss ideas of how they could reach out to Diamond Tiara.
(Scene changes)
The next day at school. Things seemed rather quiet despite Pipsqueak's dramatic election. The students were all expecting to see some tension between the two rich fillies, but were surprised to see that Silver Spoon was the only pony with a bitter look on her face. Diamond Tiara just looked depressed.
While Silver Spoon called her out for faking sympathy, the tiara-wearing filly said nothing. Silver Spoon left her alone after that, but made no effort to speak to Diamond Tiara for the rest of the day. In fact, Diamond Tiara kept to herself for most of the day and nopony else paid her any attention. At least that's what she thought, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were actually keeping a close eye on her to make sure the tiara wearing-filly was left in peace.
Silver Spoon was actually surprised to see Diamond Tiara making no effort to try and replace her or lashing at her for being a traitor, but she made no effort to speak to the filly. Diamond Tiara did take notice that Silver Spoon was actually apologizing to some of the other students. While many ponies showed some skepticism, they did accept Silver Spoon's apology.
In fact, some of them invited Silver Spoon to sit with them during lunch. Diamond Tiara expected to feel jealous and replaced, but instead...she felt very lonely. If there was anything Diamond Tiara learned that day, it was that she now understood the difference between ponies showing her sympathy and ponies who just flat out pitied her. She had to admit inwardly that being pitied was the worst feeling in the world.
I would give up my tiara just to have one pony give me a hug Diamond Tiara thought sadly, Even if it came from one of the Crusaders.
Soon the school bell rang to announce the end of another day of learning. The majority of the students, including Silver Spoon, charged happily out of the school house. Diamond Tiara just waited for the group of students to pull ahead of her a few yards before slowly making her exit.
But her thoughts were interrupted when she heard somepony calling her name.
"Hey, Diamond Tiara!" shouted Apple Bloom, "Wait up!" The three fillies approached the tiara-wearing filly, who simply put on an annoyed face.
"What do you three want?" Diamond Tiara retorted irritably, "To gloat? Rub in my defeat?"
"Actually, we wanted to invite you to our clubhouse to hang out," Apple Bloom replied as she and the other two fillies gave her warm smiles. Diamond Tiara was taken aback by the offer.
"Really?" she asked in surprise.
"Yeah, for real!" said Scootaloo.
"Well, thanks to you all," Diamond Tiara replied haughtily, "I don't have any important class president business to attend to or anything. So I might as well." Diamond Tiara just crossed her fore-legs and pouted with a long face.
"That sounds like yes..." said Sweetie Belle with a worried but sheepish smile on her face. The others just smiled back at her.
"Then let's get going," said Apple Bloom and she turned to Diamond Tiara, "And don't you worry about my brother-in-law and sister. I'll cover for ya if they ask why you're there."
Diamond Tiara just stared for a moment before following the three fillies to the clubhouse. Diamond Tiara couldn't help but stare at the ground as she walked alongside the group of fillies.
"And just to let you know, we have somepony else who would be willing to help you." Scootaloo added.
"Who?" Diamond Tiara asked bluntly when a shadow cast over them and she gasped in surprise to see Nyx hovering over them before she landed in front of them with a smile.
"Princess Nyx?!" Diamond Tiara exclaimed in surprise.
"Hello, Diamond Tiara." The alicorn filly said in a professional tone.
Diamond Tiara's mouth opened and shut wordlessly before she snapped out of her stupor.
"Did Prince Chase put you three up to this?" She asked suspiciously. The three fillies exchanged puzzled looks with each other.
"Uh...no," said Sweetie Belle.
"We actually asked Nyx to help us out with this." Scootaloo explained. "She said yes and would be willing to accompany us to help you be the pony you want to be."
Diamond Tiara just blinked for a moment.
"Well, I guess that's okay." Diamond Tiara said timidly. "Can we just...get to the clubhouse, please?"
She was nearly pleading since she didn't want to break down again in front of them. The four fillies just nodded and guided the tiara-wearing filly to Sweet Apple Acres and where the clubhouse was located.
(Scene changes)
Despite not being there since the whole incident with Babs Seed, Diamond Tiara recognized the road and location right away. She couldn't help but pace about once they were all inside and the door was closed.
"So, do you three just sit around here plotting out different ways to try and get your cutie marks?" Diamond Tiara asked as she noticed the posters on the wall.
"Actually, yeah," Apple Bloom answered honestly as they all smiled.
"But what about you, Princess Nyx?" Diamond Tiara asked Nyx as she turned to the alicorn filly, who was sitting on a pillow.
"Actually, I got my cutie mark a long time ago before…" Nyx began to explain until she paused for a moment and looked away sadly. "Well, nevermind."
"You three are..." Diamond Tiara started to launch an insult to the Cutie Mark Crusaders, but then looked away sheepishly by adding in a timid tone, "...really lucky."
"We are?!" The three fillies replied in surprise.
"Yeah!" Diamond Tiara replied, "You get to explore all these options, learning who you really are before you're stuck with something you don't understand." Diamond Tiara looked sadly at her own cutie mark.
"But...you've done that, right?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Yeah," Diamond Tiara answered in a rather cocky tone as she pointed at her flank, "'cause I have my cutie mark! And I'm not struggling at all to figure out who I'm supposed to be and what I'm supposed to be doing with this mark that's already on my flank!"
Diamond Tiara didn't hesitate to shake her flank to emphasize her point. But the concerned looks seen on the faces of the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Nyx made it clear none of the four fillies believed her.
"Uh...are you sure about that?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Because it sounds like you've been dealing with other times." Nyx added.
Diamond Tiara then scoffed as she tried to make a face that almost resembled her mother's.
"That's a weird question," Diamond Tiara replied bluntly.
"Not really, since we kind of overheard you yesterday," Sweetie Belle replied as she rubbed the back of her head. Diamond Tiara blinked in shock.
"Were you trying to get your cutie marks in spying?" Diamond Tiara snapped defensively, "Is that on your little chart?"
"No!" Sweetie Belle answered, "We were just worried about you when you lost the election, and then you lost your friend, and then your mom yelled at you so we asked Nyx if we could help..."
As Sweetie Belle spoke, Diamond Tiara's defense melted within seconds. She was soon look very sad once Sweetie Belle mentioned her mother and her lips started quivering.
"We know you wanna change," said Apple Bloom, "and we think we can-"
"NOPONY CAN HELP ME!" Diamond Tiara shouted and her voice broke as tears poured from her eyes, "nopony..." The rest of her words were soon drowned in her tears as she began to cry.
She immediately stopped sobbing when she felt three sets of fore-legs wrap around her. All three Cutie Mark Crusaders were hugging her. Nyx smiled at the sight.
This is...is... Diamond Tiara thought she was going to say disgusting but instead the word that came to mind was, nice...really nice... Diamond Tiara whimpered as she calmed down a bit.
"I don't get it," Diamond Tiara groaned as she held her head with her fore-hooves, "I just don't get it!"
"Don't get what?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Why are you being so nice to me?" Diamond Tiara asked, "After everything I've done to hurt you three! You should be seeking revenge on me! You should hate me! Yet instead you're...you're..."
"...trying to be your friend?" Nyx suggested. Diamond Tiara stared at the four fillies with tear filled eyes.
"...friend?" Diamond Tiara said timidly, "You...you want to be my...friend?" The four fillies smiled.
"Yes, Diamond Tiara, we do," said Apple Bloom, "as I was trying to say before. We know you want to change and be a better pony. And we wanna help you do just that. What'd ya say?"
"You don't need to push yourself to impress your mother in the way she wants you to do." Nyx added. "We can help you become the pony you are destined to be. So will you accept our friendship."
Apple Bloom and Nyx reached a fore-hoof out to her. Diamond Tiara just looked rather shy about the idea before she slowly went to put her fore-hoof against Apple Bloom's first. They were just a inch away when...
"HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLP!"
Pipsqueak interrupted the tender moment shouting to them from outside the clubhouse and bouncing on all four of his hooves nervously. The three fillies wasted little time opening the door with Nyx by their side as Diamond Tiara just stayed hidden inside.
"Cutie Mark Crusaders! Princess Nyx!" Pipsqueak cried out, "I was at the school board meeting and they didn't approve my request for the new playground equipment!"
"Why not?" Sweetie Belle asked curiously.
"There's no money in the budget!" Pipsqueak explained, "So I checked my Peggy bank to see if I had enough bits..." Pipsqueak then shook his little piggy bank and out came a dead fly, a piece of candy, and a piece lint, "...but my Peggy wasn't nearly full enough!"
"Don't worry, Pip!" said Sweetie Belle.
"We'll meet you back at school," said Scootaloo.
"And help you find a solution!" Apple Bloom added.
"And in a quick second!" Nyx added as well.
"Thanks, Cutie Mark Crusaders and Princess Nyx!" said Pip before he made his way back to the school.
It was then Diamond Tiara stepped out of the clubhouse. She had heard everything.
"Oh, I already have a solution!" said Diamond Tiara, now with her usual cocky smirk on her face, "Our new student pony president is gonna be kicked out of office, and I'll be reinstated!"
Diamond Tiara then took off down the ramp and toward the end of the Apple orchard.
"Where's she going?" Scootaloo called out.
"Where do you think?!" Apple Bloom retorted in a worried tone, "C'mon! After her!" Apple Bloom and Scootaloo chased after her while Nyx flew in the air to follow them.
"Wait! I'm coming too!" Sweetie Belle shouted as she went to follow her three friends. The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Nyx then chased Diamond Tiara as she headed toward the town area.
[Diamond Tiara - She looked back as she sang to them and crossed the bridge to enter the town, attracting the attention of some nearby ponies.]
Cutie Mark Crusaders, get out of my way
Those ponies need to know the truth
And they'll hear it from me
[Cutie Mark Crusaders - As they sang together to get Diamond Tiara's attention, the tiara-wearing filly looked back at them and Nyx before increasing her speed. She then ran up to a pony pulling a single wagon loaded with apples and tipped the wagon over so the three fillies were tripped up and fell over the spilled apples. But then a pony flew down and scooped up the three fillies. They looked to see it was Chase, who gave them a wink before setting them down so they could continue the chase as Twilight hovered beside her husband and adoptive daughter. The royal alicorns smiled at each other. However, Chase, Twilight, and Nyx continued to hover in the air to see what would happen. Nyx whispered something to her parents, making Chase and Twilight widen in shock before they became angry. Chase gestured to Nyx to follow them and she did without hesitation.]
Stop! Diamond Tiara, this is not the way
You know you're better than this hostility
[Diamond Tiara - She continued to run, heading past a large group of elite and high class ponies, which both Spoiled Rich and Filthy Rich were in the crowd. Both her parents had stern looks on their face as Spoiled Rich snubbed somepony by sticking her nose in the air.]
You don't even know me at all
Don't understand the meaning of my fall
What my family would think if I ever
Fail at anything
[Diamond Tiara - She weaved between some more ponies and took a turn down an alleyway, but then the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Nyx intercepted her as she reached the end of the alleyway.]
I'm a diamond - that means you'll never break
No matter what be the cost of the path I take
Whatever I have to do to win in the end
[Cutie Mark Crusaders - As they and Nyx get in front of Diamond Tiara, they made her run off to the side. Then they cut her off a second time, making her do a nearly complete U turn. They cut her off a third time, making Diamond Tiara skid to a stop and turn sharply to get around them.]
Stop! This is not the answer
Wait! and it's plainly seen
Listen! You can redeem yourself
But helping others, not by being mean
[Cutie Mark Crusaders - The three fillies and Nyx manage to overtake Diamond Tiara again and sing to her while running backwards. Then Scootaloo leaned forward, followed by Apple Bloom, and then Sweetie Belle. Diamond Tiara's face was showing that she was starting to have doubts as their words were starting to get to her.]
We know you want friends who admire you
You want to be the star with all the power too
But there's a better way, there's a better wa-a-ay
[Cutie Mark Crusaders - The three fillies ran alongside Diamond Tiara as Nyx flew alongside them. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were on her left with Scootaloo on her right. As they sang, Diamond Tiara looked more and more unsure of her decision, even looking at her cutie mark as she began to feel more and more conflicted.]
There's so much more still left to
Learn about yourself
See the light that shines in you
We know you can be somepony else
[Cutie Mark Crusaders - The four fillies stood between a fork on the road. The left path that lead to the school, was dark and cloudy. The right path lead to a gazebo and the sky was sunny and there was a rainbow in the sky. Diamond Tiara nervously looked at both paths and bit her lower lip.]
You can stop right now
And try another start
You'll finally free yourself from the dark
And see the light
And see the light of your cutie mark
As the Cutie Mark Crusaders finished singing, Diamond Tiara narrowed her eyes and charged down...the dark left path. Chase and Twilight, who had seen and heard everything, had determined looks on their faces. They stayed high in the sky and used a nearby cloud to sit and stay unseen as Diamond Tiara reached the front of the school where Cheerilee and several other students were chatting with each other, including Silver Spoon.
"Everypony," Diamond Tiara said loudly, "I have an announcement." The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Nyx had just arrived at the scene. The four fillies winced as they shared worried looks with each other.
"Diamond Tiara!" Apple Bloom called out, "Think hard about the choice your makin' right now!"
"You can be a better pony!" Scootaloo added.
The three fillies couldn't see that Diamond Tiara was still feeling rather conflicted about going through with her idea.
You don't have to do this... her conscious told her.
Yes I do! Diamond Tiara's mind shot back, I can finally be on my mother's good side again! She'll finally be proud of me. She'll finally love me!
Diamond Tiara...if being mean hasn't earn you that already, what makes you think it will this time? Diamond Tiara's conscious asked her. Diamond Tiara whimpered inwardly.
No filly should have to make themselves miserable in order to get their parent's love and acceptance...
Diamond Tiara's moment was then lost when the door to the schoolhouse opened and there before her was Spoiled Rich.
"Diamond Tiara!" Spoiled Rich barked, making her daughter and the Cutie Mark Crusaders wince. Cheerilee and the rest of the students split to allow the rich mare a path to walk between them, "I just happened to be here for the school board meeting, and this is what I see when we adjourn? My daughter associating with confused, insignificant lowlifes? As well as with a disgrace for an alicorn filly?"
Nyx glared at her hatefully.
Chase and Twilight glared at the mare for insulting their daughter.
"Socializing with their kind is not how you move up in Equestria!" Spoiled Rich continued, leaving the three fillies stunned, shocked, and indignant as Nyx glared angrily at Spoiled Rich, "Come, Diamond Tiara!" That was the breaking point for the tiara wearing filly. The choice she was feeling so conflicted with now had become crystal clear as she narrowed her eyes at the mare.
"No, mother!" Diamond Tiara said firmly. Spoiled Rich went rigid and her ears flattened.
"Excuse me?!" Spoiled Rich remarked with an exaggerated look on her face, clearly offended.
"You've spent your life acting like a high horse and raised me to follow in your hoofsteps!" Diamond Tiara said boldly, "At first, I thought this was fine, but then I finally realized I wanted something you don't have - friends!"
The Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped. So did Cheerilee and the rest of the class, even Silver Spoon's jaw dropped.
Nyx smiled.
"Atta girl, Diamond Tiara." Nyx whispered.
Spoiled Rich started looking very uncomfortable at all the stares and gasps.
"That's enough, Diamond Tiara!" Spoiled Rich snapped, "Step away from those blank flanks! As well as that alicorn filly low life!"
"These are the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and they are my friends! Princess Nyx is more than who she really is too!" said Diamond Tiara proudly, "You need to stop calling them such mean and hurtful names!" Spoiled Rich just looked stunned and then looked away with an annoyed look on her face.
"The Cutie Mark Crusaders are working harder to get their cutie marks than anypony I've ever seen!" Diamond Tiara continued as the three fillies smiled as well as Nyx, "And they will get them exactly when they discover their true talent, which I guarantee will be amazing!"
Spoiled Rich was speechless before she snorted, recovering herself and glared at Nyx.
"Well, I still say this alicorn filly low life is of no concern to you!" Spoiled Rich said, sternly.
"Excuse me!" Nyx said angrily, marching up to Spoiled Rich. "This alicorn filly you speak of is no low life! If I were you, I would show some manners and respect!"
Spoiled Rich snorted indignantly.
"Oh, I'll teach you some manners and respect!" Spoiled Rich snapped.
"Don't threaten me! My mother and father will be here to stop you from making the biggest mistake of your life!" Nyx said, glaring at the mare.
"And who would be your parents?" Spoiled Rich asked with a glare.
"That would be us." Chase said sternly, making Spoiled Rich widen her eyes as she turned to see Chase and Twilight glaring at the mare sternly as they touched down to the ground.
They were clearly unhappy with how Spoiled Rich was threatening their daughter. Spoiled Rich just looked stunned for a moment and then snorted angrily.
"I should've known you would be behind all this!" Spoiled Rich retorted, pointing directly at Chase. "Corrupting my daughter with your foal-hearty ideals about friendship and nonsense..."
"SILENCE!" Chase shouted loudly using the Canterlot voice, which created a strong gust of wind from the loud volume, stunning Spoiled Rich, Cheerilee, and the rest of the class.
"I had no idea Chase could use the Canterlot voice," said Diamond Tiara in surprise.
"Neither did we," said Sweetie Belle giddily, "Chase's so awesome!" Hearts floating above the marshmallow filly's head. Diamond Tiara just giggled at the sight.
"He most certainly is." Twilight said with a giggle.
"First of all, you don't give your daughter enough credit," said Chase as he cleared his throat definitively, "She's far too strong minded for me to corrupt and I had nothing to do with it. She was just smart enough to see the truth!"
"And second of all, we are not too impressed with how you are threatening our adoptive daughter! Nyx informed us earlier of what happened when she met up with the Cutie Mark Crusaders as they explained everything to her! She also had no family when the Quinkan took her previous loved ones away from her!" Twilight added while glaring at Spoiled Rich sternly. "And don't you dare call my baby girl a low life! She is royalty in our family!"
Spoiled Rich was now beginning to lose her confidence as she sweated nervously. Nyx was smiling with tears of happiness and joy as she never heard of Twilight calling the alicorn filly her baby girl.
"Y-Your daughter?" Spoiled Rich asked, nervously. "I-I-I didn't realize I offended-"
"I've got something to say, so I suggest you listen before I tell every Elite pony in Equestria how you have been squandering school funds to exalt your daughter with stain glass windows and statues instead of focusing on the best interests of the students!" Chase said angrily.
Spoiled Rich lost her bite after that as she gave Chase a nervous smile.
"I'm listening..." Spoiled Rich said with a nervous smile.
"Look, I could care less if you ever learn to accept or respect me, really I don't," said Chase sternly, "But you have no right to be insulting those three fillies. Those "insignificant lowlifes" are actually very important ponies. And our daughter is very special to us! My grandfather would be gravely disappointed in you. And I will not let you insult his spirit anymore since the day you spread the rumors in Canterlot!"
"Um, I can explain-" Spoiled Rich tried to explain.
"I'm not finished." Chase said sternly, interrupting her. "As for the three fillies. Scootaloo has been "adopted" by Rainbow Dash, who is not only the Element of Loyalty, but has also become part of the Wonderbolts Reserves."
"I see," Spoiled Rich remarked, "Clearly unimpressed."
"Sweetie Belle is Rarity's little sister, a bearer of the Element of Generosity and who has now become a prestigious fashion designer in not just Ponyville, but also Canterlot!" Chase continued, "And if that's not enough, Sweetie Belle is friends with Sokka and Clay, who are retired commanders of the Royal Guard! As for Apple Bloom, she is Clay's sister-in-law and he will not be too pleased for what he has to say to you!"
Spoiled Rich's face paled. She hadn't known Sweetie Belle was friends with the former commanders of the Royal Guard or the fact Clay is Apple Bloom's brother-in-law.
"And one more thing." Chase continued. "I would've expected better behavior after you insulted my family about my grandfather's disappearance. Ever since I've known you, you've stopped at nothing to put ponies down and sabotage them for your own selfish gain! Including me and my family! And that is not the type of behavior the President of the School Board should have!"
"Now see here..." Spoiled Rich tried to refute.
"If there's one thing my wife and I have come to cherish, it's a good education," Chase continued sternly as Twilight glared at her in agreement. "And based on what we've learned today, we have every right to get involved in the school's business! And we are shocked and ashamed to learn that Ponyville's school is being run by a pony who is using her stupid, narrow minded ways to judge these student's worth, intelligence, well-being, and best interests at heart!"
"But your majesties..."
"And we hope that in the next couple of months the "School Board" can straighten up its act!" Twilight yelled.
"B-b-b-but..."
"And if you can't," Chase continued further, "I'll use every bit of power and influence I can muster to see that you get thrown out on your..."
"...but..."
"Exactly!" Chase finished firmly before pausing impressively.
Cheerilee was grinning from ear to ear and the rest of the students were most impressed. Spoiled Rich just had a look on her face that basically said she was feeling very, very, very small.
"It's time you started accepting ponies for who they are and not what you'd like them to be," Twilight added once she and her husband had calmed down, "Now...I believe your daughter has something to say."
Spoiled Rich just blinked and turned around to see Diamond Tiara standing behind her.
"Now that Prince Chase and Princess Twilight have said their peace, will you please deliver this to father?" Diamond Tiara requested and held a sheet of paper in her mouth.
"Yes, of course, dear..." said Spoiled Rich timidly as she took the paper and nervously walked away. Chase and Twilight just glared at her until the mare was out of sight. Then they gave Diamond Tiara a warm smile.
"Well done, Diamond Tiara," said Chase, "I knew you'd make the right choice."
"Really?" Diamond Tiara asked. "Has Nyx told you about this?"
"Well...maybe we were a little worried you would never be the pony you deserved to be," said Chase honestly as Diamond chuckled and Twilight giggled.
"I have to thank you, Crusaders," said Diamond Tiara as she turned to the three fillies, "Obviously I've known since I got my cutie mark that my talent is getting other ponies to do what I want." She then headed toward the other students as Chase and Twilight just chuckled and rolled their eyes.
"I just asked my father if he could donate money for the new playground equipment!" Diamond Tiara announced. Everypony smiled and chattered with excitement. She then headed over to Pipsqueak.
"I knew you were worried for a second there, weren't you?" Diamond Tiara said to the little colt, who looked at her nervously, "Ha! Well, I think it's all gonna work out just fine, Mister President!"
Diamond Tiara gave him a wink, which Pipsqueak smiled in reply.
[Diamond Tiara - she gathered everypony around as she hopped up to the front porch as she sang to everypony.]
We'll build a playground
For all of us to enjoy
So full of games
There's enough for each girl and boy
I want to help and do
Everything that I can
I'm here to show you I changed
Listen up, here's the plan
Nyx smiled as Twilight and Chase came up beside their daughter. The three alicorns smiled with each other as they shared a loving embrace.
"We're so proud of you, sweetie." Twilight said as she nuzzled her daughter lovingly.
"Thanks, Mom and Dad." Nyx said with a smile as she hugged her parents as they hugged her back.
(Scene changes)
A few days later, the new playground equipment arrived.
"Bring it in! That's right, keep it coming!" Diamond Tiara told the delivery ponies as they brought in several giant boxes. Then Diamond Tiara walked up to four students, but all but one filly ran away from her, "Hey there, you with the amazing strength. Can you help them move that marry-go-round across the lawn?"
The little filly noticed two student dragging the broken merry-go-round by a rope. She quickly got under it and held it in the air with her head before waving back at the tiara wearing filly.
"Thank you so much!" Diamond Tiara told the filly before turning to another colt, "And you with the super teeth, we need you to help with the teeter totter." The colt grabbed one end with his teeth carrying it away, along with Twist, who had been holding the other end.
"You got it!" Diamond Tiara cheered, "That's the spirit!"
[Diamond Tiara - She marched about happily as the others looked through the boxes to grab the parts for the playground equipment. Even Twilight and Chase were there to help as well. As she kept singing, her cutie mark glowed. Then the others got to work. Sweetie Belle used her magic to repair a swing and smiled as Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. Then four ponies worked together to set up a new tether ball pole as Nyx supervised to make sure nopony got hurt.]
There's so much I can do
To help everypony else
I see the light that shines in me
I know I can be my better self
[Diamond Tiara - As she sang, the sun rose from behind the school. Silver Spoon was busy repairing a fence when one of the boards fell down. She looked a little dejected until Diamond Tiara appeared to hold the board up so Silver Spoon could hammer it into place. A few more days later, the playground was complete. Chase, Nyx, and Twilight had left Cheerilee and the other students to finish up construction. A Pegasus placed a flag on the center tower and Diamond Tiara stood at the front of the platform before sliding down the slide to the ground below.]
I can free the past
'Cause now the future's bright for me
My cutie mark has set me free
To do what's right and be the pony I want to be
And be the pony I want to be!
As soon as Diamond Tiara landed, Cheerilee and the rest of the students minus the Cutie Mark Crusaders gathered around her. Silver Spoon was the first to reach the tiara-wearing filly and put a fore-hoof on her shoulder.
The Cutie Mark Crusaders just watched from a short distance away.
"I've been thinkin', Crusaders," said Apple Bloom, "We spend an awful lot of time fussin' and frettin' tryin' to discover our true talent. But when we take a little time off, we end up helpin' other ponies find their true talent."
"Yeah, and I think that's way more important than worrying about our cutie marks, don't you?" Sweetie Belle added.
"Absolutely!" said Scootaloo as she pulled the other two fillies into a group hug, "I don't care if I ever get my cutie mark as long as I get to hang out with my best friends."
"So what do you say, Crusaders?" Apple Bloom replied as she walked forward a bit to face her two best friends, "Want to just focus on helpin' others find their cutie marks?"
"Yeah!" the three fillies shouted as they shared a high hoof.
Then...it happened.
A ring of purple magic sparked from their hooves and then created a ring around the three fillies. The Cutie Mark Crusaders looked rather surprised as their bodies suddenly started glowing and they rose into the air. Then they were surrounded by a bright light that engulfed them completely. The bright light didn't go unnoticed as Cheerilee and the rest of the class turned around just as the bright light faded and the three fillies were set down on the ground, looking rather drained from the magic surge. Scootaloo was the first to recover and noticed all their fellow students were gasping and oohing at them.
"What happened?" Sweetie Belle asked once she recovered.
"What's goin' on?" Apple Bloom asked next.
"It's your cutie marks!" said Diamond Tiara excitedly, "They're amazing!"
The three fillies checked their flanks, even thought they knew Diamond Tiara wouldn't be teasing them about something like that. To their shock and surprise...
...their flanks were no longer blank!
Each filly had their own tri-colored shield for a cutie mark, each of them had an emblem unique to that particular filly. But that detail, for the moment, was over looked as the three fillies smiled excitedly.
"We all got the same cutie mark!" the three fillies shouted happily before bumping their flanks together, "Cutie Mark Crusaders forever!"
[Cutie Mark Crusaders - They hugged each other and then marched around Cheerilee and their fellow students. Then they took off as the rest of the ponies followed after them.]
We were searching for our cutie marks
For a while there
Trying to find out how we fit in
So many ways we've tried before
But we kept on trying more
'Cause the Cutie Mark Crusaders don't give in
Nyx was on her routine exercise by jumping and leaping off of buildings one by one when she looked down and saw the three fillies leading the march. She gasped in happiness that the cutie marks on their flanks.
"Way ta go, girls!" Nyx said excitedly as she hovered just above and behind the three fillies as Scootaloo took the lead of the march.
[Scootaloo]
Now we know what it took all along
[Sweetie Belle]
And our journey here is never really done
[Apple Bloom]
For it is more than just a mark
It's a place for us to start
[Cutie Mark Crusaders - Soon they arrived in town, Nyx held up a flag, which had been made on the spot, with their shield cutie mark and the letters CMC on it. As the three fillies lead their little parade and sang, the other ponies turned to see them and smiled when they saw the girls' new cutie marks. Then the three fillies super jumped into the air as the foreground showed their cutie marks.]
An adventure that has only just begun
We'll make our mark
Show the world what we can do
We'll make our mark
Helping fillies to break through
To the ultimate reward of a cutie mark
[Diamond Tiara - She then got ahead of them and stood before them as she sang. An image was seen of her in black and white walking down a path alone and looking glum. Then the three fillies appeared beside her, making her smile and the black and white view turned into color. She was seen standing before the three fillies as she raised her fore-legs in the air before placing a fore-hoof over her heart.]
Cutie Mark Crusaders, I've got
Something I need to say
I was headed down a path
That was leading me astray
But now, I've changed my ideas
You helped me see I care
I'm gonna show the world
How much I have to share
[Diamond Tiara - She then wrapped a fore-leg around Scootaloo for a moment as she sang to them. Then she wrapped both a fore-leg around Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, making all three fillies smile. She then stood before them, her cutie mark sparkling, before all four fillies shared a warm hug together.]
You've made your mark
And showed me a better way
You've made your mark
Helped me see that I could change
All I thought ever I knew of my cutie mark!
"All right, everypony!" said Pinkie as everypony minus Apple Bloom was standing outside of Sugarcube Corner, "Get ready for the biggest cute-ceanera celebration ever!"
Pinkie then tossed some confetti into the air as the other ponies cheered. Apple Bloom was with Applejack, Clay, Granny Smith, and Big Mac. All the adults had tears in their eyes. Big Mac was struggling not to break down in tears.
"Oh, sugarcube, if Mom and Dad were here," said Applejack, "they'd be so proud of ya."
"Oh...Thanks, Applejack," said Apple Bloom.
"Now go on and party with your pals," said Applejack. But before Apple Bloom could run off, Clay stood before her and placed a fore-hoof under her chin.
[Clay - Apple Bloom smiled as Clay sang to her and then they shared a hug.]
You searched long and hard, finding your purpose
Now you know just what you're meant to do
[Rainbow Dash - She rubbed Scootaloo's mane and they shared a high-hoof with each other.]
I'm so proud of you, little buddy
You've taught me a thing or two
[Rarity - She held both of Sweetie Belle fore-hooves in her own. Her touching words made Sweetie Belle smile and blush a bit.]
You've inspired everypony around you
And you've inspired me too
[Rainbow, Rarity, Applejack, and Clay- The four ponies sang together for the Cutie Mark Crusaders while the rest of the Mane thirteen, Spike, Jade, Sunray, and several other ponies watched from the background. Then they marched up to the three fillies, which Rainbow, Nyx, and Chase hovered in the air. Then they looked up to the sky as the screen filled up showing the Mane thirteen their cutie marks on the outside and the Cutie Mark Crusader's new cutie marks in the center.]
You've made your mark
Done Equestria so proud
You've made your mark
And we're here to sing it loud
For the ultimate reward of your cutie mark
(Scene changes)
The next day, the three fillies were now back inside their clubhouse.
"Well, what do you think, Crusaders?" Apple Bloom said to her two friends as she stood by her podium and showed her now marked flank, "Were these cutie marks totally worth waiting for or what?"
"Yeah!" said Sweetie Belle, "I can't wait to see who we're gonna help next!"
[Cutie Mark Crusaders - A flashback was seen showing various memories such as their first meeting at Diamond Tiara's cute-ceanera, doing the talent show, trying zip lining, working on the farm, their Gabby Gums Expose, a triple view of them donning their Crusader capes, their finishing pose at the Equestria Games, and Twilight Time.]
We started out just three
Crusaders driven to see
What we find in our hearts
Discover our destiny
[Cutie Mark Crusaders - They are floating in the air before a sparkly purple background. Then their shield cutie marks appeared behind them. Then the shields turned into platforms that let the three fillies fly side by side at high speed.]
And here we are, best friends
About to start it again
An adventure that never will end
[Cutie Mark Crusaders - The three fillies smiled at each other as they rode their shields before zooming away. The view then descended to the outside of the clubhouse as the three fillies made their way out. Then the Mane thirteen, and their class gathered around them as they all posed for a picture, which was taken by Photo Finish. Then Spike sent it to both Celestia and Luna, who smiled at they enjoyed the picture together.]
We'll make our mark
Helping fillies most in need
We'll make our mark
So each one of them succeeds
'Cause the ultimate reward is a cutie mark!
(Scene changes)
Unknown to them, Zhao was observing everything through his orb as he sat on his throne while Kai was standing next to him.
"So those three brats have found their cutie marks." Kai said with disdain. "We still need our time to have Chase and his family observe the future they will be experiencing."
"And that we will." Zhao assured his second in command while looking at the orb with a calm yet sinister look. "For now we still have almost everything we need to rid those ponies once and for all."
Zhao then turned his attention to Kai.
"Find me Starlight Glimmer. We have urgent matters to attend to soon enough." Zhao ordered firmly.
"Yes, master." Kai bowed in respect to Zhao before he left to find Starlight off screen somewhere else.
Once Kai was gone, Zhao looked at the stain glass window of the Sanzu River with an evil smirk.
"I have come this far to taking Equestria for my birthright." Zhao said sinisterly. "I want no one else getting in my way anymore. Very soon I will time travel to the past when Rainbow Dash did her first Sonic Rainboom and send Chase to the future of my liking."
Zhao chuckled lowly and deviously as the screen slowly died down as the only thing was visible were Zhao's glowing eyes before the screen completely turned to black.
Author's note: Hey, guys.
Sorry for skipping one episode in the original season 5. But I already said I wouldn't do all episodes in this season, and I also am in a hurry to finish this since I was behind schedule due to job hunting and school. Sorry for this, guys, but some of these few weeks for me haven't been that well. So go easy on me.