This is the 21st chapter. Alright before I begin, I have to remind you all that Rose Lotus is still not accepting Pinkie Pie as he mother, not yet because she's still mending the scar in her heart after she been through. Also, Winter Breeze is still new, and she may or may not accept Fluttershy as her adopted mother, but she is adopted, yes, but like I said, she's still new.
I don't own the series of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
Call of the Cutie
Few days past ever since Winter Breeze arrived in Ponyville, she was able to walk like a pony with the help of Fluttershy and learning the basics of flying by Rainbow Dash. Of course, Winter Breeze is still having trouble of flying, but Rainbow Dash was able to help her. She was surprised that the weather was controlled by a pegasi that work for the weather division at Cloudsdale.
The animals have taken a liking to Winter Breeze ever since she first came at Fluttershy's cottage, sleeping in the basket that Princess Luna have made. Fluttershy taught her how to take care of the animals, and treating them with kindness. Though, they mostly played with Winter Breeze which it got her to laugh a bit. Fluttershy went to the schoolhouse, given Cheerilee an explanation of a new student and the backstory, which she'll be happy to register the Icelandic filly and teach her. Cheerliee is also feeling sad for the Icelandic filly, after hearing the loss of her family and lived at the orphanage in Iceland. However, Winter Breeze is a bit nervous and worried if other ponies would treat her different, but Fluttershy told her that they'll like her because she's sweet and polite, and she has Comet, Apple Shine, and Rose Lotus to look out for her.
Now at the edges of Ponyville, there stood a building that marked the halfway point between the main tower and Sweet Apple Acres was none other than a schoolhouse. A place where young ponies come and be educated in the skills they needed to find their future careers as well as how to put their cutie mark talents to good use. The school bell rings at the top of the tower, as the students inside chat about topics and subjects, waiting for the class to begin. Several of the ponies, except Comet, Apple Shine, and Rose Lotus, already had their cutie marks on their flanks. Cheerilee stood before the students.
"Let's quiet down please." Cheerliee said. "Now, before we began an exciting lesson, I would like for you all to meet a new student who will be joining us for the rest of the year."
It didn't take long before all of the students settled down, given her full attention. Cheerliee then turned to Winter Breeze, who was standing at the door, with a warm smile on her face.
"Winter Breeze, would you be so kind as to stand right here for the class so they can meet you?" Cheerliee offers.
Winter Breeze nodded, and walked into the classroom.
"Class, this is Winter Breeze." Cheerliee announced. "She's going to be here for the year, so I want you to make her feel welcome."
"Hi, Winter." The students greeted.
"Hi." Winter Breeze greets back.
"Okay, Winter, go ahead and choose a desk and then we can get started in a few minutes." Cheerliee suggests.
Winter Breeze nodded and went to go pick a seat. She noticed an empty seat as she went over to sit, which was next to Apple Shine. The three foals gave the Icelandic filly a warm smile, letting her know they'll be there for her which Winter Breeze is thankful. Apple Bloom learned from her niece about Winter Breeze which she'll be there to help the Icelandic filly as well.
"Today we are going to be talking about cutie marks." Cheerliee said, showing the images of the cutie marks.
"Bo-ring!" The filly sighed.
Her name is Diamond Tiara, she has pale magneta fur coat with pale light grayish violet mane and tail with white streaks, and brilliant cornflower blue eyes. She had a tiara cutie mark and wore a tiara around her head.
"You can all see my cutie mark, can you?" Cheerilee asks, continuing the lesson. "Like all ponies, I wasn't born with a cutie. My flank was blank."
Just as Cheerilee showed a picture of herself as a foal. A young filly named Twist finds it adorable.
Twist has light amberish gray fur coat with light brilliant scarlet mane and tail, and light fuchisa eyes. She wore a brilliant blue violet glasses.
"Aww...! She's so precious." Twist replied with a strong lisp.
"Then one day, when I was about your age." Cheerilee continued. "I woke up to find that a cutie mark had appeared."
Cheerilee then showed a picture of herself with a cutie mark and an attire that clearly screamed her days as teenage rebel of the late 80s...yikes...either way, some of the little ponies just laughed.
"Look at her hair!" A young filly pointed out.
"Yes, I know." Cheerilee said, discreetly rolled her eyes. "But honestly, that's how every pony was wearing their mane back then. I had decided to become a teacher, and the flowers symbolized my hope that I could help my future students bloom if I nurtured them with knowledge. The smiles represented the cheer I hope to bring to my little ponies while they are learning."
Some ponies were listening attentively with smiles on their faces, others looked bored and were just staring at their fore-hooves. Some, like Diamond Tiara, were annoying other ponies since they flat out didn't care about what Cheerilee was saying.
"Now can anyone tell me when a pony gets his or her cutie mark?" Cheerliee questions her students.
"Oh! Oh! Oh!" Twist raised her hoof. "When she discovers that certain something that makes her special!"
"That's right, Twist." Cheerilee said. "A cutie mark appears on a pony's flank when he or she finds that certain something that makes them different from every other pony..."
By now, Apple Bloom, Apple Shine, Comet, Rose Lotus, and Winter Breeze had grabbed their pencil, taking notes as Cheerilee continued her lecture.
"...Discovering what makes you unique isn't something..."
"Pssst!"
"...that happens overnight, and no amount of hoping, wishing..."
"Pssst!"
"...or begging, would make a cutie mark appear before its time."
"Pssst!"
By this point, Apple Bloom was getting frankly annoyed because of all the noise-making from Diamond Tiara."
"What?!" Apple Bloom snapped.
Diamond Tiara held a note in her mouth, gesturing to a filly named Silver Spoon.
Silver Spoon has a cornflower bluish gray fur coat with two shades of light azureish gray mane and tail, and moderate violet eyes. She has a spoon adorned with a heart. She wore pale opal pearl necklace, and pale opal glasses.
Silver Spoon was motioning for the note. Apple Bloom thought nothing less and just grabbed the note with her mouth.
"Apple Bloom!" Cheerilee called out, sternly.
Both fillies pulled apart, but Apple Bloom still had the note in her mouth. Diamond Tiara just fake an innocent smile on her face.
"Are you passing a note?" Cheerilee asks.
"Uh, I...Um..." Apple Bloome stuttered nervously.
"What could be so important that it couldn't wait until after class?" Cheerilee asked.
"She didn't pass that note, Miss Cheerilee." Apple Shine called out, earned her attention. "It was Diamond Tiara. She was the one who wanted to pass the note to Aunt Apple Bloom on purpose, just to get her into trouble."
"She's right, I saw it too." Comet adds. "She thought of getting Apple Bloom into trouble would be just for the fun of it."
Cheerilee then turns to Diamond Tiara with a stern expression on her face.
"Is it true?" Cheerilee questions.
"Why no, Miss Cheerilee." Diamond Tiara answered innocently.
"Lying to your teeth, Diamond?" Rose Lotus asks. "You should know better than that when we saw what you're up to."
Diamond Tiara then turns to the gypsy pony with a glare which Cheerilee can see through her expression, which it was enough proof.
"Thank you, you three." Cheerilee thanked them, turns to Diamond Tiara. "I will be seeing you after class."
And then, the lesson continues as Cheerilee continued lecturing while Apple Bloom turns to her niece.
"Thanks, guys." Apple Bloom thanked them.
Apple Shine only nods and tipped her hat while both Comet and Rose Lotus gives her a nod.
My Little Pony, My Little Pony
Ahhhh
My Little Pony
I use to wonder what friendship could be
My Little Pony
Until you all share this magic with me
Big adventure,
Tons of fun,
A beautiful heart,
Faithful and strong,
Sharing kindness
It's an easy feat
And magic makes it all complete
You all have my little ponies
Do you know all you're my best friends?
Soon the school bell rang, signaling the end of another day of learning, every pony made their way out of the schoolhouse. Apple Bloom was now feeling glum, feeling she didn't have her cutie mark yet, but she's not the one because Apple Shine, Comet, Rose Lotus, and Winter Breeze didn't get their cutie marks. Cheerilee is right now giving Diamond Tiara a scolding while Silver Spoon is waiting for her friend. Twist was in high spirits, mimicking Pinkie Pie's bouncing.
"Want some sweets?" Twist offered. "I've got some peppermint sticks. I made them myself."
"Mm-mm." Apple Bloom answered, but clearly not listening.
"Sorry, Twist, Aunt Apple Bloom and Ah are headin' back to Sweet Apple Acres to help mah family gatherin' apples to sell 'em at the market." Apple Shine declines.
"I've got training with Wild Heart." Comet told her.
"Sorry, I'm heading back to the cottage to help Fluttershy." Winter Breeze declines.
"I'm heading to Sugarcube Corner to practice on dancing and fortune telling." Rose Lotus said.
"They'll make you smi-i-le." Twist offered again.
"No..." Apple Bloom replied, depressed.
It was then both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon decided to make themselves known as they walked in front of the six ponies.
"I don't know why we had to sit through a lecture about getting a cutie mark." Diamond Tiara complains. "I mean, waiting for your cutie mark is sooo last week. You got yours, I just got mine. We all have them already."
She gasped, only that it was not sincere, as she looked at the six ponies.
"I mean, almost all of us have them already." Diamond Tiara continued.
Twist looked indignant while Apple Shine, Comet, and Rose Lotus glares at her, but Winter Breeze was nervous. Apple Bloom just kept a curious look on her face.
"And should we care why?" Comet questions.
Comet, Apple Shine, and Rose Lotus had a very strong dislike to Diamond Tiara when they first met her. Diamond Tiara is pretty much a stuck-up snob like those high society ponies from Canterlot and a bully. They had a fair share when it comes to bullies, but Diamond Tiara is one of those bullies. Silver Spoon however, has no trouble of making friends, only bad influence of Diamond Tiara had the way she treated others. Silver Spoon had one look at Comet during his first day of school which it got her blushed like a tomato, meaning she developed a crush on the colt, which he doesn't know that.
"Because you six are totally invited to my cute-ceanera this weekend." Diamond Tiara explains.
Though, neither of the four knew what it exactly means. Instead of the quinceanera, where it's a celebration at a certain age, the cute-ceanera is a celebration where ponies have earned their cutie mark. The fact Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon came from high-class families gave them more reason to brag over such a party.
"It's going to be amazing." Silver Spoon adds.
"It's a party celebrating me and my fantastic cutie mark." Diamond Tiara bragged. "How could it not be?"
Rubbing it on their faces, she displayed their cutie mark, as if she weren't conceited enough wearing one on her head. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon soon began their small dance together.
"Bump! Bump! Sugar lump, rump!" Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon sang.
They finished their dance by smashing their rear ends, showing off their cutie marks with a laugh.
"Gimme a break." Apple Bloom muttered with a long face.
"Please, as if yer cutie mark is special." Apple Shine said with a raspberry which it got their attention.
"What did you say, blank flank?" Diamond Tiara asks with a glare.
"Ya heard me, ya barrel border." Apple Shine remarked with a glare of her own. "If y'all don't wanna start a fight, Ah suggest ya two make tracks and leave Aunt Apple Bloom alone."
Comet, Apple Shine, and Rose Lotus then glared at the two rich filles, warning them to back off. Silver Spoon can tell they mean business, especially to her crush, but Diamond Tiara glared back before she rolled her eyes.
"Whatever." Diamond Tiara muttered. "Come on, Silver Spoon."
Soon as Diamond Tiara and Silver walked away, they ran into Mario Star, who gave them a firm glare. Silver Spoon took a step back, while Diamond Tiara bravely glared back at him.
"What are you doing here?" Diamond Tiara asked, snootily. "Shouldn't you be making deliveries to my father, or helping your family, or geeking it up at the Library? Or even practicing your martial arts?"
Ever since the day Mario met Diamond Tiara, he had taken a polar disliking to her. Diamond Tiara seemed to snob him every time he came by. Naturally, Mario tried to be kind and tolerable, but eventually he stopped trying to make a conversation with her...unless he knew she was up to no good.
"Actually, I've already made my delivery, and it was my last delivery that I'll be doing for your father." Mario answered plainly. "And I'll have you know there's more to life than studying. And I like practicing at the dojo."
"Tell that to Miss Cheerilee." Silver Spoon replied, rolling her eyes.
This actually made Mario chuckled since he found Silver Spoon 'tolerable'. While she didn't have issues trying to be friendly with him, Mario could see the bad influence Diamond Tiara had the way Silver Spoon treated others. Frankly, he couldn't understand why she'd resort to being mean to save face, or reputation, or whatever's on her mind.
"Trust me Silver, it will be worth it in the future." Mario said. "I'm sure there won't be any trouble at the party this weekend, right Miss Tiara?"
"And who said you are going to be there?" Diamond Tiara asked angrily.
Mario leaned forward slightly.
"I happen to be the best friend of Pinkie Pie, who's planning and hosting your cute-ceanera." Mario replied sternly. "And Apple Bloom just happens to be my sister and Apple Shine just also happens to be my niece...if you catch my drift. But do yourselves a leave and leave them alone."
This was his 'big' hint that he heard what they said. While Silver Spoon turned away, Diamond Tiara kept glaring before she rolled her eyes at him.
"Whatever." Diamond Tiara muttered.
Diamond Tiara stomped away with her nose in the air, while Silver Spoon followed her and kept her eyes away from Mario. Mario watched them disappear before approaching the six foals.
"Why were y'all talkin' to them?" Apple Bloom asked curiously.
"I saw what they were doing." Mario replied, glaring back at them. "I know what it's like being one pony with the blank flank...and getting bullied for it. Just so you know, if they ever give you too much trouble, you can always let me know. I got your back."
Comet, Apple Shine, Winter Breeze, Rose Lotus, and Twist just smiled, but Apple Bloom was still too glum to fully appreciate the extra moral support.
Later that day, Comet was kind enough to escort Twist home before heading to Zecora's hut to learn more of making medicine at the Everfree Forest. Rose Lotus heads back to Sugarcube Corner to either help Pinkie Pie and the Cakes bake or practicing in between fortune telling and dancing. Winter Breeze is heading to the cottage to help Fluttershy tend the animals. While Applejack and Apple Shine were hard working at Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom was still fuming.
"It's not fair!" Apple Bloom complained, pacing around. "It's just not fair!"
"Don't get yer mane in a tangle." Applejack said. "You'll get yer cutie mark. Every pony gets one eventually."
"She's right, and it's somethin' we have tah figure it out ourselves." Apple Shine agreed with her mother.
"But Ah don't want one eventually!" Apple Bloom retorted. "Ah want one right now! I can't go to Diamond Tiara's cute-ceanera without one, Ah just can't!"
"Course you can." Applejack said.
"Are you sure about that?" Mario asked. "Take it from some pony who's seen how the filly treats Apple Bloom and some pony who's been at the receiving end of it in his younger days. Good thing I didn't become an elite snob for nothing."
"Ponies like that exist everywhere, sugarcube." Applejack replied. "Yah just gotta learn not to take their words tah heart and spoil yer day or yer fun at a party."
"Easier said than done, Applejack." Mario replied. "But very true nevertheless."
"And there's still snobs treatin' the shoemakers." Apple Shine states. "It ain't easy dealin' with them."
Though, she made a valid point about the ponies in Canterlot. While some bullies like Trixie never grow out of it, he did know 'some' ponies, young and adult, that did grow up and were now on friendly terms with him...but that's another story.
"Y'know." Applejack said. "Ah was the last pony in mah class to get my cutie mark, and Ah couldn't be prouder of it. Ah knew mah future was tah run Sweet Apple Acres, and these bright shiny apples sealed the deal..."
As Applejack continued to talk, Apple Bloom continued to pout and pace around nearby.
"Come to think of it, Granny Smith was the last one in her class." Applejack realized. "Huh, same as Big Macintosh."
Eventually, Apple Bloom sat down and leaned her fore-hooves onto a bucket of apples.
"Ah really don't see how that's supposed tah make me feel better." Apple Bloom sighed. "It probably means being the last one in yer class ta get a cutie mark runs in a family."
"Do yah think mah talent mite be one of yers too, Ma?" Apple Shine asks. "If Ah ever had a cutie mark?"
Applejack giggled while Mario chuckled a bit, then she kissed Apple Shine on her forehead.
"Don't ya worry, sugarcube. You'll find yer talent eventually." Applejack said with a smile, turns to her brother. "What about you, Mario?"
"You'd be surprised." Mario chuckled. "I was the last in my class to get my cutie mark when I had to get my entrance exam. But there was one reason about it that I don't want to talk about it."
Applejack, Apple Shine, and Apple Bloom turned towards Mario in surprise.
"Seriously?" Apple Bloom asked, shockingly.
"It's true." Mario answered calmly with a glare. "A lot of students in school, before the magic school that is, were getting their cutie marks at younger than in between Apple Bloom and Apple Shine. Yet...there I was, the only blank flank for years! I still remembered the nickname the bullies gave me when I was practicing martials arts: 'Last Blank Standing'...I really hated that name. Course it wasn't until just before I entered magic school that I finally got my cutie mark. How bad would the bullying have been if I started without one, especially when all the first-year students had their cutie marks?"
Mario glared that thought as Apple Bloom continued to sulk.
"Well, bein' last still runs in this family." Apple Bloom repeated, before realizing. "...runs in the family. Runs in the family! Runs in the family!"
Apple Blom excitedly rushed over to Applejack, peeking out from behind her.
"You've got apples for yer cutie mark." Apple Bloom pointed to Applejack. "Mario has a silver heart with apple half. Granny Smith has an apple pie. Pa has a big apple half with a star. Ma has preserved jams. Big Mac has an apple half, my unique talent has somethin' to do with apples! Apples, apples, apples!"
Apple Bloom began to hop and jump excitedly until...
CRASH!
Apple Bloom landed in a bucket of apples, knocking all of the apples all over the ground.
"Oops...hehe, apples." Apple Bloom smiled sheepishly.
Applejack and Apple Shine sighed while Mario quietly chuckled. Then, Applejack remembered something Mario said a little while back.
"By the way, yah did say somethin' that not gettin' yer cutie mark was fer a reason. What was it?" Applejack asked.
Mario went stiff before he recomposed himself.
"It's something I to deal with a while back and I don't really want to talk about it. It's just personal issue." Mario answered.
"Okay, if yah say so." Applejack conceded.
It wasn't much longer till Applejack had Mario Star and Bright Mac transport some apples, this way she, Apple Bloom, and Apple Shine could sell them to the customers in the marketplace. It was Apple Shine's first-time selling apples and Apple Bloom was eager to start selling, as the two fillies had a white apron on along with Applejack. Mario just watched the three ponies do their work, with his part of work done along with Bright Mac's, he could 'supervise' for the time being.
"Get yer delicious, nutritious apples here!" Applejack called to ponies nearby.
"Delicious and nutritious, and so many uses!" Apple Bloom adds.
Apple Bloom balanced an apple on her head before tossing it into her mouth, gobbled it up.
"You can eat 'em..."
Apple Bloom then swallowed it up.
"...Play with them..."
Apple Bloom tossed an apple in the air, grabbed a nearby racket and swung away with a 'SMACK!'. The apple splattered onto the racket and the rest towards a random passerby.
"Hey, watch it!"
"Create a fine art for yer home with 'em." Apple Bloom continued.
Apple Bloom bucked an apple onto some pony's art canvas, the pony using the canvas just glared.
"Yah have tah be crazy not tah get a bushel of yer very own!" Apple Bloom continued.
Applejack and Apple Shine looked rather embarrassed, while Mario kept chuckling quietly in the background.
"Heh...she's so creative, heh." Applejack replied sheepishly.
Just then, Apple Bloom approached a nearby stallion whose name was Time Turner, but for whatever reason, some ponies have been going around calling him 'Dr. Whooves'.
He has a grayish amber fur coat with dark gamboge mane and tail, and light cobalt blue eyes. His cutie mark was an hourglass.
"You, sir, care t' buy apples?" Apple Bloom offered.
"No thanks." Dr. Whooves answered.
"Why-"
Before Apple Bloom continued to ask, Apple Shine grabs her tail and pulled her aunt away from the stallion.
"Aunt Apple Bloom, he said 'no'. We can't force him to buy an apple, you know that." Apple Shine berates her, turns to Dr. Whooves. "Ah'm sorry about that, sir, she's new."
Dr. Whooves gave her a nod with an understanding as he then walked away.
"Well...at least Apple Shine keeps her out of trouble." Mario remarked.
While he never owned a business himself, Mario had taken several business management classes in his later school years. After his whole athletic ordeals, he just felt having some prior business knowledge would come in handy in the long run. Either way, he knew Apple Bloom's sale tactics were stirring some trouble, but luckily, Apple Shine is here to keep her aunt out of trouble.
"Atta girl, Apple Shine." Applejack said with a smile, turns to Apple Bloom.
"Why'd yah do that, Apple Shine? Ah was gonna sell some apples." Apple Bloom complains.
"Not with yah forcin' some pony, yer not." Apple Shine retorted. "Yah can't force some pony tah buy, that's not how it works."
Apple Bloom then looked down to the ground when Apple Shine made a point. But she then pondered.
"Hmm...maybe Ah gotta increase mah sales figures." Apple Bloom suggests.
Apple Bloom soon noticed some pony checking out the apples on the stand.
"You touch it, you buy it!" Apple Bloom said sternly. "We take cash or credit."
Though, her words unintentionally sent the pony named Berryshine reeling back as Applejack pulled her sister out of her face. Mario slapped a hoof over his face, shook his head.
She had pale light grayish mulberry fur coat with moderate cerise mane and tail, and moderate cerise eyes. Her cutie mark was a bunch of grapes and a strawberry.
"Ah'm sorry, ma'am." Applejack apologizes, but Berryshine soon rushed off. "Ma'am! Aww...now Apple Bloom, yah can't just..."
"Aunt Apple Bloom, just what do yah think yer doin'?" Apple Shine asks her aunt after pulled her tail with a serious glare.
"Ah was tryin' to sell some apples to some pony, Apple Shine." Apple Bloom answered. "A bucket of apples would-"
"That won't work, Aunt Apple Bloom. And with that attitude and yer hair-brained ideas, you'll scare the customers away." Apple Shine remarked. "Not tah mention you'll upset the customers, too."
Applejack nods with an agreement as she pulled Apple Bloom away while Apple Shine approaches Bon Bon.
"Ah'm really sorry about Aunt Apple Bloom, she's new." Apple Shine apologizes to her.
"Oh, that's alright, I'm sure she'll learn." Bon Bon said.
"So, is there anythin' Ah can yah?" Apple Shine asks. "We got some apples here."
"Well since you ask, I'd like to buy three apples." Bon Bon answered.
"Alright, then." Apple Shine said, placing three apples in the bag. "That'll be 6 bits."
Bon Bon nods as she tossed some coins into Apple Shine's apron pocket and left. Applejack and Mario Star were impressed of Apple Shine's business sale tactics.
"Y'all come back now, y'hear?" Applejack called out, turns to her daughter. "First sale and first time on a job, Ah'm impressed."
"Thanks, Ma." Apple Shine thanked her mother.
Mario then smiled at his niece, proud of her.
Then, both Applejack and Apple Shine turned to Apple Bloom with a glare, finally had enough.
"What?" Apple Bloom asked cluelessly.
"Sorry, lil' sis, but yer apple-sellin' days are over." Applejack said firmly, pulled the apron off of her.
"What?! But how else am Ah gonna get mah cutie mark?" Apple Bloom exclaims, pulled the apron back.
"Home. Now!" Applejack said sternly.
But unlike before, Apple Bloom stayed. Apple Bloom spit the apron out of her mouth and pouted. Seeing the sad sight, Applejack decided to try a different apporach.
"Ugh. Listen, sugarcube." Applejack spoke gently. "Ah know it's hard ta wait for yer own cutie mark, but ya just can't force it. Besides, yer not that grown up just yet. Ain't there other fillies in yer class without one besides Rose Lotus, Winter Breeze, and mah daughter?"
Apple Bloom pondered, as she sat hunced on the ground.
"Well...Twist doesn't have hers yet." Apple Bloom answered.
"Do you think you'd feel better if you went to the party with Twist?" Mario asks. "You two seem like pretty good friends."
"Mmm-hmm..." Apple Bloom nodded.
"Well, there yah go." Applejack smiled. "Bet yah and Twist would have a great time together. Now run along and find yer friend."
Apple Bloom nodded, turned to leave, but stopped as if she just remembered something.
"Yer sure ya don't want me ta stick around 'til the end of th' market?" Apple Bloom asks.
While Applejack and Apple Shine knew her intentions were genuine, but they knew keeping her around would do more harm than good. Especially to a pony named Ace Point arrived with a messy racket.
Ace Point had light goldish gray fur coat with dark grayish brown mane, bread, and tail, and moderate cyan eyes. He's wearing a blue-white striped wristband, yellow sport shorts with white lines, and red headband.
"Hey! Who's been using my racket?!" Ace Point demanded.
"Yeah, Ah'm sure." Applejack answered wearily.
Mario Star approached Apple Bloom, knowing he needed to get out of the market...and fast.
"Come on, Apple Bloom." Mario offered. "I was just planning to do some more chores at Sweet Apple Acres anyway...luckily, Twist's home is just over that way."
Apple Bloom smiled since she enjoyed getting a ride on her brother as he picked her up and placed her on his back before going to Twist's home.
After Mario and Apple Bloom left the marketplace, Rose Lotus was playing the music with her tambourine and Djali started to dance around the hat and prance around. The ponies would walk by dropping gold coins in the hat while enjoying her playing the music. The white stallion stopped by, watching the gypsy filly dance and tossed some gold coins in the hat with Djali dancing around it. Cheerilee also stopped by and tossed the gold coins in the hat.
He had a white fur coat with silver mane and tail, and sky-blue eyes. His cutie mark was a Japanese Kanji symbol of ice with an ice dragon. He's carrying two shurikens.
Both he and Cheerilee smiled at Rose Lotus, who turns around with an appreciative grin while playing the tambourine.
However, the dance was rudely interrupted when Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon approaches, causing Rose Lotus to glare at the two fillies.
"All right, blank flank, where did you get the bits?" Diamond Tiara demands, tried to pull the hat away from the gypsy filly.
"For your information, I earned it." Rose Lotus answered sternly, pulled the hat bat and got it free.
"Oh really? Well, blank flanks and thieves don't earn money." Diamond Tiara said with a smirk.
"Yeah, you're stealing." Silver Spoon agrees, grabbed Rose Lotus by the shoulders.
However, the white stallion and Cheerilee watched with an unimpressed expression on their faces.
"You'd know a lot about stealing." Rose Lotus remarked.
"Troublemaker." Diamond Tiara said, pulled the hat away, but Rose Lotus pulled it back and kicked her in the face.
"Maybe a day in the Sugarcube Corner or in a dungeon should cool you down." Silver Spoon suggests.
Djali then scowled at the two filles, charged at Silver Spoon and hit her in the face and kicked Diamond Tiara. Rose Lotus and Djali then ran away from the two fillies.
"COME BACK HERE, BLANK FLANK!"
Diamond Tiara and Silver were about to pursue after them, but the white stallion stopped them with his magic.
"You two have cause enough trouble for the filly." He said with a glare.
"What?! But...she's a thief!" Diamond Tiara remarked. "She's not supposed to earn bits!"
"Actually, Rose Lotus earned it by her performance, Diamond Tiara." Cheerilee told her. "And let me remind you, she's not a thief, she's a gypsy. And she does not like to be mistreated as such. When your cute-ceanera is over, you two be spending four months detention after class by tomorrow. And I will inform your parents about your behavior with Rose Lotus."
"WHAT?!" Diamond Tiara shouted. "You can't do that! I won't let you!"
"Sorry, Diamond Tiara, but you're not in charge." Cheerilee told her with a glare. "And I expect you to behave yourself while you're here, you understand?"
Diamond Tiara then reluctantly nods as he placed the two fillies down, watching them walked away. Cheerilee then sighed and turns to the stallion.
"I am very sorry about this." Cheerilee apologized.
"It's no trouble, the least I can do is to prevent them for causing a stir." He shook his head. "I'm Zane, by the way."
"I'm Cheerilee, I am the schoolteacher here in Ponyville." Cheerilee introduces herself. "Are you new here?"
"Can't say that I have, I've only traveled here occasionally, just to have a quiet time. But after hearing of Mario's whereabouts, I came to look for him." Zane explains. "You see, Mario Star is a friend of mine, and I was hoping if he can help me find a job here in Ponyville."
Cheerilee was surprised of what Zane have told her, but she might be able to help him find a job.
"What job are you looking for?" Cheerilee asks.
"I thought about teaching." Zane answered. "I may have been a martial artist for a lifetime, but I thought I could be a teacher here in Ponyville. Also, if it's not too much trouble, I can also teach them in martial arts. The reason is that, I can teach the future generation ponies of the meaning in martial arts in self-defense and not for violence."
"Well, you came to the right place, because I was looking for some pony to hire." Cheerilee said with a smile. "And I think Mario Star is hiring some pony for martial arts instructing, but you just missed him. He's taking Apple Bloom to Twist's house."
"I see." Zane said. "I'll be sure to talk to Mario, whenever I got the chance."
"Well, how about we discuss in school." Cheerilee offers. "I'll be sure to let Applejack know you're here."
"Thank you, Cheerilee." Zane thanked her.
And with that, both Zane and Cheerilee head towards to school, after letting Applejack know Mario that one of his friends is here in Ponyville.
It didn't take long before Mario brought Apple Bloom to Twist's home. While he let Apple Bloom down, Mario waited to see how things would go before leaving. Apple Bloom, meanwhile, quietly knocked on the door...the top half opened revealing Twist's face.
"Oh, what's up, Apple Bloom?" Twist asked curiously.
"So, Ah was thinkin'..." Apple Bloom said slowly. "Maybe we can go to Diamond Tiara's cute-ceanera together. Ah don't have a cutie mark; you don't have a cutie mark."
"Well, um..." Twist replied slowly.
Twist opened the bottom half of the door. Apple Bloom gasped when she noticed that upon Twist's flank was a pair of candy canes, shaped into a heart.
"Isn't my cutie mark swell?" Twist asked excitedly. "I've always loved making my own favorite sweets, but it took me some time to discover that it was my super-special talent. Pretty sweet, huh?"
"Yeah, pretty...sweet." Apple Bloom replied.
Unfortuneately, there was no hiding the sadness in her voice. Apple Bloom sat down, looking a bit glum.
"Hey...this doesn't mean we can't go to the cute-ceanera together." Twist reassured. "You're still gonna come to the party, are you?"
As if the situation couldn't get any worse for Apple Bloom, both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walked by when they see and heard 'everything'.
"Of course she will." Diamond Tiara said smugly.
"It's not like being the other pony there without a cutie mark would be, like, the most embarrassing thing ever!" Silver Spoon added spitefully.
As the two fillies laughed, poor Apple Bloom bit her lip and her eyes grew big, looking she'd burst in tears at any moment. Mario looked on sadly before the two rich fillies an unnoticeable death glare. He then noticed them approaching his side and a devious smile stretched across his face. Quietly, he orchestrated his magic to make an exhaust pipe appear behind their fore-legs.
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
The loud burst of steam only made Silver Spoon jump with fright, but Diamond Tiara jumped a good ten feet into the air with a loud shriek. Mario quickly put the distraught Apple Bloom onto his back and carried her away. Diamond Tiara was left frazzled and shocked for a few seconds, before recomposing herself.
"ONE OF THESE DAYS I'M GONNA GET YOU FOR THAT, MARIO STAR!" Diamond Tiara screamed.
"NO YOU WON'T!" Mario called back.
Needless to say, they both knew her threat was empty given Mario was a good friend with her father, Filthy Rich. He always managed to justify his actions, exposing her little schemes with ease. Plus, the fact Mario performed his deliveries worked for his advantage. It would hurt her father's business if Mario got fired...and she'd get the blame for it.
In all of the commotion and Mario's effort to help, neither of them realized that Apple Bloom left Twist's question about going to the cute-ceanera together unanswered. Fortunately, the commotion made Twist for the question entirely. Still, despite Mario's attempts to cheer Apple Bloom, not even a warm hug or an open ear could make Apple Bloom feel any better.
The day of the party arrived, and Apple Bloom just sat quietly by herself near one of the town's water fountains. It wasn't too long before Rainbow Dash appeared from above her.
"Whoa, looks like some pony's got a dark cloud hanging over her head." Rainbow Dash remarked. "Let me do something about that."
Rainbow Dash literally moved a huge black cloud above Apple Bloom's head. She then made her landing just beside Apple Bloom.
"What's the matter, kid?" Rainbow Dash asked.
Apple Bloom looked at her sadly before inhaling deeply.
"There's a cute-ceanera this afternoon and every pony in my class will be there and they'll all have their cutie marks and Ah wanna get mah cutie mark but Ah'm not good at sellin' apples but Ah really wanna go to the party but how can Ah go to the party if Ah don't have mah cutie mark which mah big sister says Ah'm gonna get it eventually but...AH WANT IT NOW!"
Apple said all that in one breath, with a loud whine at the end, Surprisingly, Rainbow Dash just soaked everything in.
"Cutie mark?" Rainbow Dash replied. "I can get you a cutie mark like that!"
Rainbow Dash flicked her tail to make the sound of a finger 'SNAP!' as she finished her sentence.
"Applejack said these things take time." Apple Bloom said. "Ah just have to wait for it tah happen."
"Why wait for something to happen when you can make it happen?" Rainbow Dash suggests.
"But Applejack says th..."
"Hey, who are you gonna listen to, Applejack?" Rainbow Dash interrupted, mocking Applejack's face and pose. "Or the pony who was first in her class to get a cutie mark? I always like flying and all, but I was going nowhere in a hurry. It wasn't until my very first race that I discovered a serious need for speed, and KAZAM, this sweet baby appeared as fast as lightning."
Apple Bloom smiled, clearly impressed, and determined to follow in Rainbow Dash's example.
Soon both ponies donned some exercise headbands and Apple Bloom was busy doing push-ups. Rainbow Dash served as Apple Bloom's coach for the rest of the day.
"That's right, stretch out those legs." Rainbow Dash instructed. "Gotta be nice and loose. The key here is to try as many things as possible as quickly as possible. One of them is bound to lead to your cutie mark. Are you ready?"
"Ah'm ready!" Apple Bloom declared, determined.
"I said: Are! You! Ready!" Rainbow Dash repeated.
"AH'M READY!" Apple Bloom said loudly.
"Juggling, go!" Rainbow Dash called out, blew the whistle.
Apple Bloom tried balancing two rings of balls, but ended up tripping and dropping all the balls she was juggling. Next, they headed toward a nearby cliff.
"Hang-gliding, go!" Rainbow Dash called, blew the whistle.
Apple Bloom, now with a hang glider attached to her body, made a running start for takeoff. However, Apple Bloom tripped and landed skidding across the dirt upside down, just along the very edge of the cliff. They moved to the local dojo, where Zane was hired and where he and Mario were practicing, four ponies wearing white robes while the two stallions also wore their black belts around their waists.
"Karate, go!" Rainbow Dash called, blew the whistle.
Apple Bloom leaps in midair, went for a dive kick toward the nearby sandbag. Unfortunately, the sandbag was so dense that when Apple Bloom kicked it, her body painfully twitched before she lands on her back.
"Kite flying, go!" Rainbow Dash called, blew the whistle.
Apple Bloom, now with the roll of string on her mouth, made a running start with the kite flying in the air. Unfortunately, the kite flew down and crashed into the ground, break into pieces.
"Ultrapony Roller Derby, go!" Rainbow Dash called, blew the whistle.
Their next idea, was Apple Bloom in full gear, as rolled past Rainbow Dash. Apple Bloom winced fearfully as some aggressive, experienced roller ponies growled towards her. She then tumbled forward into a somersault; the other roller ponies gasped before...
BAM!
Every pony crashed into her. Despite the piled mess of ponies and roller gear, Apple Bloom just smiled sheepishly as she rolled through the mess completely unharmed.
Mario saw this and was feeling really unsure of things lately.
Eventually, Apple Bloom reclined under a tree near Rarity's boutique. Rainbow Dash went through her clipboard containing a long list of things they tried to do to find Apple Bloom's cutie mark. By Rainbow Dash's count, it wasn't looking good for the filly.
"Tried that one...Tried that one...Tried that one..." Rainbow Dash read aloud to herself.
It was then Apple Bloom heard two familiar voices nearby. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, just coming out of the Carousel Boutique. Diamond Tiara had a large package on her back.
"You're new outfit, like, perfect for the party." Silver Spoon said as they walked by. She then began to blush. 'I hope Comet Stardust would like the dress I'll be wearing.'
"I know." Diamond Tiara replied. "It totally shows off my cutie mark."
"I love being special." Silver Spoon sighed to herself. 'And hopefully Comet will be my special somepony.'
"Can you imagine how embarrassing it must be to be...not special?" Diamond Tiara asked, out of the blue.
"I don't even want to, like, think about it." Silver Spoon retorted. 'I know Comet doesn't have a cutie mark, but why is he okay with it? Does it have to do with the lecture?'
While the two fillies walked out of sight, Rainbow Dash was so busy with her list she didn't even hear them go by.
"Tried that one...Tried that one..." Rainbow Dash continued.
Poor Apple Bloom was feeling miserable, as if they knew she was in the bushes the entire time.
"Ah'm doomed. Doomed!" Apple Bloom cried out of the world. "Ah'll never find somethin' Ah'm good at!"
"You look like you'd be good at eating cupcakes." The voice of Pinkie Pie replied.
Apple Bloom noticed Pinkie Pie beside her.
"Eating cupcakes?" Apple Bloom repeated, puzzled.
"Eating cupcakes?" Rainbow Dash repeated, confused.
"Eating cupcaaakes!" Pinkie Pie said, bouncing up and down merrily.
Apple Bloom felt inspired...till she remembered that Rainbow Dash was still trying to help her. Slowly, she backed away from her, trying to think of an excuse to leave.
"Ah really appreciate all yer help, Rainbow Dash." Apple Bloom said. "Yer a really great coach and Ah really learned a lot from you and Ah'm sure Ah can learn a lot more...Ah've got cupcakes to eat! See ya at the cute-ceanera! Hold on, Pinkie Pie, Ah'm comin'!"
Apple Bloom zoomed away, leaving Rainbow Dash behind, who's stunned and indignant.
"Ah can't believe Ah didn't think of this." Apple Bloom said excitedly. "A cupcake-eating cutie mark, it's sooo obvious. Now, where are those cupcakes? Ah'm ready tah chow down!"
Apple Bloom was already in the kitchen of Sugarcube Corner, searching every cabinet, but she couldn't find any cupcakes.
"I don't have any cupcakes." Pinkie Pie said, matter-of-factly.
"Oh." Apple Bloom sighed, disappointed.
"But you look like you'd be good at helping me make some." Pinkie Pie suggested with a gasp.
"I guess, uh, making cupcakes cutie mark could work too." Apple Bloom said to herself.
Pinkie Pie (Sings):
All you have to do is take a cup of flour
Add it to the mix
Now just take a little something sweet, not sour
Apple Bloom ironically balanced a lemon on her head, as it dropped to the floor.
Pinkie Pie (Sings):
A bit of salt, just a pinch
Baking these treats is such a cinch
Add a teaspoon of vanilla
Add a little more, and count to four,
And you never get your fill of...
Cupcakes! So sweet and tasty!
Cupcakes! Don't be too hasty!
Cupcakes! Cupcakes, cupcakes, CUPCAKES!
It was then Mario Star, Rose Lotus, and Djali arrived, having heard the singing from outside of the kitchen.
"Thank Celestia that ended when I arrived." Mario Star muttered.
Suddenly, Pinkie Pie wrapped a fore hoof around the three.
"One more time!" Pinkie Pie shouted.
Pinkie Pie took a big gasp of air, until Mario shoved his fore-hoof into her mouth.
"Let's not!" Mario retorted. "I've got work to do."
Mario picked up a nearby box with his horn and left the kitchen. Pinkie Pie, Rose Lotus, and Djali just watched him leave, forgetting he backed out of hearing her sing, and resumed with 'helping' Apple Bloom.
Few hours later, Apple Bloom, Pinkie Pie, and Rose Lotus spent the day trying to bake batches of cupcakes together, with the help of the gypsy filly and having to clean up the kitchen. Apple Bloom was mixing up another batch while Rose Lotus grabbed the tray using her hooves covered in mitts and placed on a table.
"Wow, Rose! These batch of cupcakes are fresh." Apple Bloom exclaims with a smile. "How'd ya do it?"
"It takes patience, lots of patience to bake them." Rose Lotus answered. "I've tried it at first, it didn't end well. I've got help from the Cakes and Pinkie. It takes time to practice until I was able to bake it."
"Oh." Apple Bloom said, sighed. "Ah guess Ah'm not cut out to be a baker, either. Ah don't have the patience fer baking cupcakes."
"What makes you say that?" Rose Lotus asked.
"Ah'm gonna have ta face facts, Ah'm gonna be a blank flank forever." Apple Bloom answered sadly.
"Don't sell yourself short, Apple Bloom. I'm sure you'll figure it out what your special talent is." Rose Lotus told her.
"Easier said than done, Ah just wanna cutie mark!" Apple Bloom complained.
Then, Twilight Sparkle, Mario Star, and Comet Stardust arrived at Sugarcube Corner.
"Why are there so many cupcakes?" Comet asks, but quickly realize what the cupcakes are for. "It's for Diamond Tiara's cute-ceanera, is it?"
"That's right, and you, Rose, and Apple Bloom are invited." Pinkie Pie answered happily.
Comet couldn't but sigh with annoyance since he, Apple Shine, and Rose have put up with Diamond Tiara's antics for almost a year. Even though, the three foals know how to stand up for themselves. Mario can tell that his godson is very annoyed while Twilight looked at her son, remembered of his old days in another world at Brooklyn which it doesn't surprised her. Apple Bloom then turns to Twilight.
"Twilight, you have to help me!" Apple Bloom pleaded.
"What's the matter?" Twilight asked with worry.
Apple Bloom inhaled deeply, ready to explain her situation all over again.
"Tiara's cute-ceanera's today and every pony in mah class will be there and they'll all have their cutie marks and Ah want to get mah cutie mark but Ah'm no good at selling apples or hang-gliding or making cupcakes, but Ah wanna go to the party but how can Ah go to the party if Ah don't have my cutie mark, which Pinkie Pie says Ah can't just make appear, but Ah need it to appear, right now!"
"Uhh...I don't follow." Twilight said, puzzled. "How can I help you?"
"You can use yer magic to make my cutie mark appear." Apple Bloom proposed.
"Oh no, Apple Bloom." Twilight replied. "A cutie mark is something a pony has to discover for herself."
"She's right, making the cutie mark appear before it's time won't work." Comet agrees.
"Please Twilight, just try." Apple Bloom begged desperately.
"I'm sorry, but-"
"Oh please, please, please, please, please!"
"All right, all right!" Twilight conceded.
"Oh thank you, thank you, thank you." Apple Bloom thanked her excitedly.
Twilight lowered her horn and used her magic to make a cutie mark appear on Apple Bloom's flank.
"Yes! Ah knew you could do...it."
Apple Bloom looked toward her new cutie mark, only for it to fade away less than two seconds after it appeared.
"I'm sorry, sweetie." Twilight apologized. "But I told you-"
"Try again, try again!" Apple Bloom begged.
"Apple Bloom! Give it a rest." Comet said with a glare, try to reason with her. "Like I said, it won't work no matter how many times you beg for the cutie mark to appear. Magic can't make a cutie mark appear before it's time."
"But-"
"No 'buts'." Comet interrupts. "Having a cutie mark is something you'll have to discover for yourself. It's hard, I get it, but it takes time."
"He's right, Apple Bloom. And it's the sad truth." Mario adds with an agreement. "If it were that simple, I'd have used my magic to make myself a cutie mark and spare myself all that misery as a foal."
"It's hopeless, it's hopeless!" Apple Bloom sighed, walking away sadly. "I just won't go to the party, I can't go. Everyone will just laugh at me and make fun of me and call me names. It will be the worst night of my life."
"I'm sure it won't be as bad as all that." Twilight assured.
"Oh...you are a clueless mare sometimes." Mario muttered as Comet nods with an agreement.
Twilight glared as Apple Bloom left the kitchen.
"Forget it, there's no way I'm goin' to that...party..."
Apple Bloom gulped when she realized that by walking out of the kitchen, and into the main room of the shop, she walked smacked dab into the middle of Diamond Tiara's cute-ceanera. Comet walked into the party with a deep scowl on his face, not looking forward for the party. Mario can tell that his godson really didn't want to go and see her distress all the way from the kitchen. Twilight came over to him and placed a hoof on his shoulder.
"Mario, maybe you should stay put." Twilight advised.
"Twilight, you don't know how those two fillies are." Mario rebutted sternly. "They're like Timberwolves ready to devour their next meal...and Apple Bloom's their prey!"
"Mario, I know you want to help Apple Bloom, but she needs to learn to stand up bullies on her own." Twilight explained. "Like Comet, he learned to stand up bullies on his own before he came here."
"I just don't want anything bad happen to her." Mario sighed sadly. "When I was little, I was in the same situation. I get invited to a party only for every pony to tease and laugh at me for being the only pony without a cutie mark. It took me years to stand up to those bullies after I found the courage to attend another party...only I was all alone..."
"I know you mean well for Apple Bloom." Twilight smiled, sympathetically. "But I assure you Apple Bloom won't be alone. Applejack is aware of how those fillies are; she's taken many measures to ensure Apple Bloom will have a good time at this party. Trust her, okay?"
Mario gave Twilight a reluctant nod, praying to Celestia that his friend is right.
Back outside of the kitchen, several ponies continued to chatter amongst each other as Apple Bloom realized where she was. She saw Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, dressed in their outfits and talking to every pony arriving for the party. Ponies from her class, including Apple Shine, Comet Stardust, Rose Lotus, and Winter Breeze, as well as older ponies, were there as well. Some of the younger ponies brought gifts too. One pony had taken a bite out one of the cupcakes. Apparently, both Pinkie Pie and Rose Lotus put out the cupcakes she and Apple Bloom made and decorated them for the party.
"How could Ah have forgotten the time?" Apple Bloom asked herself, panicking. "How could Ah have forgotten Pinkie Pie was hosting the party? How could Ah have forgotten it was at Sugercube Corner?"
Apple Bloom quickly noticed a chocolate statue and hid behind it when Pinkie Pie put a party hat on her head.
"Don't forget your party hat, Forgetty Fogetterson!" Pinkie Pie said cheerfully.
Once Pinkie Pie bounced away, Apple Bloom zipped back behind her hiding place and quickly dashed toward a tall cake Mario baked himself.
"I have to get outta here before any pony sees me!" Apple Bloom said.
Just then she saw Snails approaching, who's taking a huge bite out of the tall cake. Apple Bloom saw herself in plain sight and dashed for another hiding spot.
"Hey! It's my cute-ceanera, I'm supposed to get the first bite of cake!" Diamond Tiara complained.
But Snails just smiled, clueless to her rants. Apple Bloom relocated behind a bunch of balloons...till a random unicorn appeared and mindlessly popped all of the balloons as they danced. Apple Bloom ducked under the punch table, peeking out from underneath the tablecloth and noticed the exit to Sugarcube Corner. Apple Bloom quietly tried to tip-toe toward the exit from beneath the table, stopping only when Berryshine went for a quick drink...straight from the punch bowl. Apple Bloom just reached the exit, seemingly home free, until...
"Apple Bloom, you made it!" Applejack said.
Applejack walked right inside just as Apple Bloom was about to leave. Apple Shine turned to her mother, knew what she's up to.
"After Ah heard about Twist, As was afraid you wouldn't show up. Ah am sure you came to yer senses about this whole cutie mark thing. These things happen when these things are supposed to happen. Trying to rush 'em just drives you crazy. Ah'll let you be, looks like yer friends want to talk to you."
The friends she was referring to happened to be Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, who saw Apple Bloom desperately trying to leave. Applejack used her fore-hoof further from the door. Both rich ponies had malicious smiles on their faces as they approached her. Applejack headed towards the kitchen when Mario Star was about to walk out.
"Applejack, you can't possibly be that clueless too..."
Applejack cut off Mario Star with a smile and look that said, 'hush and trust me'. Mario conceded, but kept a discreet eye on the three girls watching as Apple Bloom began to panic and managed to successfully pull the pink tablecloth from under the punch bowl without spilling or dropping it. She then arranged the cloth, making it resemble a makeshift pink dress. Apple Bloom gave a grunt as she tied the cloth into place.
"Well, well, well, look who's here." Diamond Tiara spoke, too sweetly.
"Nice outfit." Silver Spoon adds, with the same tome.
"Just somethin' I, uh, pulled together last minute." Apple Bloom replied.
"It really shows off your cutie mark." Diamond Tiara said. "Oh wait, that's right, you don't have one."
"Uh, I have a cutie mark!" Apple Bloom lied.
"Eh, what?!" Silver Spoon replied in disbelief. "Since when?"
"Since...Um...Earlier today." Apple Bloom answered.
"Oh really?" Diamond Tiara replied, suspiciously. "Let's see it."
"Ah shouldn't...Ah couldn't." Apple Bloom said. "Mah cutie mark is so unbelievably amazing, Ah'm afraid that if Ah show it off, everyone will start payin' attention to me instead of you. Outshined at yer own cute-ceanera. Can you imagine how embarrassing that would be?"
That truly struck a nerve for Diamond Tiara as she suddenly lost her composed demeanor for a moment.
"Uh, forget it, I didn't really want to see it anyway." Diamond Tiara huffed.
"Okay, well, Ah'm gonna go mingle." Apple Bloom replied. "Enjoy the party."
Apple Bloom breathed a sigh of relief...till a fore hoof snagged a part of the cloth, tearing it off of her, and sent her rolling forward into the record player with a...
CRASH!
The record made a loud scratch and the other ponies gasped. Apple Bloom's worst fear was becoming a reality: Every pony staring at her and, as Mario said before, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon right up front like Timberwolves ready to kill their prey.
"Oh no." Apple Bloom groaned.
"Oh no." Mario moaned, covered his face.
"Wow, that is an amazing cutie mark." Silver Spoon replied.
"Nice try..." Diamond Tiara adds.
"Blank Flank!" They said in unison.
All of the other ponies began to mumble and talk to one another, both young and adult. Rose Lotus, Comet Stardust, and Apple Shine were just about had enough of those two rich fillies, even Winter Breeze have had enough when she tried to put a brave expression. However, this doesn't help Mario's increasing anxiety.
"What am I gonna do? If I stay put, Apple Bloom's the laughingstock of Ponyville. But if I interfere, I'm fighting her own battle! Urgh..."
Unable to take it anymore, Mario was about to take a hoof forward along with Comet, Rose Lotus, Apple Shine, and Winter Breeze to save Apple Bloom until...
"You've got a problem with blank flanks!"
Mario and the four foals stopped upon hearing the voice that was raspy, reminded them of Rainbow Dash. They turned as the ponies gasped in unison when two fillies revealed themselves.
A Pegasus had light brilliant gamboge fur coat with moderate cerise mane and tail, and grayish purple eyes.
A unicorn had a light gray fur coat with grayish mulberry mane and tail with pale light grayish rose streaks, and pale light grayish harlequin.
"I said, you gotta problem with blank flanks!" The filly Pegasus asked again.
"The problem is, I mean, she's like, totally not special." Silver Spoon retorted.
"If that's what you really think about blank flanks, then you're just as dumb as you look." Comet remarked with a scowl. "Just because all seven of us are blank flanks, does not mean that we won't figure out what our talent is."
"Which means, we can do whatever we want and try to discover ourselves along the way." Apple Shine adds.
"Like, she could be a great scientist, or an amazing artist, or a famous writer." The filly unicorn adds. "She could be mayor of Ponyville someday."
"I wouldn't go that far if I were you." Comet warned her with a chuckle.
With each and every suggestion, Apple Bloom's smile grew.
"And she's not stuck being stuck-up like you two." The filly Pegasus added.
"And yet, this is supposed to be a cute-ceanera." Rose Lotus points out. "Aren't we supposed to see your cutie mark and not some veil that hides it?"
Diamond Tiara growled, fed up with them.
"Now I wonder what was your talent when you have a cutie mark? Hmm...It's supposed to be a 'diamond tiara', right?" Comet joked, making them snickered. "Does that mean you're a spoiled little princess who whines to get what she wants?"
Diamond Tiara had enough and screamed, running at the colt when she was about to punch him. Comet was able to grab hold of her hoof with his auric hand, halting the punch. Comet then started to get angry as he applied pressure with his grip.
"Let go, blank flank!" Diamond Tiara screamed.
"Or what? You're gonna try and throw a punch again?" Comet growled. "Know this, I don't take kindly to bullies who started a fight."
Diamond Tiara then tried to throw another hoof at him, but Comet snatched her other hoof with his auric hand. He then applied pressure around her hooves with force, slowly bringing her down to her knees.
"Ow! Let GO!" Diamond Tiara snapped.
"What are you going to do?" Comet seethed angrily, applying more pressure to her hooves.
There was not many times Diamond Tiara had felt fear before, but now she felt fear for the first time because of her one big fatal mistake. Seeing Comet's angry glare clearly told her he won't stop until she either back off for bullying or her hooves snapped like a couple of toothpicks. Diamond Tiara couldn't do anything and she's in a very bad situation.
Twilight and Applejack are starting to get worried, never seen Comet Stardust getting angry. Of course, Diamond Tiara did deserve a bit of karma, but she just kept bullying and teasing them. However, with Diamond Tiara starting the fight and with Comet about to break her hooves, it's going too far.
"Stop! You're hurting me!" Diamond Tiara whimpered, finally realizing the position she's in.
"And why should I believe you? You're just gonna bully some more without care and not knowing the consequences." Comet said, tightening his grip some more, causing her to yelp in pain. "You're already on thin ice!"
"Comet, that's enough!" Twilight shouts, stop the fight when Comet turns to his mother. "Comet, you've done enough. You made your point. Now, let her go."
Comet didn't like it, but he knows that she's right. He then turns back to Diamond Tiara and finally released her, allowing the rich filly to scoot away from him and gently massage her sore hooves. Comet is still angry and on edge as he walked away from the Sugarcube Corner. Twilight was about to go after him, but Mario raised his fore-hoof, stopping her.
"Leave him be, Twilight. It's best we give him some space." Mario suggests firmly.
Twilight would rather have a talk with Comet, but with him on edge, she reluctantly complies. Silver Spoon felt hurt of his words, fearful of his strength, and now her chance of getting to know Comet Stardust has gone up in smoke. However, she and Zane decided to go after him, walked out of the Sugarcube Corner while try to find the colt. Apple Shine then decided to lighten the mood when she turns to the two fillies, motioned them with a nod. The two fillies showed off their flanks, which were just as blank as Apple Bloom, Apple Shine, Comet Stardust, Rose Lotus, and Winter Breeze. She gasped with shock.
"You don't have yer cutie marks either?" Apple Bloom asked surprisingly. "Ah thought me, Comet, Rose, Winter, and Apple Shine were the only ones."
"We thought we were the only two." The filly Pegasus replied.
Twilight Sparkle still wanted to talk to her son, but she allowed Mario Star to come out of the kitchen with her, he was worried about his godson, but smiled with satisfaction.
"I for one think you are six lucky foals." Twilight added.
"Very lucky, indeed." Mario agrees. "Nice to meet you, Tiara!"
The filly Pegasus gasped with shock when she saw Mario.
"You!" She exclaimed. "You're...you're the...martial arts pony!"
"You're...you're kind cute." The filly unicorn added, slightly bashful.
Mario just smiled back at her; the toothy grin made her blush harder while Diamond Tiara stood indignantly.
"Lucky?" Diamond Tiara barked angrily. "How can they be lucky?"
Now, Twilight glares indignantly, understands why Comet have put up with her for so long and about to hurt her.
"They still get to experience the thrill of discovering who they are." Twilight answered. "And what they're meant to be."
"And they got all the time in the world to figure it out." Applejack added. "Not just an afternoon."
Applejack gave her little sister a wink, proving her point.
"I just hope Comet isn't too angry, after what he did, he was about to lose it." Winter Breeze said, felt worried.
"I don't blame him after he's been through, but once Comet calms down, I'll try to talk to him." Twilight told her.
"Don't worry, both Zane and Silver Spoon are going after him." Mario assures her. "They'll try and talk to him. But Twilight, all he ever need is heart-to-heart talk."
Twilight nods with an agreement, hoping they knew what they're doing.
Outside of Sugarcube Corner, Comet sat on the bench alone, still angry at both of the rich fillies.
"Comet!" The voice of Silver Spoon called him.
It got his attention when turned to Silver Spoon and Zane approaching him.
"What do you want?" Comet asks, not in a mood.
Silver Spoon couldn't help but flinch of his tone, stays calm and spoke.
"Comet, I know that I was mean to you and your friends, but...I'm sorry." Silver Spoon apologizes, leaving Comet surprised. "You and your friends stood up time-to-time and I started to realize that it's not worth it. I never should've treated you that way, and neither should Diamond Tiara. I didn't think she would go this far as to try and start a fight. I'm also sorry for all the time the way we acted on you five."
Comet is being skeptical of her, but Zane cuts in with a smile.
"Comet, she's being genuine and sincere. She really is sorry." Zane told him. "I know Diamond Tiara doesn't want to admit, but I know deep down she's regretting her actions."
"Who are you?" Comet asks.
"Oh, sorry, my name is Zane." Zane introduces himself. "Like Mario, I'm a martial artist. And right now, I'm your new teacher in Ponyville."
"What?" Silver Spoon exclaims. "Is-"
"Cheerilee is planning to hire somepony for a new teacher. Since I came here to meet up with Mario Star and for a new job, she was kind enough to hire me after the interview." Zane explains. "And after the interview, she accepted me and I am your new teacher."
Comet and Silver Spoon now understands his explanation, but it does make sense since Cheerilee is the only teacher in Ponyville.
"But we're off the main topic." Zane said, changing the subject. "Comet, it is understandable that you've been dealing with hardships in your old world and no pony blames you for your actions. But at times, ponies can say things they didn't mean whenever they're angry. And like I said, she's being sincere."
Comet can tell Zane is right about her, sighed as he walked towards her.
"I know what you and Diamond Tiara did was wrong." Comet said. "I'll forgive you, but only this once, Silver Spoon."
"I appreciate it." Silver Spoon said with a smile. "And Comet, I'll keep an eye on her for you."
Comet nods with an understanding as he, Silver Spoon, and Zane then walk back to Sugarcube Corner.
"Silver Spoon?" Comet called her, earned her attention. "I'm sorry. I was about to lose my temper and hurt Diamond Tiara."
"I understand, Comet." Silver Spoon said. "You've got nothing to apologize. I've read the newspaper about you. I couldn't believe it at first, but after seeing you holding Tiara down, I believe it."
"Not the first time any pony couldn't believe it, and I don't think it'll be the last, either." Comet points out.
"True." Silver Spoon agrees with a giggle.
Zane was watching the two getting to know each other which it got him smiled, but he can tell that Silver Spoon had developed a crush on to the colt. Though, she did get off to a very bad start because of Diamond Tiara for the most part.
As soon as they went back inside of the Sugarcube Corner, every pony was back to enjoying the party...except Diamond Tiara. Diamond Tiara just sat near the top of the staircase, glaring bitterly at every pony just enjoying themselves. As soon as Diamond Tiara then turn towards Comet Stardust and Silver Spoon, she was still sacred at the colt after what he did, but she noticed her friend is next to him. Diamond Tiara is not only bitter, but she grew very upset. It didn't take long for Silver Spoon to notice her friend, turns to Comet and give him a wink which it got him blushed, walked away.
"Looks like you three have a good talk." The voice of Twilight said when Comet turns to his mother. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah." Comet nods. "Mom, I-"
"It's okay, Comet. I don't blame you for losing your temper, and I understand what you're going through." Twilight said with a warm smile, hugging her son. "And Comet? If you ever feel like you want to talk, you can come to me or any pony instead of getting angry, like last time."
Comet nods as he hugged his mother. Apple Bloom, Apple Shine, Rose Lotus, Winter Breeze, and the two fillies walk towards them.
"Hey, Comet, right?" The filly Pegasus asks, earned a nod from him when he and Twilight breaks the hug. "Apple Bloom told us everything about you, and we were sorry about your life."
The filly unicorn nods with an agreement while Comet nods.
"Did they tell you about themselves?" Comet asks, earned a nod from the two.
"We had no idea they've been through, especially Rose." The filly unicorn said. "I couldn't imagine what it was like to watch some pony died right before your eyes."
"Yeah, it'll like give me nightmares." The filly Pegasus agrees. "I'm Scootaloo."
"And I'm Sweetie Belle." Sweetie Belle adds.
"Rarity mention about having a sister, and I think that's you, right?" Comet asks.
"Yep, Rarity is my big sister." Sweetie Belle nods with confirm.
"While you're gone, we form our own secret society." Apple Bloom told him. "We named ourselves as the Cutie Mark Crusaders."
"And let me guess, you three are planning to find a cutie marks on your own to discover your talent?" Comet asks.
"Yeah, how did you know?" Scootaloo asks. "Are you psychic or something?"
"Nope, your expression gives it away." Comet shook his head, causing Twilight, Zane, and Mario to giggle.
"And we were hoping that you can become a member." Apple Bloom offers. "Apple Shine, Rose Lotus, and Winter Breeze declined when we asked."
"So, we would like for you to become a crusader, like us." Scootaloo adds.
"Thanks, but no thanks." Comet politely declines. "I'd like to have a cutie mark at my own pace. I'm in no rush to find it, but I got plenty of time to figure it out."
Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle couldn't help but groan in disappointment.
"But, we can still be good friends." Comet suggests, causing the three fillies to smile brightly.
And soon, they began to enjoy the party. Silver Spoon soon came down after Comet offered her to dance, which she accepts and left Diamond Tiara alone when she was shooting daggers at the seven, mostly Comet. Mario, Twilight, and Zane smiled from afar, pleased to see every pony enjoying the party. Especially when the three fillies danced, even Twist. As the party came to an end, Twilight Sparkle began to write her letter to Princess Celestia.
Dearest Princess Celestia,
I'm happy to report that one of your youngest subjects has learned a valuable lesson about friendship. Sometimes the thing you think will cause you to lose friends and feel left out...
...can actually be the thing that helps you make your closest friends and realize how special you are.
Princess Celestia read the letter aloud. By the time she finished, she gazed toward her own cutie mark with a sigh.
That's it for the 21st chapter.