Friendship is Magic: The Seventh Element

by Master Mr B

"When the sixth element is revealed, a special element can appear that is a combination of the other six. It serves as the controller that bounds the power if the six elements together. But nobody, not even the royal sisters, have ever uncovered this...Seventh Element..." Follow my OC as he takes part in the adventures of FiM. And possibly win the heart of Twilight Sparkle...

127. On Your Marks

On Your Marks

Pony's Log Number 604: The Cutie Mark Crusaders main story is complete. But what about the post-story? Where do they go from here? And does it mean staying together...or splitting up...

Early one morning, the Cutie Mark Crusaders had assembled at their clubhouse.

"Hear ye, hear ye!" said Apple Bloom, "The first post-cutie mark meetin' of the Cutie Mark Crusaders is now in session!" Apple Bloom smiled excitedly, but it soon disappeared when she noticed that nopony was listening. She saw that Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were just staring at their new cutie marks, leaving the yellow filly most annoyed. She quickly cleared her throat to get their attention.

"Oh! I'm sorry, Apple Bloom," said Sweetie Belle as Scootaloo kept staring at her cutie mark and turning about continuously, "I was distracted by the radiance of my cutie mark..." Sweetie Belle then gazed at her flank, "Did you say something?"

"I mean..." Scootaloo added as she walked up to the podium, "it's pretty amazing how the colors just pop off your flank. It's kinda hard to look aw-"

THUMP!

Scootaloo was so busy staring at her flank that she walked head first into the side of the podium. She just smiled apologetically to Apple Bloom.

"Look, I know our cutie marks are amazing," said Apple Bloom as she stepped down from the podium, "but is that all we're gonna do now? Just spend our days starin' down at our own flanks?"

"I guess not," Sweetie Belle sighed sadly but kept staring at her own flank.

"Yeah, I supposed that could get real boring..." said Scootaloo in a still dazed tone as she kept staring at her own flank and circling around.

"Yeah..." said Apple Bloom wistfully as she started to stare at her own flank, but then blinked and shook her head to snap out of it.

"This is ridiculous!" Apple Bloom retorted, "We need to go out and do something!"

"Wow, you're right," said Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah, we need to do try new stuff like we used to!" Scootaloo added.

"Exactly," said Apple in agreement.

"Like square dancing!" said Sweetie Belle as she appeared wearing a glittery cowgirl shirt, miniskirt, and brown boots. Some background square dance music was heard as she did a few steps, and then posed and winked.

"Or mountain climbing!" Scootaloo suggested as she was now wearing lederhosen and did a stock yodel.

"Or square dancin' on the mountain we just climbed!" said Apple Bloom, wearing a mish-mash of both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo's outfits, danced to some square dance music and did the stock yodel as well. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo stood beside her.

"Yeah," the three fillies said in agreement.

"And the more things we try, the more chances we'll have to finally gettin' our cutie marks," said Apple Bloom, "Come on!" Apple Bloom then headed to the front door as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo gave her a funny look and then looked at each other.

"Um...Apple Bloom?" Sweetie Belle called just as Apple Bloom was opening the door. Sweetie Belle lifted her miniskirt while Scootaloo pulled down the side of her pants, which might have been considered inappropriate if one didn't remember that ponies usually don't wear clothes. They were basically reminding Apple Bloom that they already had their cutie marks. Apple Boom then lifted her own miniskirt to see her cutie mark before she blushed and smiled back sheepishly.

Guess the old routine was pretty much out the window...so to speak.

(Main Theme)

It wasn't long before the three fillies had removed their outfits when they heard a knock on the door. Sweetie Belle opened the door to find a certain alicorn prince standing outside.

"Hello handsome," said Sweetie Belle, "What brings you here today?"

"I wanna hang out with your guys," Mario replied simply, "Hope you don't mind."

"Not one bit big brother," said Apple Bloom, "We're still deciding on what to do for the day. Make yourself at home."

"Thanks," said Mario as he walked inside, Sweetie Belle used her magic to shut the door, and Mario just took a quiet seat behind them.

"Wow...Did we really only ever do things just to get our cutie marks?" Apple Bloom asked as they started at a posted filled with activities that had red X's out of them.

"I don't know," said Sweetie Belle before Mario was about to answer, "Maybe?"

"Aw, come on!" said Scootaloo, "we did lots of stuff that didn't have anything to do with getting our cutie marks."

"Like going out in play dates with Mario," Sweetie Belle said as Scootaloo smiled in agreement.

"Those were only fun until I found out he was my brother," said Apple Bloom annoyingly, "Now I feel like a third wheel whenever you guys drag me into going with ya."

"Hey, I can't stop them from gushing over me, sis," said Mario, "And they know I only see them like you, a little sister and best friend. I always make sure you have fun during those little dates they invite me too."

"I know," said Apple Bloom, "But I still feel left out since I have nopony to have a crush on anymore."

"Well, we could try finding you a coltfriend," Scootaloo suggested, "Weren't you eyeballing..."

"Don't. Even. Think. About it!" Apple Bloom warned, giving the orange filly a death glare. Mario snickered.

"I guess our point is that we must have done stuff other than trying to get our cutie marks," said Scootaloo.

"Of course we did!" said Sweetie Belle.

"Absolutely!" said Apple Bloom.

It was then some montage music was played as scenes of the past showed Apple Bloom failing at trying to ride hang glider, trying to repair Fluttershy's broken table, and even doing some deep lake swimming.

"Who's bright idea was it for us to keep trying all those ridiculous things to get our cutie marks?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Rainbow," said Mario simply.

"And may I ask, why you never tried to stop us?" Sweetie Belle asked indignantly.

"Oh I did," said Mario, "several times over, but even after you guys went against your natural abilities at that talent show, Apple Bloom's impatience led to those cutie pox..."

"Oh, you had to bring that up!" Apple Bloom retorted indignantly.

"...several other disasters that led to destruction of private property, damaged merchandise, and let's not forget all those countless baths from being covered in mud and tree sap," Mario continued as the three fillies glared at him, "it was clear as day you weren't going to listen no matter what I said. I mean who was it that got irritated that we found our cutie marks from "finding our true purpose through self-discovery"?" Scootaloo blushed heavily as she sank to the floor while Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle glared at her.

"Never thought you'd make us feel stupid," Apple Bloom remarked.

"Hey, that's not what I was trying to do," said Mario firmly, "My point is that you three were so determined to get your cutie marks no matter what means necessary. It didn't help that my now student of friendship and Silver Spoon were constantly poking fun at you for not having your cutie marks. Even they both admit they just pushed you guys to keep trying to get them your way than earning them the right way."

"He's right you know," said Scootaloo, "cutie marks never used to be such a big deal unless those two were poking fun at us."

"I'm just glad we finally made peace with them," said Apple Bloom, "and it didn't take us getting our cutie marks for them to accept us either. Just showing them that we can be friends instead of enemies." Scootaloo nodded in agreement.

"Huh," said Sweetie Belle, "So now that we don't have to do stuff to get our cutie marks, what is it that the Cutie Mark Crusaders actually do?" The three pondered.

"Any ideas, handsome?" Sweetie Belle asked, making Mario chuckle.

"Well, what did you get your cutie marks for?" Mario replied. Apple Bloom then smiled.

"I know what we should do," Apple Bloom said excitedly, "We do exactly what we got our cutie marks in!"

"Helping other ponies!" said the three fillies at once.

"Ponies without cutie marks!" said Scootaloo.

"Or ponies who've forgotten their special purpose!" said Sweetie Belle.

"Exactly!" said Apple Boom as she appeared between them and held each filly with a fore-leg, "We just have to find ponies who need our help! Come on!" Apple Bloom headed out of the clubhouse as Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle followed right behind the yellow filly. But before they did leave, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle did grab one of Mario's fore-legs so he could come along with them.

The first pony that Apple Bloom had thought of to ask for help was Big Mac, who was busy loading up a wagon that was filled with lots of freshly picked apples.

"Are you sure you feel content?" Sweetie Belle asked as she poked out from the wagon filled with apples. She had also gotten an apple stuck on the tip of her horn.

"Eeyup," said Big Mac.

"Not even a tinge of dissatisfaction?" Scootaloo asked as she somehow appeared on Big Mac's head. Big Mac then went to hook himself to the harness of the wagon.

"Nnnope," said Big Mac as he started pulling to the wagon forward and making Scootaloo get off his head. Scootaloo tried to hover back to the ground, but then fell like a rock to the ground. Or at least she could have if Mario hadn't used his Double Gem Amulet to slow down time and slid under the orange filly so she landed softly on his stomach. Scootaloo smiled to say thank you. Then the three fillies got in front of Big Mac and stared walking backwards to follow him. Mario was just watching the scene unfold from the side of the red stallion.

"Not even the slightest naggin' sensation that you don't really know what your purpose is in life or why you have a big apple as a cutie mark?" Apple Bloom asked. Suddenly Apple Bloom tripped and fell backward. Big Mac and Mario gasped as the former put on the brakes to avoid stepping on the yellow filly, who cringed and braced for the worst. While Big Mac had managed to stop, he had stopped a little too quickly, which caused all the apples in the wagon to fall on top of him, burying the red stallion.

"Are you alright, Big bro?" Mario asked as he tried to dig the red stallion out. It wasn't long before Big Mac poked out from the pile of apples and glared at them as he spat out an apple from his mouth.

"Nnnope," said Big Mac annoyingly at the three fillies and ignoring Mario's question. The three fillies were left disappointed as Big Mac kept glaring at them as they walked sadly away.

"Take it easy bro," said Mario as he used his magic to put all the apples back into the wagon, "Apple Bloom and I were just concerned since you did mention that you were feeling a little...unimportant not too long ago, especially because of me and Applejack." Big Mac sighed.

"We've already talk things out and I'm feeling better and content with my life, little bro," said Big Mac sternly as he went to pull his wagon again.

"Sorry, just looking out for ya," said Mario as he walked away, feeling a little hurt.

"Wait, little bro," said Big Mac as Mario stopped and sadly looked back.

"Thanks," said Big Mac. Mario smiled, gave a nod, and then went to catch up with the three fillies.

Next, Apple Bloom was standing before somepony inside a room while Mario just sat blankly in the background as he leaned against a wall.

"The important thing to remember is that there is no rush," said Apple Bloom.

"The three of us tried for the longest time," Scootaloo added as she leaned in from the yellow filly's right, "but it just comes when it comes!"

"And it's totally normal to feel confused and maybe even a little lost," said Sweetie Belle as she appeared between Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, "But being a blank flank is nothing to be ashamed of."

"And don't let mean ponies or bullies tell you otherwise," said Mario from the background.

"Oh yes!" said Apple Bloom.

"Indeed," said Sweetie Belle.

"He's right," said Scootaloo, "there will always be ponies who will try to put you down for not having a cutie mark, but don't let them! Just cause they got their cutie marks before you doesn't make them better than anypony else."

"Uh-huh," said Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle in agreement.

"So if you're havin' even the slightest problem..." Scootaloo began.

"...or concerns or questions..." Sweetie Belle added.

"...we want you to know that we are here to help," Apple Bloom finished.

"I...don't think they're too worried about it yet," said Mrs. Cake from the doorway, making the three fillies blink. They had been doing their little speech to both Pound and Pumpkin, who were just babbling to themselves. They couldn't tell if they had been listening or not, not even Mario.

As some montage music began to play, a doctor was measuring the heartbeat of an elderly stallion. The doctor then turned to see the three fillies just watching him and smiling at they sat on the floor. Mario was just sitting on the back wall, looking at a magazine. The doctor then showed the three fillies his cutie mark, leaving them disappointed.

At town hall, several ponies were gathered around Mayor Mare as they presented scroll after scroll for her to sign. It was then the three fillies and Mario burst through the door with the three fillies ready for action. Mayor Mare looked at them and then showed them her cutie mark. The three fillies frowned, and they, along with Mario, backed up nervously to leave and closed the door.

The four ponies were walking down the streets of Ponyville when Filthy Rich walked past with a sack of bits. It didn't take long before the three fillies remembered that he had his cutie mark, looked disappointed, and walked away. The group later saw a pony chewing bubble gum and blowing bubbles. The pony also had a bubble gum dispenser on their flank. The three fillies then saw a pony with a very curly mustache and had a cutie mark to show he was barber, leaving the three fillies disappointed once more.

Eventually, the three fillies and Mario were now sitting together at the school playground. Sweetie Belle was sitting upright on one swing while Apple Bloom sat on the other seat on her stomach staring at the ground. Scootaloo was just sitting next the swing set. Mario had offered to push Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, but they declined...glumly.

"This is gonna be a lot harder than I thought," said Apple Bloom.

"Who knew there were so few ponies worried about their cutie marks?" said Sweetie Belle.

"And you shouldn't try to make a problem appear either," said Mario, "My wife learned that the hard way." The three fillies hummed in agreement.

"Kinda makes you wonder why we made such a big deal out of it for so long," said Scootaloo.

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Mario all shot the orange filly a glare. Didn't they say why the Cutie Mark Crusaders had been so obsessed a few hours ago?

"What?" Scootaloo asked cluelessly. Neither of the other three ponies bothered to answer her.

"The point is," said Apple Bloom as she jumped off the swing, "helpin' other ponies with cutie mark problems is what makes us special."

"But if we can't find anypony with a problem..." said Scootaloo.

"...maybe we're not special," said Sweetie Belle.

"Nonsense," said Mario, "You three fillies are special. It's just one of those slow days where finding ponies to help out are far and few. Those days happen to me all the time."

"Oh really?" said Apple Bloom skeptically, "When was the last time you had a slow day in being useful?"

"Today," Mario replied, "Everypony else is busy and I had nothing to do. I was starting to feel lonely and sad so I came looking for you." The three fillies awed and gave him a group hug.

"Well, we're more than happy to keep you company and cheer ya up, big brother," said Apple Bloom, "I just wish we could have showed you how useful we can be."

"YEAH!" shouted a voice from a short distance away. The four ponies looked to see Bulk Biceps sitting in one of the playgrounds springy seats, which was tilted into the dirt since he was way too big...and how he managed to fit in the seat was the bigger question. Regardless, the four ponies walked up to him.

"I know exactly what you mean," said Bulk, "You can't find a cutie mark problem. I have a cutie mark problem. It's so confusing, and I feel like the solution is staring me right in the muzzle." Mario was about to roll his eyes at Bulk's clueless nature, but held back since the three fillies smiled excitedly and were eager to help the muscular Pegasus out.

By some great miraculous effort, the three fillies had somehow gotten the muscular Pegasus inside the clubhouse without Mario having to teleport him inside. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were smashed against opposite walls of the clubhouse. Scootaloo and Mario were nowhere to be seen at the moment.

"I see why you guys hang out here!" said Bulk, "It's cozy!"

"The Crusader Clubhouse is a safe place, Mr...um...Bulk," said Scootaloo as she strained to get seen from behind the muscular Pegasus.

"Where you can open up without fear of judgment," said Mario in a strained tone, who was now trying to peek from the opposite side of Scootaloo.

"A place where we faced all kinds of cutie mark problems!" Apple Bloom added.

"A place where we'll go on to solve even more!" said Sweetie Belle, "Starin' with yours!"

"No matter how long it takes!" said Scootaloo as she managed to squeeze out from behind Bulk and got between Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. Mario managed to squeeze out from behind Bulk as well, but crashed into the fore-ground.

"Or how hard it is!" Sweetie Belle added.

"We'll solve it because that's what we do!" Apple Bloom said firmly.

"Yeah!" the three fillies shouted and then strained as they tried to reach each other for a high-hoof, but couldn't make it.

"YEAH!" Bulk shouted in agreement.

"So...what's your cutie mark problem?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Oh, right," said Bulk, "Uh, well, my cutie mark is a dumbbell, but I've lifted every dumbbell in Ponyville!"

"Have you tried lifting other things?" Scootaloo suggested nervously.

"You mean, not dumbbells?" Bulk replied.

"Yeah!" said Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah!" said Apple Bloom.

"YEAH!" Bulk shouted again and stamped a fore-hoof, but then the floor gave way and he crashed into the ground below. Mario recovered from his earlier crash and peeked down as the Pegasus from the hole.

"Ooh! I mean...no," said Bulk as he poked his head from the hole he had created, making Mario yelped and tumble onto his flank, "I hadn't thought of that. You guys are awesome!" The four winced at his shouting before Bulk headed off.

"WAH!" Mario yelped as Bulk smashed another hole in the floor as he reappeared where Mario had been sitting, which sent the alicorn prince flying and crashing off screen again.

"But...what happens when I run out of other stuff?" Bulk asked worriedly.

"...I guess you could teach other ponies to lift things?" Sweetie Belle suggested.

"Yeah!" said Apple Bloom.

"Yeah!" said Scootaloo as Mario wobbled over next to her.

"YEAH!" Bulk shouted again, "Wow, you three really have a knack for this!" He then disappeared for real this time. Mario quickly hovered over the holes to make sure of it.

"Guess I'll go get some wood to fix the floors," said Mario in a rather annoyed tone, "I'll be back soon!"

"Thanks, Mario," said Apple Bloom as Mario flew out of the hole.

"That was easy!" said Sweetie Belle.

"Maybe too easy," said Apple Bloom in a rather blunt tone.

"What do you mean?" Scootaloo asked, slightly puzzled.

"Well, it's lookin' like cutie mark problems are few and far between," Apple Bloom pointed out as she walked over to Sweetie Belle.

"And...?" Sweetie Belle asked, not seeing the yellow filly's point.

"And what if we never find another one?" Apple Bloom asked as she looked at Scootaloo and was starting to panic.

"Well..." Scootaloo tried to reply.

"And even if we do," Apple Bloom continued, cutting Scootaloo off, "we could solve it so quick, it'll be like it never happened in the first place!"

"So...?" Sweetie Belle asked, still not seeing the filly's point.

"So...then the Cutie Mark Crusaders don't have any reason to exist!" Apple Bloom exclaimed. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle both had sad looks on their faces and poor Apple Bloom look like she was about to have a panic attack.

It was a few minutes later when Mario arrived with the extra planks of wood. Once he had managed to get his little sister to calm down, they got to work fixing the floor. Once they had finished, Apple Bloom told Mario what had gotten her so nervous. Mario suggested they made a Venn diagram to help them deal with their issue.

"The problem boils down to this," said Sweetie Belle as she held a pointer to the Venn diagram with her magic, "we don't need to go out and do things anymore to get our cutie marks."

"Right!" said Apple Bloom, "and-"

"Ponies with cutie mark problems are hard to find," Scootaloo interrupted as she jumped into Apple Bloom's back. The yellow filly glared at her, but Scootaloo didn't take notice.

"Exactly," said Apple Bloom as Scootaloo hopped off her back, "But even when we find problems, we're so good at solvin' them that most of the time there's nothin' for the Cutie Mark Crusaders to do. So..." Apple Bloom then zipped over to the podium and unfurled a map on the wall behind them.

"I thought we should start figurin' out ways to search all of Equestria for cutie mark problems!" Apple Bloom told them.

"Whoa! Hold on there, little sister," said Mario, "I can override Applejack on alot of things, but I don't think I can convince her or Granny Smith to let you three girls travel across Equestria alone."

"You could come with us," Apple Bloom proposed, "you are the cool brother after all."

"I don't know, sis," said Mario with much uncertainty in his tone.

"That kinda seems like a lot," Scootaloo pointed out, "Plus Mario is the Prince of Friendship and Twilight will get jealous if we keep him away from her for too long."

"I don't think Rarity would let me travel to the far reaches of Equestria looking for cutie mark problems," added Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah, I'm sure we'll come across them in Ponyville," said Scootaloo, "And when we do, we'll totally solve them because we are so awesome at it!"

"That is very true," said Mario.

"Hoof!" said Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Mario together as they shared a high-hoof with each other.

"But...what do we do until then?" Apple Bloom asked from the podium.

"Maybe whatever we want?" Sweetie Belle suggested as Mario nodded in agreement.

"What do you mean?" Apple Bloom asked curiously.

"Well, we used to only do stuff to get our cutie marks or fulfill our destiny," said Sweetie Belle, "but now we don't have to."

"So...we can do things just for fun?" said Apple Bloom.

"Is doing things for fun really that foreign to ya, sis?" Mario asked dramatically, "oh my! And I thought Twilight took her fillyhood too seriously when we were growing up."

"Ha, ha, ha," said Apple Bloom indignantly, "I know what fun is, thank you!"

"Just checking," said Mario with a smirk on his face.

"Are you girls thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?" Apple Bloom asked the two fillies.

"Sure am!" said Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle together.

"Makin' potions!" shouted Apple Bloom.

"Scootering!" shouted Scootaloo.

"Singing!" shouted Sweetie Belle.

The three ponies made stunned faces as they landed since they were gonna high-hoof each other until they realized they all had different ideas about having fun.

"Ahh-heh..." Apple Bloom stuttered, "So...which should we do first?"

"How about we let Mario decide?" Sweetie Belle asked, "You'll join us won't you?"

"If I'm invited," Mario replied with a teasing smile.

"Oh course you are," said Scootaloo, "Now can we do scootering first?"

"Hey!"

"No fair!"

"Let Mario decide!" Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle protested.

"Well, Scootaloo did admit she wanted to do her activity first," said Mario, "And I actually have some spare scooters and helmets with me. So let's ride some scooters."

"Yeah!" Scootaloo said excitedly.

Soon, Scootaloo had set up a very narrow and twisty racetrack that even had a loop-de-loop and then a ramp jump at the end. The three fillies and even Mario how had their own scooters and helmets as Scootaloo approached the start of the course.

"When Scootaloo told me she wanted to ride scooters," said Mario wearily, "I thought we would just race down the paths at the park or through town together. Not try something this extreme."

"Mario, this is Scootaloo we're talking about," said Apple Bloom indignantly.

"True, but this isn't a course for an amateur scooter rider," said Mario, "what is she thinking?"

"Scootaloo thinks?" Sweetie Belle remarked.

"Sweetie..." Mario warned firmly.

"Sorry," said Sweetie Belle. It was then Scootaloo rolled up to the start of the course.

"Just remember - stomp, kick, and roll!" said Scootaloo to the rest of the group as she gestured the movements with a hind leg, "After this, you two are gonna love scootering as much as me!"

"Are you sure they shouldn't start on something a little less...daredevil-like?" Mario suggested.

"We did far more dangerous stuff when we were trying to get our cutie marks," said Scootaloo, "besides, that's what all that hay down below is for!" Mario then noticed all the piled hay around the track.

At least she's made sure nopony gets hurt falling off the track Mario thought...nervously.

"If you say so," said Apple Bloom, feeling just as intimidated as she put her helmet on. Sweetie Belle used her magic to do the same.

"Ready?" Scootaloo asked but didn't wait for an answer, "Stomp, kick, and roll!" Scootaloo then stomped the ground, kicked to get herself moving and jumped as she launched herself down the ramp.

"Whooo!" Scootaloo cheered excitedly as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle watched fearfully as the orange Pegasus raced forward. Scootaloo made going through the track look easy as she effortlessly took each turn at high speed. As she went through the loop-de-loop, jumped into the air as her scooter went through the loop and then landed back on it. She then launched off the ramp, did a super pony pose, and landed safely inside the second story of the barn and skidded to a stop.

"Ta-da!" said Scootaloo proudly.

"Whoo! Awesome moves, Scoot!" Mario shouted, feeling pumped up, "who's ready to give it a try?" Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle just looked stunned as the former fell off her scooter into some bushes and Sweetie Belle just rolled backwards and fell off soon afterward.

"I don't think I did it right," said Apple Bloom, now covered in grass and laughing nervously. Scootaloo was most indignant, knowing neither filly didn't even try.

"Well, I'll gonna give this course a go!" said Mario as he launched from the starting line, "Mario time!" Mario then zoomed about, even power-sliding the turns to give himself a mini-turbo. As he approached the loop-de-loop, Mario did a side somersault as his scooter went through the loop and landed back on it. Once he launched from the ramp, Mario did a 720 spin and then posed with his hind legs in the air before landing inside the barn area and skidded to a stop. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle's jaw hit the floor while Scootaloo was smiling widely.

"Is it possible to fall in love with you twice?" Scootaloo gushed as Mario chuckled to himself. Sweetie Belle, who heard Scootaloo, growled jealously. Apple Bloom just rolled her eyes.

At the Carousel Boutique, Sweetie Belle and Mario were standing before one music stand while Apple Bloom and Scootaloo stood on the other. Sweetie Belle then held a pitch pipe with her magic and blew into it.

"Do...Mi...So..." Sweetie Belle sang and then looked at Mario.

"Fa...La...Ti..." Mario sang back in his baritone voice. Sweetie Belle giggled.

"You have such a good singing voice handsome," said Sweetie Belle, which Mario just blushed shyly. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom glared. The latter was annoyed while the former was jealous.

"It's just a simple harmony," Sweetie Belle told Scootaloo and Apple Bloom as she gave them a sheet of music. The two fillies winced when they saw a very difficult music composition. Even Mario was rather baffled. He knew Sweetie Belle loved music and writing lyrics, but he had no idea she could read music this complex.

"Simple harmony, huh?" Scootaloo remarked.

"Are you sure Apple Bloom and Scootaloo can read this kind of music?" Mario asked.

"Jump Up, Pony Star was just as complicated," said Sweetie Belle, "and Harmony Light was even harder." Apple Bloom and Scootaloo glared.

"We didn't sing Harmony Light," Apple Bloom said indignantly, but was ignored as Sweetie Belle used her magic to pick up a baton and tapped the top of her music stand.

"And a-one, and a-two, and a-one two three!" said Sweetie Belle.

"Do..." Sweetie Belle sang on key.

"Fa..." Mario sang on key as well.

"So...!" Apple Bloom sang, slightly off key but was fixable.

"MI!" Scootaloo sang completely off key and so loudly that the other three ponies cringed.

"Wow, that was simple," said Scootaloo as Mario and Apple Bloom gave her the stink eye. Sweetie Belle was so angry that Scootaloo didn't even try to be on key that she snapped her baton in two.

Once Sweetie Belle had calmed down and Mario had repaired her broken baton. The four ponies headed to Zecora's house. Now it was time to try some potion making and Apple Bloom was trying to show Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo what to do.

"It's just a dash, and a drop, and a drip!" said Apple Bloom as she put a drop of some yellow and blue mixes into a bowl as Zecora was busy working in the background. It was then a single plant sprouted an produced a single apple.

"I see you've improved on your apple growing potion," said Mario, "Twilight will be very impressed." Zecora smiled as well.

"Just a dash, and a drop, and a drip!" Apple Bloom repeated.

POOF!

Apple Bloom, Mario, and Zecora turned to see Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle covered in brown soot on their face and manes from a potion gone horribly wrong. Scootaloo just spat out her tube annoyingly and glared.

"Oh boy..." Mario said wearily, Zecora just looked annoyed, and Apple Bloom...looked rather sad and disappointed.

Once the mess was cleaned up and the three fillies apologized to Zecora, they headed back to the clubhouse. They were discussing how they all wanted to do different things that only one pony liked and the others didn't.

"...and even though Scootaloo thinks bungee jumping is the bees knees," said Apple Bloom as she marked a red X over the paper with the activity on it.

"...Sweetie Belle would rather keep bees," Apple Bloom continued as she marked an X over bee-keeping and spat out the marker.

"Of course, I'm allergic," said Apple Bloom, "Who'd've thought it'd be so hard to find something for all of us to do together?"

"The problem, if I can be honest with you three," said Mario, "was that when one of you found something fun, the others didn't really try doing the activity. Or the person in charge of the activity didn't consider the others' feelings."

"What do you mean?" Scootaloo asked.

"Did you really expect Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle to be able to launch off of ramps or loop-de-loops doing scootering the first time?" Mario asked. Scootaloo sighed.

"Yeah, that was a bit much huh?" said Scootaloo.

"Ya think?" Sweetie Belle retorted.

"And wasn't it unfair of you to expect Apple Bloom and Scootaloo to read advanced music notes," said Mario, "I may be a Pony Tones member, but even I was struggling reading that music sheet!"

"Oh...right..." Sweetie Belle remarked.

"I thought a simple apple growing potion was easy enough," said Apple Bloom quietly.

"Well it wasn't!" Scootaloo snapped.

"Alright, that's enough!" said Mario, wanting to avoid a fight breaking out, "I guess the point here is that it might help if you considered the feelings of your fellow Crusaders when you pick an activity. After all, I may be a master of parkour, but if any of you wanted to try it with me. I wouldn't make you do one of my regular courses on the first try. I'd start with something easy until you got the hang of the basic moves and teach you harder stuff as you got better."

"Good idea, Big Brother," said Apple Bloom, "If we just consider each other's feelings, we can find something fun for all of us to do together and still have fun."

"Well, I know this might sound crazy and it's kind of opposite of what Mario suggested," said Scootaloo, "But what if we didn't?"

"Didn't what?" Apple Bloom asked.

"What do you mean, Scoot?" Mario asked.

"Do things together," said Scootaloo, "Well, do everything together." Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement.

"But we're the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" Apple Bloom protested as she stamped a fore-hoof definitively.

"And we always will be!" said Scootaloo, "But I really wanna bungee jump! The speed, the height, the fall!"

"The sound of grown stallions shrieking like little fillies," Mario remarked as Scootaloo snickered.

"Good one, Mario," Scootaloo replied as they shared a high hoof.

"And I know you two aren't interested," said Sweetie Belle, "but I wanna try crochet. Care to join me handsome?" Mario went to reply when Scootaloo got in front of him.

"Hey, I wanna invite Mario bungee jumping!" Scootaloo protested.

"Well, I asked him first!" Sweetie Belle protested.

"She's right Scootaloo, remember our rule?" Mario reminded the orange Pegasus.

"Speak up before somepony else beats you to it," said Scootaloo...hastily, "Can I ask next time, you'll hang out with me?"

"You got a deal," said Mario as Scootaloo smiled and felt better.

"Isn't there something you've always wanted to do on your own?" Scootaloo asked Apple Bloom as she and Sweetie Belle asked excitedly. Apple Bloom just gave them both a blank look.

"I don't know..." said Apple Bloom honestly, "I guess I figured we'd always do stuff together. But bungee jumping sounds just as scary as crochet sounds borin'."

"Only if you don't give them a fair try," said Mario, "Bungee jumping is scary, but Twilight Velvet, my mother-in-law, showed me how much fun the thrill can be."

"I didn't know Twilight's mom did bungee jumping," said Scootaloo.

"Pffft, next time she visits, I'll invite you to hang out with us, Scoot," said Mario, "Twilight Velvet loves daredevil stuff just as much as you do. Last time, we did tightrope walking across a pool of lava."

"Cool!" said Scootaloo excitedly.

"And crochet?" Apple Bloom asked rather bluntly.

"Granny Smith showed me the basics," said Mario, "but that was a while ago and I never really tried to crochet myself. I'm willing to try it again. Guess that means Sweetie Belle and I will be learning the basics together." Sweetie Belle bounced on her hooves excitedly.

"I see..." said Apple Bloom in a plain but slightly glum tone, "well, neither seems to interest me. Sorry."

"That's okay," said Scootaloo, "Sweetie Belle and I can do the things we like, and you can do whatever you like!"

"Just as soon as you figure out what it is," said Sweetie Belle. The two smiled at the yellow filly, not even noticing that Apple Bloom looked a little dejected. Mario looked a little concerned.

"I guess..." said Apple Bloom quietly and then blinked when she saw Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were heading for the front door.

"Great!" said Scootaloo, "Then we can meet back here and talk all about what we've done!"

"But I don't know what it'll be," Apple Bloom protested.

"You'll find something!" said Sweetie Belle with a grin.

"Something awesome!" Scootaloo added with a grin of her own. Then the two fillies zoomed away, but Sweetie Belle came back when she found Mario was still inside the clubhouse. Mario was concerned about Apple Bloom.

"Coming handsome?" Sweetie Belle asked. Mario blinked and turned to look at the marshmallow filly.

"Give me a few seconds with my little sister, Sweetie Belle," said Mario.

"Okay, but hurry up!" said Sweetie Belle as she zipped away. Mario just chuckled at her impatience and then turned to face the yellow filly.

"Apple Bloom..." Mario said gently.

"Just go," said Apple Bloom bluntly.

"Sis, please what's..."

"I said GO!" Apple Bloom yelled and turned away. Mario nearly retorted but then bit his tongue. He could remember when Twilight tried yelling at him to be honest with her and how well things had turned out.

"Alright," said Mario calmly, "I'll be at the Carousel Boutique with Sweetie Belle if you wanna talk about it. I love you, Apple Bloom. You can talk to me about anything...whenever you're ready to do so." The yellow filly didn't turn around. If she had, Mario would have noticed a small tear streaming down one of her cheeks.

"Good luck finding something fun to do," said Mario with an encouraging smile, but got no reply. He then took his leave to give the filly her space. It was then Apple Bloom finally turned around and wiped the tear from her eye and sighed.

"Well...I guess now I'll have to," said Apple Bloom sadly as her pink bow went limp.

[Apple Bloom - She looked behind herself as she looked at all the drawings of various activities on the walls and floor. She then headed toward a nearby window as she saw Scootaloo and Sweetie belle, the latter with Mario at her side, parted ways to go have their fun. She then walked away from the window with her head held low.]

I never imagined myself out on my own
Tryin' to find out what's next for me
The Cutie Mark Crusaders have always been my home
Now maybe there's more that I could be

[Apple Bloom - As she kept singing, a stallion helped her put on a life-preserve as she climbed into a raft with three other adult ponies. The raft then took off with everypony but her using paddles to control the raft. She also bounced into the air every time the raft hit a dip or a bump from the raging waters.]

I guess as time goes by
Everypony has to go out on their own
And maybe someday I'll have to try
Somethin' new that's just for me
A little somethin' that could be
Just my own and I won't feel so left behind

[Apple Bloom - She then jumped into a bucket filled with grapes along with two other ponies. She happily jumped and stomped about, but wasn't paying attention to her bouncing and fell out of the bucket. The two other ponies checked to see if she was alright. Apple Bloom looked a bit dazed, but just looked at her grape colored hooves. Next, she was at an artist studio where various ponies were trying to paint Tree Hugger as she stood on a platform and posed on her hind legs. While the other ponies did various artistic styles, Apple Bloom's painting was very amateurish, which left her feeling more sad and dejected.]

We used to say that we'd be always side by side
Maybe things are changin' and this could mean goodbye
I always thought our friendship was all I'd ever need
We've always been crusadin' - what else is there for me?

[Apple Bloom - She was seen mixing something in a bowl at what appeared to be a cooking class. Silver Spoon, Diamond Tiara, and a third pony were also working together at their own station behind her. Apple Bloom then pulled out a beautifully made pie from the oven and set it on the table. She then went to hand out forks only to find that nopony else was at her station. She then looked to see that Diamond Tiara had gone in for a huge bit of their own pie as Silver Spoon used a fork to give their third member a taste. Apple Bloom just looked dejected and left the baking class, leaving her pie behind. As she walked alone, several pictures showing soccer, fishing, sewing, and carpentry were seen around her. She then sat in the middle of a wooden bridge.]

I guess as time goes by
Everypony has to go out on their own
And maybe someday I'll have to try
Somethin' new that's just for me
A little somethin' that could be
Just my own and I won't feel so left behind

Poor Apple Bloom just felt miserable as she sat alone on the bridge, feeling very lonely. She didn't ponder alone for long. She then saw a pie being put in front of her and looked to her side to see a familiar tiara wearing filly giving her a warm smile.

"You left this behind," said Diamond Tiara, "I figured you wouldn't want to let such a tasty pie go to waste."

"Oh...umm...thanks," said Apple Bloom sadly, "But you can have it. I'm not hungry..." Diamond Tiara gave her a concerned look.

"What's wrong Apple Bloom?" Diamond Tiara asked, "you look upset."

"It's...nothing, Di," said Apple Bloom in a glum tone.

"It can't be if you acting so glum," said Diamond Tiara, "If there's one thing Master taught me, it was to sense when something is bothering somepony."

"Well, maybe it's nopony's business but their own," said Apple Bloom irritably.

"Yeah, and look how well pushing ponies away did for your big brother," said Diamond Tiara firmly, "You're my friend, Apple Bloom, and I care about you just like you care about me. Now what's bugging you?" Apple Bloom just sighed.

"Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle want to do things on their own from now on," said Apple Bloom in a bitter tone, "Apparently, they think we don't need to do things together anymore."

"Oh, Apple Bloom, I'm sure that's not what they meant," said Diamond Tiara, "You're the Cutie Mark Crusaders after all!"

"Oh, really?" Apple Bloom snapped, "Do ya see them with me now? Unless you're gonna tell me they're under some sort of invisibility spell? Hey ya invisible Scootaloo! Hey ya invisible Sweetie Belle! Nice to see you've come to spend time with me, even after telling me you don't want to anymore!" Apple Bloom panted heavily as tears built up in their eyes. Diamond Tiara gave the filly a worried look, but wasn't sure of what to say.

"Well...what are they doing now, if I can ask?" Diamond Tiara replied once she felt Apple Bloom had calmed down.

"Scootaloo's doin' bungee jumping and Sweetie Belle's on a date with Mario doin' some crochet," said Apple Bloom bluntly.

"Why didn't you join them?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"Bungee jumping scares me," said Apple Bloom honestly, "and crochet sounded boring. You can go ahead and laugh if you want."

"Hey, I don't do that anymore," said Diamond Tiara, "Bungee jumping sounds scary to me too and, no offense, but crochet sounds more like a Granny Smith kind of activity."

"None taken," said Apple Bloom, "They said I should find something to do, but so far I've got nothing. I still don't get why finding something we all liked to do had to be so hard."

"Oh, Apple Bloom, not everypony is gonna like the things you do," said Diamond Tiara, "Take Silver for example. I found out that while I like to go window shopping. She hates it! And that used to be our go to activity back in the day. And I found out that she likes to go antiquing, especially for old silverware, which I find to be...and I'm just being honest, not mean...boring!"

"Your point?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Just because you all share different interests doesn't mean you still can't be the Cutie Mark Crusaders," said Diamond Tiara, "Sometimes spending time apart from each other is a good thing."

"How is being apart from my best friends helpful?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Well..." Diamond Tiara pondered, "Master says sometimes being apart can help you learn to cherish and appreciate each other better. Then when you do spend time together, it feels more valuable and special."

"And in the mean time, I feel all alone!" Apple Bloom snapped before muttering under her breath, "it's like they've gone and abandoned me..."

"What did you say?" Diamond Tiara asked in surprise.

"N-n-n-nothing!" said Apple Bloom quickly. Diamond Tiara looked at Apple Bloom sadly.

"I'm sure that's not the case, Apple Bloom," said Diamond Tiara, "These are your best friends you're talking about. They would never abandon you." Apple Bloom winced but then looked away sadly.

"I...guess so..." said Apple Bloom doubtfully. Diamond Tiara surprised the yellow filly by giving her a hug.

"I know so," said Diamond Tiara, "True friends will always stick together, even if they want to do different things. But if you feel this way, it might help if you told Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo about it. Silver and I had to learn to be honest with each other and now our friendship is getting stronger everyday!"

"Good to hear," said Apple Bloom in a depressed tone. Diamond Tiara sighed.

"Do you want some company?" Diamond Tiara asked, "Silver and I were gonna head to the park and feed some ducks if you'd be interested in joining us. At least you won't be alone." Apple Bloom just looked at the tiara-wearing filly and gave her a small smile. Then her ears heard something nearby.

"And one, two, three four," Apple Bloom heard inside what appeared to be a dancing school, "two, two, three, four..." Diamond Tiara also heard voice from inside the dance school and smiled.

"You gonna go check it out?" Diamond Tiara asked.

"You bet," said Apple Bloom, feeling more cheerful, and ran off, "See ya, Di! Enjoy the pie!" Diamond Tiara just watched the yellow filly head to the dancing school and just sighed to herself.

I really hope she talks things out with her friends Diamond Tiara thought worriedly as she put the pie on her back and balanced it as she headed off to go find Silver Spoon.

I wonder if I should tell Master about this Diamond thought to herself I mean...it seems like he and Apple Bloom have the same fears. He can help her... As Diamond pondered about whether to tell Mario or not, Apple Bloom was heading toward the dancing school, where the teacher, Hoofer Steps was still instructing the other little filly and colt dancers.

"One, two, three, four," Hoofer Steps repeated, "Two, two, three, four-" It was then the door burst open.

"Whatever kind of dancin' y'all are doin'," said Apple Bloom excitedly, "you're doin' it together, and I want in!" Hoofer Steps and the rest of the students just stared at her. Apple Bloom quickly recomposed herself.

"I-I mean, uh," said Apple Bloom as she cleared her throat, "Would it be okay if I enrolled in this dance class?"

"Well, let's see what you can do," said Hoofer Steps as she approached the yellow filly, "We have a recital at Town Hall tonight, and a spot just opened up!" She then leaned closer to Apple Bloom.

"Tender Taps is a little too shy to perform," Hoofer Steps told the yellow filly in a hushed tone as she pointed to a colt that had the same mane and tail coloring at Scootaloo, but his purple mane and tail were darker. He was also wearing a dancing outfit as he sat in a corner looking rather timid and waved at Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom just waved back.

"But if you're ready to step into a partnered routine..." Hoofer Steps continued.

"That sounds an awful lot like friendship!" said Apple Bloom, "And I'm ready for anything I don't have to do by myself!"

"Well then!" said Hoofer Steps, "Dancing with partner will be perfect." She then clapped her fore-hooves together. It was then another colt stood in the middle of the dance floor and twirled as he extended a fore-hoof to Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom smiled and gently offer him her fore-hoof. He then pulled her up on her hind legs and started to do a slow tango with her as some appropriate music played in the background. Apple Bloom couldn't help but feel a little shy but was able to follow her partner's moves. The colt then made Apple Bloom twirl about quickly.

"Whooooooa!" Apple Bloom yelped as she stopped spinning and felt a bit dizzy, but she quickly recovered and was able to do a finished pose that mirrored her partner. Apple Bloom smiled excitedly. Then there was trouble. Apple Bloom then grabbed her partner and tried to take the lead as some faster tango music was played.

"Whoa, whoaaa!" Apple Bloom yelped again as she made herself and the colt spin about. They both bumped into the other dancing pairs, knocking them over before they fell over. Everypony was all piled up together with Apple Bloom at the top of the pile.

"Whew!" said Apple Bloom, "I feel like that went pretty good, but let's give it one more whirl, because it's important that I do a good job partnering with my new group of friends." The other students just rolled their eyes and groaned silently. Hoofer Steps just stared as the rest of the students got up and gathered behind her.

"Eh...Now I'm think of it," said Hoofer Steps, "you might be better as soloist." Apple Bloom looked very disappointed. It wasn't long before the rest of the students were back to practicing and Hoofer Steps could tell that Apple Bloom was still looking very glum.

"Uh, partnering is a little advanced for you," said Hoofer Steps, trying to cheer Apple Bloom up, "But there's still lots you can do on your own."

"I'm sorry," said Apple Bloom sadly, "but doin' stuff on my own is exactly what I don't want." Apple Bloom then walked out of the dancing school to leave. Tender Taps just watched the yellow filly exit the dance school. He quickly removed his dance outfit and went to catch up with Apple Bloom.

"Sorry it didn't work out," Tender Taps told the very glum filly.

"Tryin' different things with my friends is always fun," Apple Bloom replied, "even when we were terrible. Now it's just terrible."

"You weren't that bad," said Tender Taps, "You just need to learn a few things on your own. Being a soloist can be fun!" He then started to dance for Apple Bloom. He began to rapidly tap dance on just his hind hooves, then swung around a lamp post, and slid across the ground on his hind knees.

"Ha Haha!" Tender Taps chanted as he danced and then stood back up on all fours, "You just have to do it with feeling!" He then ran up a wall, back-flipped and then landed while doing a perfect split on his hind legs. Apple Bloom just stared with her jaw hanging open but then went back to looking glum.

"Thanks, but..." Apple Bloom sighed, "without my friends, I don't think I'll ever feel again. Good luck at the recital." She started to walk away.

"Oh, I'm not gonna do that," said Tender Tap, "I mean, I want to. It's kind of all I think about. I bet someday my cutie mark will even be about performing! But I could never dance in front of an audience the way I do in class. That's t-t-t-t-terrifying!" Tender Taps trembled fearfully as Apple Bloom just continued to walk away from him.

"Yeah, okay," said Apple Bloom in a deadpan tone, "Nice meetin' you."

"You, too," said Tender Taps sadly before he tap-danced away on all four hooves.

A couple of hours later, Sweetie Belle and Mario were heading out of the Carousel Boutique, each of them wearing a multi-colored scarves around their necks. They hadn't gone too far when they saw Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon waiting for them.

"We heard you had a crochet date with Sweetie Belle," Silver Spoon remarked. Mario showed his poorly made scarf.

"Look, I actually stink at something!" said Mario sarcastically. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon giggled.

"It is pretty bad," Diamond Tiara remarked honestly, "But knowing you, I'm sure you'll get better, Master."

"Thanks," said Mario with an eye roll.

"What's brings you here?" Sweetie Belle asked curiously.

"We're here because Di wanted to tell Mario something," said Silver Spoon, "Go on!" Diamond Tiara took a slow deep breath.

"I ran into Apple Bloom earlier today," Diamond Tiara explained, "She looked really sad. I asked her what was up and she told me how you guys were doing separate things. But she mentioned something about feeling abandoned..."

"What?!" Sweetie Belle interjected, "We didn't abandon her!"

"I figured you didn't," said Diamond Tiara, "but she seems convinced you don't want to hang out with her anymore. Plus she looked really, really sad. Like...when Mario gets the blues kind of sad..."

"Nopony wants to see a gloomy Apple Bloom moping around," said Silver Spoon, "we're both worried about her." Diamond Tiara nodded in agreement.

"I see," said Mario as he pondered to himself.

"I hope you're not upset I told you," said Diamond Tiara, "Apple Bloom said nothing about keeping this a secret..."

"No, Di, it's fine," said Mario, "Thank you for telling Sweetie Belle and I about this. We'll take care of Apple Bloom."

"Right," said Sweetie Belle. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon smiled.

"Thanks, Mario," said Silver Spoon, "We know you'll help Apple Bloom. Come on, Di, I still want to show you that new tea that my Mom said she loved." Diamond nodded as she and Silver Spoon bid Mario and Sweetie Belle good-bye. They headed to the clubhouse. It didn't take long before they had arrived back at the clubhouse. Sweetie Belle was halfway up the ramp when she and Mario saw Scootaloo arriving wearing a helmet, goggles, and stunt suit.

"Sweetie Belle! Mario!" Scootaloo called out, "You are not gonna believe this, but I think I like bungee jumping even more than scootering!"

"That's awesome Scoot," said Mario.

"Seriously?!" Sweetie Belle excitedly, "That's amazing! Look what Mario and I did!" Sweetie Belle used her magic to show her hoof-made scarf. Mario then showed his own scarf. Scootaloo was surprised to see that Mario's scarf didn't look any better than Sweetie Belle's.

"Wow, uh, that's, um..." Scootaloo was struggling to say something positive and encouraging.

"Horrible!" said Sweetie Belle, "But it was so much fun! Especially with Mario learning along side with me! Rarity showed us how, even thought she says," Sweetie Belle then imitated Rarity, ""Crochet is knitting's poorer cousin"."

"Yet she was inspired to make crochet chic for next season's fashion line darling," said Mario in a snooty tone, making Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo laugh heartily.

"True," said Sweetie Belle, "but despite what Rarity's said, I loved it! And Mario says that the more I do it, they better I'll be."

"Awesome!" said Scootaloo, "but next time we do separate activities, he's coming with me for bungee jumping! We had a deal."

"Fair enough, Scoot," said Mario and then smirked, "I mean you seem excited about the idea of you and me hugging each other while being tied together by a bungee cord." Scootaloo's eyes popped out.

"Well, I can't help it if you're super cuddly," Scootaloo replied and then blushed deep red once she realized what she had said, "I mean...that's NOT why I want to bungee jump with you! It's NOT! GAH!" Sweetie Belle and Mario laughed as Scootaloo growled inwardly as her face went dark red.

"It's okay, Scoot," said Mario, "I like hugging you too." Scootaloo just giggled sheepishly as they headed inside of the clubhouse. When they opened the door, they were shocked to see Apple Bloom sitting alone. Since her back was against them, they couldn't tell Apple Bloom was sulking. Mario and Sweetie Belle shared knowing looks with each other, now remembering that Apple Bloom was having her own problems at the moment.

"Oh, hello, girls and big brother," said Apple Bloom in calm, but also very bitter and resentful tone, "Have fun pursuing you own interests?" She then gave them a bitter glare.

"Apple Bloom?" Scootaloo asked as Mario and Sweetie Belle looked at her with stunned faces, "What are you doing sitting in the dark?"

"Is there something you want to talk about, Sis?" Mario asked in a concerned tone.

"Yeah," Sweetie Belle added, "we thought you'd be out looking for things you like to do." Apple Bloom gave them a very angry laugh.

"I did," said Apple Bloom with a smile that was anything but cheerful and possibly mentally unstable, "I looked all over town. I looked...and I looked...and I looked...and you know what I found?" The three ponies just looked rather disturbed as they all nervously shook their head.

"NOTHIN'!" Apple Bloom yelled as she got into their faces. She then quickly opened the blinds, making all three ponies flinch at the bright light. Once their eyes had adjusted, they were shocked to see Apple Bloom sitting bitterly and surrounded by sheets of paper with various activities that had red X's all over them. The papers covered the walls and even the floor as Apple Bloom sat in the middle with a bitter look on her face.

"Momma mia..." Mario groaned wearily at the sight.

"You tried every one of these?" Scootaloo asked as the three ponies walked up to Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom just nodded bitterly.

"And each one just made me feeling more alone than the next!" said Apple Bloom angrily, "I don't see how I'm supposed to be happy that we're not hanging out anymore!" Apple Bloom just stared at the floor angrily. The three ponies just looked rather stunned and puzzled at what the yellow filly had said.

"Wait, I never said that," said Scootaloo, "I just said we don't have to do everything together." Sweetie Belle and Mario nodded in agreement.

"Like when there's something one of us wants to do that the others don't," Sweetie Belle added.

"Oh..." said Apple Bloom as she blinked in understanding, "Well, I guess that changes things." She then gave them a look that showed both embarrassment as well as sheepishness. Mario just looked at her sympathetically as he walked up to the yellow filly.

"Apple Bloom," said Mario gently, "what made you think Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, even me, wouldn't want to hang out with you anymore?" Apple Bloom just looked away. Mario released a slow deep breath.

"Sweetie Belle and I ran into Di and Silver along the way here," said Mario, "Di told us how you were feeling."

"Snitch," Apple Bloom muttered.

"She's not a snitch," said Mario, "If there's one thing I taught my faithful student, it was the fine line between keeping a secret and speaking up when you know something isn't right. She told me because she and Silver were worried about you. Sweetie Belle is worried about you and so is Scootaloo." Both little fillies nodded in agreement. Apple Bloom growled and kept her back against them.

"Don't do this," Mario warned gently, "Don't shut me out, Apple Bloom. You didn't like it when I did that to you..."

"Well, what do you want me to say?!" Apple Bloom snapped as she did a fast one-eighty, "That I have a fear of being abandoned just like you?!" Apple Bloom's lips instantly went inside her mouth before she turned her back against them again. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo looked at her sadly.

"I would believe it," said Mario quietly.

"What do you mean?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"I know you too have alot in common," said Scootaloo, "but can siblings get the same fears?"

"It's not a genetic flaw, or something you get from your family, like anxiety and such," said Mario, "It comes from life experiences. In Apple Bloom's case, it's the fact our parents weren't around to take care of her. They might not have outright abandoned her like they did with me, but the fact is still the same. She feels alone because they aren't around to take care of her. I'm guessing she's afraid somepony else she loves and cares about will do the same to her. In this case, it's because you've all gotten your cutie marks. Am I getting to the issues here Sis? If I'm wrong, please speak up..." Apple Bloom just sniffled a couple of times and then turned around to show her pupils had gotten larger and were filled with held back tears.

"Do ya always have to...to..." Apple Bloom couldn't finish her statement since she lost her grip on her tears and they started to fall and Apple Bloom felt like she would lose it if she kept trying to speak.

"Apple Bloom, I'm not trying to be pushy," said Mario as he sat before the now crying yellow filly, "But even since I reconnected with you, I've seen plenty of situations where I've seen you have this fear. The first time was Di's Cute-ceanera. When you didn't want to feel like an outsider because you didn't have your cutie mark. Another was when you had all those nightmares, two of those bad dream scenarios involved seeing Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo both making you feel excluded. And then now, all Scootaloo was talking about was having fun with an activity on their own, but you took as them saying they don't want to hang out with you. It's clear to me that you are just as much afraid of being abandoned and left alone as I am." Apple Bloom began to sob as she covered her eyes with her fore-hooves. Mario pulled the little filly in for a gentle hug. Apple Bloom just cried harder.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Apple Bloom sobbed.

"Don't be," said Mario gently as he used a fore-hoof to stroke her mane, "It's just a fear that we need to overcome together. Plus having anxiety certainly doesn't make that fight any easier. But what I want you to understand is that you don't have to deal with this alone. You have your family and your friends to help you get through this. We all love you, Apple Bloom. Nopony is going to leave you."

"Are you sure?" Apple Bloom croaked as she pulled away, but her tears kept flowing.

"Yes," said Mario, "We'll all be here to help you get past this. Just like you three are here to help me." He then kissed Apple Bloom's forehead, which she gave a light giggle as her tears started to slow down.

"Yeah, Apple Bloom," said Sweetie Belle, "we're your best friends. We're never going to abandon you. Pinkie Promise." Scootaloo nodded and smiled in agreement as they gave the yellow filly a group hug. Apple Bloom gave them a smile as she wiped her eyes and stood up, but the others could tell she still looked embarrassed.

"It's going to be okay, Sis," said Mario gently, "I love you."

"I know it will and I love you too," said Apple Bloom, "I...I guess I understand now how after you opened up about this that afterward you couldn't help but feel a little ridiculous. How could I have been so dumb? My best friends were never abandoning me at all!"

"Honestly," said Scootaloo, "I can't believe you thought we didn't want to hang out anymore."

"I can't believe you tried all this stuff and didn't find one thing you liked," Sweetie Belle added. Apple Bloom just winced at all the crossed out papers.

"Well, I kind of liked dancin'," said Apple Bloom as she showed a crossed out picture of the said activity, "mainly because it looked like somethin' you couldn't do alone, but I wasn't very good at it."

"Well, you don't have to be good at something to have fun!" said Sweetie Belle with a smile

"And being good doesn't always mean you will," added Scootaloo.

"That is very true," said Mario, impressed at their words of wisdom.

"I know..." said Apple Bloom, "I guess I was just too focused on being feeling alone that I didn't really give any of these things a chance to see if I would enjoy them. Di had even invited me to the park to feed some ducks with Silver. I probably should've just said yes."

"Well, there's always next time," said Mario, "and Di and Silver told me to say that they care about you too. They've got your back." Apple Bloom chuckled.

"It's still funny how the very fillies who used go out of her to make us miserable is now looking out for me like a good friend," said Apple Bloom, "You're clearly doing well as Di's friendship teacher, Big brother. Even Silver Spoon is alot nicer too." Mario chuckled sheepishly.

"I'm still learning as I go," said Mario modestly, "and Di says she's much happier forging her own path and becoming the pony she wants to be. And Silver's happier that she can be a friend rather than a bully." Apple Bloom then remembered something.

"Speaking of pony's who want to forge their own dreams," said Apple Bloom, "I met the best dancer in the world, but he..."

"You danced with a colt?!" Mario called out in surprise, "Hey, Scoot. Guess you don't need to find Apple Bloom a coltfriend after all." Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle snickered.

"I didn't dance with a colt," Apple Bloom retorted through her teeth as her cheeks turned pink, "I mean I did, but it wasn't him...just...UGH!" Apple Bloom panted heavily as her mane was starting to look a little frazzled.

"Easy, sis," chuckled Mario as he rubbed a fore-hoof through her mane to get the frazzled frizz out of it, "I'm just teasing. Now tell us about this colt being the best dancer."

"Well...he...was so shy," said Apple Bloom as she got her thoughts back on track, "he couldn't bring himself to perform, even though he really, really wanted to."

"Oh, I so understand that," said Mario, "you've all heard my stories about how I had severe stage fright despite being told I'm a pretty good actor, signer, and dancer." The fillies nodded in understanding. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo then blinked as they exchanged a look with each other.

"I don't suppose this dancing pony had a cutie mark, did he?" Sweetie Belle asked as she and Scootaloo smiled. Apple Bloom went agape in realization.

"He...he didn't!" said Apple Bloom, "Oh my gosh, Crusaders! Do you know what this means?"

"We've got a cutie mark problem to solve!" they said excitedly before they shared a hoof bump.

"CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS GO!" they shouted.

"Right on!" Mario added as he joined the hoof bump. It wasn't long before the four ponies had arrived at Town Hall auditorium. Two adult ponies were dancing on a stage together as the stallion made the mare do a fast twirl. Tender Taps was just excitedly watching them perform. Suddenly the doors burst open.

"You're here," Apple Bloom shouted. Tender Taps turned around to see the yellow filly, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo behind him.

"Shhhh!" Shoeshine hushed sternly. Then the audience started cheering for the dancing couple as Tender Taps gestured for the three fillies to follow him. He then led the group, which now included Mario, backstage where they could talk without disrupting the performances. It wasn't until they had all walked in when Tender Taps even noticed that Mario was with them.

"P-P-P-P-Prince Mario?!" Tender Taps exclaimed, "W-w-w-w-what are you doing here?"

"I'm with my friends," said Mario simply and then pointed a fore-hoof at Apple Bloom, "and my little sister." Tender Tap was in deep shock.

"You're Prince Mario's little sister?" Tender Taps asked the yellow filly.

"Eh-heh, yeah, but I don't like to go braggin' that I'm related to the Prince of Friendship," said Apple Bloom sheepishly. Tender Taps just stared for a moment before he shook his head rapidly to recompose himself.

"So...what are you doing here?" Tender Taps asked.

"To ask you out," Mario murmured to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo who bit their lower lips to avoid laughing. Apple Bloom growled at Mario as the three ponies snickered to each other. The yellow filly then turned to Tender Taps.

"You told me that you wanted to perform more than anythin'," said Apple Bloom, "but I was too caught up in myself to listen. You're the best dancer I've ever seen, and I'm here to convince you to get out on that stage!" Tender Taps looked at Hoofer Steps as she led the rest of the students out onto the stage. He then looked at the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Mario.

"Um, didn't I also tell you that dancing in front of other ponies is t-t-terrifying?" Tender Taps reminded her, "I don't know if you noticed, but that auditorium is full of other ponies! I can't go out there! What if I'm bad?!" He opened a corner of the curtain to emphasize his point and trembled nervously.

"Listen," said Apple Bloom, "Did you know that my Big Bro, the Prince of Friendship, suffers from stage fright?"

"R-r-really?" said Tender Taps.

"It's true," said Mario.

"He used to get the lead in alot of plays when he was a little colt," said Apple Bloom, "plays that involved alot of dancing in them. But he was so shy that performing on stage in front of others scared him alot. In fact, he even fainted!"

"Then...then how did he perform?" Tender Taps asked curiously.

"He had friends who helped him get on stage and perform," said Apple Bloom, "they believed in him and they wanted him to share his talents with others. And now my friends and I want to help you do the same!" Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Mario smiled in agreement.

"Ooh...I don't know," said Tender Taps timidly.

"We can go on together!" said Apple Bloom, "No matter what, you'll look good standing next to me!"

"And you two would make a cute couple," Mario remarked. Apple Bloom zipped up to his face.

"One. Day," said Apple Bloom slowly and sternly as a way of saying "zip your mouth or else!".

"He is kind of cute," Scootaloo added.

"One. Day," Apple Bloom told Scootaloo to her face as Sweetie Belle giggled to herself. Mario just chuckled. Tender Taps hadn't been really listening and was just contemplating his decision. He then looked out from behind the curtain and saw the ponies cheering and stomping excitedly. He sighed to himself.

"All right, I'll do it," said Tender Taps, but then started to panic again, "But I don't have my costume, and the backdrop is all wrong, and we don't have time to change it!" Tender Taps began to panic as the three fillies and Mario just smiled with each other.

"Leave everything to us," said Apple Bloom.

"It might not be anything fancy," said Mario, getting glared from the three fillies, "but everything made comes from the heart." The three fillies then just smiled. It was a pretty accurate description of what they were going to do.

Within just a few minutes, Mario and Sweetie Belle had crocheted a very poorly done hat and shirt for both Apple Bloom and Tender Taps. It literally was the best they could do on short notice and Tender Taps wasn't feeling any better about the performance. Plus Sweetie Belle wanted to crochet the outfits before Mario could suggest speed sewing something together.

"I don't know about this..." said Tender Taps nervously as Sweetie Belle used her magic to put on his hat.

"Don't worry, you'll be just fine!" said Sweetie Belle and then waved at Scootaloo who was wearing her bungee jumping outfit on, along with another pony who could be assumed was her instructor. Scootaloo waved back too Sweetie Belle.

"At the end of the day," said Mario, "what the audience will remember is you, not the costumes or the other props."

"Tell that to the ponies who saw my play!" Sweetie Belle protested bitterly.

"Hey, Rarity and I both apologized for that, Sweetie Belle," said Mario sternly.

"I know," said Sweetie Belle sadly, "I just wished they had paid attention to me and not my dress the whole time." Mario just gave her a little hug to help her feel better.

"Most importantly," said Mario to Tender Taps, "take care of Apple Bloom out there."

"I can take care of myself!" said Apple Bloom annoyingly.

"Apple Bloom, I'm not teasing here," said Mario firmly, "When I was in the theatre troupe, I was taught that a gentlecolt always looks out for his dancing partner. I'm sure Tender Taps knows what I'm talking about." Tender Taps nodded.

"Y-y-yes sir," Tender Taps replied nervously.

"Umm...if me watching is going to make you nervous," said Mario, "I can just leave..."

"No!" Tender Taps shouted but then stuttered, "N-n-n-no, you were once k-k-k-known as a p-p-p-prodigy dancer back when you were a f-f-f-foal! I-I-I-I-I would be honored if you s-s-s-s-saw my p-p-p-p-performance." Mario didn't feel too sure, but he could see despite all the fear that the colt was pleading.

"Alright," said Mario, "I'll stay. I can't wait to see what you can do." Tender Taps gave him a very nervous, but also excited smile. It was then the piano music stopped playing and Hoofer Steps lead the students back behind the stage.

"Here goes nothin'," said Apple Bloom. Mario then gave Scootaloo a signal. The orange filly then used a bungee cord to change the backdrop. She then landed back on the scaffolding to high five her instructor. Mario was most impressed. Apple Bloom then stepped into the stage and smiled, but then noticed that Tender Taps didn't come out. She discreetly gestured for the orange colt to come out with a fore-leg. Mario then used his magic to give him a little push to the edge of the stage. Tender Taps peeked out and nervously walked into the stage beside Apple Bloom. All the audience could to stare as Tender Taps gulped and trembled fearfully. Mario couldn't help but look at Tender Taps sympathetically.

"This is definitely bringing back memories," said Mario quietly to Sweetie Belle.

"We're you really that nervous being on stage?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"I was worse," said Mario, "I was famous for passing out at the beginning of most performances."

"Uh-oh...I didn't bring any green and white mushrooms," said Sweetie Belle as Mario winced, knowing that could be a problem. It was then some jazz-type music began to play. Apple Bloom then did a few clunky tap dance steps and then pointed for Tender Taps to take it away. Tender Taps then did a few steps but then stopped. The audience just kept staring as one random pony coughed awkwardly. Now Apple Bloom was getting nervous as she saw Tender Taps really did have very bad stage fright. She looked at Sweetie Belle and Mario. Sweetie Belle just shrugged.

"Try to get him to relax," said Mario in a whisper, "That's what Razzle used to do for me!" Apple Bloom then started to do a very clunky version of tap dancing on all four of her hooves. At first she was doing just fine, but then she smiled and closed her eyes at the same time, which caused her to dance right off the stage and land with a hard thud. The audience just laughed. Apple Bloom then peeked out from the floor to the front tip of the stage as Tender Taps gave her a concerned look.

"Can't be any worse than I was!" said Apple Bloom as she gave him an encouraging smile. Tender Taps just trembled nervously before one of his fore-knees started bopping to the beat. He began to slow tap dance for the crowd. Then started taping with both his fore-hooves. Soon he was tap dancing with all four hooves and, at the same, was finding his confidence. The audience was stunned and Mario was most impressed.

"That's what I'm talking about," Mario whispered excitedly, "Keep it up!" Even Apple Bloom smirked as Tender Taps was now dancing confidently as he ran up the backdrop, back-flipped off the wall, and slid to the front of the stage on his hind knees. He then panted heavily as the music ended. There was a couple of seconds of silence before the audience cheered and stomped happily for Tender Taps. He then stood on all fours and smiled before the cheering audience. Apple Bloom also smiled as well. Then a bright flash appeared on Tender Taps' flank. There was now a top hat next to a spotlight on his flank now! Tender Taps gave a happy whinny, dancing and twirling about excitedly. Mario and Sweetie Belle exchanged smiles with each other.

"Well done, Apple Bloom!" said Mario, "Well done!" Apple Bloom just beamed happily.

After the recital was over, Tender Taps was outside with Mario and the Cutie Mark Crusaders. He was also admiring his new cutie mark.

"I can't believe it!" said Tender Taps, "It's just what I've always imagined it would be! And if it weren't for all of you, I wouldn't even have it."

"All the credit go to these three fillies here," said Mario, "I just helped out."

"No problem!" said Scootaloo.

"It's what we do," said Sweetie Belle.

"I only wish I'd realized what you needed right away instead of mopin' around for no reason," said Apple Bloom as she walked up to the colt. Tender Taps lifted her chin and gave her a smile.

"Well, either way," said Tender Taps, "I hope you keep dancing." He then did a short tap dance and gestured for Apple Bloom to take it away. Apple Bloom did a few taps on her own.

"You know, I just might!" said Apple Bloom, "I just might! It sure is alot of fun, and I'm pretty confident that I'll only get better."

"I'm sure you will, Sis," said Mario and then added with a smirk, "Maybe Tender Taps can take you out on a date and teach you."

"One. Day," Apple Bloom warned sternly as Mario snickered. Tender Taps just rolled his eyes behind her. Apple Bloom then walked up Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

"I'm sorry I was so silly about us all doin' our own thing," said Apple Bloom sadly, "If we hadn't, I might never even tried dancin'!"

"Or find out I needed help!" Tender Taps added.

"And trying new stuff might even make us better at helping them," said Scootaloo, "like how I used bungee jumping to change the sets!"

"Or Mario and I's crochet to make the costumes!" said Sweetie Belle. Mario just smiled, but did a light eye roll since he didn't think his crochet costume was anything to be proud of.

"Well, one thing is for sure," said Apple Bloom, "The Cutie Mark Crusaders will never be the same." Behind her, Tender Taps was pointing and showing off his cutie mark to two ponies that were walking by. They just smiled back at him...very uncomfortably. Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Mario just gave Apple Bloom a worried look. She then got between Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle and hugged them.

"We'll be better!" said Apple Bloom.

"Yeah!" all three fillies said together and shared a high hoof together. Then they looked at Mario, who chuckled and then added a fore-leg to the high hoof as well.

"But Apple Bloom," said Mario in a serious tone as they pulled away.

"Yeah, Big Brother?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Always remember that your friends love you," said Mario, "They'll always be there for you."

"Yeah," said Scootaloo, "We're not going anywhere."

"Cutie Mark Crusaders forever," said Sweetie Belle, "and also, you don't need to feel silly either. Mario understands how you feel and we do too."

"Just like with Mario, we'll help you get over feeling like this," said Scootaloo.

"Do you trust us, Apple Bloom?" Sweetie Belle asked. Apple Bloom gave them both a teary smile.

"Of course I do," said Apple Bloom, "You're my best friends." Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle then gave the yellow filly a group hug. Mario slowly walked up and joined in, which neither of the three fillies minded one bit.

As the sun set, Mario returned to the castle when he found that Diamond Tiara just reading a book in the library alone. It was one of those weekends where Filthy Rich wasn't going to be home due to business and Diamond Tiara would have been stuck alone with Spoiled Rich. Diamond Tiara had pleaded with Mario if she could stay with him and Twilight at the castle during those weekends. Twilight was initially skeptical of the filly avoiding her mother. But after a long and failed attempt to try and persuade the spoiled mare about how the Magic of Friendship was helping Diamond Tiara, and Spoiled Rich had the nerve to openly insult the purple alicorn to her face, Twilight conceded to letting the filly stay over as often as she wanted. Of course, the Diamond Tiara had to promise to help out with castle chores and such, but the filly found it a small price to pay if it meant getting away from Spoiled Rich a couple of days a week.

"Hey, Di," said Mario, "Did you have fun with Silver?"

"Yeah," said Diamond Tiara, "Has Mom come home?" Mario blinked and then noticed that Diamond Tiara was blushing deep red and sucked in her lower lip.

"S-s-s-sorry, that just slipped out," Diamond Tiara stuttered, "I mean Twilight is the closest thing I have to a real Mom these days and I...just...sorry..." Diamond Tiara sniffled as Mario pulled her into a hug.

"It's okay," said Mario, "Just calm down, I know you're looking for somepony to fill that void since your own mother doesn't want to grow up."

"You got that right," said Diamond Tiara, "but enough about Mrs. I-don't-wanna-change. How was the rest of your day with the Crusaders?"

"Good, they managed to help this pony who loves to dance get his cutie mark," said Mario, "Anyway, are you ready to help out with dinner?"

"Sure, and very cool," said Diamond Tiara as she closed her book. They headed into the kitchen as Mario got ready to chop up some vegetables when Diamond Tiara remembered something.

"Master, how's Apple Bloom doing?" she asked curiously.

"She's doing better," said Mario as he kept cutting without missing a beat, "at least I was able to get her to speak up about it. We actually found her sitting in the dark looking really bitter. Who would have thought my little sister had the same issue I had? Being afraid of feeling left alone and not wanting to feel like an outsider lookin' in." Diamond Tiara sighed as she got to work mashing the hay for some hayburger patties.

"I'm the one to blame for that," said Diamond Tiara quietly, "I made her feel like an outsider just because she didn't have a cutie mark. Geez, and here I thought I only scarred Scootaloo. I scarred Apple Bloom too...and I can never fix it..."

"Never say never, my faithful student," said Mario, "You can help Apple Bloom."

"How?" Diamond Tiara asked hopefully as she looked at the alicorn prince.

"Be her friend," said Mario, "let her know that you care and will help her get past this issue. Just like you're doing for me and Starlight." Diamond Tiara smiled.

"Way ahead of you, Master," the filly replied, "I let her know just that earlier today. I even let her know that Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo would never abandon her. I would never abandon her either. Same for Silver."

"Good," said Mario, "I see you've taken my friendship lessons about compassion and empathy to heart."

"It seemed like the best way to help her," said Diamond Tiara, "after all, when I felt all alone, a little compassion really helped me. I figured that was all Apple Bloom needed. To know she has friends who do care about her."

"And that's the best way to help Apple Bloom," said Mario, "let her know that she can trust you to be there for her."

"Sure, Master," Diamond Tiara replied as she started shaping the hay patties, "I'll even bring Silver along too. I've been having her spend time with the Crusaders as well."

"Really?' said Mario surprise, "and how's that been going?"

"It was awkward at first," Diamond admitted honestly, "but once Silver realized that they had forgiven her too and just wanted to be friends, she was able to open up without much of a problem. But...I will admit...she seems to laugh alot whenever Sweetie Belle tries to impersonate Rarity."

"Oh, it can't be helped that Rarity's easy to mimic, darling," said Mario, trying to impersonate the marshmallow mare, which made the two of them laugh. Mario then began to start cooking the hay patties and vegetables as Diamond Tiara started cleaning up the counter.

"Just remember one thing, Master," said Diamond Tiara.

"What's that?" Mario asked.

"That you can trust all five of us fillies to help you get over that fear too," Diamond Tiara replied, "because we love you." Mario smiled.

"I know, Di," said Mario, "I know." The little filly then gave him a heartfelt hug and cheek kiss before getting back to work. If there was thing he knew was true...

...it was that good friends can help shine a light in even the darkest of circumstances.

Hope you all enjoyed the alternate ending, which not only showed that Apple Bloom has more than just the Crusaders looking out for her, but also hinting that a future confrontation between mother and daughter might be in the works! Only time will tell...

I couldn't resist having Mario tease Apple Bloom about Tender Taps a bit. After all, there were alot of fans out there that were shipping them together. Plus the more hardcore fans should get why I had Apple Bloom retort by saying "One. Day." LOL

And I hope other ponies besides me noticed that this hasn't been the first time Apple Bloom has shown this inner fear of her friends leaving and abandoning her. I thought it was time Mario confronted her on the issue, especially since he would understand that insecurity. After all, Apple Bloom may or may not have known her parents too well based on how the show implies she was very, very young when they passed. But that doesn't mean she still wouldn't feel that same loneliness or fear of being left alone.

Next time: We return to the Dragon Lands, new challenges await and a rematch with an old foe is imminent! It's time for another Dragon Quest! (Slimes not included.)

Peace Pony Fans!