Hi everyone! Here's the next chapter of Ash's Ponyville Adventures! I hope you'll enjoy it! And now, on with the story!
*I DON'T OWN POKÉMON OR MY LITTLE PONY!*
Narrator: Ah! Another beautiful day in Ponyville! And it happens to be school time for fillies! I wonder what they're learning today?
[school bell rings]
[students chatter happily]
Cheerilee: Let's quiet down please. We have a very important lesson to get to. [class quiets down] Thank you. Today we are going to be talking about cutie marks.
Diamond Tiara: Bo-ring. [sigh]
Cheerilee: You can all see my cutie mark, can't you? Like all ponies, I wasn't born with a cutie mark. My flank was blank.
Twist: Aww...! She's so precious!
Cheerilee: Then one day, when I was about your age, I woke up to find that a cutie mark had appeared.
[offscreen: Look at her hair!]
Cheerilee: Yes I know, but honestly, that's how everypony 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 nurture them with knowledge. The smiles represented the cheer I hope to bring to my little ponies while they were learning. Now, can anyone tell me when a pony gets his or her cutie mark?
Twist: Oh! Oh! Oh! When she discovers that certain something that makes her special!
Cheerilee: That's right, Twist. 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. Discovering what makes you unique isn't something [Diamond Tiara: Pssst!] that happens overnight, and no amount of hoping, wishing, [Diamond Tiara: Pssst!] or begging, would make a cutie mark appear before its time.
Diamond Tiara: Pssst!
Apple Bloom: What?!
Diamond Tiara seemed to be passing Apple Bloom a note and Silver Spoon was motioning her to take it.
But then...
Cheerilee: Apple Bloom! Are you passing a note?
Apple Bloom: Uh, I... Um...
Cheerilee: What could be so important that it couldn't wait until after class? [sees the note] [gasp] It's blank.
Diamond Tiara: [laughter] Remind you of anypony? [laughter]
[students whisper],
[Intro Music: Big World Big Adventures]
Rarity!
Fluttershy!
Applejack!
And Rainbow!
Pinkie!
And Twilight!
And Ash Number One!
Let's go, go, go
On a new world adventure,
Let's go, go, go explore,
With Ash and his friends!
Let's go, go, go
And meet new friendly faces,
The world's just a thrill ride away!
New world, new, new adventures!
Ash & Friends: New World!
New Adventures!
[End intro song]
On the hilltop, we see two mysterious figures that turn out to be Ash and Apple Bloom. Ash then creates a bright light with his magic, as he and Apple Bloom read the title of the next chapter!
Ash: Chapter 12!
Apple Bloom: Call of the Cutie!
Soon, school was over, and Apple Bloom was on her way home.
[school bell rings]
[students chatter happily]
Twist: Want some sweets? I've got some peppermint sticks. I made them myself.
Apple Bloom: Mm-mm.
Twist: They'll make you smi-i-le.
Apple Bloom: No...
Diamond Tiara: I don't know why we had to sit through a lecture about getting a cutie mark. I mean, waiting for your cutie mark is sooo last week. You got yours, I just got mine. We all have them already. [gasp] I mean, almost all of us have them already. Don't worry, you two, you're still totally invited to my cute-ceañera this weekend.
Silver Spoon: It's going to be amazing.
Diamond Tiara: It's a party celebrating me and my fantastic cutie mark. How could it not be?
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon: Bump! Bump! Sugar-lump, rump! [laughing]
Apple Bloom: Gimme a break.
Silver Spoon: See you this weekend...
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon: [laughing] Blank flanks! [laughing]
That was when they bumped into someone!
Silver Spoon: Oof!
Diamond Tiara: Ugh! Hey, what's the big i-?! [sees who it is]
It was Ash with Pikachu, Meganium, Melmetal, Absol, and Eevee!
Ash: Well well, look what we found, fellas! Two female fillies teasing our little Apple Bloom about not having a cutie mark!
Pikachu: Not cool!
Eevee: What meanies!
Absol: Shall I teach these little bullies a lesson with my Punishment attack, Master Ash?
Silver Spoon: Wow! Master Ash!
Ash: No, Absol! That's not how we deal with things!
Absol: Right! My apologies!
Ash: Listen here, you snobby brats! Just because Apple Bloom doesn't have a cutie mark yet, doesn't mean you have free will to pick on her!
Meganium: You should be ashamed!
Ash: Now, I'm letting you two off with a warning! If you two don't stop teasing Apple Bloom for not having a cutie mark, I will personally call your parents and see to it that they ground your little behinds! Do I make myself clear?!
Silver Spoon: [bows] Crystal clear, your majesty!
Ash: Good! And one more thing, just call me Ash! Now, scram!
And they did just that, but they were squealing like fangirls!
Ash: [sweat drops] Sheesh!
Pikachu: [sweat drops] Right!
Apple Bloom: Ash!
Ash: Hey, Apple Bloom!
Apple Bloom: I didn't know you were coming to me up from school!
Ash: Yeah! Applejack sent me to pick you up since she's busy on the farm!
Melmetal: We'd better get back! [holds one of its arms out] Hop on!
Apple Bloom: [gasps] [excited] Really, Melmetal?! I can ride on you?!
Melmetal: Of course!
Apple Bloom: Alright! [hops aboard]
Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom was complaining to Applejack about not having a cutie mark!
Arcanine: [kicks a tree] HA!
Ash: Good going, Arcanine!
Pikachu: Yeah! Good job!
Arcanine: Thanks!
Apple Bloom: It's not fair! It's just not fair!
Applejack: Don't get your mane in a tangle. You'll get your cutie mark. Everypony gets one eventually.
Apple Bloom: But I don't want one eventually! I want one right now! I can't go to Diamond Tiara's cute-ceañera without one, I just can't!
Applejack: 'Course you can. Y'know, I was the last pony in my class to get my cutie mark, and I couldn't be prouder of it. I knew my future was to run Sweet Apple Acres, and these bright shiny apples sealed the deal. [gasp] Come to think of it, Granny Smith was the last one in her class, too. Huh, same as Big McIntosh.
Ash: [chuckles] Guess it runs in the family, Applejack!
Applejack: Eeyup!
Tauros: That's gotta make you feel better, Apple Bloom!
Apple Bloom: Not really, Tauros. I really don't see how that's supposed to make me feel better. It probably means that being the last one in your class to get a cutie mark runs in the family. ...runs in the family. Runs in the family! Runs in the family! You've got apples for your cutie mark, Granny Smith has an apple pie, Big McIntosh has an apple half, my unique talent must has som'n to do with apples! Apples apples apples! [crash] Oops... apples.
Melmetal: [gasps] Are you alright, Apple Bloom?!
Apple Bloom: I'm fine!
Melmetal: [sighs in relief, as Apple Bloom gets up] That's g- [slips on apples] Whoa! [falls on its back and smashes the apples] OOF!
Apple Bloom: [cringes] Ouch!
Ash: You okay, Melmetal?
Melmetal: I'm okay! [notices the smashed apples] Oops! [lowers its head] Sorry, Applejack.
Applejack: Eh, don't worry about it, Melmetal! In fact, you just gave me an idea for our family's apple sauce!
Melmetal: Oh!
Later on, Applejack and Apple Bloom were selling apples, as well as Ash, Pikachu, Oshawott, Buizel, and Passimian.
Applejack: Get your delicious, nutritious apples here!
Ash: Only 1 bit!
Apple Bloom: Delicious and nutritious, and so many uses! [chomp] You can eat 'em. [gulp] Play with 'em. [hits one with a tennis racket] [grunt]
[offscreen: Hey, watch it!]
Oshawott: Ooh! That's a good idea! [tosses an apple to Passimian] Catch, Passimian!
Passimian: [catches it] Touch down!
Buizel: Be serious, you two!
Applejack: He's right ya know! They ain't toys!
Apple Bloom: Create fine art for your home with 'em. You have to be crazy not to get a bushel of your very own.
Applejack: Heh... she's so creative, heh.
Ash: Well, not like I am of course! [levitates some platters with his magic] I made some fine healthy bite-sized delicacies out of apples!
Pikachu: Wow, Ash! They look tasty!
Buizel: But they're not for eating, Pikachu! They're for the customers!
Ash: Free samples if you want any!
Just as Oshawott was about to take one...
Applejack: Oshawott!
Oshawott: EEK!
Applejack: Don't even think about it!
Apple Bloom: You, sir, care t' buy some apples?
Dr. Hooves: No thanks.
Apple Bloom: Why not?
Dr. Hooves: I have plenty at home.
Apple Bloom: Are you sure?
Dr. Hooves: Yes, I'm pretty sure I...
Apple Bloom: You're pretty sure, but you're not absolutely positively completely super-duper sure, are you?
Dr. Hooves: Y...ah... If I buy some apples, will you please leave me alone?
Apple Bloom: All right!
He then took an apple, gave Applejack some coins and ran off!
Applejack: You forgot your change!
Ash: He could've at least stayed for a free sample!
Bon Bon: Excuse me, Ash! I'll take a free sample!
Ash: Of course! Go right ahead!
And Bon Bon did just that!
Bon Bon: Wow! They're amazing!
Ash: Thanks! I'm glad you like them!
Bon Bon: Can I have a bushel of apples please? I wanna try making one of these myself!
Ash: Sure! Applejack!
Applejack: On it!
Applejack then gave Bon Bon a bushel of apples as Bon Bon handed Applejack 3 bits.
Applejack: Thank ya for yer business!
Apple Bloom: Woo-hoo! That's how you sell s'm apples and get a cutie mark! So, what does my cutie mark look like? A shoppin' bag full of apples? A satisfied customer eating an apple? Hmm... maybe I gotta increase my sales figures first.
Passimian: How exactly?
Apple Bloom: Easy! [notices a random mare digging around through a bushel of apples] You touch it, you buy it! We take cash or credit.
Oshawott: Seriously?!
Applejack: I'm sorry, ma'am. [as the mare dashes off] Ma'am! Aww... Now Apple Bloom, you can't just...
However, the younger sibling was putting a bunch of apples in Bon Bon's satchel!
Ash: [facehooves] Oh, come on!
Pikachu: [facepalms] You gotta be kidding me?!
Buizel: [facepalms] Good grief!
Apple Bloom: That'll be four bits.
Bon Bon: I didn't put those in my bag.
Apple Bloom: Likely story. Four bits, lady!
Applejack: Apple Bloom! I am really really sorry about that. She's new.
Buizel: And inexperienced!
Apple Bloom: [muffled with Applejack's hoof in her mouth] [offended] Buizel!
Ash: If you want, Bon Bon! Just for you, I can give you a free sample of my bite-sized delicacies made with apples! You won't even have to buy any apples because we won't force you to have something you don't want!
Bon Bon smiled from this!
Bon Bon: Thank you, Ash! Even though I already bought a bushel!
After she took one and left...
Applejack: Sorry, little sis, but your apple-sellin' days are over.
Apple Bloom: What? But how else am I gonna get my cutie mark?
Applejack: Home. Now.
Apple Bloom: Hm!
Ash: Don't you think you're being a little hard on her, AJ?
Applejack: Well, maybe you're right!
Applejack: Listen, sugarcube, I know it's hard to wait for your very own cutie mark, but, you just can't force it. Besides, you're not that grown-up just yet. Ain't there other fillies in your class without one?
Apple Bloom: Well... Twist doesn't have hers yet.
Applejack: Do you think you'd feel better if you went to the party with her?
Apple Bloom: Mmm-hmm.
Applejack: Well there you go. Bet you and Twist would have a great time together. Now run along and find your friend.
Apple Bloom: You're sure you don't want me to stick around 'til the end of th' market?
Ace Point: Hey! Who's been using my racket?
Applejack: Yeah. I'm sure.
Ash: But before you do that, Apple Bloom, it's just about lunch time for my Pokémon back at my place! Maybe you can help me feed them!
Apple Bloom: Ya mean it, Ash?
Ash: Of course!
Apple Bloom: Alright! Let's go!
Soon...
Ash: Alright! Here's the containers of Pokémon food! They're labeled with each of the Pokémon's face so you'll know which food goes to which Pokémon!
Apple Bloom: Okay!
Ash: And if you have any trouble or questions, you can always ask me! Oh, and be careful with Glalie! He'll try anything to get seconds!
Apple Bloom: Alright!
Soon, she was feeding the Pokémon!
Apple Bloom: Here ya are, Lycanroc!
Lycanroc: Oh boy! Food! [eats Pokémon food] Thanks, Apple Bloom!
Apple Bloom: [gives Glalie food] And here's some for you, Glalie!
Glalie: Thanks!
Meanwhile, Oshawott had finished its food!
Oshawott: Ah! That's good!
That's when it saw Pignite still eating its food.
Oshawott: [snickers sinisterly] Look! A shooting star!
Pignite: Nice try, Oshawott! But you can't fool me this time! I've grown more smarter than you think!
Oshawott: [pouts] Phooey!
Glalie: Apple Bloom!
Apple Bloom: Yeah, Glalie?
Glalie: [with baby doll eyes] Can I pwease have some more?
Apple Bloom: Aww!
But then...
Apple Bloom: Wait a minute! I see what you're trying to do! Sorry, Glalie! No seconds!
Glalie: Aww! Rats!
Ash: Don't worry, Glalie! You'll get more at dinner!
Glalie: Well, alright!
Afterwards, every Pokémon was eating lunch!
Ash: Wow, Apple Bloom! Not bad for your first time feeding Pokémon!
Pikachu: You're good!
Apple Bloom: Thanks! [tries to see her flank] So, whaddya think my cutie mark's gonna be? A jar of Pokémon food? A jar of Pokémon food with a happy Pokémon with it?
Tirtouga: I don't see anything!
Archen: Me neither!
Apple Bloom just looked down in disappointment, as Ash lifted her chin with a hoof.
Ash: Don't look so down, Apple Bloom! Not everypony gets their cutie mark right off the bat! Let's go see Twist! That might cheer you up!
Apple Bloom smiled and hugged Ash!
Apple Bloom: Thanks, Ash!
Ash: [giggles]
Apple Bloom: [kisses his snout]
Ash: Oh! What did I do to deserve that?
She just hugged him again.
Ash: [rubs her head] [giggles]
Pikachu: Let's go see Twist!
Ash: Right! [as Meganium tackles him] OOF!
Apple Bloom: Ash! Are you okay?
Ash: [chuckles] Don't worry! I'm just fine! [looks up to see who it is] Meganium!
But Meganium seemed to be a little clingy!
Ash: Meganium, what's wrong?
Meganium: No one is allowed to get all lovey-dovey on you except me!
Ash: [pets Meganium's head] I know, Meganium! I know! Why don't you join us?
Meganium: Okay!
Tirtouga: [as Apple Bloom picks it up] Hey! Apple Bloom!
Apple Bloom: Come on! You're comin' too!
Tirtouga: [groans] But I wanna swim!
Ash: You can swim later, Tirtouga!
Tirtouga: [pouts] Hmph!
Soon, they went to see Twist.
[knock, knock, knock, knock]
Twist: Oh, what's up, Apple Bloom?
Apple Bloom: So I was thinkin'... maybe we could go to Diamond Tiara's cute-ceañera together. I don't have a cutie mark, you don't have a cutie mark.
Ash: She thought it would be a good idea if the both of you went together!
Pikachu: Yeah!
Twist: Well, um...
Ash: What?
Pikachu: What's the matter?
When she opened the door, she revealed to have a cutie mark!
Apple Bloom: [gasp]
Twist: Isn't my cutie mark swell? 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?
Apple Bloom: Yeah, pretty... sweet.
Twist: Hey... this doesn't mean we can't go to the cute-ceañera together. You're still gonna come to the party, are you?
Diamond Tiara: Of course she will.
Silver Spoon: It's not like being the only pony there without a cutie mark would be, like, the most embarrassing thing ever. [laughter]
Ash: [clears his throat] Ahem!
The girls looked and saw that Ash was there too!
Silver Spoon: [nervous] Um...uh... Did I say 'embarrassing'? I-I meant uh...
Diamond Tiara: Privileged! Yeah, that's what she meant! She'll be privileged to some day get one!
Ash: [smiles] Hmm!
That's when Meganium tackled him!
Ash: OOF!
That made the two fillies surprised!
Diamond Tiara: Uh... are you okay, your majesty?
Ash: Yeah! I'm fine! Meganium does this all the time!
Meganium: [nuzzles against him] Hmm!
Ash: Okay, Meganium! Can you get off now?
But Meganium kept nuzzling him!
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon: Aww!
Ash: [levitates Meganium off of him with his magic] Not in public, please? [to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon] Am-scray the both of you!
And they did just that, while Apple Bloom was stilling blushing in embarrassment.
["Who's That Pokémon?" time]
[as a silhouette shows a Pokémon that looks like cotton candy]
Ash, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Apple Bloom: Who's that Pokémon?
Ash, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Apple Bloom: It's Swirlix!
[as the silhouette reveals Swirlix]
Swirlix: SWIRLIX!
[End]
Apple Bloom was currently moping elsewhere, and Ash was doing his best to cheer her up.
Ash: Don't let Diamond and Silver get to you, Apple Bloom! They're just snooty and stuck-up!
Pikachu: Yeah! They're just bullies!
Rhyhorn: Agreed! What do they know?
But that didn't help Apple Bloom much!
Rainbow Dash: [from above the dark cloud] Whoa, looks like somepony's got a dark cloud hanging over her head.
Rainbow Dash was right! There was a dark cloud hanging over them, and Ash was surprised!
Ash: Where did that even come from?
Pikachu: No idea!
Rainbow Dash: Let me do something about that. [gets rid of the dark cloud] What's the matter, kid?
Apple Bloom: [inhales] There's a cute-ceañera this afternoon and everypony in my class will be there and they'll all have their cutie marks and I wanna get my cutie mark but I'm no good at sellin' apples but I really wanna go to the party but how can I go to the party if I don't have my cutie mark which my big sister says I'm gonna get eventually but... I WANT IT NOW!
Rhyhorn: Sheesh! That's a lot to take in at once!
Ash: No kidding!
Rainbow Dash: Cutie mark? I can get you a cutie mark like that! [snap]
Ash: Really?
Rainbow Dash: Yes, really!
Ash: How can you get one "like that"? [snaps]
Rainbow Dash: That's for me to know and for you to find out!
Apple Bloom: Applejack says these things take time. I have to just wait for it to happen.
Rainbow Dash: Why wait for something to happen when you can make it happen?
Apple Bloom: But Applejack says th...
Rainbow Dash: Hey, who are you gonna listen to, Applejack, or the pony who was first in her class to get a cutie mark? I always liked flying an' 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.
Ash: [suspicious] Yeah! I don't believe that for a second!
Pikachu: Me neither! That quick?
Rainbow Dash: Yes that fast!
Ash: Stuff and nonsense! I'm sure there's more to that than just getting your cutie mark like that! [snaps]
Pikachu: Yeah!
Rainbow Dash: [wraps a hoof around Ash] Sometimes, Ashy Boy, there are somethings that remain a mystery!
Ash: Yeah! You're right! We'll try your methods! Just as long as they're safe!
Rainbow Dash: Oh sure! Totally safe!
Soon...
Ash: So, what are you up to exactly?
Ash and some of his Pokémon, including Pikachu, were watching Apple Bloom do push ups while Rainbow Dash was coaching her.
Rainbow Dash: That's right, stretch out those legs. 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?
Apple Bloom: I'm ready!
Rainbow Dash: I said: Are! You! Ready!
Apple Bloom: I'M READY!
Ash: That's the spirit, Apple Bloom! You got this!
Pikachu: Yeah!
Rainbow Dash: Juggling, go! [whistle blows]
Apple Bloom: [starts to juggles] Ah! [falls]
Rainbow Dash: Hang-gliding, go! [whistle blows]
Apple Bloom: Whoa!
Rainbow Dash: Karate, go! [whistle blows]
Apple Bloom: Hi-ya!
She ended up hitting the punching bag hard!
Ash: [cringes] OOH! That had to hurt!
Hawlucha: Stand back, little ponies! Watch a real pro! [uses Karate Chop] HM!
That Karate Chop sliced the punching bag in half!
That left them, except Ash and Pikachu, speechless!
Rainbow Dash: Hawlucha... that... was... AWESOME!
Hawlucha: Naturally!
Apple Bloom: Maybe I can get a cutie mark for being a professional fight-
Hawlucha: Absolutely not!
Apple Bloom: Rats!
Rainbow Dash: Kite-flying, go! [whistle blows]
Soon, Apple Bloom began flying the kite, and she was getting the hang of it!
Ash: That's actually pretty good!
But then...
Talonflame: [flying by] Nothing like a good afternoon flight!
Then, Talonflame saw Apple Bloom's kite!
Ash: Talonflame, look out!
Pikachu: Watch out for the kite!
But it was too late, as Talonflame collided with the kite and they both crashed into the ground!
Talonflame: Ouch!
Apple Bloom: Sorry, Talonflame!
Talonflame: [shakes it off] Blblblblblblblb! It's alright!
Now they were at a roller derby!
Rainbow Dash: Ultrapony Roller Derby, go! [whistle blows]
Ash: As awesome as this looks, are you sure this is safe for a filly like her?
Rainbow Dash: Of course! Why wouldn't it?
Roller ponies: [growl]
Hitmontop: [spinning around on the track] WOO-HOO!
Rainbow Dash: See? Even Hitmontop is enjoying it!
Apple Bloom: Whoaaa! Whoa...
Hitmontop: Uh oh!
[crash]
Apple Bloom just skated out of the pile while blushing in embarrassment.
Hitmontop: Well, early days!
Later...
Rainbow Dash: Tried that one... tried that one... tried that one...
Silver Spoon: Your new outfit is, like, perfect for the party.
Diamond Tiara: I know. It totally shows off my cutie mark.
Silver Spoon: I love being special.
Diamond Tiara: Can you imagine how embarrassing it must be to be... not special?
Silver Spoon: I don't even want to, like, think about it.
Rainbow Dash: Tried that one... tried that one...
Apple Bloom: I'm doomed. Doomed! I'll never find sumth'n I'm good at.
Ash: Hey, don't go saying that, Apple Bloom! Sure you had a few little booboos here and there, but I'm sure you'll find something you're good at!
Pikachu: Yeah! As Ash always says: "Don't give up 'til the very end!"
Apple Bloom: You really think I'll be able to get a cutie mark?
Ash: I don't think! I KNOW!
Apple Bloom: Thanks, Ash! [hugs Ash] You really are the best fillysitter ever!
Ash: [hugs her back] It's no problem, Apple Bloom! I'm happy to help!
Pikachu: [pouts] What about the best fillysitter's best buddy?!
Apple Bloom: You're the best too, Pikachu!
She then started to rub its head.
Pikachu: [happy] Feels nice to be appreciated!
Buizel then placed a paw on top of Apple Bloom's head.
Buizel: You'll get there, AB! These things do take time!
Apple Bloom: Thanks, Buizel! You're really sweet!
Buizel: [blushes] ERK! I am not! I'm a tough guy!
Ash: Come on, Buizel! It's okay to have a soft side!
Buizel: Whatever!
Apple Bloom: That aside! How am I gonna get a cutie mark now?
Then...
Pinkie Pie: [coming out of nowhere, behind Ash] You look like you'd be good at eating cupcakes.
Ash: [startled] Oh! Where did you come from?
Pikachu: And did you say "eating cupcakes"?
Apple Bloom: Eatin' cupcakes?
Rainbow Dash: Eating cupcakes?
Pinkie Pie: Eating cupcaaakes!
That's when Buizel's stomach started to rumble!
Buizel: Uh... That wasn't me! [looks off screen] Whoa! Look at that clock! Is that really the right time? I better go! See ya! [dashes off]
Rainbow Dash: [chuckles] That Buizel!
Apple Bloom: I really appreciate all your help, Rainbow Dash. You're a really great coach and I really learned a lot from you and I'm sure I can learn a lot more but... I've got some cupcakes to eat! See you at the cute-ceañera! Hold on, Pinkie Pie, [follows Pinkie Pie] I'm comin'.
Ash: Hey! [follows them] Wait for me!
Pikachu: [follows them] Me too!
Soon, they were at Sugarcube Corner, in the kitchen!
Apple Bloom: I can't believe I didn't think of this. A cupcake-eating cutie mark, it's sooo obvious. Now, where are those cupcakes? I'm ready t' chow down!
Ash: Me too!
Pinkie Pie: I don't have any cupcakes.
Apple Bloom: Oh.
Ash: Then, why did you say anything about cupcakes in the first place?
Pinkie Pie: [gasp] Ash! You just gave me an idea!
Ash: I did?
Pinkie Pie: [to Apple Bloom] You look like you'd be good at helping me make some.
Apple Bloom: I guess, uh, making-cupcakes cutie mark could work too.
Ash: That might take awhile! I'm gonna go get some fruits and some carrots to help you expand your pastry variety! Apple Bloom, you stay with Pinkie and Pikachu until I get back! Okay?
Apple Bloom: Okay!
Pinkie Pie: [as she pets Pikachu] Pikachu will even be our helper!
Pikachu: Yeah! Let's-a go! Hm. Now, where did I hear that phrase before?
Soon, they started baking!
[Song: Cupcake Song]
[Pinkie Pie]
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
A bit of salt, just a pinch
Baking these treats is such a cinch
Add a teaspoon of vanilla
Add a little more, and you 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!
[End Song]
Ash: [as he came in with fruits and carrots] Hey, guys! I'm-
When he entered, the kitchen was a mess!
Ash: Holy ravioli! What a mess!
Apple Bloom: [cough] Hot, hot, hot!
Pinkie Pie: Oooh, those look much better than the last batch. [chomp] Mmm...
Apple Bloom: [eats one] Ugh! I guess I'm not cut out to be a baker either.
Ash: Come on, Apple Bloom! Let me try one! They can't be that bad!
But when he tasted them...
Ash: [spits it out] Patooie! Yuck!
Apple Bloom: [notices Gengar eating one and enjoying it] You actually like them, Gengar?!
Gengar: Hey! I'm part Poison type! Whaddya expect?
Pinkie Pie: [hugs him] Not to mention the funniest Pokémon there is and a super duper great and fun friend!
Gengar: [chuckles]
Apple Bloom: [sigh] I just have to face it, I'm gonna have a blank flank forever.
Pinkie Pie: What about that?
Turns out there was something on Apple Bloom's flank!
Pikachu: Whoa! What is that?!
Ash: I don't know!
Apple Bloom: Is there something on my flank? Is there, is there, is there? [gasp] A cutie mark! It's a... a measuring cup? No. A mixin' bowl? No... Are those cupcakes? A tower of cupcakes maybe.
Pinkie Pie: [blow] Flour. It's flour! Yay! I guessed it. What game you wanna play next? Please say bingo, please say bingo.
Ash, Pikachu, and Gengar felt bad that Apple Bloom didn't have her cutie mark.
Gengar: Eh, don't look so glum, kid! [pats her head] You at least tried!
Apple Bloom: Thanks, Gengar! [hugs him]
Gengar: [chuckles and hugs back]
Pinkie Pie: And that's another thing about you, Gengar! You're a real sweetie!
Gengar: Hey, I'm not just a mischievous face!
Pinkie Pie: Of course you aren't! [makes a silly face] NYEAH!
Gengar: Too true! [makes a silly face] BLEH!
Ash: [chuckles] Those two!
Twilight Sparkle: Whoa, what's been going on in here?
Pinkie Pie: We've been making cupcakes, wanna try them?
Twilight Sparkle: Nnnno thank you... not that they don't look, heh, delicious.
Gengar: Of course they are! [eats one] NOM!
Ash: Hey, Twilight!
Pikachu: Hi!
Twilight Sparkle: Oh! Hey, Ash! Pikachu! Fillysitting Apple Bloom I see?
Ash: Yep!
Twilight Sparkle: That's nice!
Apple Bloom: Twilight, you have to help me!
Twilight Sparkle: What's the matter?
Apple Bloom: [inhales] Tiara's cute-ceañera's today and everypony in my class will be there and they'll all have their cutie marks and I want to get my cutie mark but I'm no good at selling apples or hang-gliding or making cupcakes, but I wanna go to the party but how can I go to the party if I don't have my cutie mark, which Pinkie Pie says I can't just make appear, but I need it to appear, right now!
Twilight Sparkle: Uhhh... I don't follow. How can I help you?
Apple Bloom: You can use your magic to make my cutie mark appear.
Twilight Sparkle: Oh no, Apple Bloom. A cutie mark is something a pony has to discover for herself.
Ash: Yeah! As I said earlier, these things take time!
Apple Bloom: Please Twilight, jus' trah.
Twilight Sparkle: I'm sorry, but-
Apple Bloom: Oh please, please, please please please!
Twilight Sparkle: All right, all right!
Apple Bloom: Oh thank you thank you thank you.
Ash: Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to try! After all, you're an expert when it comes to magic, Twilight!
Twilight Sparkle: [blushes] Thanks, Ash!
Pikachu: Why are you blushing, Twilight?
Twilight Sparkle: Huh? [shakes off the blush] Uh, no reason!
Then, Twilight used her magic, and a cart of apples appeared on Apple Bloom's flank!
Apple Bloom: Yes! I knew you could do...
But then, it disappeared!
Apple Bloom: It.
Twilight Sparkle: I'm sorry, sweetie, but I told you-
Apple Bloom: Try again, try again!
Twilight Sparkle: [sigh]
[pwing] [pwang] [pwing] [pweng] [pwung] [pwing] [pwung] [pwong] [pwing] [pwing] [pwung] [pwing]
Apple Bloom: [gasp]
But no matter how hard she tried, they kept on disappearing!
Twilight Sparkle: Told you that not even magic can make a cutie mark appear before its time.
Apple Bloom: It's hopeless, hopeless! 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.
Ash: No it won't! You'll at least have me with you!
Pikachu: And me too!
Twilight Sparkle: Agreed! I'm sure it won't be as bad as all that.
Apple Bloom: Forget it, there's no way I'm going to that [gulp] party.
Turns out the party was at Sugarcube Corner and everypony was coming in!
Ash: Whoa!
[ponies chatter]
Apple Bloom: How could I have forgotten the time? How could I have forgotten Pinkie Pie was hosting the party? How could I have forgotten it was at Sugarcube Corner?
Ash: Relax, Apple Bloom! Chill!
Pikachu: Yeah! What he said!
Pinkie Pie: [places a party hat on Apple Bloom's head] Don't forget your party hat, Forgetty Forgetterson!
Ash: Well, at least it can't get any worse!
Apple Bloom: Worse?! How can this possibly get any worse?!
She then tried to sneak off.
Apple Bloom: I have to get out of here before anypony sees me.
And she did just that!
She then hid behind a cake, just as Snails took a bite out of it.
Snails: [chomp]
Diamond Tiara: Hey! It's my cute-ceañera, I'm supposed to get the first bite at cake.
Ash: Go stand in the corner, Snails!
Snails: Aw!
And he did just that!
Ash: No worries, Diamond! [levitates a piece of carrot cake to Diamond Tiara] Here! Hopefully, this will make up for it!
Pikachu: It's really good!
Diamond Tiara: Well, if you insist! [takes a bite]
Then...
Diamond Tiara: Wow! That's good!
Ash: Thanks! I'm glad you like it!
Pikachu: Yeah!
Ash: And if you think that's good! [levitates a different cake] Wait until you try this! It's called a Pepperoni Cheesecake!
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon: Pepperoni Cheesecake?
Ash: Go ahead! It's awesome!
Diamond Tiara: Well, [as they took a piece] if you insist!
When they each took a bite...
Ash: Well?
Diamond Tiara: Hey! This is surprisingly good!
Silver Spoon: Yeah! I thought it would taste bad, but it's actually pretty good! It's almost like eating a pizza!
Ash: Glad you like it! I learned to make it with help from a pair of plumber brothers! [notices Apple Bloom sneaking around] Excuse me! [walks off]
When Apple Bloom tried hiding behind balloons, a unicorn stallion ended up popping them with his horn.
[pop] [pop] [pop] [pop] [pop] [pop]
Then, she snuck under a table holding a punch bowl and spotted the exit!
Apple Bloom: Okay, Apple Bloom, almost there.
But then, as she was sneaking around, she had to stop a few times, just as a random pony drank out of the fruit punch bowl. Apple Bloom was almost at the exit, and then she heard...
Applejack: Apple Bloom, you made it. After I heard about Twist, I was afraid you wouldn't show up. I sure am glad you came to your 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. I'll let you be, looks like your friends want to talk to you. [walks away]
Ash: Apple Bloom, what are you doing?
Apple Bloom: I was trying to leave the party!
Ash: Why would you want to leave?
Apple Bloom: You heard what Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon said earlier! It would be embarrassing for me to be at her party without a cutie mark!
She then takes a table cloth and wraps it around her flank.
Diamond Tiara: Well well well, look who's here.
Silver Spoon: Nice outfit.
Apple Bloom: Just sumt'n I, uh, pulled together last minute.
Diamond Tiara: It really shows off your cutie mark. Oh wait, that's right, you don't have one.
Apple Bloom: Uh, I have a cutie mark.
Ash: Huh?
Pikachu: Huh?
Silver Spoon: Eh, what? Since when?
Apple Bloom: Since... Um... Earlier today.
Diamond Tiara: Oh really? Let's see it.
Apple Bloom: I shouldn't. I couldn't. My cutie mark is so unbelievably amazing, I'm afraid that if I show it off, everyone will start paying attention to me instead of you. Outshined at your own cute-ceañera. Can you imagine how embarrassing that would be?
Ash: [whispers] Apple Bloom, what are you talking about?
Apple Bloom: Shush!
Diamond Tiara: Uh, forget it, I didn't really want to see it anyway.
Apple Bloom: Okay, well, I'm gonna go mingle. Enjoy your party. [sigh]
Suddenly, Apple Bloom tripped and her cloth came off!
[record scratch]
[everyone gasps]
Apple Bloom: Oh no.
Silver Spoon: Wow, that is an amazing cutie mark.
Diamond Tiara: Nice try...
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon: Blank flank!
Ash: Alright! That tears it!
Scootaloo: [offscreen] You got a problem with blank flanks?
[fillies gasp]
Scootaloo: I said, you got a problem with blank flanks?
Ash: Where'd they come from?
Silver Spoon: The problem is, I mean, she's like, totally not special.
Sweetie Belle: No, it means she's full of potential.
Scootaloo: It means she could be great at anything. The possibilities are, [mocking] like, endless.
Sweetie Belle: She could be a great scientist, or an amazing artist, or a famous writer. She could even be mayor of Ponyville someday.
Scootaloo: And she's not stuck being stuck-up like you two.
[ponies laugh]
Ash: Ohoho! Burn! [laughs]
Pikachu: Yeah! You just got roasted! [laughs]
Gengar: That's what I call a verbal beat down! [laughs]
Diamond Tiara: Hey, this is my party, why are you two on her side?
Scootaloo: Because...
The two fillies didn't have cutie marks either!
Ash: Well, whaddya know!
Pikachu: Wow!
Gengar: I don't believe it!
Apple Bloom: [gasp] You don't have your cutie marks either? I thought I was the only one.
Scootaloo: We thought we were the only two.
Twilight Sparkle: I for one think you are three very lucky fillies.
Diamond Tiara: Lucky? How can they be lucky?
Twilight Sparkle: They still get to experience the thrill of discovering who they are, and what they're meant to be.
Applejack: And they got all the time in the world to figure it out, not just an afternoon.
Ash: Got that right! And I can help them in any way I can!
That made the three fillies smile!
[ponies chatter]
"Tornado Bolt": Wow, Apple Bloom, I wish I could be a scientist.
"Piña Colada": Do you really think you could be mayor?
"Coronet": Maybe I got my cutie mark too soon.
Diamond Tiara: Hey, what's everypony doing? This is my party, everypony is supposed to be paying attention to me.
Silver Spoon: Whatever. We still think you're losers, right, Diamond Tiara? Bump, bump, sugar... lump...
Diamond Tiara: Not now, Silver Spoon.
Gengar: [smirks] [clicks his tongue] Looks like you two aren't the center of attention right now!
Diamond Tiara: Oh, shut up, you paranormal apparition!
Scootaloo: Name's Scootaloo.
Sweetie Belle: And I'm Sweetie Belle.
Apple Bloom: Apple Bloom.
[music]
Twist: This song is so super!
Apple Bloom: So I was thinking, now that we're friends... I mean, we are friends, right?
Scootaloo: How could we not be? We're totally alike. We don't have cutie marks, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon drive us crazy-
Sweetie Belle: Totally crazy.
Apple Bloom: Well, now that we're friends, what if the three of us work together to find out who we are and what we're supposed to be?
Sweetie Belle: Ooh! Ooh! We could form our own secret society.
Scootaloo: I'm liking this idea.
Apple Bloom: A secret society. Yeah. We need a name for it though.
Scootaloo: The Cutie Mark Three?
Sweetie Belle: The Cutastically Fantastics?
Apple Bloom: How about... The Cutie Mark Crusaders?
Scootaloo: It's perfect!
Sweetie Belle: This is gonna be so great!
Apple Bloom: We're gonna be unstoppable!
The three fillies then went up to Ash!
Apple Bloom: And we've got the best fillysitter in all of Ponyville to help us out!
Scootaloo: And the coolest!
Sweetie Belle: And with his best partner too!
Then they hugged him and Pikachu!
Ash: Aww! Thanks, girls! But just to let you know! I won't always be around to help you with finding your special talents! Every other weekend, I have to go to Canterlot and spend the weekend with my sisters! Understand?
Sweetie Belle: Okay!
Ash: Good! Now, [levitates the pepperoni cheesecake] how about a piece of my pepperoni cheesecake?
Cutie Mark Crusaders: Yes please!
As they were enjoying it, Twilight was writing to Celestia!
Twilight Sparkle: Dearest Princess Celestia,
I am 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...
Princess Celestia: ...can actually be the thing that helps you make your closest friends and realize how special you are. Hmm...
Narrator: And so, Apple Bloom has made some new friends and has learned that it takes time and patience to find her special talent! Though, I wonder what her special talent will be? As the journey continues!
To be continued...
And that's the end of this chapter! I hope you all enjoyed it! And there's more to come! So until then, see you all next time!