Chapter 12:Call Of The Cutie
"Just a quick introduction, and the opportunity to meet this town's future ponies,"Orion pumped himself up as he leaned his back against the wall of the Ponyville school house,"Apple Bloom will be quite happy to see me… Hopefully she still does when I lay down my rules as their substitute teacher."
He patiently awaited his chance to meet the fillies and colts he would call his students. Now that he was a designated substitute, he had a fun little hobby he could do as a citizen of this town. He couldn't help to feel excited that he could share his knowledge with the newest generation. The sun matched his small but mounting excitement he hid quite well as he peaked through a window. Watching the Ponyville teacher Ms Cheerlie teaching them about cutie marks.
He admitted, she looked like quite the likable red mare. She showed off her cutie mark with three happy looking flowers that could only be described as hope. The hope that her teaching will prepare these fresh new minds for the future that is to come. All seemed to be going smoothly, except for one filly who seemed to be giving Apple Bloom grief. She was pink, her face seemed smug and rich as her silver tiara like cutie mark defined her a bit for him.
She seem to be hissing, or trying to get Apple Bloom's attention while trying to pass a note. Her purple and white striped mane and tail swag as she waved the note at Apple Bloom. This reeked of trouble as Apple Bloom finally took the note with irritation. Only for Apple Bloom to suddenly take the heat for being caught with the filly's note. Orion huffed and opened the door to the school just as he heard two words sound out as he entered.
"It's blank…"Cheerlie spoke of what the note was with great confusion.
"Remind you of any pony?"The pink filly asked while laughing at Apple Bloom while the little apple sighed from not having a cutie mark.
"Ms Cheerlie…!"Orion surprised the teacher greatly and nodded his head towards the laughing filly.
"Ah mister O, you've arrived just in time to give your introduction to the kids,"Cheerlie nervously giggled and stared down the real trouble maker,"And don't worry, I have Diamond Tiara all figured out..."
"And by the end… So will I…!"He stood tall and put his fingers together while Cheerlie got her thoughts straight.
"Sorry about all that, time for introductions! Students, since we have ten more minutes. we have time to introduce your new substitute teacher,"Cheerlie announced to the class that groaned while Apple Bloom waved to the cloaked man excitedly,"This is Mister O. He came highly recommended by Mayor Mare herself, and is said to be quite the experienced stallion!"
"Hello Mister O!"The class greeted the man with less than respectable enthusiasm, except for Apple Bloom.
"He will be teaching you history, magic, physical education and ancient creatures to all of you should I be absent for the day,"Cheerlie explained before she was given a nod from O,"I will let him introduce himself to you, and explain how class will work under his watch."
The class groaned and whispered among themselves about the new sub. Cheerlie winked and let Orion take over, he took a deep breath to ready himself. A needle sharp line of crystal shot up through his right index finger nice and sturdy. To silence the children, he put his sharp finger to the chalk board, and slowly began to grind the crystal needle down the board. Causing the loud screech that made the class's ears twitch and almost close up, forcing them to be silent.
"Enough…! When I speak there will be no speaking out over me unless you have something useful and polite to say,"He took up the note Cheerlie took from Apple Bloom and crumbled it up in his left hand,"You will address me as Mister O, period! Now before you start thinking negatively of me. Know that I am determined to give you all a strong education! I can promise you this… I will teach you magic that will earn you respect among your piers. I can teach you to be smart, and ready for whatever dangers and conflicts that await you…!"
"He's not even a pony…!"The one called Diamond Tiara whispered to a silver filly with glasses, and was rewarded with a paper ball to her forehead.
"Quiet! And show respect when the teacher is talking! For respect is key to the full experience you will go through with me,"Orion spoke quite sternly with a stare that intimidated the rich filly,"In my eyes I don't see rich, poor, dumb, smart, pretty or ugly! I simply see a class of young fillies and colts with much to learn! Including respect, tolerance, and discipline! The same way I was raised among some of the most fearsome warriors you will ever come to know!"
"No wonder he's loud and obnoxious…"The silver filly whispered and giggled before the hand of Orion slapped down loudly on her desk.
"It's also why I know twenty different, and very painful means of punishment for disrespectful students,"He said with a very low and almost growl like tone of voice that made the filly sweat,"So I emphasize the word, respect! You will respect your teacher and your fellow students! Fail to do so, and I have fifteen different forms of discipline that have been approved by the mayor, and Cheerlie. You don't want to know why the other five were disapproved…!"
"Yes sir Mister O!"Apple Bloom saluted and sat quietly before he gave her a small nod.
"Does every pony understand?!"He announced to all the other children in the classroom.
"Yes Mister O!"They all called out before he felt satisfied.
"Then you are all free to leave. Be sure any homework assigned before hoof is done by tomorrow,"He said while pushing the button and making the school bell ring,"Enjoy the rest of your day…! Cheerlie you can have your classroom back."
"Thank you Mister O for that… Spirited and respectable…speech…!"Cheerlie walked nervously to her desk to start doing papers.
Orion was the first to exit the school before the crowd of children nearly mowed him down. He swayed and staggered so he wouldn't step on any pony by accident. He found his hoofing once more and sighed for his introduction to the school going somewhat smoothly. Only thing that was bothering him was the behavior of that Diamond Tiara. A filly that reminded him so much of the ponies that ridiculed him for being a blank flank and a freak.
It disappointing him that a sweet filly like Apple Bloom was being subjected to such bullying. Even in this more harmonic world, there was still cruelty and rough treatment between ponies. It was then that he heard the smug comments of Diamond Tiara as they exited the school.
"I don't know why we have to sit through a lecture about getting a cutie mark. I mean, waiting for your cutie mark is SO last week,"Diamond ranted so high and mighty with such a smug tone,"You got yours, I just got mine. We all have them already."
The filly then gasped as Apple Bloom and a new friend of hers was exiting the school.
"I mean, almost all of us have them already. Don't worry, you two are still invited to my cutie ceanera this weekend!"She commented to Apple Bloom and her new friend.
"It's going to be amazing!"The silver filly pumped her friends ego and excitement.
"It's a party celebrating me and my fantastic new cutie mark! How could it not be?"Diamond drank in her empty pride and wittiness that irritated Orion to the core.
"Bump! Bump! Sugar lump, rump!"The two witty fillies did a celebrating chant.
"Aw give me a break…!"Apple Bloom almost wanted to get sick from their nasty smug attitudes.
"See you this weekend…!"Diamond started before they both shouted.
"Blank flanks!"This very old slur set off Orion.
"HEY! There will be no use of that term in my presence,"His roar made the filly's hearts skip a beat and bolted before he could catch them,"This doesn't end here you smug little flank holes! There's always tomorrow or the next day I can catch you for your troubles! It doesn't end here with me around now!"
"Thanks for the help there Mister O. Sorry you had to be in the middle of all that,"Apple Bloom apologized while the students quickly scattered to forget the scene,"Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon always give me a ton of grief for not having a cutie mark…"
"I can tell… But know that they only bully because they can't stand the truth about cutie marks,"He explained to the little Apple as he knelt down to her level,"The truth is… A cutie mark comes when its host is ready for it. Because a late cutie mark is special, and in turn, means that one is destined to do something great. They got theirs early because clearly their marks are not so special."
"So… You're saying my mark will be something very important, and special?"Apple Bloom asked.
"Yes… If there's one thing you can take from this. Know that it's not WHAT you do that earns you your cutie mark,"He explained from a personal experience long long ago,"But it's why you do what you can do that truly earns you a cutie mark…!"
"Ok… I'll keep that in mind…! Thanks Mister O."Apple Bloom thanked him for the pep talk and was on her way home.
"No problem… Such a good child. Can't believe she gets dumped on for not having a cutie mark yet,"He sighed and watch her walk home to Sweet Apple Acres,"Boy… The memories… If only father could see this old problem… Crap I'm late for Rainbow Dash and Typhoon's tai chi and karate classes…"
While he made a slow and calming stroll to meet with Rainbow and Typhoon. The situation with Apple Bloom being bullied over not having a cutie mark remained on his mind. It felt so much like his old days, almost a teenager and still no cutie mark. No matter what he did, leading his training with his fellow warriors, conquering his red crystal abilities. No amount of skill, experience, or progress appeared to be bringing him any closer to having his very own cutie mark.
1987 Years Ago
He sat there on the edge of his castle roof, sweaty, and slightly singed in a couple spots. He was permitted to have some extra time to himself while the others needed to go inside to eat. He sighed, and pulled the side of his black shorts down, and saw nothing on the side of his flank. Yet all the other warriors had powerful, and meaningful cutie marks that defined their element. It made him all too jealous of what he missed in his life.
"You did well today son. They're learning to respect you a lot more it seems."In a thick cloud of blackness and stars, his father appeared and stood tall over his son,"Other than the obvious rebellion from Thunder Blitz and War Fire…"
"Thunder I can handle, War Fire just needs to soak his fiery head somewhere and control his temper."Orion sighed and leaned back till he was on his back, looking at the sky.
"An interesting and simple observation. I can see about setting War Fire up for anger management,"The king suggested, but it appeared to bring little clarity to his son,"Yet I feel that is not what upsets you my son…"
"You wanna take a guess…?"Orion questioned as he showed the bare spot where a cutie mark would be.
"Still have yet to find your cutie mark… Apologies son, I wish I had been around more to notice,"His son turned away and scoffed as he sat right next to the preteen,"I know it's probably hard being this old and not have your mark yet, but… These things take time…"
"How much more time is there to wait? I'm going to be thirteen in a week,"Orion ranted and put a crack in the roof with his stressed and agitated fist,"Ponies normally get their cutie marks around the age of seven, and here I'm almost thirteen and I'm still a..! You know a…!"
"Blank flank?!"A cocky colt voice with much pubescence suggested the name.
Orion looked up, and found himself eye to eye with a Pegasus colt. His fur was yellow, and his gray mane and tail mimicked storm clouds that fluffed and moved like the clouds themselves. His body glowed, and blinked from ice blue lightning like tattoos that went up his legs, and connected with his spine and belly. They connected with a large lightning bolt traveling from the start of his tail, and went in a jagged line up his spine. Splicing into skinnier bolts that went down his head, through his eyes, and down his chest and belly where they reconnected with his legs.
"Not just that, there's blank flank, empty rear end, mark misser, talentless tooshie,"The colt proved himself to be a chatter box and very musing for Orion,"I mean blank flank is more common and easier, so maybe that could be a way to describe you?"
"Shut up Thunder…!"Orion spat and threw a strong hook directly in the colt's mouth that dazed him, and sent him crashing to the ground below.
"As I was saying before we were interrupted. These things take time is all, and you've been making great progress towards your destiny,"The king continued to lecture as best as he could, being a distant parent,"But here's the thing. Earning your cutie mark isn't truly about what you can do. It's why you do it that truly matters. Do you know why you've been training and fighting so much?"
"To… Become a warrior like the first comers?"Orion guessed as his father simply chuckled at his basic answer.
"Hmmm… Don't worry son, your true reason for becoming a warrior will come to you soon enough,"The king patted his human pony son on the back as the boy sighed,"Till then… Lets go eat lunch and give Thunder Blitz a little pay back for interrupting our conversation."
"Yeah… That sounds like a plan…"Orion agreed and stood up to go inside with his father.
Present
Suddenly Orion awoke, and looked around to realized he had done it again. He got lost in the memories again, and was simply standing in the middle of the market place. From the looks of it, it could have very well been a bit more than an hour. Strangely enough though, no pony seem to be bothered with his strange and senile like behavior. In fact it appeared that no pony paid any mind to him, seeing as it was quite busy in the market place around him.
There were cherries, carrots, beans, pumpkins, squash, flowers ,and so many more. Apparently it was a a pretty flourishing harvest today for all the sellers he could see. Including the always welcoming Apples that were already set up for sales today. Not only that, it appeared that Applejack had brought Apple Bloom along to see how her sister sells their apples. It was worth checking out and buying an apple or two, just to support them.
"Apples! Get your delicious, nutritious apples here!"Applejack called out to advertise to the public.
"Delicious and nutritious, and so many uses! You can eat them,"Apple Bloom took a big bite of an Apple and then chucked one like a ball,"You can play with them!"
"Hey watch it!"Orion had ducked to avoid the apple, but an angry stallion certainly didn't approve of getting hit.
"You can create fine art with them! You'd have to be crazy not to get a bushel of your very own!"Apple Bloom insisted while Applejack appeared nervous, and a bit embarrassed.
"Heh…She's so creative… Heh…"Applejack tried to stay positive with her little sister.
"So, sir! Care to buy some apples?"Apple Bloom's assistance was suddenly starting to look more like harrassment from the looks of it.
"Uh…no thanks."He politely declined.
"Why not?"She pry for answers to his decline.
"I have plenty at home…!"The stallion fearfully backed up from the nosy little filly.
"Are you sure?"She pushed for a little bit more.
"Yes I'm pretty sure…!"The stallion was now fearing for his life.
"You're pretty sure, but you're not absolutely positively completely super duper sure, are you?"She questioned and the stallion gave in to her.
"If I buy some apples, will you please leave me alone?"The stallion begged as he paid for some apples and left.
"Alright!"Apple Bloom celebrated only for Orion to quickly step in.
"Whoa whoa whoa…! What is going on here?"He approached nicely and rested his elbows on the stand table.
"My sister here is uh…helping me with sales… She just needs a little work is all."Applejack insisted that all was fine, aside from Apple Bloom's brash advertising.
"Right…a little work. I take it the whole cutie mark deal is still eating away at you a bit?"He asked Apple Bloom as she sighed and tried to get more attention from ponies.
"Yeah… I keep telling her not to rush these things. She really wants to get a cutie mark though,"Applejack explained the issue they had when Apple Bloom got home from school,"I wish there was something more I could do for her, but she's a stubborn one. Just like our ma."
"I can imagine… Story of my life right there…"He admitted as he tossed a couple bits down for an apple.
"You were a late bloomer too?"Applejack asked while giving him an apple.
"Yup. I was fourteen before I finally earned my cutie mark, it was all about patience,"He took a bite of the apple and watched the filly suddenly flagging down a mare,'Patience, and a reason for what I do, and why I do it."
"Fourteen?! That's twice Apple Bloom's age. Talk about a serious late bloomer,"Applejack admitted with a nervous chuckle,"Then again, I bet when it came, it was quite a special mark."
"Yep… That's what I was trying to tell Apple Bloom. She may be a late bloomer, but that just means her mark is meant to be something special,"Those words sparked interest in Applejack when she thought of how mellow and gentle his tone was,"In time she'll come to realize just how special she will be…"
"Till then… Ma'am…! I'm so sorry about that…!"Applejack rushed to stop Apple Bloom from harassing a mare.
Orion chuckled and shook his head before he decided to leave them to their business. He did not know if this was normal behavior for late bloomers these days. Though it sounded like something he would do if he had to wait any longer for a cutie mark at fourteen. Somehow he had a feeling this was not the end of Apple Bloom's tirade to get a cutie mark. If anything this could have very well been the beginning of her great hunt for a cutie mark.
It was another hour before he was leaning against a post within a karate dojo. Next to him, sitting in the master cushion was Typhoon Breeze, performing some yoga. He was in a complete zen state, stretching his back hooves over his back and holding them to his shoulder. His thighs and groin balanced him upright while he looked to the sun after a deep breath. Slowly he unraveled, and went to his back before raising his body upwards and slowly sliding his hooves under him, his form appeared like an air balloon.
To finish his yoga, he took a deep breath in and slowly lifted his left back hoof. Letting it slowly lift to the sky straight up before slowly lifting his right front hoof upwards as well. He let both rising hooves touch tips and shine off the sun's reflection. He lifted his body up until his hooves were completely straight from under him and matched his top hooves. He released his breath and found his zen before releasing his body and going back to his basic form.
Orion smirked and found himself somewhat impressed by his friends flexibility. With a little bit of power in his front hooves, he heaved his body up and stood on his hind legs. Flexing his front hooves and fore arms to give the sun a bit of a praise. He smiled and slowly came back down, and was back on all four hooves like a normal pony. Once again striking some interest in Orion for showing that he still remembered his special training for standing on two legs.
"You weren't lying. You haven't forgotten your skills. No pony these days can stand on two legs these days,"Orion admitted and kept a straight face through his enjoyable time with Typhoon,"Ever try to teach Fluttershy how to do it?"
"Nope… She would have broke her legs trying to do that kind of stuff,"Typhoon said while cracking his neck and standing back up on his hind legs and putting his front hooves together,"Now are we going to do Tai chi or you gonna ask memory questions like an old stallion?"
"Very funny… Never pictured you to be the jester type. Normally that's Thunder Blitz's job."Orion put his feet and hands together and took in a deep breath.
"Never pictured you to suddenly be so easy going all of a sudden. Thought that was my job…"Typhoon chuckled gently and took in a breath before they moved in sync.
They moved their right legs forward and swept them to the right till they were behind their left legs. They exhaled and lifted their left legs off the ground and made a swift right jab to the left. Following it up with a smooth left jab to the right without so much as a tremble in their stance. They slowly then balanced upon the tip of their hooves. Sweeping their left hooves and locking them behind their backs before letting their right move forward in a sort of balanced offer stance.
"So how does your combat skills fare? I'd hate for them to be sloppy and stale."Orion smirked while they slowly return to normal standing and began to do the stances in reverse.
"My skills are kept sharp through my tai chi. You need not worry about that,"Typhoon mused at his skills being questioned before noticing the smirk on his friend's face,"Don't you even think about it… This is meant to be a peaceful tai chi time…!"
"You know that old saying father use to tell us when fighting, and training,"Orion asked as he slowly swept his arm and slowly flexed his arm against his back,"Don't think, just act…!"
"Don't…even…think abou-"Typhoon was cut off from a swift karate chop that he deflected with a stiff rising tight hoof.
Suddenly fist were flying at his face, and he was forced to defend. Blocking jabs with firm hooves that guarded his cheeks, and his lower body. He ducked and jumped to dodge a leg sweep, landing and blocking a fist to his side before kicking Orion back. Only to stretch back to dodge a quick shot of red magic with a nimble back flip and a flap of his wings. The resulting wind almost blasting Orion off his feet while Typhoon went to counter.
Orion grabbed a strong and straight high kick that aimed for his face with both hands. Swinging Typhoon to the wall, only for the Pegasus to slam his free back hoof against the wall. Cushioning momentum before swinging that back hoof to strike him in the face. Orion ducked and let him go before leg sweeping, and knocking out Typhoon's first hoof he touched ground with. He manage to catch himself with his right front hoof and twirl before jumping back to all four hooves.
He then flapped his wings and filled the dojo with powerful winds that felt like slaps to the face. A strong punch from the Pegasus was gradually blocked by a cross arm block from Orion. He kept a solid footing and head butted the Pegasus away before running to attack. Throwing blinding fast round house kicks that Typhoon was quick to block with his wings. He jumped back to regain his barrings and grip another round house into his right fore arm.
Only to get kicked against wall by a strong jump kick straight to the chest. Typhoon swept his arm up and manage to deflect a fist straight into the wall to spear his face. He then returned a head butt back to Orion and lifted both back hooves up to kick him in the stomach. Forcing Orion away before using his wings to collect plenty of force into another strong punch. Orion simply coated his right fist in a layer of red crystal and swung it as Typhoon threw a strong hoof surrounded in swirling wind.
Both fist and hoof met each others left kissers with tremendous force. The wind itself blew out half the paper walls of the dojo while other parts were smoking from red magic. They remained like solid statues, shrugging off the powerful blows. Orion could even flash a smile as a trickle of blood suddenly leaked from the left corner of his mouth. While Typhoon cringed slightly from a purple and black bruise forming on his left cheek.
"I'll pay for the damage to the dojo… That was more refreshing than you know,"Orion chuckled before slowly lowering his fist from his friend's face and relaxing his body,"You weren't joking. That Tai chi must have been keeping your reflexes and experience fresh and sharp."
"That's why I felt fighting or sparring was unnecessary. Though I'll admit that was invigorating,"Typhoon admitted before going over to his yoga pillow before pausing,"Thanks any way… It's good to see you haven't forgot how to handle yourself…"
"That was so…AWESOME!"The two were interrupted by Rainbow Dash exclaiming her excitement in a karate outfit.
"Rainbow Dash…! There you are…! What took you so long, you're thirty minutes late to karate class,"Orion ranted and froze when he saw Apple Bloom in the same outfit,"Apple Bloom?! What in the name of Equestria are you doing here?!"
"Technically you were late too…"Typhoon whispered to himself, regarding Orion.
"This little scamp is trying to get her very own cutie mark, and I'm going to help her,"Rainbow explained while the two old warriors took a seat on the master pillows,"What better way to start her out, then by seeing if she's got a skill in karate?"
"You're going to try and push a cutie mark rather than wait for it…?"Orion used a fatherly disapproving tone in his voice that made Rainbow want to cringe.
"Yes…! She wants to get a cutie mark. You gotta push yourself and try a bunch of different things!"Rainbow insisted while flying to a closet and getting out a training dummy.
"What kind of irresponsible, arrogant, and moronic nimrod made you believe that nonsense?!"Orion was given a soft elbow to the hip by Typhoon and heard him whisper.
"Sounds like something Thunder would go spouting about, certainly sounds like the his kind of view."Typhoon whispered to him as Rainbow Dash got Apple Bloom all set up.
"Karate, GO! Show that dummy who's boss!"Rainbow directed Apple Bloom before the filly jumped to the air for an Ariel kick to the head.
"Hiya!"She war cried and kicked the dummy, only to be frozen and stunned right where she was.
"Oh no…"Orion slapped his head in complete dumbfounding as she fell to her back.
"Weird… You would think an Apple would have a ton of strength behind moves like that."Typhoon confided while Orion stood up and decided to offer help.
"You can do it Apple Bloom. You're an Apple, and Apple's are as strong as their hearts are big,"He offered a bit of encouragement as she got up and rubbed her sore flank,"Go with your heart, don't use your head on these things. Bring out that true Apple strength!"
Apple Bloom brushed herself off and looked to the man, struck by a spark of confidence. The feeling of her hero believing in her, and helping her find her true strength. She looked back to the dummy and took a deep breath in and put her hoof to her chest. She let that breath out, and jumped for another high kick to the dummy's face. This time, she manage to shock them all as her inner Apple strength guided her hoof and crushed the head of the dummy before launching it through a wall.
"What the hay did I just see…?"Rainbow opened her mouth wide with shock.
"Now that's some good old fashion Apple family strength,"He nodded in approval as Apple Bloom checked her flank to see if she gained her cutie mark,"Don't bother, it's not there. But that is interesting to see you show off that raw muscle. Frosty Apple couldn't do that kind of damage till he was twelve…!"
"Thanks I guess… Suppose this just ain't for me…"Apple Bloom left to change and leave.
"Yeah… Now every pony I think we better leave before the owner comes back and kills us for wrecking his dojo,"Orion suggested before the doors open to reveal a black belt unicorn stallion,"RUN!"
Thankfully they all manage to leave before the stallion could catch them and hit them with the bill for the damages to the dojo. As fun as it was to spar and spend time with his old friend. He felt bothered that Apple Bloom was becoming this obsessed with finding her cutie mark. This did not feel normal for him to be seeing, a filly obsessed with finding her cutie mark. He pondered the thought in his mind as he slowly strolled To Sugar Cube Corner.
He had received yet another request for aid from Pinkie Pie to help prepare a party for a cutie mark ceanera. His first thought was Diamond Tiara and her little friend Silver Spoon. Of course that would explain Apple Bloom's behavior, such popular snob's words seem to be held in high esteem. Even if it's by ponies that do not like them. Clearly that Diamond Tiara had a thing for breaking others down since they were less fortunate than herself.
"I get the feeling this party will be one we wouldn't mind forgetting…"He sighed as he finally neared Sugar Cube Corner.
He could hear the voices of children carrying on in the gingerbread building already. He took a deep breath in and gave himself a minute to prepare himself for the children. Slowly he entered, and low and behold, he spotted children all over the place. Including Diamond Tiara and her friend Silver Spoon showing off their cutie marks for every pony. He shook his head and continued on while the children noticed their new substitute teacher and settled down very quickly.
"Feel free to continue the party…! I'm just here to help Pinkie Pie!"He announced before walking through the groups of children.
He pointed a finger at Diamond Tiara as a means of warning her to behave. Once he neared the doors to enter the kitchen, and was met with Apple Bloom trying to leave. She even had a long table cloth over her flank like a dress to hide her no mark flank.
"Oh no… Apple Bloom don't do what you're doing here. You're just going to prove their point about you,"He begged the filly as she looked around to find an opening to escape undetected,"Look there's nothing to be ashamed about if you don't have your mark yet. It takes time…!"
"There you are…! You came just in time,"Pinkie Pie exclaimed before Orion was suddenly stacked with at least three large cakes in his arms,"I need you to set those cakes up, and I'm gonna bring out blue raspberry punch for you to stir!"
"Whatever you say Pinkie…!"Orion groaned before carrying the cakes over to the nearest table.
He worried for Apple Bloom as he struggled to lay out the cakes nice and neat. He was quick to stop the third one from tipping over an splattering all over the place. He then turned to see Apple Bloom talking to both Diamond and her friend that had caught her trying to leave. He went to break it up, but Pinkie Pie was already in his face with a bowl of blue berry punch. She smiled as he sighed and took the bowl before stirring while she poured more sugar in it.
"Pinkie you are aware that this party is celebrating a snobby filly who's been bullying Apple Bloom right?"Orion was quickly stirring while seeing Apple Bloom making a break for it.
"Really? Well that doesn't seem right?"Pinkie worried in her own wake while sneaking a piece of cake.
"Yeah, Apple Bloom has been getting bullied because she has yet to get her own cutie mark…!"Orion explained as he heard a tear of fabric and saw the table cloth dress come off.
"Oh no…!"Apple Bloom worried as the whole crowd of children were drawn to her blank flank.
"Wow, that IS an amazing cutie mark…!"Silver Spoon called out as Apple Bloom lowered her head in humiliation.
"Nice try…!"Diamond taunted before her and Silver called out.
"Blank flank!"Once again Orion felt triggered and was ready to paint the filly's flanks red.
"Hey! You gotta problem with blank flanks,"Came the bold talk of a cocky sounding filly that shocked the kids,"I said, you got a problem with blank flanks?"
"The problem is, I mean. She's like, totally not special!"Silver Spoon argued with two fillies of orange and white, one unicorn, one Pegasus.
"No, It means she's full of potential."The unicorn filly continued to stand defiant of the bully's ignorance.
"It means she could be great at like, ANYTHING. The possibilities are like, ENDLESS…!"The purple mane Pegasus filly added to the unicorn's defense.
"It means she could be a great scientist, and amazing artist. Or even a famous writer,"The unicorn went down the list of possibilites as her positive attitude began to relax Orion,"She could even be the new mayor of Ponyville…! Or even a warrior like Mister O!"
"And she's not stuck being a stuck up like you two!"The Pegasus filly insulted the bullies and made the crowd laugh at them.
"Hey this is my party! Why are you two on her side?!"Diamond exclaimed before Orion finally jumped in as the two showed.
"Because… They have yet to find their cutie marks as well…! And a bratty filly picking on a filly for not having a cutie mark is intolerable!"O stood before Diamond Tiara tall and scary.
"You don't have cutie marks either?! I thought I was the only one!"Apple Bloom explained her situation.
"We thought we were the only two."The Pegasus admitted their similar situation as well.
"I for one think you are three very lucky fillies.."Twilight admitted as she entered the room.
"Good to see you again Twilight."Orion greeted.
"Lucky?! How can they be LUCKY?!"Diamond questioned in disbelief.
"They still get to experience the thrill of discovering who they are, and what they're meant to be."Twilight explained before Orion decided to add with an explanation of his own.
"As did I when I was but a child. I was twice your age before I got my cutie mark, so suppose that would make me a blank flank as well,"He explained before grabbing the cloak after making sure he separated his hood from it,"But I remained consistent with what I did and remained patient, and for that. I was gifted with MY cutie mark at last…"
Apple Bloom's eyes began to widen as she saw the tall pony slowly yank his cloak off. It was then that they all felt their eyes widen with shock to see a large cutie mark on his back. It was basically the harmony symbol that Celestia and Luna made up together. Only it was glittering, and sparkling with sharp crystals that surrounded and clustered over the edges of the symbol. While it was then topped off with two red crystal swords cross guarding the harmony symbol.
They all gasped at the sparkling cutie mark on the hidden prince's back. Apple Bloom was awe struck and warmly sparkling inside to see it. Not only did it prove that she and her two new friends really could be special, but it proved that he truly was a pony.
"He really does have himself a cutie mark…! He really is a pony…!"Applejack was alongside Twilight watching the mark.
"It looks so amazing…!"Apple Bloom was smiling excitedly as the glittering of the crystals sparkled in her eyes.
"So do yourself a favor, just shut up for once…! Because we late bloomers grow to do the most special of things,"He explained as he slowly took his cloak back up and put it back on,"So don't ever go saying that she's not special, because the reality of it is... It means they're more special than you will ever be…!"
Diamond and Silver Spoon's ears drooped while their center of attention shifted. Moving towards Apple Bloom and her two new friends.
"The name's Scootaloo."The Pegasus filly introduced.
"And I'm Sweetie Belle…!"The unicorn filly introduced herself as well.
"Apple Bloom…"The little Apple introduced herself to the two fillies.
While the fillies were chatting among themselves, and the rest of the children were partying. Orion casually sat in a chair and took in the more positive vibes around the room. Pinkie even was kind enough to give him some ice cold lemonade, nice and cold to the touch. He thanked her, just in time for Twilight and Spike to join him for a bit of a talk. Her smile seem sincere, and it matched the words that she spoke to him.
"I gotta say, you are quite the harsh guy for a substitute teacher,"Teacher admitted as she got a cup of ice lemonade as well,"But You really made it work. You realized there's problems with some of the students, and you helped a friend while clearing up one of the problems."
"Apple Bloom knew what it was like to be outcasted and disapproved of because she was a late bloomer, just like me,"He admitted with a hearty deep breath,"Now that I have a chance to do something about it now. I can finally make a difference for this new world we live in."
"Well you've done pretty good so far… That cutie mark of yours really said a lot about you,"Twilight admitted as Orion got comfortable in his chair,"You're meant to defend Equestria, and harmony itself. A mark like that must have been more than worth the wait."
"Yeah… I can guarantee the same could be said for Apple Bloom and her new friends…"He spoke before he saw the three new friends to scramble over to him.
"Mister O! We just made the greatest club in the world! We're a group dedicated to finding our cutie marks!"Apple Bloom excitedly explained the new found friendship as they came together.
"WE ARE THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!"All three fillies announced together.
"That's quite a title for a group of young fillies. Should you three ever need help, don't hesitate to ask."Orion decided to be their mister wise man when ever their group would be in a hard place.
"You got it mister O! Glad we could count on you for support,"Apple Bloom hugged his leg and chuckled quietly from her naive affection for him,"Glad we could have you as a teacher for the school too…!"
"Hey…! Apple Bloom tells us that you got some amazing stories to tell!"An excited Scootaloo hinted with great curiosity for Apple Bloom's friend.
"If it's not too much to ask. Mind if we here a story sir?"Sweetie Belle asked in the name of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
"Well… Might as well while we're here for the party, but first,"He then turned to Twilight writing a friendship lesson to Celestia on the sly,"Hey Twilight? You gonna share that friendship lesson with the rest of us or let Tia keep it to herself?"
"Oops… Sorry about that. I'll read it for you all…!"Twilight giggled and read her message out loud.
Dear 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… Can actually be the thing that helps you makes your closest friends and realize how special you are.
"Sounds about right form me. Don't me and my sisters know that,"Orion agreed with the lesson and turned to the girls sitting patiently,"Alright, there's the lesson… Now you girls ready for a story…?"
"Yes Sir!"The three crusaders answered in unison.
"Alright then… Here's the story of a colt I found a long time ago, hurt, alone, and defiant,"Orion began a story as he looked to an old red crystal he brought out from his right palm,"A colt I would raise like a student in the ways of the warrior, to harness his red crystal abilities, and grow to be a great king of a kingdom… He would even become like a son to me… And that colts name… Was Sombra…"
Sorry if that was less sync with the episode itself and more into Orion's story side. I really want to build this story, not just make it, but build it. Thank you all for being patient with me during unsavory times, and know I will always value the support you incredible readers have given me. Please stay pony and be ready for more.