//------------------------------// // Episode 5: On Your Marks // Story: The Pony Guard (Season 6) // by MXCDarkHorse2020 //------------------------------// Episode 5: On Your Marks At the clubhouse near Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom is finding herself having some trouble. Since getting her cutie mark alongside her pony friends, she'd been struggling to figure out what to do in her spare time. Now that she didn't have to spend time searching for a cutie mark she needed to find something she could enjoy. The only problem was that she wasn't used to being on her own for this, but none of the activities her friends were interested in sounded like something she wanted to do. Furthermore, in light of Scar’s near successful attacks on both the Pride Lands and Equestria, they couldn’t play pretend Lion and Pony Guard. And having witnessed and heard of Scar’s dangerous exploits and potential, they were wise to heed the Guard’s warning going forward. So all had agreed to reluctantly split up, at least until things cooled down enough to allow them to play pretend Lion and Pony Guard again. For Apple Bloom, she carried out life trying the various activities she and her friends did in their bid to gain their cutie marks but no matter what it didn’t have the same value and joy like it did in the past. Not even doing chores around the farm or listening to her granny's stories perked her spirits up in the slightest only serving to further bore her quickly. But one day, as the farm filly was strolling along through town, she happened to overhear instructions being spoken out in a thick accent. "Alright, everypony, from the top," A female voice barked as she instructed. "And one, two, three, four, one, two, three, four, one, two, three, four, two, two, three, four." “Apple Bloom?” Kambuni’s voice spoke to her as she followed after her due to her to being drawn to the voices nearby. Apple Bloom entered the building from which she heard the voices while Kambuni followed after her, and discovered that it was a dance studio. The instructor was an earth pony mare with a light purple gray coat. She had moderate pink eyes, a light gold and amber mane and tail, and wore a dark purple dress with light pink sleeves. She then immediately said to the instructor. "Whatever kind of dancin' y'all are doin', you're doin' it together, and I want in!" When all the colts and fillies in the dance studio stopped to look at her, she realized that she'd drawn a lot of unwanted attention to herself and blushed for her interrupting intro. "I-I mean, would it be okay if I enrolled in this here dance class?" The mare trotted forward and nodded as Kambuni enters the building looking interested by the kind of dancing Ponyville has to offer. "Of course. Once you sign up for dance lessons under my tutelage, great things will be expected from you if you want to make an impression here. We begin our way from dancing for beginners to dancing for experts. So you best be prepared to work hard as we have lessons for single dancers and partners, and we go from beginner all the way up to expert up until one’s ready to perform." "Great." Apple Bloom said to Hoofer Steps. "When I do start?" "You can start today." Hoofer Steps declared with a smile. "It just so happens we are currently rehearsing for a big recital at town hall later this month, and a spot just opened up," With a whisper, she gestured a hoof to a shy looking earth pony colt over in the corner. Said colt had a bright orange coat, purple eyes that were staring at the walls in the corner, and a purple mane and tail. "Tender Taps is a little too shy to perform for crowds. But if you're ready to step into a partnered routine..." The farm filly's ears perked up! "That sounds an awful lot like friendship! And I'm ready for anythin' I don't have to do by myself right now!" Hoofer Steps' smiled at the filly’s bursting enthusiasm. "Well then! Dancing with partner shall be perfect.” She then notices the ostrich watching on with the same growing enthusiasm as the warth pony she followed. “And I think I have the perfect dance partner to show me what you’re capable of doing now.” She gestured to said ostrich in the room looking on with a nervous smile as she meekly raised a leg to wave to the group of fillies staring at her. “Hello.” Apple Bloom not bothered by her sudden appearance moved to greet her like any other friend. “It’s okay, Kambuni. You can join me.” “You sure…” She turned to the instructor. “...even though I would you know stand out like an Outsider?” The dance instructor took no mind to the idea of accepting her in her class. “Young ostrich. Times have changed now, everybody that wants to join is welcome. Including Pride Landers like yourself.” She said with an approving smile. “And I’m sure your inclusion will help make things a little more interesting in the next month to come.” “Really? Wow! Well...if I’m welcome here then I guess I can’t say no.” “It’ll sure take some time getting used to but I think you and I are going to get along fine together.” Apple Bloom assured before offering her hoof to which the ostrich moved to graciously accept it as they made their way onto the dance floor. She clapped her hooves. "Places, everypony! And, music!" A tango score began to play out across the studio, and both Apple Bloom and Kambuni started trying to tap her hooves and legs and move them in time to the music. Their coordination wasn't too good, with Apple Bloom struggling to keep up with the increasing tempo and Kambuni having a little difficultly balancing herself on one foot though along with her spread out wings popping up at the worst possible time. And it only got worse when the music started to increase in tempo and she struggled to keep up. It didn't matter who they were paired up with, and they accidentally every one of their partners to the floor and even caused other dancing pairs to be disrupted. The music came to an abrupt stop as Apple Bloom exclaimed feeling very proud of herself. "Whew! 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 partnerin' with my new group of friends," Then she looked around, realizing that all the other colts and fillies are making their leave with Kambuni herself only standing by her side albeit with an awkward and ashamed look on her face. "Uh, is the lesson over already?" She nervously asked. Hoofer Steps looked down at Apple Bloom, having observed the farm filly and ostrich's clumsy dance moves. With a reasonable look of doubt she then said. "Eh... Now I'm think of it, you two might be better as soloists. Partnering is a little too much for you both to hop right into so soon. But there is still plenty of time for you both to master the art of dancing. And there is plenty of stuff you can do on your own.” Apple Bloom could only look on with her previous enthusiasm for dancing squashed as solo activities are the last things she wants to do. "Sorry, but doin' stuff on my own is exactly what I don't want right now," She glumly returned commented and trotted to the door. "Thanks anyway." Tender Taps happened to eye Apple Bloom alongside Kambuni who could look on with pity for her plight along with disappointment that she is quick to give up said activity after one quick bit of bad luck. “Apple Bloom…” Kambuni tried to call out to her to get her to come back to no avail. “...don’t go.” She quietly said to herself. Tender Taps moved to follow after her when she didn’t listen to her friend’s call much to Kambuni’s surprise before following suit. “Apple Bloom, wait!” He called out to her. "Sorry it didn't work out. And like your friend said there’s still room for improvement." "Thanks, but that’s not why I’m so glum." Apple Bloom unhappily returned without glancing at those trying to strike up a conversation with her. "Back when I was tryin' different things with my friends it was fun, even if we weren’t experts or even good at it. Now it's just no fun period on your own." "But you weren't that bad, I mean take it from somepony who’s seen worse." Tender Taps assured otherwise. "And it’s not the end of the world if you’re not ready for a partner yet. Everypony has had to be a solo act at least once. You just need to practice some more and with time you’ll be amazed with your work in progress. Plus, being a soloist can be even more fun too!" To prove his point he began to tap dance around a little while dancing around to his nearby surroundings, and then ran up and flipped off of a wall before landing right back on his hooves. Apple Bloom was almost rendered speechless, jaw dropped, and wide-eyed to what she just saw along with Kambuni. “Wow!” The latter spoke looking on in awe. “And this coming from a pony a little too shy to perform at the upcoming recital?” Tender Taps' smile faded as he reluctantly confessed why. “Yeah, well...that’s because...I have stage fright. I mean I can do well in class but I could never dance in front of an audience the way I do in class. The idea itself that's t-t-t-t-terrifying!” “And there is nothing wrong with that.” Kambuni returned knowing of what that’s like. “Because I feel the same way at times, including my first Grand Galloping Gala.” “Really? The Grand Galloping Gala?” “Yeah. Thanks to Fuli from the Lion Guard she was able to help me feel comfortable of meeting and greeting guests at a huge gathering. It might not be stepping up to dancing in front of a crowd but it is still a small step towards feeling comfortable about it.” “It sure sounds like it.” Tender Taps returned feeling a bit better already hearing that shared story. The farm filly however sighed again before setting out. "I appreciate what ya tryin' to do and all, but unless there is somethin' I'm either good at it or don't have to do on my own, I don’t know if I’ll ever feel again. Good luck at the recital.” "I can help you teach you a few moves if you want.” Tender Taps then offered in an attempt to get the distraught farm filly to consider staying. “That way you won’t be trying and doing something alone.” Apple Bloom still pressed forward and trotted off, but not without saying. "I'll take that into consideration. Maybe…" “I’ll take you up on that offer.” Kambuni then said to Tender Taps. “Even if I might have some difficulty getting the hang of it at first.” “Okay, great.” Tender Taps moved to tap dance again while Kambuni watches and awaits for beginner instructions while trying to keep in mind of how to help Apple Bloom feel better since she really misses spending time with her fellow Crusaders and Lion Guard fan club friends. The next day, Apple Bloom was moping around in the clubhouse where she and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders used to gather together in with multiple and countless papers with pictures of activities that she tried and failed at doing on her own. Now she was left wondering what else can she do with herself other than let history repeat with the clubhouse itself. Never before, had she been such in a funk. “Still sitting around with nothing fun to do, Apple Bloom?” A familiar voice spoke to her from behind. “Yep. Nothing new, Diamond Tiara.” Apple Bloom returned without a second glance before realizing who she just spoken to. “Diamond Tiara?!” She quickly spun her head around to see her guests. “Silver Spoon?!” “Yep.” “Hello.” They both greeted as both Kambuni and Kwato enter the clubhouse as well. “And for the record before you start with what you’re about to say, we were invited to come here.” The pink-colored filly then said next. “Girls?” Apple Bloom glanced at the zebra and ostrich to confirm that this is indeed the truth. “Yes, we did invite them here, Apple Bloom.” “And we’re sorry to spring this on you, but with all things considered we felt it was better to do it this way.” “Sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission.” Silver Spoon then chimed in. “I mean of course it depends on what we’re talking about and who you ask but you get the idea.” She then moved to take a gander at their surroundings. “Oh and by the way, I really do like the little set-up you and the other girls have here. I mean aside from a little refurbishing, it looks great.” “Yeah, yeah.” The filly with the big bow in her mane returned still unhappy and uninterested to care about what her friends and enemy turned friends have to say to her. “Look…” Diamond then spoke trying to clear the air a bit. “...I know you’re still adjusting to me being your friend after giving you and the other Crusaders a hard time, but we really didn’t come here to make you feel bad even more than before.” “The reason why we’re here is because your friends from the Lion Guard Fan Club have told us about how you and your other friends haven’t out as much you normally did.” Silver Spoon then moved to explain. “And it’s not like you and the others to hardly spend time with one another together.” “Hard to believe but it’s true.” Apple Bloom sadly returned. “Ironically this all came after we received our cutie marks and ever since then the rest is history.” “Shortly after their Cutie-cenera things have really changed for the Crusaders.” Kwato then said next. “After celebrating what happened, the cheer-some trio have moved to new things on their own. I mean it wasn’t all so sudden until the need to celebrate came and passed along with recent news that our world and the Pride Lands are once more at war put a temporary end to our little pretend Lion and Pony Guard get together’s.” “Yeah, I heard about that.” Diamond commented feeling that sense of graveness of why. “It really is a shame that we can’t do that anymore, I mean I was really starting to have fun with it with you all. And by that it was the most fun I had in years. Nowadays, I try to do whatever I can to avoid Mother all day, especially when she is no longer part of the school board. By spending it with my good friend Silver Spoon and most recently both your zebra and ostrich friends.” “Must be nice to hear.” Apple Bloom returned still downcast. “Nice to hear that you’re bonding well with them along with your longtime friend. Especially with what happened recently.” "Well, it did take a lot of apologizing and coming to see that my friend truly did have a change in heart for me to do so, but yes, Diamond and I are still friends.” Silver Spoon answered with a knowing glance in her direction while tilting her glasses while doing so. “Thankfully.” Diamond returned with heavy relief for the moment before turning back to the other girls. “So, what happened next after you and the others couldn’t play pretend Guard anymore?” “The easiest thing we could do at the time by carrying on life for a few days to allow ourselves time to for us to get over this shock we experienced from it.” Kambuni then continued. “After that, we then tried taking up a new hobby, by trying out the various activities in the Crusader’s bid for their cutie marks together…” “And I remember it like it was only yesterday…” Apple Bloom recalled in a depressed manner while looking out the nearby window as the flashbacks run through her mind like the television is up and running for all eyes to see... The farm filly unhappily sighed and hung her head. "Well, not at the moment. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle are both out of town for the weekend, and even if they weren't they've got their own interests to keep 'em occupied. As for me, I don't really have much of anythin' to do. At least, not anythin' that I can do with a partner or two. Seems like everythin' I try is a solo activity," She glumly remarked as her bow drooped. "I'm not even sure if we're gonna be the Cutie Mark Crusaders anymore. Can we even call ourselves that now that we've gotten our cutie marks?" "Well, what else would you call yourselves?" The headgear wearing filly questioned. "I still call you the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and so does everypony I know. In fact, ever since I turned over a new leaf it seems like there's not a pony in town who doesn't know about you three fillies." Apple Bloom sighed again. "Well, they may not know us for much longer. At the rate things are goin', I'm not sure we'll be together for much longer. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo seem to have moved on, probably 'cause they knew each other long before they met me. But the only friend I had before them was Twist, and we ain't spoken much since she got her cutie mark." "But you three seemed so inseparable!" Silver Spoon remarked in a shocked tone of voice. "You even got matching cutie marks and got them at the same time! Even Princess Twilight says she's never seen anything like it before, so that must mean something. No way could you three just split up so easily!" It hadn’t been long since the Cutie Mark Crusaders had earned their cutie marks, but already they had gotten bored and had started to wonder what the next chapter in their lives will be now that they achieved their original goal. Because they’re so good at solving whatever hurdle that comes their way, they couldn’t help others all the time. So the three fillies had decided to just do whatever they wanted to do, but for fun with their five Pride Lander friends tagging along for the ride. Each of the Crusaders had a particular activity that they were eager to share and try with the others, and all decided to take turns trying them out. Scootaloo's activity was up first, scootering. Or more specifically, an extreme roller coaster version-like course the little orange Pegasus had set up at Sweet Apple Acres. "Okay everyone, first thing’s first is make sure you have your helmets because they’re a must wear when scootering. Especially since they save lifes more than you think they would.” Scootaloo told her friends who all indeed have them in their possession. Her friends nodded before eyeing the long ramp that Scootaloo had set up with most unsure if said ramp is safe for them to ride on. Not that they don’t trust their friend considering she did something like this many, many times. "You sure this is safe?" Mtoto nervously asked. “Of course it’s safe.” Scootaloo reassured. “I would never ask of someone to try something if I hadn’t tested it myself. And it’ll all be fun and games once you get the hang of it. Just remember – stomp, kick, and roll!" "Uh if you say so." Apple Bloom replied while trying to keep herself from shaking. "Whatever you say.” Mtoto then said in agreement before letting their friend show them how it’s done." The Pegasus then moved to focus on what’s in front of her. “Ready? Stomp, kick, and roll!" She did exactly as she had instructed her fellow fillies to do, her scooter soon making its way down the ramp! "Whooo!" She cheered as she rode. In a matter of seconds she cruised through the ramp like it was an easy ride for her, Scootaloo effortlessly zipped through the course and landed safely inside the barn. "Ta-da!" She declared and boasted. "Who’s next?” But Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle exchanged nervous glances along with Mtoto, Kwato, and Kambuni who all shook their heads. Despite seeing Scootaloo's performance they were still not convinced the ramp was safe. "Er, can we maybe do somethin' a little less... extreme?" Apple Bloom suggested. “Or at least on something a little more… you know… safer land.” Mtoto added while cringing with hope that he isn’t hurting his friend’s feelings for not wanting to give her trick ramp a go much to the annoyed irritation of their pony friend who is crossing her arms in response to their sheer reluctance to try it. “We’ll try it.” Shakku stated just when both he and Gumba moved to leap onto the ramp themselves at the exact same time much to the others startled surprise. Even more so when the two showed natural skill when they managed to replicate Scootaloo’s feat with ease. “Feels safe and sturdy to us.” Gumba remarked once he and his friend popped their heads out the window to address their still stunned friends watching on. “It’s like stepping out of your comfort zone.” “Yeah…” “...sure is.” Both Apple Bloom and Mtoto said going along with it for the sake of the moment. The next activity they tried is a favorite of Sweetie Belle's, singing. She set up some music sheets and stands inside the guest bedroom at Carousel Boutique and then blew into a pitch pipe. "Do... Mi... So..." She sang in a sweet tone of voice fit for harmony. "It's just a simple harmony. Nice, sweet, and easy to do." "Harmony, huh?" Scootaloo commented. "I'm not sure about that." “Me neither.” “Nope. Not clicking on us.” Both boys also commented in agreement. “I mean it’s not that hard…” Kwato said otherwise as she and Kambuni gave it a go. “Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti…Do.” Although at the last word had Kambuni shrieking after having a sudden shriek up her throat. “Sorry.” She blushed and buried a leg in her face out of embarrassment. “I guess I really need some water before we get started.” She quickly fetched herself a bottle of water and downed it in one gulp before pitching the empty bottle in the nearby recycling bin (which happens to be conveniently placed next to the other bin set aside for non-recyclables. “Okay, let’s try this again.” None of the less, Apple Bloom nodded as Sweetie Belle used her magic to pick up a conductor's baton and instructed her friends as they prepared to sing together. "Okay, ready? And a-one, and a-two, and a-one two three!" Unfortunately, while Apple Bloom's singing was at least decent along with Mtoto’s, Shakku, Gumba, and Scootaloo's singing, on the other hoof, was way off key and sounded horrible. "Wow, that was simple." Scootaloo remarked feeling like she nailed it even though she didn’t really especially when Sweetie Belle promptly snapped the baton in frustration. “Not really.” Mtoto remarked to correct his friend there. “Geez, talk about the elephant in the room.” Shakku muttered to Gumba. “Excuse me?” Mtoto returned confused and somewhat offended. “He meant that as an expression in regards to Scootaloo’s singing. Not you, literally.” Gumba quickly clarified in his friend’s defense. “Hey!” Scootaloo returned feeling offended herself. “No offense.” Shakku apologetically added. “Both of you.” “None taken.” Both Mtoto and Scootaloo returned with the latter more annoyed in contrast to the elephant’s easily forgiving reply. Apple Bloom then quickly intervened before anybody could dig themselves deeper. "Okay, let’s settle down y’all. I think I got just the thing that’ll get everyone upbeat.” So the kids made their way over to Zecora's hut, where Apple Bloom would show them her favorite activity, potion making where the zebra enchantress was more than happy to let the kids borrow some vials and ingredients so they can give it a go. "It's just a dash, and a drop, and a drip!" Apple Bloom instructed as she did exactly that and managed to grow a plant that produced a single apple. Mtoto did the same and managed to grow a plant that produced a single peanut much to his joy while Kambuni and Kwato were able to make plants that were quite...interesting. The former managed to somehow make an egg grow from her plant while the latter managed to make a zebra-colored cake appear on her plant. The two eyed each other trying to understand how they even managed this. But when Sweetie Belle made her attempt she ended up using too much, which resulted in said potion to literally blow up in her and her friends faces. But that was nothing compared to what both Shakku and Gumba did since they managed to create a concoction so powerful it ended up causing an explosion that caused the roof top of Zecora’s hut to blow off and back down in place. But not without smoke coming out from inside. The Crusaders and Lion Guard fan club returned to the former’s clubhouse later that day, checking off various activities that they'd tried over the past several hours. Apple Bloom was currently marking off their latest attempt at bungee jumping as she remarked. "...And even though Scootaloo thinks bungee jumpin' is the bee's knees, Sweetie Belle would much rather keep bees. Unfortunately, I'm allergic.” “Me too.” Mtoto said in agreement given his fear and allergies to bees himself. “And thanks for not putting me up to that.” “You’re welcome.” Apple Bloom returned to the young elephant before continuing. “Who would have thought it'd be so hard to find somethin' for us all to do together?" Sweetie and Scootaloo exchanged nervous glances before Scootaloo proposed. "Well, I know this might sound crazy, but what if we didn't?" "Didn't what?" Apple Bloom asked. "Do things together," Scootaloo explained. "Or at least do everything together." Apple Bloom blinked in surprise along with the Pride Landers. "But we're the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" Scootaloo nodded before reassuring. "And we still will be. But I really wanna bungee jump! The speed, the height, the fall!” “And that all really sounds like something we can enjoy.” Shakku commented already liking the Pegasus’s activity choices. “I’m already looking forward to it since I couldn’t get enough of the scootering from earlier.” Gumba also said in agreement. “Count us in!” “All right!” Scootaloo took a great liking to the two as they shared a fist bump together before turning back to the others. “And if you want to join us, feel free.” "I’ll pass thank you.” Sweetie Belle declined. “I know you two aren't interested, but I wanna try crochet." “That sounds like a good thing to try out.” Kwato commented already on board to want to try herself too along with Kambuni. “Sure sounds like it. And I might have heard that Fuli alongside Rarity are both crochet champions. Both separately and as partners.” Kambuni added with a nod. Then Scootaloo looked at Apple Bloom. "What about you, Apple Bloom? Aside from what we know you’re really interested in, isn't there something you'd like to do by yourself that you've always wanted to do on your own?" The farm filly looked in at a loss for words as this was something she never thought she’d would see and hear. "I don't know... I guess I kinda figured we'd always do stuff together. But bungee jumpin' sounds just as scary as crochet sounds borin'. If y'all really wanna do those things, feel free." "No worries." Scootaloo insisted as she put a hoof around Apple Bloom to assure there are no hard feelings. "I'm sure you'll find something you’ll like." “And we can still meet up here and talk about our separate experiences together once a day, or week, or at least a month.” Mtoto also offered albeit weakly upon seeing that this may take longer than he originally thought. “I can at least share of my upcoming experience of apple-bucking with both Applejack and Beshte next time around if you like.” Apple Bloom sighed sadly after accepting that this is what is going to be going forward. “No it’s okay Mtoto, whenever you all want and when you can want to show up here to tell me and all of us all about your experiences, you know where to find me.” She said before moving to open the door so everyone can head out to go their separate ways to which they all reluctantly did seeing that their friend just needs time to adjust to all of this. Little did they realize is how much this is really tugging her heartstrings deep down the moment she sat down after everyone left. The flashback ended as Apple Bloom sighed anew. "And that was pretty much the story. I ain't seen Sweetie Belle or Scootaloo along with the others expect for Kambuni and Kwato since then.” “But just because it’s been a while since we last spent time with them doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world.” Kwato tried to assure before adding. “I mean it doesn’t mean the end of our friendship with them. Your friendship with the ponies you started the whole Cutie Mark Crusaders with is to valuable to give up.” “Maybe not. Not anymore.” Apple Bloom returned still not feeling like there is anything she can do about it much to the other’s shock. "Absolutely not." Diamond Tiara asserted otherwise. "The Cutie Mark Crusaders are still the Cutie Mark Crusaders through and through no matter how much time you girls along with the rest of your friends spent apart.If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t be having this conversation right now.” Silver Spoon added. "Yeah! Especially since we’re also honorary members of the club not to mention me and Diamond wouldn’t be friends talking to each other if it weren’t for you all." "So?" Apple Bloom returned wondering what they are now suggesting other than not to give up. “So, when life gives you cutie marks, why not share and sell that wisdom and knowledge used to get other ponies lined up for advice on how to get theirs.“ Diamond suggested. “You know by making your little club into a business.” Silver smiled liking the idea herself. “And I’m sure there would be plenty of ponies who’d want to sign up for that.” Then she said to Apple Bloom. "And we can both help you out in starting it up, too!" “Us, too.” Kwato said already liking and shining to the idea herself. “That’s...actually a good idea.” Kambuni remarked feeling impressed herself after having to remind herself that for a former bullies their business savvy is no joke. The farm filly replied with the idea not drowned even during her being down in dumps. "That does sound intersting, and maybe when I sell the idea to Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle next time I see ‘em we’ll discuss it further. But that doesn’t solve my finding somethin’ I can do and talk about on my own." “Have you tried everything you could think of.” Silver Spoon asked as she eyed the various X’s on the various pictured activities all around the room. “Yes. And don’t even get me started on musical instruments.” “Okay…” Seeing that this is going nowhere Diamond then remembered something her friends told her from earlier. “...what about that tap dancing colt you met yesterday?” "Well, he did offer to give me dance lessons, but I haven’t considered it yet.“ Apple Bloom answered. “Well maybe you should consider taking him up on that offer if you hadn’t already.” Diamond suggested. “Since you already exhausted your other options you can at least give it a try. And who knows maybe you might be able to kill two birds with one stone while you’re at it.” Kambuni squawked in shock to which led to the filly correcting herself after realizing her poor choice words. “And by that I mean you might learn something out of it as much as being able to help a pony who needs help overcoming stage fright. No offense, Kambuni.” “None taken.” Apple Bloom put a hoof to her chin, deep in thought feeling that being able to help somepony is the least she could do and gain out of it is worth the trouble for her. "I suppose I could do that." She pondered and then smiled. "Yes, I can definitely work with that." So with a new resolve she trotted out the clubhouse door, though not before turning to Diamond Tiara and Silver telling them. "Thanks you both, honorary Crusaders." Diamond tried not to blush with a humble gesture. "Consider us even, as along as you consider the buisness idea." “Consider it done.” The next day, both Apple Bloom and Kambuni managed to find and run into Tender Taps again where they expressed their interest in taking him up on his offer. It was there they reached a mutual agreement, first Apple Bloom and Kambuni would learn how to dance, and in return they help Tender Taps overcome his stage fright. The three spent the following days spending whatever free time they could find working on Apple Bloom and Kambuni's dancing. Tender Taps sure felt comfortable whenever he was teaching the farm filly and ostrich, and it helped that doing so allowed the three to focus solely on dancing and nothing else. Though, Apple Bloom couldn’t help but noticing she isn’t seeing much improvement in her own dancing as time went by. She kept managing to repeat the same mistake on the same part of the lesson over and over again, even when she tried to do something different each time. Her friend however was able to feel herself getting better by showing no worry about what has happened so far being only focused on one thing only. Sure even after mastering the basic dancing she still found herself slipping up from time to time, but she didn’t let that bug her. Although, she now has a growing sense of dread knowing of what’s in store for her when the day of the big dance recital comes. Sensing her friend’s nervous tics and movements as she dragged a leg on the ground along with looking aside when Tender Taps back was turned with his nervous tics paralleling the ostrich’s, had Apple Bloom saw that this might cause problems for the two come the big day. And it would be a shame that potential to show how great their dancing has become since day one would end up falling short all because of a crippling mental block. “Although I wonder…” Apple Bloom said to herself with a hoof to her chin before smiling as she got an idea of how she can help them both out. The following afternoon had both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo along with the rest of the Lion Guard fan club came running and trotting their way back to the clubhouse, as Apple Bloom had managed to summon them there.Since it had been almost a week and Apple Bloom had eagerly mentioned that she really wanted them to come and such short notice, they felt it was worth answering her call. Not to mention it gave them a chance to catch up and chat. They hadn't really seen each other much since they'd gone off to pursue their own interests aside from their fellow friends pursing one of the other Crusaders. Scootaloo along with Gumba and Shakku still wore their helmets and safety goggles from their most recent bungee jumping attempt. "Sweetie Belle! You are not gonna believe this, but I think I like bungee jumping even more than scootering!” “Us too!” Shakku spoke up with equal excitement. “Along with rope and cliff climbing and bull-riding.” “Not to mention go-karting, escalator climbing, and extreme sliding.” Gumba added. Sweetie Belle felt very happy for her friends. “Seriously?! That's amazing!" She then showed everyone a rather tacky looking scarf that was draped around her neck. "Look what I did! I just finished it this morning!" Scootaloo was unsure of what to say as she eyed the poorly made scarf. "Wow, Sweetie Belle.” “Uh, that's, um…" “...well, quite something already.” Both Shakku and Gumba tried to say and finish for their friend. Sweetie however didn’t mind one bit. "'Horrible? I know. But that’s okay. It was so much fun!" She twirled it around while fondly declaring. "Rarity was more than happy to show me how, even though she says and I quote:" She briefly said trying to mimic her big sister's voice. "'Crochet is knitting's poorer cousin.'," Then she let her normal voice return. "But I loved it! And since I know what I did wrong back then I’ll get it right next around." "Awesome!" Scootaloo commented before turning to Mtoto. “And how about much big buddy, how was spending quality time with your big brother idol’s? Was it exciting as you hoped it would be?” “Yes, it was!” Mtoto happily declared. “I got to learn how to buck apples like Beshte would normally do, and I got to learn of how to use a lasso like Applejack. It was really a lot of hard work that sure is much for one young elephant but I was told that once I grow up, then I’ll be a huge help and it’ll be as easy as plucking them off a tree.” “Sounds great!” Shakku happily returned. “I’m sure Apple Bloom would feel the same way herself.” “Speaking of which…” Gumba brought up. “...I wonder how she’s been holding up since we last saw her?” "Don't know." Mtoto replied. "But I'm sure we're about to find out along with Kambuni and Kwato since they’ve been with her more recently." Then everyone proceeded to walk and trot inside the clubhouse. There inside, Apple Bloom along with Kambuni and Kwato were already waiting for her fellow friends when they entered the clubhouse. While both the ostrich and zebra were quick to happily greet them they couldn’t help but look on in concern at Apple Bloom who is clearly not herself right. "Oh. Hello girls, boys, sorry this happened to be the very first thing you see before your very eyes. Me. Alone. In the dark." She said bitterly and briefly. "And as you can see I’ve been tryin' to find somethin' I could do that I'd like doin' on my own," She unhappily sighed while sounding a little psychotic. "I looked all over town. I looked, and I looked, and you know what I found?” Everyone shook their heads in response. “Nothing!" She angrily answered before pulling the blinds allowing the room to be brighten up for all eyes to see the various hoof-drawn pictures with X’s on them. “You tried every one of these?” Shakku asked as they all surveyed the various activities all around the clubhouse. “Sure sounds like you have been keeping yourself very busy recently.” Gumba commented feeling amazed and confused. “And yet you’re feeling upset towards us.” Mtoto noted out of concern. “Any reason why trying all of these things on your own didn’t help you feel any better?” “Because each one just made me feel more alone than the next! Not to mention that I stink at many of these attempts at these activities.” “Okay…” Mtoto then spoke trying to help her feel better. “...so none of them didn’t work out like you hoped. But it doesn’t mean you can’t not have fun with any of the things you tried. I mean when it came to spending time with Applejack and Beshte, I didn’t hit it off the bat with bucking apple trees and all of the heavy-lifting they do.” Apple Bloom looked on having snapped out of her previous grumpy attitude. “Because I’m young, I had assistance and supervision from the two in learning of how to buck a tree without hurting myself along with knowing how to properly lasso something without grabbing onto the wrong thing. But even then I still had fun knowing it’ll get easier with more practice and growing up.” "Exactly!” Sweetie Belle agreed while showing her friend her scarf. “Even though this scarf didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to, I still had fun making it.” Scootaloo added. "And being good at something doesn't always mean you'll find it fun. I mean even though I do enjoy ” “Right. Right…” Apple Bloom returned apologetically for having that brief tantrum towards them. “...but now that I got it all out of my system, I would like to get to the true reason why I really called you all here.” “And what’s that?” Shakku asked as he and Gumba were quick to notice the quiet and shyness in their ostrich friend. “Kambuni?” “You okay?” Gumba asked only to receive a wordless shake of her head in reply. “She is also part of the reason why.” Kwato explained for her friend. “But before we get into that there’s something else we wanted to discuss with you all.” “What is it?” Mtoto asked as Apple Bloom moved to explain. "The other day me, Kambuni, Kwato all swung by Diamond Tiara…” “Right, right…The new honorary Crusaders.” “The former bully turned into a great friend alongside Silver Spoon.” Both Shakku and Gumba chimed in before letting Apple Bloom continue. “For starters now that me, Sweetie, Scootaloo have our cutie marks, they suggested we turn our club into a business." Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle both blinked in confusion. "A business?” “Like what?” "Cutie Mark Counselors." The farm filly explained. "The perfect way for us to put our unique talents to good use. And coming from the pony who has a group of friends that had a similar friendship bond where they got their cutie marks at the exact same time, we might have a great calling going forward. And it just so happens I know the first pony to put this new pratice to the test." She then further explained. "I recently met the best dancer in Ponyville, only problem is he’s so shy, he can’t find it in himself to perform.” “Not even for one scene?” Shakku asked. “Not even for a cameo in an upcoming movie.” Kwato shook her head before turning head to Kambuni. “And the same can be said for our friend Kambuni, who just so happens to have a growing skill for dancing, but much like the equally shy pony, she’s developed the same stage fright.” “I really wish it wasn’t true.” Kambuni personally admitted. “But it is.” “Aw, Kambuni.” Mtoto said in pity for her friend. Sweetie then pondered. "I don't suppose this dancing pony had a cutie mark, did he?" "No, he doesn’t." Apple Bloom replied as she shook her head. "But I think I might have a solution to help him overcome it and the same can be said for you too, Kambuni.” She said with an assuring smile. “But I’m going to need everyone’s help in order to pull this off." “And that we can help you out with that.” Mtoto vowed with his trunk put forward. “Us too.” Both Shaku and Gumba stated in agreement. “Me three.” Kwato also agreed with a hoof placed on her nervous friend’s back. Kambuni smiled as she sees all of the friendly support she has around her before preparing to listen to what her friends have to help her gain the confidence to perform in front of an audience along with Tender Taps. Come the day and evening of the recital, the Crusaders along with the Lion Guard Fan Club made their way across Ponyville to town hall. By the time they opened the doors to the building where it’s taking place it’s sunset but the dancing recital had yet to start. "You’re here!" Apple Bloom happily exclaimed before being shushed by a pony in the audience. Tender Taps was quite surprised to see Apple Bloom, Kambuni, and Kwato so close to the recital, especially with two fillies and three Pride Landers he didn't recognize. "What are you doing here?" “We’re here to help solve your problem, Tender Taps.” Apple Bloom answered. “And these ponies are like me the Cutie Mark Crusaders accompanied with the Lion Guard Fan Club. With the sole purpose to help ponies with problems when it comes to cutie marks and special talents. Here you’ve been talking about wanting to perform and show yourself as the best dancer anypony has ever seen. And tonight’s your night to shine." The colt still had cold hooves in response upon seeing the other fillies are getting ready to perform. "Uh, didn’t I also tell you about my stage fright? And tonight’s audience is packed in every single seat. How am I supposed to step out in front of everypony like that?!!" "With calmness and confidence.” Apple Bloom answered with a firm “get a hold of yourself.” glare. “Coming from the same pony who once told me that if you just give up then you'll never get better at somethin'," Apple Bloom said with a glare. "And now I’ve come to return the favor to help you and Kambuni who by the way has the same issues you have. And to do that, I plan to dance alongside you two tonight.” “You mean…?” Kambuni asked. “Yes, Kambuni.” Apple Bloom nodded. “We can go on together. No matter what, you'll both look good dancin' next to me." Tender Taps looked out towards the crowd, and had the deep urge inside him told him to take that chance presented to him. It was all or nothing! "A-alright, I'll do it," He declared, before he realizing. "But I don't have my costume, and the backdrop is all wrong, and we don't have time to change it!" "And that’s what our friends are here for.” Apple Bloom gestured to the two ponies and four Pride Landers beside her. “Leave everythin' to us." A short time later, Tender Taps, Kambuni, and Apple Bloom were dressed in hastily crocheted but matching costumes: Tender's was bluish-green, Kambuni’s was red, and Apple Bloom's was purple. "I don’t know about this." Tender Taps nervously asked. "Relax, you'll do just fine!” Sweetie reassured while gesturing to Scootaloo, Shakku, and Gumba up on the catwalk next to the stage lights ready to act when needed. Just then, the piano music stopped playing, a cue that that the next dance act was about to start. "Here goes nothin'..." Apple Bloom told Tender Taps and Kambuni as the two watched Scootaloo along with Shakku and Gumba swing down to change the backdrop to a hoof-drawn image of a city. Jazzy music began to play as Apple Bloom trotted out first. Tender Taps and Kambuni still couldn't bring themselves to come out into the spotlight still frozen with fear. Apple Bloom just tap danced about in a clumsy fashion, which ended with her falling off the stage while several ponies in the audience laughed at her. She then turned back whispered in encouragement to her dance partners. "Can't be any worse than I was! Come on!" So both Tender Taps and Kambuni swallowed lumps in his throat and started tapping their hooves and legs in time to the music and in perfect sync. They started out slow and unsure of themselves, but it wasn't long before they began to tap dance with more confidence. While Kambuni kept moving her legs and wings around to the beat, Tender Taps kept dancing, and dancing, and dancing, until all nervousness completely vanished. Apple Bloom watched with amazement and satisfaction as both Tender Taps and Kambuni started dancing in perfect sync on the stage to the point they capped it off together by performing a back flip and slide to the very front edge of the stage together. The audience burst into thunderous applause at the performance unfolding before their very eyes. And when it had ended a bright shine and flash appeared behind the pony because it became the very moment that Tender Taps had earned his cutie mark. A top hat and a spotlight. After the performance, Tender Taps could barely contain his excitement over his new cutie mark. "I can't believe it! It's just what I always imagined it would be! And if it weren't for all of you, I wouldn't even have it.” “And the same can be said for you all helping me with my stage fright. I mean for a second there I almost thought I was going to lay eggs in front of everypony.” Kambuni then added equally gratefully to the friends standing before them. “Thank you all.” “Hey! That’s what friends are for!” Gumba quickly assured it’s no biggie. “Anything for you is worth the time and effort we put in today to make it happen.” Shakku added feeling very pleased with what had happened today. "Like both the mongoose and baboon here, it was no problem!" Scootaloo said humbly. "Helping other is what we do," Sweetie Belle commented and turned to Apple Bloom. "And a great start to a new calling.” “Yeah, I really think this Cutie Mark Counseling business will definitely work out after all." Kwato happily agreed. Apple Bloom nodded before approaching Tender Taps. "I’m sure it will too.” Then she remorsefully added. "Though I only wish I had realized what you had needed right away instead of mopin' around for so long." "It’s okay. I just hope you'll keep dancing," Tender Taps commented as he offered a hoof to Apple Bloom. "After all I’d say we’d make a very good team together. Both you and Kambuni." Apple Bloom accepted Tender Taps' offer as she did a little tap dance of her own. "You know, I think I just might! It sure is a lot of fun, and I'm pretty confident I can only get better." “And with the right amount of time and effort put into it, I’d say that’s something that can happen sooner than you realize.” Kambuni agreed. “Even if it means doing things on our own at times. “And by going out solo at times, we’ll be able to cover more ground under the right circumstances.” Mtoto added pointing out the bright side in that. “That we can!” Apple Bloom acknowledged. “And, one thing is for sure is The Cutie Mark Crusaders will never be the same," She then declared, much to the shock of her fellow Crusaders. "We'll be even better!!" And then all three Crusaders high hoofed each other as they shouted together along with the Lion Guard Fan Club. "Yeah!" All while both Kion and Twilight watch on from the nearby rooftops unnoticed as they have seen and witnessed the whole scene together smiling and feeling very proud of the children for what they’ve accomplished along with the friendship lessons they’ve learned and taught each other and together. “Maybe just maybe…” ...these kids might have what it takes going forward.”