While Twilight was trapped in her nightmares, the Cutie Mark Crusaders followed the Mane 6 to Canterlot and sneaked into Princess Celestia's chambers. Now they've got some explaining to do...
While Twilight was trapped in her nightmares, the Cutie Mark Crusaders followed the Mane 6 to Canterlot and sneaked into Princess Celestia's chambers. Now they've got some explaining to do...
A follow-on story from On the Dark Side of the Moon, which may be found here:
Sunlight bathed the private chambers of Princess Celestia.
It streamed in through the great arched window facing out onto the royal balcony, high above the Palace of Canterlot and wrapping the occupants in it's warm, golden glow. Hardly any noise rose from the streets below, as if the light itself muffled all sound as it filled every corner of the room like a shining fog. The only sounds to be heard were the gentle breathing of the dozen or so slumbering ponies within and perhaps the occasional bee passing by the sun-drenched window.
Upon the round bed in the middle of the room lay Princess Celestia. For more than a thousand years she had ruled the land of Equestria, and until now she always had risen with her sun for every day of those years that had passed.
But today was different.
Nestled snug under Celestia's wing was one of the two ponies who's friendship she valued more than her entire kingdom - Twilight Sparkle, Celestia's devoted student and now also her most treasured friend. The other - Celestia's younger sister Princess Luna - was currently lying against Celestia's side, exhausted from the physical and emotional strains of the previous night's events. But the memories of the desperate struggle to save Twilight were a world away now, banished by the revelations that had brought an end to the years of uncertainty, regret and fear that had haunted all three of them - and by their new forged friendship.
All around the trio lay those who Celestia called family. Not merely those of her blood, but those whose friendship she trusted more than anypony else. Their presence filled the chamber, creating a reassuring sensation of security that comforted the Princess even as she slept. Many of them where the very same ones who had, - at one time or another - helped fight to save not only both of the ponies that now lay safe at her side but also her beloved niece and nephew-in-law, who lay sleeping beside them in the morning sun.
It was a paradise like Celestia had never known before, and for the first time in a thousand years the Ruler of the Dawn truly felt at peace.
And so the Ruler of the Sun slept on alongside her beloved Luna, both the Princesses soothed by the knowledge that the rift of a thousand years of separation between them had finally begun to heal. Outside, the sun climbed slowly higher until before long it was over halfway to it's noon peak, and yet all remained still and peaceful – as if none of the ponies wanted to wake and break the spell of the moment.
Until...
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Applebloom yawned sleepily as the world slowly swam into focus, the young filly's thoughts all in a muddle. Something wasn't quite right - and yet, although she couldn't place what it was - she didn't feel it was something wrong exactly, just different. She sensed no danger, so why did she feel...apprehensive? What was she lying on and why didn't it feel like her usual bed in the farmhouse at Sweet Apple Acres?
And where in Equestria was she?
The youngest member of the Apple family blinked against the brightness that surrounded her and began to take in the unfamiliar surroundings. She was in a richly decorated room with cloud decorated walls and a plush, purple coloured carpet – definitely not like anywhere in the farmhouse or even Ponyville for that matter. In fact, it was more like a place she'd expect to find in Canterlot...
As the thought slowly worked it's way through her brain, Applebloom began to piece bits of what had happened the night before together as she waited for the last dregs of sleep to pass. Fragments of memory were slowly teased out of her befuddlement and hovered chaotically before her mind's eye – Twilight being carried out of the Library, a vivid dream of stars and moons, a familiar sight of a cauldron of steaming liquid...and the regal form of Princess Celestia.
Applebloom's mind suddenly clunked into gear – and started racing at top speed as she remembered her night of adventures with the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. What had occurred after they had stowed away amongst Zecora's ingredients. And more importantly, where she last remembered being...
In Princess Celestia's private chambers...
The olive yellow filly swallowed nervously and peeked cautiously across the room. Sure enough, not a few feet from her there lay not only the Ruler of the Day - but also Princess Luna, with Twilight only just about visible under Celestia's wing. Applebloom couldn't help but let out a small sigh of relief at the sight of the lavender mare who, it seemed - was now out of danger. Obviously Luna and the rest of Twilight's friends had succeeded in rescuing Twilight from her nightmares after the Crusaders had helped Zecora with her spell, and must have come back after she had fallen asleep.
...Wait...
Applebloom's pupils shrank suddenly as the bit finally dropped, the filly freezing in place as she quickly became all too aware of a familiar pony lying right behind her, with her hooves draped protectively over Applebloom's flanks. Applejack had gone with Luna too, which meant she must also be there as well...
...and that meant Applebloom was in very deep trouble...
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“Pssst!”
Scootaloo groaned a little at the strange sound that cut through her dreams, shifting a little and turning her ears away from the source of the disturbance.
“Pssssst!”
Grunting with annoyance, Scootaloo lazily opened one eye and glared in the general direction the noise was coming from. Eventually, the fuzzy blur began to organise itself enough for Scootaloo to be able to make out what the pegasus filly took to be Applebloom, who was franticly waving her fore hooves and trying to silently communicate via semaphore various panicked messages that made no sense at all to Scootaloo.
The orange Pegasus filly shifted a little uncomfortably and tried to go back to sleep, wondering what was so urgent that Applebloom couldn't ask Applejack to help with. After all, Scootaloo thought with a smirk, her elder sister WAS right behind Applebloom - and cuddled up to her in a very cute way...
Oh...
Scootaloo's eyes snapped open again, a creeping panic filling her as Applebloom face-hoofed in frustration. Sure enough, there was Rarity too – snuggled close beside Sweetie Bell who lay directly opposite Scootaloo, which meant that the pony that was currently curled up with her could only be... Uh-oh...
Five very cautiously thrown cushions later, Sweetie Bell was awake.
The three Crusaders stared at each other. Considering the little pile of sleeping Princesses (and Prince) not five paces away, their position was looking increasingly bleak. Even if they escaped being sent to the moon - or the sun for that matter, the Crusaders knew what their sisters likely had in store for them was certainly going to be far worse.
“Wh-what are we going to do now?” whispered Sweetie Bell
“Shhhhhhh!!” “Shhhhhhh!!”
Applebloom and Scootaloo anxiously looked round at the still sleeping ponies as Sweetie Bell cringed and lowered her whisper.
“Rarity's going murder me when she wakes up!”
“You think that's bad? Wait until Rainbow Dash gets hold of us...” gulped Scootaloo.
“Least you don't have Applejack for ah sister...she's gonna tan mah hide six ways 'til sunday!” squeaked Applebloom.
“If we don't think of something fast, blank flanks are going to be the least of our problems...” whispered Scootaloo.
“Yeah...'cause we'll end up being spanked flanks too!” whined Sweetie Bell.
“We gotta get out of here before they wake up......” suggested Scootaloo. “Maybe if we can just get back to Ponyville before they do, then... maybe they'll think they just dreamed us being there...or something...”
They quickly found that getting away wasn't going to be an easy task. No sooner had Scootaloo wormed her way free, Rainbow Dash's hooves sought out their prey like pythons and clamped round her tighter than ever. Applebloom wasn't having much better luck escaping from Applejack's clutches and Sweetie Bell had ended up firmly stuck in her sister's magical aura. The Crusaders all exchanged glances.
A plan was needed.
Cushions were carefully passed back to Scootaloo, who gingerly placed them under Rainbow Dash's hooves and wriggled out of her adoptive sister's embrace. She then turned and faced Sweetie Bell, carefully considering her route across the room before making her next move. Taking a deep breath she began to hop and somersault her way across the floor towards her target like a ninja, each acrobatic move choreographed to avoid stepping in one of the sunbeams that shone across the room from the window like security lasers.
As soon as she reached Sweetie Bell, Scootaloo reached out her fore hooves for Sweetie Bell to haul herself out of Rarity's magic. After a few seconds of both crusaders tugging and straining the little unicorn filly suddenly popped free like a cork, gracefully sailing in an arc across the ceiling and coming to a perfect landing on all four hooves next to Applebloom. Scootaloo followed close behind and both ponies began to extract Applebloom from Applejack's hooves.
With the last Crusader freed the three members silently high hoofed, then made an unsophisticated dash for the door leading to the tower steps.
“What about the guards?” hissed Applebloom as Scootaloo reached up for the handle.
“Aren't they for stopping ponies from getting in rather than getting out?” asked Sweetie Bell.
“Well – I guess we're about to find out if we're about to get our cutie marks for being Super Secret Agents...” remarked Scootaloo.
“All ah care about is gettin' the cutie marks tha aren't the big red ones y'all get from angry big sisters and Princesses...” muttered Applebloom.
Scootaloo went to grip the door handle. “OK. Operation Sneak-out in...three...two...one!” The pegasus pulled at the handle.
The door stayed firmly shut.
All three froze as they looked up at the door they were trying to sneak through, which was now glowing with a bright yellow light. Sweat dripped down the faces of the Crusaders as they slowly turned to face the centre of the room – each knowing almost for absolute certain what they would find.
Princess Celestia's horn was aglow with the same yellow light, the white Alicorn calmly watching them lazily out of one eye with a distinctly mischievous smile. The Crusaders gulped.
With the slightest flick of her horn Celestia's magic wrapped around the escaping fillies, the three little ponies cowering a little as they were levitated gently into the air and deposited back beside their sisters. Scootaloo barely had time to recover before a pair of cyan hooves quickly encircled her barrel and dragged the pegasus back into a hug.
“And where do you think you're going?” Rainbow Dash opened one sleepy eye and glared at the younger pegasus, with one eyebrow raised in disapproval.
“Heh-heh...er...morning Rainbow Dash...wow...I had the weirdest dream last night and...” began Scootaloo.
Rainbow Dash chuckled and gave Scootaloo a knowing smirk “Riiight... Save it kid. This time you three are busted.”
Scootaloo cringed. Sweetie Bell glanced helplessly over at her friends as a blue magic glow levitated her towards Rarity, who glowered at her younger sister. A sudden squeak from Applebloom announced the moment Applejack tugged her sister back towards her by her tail and snuggled her securely back in her hooves, the farm pony giving the younger Apple a stern look.
“Y'all three little fillies got some explainin' ta do once we all wake up...right Applebloom?”
Applebloom's ears wilted. The three Crusaders exchanged looks as faint giggle came from Princess Celestia, who lay watching from her bed across the room.
Twilight Sparkle stretched out her legs, not bothering to open her eyes as she slowly awoke to a world of warm sunlight. Everything felt so warm and comfortable, and it took a little while for Twilight to realize something deliciously soft was nuzzling gently at her mane to wake her up.
“...five more minutes Spike...” murmured the lavender pony sleepily, trying to hide her head away. A soft giggle answered her, and Twilight's eyes flew open.
“Good morning to you too Twilight...”
Twilight froze, her mouth hanging open as she stared up at her mentor in shock.
Celestia chuckled playfully. “I trust you slept a little better than you did last night?”
Twilight suddenly relaxed a little, a faint blush and a nervous smile on her cheeks. It was all coming back to her now – the nightmares, her rescue by her friends...and her new friendship. Twilight sagged a little against Celestia's barrel as her panic attack eased and rested her cheek against her teacher's neck.
“I did Princess. Thank you -- for everything.”
Celestia's nose brushed fondly against Twilight's ear.
“Oh Twilight. Celestia is my name, and I think we are a little beyond royal titles now -- especially when there is nopony else around.”
Twilight blinked uncertainly. “...R-Really?...”
Celestia nodded regally. “Yes Twilight, as both my family and friend you have that privilege. So from now on, the only time I expect to hear my title from you is when I am with other ponies or on royal business.”
Twilight's eyes were misty with pride as she bowed her head. “Thank you Princ-...err, I mean...I'll remember that Celestia...” She smiled up at Celestia, who gave an amused chuckle at Twilight's stumbling reply.
The sun had not risen much higher in the sky and the room was still filled with it's golden light as Twilight turned her head to examine her surroundings. A short distance away, Pinkie Pie, Spike and Fluttershy still lounged on their bed of cushions, watching a curious sight unfold in the middle of the room. The three Cutie Mark Crusaders were stood gathered in a little huddle, surrounded by an awake and somewhat irate Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash - who stood glaring down at their siblings. Zecora sat in her corner meditating, occasionally stealing a sly peek at the little knot of fillies – who, judging by their puppy-eyed looks were in rather hot water.
Twlight screwed up her face in confusion. “...What's going on?”
Celestia smiled regally down at the cowering fillies, playfully raising a disapproving eyebrow.
“After you were taken to Canterlot last night Twilight, it seems these little ponies took it upon themselves to leave their families in Ponyville -- without their knowledge -- and secrete themselves into Zecora's belongings in order follow you. They were only discovered after they had arrived here in my chambers.”
“Wait...that dream...” Twilight's jaw fell open. “They were there too...right when I saw you, Zecora, Cadence and Shining Armour!”
Celestia nodded. “They begged me to allow them to help, so I thought it best for them to assist Zecora in preparing and casting the spell which allowed us to finally reach you.”
Celestia looked down directly at the Crusaders. “They performed their task well and you should be proud to have such dedicated friends Twilight. However, that does not necessarily excuse them for their conduct...”
The Crusaders gulped.
“Really Sweetie Bell, what were you thinking? Mother and Father must be worried sick!” huffed Rarity.
“An' Big Mac an' Granny Smith must be searchin' all over Ponyville for y'all by now...just what in Equestia did y'all girls think ya were doin'?”
Celestia raised a hoof. “I can assure you that I have already sent out messengers to your families, to tell them that you are all safe.” Celestia flashed a look at the Crusaders again.
“Thankfully, it seems they arrived before Big Macintosh went searching in the Everfree forest, but apparently not before most of Ponyville spent the night turning the town inside out to look for you...”
“Applebloom!” snapped Applejack reproachfully. The olive yellow filly tried to hide under her bow.
“Oh girls, how could you?...” sighed Fluttershy
“We were just trying to help!” bawled Sweetie Bell.
“Yeah, we weren't even trying to get our Cutie Marks!” stormed Scootaloo.
“Seriously though, we know you were tryin' to help but...having everypony worrying and lookin' for you like that? Not cool Scoots...” Rainbow Dash gave the smaller pegasus a look that had probably been borrowed direct from the Wonderbolts' captain Spitfire.
“Ah think that maybe someponies need a little time away from crusadin'...” commented Applejack. “...'least 'til they learn 'bout bein' a little more responsible...”
Applebloom and Sweetie Bell let out a gasp.
“You wouldn't!” shrieked Sweetie Bell
“Tha's so unfair!” Applebloom gave her sister a hurt look.
“Y'all heard me Applebloom. No more crusadin' till y'all learn ya lesson. An since tha' clubhouse is on Sweet Apple Acres land, Sweetie Bell an Scootaloo ain't gonna be doin' any either."
“You can't do this!” Scootaloo suddenly turned and rushed up towards Celestia. “You can't let Applejack do this Princess Celestia! We may be fillies but we still have rights, and we demand our right to a fair trial!”
Celestia blinked down at the orange filly in surprise. Scootaloo was glaring resolutely up at her, the young pegasus' eyes filled with anger - but also with intense sadness and even a little fear mixed in, although Scootaloo seemed to have completely forgotten her nervousness.
“Scootaloo?!! What the hay are you doing??” Rainbow Dash stared at her adoptive sister in shock. “You can't talk to the Princess like that!!”
There was a gasp and a heavy thump from another part of the room. Rainbow Dash peered over at the source of the commotion.
“...oh brother...” muttered the cyan mare, clapping her hoof to her head.
Sweetie Bell and Applebloom rushed up beside Scootaloo, the pair using the momentary distraction provided by Rarity's sudden fainting fit to join their fellow Crusader.
Applejack was looking distinctly flustered as she tried to shepherd the three fillies away. Rainbow Dash was still busy watching Fluttershy, Spike and Pinkie Pie helping Rarity recover from her shock over Scootaloo's breach of royal etiquette.
“Ah'm sorry if y'all offended Princess...Ah dunno wha's gotten into these fillies...”
Celestia held up a hoof.
“You do not need to worry Applejack, I am not offended. But Scootaloo does have a point.”
“Huh??” Applejack's mouth fell open.
“Wait...what??” Rainbow Dash's gaze switched between the resolute Cutie Mark Crusaders and Princess Celestia. “You mean...no way!”
“Princess...you...you cannot be serious!” gasped Rarity.
Celestia looked down into the puppy-eyed faces clustered at her forehooves once more. Being a ruler for well over a millennium had taught her much about maintaining a calm exterior and expression, and at that moment Celestia was having to use every last bit of her experience to stop herself from collapsing into hysterical giggles.
...This is going to be SO much fun...
She looked up and calmly addressed the ponies.
“It is true that our laws are based on the principal of everypony having the right to be heard, no matter who they may be Applejack...”
The Ruler of Sun raised her head regally to her full height and arched her eyebrow at Scootaloo, pinning the filly with a meaningful look.
“But I must warn you Scootaloo...you must be very sure that you wish to pursue this course. I cannot guarantee that the outcome will more to your liking than the punishments of your family and friends...”
Scootaloo flared her wings defiantly.
“We're certain Princess!”
Applebloom and Sweetie Bell simply gulped nervously.
“Very well then...”
Celestia looked back towards the three elder sisters, who's expressions fluctuated between shock and bewilderment as the Princess let her facade slip just enough to flash them a sly little grin and a wink – out of the Crusaders' sight.
“...I therefore decree that a trial shall be held immediately, and the fillies known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders will be made to answer for their...'crimes'... I of course shall be the Judge and their sisters shall serve as the Prosecutors...Will that be acceptable my little pony?” Celestia looked down at Scootaloo again.
“Fine...but we want Twilight as our defense...” replied the Pegasus.
Celestia raised her hoof and shook her head regally.
“Unfortunately I cannot allow that Scootaloo...aside from the fact Twilight still needs to rest, she would have a conflict of interest. Remember - it was because of her accident that you left Ponyville was it not?”
Scootaloo's expression suddenly became slightly panicked.
“Errr...ah...uh-oh – really?” the filly plastered a big grin on her face, sweating bullets as her co-conspirators face-hoofed in dismay.
“However...I am certain that you will find Princess Cadence and Shining Armour more than acceptable substitutes. And Princess Cadence has had a good deal more court experience than Twilight, in her role as ruler of the Crystal Empire.”
Celestia turned her head towards her niece and nephew-in-law, who were quietly lying beside each other near her bed. Cadence shot a bemused look at her aunt for a moment, then gave the Crusaders a warm smile as Shining Armour arched an eyebrow at the three. The pink alicorn giggled a little at the collective looks of astonishment on the Crusaders' faces.
“Oh, alright Auntie Celestia...I'll do it if they agree.”
Scootaloo's eyes went wide “Wow...a-a real Princess...?”
“We'll take her! We'll take her!” squealed Sweetie Bell, bouncing in both excitement and panicked desperation.
“Excellent.” Celestia only allowed herself the smallest smile, even though her insides were quietly crumpling themselves up from the strain of maintaining her calm composure. “Now...we don't have enough ponies for a jury...but perhaps...”
Celestia craned her neck and began to nuzzle gently at her sister, who still lay sleeping beside her. The dark Alicorn seemed to be oblivious to all the conversations taking place.
“Luna...Luna...wake up – royal duty calls...”
A faint groan answered, but Luna's response initially was only to irritably stuff a pillow over her ears.
“...Too...early... go away Sister...”
Celestia giggled.
“Oh Luna...I know it's a little early for you but it appears that we have a trial to conduct this morning....”
Luna sleepily peeked out of one eye from under the cushion. “Mmmph?...”
Celestia waved a hoof towards the three little fillies.
“It shall be somewhat informal of course. I will be the judge, but as we do not have enough ponies for a jury I need somepony who is trustworthy and experienced to decide on the verdict.”
Luna yawned and peered at the three faces that were watching her intently. It had been a long night and she did not have the energy her sister had in the mornings. But Luna did enjoy a good prank as much as Celestia, and the Ruler of the Night could tell when her elder sister was up to something. And in spite of her fatigue Luna did find the prospect of a bit of fun appealing.
Besides...how could she say no to three such adorable countenances?
Luna sighed. “Very well sister...I shall serve as thy magistrate.” She gave the Crusaders an intent look, at which the trio wilted somewhat – especially Scootaloo.
“I am most grateful Sister.” Celestia nosed at Luna's cheek, then turned and smiled at the assembled ponies before her. “I suggest that we all each take a moment to prepare before we begin.”
Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity clustered together into a huddle, discussing tactics while Cadence beckoned the three Crusaders over for their own conference. As they talked, Twilight looked up at her mentor curiously.
“Celestia? Why didn't you let Scootaloo ask me to form their defense? I'm not that tired and I've read a lot of books on law...”
Celestia nosed at Twilight. “What I told Scootaloo was true Twilight...” She stopped and looked slyly over at the trio of Crusaders, lowering her voice so that only Twilight could hear.
“...even though this isn't really a trial of course. But, all the same – I would like you to stay next to me and observe.”
Celestia rested a reassuring hoof on her new friend's shoulder as Twilight gave Celestia a puzzled look.
“Trust me, my faithful friend...lessons can come from the most unexpected places...”
Twilight nodded, her expression brightening a little. Celestia glanced over at the Crusaders again and smiled mischievously at Twilight.
“Now...I think it's time to start our little – trial... don't you?”
The three Cutie Mark Crusaders stood in a row before Princess Celestia as she sat majestically on her bed in her chambers. Princess Luna was sitting to her immediate right, wearing as an imposing expression as the Ruler of the Night could muster while Twilight reclined on the bed beside Celestia's hooves. Behind the three fillies, Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash stood on one side while on the other sat Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armour. Towards the back, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy sat with Zecora on their cushions to form the 'audience'.
Celestia looked round the room and raised her hoof for silence.
“Are we all ready to begin?”
“I'm all set Princess!”
Spike suddenly appeared beside her, quill and parchment poised. Celestia hid a smile behind her hoof as Twilight gave her assistant a puzzled look.
“What's that for Spike?”
Spike looked over at Twilight and rolled his eyes.
“C'mon Twilight, I'm the court scribe of course! They always have somepony to write down everything ponies say in court so nopony can argue about it later!” The little dragon shot a look over towards the Cutie Mark Crusaders “...which knowing those three is probably gonna be a good idea...” he added in an undertone.
Celestia raised a hoof. “No need Spike, I'm certain Luna and I will be able to remember everything on this occasion.”
Spike's enthusiasm suddenly evaporated at Celestia's words, his expression turning to sheer disappointment as he tossed the now surplus quill and scroll away over his shoulder with an annoyed sigh. Celestia couldn't help feeling a little sorry for the dragon as he sulkily turned to retreat back to Rarity's side and pondered for a moment.
“However...perhaps the position of court bailiff would be a suitable compromise?”
“What's one of those?” asked Spike dully, looking back at the princess.
“A Court Bailiff is an officer of the court Spike, who amongst other things helps the Judge maintain order. But I believe on this occasion all you will really need to do is....” Celestia bent her head down to whisper in Spike's ear, his expression brightening.
“Yeah...I can do that...Thanks Princess!” Spike puffed out his chest proudly. Celestia glanced over at Shining Armour and smiled to herself as he shot as slightly envious look at Twilight's diminutive assistant. She had a sneaking suspicion that Shining Armour had secretly wanted the job of bailiff himself.
“What about Twilight though? Can't she do anything?”
Spike looked from Twilight to Celestia anxiously. He wasn't sure what would happen if Twilight began to think Celestia didn't want her involved, but considering what the previous results of Twilight's breakdowns had been Spike was pretty sure that it wouldn't end well for anyone in the immediate vicinity - Princess or not. He'd learnt early on that when it came to the somewhat volatile Element of Magic, prevention was often a much better option than cure.
“Twilight does need rest Spike, but... as she undoubtedly has read many books on law... I could perhaps name her Clerk of the Court and law advisor... does that sound acceptable to you Twilight?”
Twilight smiled up at Celestia and nodded calmly “I would be honoured Celestia.”
Celestia beamed at her student and friend, then flared her wings in a regal pose. “Very well, if all are ready then let us begin. Spike?”
“Ready Princess!” Spike cleared his throat importantly and inflated his lungs.
“Hear ye, hear ye! The court is now in session, her Royal Highnesses Princess Celestia of Equestria and Princess Luna presiding!!”
Luna winced slightly at the volume of the dragon's announcement but nodded her head regally along with her sister as they acknowledged their impromptu 'court'. Celestia stamped a hoof once or twice.
“Let the Court come to order. What are the charges the Prosecution brings forth against the defendants?”
Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity stepped forward.
“Your highness, we the prosecution bring against Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell - otherwise known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders - the following charges.” began Rainbow Dash.
“First, going AWOL from Ponyville, without thinking 'bout the worry and panic their disappearance would cause everypony.”
Scootaloo winced and lowered her head.
“Disobeyin' thar elder sisters an' refusin' to go back ta bed.” put in Applejack. Applebloom shrank under her sister's glare.
“Third, travelling to Canterlot without permission, putting themselves and others in danger.” huffed Rarity. “Not to mention stowing away in Zecora's bags without her knowledge and making her carry them all the way.” she added as an afterthought. Sweetie Bell's ears drooped.
“I believe that we also should not forget about them entering the Royal Chambers without permission...” prompted Celestia, giving the three fillies a pointed look. The three elder mares all nodded as the Crusaders swallowed hard.
“That's right Princess.” replied Rainbow Dash.
“Hmmm...serious charges indeed...very well. Do you three have anything to say for yourselves?” asked Celestia.
There was a brief silence, the Crusaders huddling together under the Solar Diarch's inquiring gaze. Sweetie Bell was the first to crack, running forward and throwing herself down before Celestia's hooves in a fit of dramatics worthy of both her sister and Twilight.
“We're sorry! Please forgive us! We'll confess anything! Please don't buck us to the Moon! Or banish us to a dungeon in the place that you banish us to! Or use Pinkie's secret space cannon to shoot us to the sun! I don't wanna--”
“Ix-nay Sweetie Bell! sshh!” “Pipe down Sweetie Bell 'darn it!”
Celestia watched, fighting the grin trying to sneak onto her face as the frantic unicorn filly was hastily dragged back by her compatriots. Twilight gave them a puzzled look.
“Errr...I'm confused...was that a confession or not?”
“I'm not certain myself Twilight. Perhaps the Defence would enlighten us?” mused Celestia, looking towards Cadence and Shining Armour.
Cadence gave the three crusaders a reassuring smile and trotted confidently forward to address her aunts.
“The Defence wishes to enter a plea of diminished responsibility due to extenuating circumstances, your highness.”
Celestia arched an eyebrow. “Then the Defendants admit that they committed the acts specified in the charges?”
“Yes your highness, but they contest that their actions were due to the unusual circumstances they found themselves in.” replied Cadence.
“I see. Given that they were found here in Canterlot, I suppose it would have been difficult for them to argue otherwise.”
Celestia made a show of considering the information for a minute or two, resisting the urge to titter at Cadence's use of Celestia's formal address. It was all going exactly the way she'd expected.
“Very well. We shall hear more about the crimes first, and what took place before the Defendants' arrival in my chambers before deciding on their motive. Since the Defence has accepted the Prosecution's case accounting for the Defendants' presence in Canterlot, I will let the Defence lead the questioning, and the Prosecution will cross examine as necessary. I trust that is acceptable to all?” Celestia glanced towards Cadence and the three elder mares.
Cadence nodded her head. “Accepted, your highness.”
“We also accept your highness.” replied Rarity. Applejack and Rainbow Dash nodded their agreement.
“Very well then. You may begin when ready, Princess Cadence.”
Cadence trotted forward to stand a little in front of the Crusaders and smiled warmly down at them.
"Alright my little ponies, let's start from the beginning shall we? Who is going to go first?"
Three different hooves instantly pointed in three different directions, each of the fillies volunteering a different comrade.
“Mm-hmm...” Cadence raised an eyebrow, her smile growing a little wider. "Any volunteers to go first?"
The three Crusaders silently shook their heads, in perfect unison.
The faintest of snorts escaped Princess Celestia's nostrils, forcing the Ruler of the Sun to quickly fix an inquiring gaze into a far corner of the room and hope nopony spotted her hastily disguised smirk. Luna patently gave her sister an evil look as Cadence glanced back towards her husband, whose implaccable Royal Guard frown had suddenly gone crooked at the edges.
Cadence rolled her eyes.
"Alright then. Applebloom; let's hear from you first."
“Me?! Wh-why me?” whined Applebloom.
“It was your idea...” muttered Sweetie Bell
“No it weren't, it were Scootaloo's!” Applebloom growled back.
“Hey! It was Sweetie Bell's idea to hide in that sack!” hissed Scootaloo.
“Order!” Celestia rapped her hoof.
“Come now Applebloom...” Cadence grinned at the younger Apple sister, beckoning her forward with her forehoof “At least I know you will be the most truthful...is that not so?” Applebloom merely gulped before trotting forward a few paces.
“Do you promise to tell the whole and honest truth and nothing else my little pony?” asked Celestia.
“Er...um...ah...maybe?...”
“Applebloom!” snapped Applejack
The little earth pony cowered on the floor, hiding her ears under her hooves.
“Ok! Ok! Ah promise!”
“Pinkie promise?” Pinkie Pie suddenly popped up in front of the filly, pressing her nose up against Applebloom's to squint suspiciously into the smaller pony's eyes under the glare of an inexplicably produced spotlight.
Applebloom began to bite nervously on her forehooves, sweat trickling down her brow.
“I...think that a simple promise will suffice this time Pinkie.” interrupted Twilight suddenly, approaching from behind the party pony and switching off the spotlight.
“Okie dokie-loki Twilight!” Pinkie chirped, before turning away and bouncing back to Fluttershy and Zecora as if nothing had happened. Luna looked back and forth between Applebloom and the departing mare with a puzzled expression.
“Take it from me, you should only make a Pinkie Promise if you're really really sure about it...” Twilight whispered darkly to a somewhat mystified Celestia, as she returned to her place beside the princess. She shuddered at the memory of the aftermath of a certain fashion show.
“...otherwise, you'll have to live with the consequences...”
“...Foreverrrrrrr!” came the inevitable hiss from the other side of the room.
Cadence patted Applebloom gently. “Alright my little pony. Why don't you tell us what happened after you went to bed last night?”
Applebloom sighed heavily in resignation, lowering her ears.
“Well... Ah guess it all started when...”
-----------------------
BANG BANG BANG BANG
“What 'n tarnation...”
BANG BANG BANG BANG
“A'right! A'right! Ah'm a-comin'!”
Applebloom yawned and sleepily peeked out from under the covers of her bed. The bedroom was still dark, and only moonlight lit the hallway outside her door.
“Dangnabbit! Jus' who in Equestria's callin' at this time a' night?”
The cursing and assorted crashing sounds from downstairs told Applebloom that Applejack had been woken up by the disturbance too, and was now on her way to the source -- now clearly recognisable as somepony banging on the door of the farmhouse as if their life depended on it.
“Will somepony simmer down 'an hold their horses already? Ah told ya ah'm commin'!”
The little filly slid out of bed and wobbled over to the door as Applejack's voice floated up from downstairs once more. The hallway was empty, and only the weak light of a small lantern showed from downstairs. Applebloom quickly trotted past the closed doors of Big Macintosh's and Granny Smith's bedrooms and peered down the stairs as Applejack finally got the door open.
“Spike? Wha' in Equestria are ya doin' out here sugarcube? Where's Twilight?”
Applebloom came down the steps as her elder sister peered curiously at the young dragon on the doorstep, who seemed to be hyperventilating into a paper bag.
Applejack raised an eyebrow quizzically. “Err...Wha' was that again sugarcube?”
“Trapped!...Won't wake up!...In trouble!”
“Whoa, wait...simmer down Spike! Ah can't understan' ah word ya'll sayin'. Has somethin' happen' ta Twilight?
Spike's head began nodding franticly up and down like an apple with Big Macintosh attached to the end of it's branch, indicating an answer most definitely in the positive.
“Shoot...Alrigh' Spike, y'all go on back now 'an I'll be there in no time.”
Applejack immediately turned and headed toward the stairs to grab her rope and trademark hat, just as Big Macintosh appeared.
“Big Mac, ah'm headin' over ta Twilight's place and find out what's goin' on. Y'all better check on Granny Smith 'an come up after.”
“Eeyup...”
Within a few seconds Applejack had cantered back down the stairs and headed out of the front door after the fast-receding Spike. Applebloom suddenly jerked into action, and the little filly set off in hot pursuit of her elder sister.
“Hey wait for me!”
---------------------------
“ Applebloom...I think perhaps we can probably skip this little bit, don't you?”
Cadence smiled down at the youngest Apple, who flinched a little.
“But y'all said ta start from when ah went ta bed...”
“Well, true enough. Why don't you start with when Twilight left Ponyville and you met up with your friends instead?”
Applebloom squirmed. “Do ah have to?” she asked meekly
Cadence nodded silently. As did Celestia, Luna, and Twilight.
Applebloom deflated slightly. “Ah was afraid ah that...”
-----------------------------
“Ah TOLD you ya'll were goin' back to bed Missy! BIG MACINTOSH!!”
Applejack's frustrated yells from the back of the cart echoed around Ponyville as it took off, and sped into the starry darkness carrying Twilight and her friends. Unfazed, Applebloom merrily waved after her sister.
“C'ya later sis! Ah'll find Zecora for ya!”
As the cart receded out of sight Applebloom began heading into the streets of Ponyville at a brisk trot to find the other Crusaders. Tree sap and pine-needles aside, it had been the experience of the Crusaders' that there was relative safety in numbers while on a Crusade for a Cutie Mark, and something told Applebloom that such an important mission was going to require some serious backup.
“Applebloom!”
Applebloom looked round as a clattering of hooves approached. Most of the rest of the townsfolk had moved off back to their homes now the excitement had died down, although lights still showed at many of the windows. Down a deserted street, a familiar white and purple shape was rapidly drawing nearer.
“Hey Sweetie Bell!”
Applebloom paused for a moment to let her fellow Crusader catch up. “Ya'll won't believe what's been goin' on!”
“Twilight got trapped in a nightmare and they carted her off to Canterlot?” asked Sweetie Bell.
Applebloom stared. “How'd ya know that? Ya'll not turnin' into Pinkie Pie are ya?”
“Nnope. Heard it when Rarity took me back home, I was sleeping over at her place.” Sweetie Bell replied. “Spike turned up in a panic and nearly broke the door of the Boutique down, I 'aint seen him so worked up since the time he tried pet sitting. After Rarity went back to the Library I just snuck back out. So what are we doing now?”
“First we gotta find Scootaloo, then we're goin' ta find Zecora and get our Cutie marks” grinned Applebloom.
“Cutie marks? What in?”
“Message Couriers! Ah told Applejack that ah'd tell Zecora to come to Canterlot right away so she can help Twilight!”
Sweetie Bell squinted in thought. “Didn't we try that one already?”
Applebloom stroked her chin with a hoof “Hmmm...Ah don't know...ah kinda lost track. But even if we did, maybe the message wasn't important enough, maybe we're... Cutie Mark Crusader Emergency Broadcasters!”
“Oooh! I like it, that sounds alot more exciting! And let's face it, round here that's gonna be WAY more useful...” Sweetie Bell's expression perked up as visions of a mountain of urgent messages in bright red envelopes flashed through her mind.”
Applebloom grinned excitedly and turned around. “So what are we waitin' for?
----------------------
Celestia knew she was going to crack. It was just a matter of time, she hadn't heard anything so funny since the time the griffon nobles had demanded a hefty export fee on feathered goods. But she was determined to rein herself in to the very end.
“Cutie Mark Crusader Emergency Broadcasters?” repeated Cadence slowly. “Ahem...Well, I suppose there could be something like that...”
“Err...Does anypony know what in the hay is Applebloom talking about?” Rainbow Dash was looking over at the other ponies watching, who all shook their heads except for one.
“Ooh ooh! I know! I know! I bet it's a really super-rare talent that...”
“Not now Pinkie...”
Celestia glanced over at Luna, who was regarding Applebloom with a mixture of complete confusion and suspicion before coolly regarding the three fillies once more.
“Please continue my little pony. Was that when you went to find your friend Scootaloo?”
Applebloom shrank a little. “Actually....”
------------------------
Both fillies quickly cantered towards the corner, only to crash headlong into a wall that stepped out in front of them. To be precise, a wall with red fur and an apple half cutie mark that regarded them with a neutral expression.
Applebloom looked up. “Uh...Howdy...Big Macintosh...?” Applebloom plastered an innocent smile across her muzzle.
“Eeyup.”
“Um...It'll be okay if me an' Sweetie Bell go see Scootaloo right?”
“Ya'll here ta take me an' Sweetie Bell home huh?”
“Eeyup.”
Sweetie Bell sighed. “Not gonna win this one are we?”
Applebloom gave her brother a hurt look before turning her head towards Sweetie Bell.
“Nnope...”
---------------------
“I see...” remarked Cadence. “So...your brother took you home, correct?”
Applebloom nodded.
“And I take it he took Sweetie Bell back to her parents' house as well?”
There was another nod from Sweetie Bell.
“Alright. What did you do afterwards Applebloom?”
The little filly cringed a little and glanced at her elder sister, who was shooting death glares at Applebloom.
“Um...Princess Cadence? Maybe ah should take tha... tha filth? Ah don't wanna intimidate mahself...”
Cadance stroked her chin in thought, and also to hide her smirk.
“Do you mean the Fifth, Applebloom?”
“Um...yeah - ah think...If ah say the wrong thing, ah can intimidate...”
“Incriminate dear...”
“Oh, right - incriminate mahself an' mah friends.”
“We were just getting to the good par...ahem...I mean it will be in your interests to tell us everything you know young filly” Luna advised.
“And technically speaking Applebloom, you've already admitted to actually committing the crimes - you're just denying responsibility.” Twilight gave Applebloom a knowing grin as the filly's pupils shrank to pin size. “So regardless of how you might have seen it in movies, I don't think that's going to get you out of trouble this time.”
“I'm afraid I believe Twilight and Princess Luna may be right my little pony...” admitted Cadence.
Applebloom marched crossly into her room, defiantly sticking out her tongue at the door in annoyance as it swung firmly shut behind her. Waiting until her brother's hoofsteps receded, the youngest Apple then picked up a lantern and hurried over to the window, looking out to where darkness shrouded most of the distant buildings of Ponyville. Picking up a mirror in her hooves, Applebloom angled it back and forth in the lamplight, sending a series of carefully aimed flashes towards a single light that glowed faintly at one end of the darkened shapes. A few moments later an answering pattern of flashes winked back at her.
Setting the mirror down with an excited grin, Applebloom quickly hurried over to her bed and began stripping off the bedsheets, rolling each one up and then tying them quickly together into a makeshift rope. Opening the window, she secured one end to her bed and quickly let the other end down to the ground outside, testing the knot carefully before climbing out of the window. Gripping the rope between her hooves, she began sliding steadily down towards the ground, careful not to make any noise with her hooves against the wooden side of the house.
Only to find her flank settling on Big Macintosh's nose as she neared the bottom, the other end of the rope already in his mouth.
A brief, frozen moment passed as brother and sister stared at each other. Then Big Macintosh stretched the makeshift rope with one mighty tug and let go, sending Applebloom rocketing all the way back up with a yelp and landing with a crash in a dazed heap back in her room.
Shortly after, a sulking Applebloom was grumpily bouncing a ball back and forth off her wall, when an idea came to her.
Five minutes later, Applebloom was ready with her second attempt. On all four of her hooves were suction cups that the Crusaders had recently borrowed from Pinkie Pie during an ill-fated window cleaning cutie mark attempt. After cautiously opening the door and checking the coast was clear, Applebloom crept out and slurped her way towards the wall by the stairway as quietly as possible...
Ten minutes later, Applebloom wiped the sweat off her brow carefully with one fetlock before pushing her hoof up into place. She'd successfully navigated her way along the stairway wall and was now making her way, in Spider-Mare fashion, across the downstairs ceiling towards an open window.
Down below, Big Macintosh lifted his head, silently considered the open window, then bucked the wall.
The room shook as the window slammed shut, which was followed a second later by a soft 'schloop' and Applebloom falling out of the air with a surprised squeak and a heavy crash.
Thirty seconds after, a disgruntled Applebloom was peeled off her brother's flank and deposited back onto the floor of her room. Left alone, the filly discarded the suction cups and rubbed her hooves together.
A heavy wardrobe was moved aside, exposing a dark hole in the floor. Applebloom, having donned a miner's helmet and lamp began climbing down the vent shaft hidden in the wall, pausing only to peek out through a grill before descending into a hole dug at the very bottom. Boarding an old skateboard that waited below, Applebloom switched on it's headlamp and began hauling the improvised mine cart along it's crude track down the escape tunnel running out from under the house.
Having arrived at the far end and collected the shovel lying ready, Applebloom lost no time in the final phase of her plan. A short session of digging later, she emerged coughing in a cloud of dust into the open. A quick sweep of her surroundings revealed she had come through the floor of the hen house, somewhat short of her intended target. With nothing else for it, the little filly began to creep daintily past the rows of sleeping fowl towards the door. Each step she took was carefully judged, the slightest creak threatening to set off the entire flock like feathered burglar alarms.
And it was just poor luck that one happened to wake up at the wrong moment, just as Applebloom reached the door.
The hen house seemed to suddenly explode into a riot of clucking and squawking, the wooden structure rocking dangerously back and forth on it's foundation before a panicked Applebloom burst out of the door in a shower of feathers and slammed it shut. Mercifully, silence followed and with a last quick glance to ensure the coast was clear, a somewhat pecked and scratched filly raced the last few feet across the yard into the darkness towards where Sweetie Bell was waiting.
Cadence looked back and forth between Applebloom and Celestia, who had somehow managed to keep a straight face during Applebloom's narration of the events surrounding her breakout. Applejack on the other hoof, was turning various shades of purple and was muttering dire threats and curses into the depths of her hat while Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were lying flat on their backs in hysterics. Even Zecora had cracked a smile and Luna seemed to be surreptitiously taking notes...
“Um, yeah...kind of...until we met up with Scootaloo anyway....”
“Oh? Do tell...ahem...please go on my little pony.”
Applebloom wriggled her hindquarters a little further from the heat that was radiating from her elder sister.
Well...ah met up with Sweetie Bell outside Sweet Apple Acres and...then we headed back into Ponyville.”
“I see. And then what happened?”
------------------
“....An that was when the chickens all woke up. Good gravy, ah thought ah'd never get outta there...”
“Do you think Big Mac knows you got out?”
“Ah don't think so...Ah managed ta get outta that chicken coop real quick before anypony heard 'em. Boy those beaks are sharp...”
Applebloom grimaced at the memory as she filled in Sweetie Bell on her escape. The pair were trotting down the lane in Ponyville towards the other end of town, where they would hopefully find Scootaloo. Sweetie Bell touched Applebloom's shoulder encouragingly with a hoof.
“Well, you didn't get a cutie mark as an escape artist...”
“....Ah got plenty 'a other marks outta that, an' not just on mah flank neither...” mumbled Applebloom sourly.
“...but at least we can go get Scootaloo now. Those Emergency Broadcasters cutie marks are all ours!” Sweetie Bell squeaked excitedly.
Applebloom glanced up at the building they were heading for as it loomed in the dark ahead of them, it's windows showing no light.
“Scootaloo really lives here?”
“I know right? Who'd have thought?” remarked Sweetie Bell, as the unicorn filly trotted forwards towards one of the windows. “Scootaloo! Hey Scootaloo!”
“Shhh!” began Applebloom, but a light suddenly clicked on and Scootaloo's head appeared from an upstairs window.
“Do you ponies know what time it is? If I'm gonna be my totally awesome self tomorrow and impress Rainbow Dash with my sweet moves, I need my sleep!”
“Suit ya boot Scootaloo, we got cutie marks ta get!” called Applebloom
“Cutie Marks huh? Ok, be there in a flash!” Scootaloo disappeared back inside and the light clicked off again.
A few minutes later, Scootaloo had joined the other two crusaders who quickly explained the situation.
“So let me get this straight. Twilight's trapped in a nightmare and we have to deliver a last desperate message against impossible odds to help save her?”
Sweetie Bell put a hoof to her cheek. “Ummm...kind of?...”
“Not sure 'bout that last bit Scootaloo but ah guess that's close enough...” remarked Applebloom.
“I guess that sounds pretty cool...So, where do we start?” asked Scootaloo.
“Well, Time Turner already went into the Everfree ta wake up Zecora an' get her to come into Ponyville, but Princess Luna got a message from Princess Celestia saying she needed ta get Twilight to Canterlot just afterwards...” began Applebloom.
“... I can't believe I missed seeing Princess Luna...” sighed Scootaloo.
“...So Zecora can't be too far from the entrance by now.” pointed out Sweetie Bell.
“Tha's right...” replied Applebloom.
“So if we're gonna catch her when she comes out of the forest, we'd better hurry.” advised Scootaloo. “Come on ponies!”
“Cutie Mark Crusaders...Ho!”
The three fillies high-hoofed and began galloping as fast as their legs could take them towards the shadowy outline of the Everfree Forest.
-----------------
“Anypony see anything yet?” asked Sweetie Bell. The trees and tangled undergrowth of the Everfree towered before the trio, as they marched confidently up the short slope to the beginning of the track that led through the forest.
“Not yet...” replied Scootaloo
“Me neither” added Applebloom.
“Everypony keep your eyes peeled” Scootaloo advised.
“What if Zecora's already passed here?” asked Sweetie Bell. Applebloom shook her head.
“Uh-uh. We'd have seen her fer sure.”
“This is the only road in from Ponyville...” agreed Scootaloo.
“So...now what do we do? Do we go in?” asked Sweetie Bell
“Ah dunno...that did'nt go so well last time...” began Applebloom, but Sweetie Bell's eyes suddenly bulged as she glanced behind them.
“Hide!”
“Huh?”
“Big Macintosh!”
“Quick! Behind here Crusaders!” hissed Scootaloo. The three vanished from sight in an instant, just as the big earth pony trotted up to where they'd been standing and stopped.
“What's he doing?” hissed Sweetie Bell.
“Shhhh!” “Shhhh!”
The three peeked out through the leaves of a convenient bush they'd hidden in towards Big Macintosh's hulking shape, hidden in the shadow of the overhanging trees which stretched out along the ground from the forest like gnarled claws reaching towards Ponyville.
“What's that he's got there?” whispered Applebloom. “Some kind 'a scroll?”
“Looks like a letter, maybe it's from the Princess...” hissed Scootaloo.
Applebloom pricked up her ears. “Listen, sounds like somepony else's comin this way'”
“Oh no, what if it's Zecora! What do we do?!” whined Sweetie Bell.
From within the forest the sounds of hooves and cart wheels grew gradually closer until the striped form of Zecora emerged, loaded with saddle baskets and hauling her small cart which was piled with bulky-looking sacks.
“Keep down Sweetie Bell!” whispered Scootaloo, quickly pushing her friend's head down out of sight. “Listen...”
The three peeked out towards the path. The rumbling of Zecora's cart had come to a halt, and the two figures were talking in low voices. Big Macintosh was showing Zecora the scroll he was carrying and as the Crusaders strained their ears Zecora's voice became audible.
“What you say sounds severe indeed, but first we must find some herbs I need. Then I will need to make haste from here, for I must get to Twilight soon I fear.”
“Eeyup...”
Zecora wriggled out of her harness and began to rummage in one of the sacks on the cart, her voice becoming somewhat muffled.
“Agrimony, Rose Hips and Yarrow Flower, I should take for their healing power. We must also find Anise and more Hearts' Desire, to try to quell this nightmare's fire.” Zecora re-emerged and faced Big Macintosh with a serious expression.
“We have no time to be lazy; I must speak at once to Daisy. I hope she is not too dour, at being awoken at such an early hour; but if by fortune she has these plants I need, Twilight may yet soon be freed.”
Big Macintosh silently processed the conversation for a moment.
“Eeyup.”
Oblivious to the sideways look Zecora was now giving him, Big Macintosh picked up the harness of the cart and trundled it off towards Ponyville - Zecora following a few paces behind, one eye narrowed in askance.
“I do enjoy strong and silent folk, but he is getting beyond a joke!” the Zebra murmured to herself.
Scootaloo silently tapped her friends' shoulders as Big Macintosh and Zecora drew away, motioning them with a hoof to follow her away from the road and the receding figures on it.
“Guess that's the end of that then...” she commented.
“It's so unfair!” complained Applebloom despondently.
“C'mon Applebloom, it's just a cutie mark” comforted Sweetie Bell. “Though I got to admit, I was kinda looking forward to opening all those red envelopes...”
Scootaloo gave Applebloom a questioning glance, who shrugged her shoulders in confusion. Scootaloo sighed in annoyance.
“C'mon Crusaders, let's head back. No point in anypony standing around here anymore...”
The three slowly walked back towards the road, heading for Ponyville with only Applebloom glancing back towards the dark forest.
-----------------------
“So – you didn't get those...Emergency Broadcaster...cutie marks then?” asked Cadence. The trio all shook their heads.
“Kind of a relief if you ask me...” Spike muttered under his breath.
“But how did we go from there to hiding in Zecora's sack I wonder?” asked Cadence.
Applebloom flinched. “Well...it were like this...
-----------------------
“Well that was a total bust...” complained Scootaloo.
“I guess so. Although I gotta admit, I really have no idea what an Emergency Broadcaster cutie mark would look like anyway...” Sweetie Bell looked over at Applebloom plodding along a couple of paces behind. “What's up with Applebloom?”
“Cutie Mark Failure Syndrome again?” asked Scootaloo, stopping to let Applebloom catch up.
Sweetie Bell shook her head. “It's not like we haven't failed to get our Cutie marks before right?...” the unicorn filly grimaced “...and let's face it, considering how some of our crusades go, I'd say we got off pretty lightly. We didn't even need a bath afterwards.”
“S' not that...” mumbled Applebloom.
“What then?” asked Scootaloo.
Applebloom shifted uncomfortably, keeping her gaze trained at the ground. “I did want ta get mah Cutie mark an' all, but ah was really hoping I'd get it for helpin' Twilight...”
Both of her companions glanced at each other, their expressions wilting.
“The Princesses are going to be able to fix everything though, right Applebloom?...” Sweetie Bell replied.
Applebloom sighed “You guys didn't see her before she left...the way she was cryin' an all? Even Luna was worried...” Applebloom began walking onwards into the streets of Ponyville at a slow pace. “Ah couldn't help but think what Ponyville's 'bin like since she got here...”
“Aside from the constant monster attacks and crazy magic spells?” Scootaloo glanced around at the darkened buildings around them for a moment in thought. ”...yeah...guess you're right about that...” she admitted with a nod. “It wouldn't really be the same without her...”
“She has been pretty nice to us...even though we managed to destroy her library a couple of times and publicly humiliate her in the press... I'd wanna help her too.” Sweetie Bell pouted.
Applebloom flopped down in an unhappy heap on the road, facing her two compatriots.
“Ah just wanted to do somethin', even if it was just a littl' thing, to help everypony get her back.”
The little earth pony groaned, lying her chin on her forehooves. “But now 's all ruined...”
The three sighed in unison, but then Scootaloo shook her head and stamped her hoof determinedly.
“Well I'm not giving up that easily!”
The other two crusaders looked up at her curiously. “Huh?”
Scootaloo flared her wings.
“I'm gonna find another way to help! I'm gonna do whatever it takes to help whether anypony likes it or not, because I'm Twilight's friend too!”
Sweetie Bell and Applebloom glanced at each other as Scootaloo strode up and down in front of them, drill sergeant fashion.
“Someday I'm gonna be as awesome as Rainbow Dash, and Rainbow Dash would never give up on a friend - so I won't give up on Twilight either!”
“Me neither!” agreed Applebloom
“Me too!” added Sweetie Bell.
Scootaloo fluttered her wings to give her a boost as she climbed up on a convenient soap box nearby.
“Fillies we may be but we let nothing stop us from getting our cutie marks, and if Twilight needs her friends the Crusaders are gonna be there for her too, even if we have to go all the way to Canterlot ourselves!” declared Scootaloo.
“We'll climb any mountain!” put in Applebloom.
“Cross any river!” added Sweetie Bell
“We're the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and do we ever give up?”
“Never!” yelled Sweetie Bell.
“Do we ever leave a friend behind?”
“No way!” shouted Applebloom
“Does Diamond Tiara look cute in a bunny costume?”
“No- Wait, what?” asked Sweetie Bell.
“Then the Crusaders are goin' to Canterlot, and we're not gonna let anything stand between us an' our friend!”
“Cutie Mark Crusaders! Yay!”
As the sound of a three way high-hoof echoed down the street with their cheers, Applebloom looked up and down the street in thought.
“Sooo...any thoughts on how we're gonna get ta Canterlot?”
Scootaloo pawed at her chin with a hoof “Umm...”
“It's not like everypony's just gonna let us walk there right?” commented Sweetie Bell.
Scootaloo's wings wilted as she climbed down from her perch. “I guess so...”
“Everypony's always thinkin' we three can't take care of ourselves or do nothin' on ah own...” Applebloom mumbled in frustration, kicking at the ground crossly as her temper rapidly came to a boil.”Ohh...ah can't stand it anymore!” she screamed, wheeling round and aiming a buck at random.
Most ponies in Ponyville were well used to the concept of cause and effect, especially when it came to three certain fillies. But admittedly nopony - not even the Crusaders - had particulary considered the possibility that the consequence of Applebloom kicking a nearby stone might be said stone flying through the air and landing in a nearby bucket, causing the bucket's extra weight to pull on a rope it was hanging from and upsetting a plank on which a number of heavy bags of cement were stacked.
It certainly would have been a flying leap of logic to predict that said bags would then land heavily on a cart full of fruit produce, which would quickly take off in a shower of fruit juice, accelerate past the trio down the street like a rocket and smash through several supporting structures - causing the three fillies to duck for cover as a number of increasingly heavy objects began to fly through the air - before taking aim straight for a pile of crates clearly marked in big letters Fireworks and Assorted Bowling Balls...
By the time the dust from the ensuing chaos began to settle, lights had appeared in most of Ponyville's surviving windows. And as the bowling ball rain gradually subsided the inhabitants cautiously began to emerge to gape in confusion at the brand new craters and piles of wreckage left in it's wake.
And demand in loud voices to know just what the hay had just happened.
-----------------------
“Have they gone yet?” Sweetie Bell hissed to the others. The Crusaders were lying huddled under the shelter of a large, soot blasted wagon that was still smouldering at the edges.
“What do you think?” Scootaloo hissed back irritably. The three crouched lower as another set of panicked hooves thundered past their hide-out. “It's not like everypony's gonna think they're hearing things and just forget about something like... that... are they?”
“Ah didn't think anypony'd store that much baking soda and lemonade in tha same shed though.” commented Applebloom.
“Fizzy Pop isn't going to be for a while...at least not until somepony brings what's left of his shed down from the top of that cloud.” observed Scootaloo. “The fireworks were kind of awesome though.”
“Except that one time when that rocket went into Mr Brass's lamp oil store...” muttered Sweetie Bell. The three grimaced as memories of the burning rain flashed through their minds.
“Ya know...” Applebloom paused and pressed herself further into the ground as another stampede roared by like a runaway freight train. “...sooner rather than later somepony's gonna notice we're not in ah beds...”
Scootaloo nodded fearfully. “Something tells me we'd better get out of Ponyville fast, 'cause when they do, ponies are gonna start putting two and two together and comin' up with three if you know what I mean...”
“It's like they're all psychic or something...” commented Sweetie Bell drily
The crusaders retreated further under their improvised bunker as the sound of hooves approached and a set of familiar legs passed them by, stopping further down the street. Taking a risk, Sweetie Bell peeped out for a second and then quickly drew back, tapping on Scootaloo and Applebloom's withers.
“Pssst! Girls, look! It's Zecora!”
The three peeked out silently. Sure enough, the Zebra was knocking on the door of a nearby house not ten yards away. The door opened and a pale magenta earth pony with a lime green mane could be seen, and after a hurried conversation Zecora stepped into the house out of sight.
“Think we should make a break for it now?” whispered Scootaloo
“Hold on a sec...” Sweetie Bell was staring at the doorway that Zecora had vanished through. Beside it sat Zecora's cart and a number of sacks that had lately been carried in it. Sweetie Bell grinned.
“Follow me Crusaders...I just got an idea...”
Scootaloo and Applebloom cautiously approached as Sweetie Bell began tugging open one of the bags, revealing a mixture of bottles and herbs inside.
“Er...Sweetie Bell?” asked Scootaloo
“See? We can hide in this on Zecora's cart!” Sweetie Bell whispered excitedly.
Scootaloo blinked “Hey...that's an awesome idea! We'll be in Canterlot before we know it!”
“Wait...what if Zecora looks in the sack when she comes back?” asked Applebloom.
“Easy...watch this!” Sweetie Bell pulled out an empty sack from nearby and began pushing the first sack into it. “I thought of this one time I needed to hide some stuff from Rarity, if you put one sack inside another that looks the same with the top open just right...it'll all look like just one sack and anypony looking in won't notice unless they look hard enough. This one's only partly full, so that means we can hide inside under the original sack and that way nopony will see us!”
Applebloom looked doubtful.
“Is this really gonna work?”
“Sure it will!” began Scootaloo, but then the pegasus stiffened as the sound of hooves approaching from behind the door reached her ears.
“Quick! Everpony inside!”
By the time Zecora opened the door, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were nowhere to be seen, the only things left in the street were the assortment of sacks lined up beside the Zebra's cart. Going up to one, Zecora pulled out an enormous cauldron and began loading various herbs she was carrying into the sack, before picking up another bulky sack beside it and jamming the cauldron into it. With the sacks duly loaded onto the cart, Zecora wriggled into her harness once more before setting off along the road and into the darkness in the direction of Canterlot...
Meanwhile...
“Eeeyup...”
Big Macintosh heaved on a large chunk of debris and dragged it away, revealing a rather scorched and blackened cart which the Crusaders had lately seen hurtling down the street towards a large quantity of explosives. Behind him, an irate Mayor Mare was addressing a sheepish looking colt which was covered in soot from head to tail.
“Honestly Stable Load, Fireworks I can understand – maybe... but bowling balls as well?? Why in Equestria would you want that many bowling balls??”
Mayor Mare rolled her eyes and sighed as Stable Load shrugged in reply, before looking round at the wreckage around them. She would have to have a word with Fizzy Pop about the safe storage of chemicals and to various others regarding leaving property in a position which could cause injury, but it still didn't explain how this had all started...
“Hello? Big Macintosh? Big Macintosh! Dangnabbit, where' ya at youngster?”
Big Macintosh looked round as Granny Smith's creaky voice echoed through the ruins.
“Eeeyup?”
“Young Applebloom's gone! Flew the coop! Ah can't find neither hide nor hair of her on the farm neither!”
Mayor Mare blinked. In the background, she could see two more familiar figures coming towards the little crowd of ponies in front of her - one wearing a battered straw hat and the other with a purple mane done up into a beehive - and both obviously looking for something.
