> Oneway Ticket to a Dead End
>  by Dableaxcheaz
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> All Aboard!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It was a mild mid-summer day in Ponyville. The sun emitted toasty beams of gold that bathed everything in its light. The birds were singing, and a soft breeze waltzed through. The young fillies and colts were enjoying themselves, as they rolled in the crisp grass, and played their energetic games. 

While all was fun and peace; there was one pony however who didn't appear to be enjoying the day like others would. Applebloom. Instead of frolicking in the field with the other Cutie Mark Crusaders; she sat at her windowsill, staring at the blue hazy sky. She didn't smile, speak, or move.

But why? Usually she would be outside on a day like this. She would either go help out with her sister, or hang out with her friends to enjoy a frosty cold root beer float. Instead, she stared out the window in sadness, as if guilt was on her back.

Off in the distance, Twist, Applebloom's classmate and friend, noticed the moping pony. In her curiosity, she strolled on over to her house. She stood below Applebloom’s window, staring at her and waiting for her to notice. For a while there was no response or movement. Then Twist yelled, "Hey Applebloom!" Applebloom jumped and looked around to see who was calling her from below. 

"Oh… hi Twist…" she moaned.

"Why are you thitting inthide on great day like thith?" Twist asked.

Applebloom sighed," Ah finally got that mark on mah flank."

"You got a cutie mark?" smiled Twist bouncing up and down.

"I guess?" shrugged Applebloom resting her head on the sill.

“Did you show it off to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, so they would stop bugging you?”

"No, but do ya wanna know how Ah got it?" She asked.

"Yeah, yeah, I really want to know!" Twist said frantically.

Applebloom rested her head on her hooves and sighed. "Where do I start?"




Her tale of woe begins yesterday in the park. Few ponies visited that day, but the day's weather in general was the same as the next day. Up until high noon it was quiet, until three young fillies were running from different parts of the park. 

It was as if they were in a hurry to meet up for an important matter. The three fillies were the Cutie Mark Crusaders: Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Applebloom, with a small basket in her mouth. The chance of it being about cutie marks was pretty high. They all seemed to be racing toward an old picnic bench with a sleeping white bunny on it.

As the three were approaching the bench, the bunny began to hear rumbling on three sides. It opened it blood shut eyes to examine its surroundings. When it saw the fillies coming, the bunny immediately sensed danger in the air. Without thinking, it tried to run, only to stumble on the smooth wood. It got back up, more nervous with the CMC approaching closer and closer, and leaped off the table, darting off for the nearest bush.

Each CMC member saw each other in their sights. They all had the same last minute thought of turning the simple sprint into a race. They began to accelerate in speed, looking dead straight ahead at the finish. As they closed in, all three long jumped, soaring in the air like a paper plane. They gritted their teeth, closed their eyes, and reached out to the goal.

They all fell short of their reach, and landed on the ground. They slid on the ground, kicking up dust in the air, until they slowly touched the bench at the same time. It was a tie. Applebloom had both hooves touching the seat on one side, while Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo had theirs on their own corner on the other side.

The ponies had to catch their breath, with the hot sun pounding the salty sweat out of their manes. When the dust settled, the fillies had gained enough strength to try standing. Applebloom blurted out, "I win!"

"Nu-uh," denied Scootaloo, still catching her breath, "I won, you lost"

"You got last Scoots," added Sweetie Belle stumbling around.

"Well I-... Ah forget it, it was probably just another tie." Applebloom admitted.

"You’re right," said Scootaloo, "We’ll settle this later."

"Yeah, but for now, let’s get this meeting over with," stated Sweetie Belle, as she sat down on the creaking wood.

Applebloom and Scootaloo agreed with the unicorn, and sat down on the bench. "Alright, The Cutie Mark Crusaders meeting is officially in session!" Announced Applebloom," Now, do we all have our slips a paper?" 

The other two nodded and placed a hoof-full of folded paper slips on the table. Applebloom also brought out a pile of her own. Each slip had an idea for a cutie mark scribbled on it. The red-headed pony collected the piles and poured them into the small woven basket she carried. She stuck her hoof inside and mixed the slips around. She plucked one out of the basket and unfolded it. She scanned her eyes on the writing, and said, "Cutie Mark Crusaders Fishing?"

"We already tried that." said Sweetie Belle.

"Well," said Applebloom, tearing up the slip, "We've got plenty of slips; Ah think we'll get a new idea on the next draw." She dug her hoof once again into the basket. Scootaloo leaned towards the basket, in hopes for the next idea being new and exciting. She pulled another slip out of the basket, "Cutie Mark Crusaders hang gliding."

"Yes... No!" Grumbled Scootaloo.

"Strange, I’ve got a bad feeling that were almost out of fresh new ideas." Suggested Sweetie Belle.

"That can't be it," denied Applebloom, "We've always had an idea for cutie marks, we're just not tryin' hard enough."

For the next hour, Applebloom pulled out slip after slip of paper, hoping that the next new idea would be on it. But every slip of paper turned out to be another tried attempt at getting their cutie marks. As the pieces of paper piled up on the bench, so did the boredom. Soon, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were lying face down on the hot wooden surface, baking in the sun without hope. By now, Applebloom was getting tired of the drawing, and started to lose hope as well.

"Let me rephrase," mumbled Sweetie Belle, "We've ran out of ideas."

"Yeah," moaned Scootaloo.

"Just one more girls," said Applebloom, exhausted, "I just know this is the one."

"Forget it Applebloom," Scootaloo sighed, "If all of these ideas are just reminders of all our past efforts gone to waste, what makes you think this one's different?"

Applebloom began to frown a little, then dropped her head on the table. "This is hopeless." she mumbled.

Sweetie Belle then looked up to find the last slip of paper in the basket. She pulled it out and began to open it with low expectations. She thought, "Wonder what failed attempt this is?" She scanned her eyes across the slip and slowly said, "Cutie Mark Crusaders...train engineers?" At that moment, she realized that the team hasn't tried this before.

"Hey guys!" she said fully energized.

"Not now Sweetie Belle," Scootaloo groaned.

"Can't ya see we’re trying to lie in shame here?" added Applebloom.

"No no, it's a good idea," Sweetie Belle defended, "Cutie Mark Crusaders, train engineers!"

Scootaloo and Applebloom turned to her and began to think, rubbing their hooves on their chins as they pondered. "Oh yeah!" they squeed in excitement. 

"Ah forgot Ah put that one in there," Applebloom said.

"Good thinking Applebloom," Scootaloo complemented.

"I can see it now," Sweetie Belle imagined, "Cutie Mark Crusaders, driving the Friendship express from one side of Equestria to the other."

"I bet if we hurry, we can see a demonstration before the next train leaves," suggested Applebloom.

They all jumped up and down in excitement. "Well what are we waiting for?" said Scootaloo getting on her hooves, "Cutie Mark Crusaders train engineers is a go ponies!!" she yelled. She galloped off into town, full of confidence thinking, “This is it, this our chance!”

"Wait for us!" called Applebloom. She ran after the orange pegasus with Sweetie Belle tailing behind her. Applebloom sprinted as fast as she could to catch up, but for some odd reason, she couldn't. Scootaloo was going as fast as she would go on her scooter, but without her scooter.

Within the limits of the town, a crowd of ponies saw Scootaloo galloping in, kicking up dust as she ran. They could see that she was in rush, and they didn't want to get in her way. They began to duck and dodge as Scootaloo ran towards them. Many of the ponies yelled, "Maniac!" and, "Run for your lives, there's no stopping her." as she whizzed right by. The two Crusaders saw everything happen in front of them.

Scootaloo kept on sending ponies spinning out of control like wild twisters, and the cloud of dust didn't help much, but the two split up to dodge the attack. Then ponies began to leap straight at them. With enough reaction time, they could duck under, slide under them on the dirt ground, and get back up on their hooves and running in an instant. Whatever’s gotten into Scootaloo was beyond the ponies. But the young unicorn and the red-bowed pony that chased after her, saw it as some powerful motive of some form.

Applebloom then saw a familiar alley on her left. Immediately, she recognized it as a short   cut to the station. "Sweetie Belle," she called, "I know a shortcut." Sweetie Belle felt confident with whatever plan she was thinking. If it was a plan to cut off Scootaloo at the train station, she was totally up for it.

Applebloom then cut left into the alley; Sweetie followed behind. The alley was dark, but was a great escape from the many ponies kicking and screaming outside. At the other end, they could see it: the Friendship Express. They swerved left and right to avoid crashing into any dumpsters or trashcans. Luckily, they didn't run into any strangers along the way.

As soon as they entered the light outside of the ally, the two stopped dead in their tracks. Not only was the train in front of them, but so was Scootaloo, looking at the train in amazement. She seemed to be admiring every aspect of the train. From the multi-coloured exterior, to the cute but strong might of the engine. She imagined that one day, it could be her and her friends driving ponies from place to place, and tooting the golden whistle.

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were completely baffled, their eyes popping out and their jaws dropped. How was it possible? They took a shortcut, and she took the long way. Scootaloo turned her head to see the two little ponies amazed.

"Wow!" she said, "I didn't think you'd be as happy as me to see the train."

Applebloom shook her head, "H-how did yah get here before us?"

"Yeah," added Sweetie Belle, "We took a short cut, and you took the long way."

"I don't know," Scootaloo shrugged, "But let's find the conductor." She went off towards the station office to ask the conductor for permission to see how the train works. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle followed her again with worry.

"I've got a bad feelin' about this," suggested Applebloom.

"What do you mean?" asked the young unicorn.

"I mean, I feel like this is gonna turn into a huge disaster like all the other tries. I mean, Scootaloo seems awfully happy to try train engineers. I just know that she wants to try it to see how fast it can go." Applebloom said nervously.

"Don't worry, we’ll be supervised by the conductor. He's gonna show us how it's done," Sweetie explained, "It's not like he's simply going to just let her drive it."

Applebloom felt a warmth of reassurance, but not completely, "Yeah, I guess you’re right."

They continued to follow the anticipating pegasus up the ramp to the platform. Ponies were almost done boarding the train, so they made it just in time. Scootaloo waltzed up to the office door next to the ticket window, stopping in her tracks. She looked up to see a yellow sign that read: “Out on an errand, back in 10 minutes.” Applebloom and Sweetie Belle read the sign, and looked at Scootaloo. She had her head hanging to the ground in disappointment.

Applebloom then looked at the board on the left side of the sign. It was one of the departure and arrival boards. According to the list, the next train would be leaving for Dodge Junction in 10 minutes.

The earth pony walked over to Scootaloo, wrapping her hoof around her friend's shoulder. "Shucks Scootaloo," she said, "Guess we'll need to be patient."

"Yeah," added Sweetie Belle, "It's only ten minutes; it'll be over before you know it."
“And look at the bright side, the train happens to leave in exactly 10 minutes, so the conductor will give us the full satisfyin’ experience of driving a train.”

"But I want to have a demonstration NOW!!" Scootaloo complained.  She then turned her attention to the Friendship Express’s engine. No-pony was aboard it, or watching it. In an instant, she had an idea, and a REALLY bad one.


Without saying anything, she took Applebloom's hoof off her back, and walked on over towards the engine. Applebloom and Sweetie looked at each other, not aware of her plan. It was only when she was half way to her destination that their stimulus clicked in their heads.

Scootaloo halted in front of the engine and placed her front hooves on its metal floor, peeking inside. It was better than she ever imagined. As she was about to jump in, she felt something hug her legs anchoring her to the ground. She tried to get up, but she kept on slipping. She turned to see that it was Sweetie Belle and Applebloom, frowning at her.

"Oh," she chuckled nervously, "Hey guys, I-"

"Forget it Scoots," interrupted Applebloom. "We ain't gonna let you get us in trouble."

"I wasn't going to," Scootaloo explained, "I just want to take a look inside, that’s all. And besides, we don't even know how to operate a train engine."

"True," added Sweetie Belle, "But you have tendency of pulling things if you don't know what they are for."

Scootaloo took her hooves off the engine in defeat. The two fillies holding her legs in place also let go of her. "You’re probably right," she sighed," I'm sorry, I just got too excited about this. I mean, this may be the moment we get our cutie marks. We will make Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon rue the day."

"Aw, that's alright Scoots," said Sweetie Belle, "We want to make them rue the day as much as you do."

The three began to walk on over back to the office door, "Now let's wait till the conductor's back," said Applebloom, "like good little fil-."

"She's gone!" interrupted Sweetie Belle.

Applebloom looked to her side; she really was gone. "Where did she go?!" she panicked.

Sweetie Belle turned to the one place she might be, and to no-pony's surprise, she was in the engine room. ”Over there!” she said.  Applebloom turned to where she was pointing, and dashed off to stop her. Sweetie Belle followed close behind.

They ran as fast as they could to catch her before she did anything stupid. Luckily, she was just looking, and hasn't pulled anything yet. Sweetie Belle remained outside, in case the conductor came back. Applebloom went ahead and jumped off the ground and into the engine. "I can't believe you!" she yelled.

Scootaloo turned to see Applebloom, furious. "Oooh just a few minutes Applebloom, I'll be out of here before the conductor gets back."

"No," Applebloom argued, "You’re coming out this instant."

"Not until I find the whistle," Scootaloo explained. She looked around for it among the many levers, switches, and strings among the complex controls. "Here it is," she said reaching for a white string.

"No you ain't," said Applebloom, swatting the orange hoof away from the string.

"Your right," grumbled the pegasus, "THIS is the whistle." She grabbed a lever in front of her and pulled it down. 

"NOOOO!!" Applebloom cried out.

Then there came a series of clanks coming from within the engine. Sweetie Belle became concerned. "Guys… what's going on in there?" she said. A burst of powerful steam then blew directly into her face, knocking the little unicorn to the ground.

The wheels on the train suddenly began to move slowly, as steam from the funnel began to shoot out at a faster rate. The two on board felt themselves moving forward. The train was moving. Applebloom looked at Scootaloo, now ready to choke the life out of her.

Sweetie Belle looked up to see the train moving away from her. "Hey guys- wait for me!" she called. She got up on her hooves and sprinted as fast as she could to reach the engine. She jumped aboard, hanging on with her front hooves. Applebloom saw her struggling and came over to help her up. The train was now gaining speed. 

Meanwhile at the platform, the conductor returned to the station only to find the train missing. He turned his head to the right, seeing that the train was leaving without him. He knew something was wrong, because he was the only one working that day. The conductor ran to try to catch the train, but the train was to fast by then. "Hey! Stop! Come back! Come back!" he called. 

Scootaloo peeked her head out to see the conductor trying to catch up as fast as he could, as the train picked up speed. When he saw that she was the one controlling the train, he stopped to catch his breathe. "Mother of Celestia." He murmured in terror.

Scootaloo then turned to a confused Sweetie Belle, and a very angry Applebloom. "…All aboard?" she chuckled nervously.

> Full Steam Ahead!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Soon, the train reached its cruising speed, and ran at a steady pace. Applebloom strolled on over to the doorway, staring off into the field as she saw rocks and trees pass by.

"Oh come on, Applebloom," said Scootaloo with a hint of flattery, "Look at the bright side; we're finally living the dream! Oh man, feel that breeze, and this view, an-"

"Ten minutes," interrupted Applebloom.

"Huh?"

"We would be in the same place as we are now. Except with safety, and a better experience for me and Sweetie Belle," Sweetie Belle cringed as she backed into a corner. She knew that Applebloom was going to blow at this point. "And what was the last thing? Oh yeah, a conductor. Instead, we’re three fillies on a train without the conductor!"

"Who needs a conductor? Right, Sweetie Belle?" Scootaloo turned to see that she wasn't on her side this time. The pegasus then realized that flattery wasn't going to get her anywhere at this point.

"All we had tah do was wait 10 minutes," Applebloom muttered, "10 minutes." Scootaloo approached her from behind to comfort her, but before she knew it, the pony turned around and yelled, "10 MINUTES!!!"

Scootaloo jumped with fright while the furious pony looked at her dead straight in the eye. Sweetie Belle watched in terror as Applebloom backed the pegasus into the corner across from her.

"But no," said Applebloom in a soft but harsh tone, "All you could think of was yourself, and your curiosity got the best of yah. Some friend you are, ya big chicken."

Scootaloo began to tear up at that statement, realizing what her dreams had done. All she could think about at that time, was getting her train engineer cutie mark instead of taking it slow. She should have listened to Applebloom while she could.

Sweetie Belle watched her begin to sob in shame. She had never seen anything like this; Applebloom didn't get angry that easily, and she was normally less coarse with her tone. Sweetie had a feeling that something wasn't right about Scootaloo, or Applebloom.

Applebloom began to regain her cool again, and began to try grasping the situation.

Sweetie Belle then got up and went over to Applebloom's side. "How do we stop this?" she asked.

"Ah don't know," Applebloom responded with uncertainty, "Ah’m feelin’ fogged in the head right now."

She looked over at the switch that Scootaloo pulled. She thought, "If pulling it down started this thing, then pulling it back up must turn it off!" She grabbed the lever with her hooves and began to push up as hard as she could. SNAP! With an audible gulp, she looked down to see the remains of the lever, and Applebloom began to panic a little. Just a little.

“It’s alright,” Applebloom said,”It’s alright.” She took a deep breath; brushing off the stress. ”It’s not like the train’s got anypony on it right?”

Sweetie Belle didn’t want to respond to that question. She saw Applebloom looking at her, expecting an answer. She didn’t know how to break the bad news to her, so she smiled to try to cover up her expression.

Applebloom knew that Sweetie Belle’s expression meant anything but good news.”Heh...,” she nervously responded, “Guess the thought of a train that’s ready to leave, and the good chance of having ponies aboard it…” She gulped, “…Must have slipped mah mind.” A dribble of stress began to pool within Applebloom.

"Isn't there a brake switch or something?"

"Yeah," the red headed filly said, very uncertain, "Y-you're right."

Applebloom walked on over to the train's controls to find the brake. She searched through the complex controls high and low, but she was still not sure. As she gazed at the many levers, gadgets, and buttons, she felt her anxiety growing steadily.

She turned back to see a nervous Sweetie Belle smiling nervously behind her back, along with a crying Scootaloo in the corner. She turned back to the controls, and placed a hoof on a lever, ready to pull it.

Sweetie Belle then said, "Don't worry! Things can't get any worse, right?"

Applebloom closed her eyes, and pulled the lever down, with hopes that nothing bad would happen. She still had her eyes shut tight, but nothing happened. Suddenly, she and Sweetie Belle felt a jolt fling them back. Applebloom had pulled the lever for the gearbox, putting the train into the second gear.

The two were now up against the door of a passenger cart, with a weak acceleration holding them back. "Wrong lever," strained Sweetie Belle, pointing out the obvious.

Applebloom rolled her eyes and said, "No dip Sherlock Hooves!" She then began to crawl up to the lever, pushing forward with the forces pushing her backwards. "Scootaloo!" she called, "Push up the gearbox lever!" Scootaloo didn't answer. "Fine then, I'll do it myself!” She reached the gearbox controls, and pushed it up. The train began to slow down back to its cruising speed.

Sweetie Belle was finally able to move again. She walked back into the engine room and noticed Scootaloo still crying. She felt sorry for her, and was starting to get tired of Applebloom's attitude.

Meanwhile in the hazy cyan sky, Rainbow Dash was flying around in the same area as the train was traveling. She had the talent of multitasking by her side, allowing her to monitor both the sky and ground at the same time. Being a weather pony, this was an important necessity.

After thorough inspection, she decided to check on another area, for everything there seemed to be in order. Right before she was about to leave, she spotted the train as a mere speck from the height she was flying. Rainbow Dash thought it might be a thoughtful idea to report the status of the area to the conductor, just to give him some assurance.

The rainbow-maned pegasus began to slightly descend. She then angled herself to gain some speed in her downward glide. As she was approaching the train, she straightened back out, now gliding above the cart’s tops. She slightly accelerated herself to the engine, while quickly going over what she’d say.

She made her way up to the engine window. Before she was able to say anything, she jaw dropped in surprise from what she saw. It wasn’t the conductor, it was the CMC driving.

"I didn't know you could drive a train!" she screamed out. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle looked at the window to see the frightened Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow Dash!" squeaked Sweetie Belle in relief, "You gotta help us! We can't stop this thing, and there are innocent ponies on board!"

The cobalt pegasus harshly interrupted. "Wait a minute, how did this even happen?!"

"Let me explain," said Sweetie Belle," We wanted to get a demonstration from the conductor, and get our cutie marks as train engineers! But Scootaloo got curious and activated the train on accident!"

"Accident?!" Applebloom denied, “That inconsiderate no-pony did that herself!"

Rainbow Dash became surprised by Applebloom's tone of voice. She had never heard her voice so hoarse before, "Uh, Applebloom? …Are you ok?" she tentatively asked. "Is everything alright with you?"

She then looked over at Scootaloo, she noticed that she wasn't looking at her favourite idol like she normally would. The pegasus normally would go nuts if she found one of her blue feathers. Her head immediately added Applebloom’s yelling, and Sweetie Belle’s tale, revealing the reason for her sobbing. Astonished, she then said "Jeez, Applebloom!" The pony turned her back and gave out a "Humph!" in disgust.

Sweetie Belle then asked, "Look, can you help us or not?"

Rainbow Dash then said nervously, “No... But the conductor might."

"Go get him! He's back at the train station in Ponyville."

"Roger that." She did a somersault, twisting her body; turning in the opposite direction. She gained elevation with her rainbow contrail behind her. As soon as she was at a safe distance with the train far behind her, she performed the Sonic Rainboom.

"Wait a minute," realized Sweetie Belle, "Doesn't this thing have a manual?"

Applebloom then turned to her in surprise and said, "Manual? Sweetie Belle, you're a genius!" she squeed, hugging the white unicorn tightly. Her stress levels began to dive down again. She began to search the engine for anything that might look like a glove box, or a something that's used for safe keeping. "Where is it? Where is it? Where is it?" she mumbled to herself.

She then stumbled upon a small dusty wooden box. She thrust the lid open in hopes for a manual, but no manual could be found. Applebloom’s stress returned, now at a level she wasn’t used to. "What kind of train doesn't have a manual!" she thought to herself.

Sweetie Belle walked on over to the box to see what was in it. Instead of a manual, she found what looked like a folded piece of paper. She lifted it out and began unfolding it, turns out that it was an old map. It had many sketched out lines indicating the paths of all the railroads in Equestria. All the words inscribed were the names of destinations.

Applebloom turned to Sweetie Belle with the piece of paper in her hooves.

Sweetie Belle examined it closely. She needed to figure out where they were. The white unicorn asked,” Hey Applebloom, where is this train supposed to be heading to?”
Applebloom slowly answered. “Dodge Junction, why?”

Sweetie Belle peeked her head out the doorway to find any land marks that were on the map she found. She saw that the train was traveling on a bridge, in the middle of Ghastly Gorge. Surprised at the sudden scary change of scenery, she pulled her head back inside and turned back to Applebloom.

Applebloom looked at Sweetie’s face; she had a shocked expression, as if she came out of sensory deprivation.

“Where are we?” Applebloom asked with nervous anticipation.

“Ghastly Gorge!” she said quickly.

Applebloom walked up to Sweetie Belle and grabbed the map out from her hooves. She pointed her hoof at the sketch of Ghastly Gorge and traced her hoof on the map. She followed the line, passing the branch that lead to Sweet Appaloosa. She continued until she hit the words Dodge Junction. Applebloom felt a cringe at the sight of the text.          

Talk about being between a rock and a hard place. Applebloom was so stressed at this point, that she couldn't think straight at all. And Scootaloo was so depressed that she couldn't help out. Only Sweetie Belle was still sane at this point, but why her?

"Sweetie Belle," said Applebloom with slurred speech,” We can do this, there is still time…" The unicorn began to massage her back to ease her anxiety. "Thanks." she muttered. She looked at the doorway to process her own thoughts.

“We need a plan,” Sweetie Belle explained,” we need to-“

"PULL THE BRAKE!!" said a voice from nowhere.

Applebloom then turned her head at Sweetie Belle, "That wasn’t me!" She quickly responded.

"PULL THE BRAKE!" it called out again, it was coming from the outside. Sweetie Belle then began to question if she was starting to lose her own sanity. Then there was a sudden tapping at the window. Applebloom turned towards the noise, only to find it was Rainbow Dash, holding the conductor in her arms. The blue pegasus was struggling as she was trying to flap harder.

"Thank sweet Celestia!" cheered Applebloom feeling relieved, "We’re saved!"

As the conductor looked deep inside the engine, he realized that not only Scootaloo was aboard, but Sweetie Belle and Applebloom as well," Three fillies? That lying irresponsible colt! Me and him are gonna have a nice long-"

"Get on with it!” yelled Rainbow Dash, struggling to hold the pony in her hooves, “Tell them where it is?"                    

“The brake is on far left," he hurriedly explained," In fact, it's labelled in big fat yellow letters."

Applebloom turned to where the conductor directed. "Huh, now how did I miss that." she said in confusion. She walked over to the lever on the wall, and began to pull down hard.

"No wait! Yah gotta-" said the conductor, being interrupted by a loud snap. The brake lever was now broken! The last chance they had to stopping this wild train ride was now discarded, they're going to crash without a doubt."Ya fool!" he yelled in anger," Ya gotta press on the release!" Applebloom then looked at the two switches that she broke.

As it turned out, they both had a little release at the end. If Applebloom knew what they were, she would have been able to shut down the train from the very start. Applebloom then turned to the conductor, with a very violent twitch in her eyes.

The conductor then noticed her face. She not only had twitchy eyes, but also looked exhausted and overheated. Instead of yelling at her more, he said with concern, "Uh, young filly, have you been baking in the sun recent-."

"Gah!" screamed Rainbow Dash in pain, "Wing Cramp!" The two came crashing down to the ground, tumbling and rolling in the cloud of dirt that formed around them. The train ended up outrunning them, leaving them in the dust.

"Rainbow!" screamed Sweetie Belle in terror. She then turned to Applebloom, now with the stress gushing back in, filling up to the critical point. She then noticed a red mark on her forehead. She walked over to her and placed her hoof on it. She felt a burning sensation coming from it. Applebloom had a burning fever.

Applebloom removed the hoof off of her forehead, and walked on over to the left side wall, twitching violently.” O-ok,” she mumbled about to break down,” There are ponies on board, and every means of stopping the train are gone.”

“Applebloom?”

“I’m fine Sweetie Belle,” sniffled the earth pony,” A-Ah can get through this.” She placed her hoof on the wall and stared at it. A few seconds later, Applebloom finally snapped in half. “It’s a lost cause!” she screamed, sobbing violently.

Sweetiebelle then thought about what the conductor tried to say. She remembered something about Applebloom baking in the sun. She then remembered Applebloom saying that she felt a little fogged in the head. This has been the case ever since she said that.

That might also explain why Scootaloo was so happy. She was so bored, and the sun's rays had her hazed in the mind. She ended up being too excited for the chance at getting a train engineer cutie mark. She wanted to escape her boredom.

Sweetie Belle also began to realize that Applebloom had a more severe condition than Scootaloo. Since all the pegasus had done was sit in a shady corner for some time now; she must have recovered most of her wits.

Applebloom however, kept on getting stressed out. Her burning fever had made her forget how to handle stress. The more stressed she got, the harder it was on her head. Even when she got over the stress, the stress came back worse than before.  It got so bad, that the poor filly lost all hope, nor did she give Scootaloo any mercy.

Sweetie Belle knew that she was the one who could stop all of this, but she couldn't do it alone. It was all up to her to pull the Cutie Mark Crusaders back together. But if she can't do it… Everypony will die a horrible gruesome death.
 
                                                                    
                    

> Sparks Ablaze
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	At the dusty yet prospering town that is Dodge Junction. A young brown pelted, short silver mane colt was hard at work, doing janitorial work on the train station’s wooden platform. His name was Buck. His mom suggested the job to him, after finding the jobs of other places in town taken or too difficult. This being his first day, he took the job seriously and wanted his supervisor to be pleased with his efforts.

Buck didn’t mind the dry weather that much.  The overhang of the station, and his dad’s brown ten gallon hat, kept him cooled off. The train station manager walked up the platform ramp, seeing that the colt had made progress since he last checked. “Keep up the pace Buck.” he complemented.

Buck smiled at his boss’s complement and continued to work,” Some weather, huh?”

“Yeah,” the middle aged stallion agreed,” but this is nothing compared to that one summer scorcher. I tell you, it was so hot that day, literally half the town went to the doctor due to stroke, madness, and high fever.”

“That bad?” 

“Luckily nopony died, but we almost lost a good mayor to it.”

Buck ceased his sweeping and looked into the endless horizon. He saw a pink blip with white steam rising from the top. He squinted his eyes to magnify the object, only to see that it was the train from Ponyville. “Huh? Would you look at that, the trains coming,” Buck announced.

The Manager turned to Buck, raising a brow in confusion.” That can’t be,” he denied pulling out a set of binoculars,” The train ain’t supposed to come for another 10 minutes.” He peered through the holes to see that the boy was right. It was in deed the friendship express. “Something’s not right here.”

He began to adjust the focus. From where he stood, he was able to get a full view of the heart shaped window. He couldn’t see any pony in it. “Well I’ll be,” he murmured.

“What?” asked Buck,” What is it sir?”

“No pony’s driving.”

Surprised from his supervisor’s response he walked up to him to see for himself. The manager gave him the binoculars to look through. He was speechless at what he saw. The binoculars were pulled away from him, and hung down on the manager’s neck. 

He gave a deep breath and said,” Buck, I want you to do something for me?”

“Anything sir.” Buck said still thinking about the train.

“As your boss, I order you to ring the town’s emergency bell!” he commanded.

Buck looked at him in the eyes, scared. “B-but sir-“

“Go!” he interrupted abruptly,” I’ll explain the situation to the mayor.” 

Without saying another word, Buck charging for the bell tower. He wasn’t sure how the town would react to this piece of news. His dad once told him that nopony has rung the emergency bell in years, and the last time wound up being a false alarm.

Buck was still not sure if his boss was either ok, or a little loose in the head. In no time, he made it to the base of the tower, and approached the ladder. As he climbed the building, he could feel that a few of ponies were watching him. When he reached the top, he gripped the bell’s rope, but hesitated to yank it.

He took a deep breath and quickly began processing the possible outcomes. What if the manager was right, what if there really was no-pony driving? But then again what if he was wrong? He then remembered what his dad told that it did not end well for one who rang the false alarm.

Pushing the thoughts out of his head, and taking another deep breath, he said,” I hope you know what you’re doing boss.” He jerked down on the rope, creating a loud DING. The sound carried throughout the town for all to hear. Buck continued to yank up and down on the rope, generating a whole series of loud DINGs and DONGs. Pretty soon, everypony from maids to gentle colts, to even the youngest foals had their attention turned to the alarm ringing bell.

Everypony began to worry. They all had thoughts like,” What’s going on?” or “I hope this is a false alarm.” The sheriff with his trademark hat and golden badge, along with mayor with greased hair and tucked collar, arrive at the scene of slight panic. Both of them were as confused as every pony else. The two looked up at Buck, still ringing away, and waited for him to stop. It didn’t take long, but the brown colt stopped after noticing the mayor and sheriff.

“Buck!” scolded the sheriff,” You best have a mighty good excuse to ring that bell!”

Buck tried to respond, but he was held back by the many worried faces looking at him. He never thought he’d wind up being in a situation like this. He was frozen by the many worried glares that the ponies below were giving him. He suddenly began to imagine the faces turning angry.

“Well?” demanded the mayor,” speak boy!”

“I can explain sir,” called out a familiar voice. The two officials turned to see that it was the train station manager, galloping towards them. Ponies began to quickly gather around the tower, with the sheriff, mayor, and manager in the center. Soon, the three were heavily surrounded, and pegasi began to gather above for a better view of the three.

The mayor finally turned to the manager,” What is the meaning of this? Why is that young colt ringing the emergence bell?”

“I sent him to ring it.” The pony answered.” And for good reason. Buck and I saw that the train from pony-ville is arriving.”

” And how is that a good rea-“

“No pony’s driving it.” As soon as those words left his mouth, every pony gasped in surprise and shock. Even the Mayor and Sheriff were mortified. 

“Are you sure no-pony is aboard?” reasoned the sheriff,” What if there is somepony on it?” 

“Then I can guarantee you that it may not be the conductor.”

“W-what do you mean?” the mayor questioned.

“As a train station manager, I know for certain that unless there is a substitute, conductors are required to stay in the engine and keep their eyes on the tracks.”

The ponies began to murmur to each other, with slightly scared voices and faces. Whether it was true or not, they all believed the old colt. The mayor and sheriff, noticed the state of the crowd. They had to think of something, before the worrying chatter became a stampede of panic. They had only one option.

“Alright, alright!” announced the mayor,” We will get to the bottom of this” -turns to the sheriff- “Sheriff, I want you and your posse to escort everyone out of the town. Meet me back at the station platform, and bring your colts along.”

“Yes sir.” Respond the deputy turning to the crowd. “Everypony, we are leaving the town. Gather all your young’uns and family, and move to the south edge of town. The officers will guide you.”

In a calm but nervous manner, everpony followed the colt’s orders. They all gathered in one big herd. The posse were positioned at the edges of the group, to steer and prevent anypony from leaving. As soon as everypony (including Buck) was together, the herd began to move north. The mayor, satisfied that his orders were carried out, galloped to the station where the Manager waited.
***
Back on the train, Sweetiebelle pulled her remaining strength to execute a plan that she had just now devised. If she could get Applebloom to take back what she said about Scootaloo, then maybe Scootaloo could think of a way out this mess. 

It was a long shot to try, what if Scootaloo’s really mad and won’t listen, or what if she didn’t have a plan at all? But since nopony else had any ideas left, Sweetiebelle was willing to try anything.

Sweetiebelle turned to Applebloom standing at the doorway, teary eyed. The stress has taken its full toll on the earth pony. Along with her twitching eyes and burning fever, her mind was pinned down by a burlap sack full of pessimism.

Sweetie Belle immediately knew what she was going to do next, jump the train. Without hesitating, she lunged after the pony. Before Applebloom could jump, the unicorn hugged the earth pony by the back. 

Applebloom turned to the unicorn, and turned away, struggling to escape. She attempted to jump, only to fall on the floor, being pulled inside. “What are you doing? Let go!” Applebloom pleaded. 

Sweetiebelle grabbed Applebloom’s head, turning it to face her’s. She looked at her straight in the eyes and said,” No it isn’t Applebloom!” she said with a firm tone.

“Yes it is, we have to get off before this train crashes!”

“And let everypony on this train die?” Sweetiebelle added.

“Maybe we wouldn’t if SOMEPONY didn’t pull the switch!” Sweetiebelle slapped Applebloom across the face,”Ow!” she said rubbing her cheek,” What was that for?”

“Listen to me Applebloom!” Sweetiebelle explained, “ I’m sick of your attitude, and I can’t stand watching the stress rip you in half. You’re not yourself.”

“I’m fine,” denied Applebloom,”I’m fine.”

Sweetiebelle raised an eyebrow,” Oh, ok,” she replied,” Then I want you to walk up to Scootaloo and take back what you said about her.”

Applebloom looked at the unicorn in disgust,” What? No way! I’m not gonna tell her that, she dosen’t deserve any mercy from me!”

“Why not?” 

“Cause she got us in this mess that’s why!” Applebloom cried out,” I don’t even care what she does, she can stay on this train for all I care.”

Sweetiebelle sighed,” You know what? I think that this is your fault?”

“My fault!” Applebloom scolded,” how is th-“ Sweetiebelle shoved her hoof into her mouth.

“ I’m not saying that you pulled the switch!” Sweetiebelle scolded,” I’m saying that you kinda made things worse.” She removed her hoof.

Applebloom’s watering eyes began to tear up again “Yeah but-“ 

“And don’t blame this on scootaloo,” Sweetiebelle added,” sure she pulled the switch, but you broke the two switches that could have stopped the train.” Applebloom turned her head to look at the broken switches. The red headed pony began to bawl to the unpleasant reminder.

Sweetiebelle watched her cry, she immediately began to regret scolding and slapping the poor pony. Sweetiebelle began to cry a little, she had become just like Applebloom, but she felt the recoil of remorse. The yelling and violence was’nt at all part of her plan. There was only one way to make things right. 

She slowly wrapped around her friends moist head and lifted her off the floor till she was sitting upright. To Applebloom’s surprise she hugged her tightly. Applebloom hugged back and said, ”I’m sorry Sweetiebelle.”

“Shh” Sweetiebelle said smoothly,” It’s ok.”

“You’re right, I’m not myself,” Applebloom admitted in pain,” and I don’t know why.”

Sweetiebelle began to pat her on the back,” Don’t worry, it’s just stress. You’ve taken in amounts you’re not used to, that’s all.“

“I just want it to go away.” Applebloom cried.

“Just take deep breathes, I’ll do it with you. In.” -The two inhaled deeply through their noses- ”out.”- they breathed out through their mouth. Applebloom began to feel the stress slowly seep out, but the tank’s leak was suddenly plugged. “Better?”

“Yeah,” she sniffled,” but I can’t stop thinkin’ about-“

“Don’t” Sweetie calmly explained,” Don’t think about it. Whenever we fail to get cutie marks, I always look at the bright side of things.”

Applebloom looked over at Scootaloo. As she breathed in and out, she thought about putting her faith in her. Even if she wouldn’t be able to stop this mess, she wasn’t going to let the bad out come get to her. Her stress now drained out at a faster rate. Soon her stress was nearly depleted. 

She broke away from the hug, and wiped her teary eyes. Sweetie smiled at the therapy’s success and said,” You know what you have to do right?” 

Applebloom nodded and walked on over to Scootaloo. She stood in front of her, and knew that she had to get her attention, but the earth pony wasn’t sure if Scootaloo would talk to her after what happened earlier. Applebloom wiped the tears out of her eyes, took a deep breath as she had done seconds ago, and placed her hoof on the moping pony’s shoulder.

Scootaloo didn’t respond. “Scootaloo?” Applebloom asked, but no response came.” Look, I know that I’ve said a lot of hurtful things recently, but-“Scootaloo raised her head, she didn’t have tears in her eyes, but her look was a mix between sad and surprised.

Scootaloo then replied, “ But, you said, Some friend I was.“

Applebloom began to feel more guilty, ”I now what I said.” she desperately confessed,” I need ya-” -she looked at Sweetiebelle- ”she needs ya,” -looks back at Scootaloo- ”we need ya.”

Scootaloo began to smile a little,” You’re the only one who can save us.” Applebloom finished,” please?” Scootaloo looked at Sweetiebelle in the back and began to notice how dire the situation was. She began to believe that maybe she really is the only one who could stop this. To Applebloom’s surprise, Scootaloo got up on her hooves. 

Applebloom ran up to her and hugged her with joy. Sweetiebelle also joined in, forming a large group hug of reassurance. “Let’s save the hugs for later girls.” Scootaloo said. The two released her and wiped the moisture out of their eyes. “We’ve got a train to stop.”

“So what’s the plan?” Sweetiebelle and Applebloom asked.

“I don’t know,” Scootaloo walked over to the controls,” are there any other switches that can stop this?”

“Besides the ones I broke,” Applebloom nervously admitted, ”no.”

Scootaloo walked over to the doorway, peeking her head out into the open breeze. She looked over to see that they would be reaching Dodge Junction shortly. She didn’t have an exact estimate, but her best guess was about 3 minutes. She turned to the gap between the locomotive and the cars, and noticed a small switch. It was the switch that connected the cars together.

Scootaloo turned back to her friends,”Follow me!” she ordered.

“You have a plan?” said Applebloom and sweetiebelle surprised. 

“Kinda.” She jumped to the other side, with Applebloom and Sweetiebelle leaping over as well. Scootaloo gripped the rusty switch and tugged on it. The switch then thrusts forward on it’s own to the unlock position. With a loud clank, the locks within the car released the bars connecting it to the engine. The engine began to move forward, leaving the cars behind.

The cars too began to slow down, but it wasn’t enough. Scootaloo had to come up with something, and fast. She pondered, and pondered until she remembered an old rumor. She had heard numerous times at school and around town, that there was a brake hidden on the caboose. Rumor or not, it was the only chance.

“Alright ponies, now I’ve got a plan!” Applebloom and Sweetie belle listened,” Follow me, we need to reach the caboose, and we’ve got less than 2 minutes to stop this train.” She looks over to Sweetiebelle,” Give me a boost!”

A little confused about the pegasi’s order, Sweetiebelle cupped her hooves. Scootaloo stood on the cup with her back hooves as she was lifted into the air. She gripped the pink cupcake roof and climbed up. Scootaloo then lowered her hoof to Applebloom. The earth pony became a little nervous after realizing what she might be getting herself into. 

She closed her eyes and grabbed the hoof. Scootaloo pulled as hard as she could. Applebloom felt herself being lifted up off the floor, and up towards the roof. Scootaloo backed up, using the opposing winds to push her. Applebloom could feel the wind in her mane. She opened her eyes and saw dodge Junction much closer than she thought. 

Scootaloo lowered her hoof again, this time for Sweetiebelle. Applebloom decided to help out by grabbing sweeties’ other hoof. With Scootaloo gripping the other hoof along with their combined strength, the two pulled her up to the roof in only a second. 

As soon Sweetiebelle got on her hooves, Scootaloo looked towards the pile of luggage. Applebloom nervously asks “Ya sure about this?”

“No,” said Scootaloo jumping at the small luggage pile. She landed on top of it, gripping one of the bags. She turned to the earth pony and unicorn, ”What are you waiting for?” 

Sweetie belle turned to the nervous red head and wrapped her hoof around her. “Don’t worry, we won’t let you fall.”

“I’m right here,” Scootaloo announced,” just jump.”

Applebloom took a deep breathe, closed her eyes, and jumped at the luggage pile. Sweetie belle followed behind. At that moment, Applebloom felt a shot of confidence course through her body, as if she had no worries with the dangers ahead. Looked straight ahead.”To the caboose!” she said like a battle cry.

Scootaloo lead the charge, with Applebloom and Sweetiebelle tailing after her. Throughout the sprint, the three had to leap over gaps, while running at a fast pace. The ponies galloping could only be faintly heard by the passengers inside. The landings only made a soft thud on the top. Applebloom didn’t care how crazy Scootaloo would get at this point, she had her eyes dead ahead, gritting her teeth.

The team was running out of time on their hooves. They only had less then a minute left at this point. The group made all the jumps on their way, and without much hassle, they finally made it to the caboose, where the emergency break was located.

Scootaloo halted at the edge of the cabin and waited for the two ponies behind her to catch up. When they arrived, Scootaloo began to lower herself down onto the cabooses patio. Sweetiebelle and Applebloom made their own ways down. Sweetiebelle slipped and fell, but Applebloom caught her before she hit the floor. The three began to search frantically for the switch, but no switch could be found.

“Where’s the brake?!” Sweetiebelle panicked.

“It’s gotta be here!” Scootaloo explained,” It’s gotta be!”

Applebloom began to search the floor when she came across a floor board popping out. She grabbed it with her front hooves and began to force it up. She managed to push so hard began to slip, but the board popped out and flew out of the train car. Scootaloo and Sweetiebelle turned to the noise and saw it before their own eyes. The brake, inside the hollowed flooring. The team darted at it in hopes that they had time on their hooves and seized the valve. 

“Together.” Stated Sweetie belle.

“Go!” replied Applebloom and Scootaloo. The three twisted the valve, turning it counterclock wise. The valve was turning smoothly, until the braking mechanisms kicked in. Sparks began to shoot out of the wheels, as they scraped the rails. 

The metal valve then ceased to turn. The CMC together could only slightly make it budge, and the train not slowing down wasn't helping the problem at all.

Up till this point, nothing strange happened inside the carts. Every pony was minding their own business. They had no clue on what was happening outside, or even checking. Not even the crew members. The carts suddenly began to shake up and down, throwing ponies out of their seats at the walls and floor. 

***

Back at the station, the mayor, train station manager, and the sheriff along with his posy, waited for the train to arrive. They hid behind a wall of sand bags and were armed with their best weapons, in case they get caught in a fire fight.

Alright colts,” the mayor announced,” The train is approaching, we will have the trouble makers responsible for this mess. When the train stops, I want you all to pull out from cover and take aim. If the ponies attempt to take us on, do not hesitate to fire back.”

“Mr. mayor?” asked the manager,” What do we do about the ponies on board?”

“Don’t worry, the trains going to stop.”

“Sir,” he gulped,” If this is trouble makers we’re talking about, did you ever consider the possibility that they might not know how to stop the train, or stop at all?”

The mayor felt a cold hoof touch his back. He had practically the same exact reaction as Applebloom did. His mind was busy on catching the trouble makers, that he didn’t consider this possibility. He looked down at the boards and mumbled,” Cripes.”

“Sir, the locomotive is approaching.” Said one of the officers peeking his head.

The mayor lifted his head, peeking out from the wall and afraid to look. Instead of looking away and confirming his reputation tarnished, he had his eyes glued in confusion. It was only the locomotive. 

The others peeked their heads out to see what the mayor was seeing. They all shared the same exact expression. 

It came in chugging faster than before, with no train cart holding it back. The engine made a sharp turn on the bend of the tracks. It toppled over and came crashing down to the ground with a deafening thud. The engine then began to slide on the dust, kicking it up as it traveled. 

Soon After, the engine began to slow down until it stopped, and remained motionless. The group did not say a single word. They kept on staring at the now motionless engine, along with the rough path it made. Only steam could be seen rising out from the wreckage.

The mayor then said,” Are the criminals going to-,” BOOM!! A fiery explosion jumped out the train, followed by a barrage of sparks. The blast made them all duck and cover head. The wreckage was now a pile of scrap topped with fire. Metal debris began to rain down from the sky, littering the ground with bits and pieces. 

The colts all slowly peeked out in terror, watching what’s left of the locomotive burn to the ground. “What about the rest of the train?” everypony stared at him in realization.

A colt on the end of the wall turned around and pointed,” LOOK!”

The crowd turned to the right of the platform and widened their eyes in amazement. It was the passenger cars struggling to slow down and flickering sparks. “Well I’ll be,” said the manager taking off his hat. 
***
Back on the train, the three fillies tried harder and harder to twist the rusty valve, but it was no use. Sweetiebelle then turned to a last resort, magic. She wasn't strong with telekinesis but she knew that every last bit helps, even if it won't help much. The unicorn surrounded the valve in her green aura. The valve started to move faster now.

Applebloom and Scootaloo saw this progress and continued, pushing the valve with all their strength. They felt their legs ache, but they pushed through the pain. A surge of testosterone suddenly began to flow through them. The train was finally starting to slow down, and the sparking wheels turned into high pressured spark hoses.

The combined strength of CMC, went from 3 fillies to 6, making the challenge as easy as turning a garden hose valve.

"Keep going!" screamed Sweetie Belle

"Don't stop!" squelled Scootaloo.

"This is it!" yelled Applebloom at the top of her lungs.

The train began to slow down and at faster pace. The Team of colts at the platform, saw the cars’ spark wheels intensify, and were now filled to the brim with fright. The train’s sparks, made it look like a demon spitting fire as it approached. The colts darted off the train station platform, screaming,” It’s the devil!!! Run for your lives!!!” The fear of demons was pretty common to some ponies at Dodge Junction.

As the train passed by, the sparks began to light the wooden platform on fire. The flames quickly spread across the old boards like fuel. 	The fire soon ignited the overhang of the station. The flames didn’t spread quickly, but the roof seemed to burn hotter than the platform. It was as if the roof was made of napalm, filling the sky with pitch black smoke like a volcanic geyser. 

The cars came to a complete stop, as the ponies inside helped each other up. The crew members noticed the bonfire that is the train station outside the window. Every member ran to the doors on both sides of the cars, and opened the doors. “Everypony, exit the train, immediately!” they commanded.

Everypony began to march out the doors. They couldn’t at all remain calm in a nerve wrecking situation. Once they were in the open, they jumped off running from the furnace like fire.  The crew members rounded everypony up at a great precautious distance. Luckily, nopony was hurt or missing.

The CMC jumped off the caboose and ran away as the flames of the burning train station grew. They ran a short distance, then they all turned around at the burning mess. They turned to see a group of ponies who wanted an immediate explanation. The CMC sighed in relief that every-pony was off the train.

Applebloom finally felt the stress tank vanish into thin air. It was all over. She and her friends were alive, and nopony died. Though she knew the station was on fire, and the locomotive was on the ground; the fact that every pony was safe, was all that mattered to her.

Applebloom then felt a sick feeling in her stomach. "Ah think I'm gonna spew." she moaned. Scootaloo and Sweetiebelle looked away, only to hear a holler mufflled by what sounded like water being dumped on the ground. After the holler, a heavy breathing was all that remained. The white unicorn and orange pegasus, turned back to Applebloom.

The earth pony's eyes were widened as the sick feeling left her body. Vomit hung from her mouth, as it dripped down to the pile of green fluid. Scootaloo walked to Appleblooms side, and began to rub her back. The red headed pony began to smile with tears forming in her eyes again. 

Sweetiebelle turned to the burning train station and said," Well this could have been worse." As soon as the words left her lips, a hard breeze blew the flames touching the top of the cars. To anyponies surprise, they caught fire, filling the sky with more choking smoke. It was at the same time that the fire brigade appeared.

She let out a loud sigh,” Coarse it does.”

The CMC all turned around, only to be greeted by a group of deputies in an intimidating position. “Freeze!” said one of them. The group turned back around, only to find more deputies behind them. They looked around frantically as they knew they were surrounded. 

Before things got any worse, a voice called out,” stand down, well take it from here boys.” The colts relaxed and did as they were told. The colts in front of the CMC made way for the Train station manager, Sheriff, and the mayor. They were anything but happy.

The manager looked at the fillies, as the fillies tried to smile innocently. "You all are in a heap of trouble." The colt explained. The CMC's smiles disappeared as they hung their heads in shame.

				

> A Talk With The Mayor
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	While the fire brigade fought the blazing wreck that was the trainstation, the CMC were escorted to the town hall/Jail for interrogation. Running away was futile since one of the escorts was a sheriff. The fillies would’ve been caught before they could make it one yard. 

The mayor lead them into his office while the sheriff and train manager stood guard at the door. His office had walls and furniture with the same dark wooden texture. There was a book case with a collection of books, a cabinet with important documents, and a desk that was neatly organized with its pens and lamp. It was the mayor’s office alright.

The mayor sat in his chair behind the desk,” Sit down please,” He ordered. The 3 made their way across the velvet floors to the chairs against the wall. They sat upright and waited nervously for him to speak. “Now, you three are without a doubt, the troublemakers behind this catastrophe.” He picks up a quill full of ink and pulls out a sheet of paper. ” I want the truth, and I want the full story.”

Applebloom and Scootaloo wanted to speak, but then realized that their minds were a little fogged in the head. They both turned to Sweetiebelle who was sandwiched between them. 

“Well?” said the mayor waiting for Sweetiebelle to answer.

Sweetiebelle then said,” I’ll explain.” She then told the mayor every single detail that has lead up to this moment; the mayor meanwhile, was hard at work copying it all. From the CMC meeting, to the train spitting sparks from its wheels, Sweetiebelle didn’t leave a single detail out.

The mayor intrigued by the whole story placed his quill down and said,” I see,” he turned to the door way,” Sheriff.” The stallion came inside,” Take them to the jail.” The CMC gasped at the order. “They are to remain there until further notice.” 

The Sheriff led them out of the office and down a dark hallway. It lead to a room with windows beaming light at an empty jail cell. The sheriff opened the door and ordered,” get in.” The 3 walked into the empty cell, with the sheriff locking the door from the outside. The CMC walked up to grip the bars, as they watched the Sheriff walk away.
“Jeeze,” sighed Scootaloo,” Some day this turned out to be.”

“Yeah,” replied Applebloom,” One minute we’re talkin’ about Train Engineer cutie marks, then the next thing ya know, we’re in jail.”

Scootaloo turned to Applebloom and Sweetiebelle,” I’m sorry guys. I’m sorry I blew our big chance to get our cutie marks.”

“It’s alright Scoots,” smiled Sweetiebelle.

“Yeah,” added Applebloom,” and I’m sorry I called ya a big chicken.”

“Water under the bridge.” Smiled Scootaloo.

“Besides, Sweetie and Ah agree, breaking two switches is worse than pulling one don’t ya think?”

At that moment, the Sheriff rounded the corner. He walked up to the cell and opened it. “Unicorn.”

Sweetiebelle gave a confused look. Pointing at herself, she replied,” Who, me?”

“Yes, the mayor would like to see ya.”

Sweetiebelle nervously turned back to her friends. They were both worried for what Scootaloo was in for. But why only her? Why not all three of them? Sweetiebelle exited the cell, with the Sheriff closing the cell door behind her. She followed the stallion through the hall, as her friends watched in horror.

_______________________________________________________________________________

The sheriff led the filly through the office door, where she then sat at the same spot as before. The Sheriff once again, returned to his post at the door. Sweetiebelle turned her attention to the mayor, while he was examining a small stack of documents. He laid them down, and crossed his hooves on the desk.

“What is your name?”

“Sweetiebelle s-sir.”

The mayor pondered at the name, as if he had heard it before,” Sweetie belle? You must be miss Rarity’s sister.”

The white unicorn nodded.

“What a fine young mare she is, she made a beautiful dress for my daughter’s cutsineara. A dress that only she could have made. But enough about her. I have called you in here to tell you-“
Sweetiebelle hid her face with her hooves.

“You are a hero.” He declared.

Sweetiebelle uncovered her face in surprise and confusion, ”A hero?” she squeaked,” But sir, I was with them, I was a part of it, and-“

“I know. But I have written and read your story. According to this, you’ve done nothing wrong at all.”

“But I pulled the slip of paper from the basket.”

“True, but according to this passage, Applebloom said that this was one of her entries.” Sweetiebelle felt a little bit happier from what came out of this day. Sure the station and train cars caught fire, but at least nopony was hurt. “And one more thing. Not only did you save the ponies of ponyville, you also saved my own reputation.

“Does that mean your going to give me a favor?”

“Yes,” nodded the mayor,” Anything except pardoning your friends, I still need to have a word with them.”

Sweetiebelle began to think. She thought hard, and didn’t want to waste the one wish. Since the mayor couldn’t pardon Applebloom and Scootaloo, She had another wish that might make things easier for them. The unicorn then said,” Can you not let the press get a hold of this?”

The mayor sighed,” I’m afraid not Sweetiebelle, the press can be very demanding of answers. After all, I was there.”

“Oh,” sighed Sweetiebelle in disappointment

“But I might have something similar in mind.” 

_______________________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile in the jail cell, Applebloom and Scootaloo sat on an old bench on the wall. They became worried for Sweetiebelle, and hoped that she wouldn’t be devastated by the mayors’ punishment. While their heads were down, a Sweetiebelle with a white towel came around the hallway corner.

Her friends looked up and became relieved that she was alright. In fact, she didn’t look stressed, sad, or tired at all. She was actually smiling right back. The Sheriff opened the gate for Sweetiebelle to enter, and closed it behind her.

Applebloom and Scootaloo jumped out of the bench and ran up to the unicorn. 

“Sweetiebelle,” cried Applebloom,”you’re ok!”

“What happened?” asked Scootaloo,”How bad was the punishment?”

“I wasn’t punished at all.” Sweetiebelle gladly announced.

They both sighed in relief. Sweetiebelle took the towel off her shoulders and applied it to Appleblooms’ fevering forehead. As soon as it made contact, the earthpony felt instant relief. It felt as if she had her head in an icy cold river, and the water flowed across her face. “Thanks,” she replied.

Before anypony could say anything, the sheriff returned. He opened the gate and said,”Earthpony, Pegasus, the mayor would like to see ya now.”

The two fillies gulped in terror and walked out of the cell. Before they exited, they turned back to Sweetiebelle, who said nothing but smiled to try keeping her friends hopes alive. The two looked forward and left the cell. The sheriff once again closed the gate, and escorted Applebloom and Scootaloo to the office.

Sweetiebelle walked up to the bench, where she waited for her friends to return. She waited, and waited, but they didn’t return yet. They were now in the office longer than Sweetiebelle was. She began to worry like her friends did for her. After waiting for at least 10 minutes. The two fillies finally return, and they looked very depressed.

Applebloom with her towel around her neck, looked like she was going to cry again. Scootaloo looked like she had been scarred for life. They were the exact opposite of Sweetiebelle when she came back. What did the mayor do to them?
When the two were let in once again, Sweetiebelle ran over to her friends aid. ”Girls, what happened?” Sweetie asked.

Applebloom looked up,” Well,” she sniffled,” that could have been better.”

“Yeah,” said Scootaloo terrified,” That mayor has a *gulp* way with words to get under your skin.”

“What did he say?” 

“He said that we did the stupidest thing ever and he will never live it down.” Answered Applebloom wiping her tears.

“Those exact words?” replied sweetiebelle baffled.

“No.” said Scootaloo in a shrill voice.

“That’s not the worst part,” added Applebloom,” Both our families are gonna know about this, and pay a fine for the damages. Applejack’s gonna kill me.”

“Oh sweet celestia you three are alive!” said a familiar voice.

The fillies all turned their attention to the source of the sound. Covered in desert sand and dust, it was Rainbow dash, alive and well. Scootaloo smiled again, and ran up to the bars. Rainbowdash walked up to the bars and looked at Scootaloo.

“You’re ok!” The young Pegasus cried.

“Coarse I am, why wouldn’t I? I’m glad that you three are all right.” Scootaloo looked into Rainbow’s eyes, and she smiled back. “You guys sure did make a mess out there.”

“Guess you saw that, huh?” said Sweetiebelle

“When checked it out, I didn’t see you three anywhere in the crowd. I then saw the burning train engine and assumed the worst. But one of the deputies then told me that three fillies were sent to town hall for questioning.”

“Yeah,” added Applebloom,” and that didn’t turn out so good.”

Scootaloo looked around the outside of the cell and noticed that the conductor wasn’t with her. She asked,”What happened to the conductor?” 

“Oh, he wanted me to take him back to Ponyville. He said something about talking to an employee about something.” 

At the other end of the hallway, the door to the mayor’s office opened with him peeking his head out of the door way. He saw Rainbowdash on the end talking to the inmates, and walked on over down the hall.

When he was about halfway down, he said,” Ah, Ms. Rainbowdash. What excellent timing.”

The Pegasus turned and said,” Oh, hey Mr. Mayor.”

“I see that you’re chatting with these trouble makers.”

“Yeah, and I bet their families would be furious.”

“Which is exactly why I need your help.”

Rainbowdash returned a look of confusion,” Huh? What for?”

“You see, my messenger has the day off and I’m, well… messengerless. Knowing that you’re practically the fastest flyer in Ponyville,”-Dash blushed at the statement-“, you’re perfect for the job. Now come along.”

Rainbowdash turned to the cell with the CMC looking at her kind of sad like. Rainbowdash just got there, and even cheered the fillies up a little. They didn’t want her to leave. The sky blue pony smiled.

“Come now.” The mayor ordered. Rainbow dash turned her head back to the mayor and went down the hallway. She entered the office while looking down the hallway.

“See ya.” Murmured Scootaloo.

Sweetiebelle turned to the bench at the back of the cell, and moved towards it. They others followed behind, feeling exhausted, and wobbling left and right. They looked as if they were about to collapse. Sweetiebelle climbed on and watched her friends attempt to reach the bench.

With the last of their strength, Applebloom and Scootaloo lunged at the seat, grabbing it by the edge. They pulled themselves up, sandwiching Sweetiebelle in between again.

Applebloom let out a long yawn and rubbed her eyelids. “Ah wonder when our sisters gonna get here?”

Scootaloo yawns as well,” Well, because there isn’t going to be a train coming… from… pony…” She collapses, resting on Sweetiebelle’s left leg. The unicorn chuckled a little. 

“Heh, I guess it doesn’t really matter.” Sweetiebelle looks at the tired head headed pony. “So what did the mayor want from you?”

“Well,” thought Sweetiebelle,” He said that I saved his reputation, and granted me a wish.”

“Really,” Applebloom yawned,” What would that be?”

“I wished-“she felt a soft thud her other leg. Applebloom fell asleep. Sweetiebelle smiled at the two as she saw them cuddle up on her lap. She then looked forward at the room’s barred windows, closed her eyes, and leaned back. The unicorn fell asleep.

______________________________________________________________________________

They slept through the evening in the cell, like foals in a crib of security. As dusk was approaching, the fire brigade was finally putting an end to the fiery train station. The area was now a smoldering fire pit, with charred wood, fallen walls, and ash shingles. The team went over to the local pub, where everypony celebrated the heroic achievement. Apple cider was on the house.

Back at the cell, the three continued to sleep through the night. Unfortunately for Applebloom, her slumber was interrupted by a small fly tickling her nose. She slowly opened her eyes, only to see that night has fallen. A small candle outside the cell, kept the room illuminated. The moon light seeped through the windows to help the candle out.

Applebloom then heard a faint conversation coming from the hallway. She got off the bench and pressed her head to the bars closest to the hall. At first she could only hear the mumbling of two ponies. She was able to make out one of the voices, which was the mayors’.

With second one, she could only tell that it was a female voice with a familiar accent. Paying attention to the words, she made out,” I understand Mr. Mayor, and Ah’m sorry for the trouble.” She knew that voice anywhere, it was Apple Jack’s voice. Applebloom froze.

On the bench, Scootaloo and Sweetiebelle began to awaken. They noticed Applebloom listening by the door, with a doomed expression. “Applebloom,” Sweetiebelle yawned,”whats wrong?” They heard hoof steps coming down the dark hallway. Somepony was coming.y second, 

They got off the bench and moved toward the door for a better listen. With every second, the steps grew louder. Scootaloo and Sweetiebelle felt a little nervouse. The next thing they knew, the sheriff rounded the hallway with the keys jangling on his vest. As he unlocked the door, Applejack came out of the hall, and she was not happy at all.

Applebloom slowly exited the cell, and approached her sister. She stared down at the weepy eyed filly with a grimace. “Ahm’ very disappointed of ya Applebloom, very disappointed.” She began to stroll down the hallway, with Applebloom following her. She didn’t say a word.

Scootaloo and Sweetiebelle seeing it as a cue, exited the cell and followed Applebloom close behind. They came up to her on each side to make her feel better, but she didn’t notice. They continued to follow Applejack until they were outside. They were greeted by a horse drawn carriage with it’s door open. ”Get in!” she growled. 

The CMC slowly entered, closing the door behind them. The stallions, connected to the carriage, began to pull away from the Town hall/ Jail. They soon exited the town, passing the smoldering building that was the train station. The carriage rode off into the blank dessert, beginning the long return journey to Ponyville. Nopony, said a single word.

> Epilogue 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Applebloom ended off with a sigh,” And that’s why Ahm’ inside, on such a wonderfull day like this.” She moaned. “I burnt down a train station and a set of train cars.”

Applebloom looked down from her window, to see if Twist was still there. To her own surprise, not only was she still there, she had her jaw dropped and eyes widened in surprise. She looked like she was interested after every single detail. Applebloom thought she would leave at the half way mark.

“Wow!” said Twist,”So that eth-plains the paperth thith morning.”
“Yeah- Wait what do ya mean?” said Applebloom in confusion.

“The paper said nothing about fillie-th being re-thponthible for the calamity. Your one lucky filly Applebloom.”

Applebloom still didn’t understand. The mayor wrote down every single detail that Sweetiebelle gave. Did the mayor give a false report to the press? But why? She then remembered that Sweetiebelle was the real hero that day. The mayor must have given Sweetiebelle a wish. Her pessimistic heart began to rise.

“Uh, twist?” she asked,”could you not let anypony else know about this please.”

“Thure thing.” Twist smiled,” Thay, what about your cutie mark. You said that you finaly got that mark on your flank.”

Applebloom suddenly had a bad memory begin form in her mind.

___________________________________________________________________________________

After a long trip, and dropping Sweetiebelle and Scootaloo off at their homes, the apple sisters arrive back at Sweet Apple Acres. The two got off the carriage,” Thank you.” She said to the two tired stallions.

Applebloom walked in through the front door. Big Mac and Granny Smith were asleep, and everything was dark. As she moved towards the stairs to slip away unpunished, the lights suddenly turned on.
“Where do ya think yer goin?” Applejack questioned.

Applebloom froze,”G-goin up to mah room since Ahm’ probably grounded?”

Applejack approached her and rolled her eyes,” Ah’ ain’t done with ya yet.” She picked her up with her mouth and carried her to the kitchen. Applebloom felt cold, knowing full well what was going to happen next. 

Upon entering, Applejack opened the utensil drawer, searching the pile of spatulas, prongs, and other bizarre pieces of metal until she found it. A wooden spoon. She placed it on her hat, balancing it as she walked towards the living room. Applebloom began to try squirming from her sister’s mouth. She sat up right on the couch and dropped the filly on her lap, laying down on her belly.

Applebloom tried to escape, but before she could stand up Applejack pinned her down with her hoof. She struggled as hard as she could, but it was futile. The orange mayor took the spoon off her hat and held it in her hoof. She slightly tapped her sister’s flank, taking aim. Applebloom closed her eyes tight and gritted her teeth.

Applejack raised the spoon high. With all her anger and might the spoon came crashing down, but the memory suddenly popped like a bubble.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Applebloom cringed after that point. She raised her flank in air, revealing a beat red throbbing mark. 

“Oooh.” Cringed Twist.

“Yeah,” agreed Applebloom lowering her flank and looking at Twist’s expression,” Some things, are not meant to be retold.”

“Well if it isn’t the blank flank.” Said a bratty familiar voice. Applebloom saw two fillies coming from behind Twist. Her least favorite ponies, Diamond Tiara, and Silver spoon. Disgusted, and fed up with them, Applebloom slammed the window down, shutting up the window and the bullies.

“Rude.” Replied Silver Spoon added.

“So what were you two losers talking about?” asked Diamond Tiara.

“Nothing,” lied Twist keeping her promise.


Back inside Applebloom’s room, she stared out the window to see what was going on. Twist was talking to Diamond Tiara, but she couldn’t make out what they were saying. She saw Diamond start to walk away, and Twist looked up at her. She gave a wink, signaling Applebloom that her secret was safe with her. The filly walked away from her house.

Applebloom sighed and looked on her right, to find a calendar hanging on her wall. She walked over to it and picked up a red pen, crossing off the day that she was on. She began to rub her sore flank, as she lifted the page of next month. She scanned across the page till she hit the number 18. Not only was this the day her punishment would be over, it was also the first day of the school year.

“Applebloom!” called Applejack,” Supper’s almost ready. And Ah’ hope yer still in yer room, cause Ah’ don’t wanna get the spoon out again!” Applebloom went on over to her bed, where she stuffed her face in her pillow to moan. 

Back down stairs, Applejack was busy stirring a pot of tomato soup. Granny Smith was also in the kitchen, giving Applejack a harsh grimace. “What is yer problem missy!” she scolded.

“What, you think I punished her too hard.” Applejack defended,” Do ya even know what happened? Her friends crashed a train, burned a train station, and now were payin’ out of our own pocket.”

Granny Smith didn’t care about her defense,” She’s been through a lot yesterday, and she was crying even after the paddlin’ ya gave her.” She explained,” Me and Big Mac heard the whole thing in our rooms.”

“Oh,” replied Applejack feeling guilty in her angered grandmother’s presence,” what did ya hear exactly?”

Before Granny Smith could reply, there was a knocking at the door. ”I’ll get.” Said Applejack, running from her Granny Smiths wrath. 

When she opened the door, she found two stallions standing on the door mat. “May Ah’ help ya?” she asked. It was the conductor, and the one colt that he left in charge of the train. The conductor frowned at the assistant, and nudged him hard to get him to say something.


“Yeah,” he finally said nervously,” We need to talk”

-The End-