//------------------------------// // Chapter 18 - The Show Stoppers! // Story: My Little Pony: Ren's Adventures In Equestria // by MaxTV1234 //------------------------------// "So this is what your brother do sometimes when he wakes up from his sleep?" I asked curiously. "Yeah, he likes to meditate to soothe his mind." Carrie said, smiling softly towards her brother. This morning, I found him outside on the hill in a meditating position. Wow, this guy is so focus on his meditation like Ryu from Street Fighters. "Wow, no offense, but it sounds pretty boring." Kodi said, rolling his eyes. "I know what you mean." Carrie agreed. "He makes me to do it sometimes and it hurts my legs, but luckily he's not doing that to me today." She sighed in relief. Oh trust me, I know how its feel to cross your legs when your sitting down whenever you're playing video games too long. Soon after a while, Mason opened his eyes and got up as he turned around to us. "Oh, hello everyone, I see you enjoy the breakfast I made for you." "Yeah we did." I smiled towards Mason. When I woke up, me, Kodiak, and Carrie discovered the table filled with eggs, pancakes with syrup, waffles, and bagels with butter on them. It was the best delicious ever. He's like a super dad, but he can't compare himself to my dad. "We came by to thank you for it." "I-it was nothing." Mason said. "Now that you're done, can we head over to meet up with my new friends?" Carrie asked. "New friends? Do you mean...the Cutie-Mark Crusaders?" I guessed, which Carrie nodded happily. "Yep! After that slumber party, we became good friends, and besides, I want to get to them more!" Carrie explained, getting all excited. "Well, I guess why not." Mason shrugged. "Okay, lets head over. Let's head over to Sweet Apple Acres first, that's where Apple Bloom is." I suggested. The two siblings nodded in agreement as we headed towards our first destination to go round up the Cutie-Mark Crusaders. You know, I never expected Carrie to actually make friends that easy, well it makes sense with that nice personality of hers. While we walk down the road towards Sweet Apple Acres, Mason and Carrie were looking around the place. "You know, I'm still confuse about all this magic and such, but since we're trapped in another world, I guess I'll have to believe it." Mason stated, crossing his arms. "Yeah, it took me quite a while to understand this situation, but I got used to it." I shrugged with a smile on my face. "Hey, is that Sweet Apple Acres?" Carrie pointed out, seeing Applejack's farm across a distance. "Yep, that's the place!" We came by and saw Applejack bucking some apples, probably doing her chores already. She then noticed us walk through the entrance as she waved happily at us. "Howdy Ren, Kodi, Carrie, and Mason!" Applejack walked towards us with a grin on her face. "So what brings you all to my farm? Here to buy some apples?" "Sorry Applejack, but not this time." I said, rubbing my head bashfully. "We came by to see if Apple Bloom was here so that Carrie could play with her and the other Crusaders." I explained. "Oh, well there at my old tree-house and Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are with Apple Bloom already." Applejack explained. "Tree-house?" I asked, interested on that subject. "You got a tree-house?" "Yeah, it was my old one, and so I gave to my sister and friends to let them enjoy it for their Cutie Mark Crusading." Applejack replied with a smile on her face. "That was very nice of you to do that, Applejack." Mason smiled softly towards Applejack. "Yeah, so where is it?" Kodi asked. "Oh, I'll lead you all the way. Follow me." Applejack replied as she led us towards where it was. It turns out that Applejack's tree-house was a private part of the farm as it holds many memories when Applejack was a kid, or filly as she says. We passed through some bushes and trees until we spotted a nicely built tree-house. "Wow, it's so beautiful." Carrie commented. "Wow, after all these years Applejack, you've been able to keep it nice and clean." Kodi added, "Nah, when I showed it to my sister and friends, it was all ruined." Applejack stated. "They must've rebuild it and such. I like it." "Well, it just goes to show you that Apple Bloom and the other two are creative and good at decorating." I said with a grin. I mean, look at it, the house was painted in a link pink color. It had hearts on the windows and door. We even saw a ramp that was painted a greenish color and had steps for climbing. These girls are amazing. "You know, I've always wanted a tree-house." I said, amazed by the designs. "Really Ren?" Kodi asked, surprised to hear that. "Well, how it go?" "Let's just say...never use the hammer and nails ever again." Why? Because it was terrible, a terrible painful experience I've ever went. "I'm...not even gonna question that." Mason said, widening his eyes in surprise upon hearing that. "They all say that you will get your, when the time is really right..." Huh? Hey, isn't that Scootaloo and is she...singing? We looked inside the clubhouse through the window. "And you know just what you're supposed to do..." Apple Bloom sang the next verse of the song. "AND YOUR TALENT COMES TO LIGHT!" Sweetie Belle's voice suddenly shouted, causing us to cover our ears. Oh right, I forgot about that she's terrible at singing, not that I'll admit it to her. "Yeah...gonna need to work on that." Mason said, covering his ears. Well he's a different story. "Hi girls, nice tree-house!" Carrie said, observing the inside of the the tree-house. "Thanks Carrie." Apple Bloom nodded. "It took some time, but we finally got a better and new tree-house. No offense, sis." Apple Bloom quickly apologized to her. "None taken, but I'll be, Cutie-Mark Crusaders..." Applejack said as she placed her hooves on the window sill and poked her head inside. "You've done one fine job with this place. So, what's next?" "Well...now that we have a real life clubhouse..." "And a map of Ponyville." Scootaloo added as she presented the map of the entire town at us. "And a Cutie Mark Crusaders theme song." Sweetie Belle announced happily. "Theme song?" I asked. "What kind of theme song we talking about?" "We're gonna go out in the world and discover our talents." Apple Bloom exclaimed. "A new adventure!" Scootaloo added. "And earn our cutie marks!" Sweetie Belle stated. "We'll leave no stone unturned!" "No mountain unclimbed!" "No meal uncooked!" "No song unlearned!" "Well okay then!" Applejack cut them off, making a nervous grin. "Sounds like you have a plan. I gotta, uh...Leave no apple unpicked! See you all later!" And with that, Applejack ran off in a hurry. Is it about her chore or not want to partake in this. "Cool! Well we'll help you in it!" Kodi commented, with Carrie nodding in agreement. "Yeah, I think what you girls are doing is great." Mason said, softly smiling at them. "I'm sure you'll get your Cutie-Marks real soon." "Thanks, Mason!" The crusaders exclaimed in unison, which Mason nodded. "Hey big brother..." Carrie replied. "Why not teach them Ken-do? Maybe they'll be good at that?" "Sorry sis, but it takes years of practice. I'm not sure if you guys will handle the training either." Mason said, much to the Crusaders, Carrie, and Kodi disappointment. "But you were able to handle it the moment you started your training?" Carrie stated. "That's because I was a prodigy, but I know somewhere you all will find your special talents." "He's right." I agreed with Mason. "It'll take some time but we know you all can do it. In fact, we'll help out as well!" I said, grabbing Mason for a hug. "We are?" Mason asked in surprise. "Alright!" The fillies, Carrie, and Kodi exclaimed in unison. "Well...Okay, I guess, let's do it." Mason shrugged. "Besides, you need a responsible person around." "Hey, I'm responsible!" I pouted in anger. "Really? How old are you?" "Umm...fifteen?" Where is this going? "Well I'm seventeen, and two years older than you. Besides, no offense, but you act like a little kid, so you clearly aren't responsible enough." Mason crossed his arms and gave me a stern look. "Well....he isn't lying." Kodi said, smiling sheepishly at me. "Well even so, we can get to know each other more, I guess." I said, smiling happily at him. "Yeah..." Mason replied, glancing away from me. This guy doesn't real like spending that much time with people, does he? "Okay!" Scootaloo shouted out. "Are you all ready to find our Cutie-Marks, ponies?" "Yeah!" Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Carrie exclaimed in unison, giving each other a hi-five, or hi-hoof, or...whatever. "Well, since humans and talking dogs can't get Cutie-Marks, we're still in!" I said, raising my fist in the air. "Yeah!" Kodi nodded in excitement. "Whatever..." Mason muttered. Alright Ren, there's just a bunch of fillies, a little human girl, a talking dog, and you got a 17 year old human by your side. How hard can it be? Soon, we got to work to help our little Crusaders find their Cutie-Marks. We first decided to try out farm work here in Sweet Apple Acres. We were carrying buckets filled with grub that I can't even describe what it even is. As we walked into the farm, both Scootaloo and Carrie poured it into the bowls for the pigs. Kodi and Sweetie Belle rang the bell while me and Apple Bloom opened the doors for the pigs. Soon, the pigs came out of their pens and... "Oh god no!" They ran over us and began gobbling every bit of their food. Mason went over to checked to see if we were alright. "Are you okay?" He asked worriedly. "Y-yeah, I think so." Carrie said as she felt something licking her and turned to see a pig licking some mud out of her arm, not that she mind as she chuckled in delight. "Ren? Are you okay?" Kodi asked, licking my face. I got up and saw how dirty I was and how messy Kodi was as well. "Yeah...I think I can manage." I said, dusting myself off. The Crusaders got back up and went to check their flanks, but it turns out, nothing appeared. "Oooh..." They muttered in disappointment. "Okay...So it looks farming isn't your thing...at all." Man, and they did a good, yet messy job at getting their Cutie-Marks, and they didn't get it. Oh well, let's try something else. Next up we headed to Sugarcube Corner and asked Pinkie if we could help out make some more sweets and candy for the store, which she happily accepted that easily. Even Mason was confused about the weird stuff she did like appearing out of nowhere and her Pinkie Sense. I think Pinkie is gonna Mason out of his insanity one day...just like me. As Carrie and Kodiak were storing the candy into the candy maker machine or so did Pinkie called it, Apple Bloom started it up and it started making some sticky candy. Unfortunately, Scootaloo's tail got wrapped up in the machine, and tried to escape. Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and I tried to save her, but ended getting suck as well. "Shut it off! SHUT IT OFF!" I exclaimed, which Mason turning the machine off quickly. We headed out of Sugarcube Corner, all stuck by the candy substance. Well, more like they're stuck to me. Scootaloo on my knee, Apple Bloom on my arm, and Sweetie Belle on top of my hair. Still, they checked their flanks and still ended up with the same results. "Dang it..." They muttered in disappointment. "Ugh...Carrie, Kodi, you watch out for them, I'm gonna go grab the scissors and maybe some help." Mason said, heading back inside Sugarcube Corner. Well, another fail. Let's just go find someplace more easier for them. We next headed up to Carousel Boutique and tried to attract some customers. Me, Kodi, Mason and Apple Bloom were successfully in getting some customers as we were ringing some bells to attract them. "Come on in ladies!" I exclaimed. "You can get your manes dye today for free!" Why you ask? Well, we're not doing this for money. I'm just trying to help the fillies try to earn their cutie-marks. Luckily, one of them entered the shop to get their mane dye. "Huh, that was easier than I thought." Kodi replied with a grin on his face as he put the bell he was holding in his mouth down. "I guess so, well...if my sister and her friends can successfully dye someone's hair." Mason said before realizing what he just meant. "Oh...crap." Suddenly, we heard a scream and turned to see the mare that just entered had an afro and started crying and ran away. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Carrie came out with confuse expressions. "Did we do something wrong with her mane?" Carrie asked. "Umm...I'm not even gonna answer that sis, sorry." Mason said, giving off a blank expression the mare that just ran off. The Crusaders look at their flanks and saw no Cutie-Mark on it...again. "Ahh..." They sighed. "Well, let's try someplace else." We headed straight back to Sweet Apple Acres and tried to do a mind game. Carrie was to pick a card and Apple Bloom was to guess it what she picked. I'm guessing this is something like psychic or fortune-telling, but I've only seen those in manga and/or Television. Carrie selected a red heart card as Apple Bloom began thinking what it was. She then made a grin and selected what it was, but it turned out, she chose the yellow circle, causing us to frown a little and shook our heads. Carrie chose another card, which was a lucky four-leaf clover and Apple Bloom selected blue triangle, which we once again shook our heads. Carrie did it again, and it appeared to be a yellow circle. We waited for Apple Bloom to select an answer, but she pushed all the buttons, causing all the cards from the machine to explode in front of our faces. "Okay...seems like fortune-telling isn't your thing." I shrugged sheepishly while Mason glared at me. "Gee, you think?" He asked in a sarcastic way. Hey, don't look at me like that, we tried. Next, we tried to climb up a mountain, which was the shortest one I've ever seen, but it was good since they are kids after all. Mason prevented Carrie from going up, much to her disappointment. I decided to go up with the Crusaders and Kodiak. But as soon as we reached for the top, a powerful gust of wind blew us away from it, causing us to fall back down to the ground. "OOF!" I exclaimed as I fell down, and Kodiak and the Crusaders landed on top of my back. "Gaaah!" "Sorry..." Kodi smiled sheepishly at me. "It's okay.." I muttered as I felt the pain. God, that's gonna leave a mark. The Crusaders look at their flanks and still no Cutie-Mark. Seriously, how did ponies like Twilight, Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie received their Cutie-Marks? Oh well, let's try someplace else. Next, we went scuba diving, we went Scuba diving, which was a surprise to me, Mason, and Carrie because we didn't even know ponies here in Equestria could possibly have or do that in the first place. Mason once again didn't allow Carrie go scuba diving because of her own protection. I even told Kodiak to stay up top of the surface since we didn't have a dog-size scuba gear for him, much to his disappointment. Luckily, there was a scuba gear for my size, what are the odds of that? As soon as the crusaders got their scuba gear on, we headed down to the surface of a nearby lake that we found outside of town. As we kept exploring the place, we encountered something that we probably should've regretted and listened to Mason's warning. "GAAAAHHH!" I screamed as we began swimming away from some big squid. Luckily, I brought my Hacking Gun and shot Paralyze at it, giving us more time to escape. We finally got back to the surface and tried to catch our breath. "Are you okay Ren? It almost look like you saw a monster down there." Kodi said, raising a brow. "You just...don't know what we saw Kodiak." I said, lying on the ground with the crusaders. "Yep...I told you so." Mason said, shaking his head. "Shut up....Mason.." Well, this day sucked. Okay, so for our next and final destination, we headed to Twilight's Library and asked Spike if we could restock some of the books for Twilight while she was out. It was going alright until Kodi came in, carrying three books on his head and it was starting to get heavy for him. "Are you sure you can handle that many books, Kodi?" I asked in concern. "Don't worry Ren, there's no way I'll-w-w-whoa!" Kodi accidentally tripped on Apple Bloom's tail, causing him to fall down and dropping the books. One of the fallen books hit the ladder I was on since I was trying to reach up and restock on the top row. The ladder fell over, with me in it. "W-Whoa! GAAAAH!" I fell down, but luckily, I grabbed a part of the shelf, much to my relief. Suddenly, I heard a sound and sweat-dropped to see the shelf breaking apart due to my weight. "Oh no..." Why me? The shelf broke, causing me to fall down and thousands of books fell down on top of me. "Ren! Are you okay?!" I overheard Kodi asked, digging through the books to find me. I got out of the books with a dizzy expression on my face. "Don't worry...I'm okay..." I muttered as I shook my head, feeling a little bit better. "Well, I guess I was right, you really aren't responsible, no offense." Mason said, letting out a sigh. "Hey!" I exclaimed. So what if I'm childish, is that what I am. I mean, I have been home-schooled and spend a lot of time with my family. What you expect? Suddenly, the door opened, revealing Twilight and some pink earth pony with three smiling flowers as a Cutie-Mark. Wonder what that mean? "What the heck?!" Twilight exclaimed in shock, seeing the messy pile of books on the floor, even us. "I didn't do anything!" Spike exclaimed, raising his hands in surrender. "What is going on here?" Twilight demanded. "Well..." Apple Bloom glanced away with a nervous smile on her face. "Looks like we aren't gonna our cutie-marks for being librarians." Poor excuse Apple Bloom... "Yeah, you do have a point." Carrie replied, which made Twilight gave off an irritated glare. "What?" "Girls, I think you're going about this the wrong way. Instead of trying to do things in areas you're not familiar with, why not try doing things in areas that you already like?" "And I have the perfect place to start!" The pink earth pony stated as she took something out of her bag. It was a poster for a talent show as she handed it to the girls. "Showcase your talents..." Apple Bloom began to to read the poster out loud. "For all to see..." Scootaloo spoke up, reading it as well. "Perform in the Ponyville school talent show!" Sweetie Belle finished. "There'll be all sorts of awards. Best dramatic performance, best comed act, best magic act...Surely, you can find your talent!" The pink earth pony encouraged. "This would be the perfect place to discover our talents." Apple Bloom exclaimed as the three were fascinated over the idea of it. "Juggling!" "Acting!" Scootaloo added. "Magic tricks!" Sweetie Belle joined in. "Square dancing!" Carrie also added. "Tightrope walking!" Kodi suggested. "Tiger taming!" They all exclaimed in unison. "My little ponies!" Twilight interrupted. "You're missing the point. Think about the things you already enjoy doing. Think about what you're already good at." "Sure! We can do that." Scootaloo responded with a grin. "Yeah! Sure we can!" Sweetie Belle nodded. "Well, whatever we do, we'll do it as...The Cutie Mark Crusaders!" The three exclaimed in unison and left. "Well, I can understand why they would get excited." I muttered. "Besides, I know they'll great in the Talent show." I pumped my fist in determination. "Yeah, you have a point for once." Mason said, letting out a sigh. "Oh, so you know those three?" The pink earth pony asked curiously. "Of course, I've met back at Diamond Tiara's Cutie mark party." I replied with a smile. "Oh, and you are?" "Oh, I'm Miss Cheerilee, I'm the Crusaders' teacher." Teacher? Oh, that's what her Cutie-Mark meant. She's a teacher. "Oh, it's nice to meet you." I said happily. "Greetings ma'am, my name is Mason Hunter." Mason bowed to her. "Hello, nice to meet you Ms. Cheerilee." Carrie greeted her. "Oh, so you're the humans that I've heard about." Ms. Cheerilee smiled happily to see us. "It is nice to meet new beings to Equestria." "Thanks." We said in unison. "So wait, you're a teacher?" Kodi asked, tilting his head in confusion. "Why yes little doggy." Ms. Cheeriee replied as she started scratching his ear, much to his joy. "So do you think those three will do greatly in the Talent show?" Mason asked. "I just hope, but then again, the Talent show is just for fun, that's all." Well, she does have a point. "Alright, is it okay for me to compete in it?" Carrie asked politely. "Well...I guess we could bend the rules a little." Ms. Cheerilee nodded. "Alright, I see why not. "Yay!" Carrie jumped for joy and hugged her brother. "Well I gotta go meet up with the crusaders, see ya!" Carrie ran out of the door, leaving us in bewilderment. "Well...that was quick." Kodi said, surprised to see go out of the door quickly. "Yeah...Hey Mason, you okay with your sister competing in the Talent show?" I asked in concern. "Yeah, as long nothing goes wrong." Mason stated. Yeah, I guess you got a point, but why do I keep thinking that something will go wrong. "So..." Twilight spoke up from the conversation. "About the talent show...I could organize the events for you, Ms. Cheerilee." "Oh, that would be great! It would certainly help." Ms. Cheerilee replied happily. "I can help too..." Mason offered. "Oh, that's wonderful! Thank you. I appreciate all your help." "Wait, what about me?" I asked. "Well, you can go watch over my sister and her friends." Mason said. Oh, well I do want to know what their performance is about. "Yes, but first..." Twilight pointed to the mess. "You and Kodiak will have to clean up this mess first." "Dang it.." Me and Kodi muttered, looking at the mess. And this is why I read mangas instead of books. Later After fixing up the books and such, me and Kodiak headed towards the girls clubhouse. "So, what do you think their performance is, Ren?" Kodi asked curiously. "I don't know, but I imagine their performance will be great." I shrugged with a grin on my face. As soon as we arrived, a roll of fabric rolled downhill and headed straight for us. I stopped below my feet as I picked it up and examine it. "What the heck?" I muttered. Where the heck did this thing come from? "Hey Ren! Hey Kodi!" We looked up to see Sweetie Belle and Carrue running down towards us. "Oh hey Sweetie Belle, Carrie, does this belong to you two?" I asked. "Yeah, thanks for finding it." Sweetie thanked. "Are you girls practicing for the talent show or something?" Kodi asked. "Yeah, and you two arrived for the perfect timing! Come on!" Carrie said as she and Sweetie Belle led us towards us the clubhouse. I only looked through the window while Kodiak entered since he's the same height just about them anyway. I noticed Scootaloo playing a piano, probably to do a recital or making lyrics for the talent show. Sweetie Belle went back on gathering different pieces of a variety choice of fabric and began sewing a costume. Carrie was also there helping her out with it as well. "Be careful girls, don't hurt yourself." I warned them. "Don't worry, Ren! We'll be fine!" Carrie assured as she and Sweetie Belle carefully kept their hands and hooves maneuvering the cloth underneath the sewing machine. When they were finished, she held up the costume and counted the amount of legs attached to it. "One, two, three, four....five?!" Sweetie exclaimed, as she and Carrei let out groans and sighed. Soon, Apple Bloom came over, walking in a disoriented matter and fell backwards. "Whoa, Apple Bloom, you okay?" I asked in woried. "Y-yeah, I think so." Apple Bloom replied as I helped her get back up. "Hey, wait a minute, Ren and Kodi? What are you two doing here?" "Well Mason asked us to watch over his sister and you girls just in case nothing goes wrong." Kodi responded. "Oh, well that's nice of you!" She nodded happily. "How's the spin coming along?" Sweetie Belle asked. "I think I gotta just stick to punches and kicks." Apple Bloom replied before noticing Sweetie Belle and Carrie's work. "You know, ponies only have four legs while humans have two, or so my sister told me." Sweetie Belle moaned as Carrie said "Well, I guess we can skip on being fashion designers like your sister." "Hey, it's no big deal. Why don't you use the dress form?" I suggested, noticing one nearby. "It'll help you with your patterns and help you put all the pieces in the right places." "Oh, is that what that's for?" Sweetie asked. "Yeah, and also..." I also noticed the messy painting, causing me to sweat-dropped. "You...should probably also clean your paintbrush between each color." "Oh, I was wondering why all the colors looked like mud..." Carrie commented, noticing the messy color as well. "You weren't using power tools, are you?" Apple Bloom asked, raising a brow at them. "Uh...." Carrie and Sweetie Belle glanced away at that. "Wait, what exactly are you all doing for the talent show?" Kodi asked, which was exactly what I was thinking. "Well...Scootaloos is writing the lyrics for a song, as well as being the main singer. Sweetie Belle and Carrie iare designing the clothes and doing the decorations. Me? I'm doing the coordination for the dances!" Apple Bloom explained, making a grin on her face. "No offense, that's seem a bit...crazy..." I replied, a little confused before letting out a smile. “But don’t you think you girls should be doing what you do best?“ “What do you mean, Ren?” Carrie asked, not following what I said. “Well, what I’m saying is that you should be doing what you girls are good at. Like when Sweetie Belle sang so loud, but good back at that slumber party. No offense, Sweetie.” “I’ll take that as a compliment.” Sweetie nodded while smiling happily. “So you should all be doing something that you’re good at!” I said, smiling softly at her. “Huh…I guess we coudl try.” Apple Bloom nodded. “Alright, let’s do it!” “But I can’t sing in front of tons of ponies!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed. “And Scootaloo would rather sing a rock ballad.” Carrie added. “Well…” I scratch my head. Oh boy, this is a problem. “Well I guess you can do what you do, I won’t stop it. But me, Kodiak, and the others will be cheering you girls!” “Thanks Ren!” They exclaimed in unison, before hugging me tight, well more like hugging my face since I was watching everything through the window. “So anyway, me and Kodiak are gonna head over to the show, you sure you girls don’t need any help?” “Nah, I think we got it!” Carrie said in determination. “Watch!” Soon, they started to dance, but five seconds later, they struggled with their dance moves. “Oh! Sorry, Scootaloo!” Apple Bloom apologized. “That’s okay. Ugh!” “Oops! Sorry, Carrie. Ouch!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed. “Oh, my bad, Sweetie Belle. Let’s sing the chorus again!” Carrie advised. Me and Kodi just watched with dumbfounded expressions and sweat-dropped. “Well then…I wish you girls good luck on the talent show.” “Okay, thanks!” Apple Bloom as I got my head out of the window, which the girls and Kodi soon walked out of the tree-house by door. “I think that sounded pretty good.” Carrie said, smiling softly. “Me too. You think we’re ready?” Sweetie Belle asked, feeling quite nervous about the competition. “Ready as we’ll ever be!” Scootaloo responded with a determined smile. As soon as they walked, we saw Applejack, who had a shock expression. No wait, please don’t tell me… “Hey sis! Did you see us practicing?” Apple Bloom asked her big sister. “Uh…Yeah.” Applejack nodded, feeling uneasy. “Well? How’d we do? How’d we do?” “Uh….” Yep, I thought so. “Ha! She’s speechless!” Scootaloo exclaimed, noticing the expression on Applejack’s face. “See, girls? I told you that’s what we’re gonna do. We’re gonna leave them speechless.” “YAY!” They all cheered, clapping their hooves off. “Speechless is right..” Applejack muttered. Me and Kodi walked over to her as she noticed me. “Looks like you’re thinking what I’m thinking, eh?” She whispered to me. “Yeah, but don’t worry, have faith in them.” I whispered back to her. “I guess..but I just don’t want my sis and friends get humiliated in front of the crowd.” “Just have faith in them Applejack, like I said, they’ll do fine.”  I hope that is… “Come on everyone, let’s go to the Talent show!” Carrie exclaimed as the others agreed. “So do you think they’ll do great, Ren?” Kodi asked in cocnern. “I hope…” I muttered. Because if they get humiliated in front of the crowd, even Carrie’s sister, I think Mason might be me up or whatever. Later And so, the sun started to go down, or more like Princess Celestia is using her magic to lower the sun while her sister, Luna, brings up the moon. You know, I wonder if I’ll meet up with her in the Grand Galloping Gala. I would love talking to her and see how she’s doing. Anyway, we were at the Talent show as me and Mason were watching from the backstage with Fluttershy, Kodi and Spike. Spike met up with Mason during his help with the stage and the library, and he’s been asking non-stop questions, much to his annoyance. “…And on the count of three, this rabbit will disappear and something tasty will reappear in its place.” Oh hey, its Snip and Snails. Haven’t seen those kids since the Ursa Minor incident. I’m guessing this magic act of theirs was inspired of Trixie, huh? Well, there’s a big difference between these two fillies and Trixie, that they aren’t as boastful than hers. “A one, a two and a three!” As soon as he waved his magic wand, a poof of dust appeared, but on that table, instead of a rabbit, it was a bunch of carrots. “Hey! Where are they? Snails, where are the…” Snips noticed the carrots, much to his anger. “Carrtots. SNAILS!” Well, carrots are good to eat and are healthy. “Uh…how about a round of applause for the S&S magic act?” We heard Ms. Cheerilee’s voice, along with a stomping of hooves on the ground. “Now, for our next act…We have Sunny Days and Peachy Pie reciting their favorite poem…on roller-skates!” “Wait…What?” Mason asked, raising a brow as a couple of fillies passed by us, on roller-skates. Well, this should be interesting. “Break a leg!” Carrie exclaimed, who was standing on top of a wooden box with Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. “Carrie! What a mean thing to say!” Kodi exclaimed in shock. “Actually Kodiak, that’s kinda not what she meant.” I said with a nervous grin. “I don’t get it.” Kodi said, confused on what it really means then. “Oh, you see, in the theater, it’s considered bad luck to say ‘good luck’. So you said ‘break a leg’ instead.” Sweetie Belle explained, furthering more Kodi’s confusion. “My little ponies!” Twilight called out, walking towards them. “How are you doing?” “Nervous…” They all answered. Stage fright already? Well that’s was fast, not that I’m being rude and all. “Don’t worry, you’re gonna be amazing!” Twilight encouraged. “Remember, just stick at what you know best. I can’t wait to hear you sing, Sweetie Belle.” “Why does everypony always think I’m gonna sing?” Sweetie Belle asked, getting annoyed on that subject. “Actually Twilight, Scootaloo is the main singer tonight.” I answered, surprising Twilight. “What?” She asked. “And Apple Bloom is the main dancer while Sweetie and I are in charge of the costumes, sets and props.” Carrie answered with a smile, surprising her brother as well. “Um…Are you sure you can handle this sis?” Mason asked in concern. “Don’t worry big brother, we’ll do alright!” Carrie nodded. “Cutie Mark Crusaders, you’re on next.” Ms. Cheerilee announced. “Break a leg.” “Break a leg-” Twilight was cut off as Apple Bloom accidentally tripped while running towards the stage. “Uh…good luck!” She smiled nervously as the four threw their hooded capes backstage as they began their performance. “Do you think they’ll do alright?” Fluttershy asked me. “Yeah, I know they’ll do great.” I nodded happily and watched over their performance. Soon, music began playing and the lights dimmed on the stage. The stage curtain opened to a dark set until Scootaloo’s face was lit as she started singing. (Scootaloo): Look, here are three little ponies The faces of Sweetie Belle, Carrie and Apple Bloom were lit, wearing their costumes. Ready to sing for this crowd Listen up cause here’s our story I’m gonna sing it… (Carrie, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom): VERY LOUD! Me, Mason, Twilight, Spike and Fluttershy stood there in shock and silence. I can imagine how Mason, Applejack, and Rarity are feeling right now. (Apple Bloom): When you’re a younger pony… Apple Bloom began dancing and…well, let’s just say, my sister could dance better. (Sweetie Belle): And your flank is very bare… Sweetie Belle began pulling a rope which revealed a wooden sun, which its planks of wood were cut unevenly and all the nails were all messed up. Maybe they should’ve asked me since I’m good at Art and such. (Carrie and the Crusaders): Feels like the sun will never come When your Cutie-Mark’s not there So the four of us will fight the fight! Apple Bloom began making terrible karate moves. (Carrie): There is nothing that we fear We’ll have to figure out what we’ll do next… Carrie released a rope which lowered fake, but badly painted bats, spiders, and ghosts. (Carrie and the Crusaders): Till our Cutie-Marks are here! We are the Cutie-Mark Crusaders! On a quest to find out who we are And we will never stop the journey… Scootaloo fell off a piece of the scenery, causing it to drop down from the stage. Not until we have our cutie marks! Sweetie Belle activated a fog machine, causing the stage to be engulfed in a fog. They began jumping around, even bumping into each other again and releasing grunts. They all say that you’ll get your mark… (Sweetie Belle): When the time is really right… Sweetie Belle ran across with a clock in her mouth but tripped over Scootaloo. And you know just what you’re supposed to do… Soon, the spotlight was accidentally set on Apple Bloom, who released another kick, but getting her leg stuck on one of the cardboard tree. (Carrie): And your talent comes to light But it’s not as easy as it sounds And that’s waiting’s hard to do So we test our talents everywhere… Sweetie Belle ran upwards on to the top of the stage to place a blue filter on one of the spotlights. (Scootaloo): Until our face is blue! Scootaloo positioned her face on to the blue spotlight. (Carrie and the Crusaders): We are the Cutie-Mark Crusaders On a quest to find out who we are! And we will never stop the journey Not until we have our Cutie-Marks! Apple Bloom finally released her trapped leg from the cardboard tree, only to cause the other cardboard drawings to fall. Carrie noticed this and ran on top of a platform to prevent it, even as Sweetie began singing. (Sweetie Belle): And we will never stop the journey Not until we have our Cutie-Marks! As soon as the song was finished, everything on stage tumbled and crashed upon the girls, creating a very destructive noise. They poked their heads out, smiling towards the audience, but they only received an awkward silence. “Maybe…they’ll clap and cheer for them?” Kodi said sheepishly. Unfortunately, the crowd started laughing at them, causing Carrie and the Crusaders to widened their eyes in shock and began walking back to the backstage with their heads held low in shame. “Wow, that did not go as well as I expected.” Scootaloo commented as she walked passed us. “I can’t believed they’re laughing at us!” Apple Bloom added, feeling embarrassed. “Was it that bad?” Carrie asked, feeling depressed that she’s being laughed by the crowd. Mason felt bad as he walked over and hugged his little sister. “Don’t worry Carrie, I don’t care what those ponies say, you and your friends performance went well, and I know you were awesome.” “T-thanks big brother…” Carrie said, feeling a little better. “But even so, we’re just gonna get laughed by the audience.” Sweetie Belle reminded them. “Now ladies and gentle-ponies, it’s time for the Awards Ceremony!” Ms. Cheerilee called out. “Don’t worry, you girls will do great.” I assured. “Just believe in yourself.” “Okay…” They all sighed and started making their way towards the stage. “I just hope they get an award for their efforts..” I muttered sadly, which Mason, Fluttershy, and Twilight nodding in agreement. “Let’s hear it for all of our talented fillies and colts.” Ms. Cheerilee addressed as the crowed started stomping their hooves in suspense and excitement. “Okay, I understand that they’re ponies, but the way how they clap is…weird.” Mason stated. “Huh, so I guess I wasn’t the only one who thought of that.” I agreed with him. Must be hard for them to clap with hooves instead of hands, but I won’t judge them. “Our first award goes to…Snips and Snails, for best magic act!” Ms. Cheerilee announced as Spike placed the awards on both of their necks. I also noticed the girls were hiding behind some of the participants in fear. I can hardly blame them since they got laughed at, even Mason felt bad for his poor little sister. Anyway, as soon as Snips and Snails received their awards, Snips let out a chuckle and said “Hey! Mine’s at least shinier.” “Well, mine’s bigger!” Snails argued. “Oh yeah, well…mine is, um…heavier?” Really? That’s the best comeback you could possibly think of? Even I could come up with something better than that. I noticed the deadpanned expressions on both Spike and Ms. Cheerilee’s faces, not amused with their constant fighting. “Anyway, the next award goes to…” Ms. Cheerilee announced as she turned to the two other participants. “Sunny Daze and Peachy Pie for best dramatic performance.” Spike walked over to them and presented their medals to them. “And finally, the last award of the night goes to…” Soon, drum rolls began and I crossed my fingers while Mason began biting his scarf in worried. Suddenly, the unexpected happen. “The Cutie Mark Crusaders!” “Wait…what?” Kodi asked in shock, even Carrie and the Crusaders were shocked and surprised about hearing that. “What?” Mason asked as well. “What?” Carrie and the Crusaders even asked that. “For best comedy act.” Ms. Cheerilee announced as the crowed started to cheer for them. Spike presented them with awards as they bowed in front of the audience. “Well…I kinda wasn’t expecting them to win best comedy, but at least they gotten themselves an award, even your own sister got one, Mason.” I nudged him with a smile on my face. Mason smiled softly towards his sister. “Yeah…you’re right about that.” Mason muttered, smiling to himself. “Alright!” The Crusaders and Carrie yelled excitedly as they ran back to us in the backstage. “Can you believe it? We won!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. “I knew our act was awesome!” Scootaloo stated. “You know what would be the best?” Carrie asked.“ If we won, and you girls got your Cutie-Marks.” The Crusaders widened their eyes in realizing that as they got their costumes off in hopes of finding Cutie-Marks on their flanks, but groaned in disappointment when they found out that they didn’t get them. “Congratulations, ponies!” Twilight said, as we walked over to them. “A job well done.” “Thanks, Twilight..” The four girls responded sadly. “Hey, you don’t sound too excited.” I said, raising a brow. “We worked really hard and won a prize but we still don’t have our Cutie-marks.” Scootaloo replied as she and the girls sighed sadly. “Which is the prize we really wanted.” Sweetie Belle added. “Oh, girls…” I muttered, feeling bad for them. Well, that was the point for them entering the talent show in the first place. “But we think we know why.” Apple Bloom spoke up. “Yes, we know why.” Carrie nodded. “Oh? Tell me because I’d love to make a special report to the Princess.” Twilight asked, getting all excited as she pulled up a letter and a feathered pen using her magic. “Well, maybe we were trying too hard?” Sweetie guessed. “Yes? And..” “And instead of forcing ourselves to do something that’s not meant for us..” Scootaloo continued. “Yes? Yes?” Twilight kept pursuing. “We each should be embracing our true talent!” Carrie finished happily. “And that is?” Mason asked, smirking at his little sis. “Comedy!” The girls exclaimed in unison, causing us to fall over in disbelief while Twilight twitched her eyes in shock. “Well, at least they learned their lesson for a short while…” Kodi muttered, smiling sheepishly. “Yeah, I guess so…” I muttered, getting back up. “Apple Bloom! You did it!” Applejack exclaimed who was on the empty stage with Rarity and Rainbow Dash. Wait, where did they come from? I don’t remember them being with the crowd at all. “Did you see our award? Weren’t we funny?” Carrie and the Crusaders asked as they hugged their sisters, and of course, Carrie hugged her brother. “Yeah, you could say that…” Mason said, hugging his sister back. “So Ren…do you think that one day they’ll get their Cutie-Marks one day?” Kodi asked, smiling softly at the girls. “Yeah, it takes a while to find out what they’re good at, just like me when I learned that I was good at Art and at video games…” I said, smiling back at my little dog friend. “Well, I think they’ll do great and one day, find their Cutie-Marks.” Fluttershy commented, listening in our conversation. “Yeah, I guess you’re right Flutters.” I said, surprising Fluttershy. “Flutters?” She asked, confused on that nickname. “Yeah, I thought it would be a nickname for you, just thought of it.” I said, smiling happily towards her as she blushed lightly and smiled softly towards me. “Well I think it’s a cute nickname, Ren. Thank you.” She said softly. “Anytime…Flutters.” I said happily. Strange, whenever I’m with my friends, I’m so happy, but when I’m with Fluttershy, I feel…somewhat different. Wonder why? “Hey Ren, let’s go home.” Mason called over to me. “Yeah, I wanna put my new trophy up the shelf back at the home-ship!” Carrie added. “Oh right…sorry, I’m coming!” I ansered back as I turned back to Flutters. “See ya, Flutters!” “Bye…Ren!” Fluttershy waved bye to me, and so did Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow, Rarity, and the Crusaders. As we began walking back home, I noticed Mason smirked at me. “What?” I asked in confusion. “Nothing, it just that I never knew that you and Fluttershy were that close.” He said, furthering my confusion. “What do you mean?” “Yeah, I kinda don’t understand as well.” Kodi added, not understanding what Mason meant. “Never mind…” Mason said, shaking his head. Me and Kodi just looked at each other in confusion on what he meant. Me and Fluttershy are so close? What is he implying? Oh well, better not dwell on that. I should go home and play some late-night video games, just to help make me tired. To Be Continued