One month has passed since Terrorcreep and Fluttershy's wedding,
Cutie Mark Crusaders were doing their usual business and activities - helping and assisting ponies to find their own talents and gained their own cutie mark, just like before. And this time, Dinky, Twist and Pipsqueak are back to the group after their president job.
A dark yellow Earth Pony with a dark and light pink colored fuzzy mane and tail with ribbons. She was painting on the artwork board, based on her point of view of milk bottle, grape, two lemons, green apple and orange on the blue cloth on top of the box. She almost finish with her artwork. Cutie Mark Crusaders arrived and approached to her.
"Okay! let's see how your still life's comin' along, Kettle Corn!" Apple Bloom said calmly.
Kettle Corn then shown her art board, which was drawn in red round only. This shock and concern Cutie Mark Crusaders of her drawing.
"Are you kidding me?!" Jade, Scootaloo and Pipsqueak asked angrily and annoyingly.
"What? What is it?" Alyson asked in confusion. Everyone turned and looked at her. She groaned, "I'm blind, not deaf!"
"Oh! Sorry!" Everyone apologized.
Sweetie Belle cleared her throat a bit, "Well, that certainly is... round."
"I can make it rounder!" Kettle Corn insisted.
Kettle Corn was about to draw a circle again. Nyx spoke up, "I'm afraid that's all the time we have today. We'll try something else tomorrow."
"But I like circle painting." Kettle Corn insisted.
"And on the way to figuring out what you're meant to do, you'll find a ton more stuff you like." Scootaloo spoke up, "That's what makes looking for your cutie mark so great."
"And it's gonna be better than the circle too," Jade said firmly.
Everyone nodded firmly in agreement. Pipsqueak and Dinky guide and led Kettle Corn to the club's entrance. As soon as they see her out, they turned and faced to the front, where they got shocked and surprised. They found more foals were waiting before the entrance.
"Oh boy!" Dinky said in concern.
Pipsqueak cleared his throat, "Sorry, everypony. We're closing up shop. We'll have to help you out tomorrow." The foal groaned and awed in disappointment. And just before he could close the door, he spoke up, "But don't worry! Keep coming here, we'll help you find your talents and cutie marks! Cutie Mark Crusaders forever!"
Though disappointed and upset about unable to get their cutie marks, the foals cheered happily and wildly.
Pipsqueak and Dinky quickly close the door at once. Cutie Mark Crusaders sighed and groaned in exhaustion before falling to the ground hard.
"That was exhaustion," Pipsqueak said in tired tone, "I'd never been tired since working as class president, even though I'd never get my cutie mark."
Dinky nodded as she turned and looked at her cutie mark, "Tell me about it. I got my sparkling stars cutie mark from last week for showing off my sparkling stars for shinning."
Jade groaned, "I don't know if we can help them tomorrow. Working with blank flanks one at a time takes forever."
Nyx sighed and agreed, "If only there was a way we could help a whole herd of them at once."
"That would be perfect! We'd save time and they could help each other!" Alyson agreed.
"But how are we gonna do that?" Twist asked in concern.
Scootaloo smirked, "Just like we used to! Oh, but it'd have to be somewhere big enough to handle all those blank flanks."
"Somewhere outside, with tons of activities to try." Sweetie Belle added happily.
"Are you guys thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?" Apple Bloom asked happily.
Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered, "Cutie Mark Day Camp!"
"And I know just the place, Applejack used to go there when she was little." Apple Bloom said happily.
"Camp Friendship!" Scootaloo cheered. Everyone looked at her in shock and confuse. She giggled a bit, "Oh. Sorry. I thought we were all gonna yell that one too."
"Well, either way, we'd still gonna do it," Nyx said happily.
"Hold on! We have some problem," Twist said in concern. Everyone turned and looked at her. She continued, "What are we gonna do with the money? I mean the camp and even promotion need them."
Jade hummed thoughtfully, "She does have the point."
"Just like my president campaign!" Pipsqueak added happily.
"So, where do we get that much?" Dinky asked in concern.
Nyx and Apple Bloom hummed thoughtfully before smiling happily, "I know who can help us."
Cutie Mark Crusaders headed back to the Castle of Friendship. They were looking for Twilight and Shadow Dragon, involving of funding Cutie Mark Day Camp's. Unfortunately, Shadow Dragon was called and summoned by Dragon Strike Force, involving the last Elemental Element of Harmony. Twilight was busy helping Shori/Kasai in controlling and handling her Demon Powers at the library. Starlight was there as well.
Cutie Mark Crusaders told the Princess of Friendship about what they required. Twilight was amazed and happy to hear it, though she looked disappointed and concern.
"Sorry, girls. I wish I could help you but," Twilight said in concern. She then cleared her throat. Spike came and shown some documents. She continued, "But I can't. I need the funds for some special projects like funding the military training camp, Animal's Sanctuary and some places, charities and events, rebuilding damaged properties, supplies and resources especially my special project of mine - research on Shiroi's Demon Magic and also the Festival of Friendship." She sighed happily while looking happy, "Named after my friendship with my besties and my boyfriend, and their wisdom of friendship."
Cutie Mark Crusaders groaned in disappointment. Nyx said, "That is nice, mummy. Can't you give us some for Cutie Mark Day Camp? Please?"
Cutie Mark Crusaders smiled and gave cutie pouty eyes, "Please!"
Twilight was annoyed and irritated to see Cutie Mark Crusaders' pouty eyes. She sighed, "You girls really enjoy doing that, don't you?"
"Works like a charm!" Nyx remarked happily.
Twilight sighed, "Sorry, girls. I've already planned and funding on the projects."
"Aw..." Cutie Mark Crusaders awed in disappointment.
"What's next?" Apple Bloom asked in concern.
"Who else can help funding our Day Camp?" Sweetie Belle asked.
Scootaloo nodded, "Not like we could ask our former bullies to help us out."
Nyx gasped, "Actually, there is one. She and her bestie reformed and willing to help us out."
"Oh!" Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped in surprise, "Cool! That's a great idea."
Cutie Mark Crusaders were about to head off. Twilight spoke up, "Before you could start doing your Day Camp, you're gonna need both Starlight and Shiroi for consulting and managing the events, and also assisting your as well."
Cutie Mark Crusaders groaned in annoyance. Nyx sighed, "You're sending them to babysit us?"
"As consultants and managers only, Nyx," Twilight corrected and added, "Plus, both Starlight and Shiroi could use the break. They can teach the students about magic, arts and even singing. They're good at it."
Starlight smiled, "Cool! I could use some break after some crazy adventure and fighting off the demon girl from Human Realm. I've gotta say. That wasn't easy."
Twilight and Nyx have sweatdrops, "You have no idea."
"Twilight, are you sure?" Shiroi asked in concern, "I could stay back and do some research and train with my Demon Magic. You do need some help."
Twilight smiled as she patted Shiroi's shoulder, "Don't worry, Shiroi. I can handle it. Plus, I need more time to understand Demon Magic." She then looked at her horn, "Maybe I could try to use it. After all, I did once with my Dark Magic and got along well with Dark Counterpart of mine. She and I are good friends." She yelped before gave annoyed looks, "Don't argue with me, Midnight! It's the truth. You can't deny it."
Shiroi looked surprise yet amuse of what she saw, "That's something. But if you insisted it. Using Demon Magic isn't easy. You have to be born with it."
Twilight's eyes transformed into cyan colored, "Missy, have you met us? Twilight and I aren't born with Dark Magic, but managed to make one! This is nothing." She yelped as her eyes has turned back to normal. She blushed in red, "Sorry about that. Midnight tended to be boastful and prideful when it comes to Dark Magic matters."
"I see..." Shiroi said uneasily. "Okay. Good luck."
Cutie Mark Crusaders, Starlight and Shiroi went and visited the rich themed mansion-like, which was owned by two familiar yet former bullies. They met up with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon in the rich yet cutie purple colored-like princess-like themed room. They explained to the Snotty Duo about their purpose of visits.
"Really? You want us to support you all?" Diamond Tiara asked in surprise.
Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded happily. Silver Spoon was stunned, "This... This is something..."
"Are you sure?" Diamond Tiara asked in concern, "I don't mind asking mummy and daddy to fund your day camp. But us at that camp? It might be bad idea..."
Silver Spoon nodded, "Totally. We didn't make a good impression."
"Are you kidding?" Scootaloo asked in amazement. She laughed a bit, "You helped us for providing the donation for the school!"
"Which I'm thankful of that," Pipsqueak said in relief.
"And best of all, you haven't bully anyone or any blank flanks for months!" Sweetie Belle said happily.
"True, true!" Twist and Dinky agreed.
Apple Bloom added, "And also, we're friends."
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon asked in surprise, "Really?"
"Of course. After all, we're Cutie Mark Crusaders." Nyx said proudly.
"Gotta stick together," Jade agreed.
"Wow... I don't know what to say..." Diamond Tiara said in surprise.
Alyson smiled, "Just say 'thank you', and we say 'Welcome to Cutie Mark Day Camp!"
"Cool! You've got yourself the deal. We'll get our parents' funding!" Snotty Duo squealed happily as they performed their pony shakes, "Bump, Bump, Sugar lump rump!"
"Looks like the funding is secured," Starlight commented.
Shiroi nodded, "Now for the Day Camp."
Diamond Tiara's parents were taking a peek on their daughter's conversation with Cutie Mark Crusaders. Filthy Rich was happy and pleased that his daughter made some friends while Spoiled Rich was happy, though annoyed that she chose commoners over rich ponies.
Spoiled Rich glared at Filthy Rich, "Please tell me that you're not gonna do this ridiculous blank flanked ponies' day camp."
Filthy Rich laughed a bit, "Of course, I am."
Spoiled Rich groaned, "Why do I have to ask?"
Thanks to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon getting their parents' funds, Cutie Mark Crusaders were not only able to buy and book the camp, but also preparing and providing some activities, posters, promotion flyers, entertainment and balloons.
They're all now at the Ponyville Town's downtown. As they set up the CMC Flag, they begin to do both entertaining and advertising the foals.
"Attention, all blank flanks!" Apple Bloom called out.
Scootaloo continued, "And blank flank affiliates! Come to our cutie mark day camp to find out what you're truly good at!"
"Bond with other blank flanks and find out what you're meant to do together!" Sweetie Belle added.
Nyx nodded proudly, "Trust us. It's gonna be fun in the camp!"
Ponies chatted happily as they and some ponies with blank flanks approached and checked out of what Cutie Mark Day Camp is about. Cutie Mark Crusaders provided them some posters and flyers. Though they enjoyed getting the flyers and readied to join the camp, some foals looked uneasy and worried when they found Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon smiling at them. They waved and smiled uneasily before moved out.
Knowing their behaviors and reaction, Snotty Duo sighed in disappointment that they knew it too well. Diamond Tiara turned and looked at Apple Bloom.
"Are you sure it's good idea to call 'blank flanks'?" Diamond Tiara asked, "That felt offense especially when we're around."
Silver Spoon nodded, "That's what we always do."
"Relax, Diamond Tiara. Everything will be fine." Apple Bloom said calmly, "Just because you've said that, doesn't mean it's racist."
Nyx nodded happily, "Besides, gives these ponies some time to get to know you. Soon, they will become good friends with you."
Diamond Tiara sighed, "I supposed so..."
Scootaloo spotted Rumble was heading to the alley. She called, "Hey, Rumble!"
"Oh, hey, Crusaders." Rumble greeted. He yelped upon looking at the Cutie Mark Day Camp and posters. He gasped before exclaimed frantically, "Look, I can't stop. I've gotta meet my brother for... something."
"No problem. Just wanted to make sure you heard about our cutie mark day camp." Apple Bloom said happily. She approached and passed the flyer to Rumble. She smiled, "The first session's tomorrow."
As soon as Apple Bloom turned and returned to her group, Rumble looked uneasy and worried before glaring at the flyer. He grunted as crushed and crunched the paper hard.
"What'cha got there, little brother?" Thunderlane's voice asked.
His older brother's voice surprised Rumble. He quickly throw the flyer into trash can, "Oh, nothing." He cleared his throat, "Come on! I want to show you a new dive roll I'm trying."
As soon as Rumble flew off, Thunderlane couldn't help but wonder and curious of what his little brother has thrown into trash can. He opened and revealed the flyer of Cutie Mark Day Camp. He looked surprised and amazed by it.
"Come one, come all!" Jade cheered happily as her friends provided flyers and posters to ponies and the foals. She continued, "Cutie Mark Day Camp is for blank flanks of all kinds!"
"Together, we help each other to find and get your cutie mark!" Alyson said happily
Hearing the announcement has made Thunderlane to smile and think happily about what to do with Rumble. But at the same time; Mei Kai, Voltscar and Quake have seen and overheard the event. The water Demon Princess smiled darkly while Voltscar and Quake were annoyed.
"Don't tell me that we're doing strategy again," Voltscar asked dryly.
Quake groaned, "Quake hates thinking! Accursed plans always fail!"
"Shut up!" Mei Kai snapped in annoyance, "We will succeed. We just need to learn more what this day camp do, and how we turn the tide. We might make a perfect plan to get our revenge. That's our promise. Count on it..."
"Doubt it..." Quake and Voltscar said in disagreement.
On the next day; Cutie Mark Crusaders, Starlight and Shiroi have arrived at Applejack's childhood camp. They have set up and prepared various activities and events for the foals to play and enjoy until they get their own cutie marks. Cutie Mark Crusaders are now coaches for the event, Starlight and Shiroi acted as consultant and guidance.
The foals have arrived at the camp. They're all stood before the stage, where Cutie Mark Crusaders and the consultants were standing. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon looked uneasy and nervous of being at the camp.
"Alright, this is it!" Jade said happily, "Let's get the show on the road!"
"Yeah!" Alyson cheered as she facing behind of the stage. Everyone looked at her oddly and uneasily. She sighed, "Do I need to remind you again?! I am blind, remember!"
"Sorry!" Everyone apologized sheepishly.
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon helped and turned Alyson to the front. Apple Bloom cleared her throat and announced, "Welcome, cutie mark campers!"
"Who's excited to be here?" Nyx asked happily.
"We are!" The foals cheered wildly and happily.
Sweetie Belle smiled, "Well, we're excited too! At Cutie Mark Day Camp, you'll be able to try all kinds of things!"
"Let me list them!" Scootaloo exclaimed happily, "Kayaking! Horseshoe-tossing! And so on. But you can try 'em all! But the most important thing is that you'll be trying them together."
"That's what worked for us!" The rest of Cutie Mark Crusaders cheered.
"Then I bet it'll work for these little guys too!" Thunderlane's voice shouted proudly.
The foals gasped in surprise as they turned their backs and found Thunderlane, who worn Wonderbolt Suit, and Rumble stood before the group. They all chatted happily to see the brothers here.
"Thunderlane?" Starlight asked in surprise, "I'm surprise you came. Dropping your brother here?"
Thunderlane smiled, "Yup!"
Rumble groaned a bit, "I thought you said we were gonna go practice for the Wonderbolts Ponyville Extravaganza show."
"I'm going to Wonderbolt practice." Thunderlane corrected firmly as he patted his little brother's mane, "You're going to cutie mark practice."
Shiroi smiled as she shook Thunderlane's hoof, "And we're glad to have you!"
The foals awed and chatted happily as they were looking at Thunderlane. A lighter purple-blue colored unicorn with spiky dark blue-green colored mane and tail named Skeedaddle commented, "I can't believe your own brother is a Wonderbolt!"
The foals chatted in agreement with Skeedaddle about Thunderlane being a Wonderbolt. Scootaloo looked shock and annoyed that her classmates and foals were commenting about Thunderlane than her adopted older sister.
"U-Uh, Rainbow Dash is my adopted big sister, and she's a Wonderbolt too!" Scootaloo commented proudly.
The foals looked blankly at Scootaloo, and made no comments about Rainbow Dash. They turned their attention, chatted and laughed happily about Thunderlane being Wonderbolt. This shocked and annoyed Scootaloo.
"Anyway. I'd better go now. No doubt that Spitfire'll be mad if I'm late." Thunderlane commented amusingly. He turned to Rumble as he patted his little brother's mane, "Now you have a good time and try some stuff. Who knows what you'll be good at?"
"Good as you, no doubt, Thunderlane," Shiroi commented, "Heard from Rainbow Dash especially she's coaching you."
Thunderlane smirked, "You betcha. Watch this!"
Thunderlane hit one of horseshoes. He grabbed it by mouth. He threw it right at the pole of sandbox. It landed on the ground. It surprise and amazed the foals of what they saw.
"Looks like we found the first activity of the day," Starlight commented.
Apple Bloom nodded, "The horseshoe toss!"
"Who's in?!" Nyx called.
The foals cheered while raised their hooves as they wanted to join the game. Rumble was annoyed that he has to do the activities.
Thunderlane smiled, "Well, wish I could stay and play, but it's time to fly. Have fun!"
Thunderlane flapped his wings as he flew off and headed back to Wonderbolt Academy. The foals awed in amazement and surprise of effective and good Rumble's older brother is.
"Alright, gather round campers! It's time to begin the horseshoe toss!" Starlight declared happily.
The foals cheered wildly and happily. Nyx cleared her throat, "No offense, Starlight. We would like to announce the activities. I hope you and Shiroi don't mind."
"Oh! Not at all." Starlight said in embarrassment, "Sorry. Just worried that you're not good at it."
Shiroi scoffed a bit, "Starlight, Cutie Mark Crusaders handle something worse than this. I'm pretty sure they can handle it."
Starlight sighed and shrugged, "If you insist."
"Thanks for the help, Shiroi," Nyx thanked happily. She turned and cleared her throat, "Let the game begins!"
The foals cheered wildly and happily. Scootaloo took the yellow horseshoe and passed it to Rumble for the first foal to play it.
"Alright, Rumble! Step on up and show us how it's done!" Jade said happily.
Pipsqueak nodded happily, "I have no doubt that you'll be good as Thunderlane. He has to be!"
Dinky smiled, "Can't wait to see it."
Rumble sighed as he was annoyed and unenthusiastic about the game. Nevertheless, he took it and readied to toss the horseshoe on the pole. And just before he do it, he heard the comments from Kettle Corn.
"No way he's as good as his brother." Kettle Corn commented.
"Come on. We won't know if he doesn't try," Twist insisted calmly.
Rumble was annoyed by the comments as he purposely spit out the horseshoe on the floor. Everyone looked shock and confuse by his attempt. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon looked suspicious of Rumble's doing. Starlight and Shiroi also noticed it.
"Whoops." Rumble commented enthusiastically, "Aw, it looks like I won't be getting my cutie mark in the horseshoe toss..."
"Well, you did 'try' your 'best'," Starlight commented in concern, "If that's really 'your best'."
Diamond Tiara nodded suspiciously before whispered to Nyx, "You know he was faking of tossing the horseshoe toss."
"Huh? Really?" Nyx asked in surprise, making Diamond Tiara nodded firmly. She hummed in concern, "Why? Why did he do that for?"
"We'll soon find out," Diamond Tiara said firmly.
Sweetie Belle cleared her throat, "Don't worry about it, Rumble. Hardly anypony finds their calling on the first try."
"Eh, I wasn't worried." Rumble remarked dryly.
"Good!" Jade exclaimed happily. She held and shown Rumble to other activities, "'Cause there's a ton of other stuff to try. We'll find you something you're good at."
Alyson nodded and smiled, "Like me. I thought that I'd never get my cutie mark because I'm blind. But I did it! If I can do it, so can you all!"
The foals cheered happily and wildly to hear it. Rumble sighed in annoyance and disappointed about doing more activities for cutie mark. His reaction and behavior hasn't gone unnoticed by Starlight, Shiroi, Nyx, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Unknown to the group, they've been watched by Mei Kai and her two thugs.
Both Quake and Voltscar turned and glared at Mei Kai. They were about to question her. She shushed them annoyingly, "I know what I'm doing. And that colt will be a perfect pawn to my plan."
Quake and Voltscar groaned, "I knew she's gonna say that. We're gonna fail!"
"Shut up!" Mei Kai snapped in annoyance.
Cutie Mark Crusaders and the consultants helped the foals to try out all of activities, finding their own talents and cutie marks.
Scootaloo helped training the campers of how to kayaking. Sweetie Belle taught them about archery. Apple Bloom was teaching them about dancing. Nyx and Jade taught the foals about martial art skills. Alyson taught them about relying on Magic Sense and other senses. Pipsqueak taught them about adventurous and archaeology. Twist taught them about science and chemistry. Dinky taught them about literature and poems. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were making sure that supplies are given to the camper. Starlight and Shiroi kept an eye on the situation, and help and consult them if they have the problems.
Most of the campers enjoyed the activities. All but Rumble, who seemed unenthusiastic and annoyed to enjoy the activities. He purposely unable to perform any good results or lose the game at once. His attitude has not gone unnoticed by five fillies. They believed that something is bothering Rumble, and they need to find out.
During the poetry/haiku activity, Dinky was keeping an eye on the campers writing down their poetry and haiku. Starlight also joined in since she enjoyed reading them as well. Cutie Mark Crusaders were watching the event.
"I've gotta say, Dinky. I didn't know you like literature," Starlight said impressively.
Dinky shrugged, "I started to like them when my mom read one of my favorite stories - 'The Legend of Somnambula'. Her story about dealing with Sphinx and keep believing in 'hope' is so amazing! Not to mention, she solved the riddle. It go me bump up to know how to solve riddle, poem and haiku."
"Wow. That's something. I'm surprise that Derpy knows how to read, even though her eyes are 'odd'. No offense."
"None taken. She still can read the book, Miss Starlight."
"Hey! Check this out!" Skeedaddle called out and spoke,
"The first and last lines
Have five sy-lla-bles but the
Mid-ddle has sev-en.
It's called a haiku."
Dinky whistled, "Nice, Skeedaddle."
The campers were busy writing down the poem and haiku. Rumble groaned as he threw the pencil aside. He spoke,
"Whoops. I've tried it all.
Time to tell my brother this
Camp isn't for me."
"Hold on, Rumble," Starlight said calmly, "Is there any reason why you 'can't' do it?"
"Uh, no?" Rumble answered dryly, "I really did try my best and I can't do it."
Starlight hummed suspiciously before sighed, "Alright, you can go. But I suggest that you should try to talk with me about the problem. I can help, you know?"
"No thanks. See ya!" Rumble said as he flew off.
"Did you find out?" Shiroi asked.
Starlight sighed, "Nope. But I have the feeling that Rumble is hiding and not telling the truth."
Diamond Tiara can't help but feel worried, "I think he hates me." Everyone looked at her. She sighed, "What else the reason he leave? A bully in Cutie Mark Day Camp is somepony you hated the most."
Silver Spoon hummed, "She does have the point."
"Don't be ridiculous. I'm sure he has the reason," Nyx said calmly.
"Hey, everypony! Check this out!" Pipsqueak called happily. Everyone gathered. Pipsqueak pointed at Kettle Corn and her newly cutie mark of feather quill. He exclaimed, "Kettle Corn got her cutie mark!"
Kettle Corn squealed: "Haiku cutie mark!
And I never would have tried
Without Skeedaddle."
Apple Bloom smiled, "That's what Cutie Mark Day Camp is all about."
"Working together and helping each other." Sweetie Belle added.
Although the foals cheered happily for her, Kettle Corn looked worry as she asked, "But I can still come back, right? And maybe paint some circles?"
Jade groaned, "Is she serious?"
"It can't be that bad?" Alyson asked happily. Everyone looked at her. She smiled, "Again?"
"Never mind. Can she?" Twist asked curiously.
"Of course!" Scootaloo exclaimed happily, "Just like our club, we've always let anyone in. Thanks to Nyx." Nyx blushed a bit. She continued, "Let's all meet right back here tomorrow."
The foals cheered wildly and happily before they headed off and returned home now.
"Wow. I can't believe we got a cutie mark on the first day!" Pipsqueak said happily before shown disappointment looks, "Even though I didn't get one."
"Don't worry, you will," Dinky supported.
"Either way, this camp was a pretty swell idea." Apple Bloom said happily, "Everypony's really enjoyed it."
Shiroi smiled, "You've said it, kiddo. Looks like Day Camp is a success."
Scootaloo sighed, "Everypony except Rumble. He didn't have much luck with anything."
"Trying to find out what you're meant to do can be frustrating." Twist said in concern, "You remember how long it took us to get our cutie marks?"
Apple Bloom shivered in concern, "I remember the nightmares."
"I don't think so." Starlight disagreed, "Rumble didn't really put an effort of trying anything. He purposely wanted to fail and lose, so he can get out."
"But why would he do that?" Alyson asked curiously.
"I think he hates me and Silver Spoon," Diamond Tiara said in concern.
Everyone was in shock and confused. Silver Spoon nodded, "We were bullies."
"Dropping that stupid reason," Nyx said in annoyance, "Whatever it is, we can't let Rumble quit camp just because he didn't find something he's good at then."
"I'm with you," Jade supported.
"Don't worry, we'll get him back," Shiroi said confidently, "We'll just have to convince him to come back and try harder!"
Starlight nodded, "And also, we need to find out of why Rumble did it."
Everyone nodded and chatted in agreement. They all headed off to find and talk with Rumble. Mei Kai and her cousins have overheard and followed them.
"Now, my plan is unfolding," Mei Kai said confidently.
"Any idea of what she was thinking?" Voltscar asked.
Qauke scoffed, "Quake never cares. Quake wants the fight."
At the Wonderbolts' Training Arena, the Wonderbolts including Thunderlane were training and performing more of their aerial tricks of flying, dodging and evading the obstacles course. Rumble was sitting down on the spectator's seats. He then spotted Cutie Mark Crusaders and consultants have arrived to check on him.
"What are you all doing here?" Rumble asked in annoyance.
"We just wanted to apologize for not finding anything you liked today." Scootaloo apologized.
Apple Bloom sighed, "It's must be frustrating, and we know what it's like."
"It's okay! We've all been there." Alyson agreed, "But we won't give up on helping you."
Sweetie Belle smiled, "We know you'll get your cutie mark. Everypony does."
"She's right." Nyx agreed, "We just need to find and get the right activity that suited you."
Hearing their concerns for him about cutie marks, it has frustrated and angered Rumble to shout, "Actually, I don't need your help. Because I don't want to get my cutie mark!"
Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped, "What?!"
"That was unexpected." Jade said in shock.
Hearing what Rumble has said reminded her of her past about cutie marks, Starlight looked concern and uneasy, "Oh no... Not again..."
"But why?" Pipsqueak asked in concern.
Dinky nodded, "Not wanting a cutie mark is like not wanting to breathe!
"Everypony wants to know what they're meant to do!" Twist added.
"Hmph! Not this pony." Rumble exclaimed in anger and frustration, "Because cutie marks are silly, and... a-and they just force you into one thing your whole life!"
"That's silly. Having a cutie mark doesn't mean you can't do other things." Nyx protested before looked at her cutie mark, "I mean. My cutie mark is about protecting and saving ponies form danger. But I took some magic lessons and martial arts from my parents as my hobbies."
Apple Bloom nodded, "She's right. We're did the same too."
"And when was the last time you did that?" Rumble asked angrily and annoyingly.
"Um... I-I-I think it was, uh..." Apple Bloom said uneasily and worried, "Well, we've been pretty busy helpin' other ponies lately."
"I'm not surprised," Rumble said in annoyance, "Doing the thing you got your cutie mark and stuck doing for the rest of your life?!"
"Come on! Don't talk to them like that!" Diamond Tiara said firmly, "Cutie mark is more than just staying with one purpose. It could be anything or even do something else too!"
Silver Spoon nodded, "What she said!"
"Like you two?!" Rumble asked in annoyance, "Ponies think that you two changed for the better! Well, guess what? I don't think so! You're still the bullies, who thinks cutie mark is better than blank flanks! Unlike me, I don't bully anyone to prove that I'm better. Because I rather be a blank flank than being a bully with lousy cutie mark!"
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon looked shock and hurt by his comments. Jade groaned, "Hey! What's your deal?!"
Alyson nodded, "Yeah. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon really changed for better, not worst!"
"Well, that's fine for you, but I'm not gonna be put in a box!" Rumble exclaimed in anger as he headed off at once.
"I can't believe it," Dinky said in shock.
Twist nodded in concern, "A blank flank who doesn't want a cutie mark? That's gotta be the strangest thing I've ever heard."
Pipsqueak quivered in fear, "I don't want to be a blank flank pony!"
Diamond Tiara sighed, "I knew it was us."
"Tell me about it," Silver Spoon agreed.
"Drop that stupid reason, you two," Apple Bloom remarked in annoyance. She sighed, "Granny always says, 'Some ponies have to find their own way'."
"I can't believe Rumble isn't interested in getting his cutie mark either," Sweetie Belle said in concern, "but we can't force him."
Starlight sighed, "I'm sure he'll come around. And once he did, he'll tell us the real reason of why he doesn't want cutie mark."
"But didn't he just tell us the reason?" Scootaloo asked in surprise.
Jade nodded, "She has the point."
"No. That sounds like a lie," Shiroi said firmly, surprising the group. She continued, "Starlight's right. Rumble's not telling us the truth of why he doesn't want cutie mark. We'll gonna find out soon."
"But for now," Starlight said calmly, "we've got a whole camp full of ponies who are interested in getting cutie marks."
Everyone chatted and nodded in agreement with Starlight's concerns. They all turned and headed off at once. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon looked upset and disappointed.
"Look. Just don't let Rumble get to you," Nyx said firmly, "Starlight said that he's not being honest with himself."
Diamond Tiara sighed, "I hope so. Maybe coming here isn't a good idea."
Silver Spoon nodded, "Definitely not. We should never have agreed to join with them."
"Girls..." Nyx said in concern.
As everyone was walking away and returning to Day Camp, three Demon Successors have eavesdropped their conversation. Both Quake and Voltscar were about to attack if not for Mei Kai stopped and dragged them away from the area.
In the forest...
"Why aren't we attacking?!" Voltscar demanded in frustration and anger.
Quake nodded and snorted in anger, "Indeed! I'm sick of waiting! This is our chance to take them down for good!"
"Fools!" Mei Kai snapped angrily as she whacked both thugs' heads very hard, making them yelped in pain. She sighed calmly, "We have to think and act carefully. This will be an effective advantage to us."
"Another stupid plan..." Quake said in annoyance.
Voltscar groaned, "Tell me about it. We're gonna lose again."
Mei Kai screamed in anger, "Idiots! Put a sock into it! I'm your oldest cousin! And you all will listen to me before I feed you to a Kraken! Understand?!" Both Quake and Voltscar yelped and nodded fearfully. She sighed, "Now, listen carefully. That runt will be a perfect pawn to get what we needed. Our parents will be please of it."
Rumble was setting up the cloud rings across the running track. He then flew up to the sky. He positioned and readied himself to fly and charge right at it. He flew and passed through all of the rings. He even talked to himself proudly.
"Here he comes. The fastest, most elite flyer in Equestria!"
Rumble was about to enter the last ring until Thunderlane appeared and exclaimed, "Thunderlane!"
"Whoa!" His older brother's sudden appearance shocked and surprised Rumble to fall down. He groaned a bit, "I was gonna say me. You're not the only Pegasus in the family, you know."
"Oh, sorry, little brother." Thunderlane apologized calmly before smiled, "You're right. You might be the most elite flyer in Equestria some day. But for now, you should try other things, too!" He then gave suspicious looks, "Speaking of which, aren't you supposed to be at camp?"
Rumble scoffed, "That camp is for losers who can't do anything."
"Great, so there's no pressure. You can try everything and not be worried about looking bad."
"I'm not worried about that. I just don't want to get a cutie mark in any of their ridiculous activities."
Thunderlane sighed, "Well, you're still going back tomorrow. You can't be a blank flank forever!"
"But still-!"
"No but! That's final."
Rumble groaned, "Fine..."
Thunderlane turned and flew off at once for more practice. Rumble then muttered and grumbled about him need to get the cutie mark.
"You know what I think?" The calm voice said calmly, surprising Rumble to turn and looked behind. He yelped upon looking at Mei Kai. He was about to scream but got coiled up by her. She shushed gently while looking lovely at his eyes, "Now, now. There's no reason to be afraid of me. I'm here as a friend."
"Really?" Rumble asked in confusion.
"Yes. We will help you get what you wanted."
"You mean your other Demon Successors? I don't know. Thunderlane told me that you guys are bad monsters for scaring off some ponies, and not to mention, do something evil."
"Evil?" Mei Kai asked in surprise, "Oh no! I'm not doing anything evil. In fact, I was just relaxing and sunbathing until I heard your problems."
"Huh? Seriously?" Rumble asked in surprise.
Mei Kai nodded, "In fact, I agreed with you that cutie marks means nothing. Because once you get it, you will never bee free but do what it asked you to do. Forever..."
Rumble groaned, "No! I won't allow it! I don't want any cutie mark until I get the one I really wanted!"
Mei Kai smirked, "Excellent. I have the plan that can help you be 'blank flank forever'."
Hiding behind the bushes, Quake and Voltscar looked annoyed and irritated, "I hate this plan..."
On the next day, Cutie Mark Crusaders and consultants were doing new activities for the campers to try - making jam. The campers enjoyed using and mixing various ingredients into jam. They enjoyed it very much.
"This is fun, but I didn't get my cutie mark yet." Pipsqueak said in disappointment, "What if I'm not good at anything else?"
"Relax, Pipsqueak. You'll get it. It just take some time," Starlight said calmly.
Scootaloo nodded, "You don't get a cutie mark just because you're good at something or even because you like it. There's more to it than that."
"Yeah. Cutie Mark Crusaders always help each other out," Twist said happily, "Until the day you found your destiny. I think that's how it said."
"I'm real good at painting circles," Kettle Corn said happily as she painted the jam in circle on the table, "but I got my cutie mark in haikus."
"Which is what I like! But..." Skeedaddle said happily before sighed, "I'm still a blank flank like you."
"But what if you can't get a cutie mark in something you like?" Pipsqueak asked in concern. He gasped in shock, "Oh no! This isn't good! I'll never get what I wanted, or even do what I wanted! Then, my whole life is a lie! That means I'm finished before getting what I really wanted!" He then cried tearfully, "I don't want to be blank flank forever!"
"Pipsqueak!" Nyx shouted, silencing Pipsqueak and looking at his worried looks. She sighed, "Take a deep breathe and let it go." Pipsqueak took a deep breathe and released it. She smiled, "Don't worry too much, Pip. You may not get what you wanted for cutie mark, but you can still do it."
"For example, Silver Spoon and I loved fashions," Diamond Tiara said happily while showing off her Cinderella Dress, "Other than asking and demanding for what I wanted."
Silver Spoon smiled while showing off her secret agent outfit, "Eeyup. Not just following and helping Diamond Tiara, enjoyed baking cakes and sweets. They're my favorites."
The campers chatted and muttered in surprise. Shiroi nodded, "That's right, everyone. Enjoy and have fun with any activities or even just what you were destined to do. It's unlimited."
"Want a bet?" The confident voice spoke.
Everyone looked surprise and shock as they turned to the door. They found Rumble was standing and leaning against the door.
"Rumble?!" Everyone asked in shock and surprise.
"Wow. You came back!" Jade and Scootaloo exclaimed in surprise.
"Not here to join camp," Rumble remarked amusingly as he approached to the campers, "Say bye-bye to painting circles. You'll be too busy haiku-ing from now on!"
"W-What?" Kettle Corn asked in concern.
"That's how cutie marks work?" Skeedaddle asked in shock.
The campers chatted and muttered in concern about getting their own cutie marks. Both Cutie Mark Crusaders especially Snotty Duo looked worry and uneasy about the situation they're dealing with.
"Everypony, calm down! No need to get scared and panicked," Starlight said firmly, "This is not how cutie mark works."
Rumble smirked as he approached to the campers, "I bet the differ."
Rumble: "Cutie marks are great," they say
Pfft, yeah, right!
They make you special in your way
But that special mark that's just for you
Will erase the stuff you liiiiiiike... to do
Rumble exited the camp hut, along with the rest of the campers. Cutie Mark Crusaders and the consultants follow them and watching of what's really going on.
"So, no more painting?" Kettle Corn asked in concern.
Skeedaddle gulped, "No more haiku?"
"Hey! That is not true!" Alyson exclaimed in anger.
Rumble listed down the possible talents and activities that the campers are good at, but 'will be forced' to follow it than doing other activities.
Rumble: So you're good at charming snakes
Too bad!
Or you bake delicious cakes
Oh, well!
Maybe there are lots of things
That you like to do
Well, your options get pretty stark
Once you got that cutie mark
Rumble marched out, with the campers following him from behind.
Rumble: Blank flanks are better
Nopony to tell you who you have to be
Blank flanks are better
Keep your spirit soarin' free
Rumble flew up very high before landed on the stage hard. The campers approached and stood before him as they listened to him of what he has to say.
Rumble: So listen up 'cause I ain't lyin'
Don't need no mark, so why keep tryin'?
If you like just bein' you
Then keepin' that blank flank blank
Is the thiiiiiiiing to do
"That is so not true!" Scootaloo protested, "Cutie marks don't limit you."
Apple Bloom nodded, "They only show you what you can do."
"But... what if you can't do a thing?" Pipsqueak asked in concern, "These cutie marks are frustrating!"
"Pipsqueak! Whose side are you on?!" Nyx asked in annoyance.
Pipsqueak gulped, "I... I..
Foals: Blank flanks
Blank flanks
Blank flanks
Blank flanks
Bringing Pipsqueak to the group, Rumble continued his singing propaganda to the campers about blank flanks are better than cutie marks.
Rumble: You say there's nothin' you can do?
Foals: Yeah, exactly!
Rumble: A blank flank is the way for you
It's no work to just be who you are
No hunt to be some cutie star
You're perfect just being you
Don't bother with what you cannot do
Convinced and inspired by his 'blank flanks' philosophy, the campers continued their supports and cheers to Rumble and his ideals. Pipsqueak was convinced and joined the group as well.
Rumble and Foals: Blank flanks!
Rumble: ...are better
Nopony to tell you who you have to be
Rumble and Foals: Blank flanks!
Rumble: ...are better
Keep your spirit soarin' free
So listen up 'cause I ain't lyin'
Rumble and Foals: Don't need no mark...
Rumble: ...so why keep tryin'?
If you like just bein' you
Then keepin' that blank flank blank
Is the thiiiiiiiiiing to do!
The campers cheered and sang supportedly and proudly to Rumble. He looked very proud and happy that everything has gone according to his way now. His next words hurt both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon as they're being treated as bullies.
"That's it, blank flanks!" Rumble exclaimed proudly, "Be proud of who you are! You don't need some phony pony telling you you're just one thing! Don't be like those two bullies! Blank flanks forever!"
Foals: Blank flanks forever!
Blank flanks forever and ever!
Blank flanks forever!
Blank flanks forever and ever!
Blank flanks forever!
Blank flanks forever and ever!
Rumble and Foals: Blank flanks!
Rumble smirked, "Everyone, follow me! Blank Flank Forever!"
Pipsqueak cheered, "Whoopee!"
"PIPSQUEAK!" Cutie Mark Crusaders shouted and scolded Pipsqueak, "What the heck?!"
Pipsqueak laughed nervously, "Sorry. I'm just scared that I might get the wrong cutie mark."
Nyx groaned in anger, "Why you little traitor?! I'm gonna kick your flank now!" She screamed in anger as she was about to lunge on Pipsqueak if not for Twist and Dinky holding her back. Her anger scared Pipsqueak. She screamed, "Let me go, so I can rip him apart!"
Pipsqueak yelped, "Please, don't hurt me! I bruised easily"!
"Everyone, that is enough!" Starlight shouted firmly. She turned and looked at Rumble, "Rumble, what do you hope to accomplish this? It's pointless and silly! Everypony will have to get their own cutie marks sooner or later. There is no stopping for that progress, unless I can use my magic to perform 'equality spell'."
Nyx glared at her while the rest were confused and shocked by Starlight's comments. The pink unicorn cleared her throat, "Never mind. Not important!"
"I told you before! I don't want the cutie mark. So do these campers and your own friend," Rumble said firmly, So, they're not your campers anymore! I'm starting a new camp!" He then dug and drew a long line between the Blank Flank Campers and Cutie Mark Campers. He smirked, "Everypony on this side of the line is in Camp Blank Flanks Forever!"
The foals and even Pipsqueak cheered happily and wildly for it. Cutie Mark Crusaders were shocked yet angered and annoyed to see what Rumble has done and Pipsqueak turncoat on them.
"You know? I think I'm gonna kill your boyfriend," Jade said in annoyance.
Alyson nodded, "Yeah. He's so in trouble!"
"Yeah." Nyx agreed before yelped. She turned and glared at both Jade and Alyson, "Hey! He's not my boyfriend!"
"But you can't be a blank flank forever!" Scootaloo said in concern.
The foals gasped in shock and upset. Rumble scoffed in annoyance, "That's just the kind of talk I'd expect to hear from Camp Cutie Mark! Which is why blank flanks need a camp where we can enjoy being blank flanks and appreciate our blank flankiness without being pressured to get a cutie mark!"
"What is your problem, Rumble?!" Nyx demanded.
Jade nodded, "Why are you so against the cutie marks? What did they ever to do to you?"
"Oh yeah?" Rumble asked in annoyance while glaring at Jade, "What about you? You're blank flank! Why aren't you side with us?
Jade groaned, "Isn't it obvious? I wanna find my own cutie mark, duh!"
"Why am I not surprise," Rumble said dryly before glared at Snotty Duo, "I make sure that nopony is gonna get cutie marks. So, they won't become bullies like those two!"
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon looked hurt. Alyson groaned, "Hey! Watch it! They're not bullies anymore!"
Apple Bloom nodded, "Yeah, Rumble! Knock it off!"
Scootaloo snarled, "Or else, we kick your flank!"
"I would like to see you try," Rumble said confidently,"Blank Forever!"
Rumble and the campers cheered while heading off to the forest direction, "Blank flanks forever! Blank flanks forever! Blank flanks forever! Blank flanks forever! Blank flanks forever!"
"What just happened?" Sweetie Belle asked in confusion.
"Has everypony gone mad?!" Scootaloo asked in concern.
Apple Bloom gulped, "In a word: yes."
"What the heck is up with Rumble," Nyx asked in concern.
Starlight hummed thoughtfully, "I'm sure we'll find out soon enough. I believe there's more to this than meets the eye. I know it too well."
Mei Kai and her cousins were hiding behind the bushes. They all have seen the event. While Quake and Voltscar were uncertain and annoyed, Mei Kai smiled amusingly and calmly as if she was expecting it to happen.
Inside the camp hut, both Cutie Mark Crusaders and Consultants were having discussion, regarding the concerns of Rumble's anti-cutie mark behavior and turn the campers and even Pipsqueak on them.
"I just can't see what we did wrong. I thought everypony was having fun." Sweetie Belle said in concern.
Twist shrugged, "I wish I knew. I mean, I understand that ponies hated being blank flank, but hating cutie mark. That's something I didn't expect."
Dinky nodded, "Yeah. This is weird and unexpected."
"No thanks to Rumble," Apple Bloom said in annoyance, "He came and made a mess of things."
"And not to mention, Pipsqueak turned on us," Nyx snapped in anger. She groaned, "That backstabbing pony! I'm gonna kill him for betraying us when we've been together since Nightmare Night!"
Cutie Mark Crusaders giggled a bit, making Nyx confuse and concern. Jade smiled slyly, "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you've got crush on him."
Nyx yelped and burnt in red. Alyson nodded in agreement, "Yeah. Since Nightmare Night, you can't stop thinking and liking him. And you did spend some quality time to help him with his studies, training and even finding him the cutie marks."
Everyone then laughed amusingly and slyly, making Nyx burnt in more reddish to scream, "He and I are not couple, for pony's sake! He and I are just friends!"
"Hello, aren't we suppose to talk about Rumble, not talking about Nyx's boyfriend?" Sweetie Belle asked in annoyance, making Nyx annoyed.
"Unbelievable!" Scootaloo snapped in anger. Everyone turned and looked at her. She pointed at Rumble's camps. They found the group were doing the same activities they have done. She groaned, "They're doing exactly what we did. It's not all that different from what they were doing here."
Apple Bloom sighed, "Then what was the point?"
"Point is that Rumble is a madpony who must be stopped!" Jade and Scootaloo said firmly.
Starlight cleared her throat, "Everyone, calm down. We can resolve this problem by talking with Rumble. After all, he's just a kid with issues and worry about cutie marks." Everyone looked at her oddly. She continued, "I know that too well."
"Yeah. We need to know why he really did it," Shiroi agreed.
Nyx noticed Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon got their stuffs packed and approached to the door. She gasped, "Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, what are you doing?!"
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon looked at each other. They both sighed and nodded gently. Diamond Tiara spoke, "We decided that the best way to make your camp awesome is that we might not as well be part of it."
Scootaloo gasped, "What?! You're leaving already?!"
"You can't be serious." Jade said in shock and concern.
"It's for the best." Diamond Tiara said calmly.
Silver Spoon nodded, "Yeah. The last thing we want is causing you some troubles."
"But..." Alyson and Dinky said in concern.
Diamond Tiara interrupted, "Thank you for being our friends. And we appreciate that you helped and trusted us a lot."
Silver Spoon nodded, "We're happy for it."
Everyone was in shock and concern of what they just saw. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon exited the camp's while bringing their suitcases.
"I can't believe it." Apple Bloom said in concern.
"I know. This is unfair for them both." Sweetie Belle said in concern, "I can't believe that Rumble is being a brat because he doesn't want the cutie mark."
Nyx hummed in concern, "Rumble. Why? Why did you do it?"
"One thing for sure that we need to talk with him about it," Twist suggested.
Dinky hummed thoughtfully, "Or we could talk to hi parents or someone else."
"Dinky, you're genius!" Shiroi exclaimed happily. Everyone looked at her. She smiled, "Thunderlane brought him for joining the camp. We can find out of why Rumble got issue with cutie marks."
Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped, "That's a great idea!"
"You guys go ahead. I'll try to talk with Rumble," Starlight said calmly.
Nyx looked surprise and curious, "Why?"
Starlight sighed, "Let's just said that he and I got something in common. I just hope that he listened to a reason than being a bratty." She laughed a bit, "This kinda reminds me of how I react to Twilight about cutie mark. Kinda ironic."
Nyx hummed thoughtfully, "Yeah. Definitely, ironic."
In the forest, the blank flank campers enjoyed playing and having fun with various activities especially Pipsqueak was playfully cheering for 'blank flank'. And at the same time, Rumble was talking to Mei Kai, Quake and Voltscar in deep forest.
"Well done, Rumble. You did exactly what you have hoped for," Mei Kai said sweetly and calmly while patted Rumble's head. She smiled, "Now, you don't have to feel pressure and worry about cutie mark until you got what you're looking for."
Rumble smiled, "I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks, Miss Mermaid!"
Mei Kai giggled amusingly and happily while blushed in red, "Aw, you're such a sweetie brat. I like you. I like cute ponies like you."
"Thanks!" Rumble said happily, "After this, maybe I can introduced you to Thunderlane. Who knows? Maybe he likes you."
"Yeah. No thanks," Mei Kai said slyly while patted Rumble's head, "I already got the boy." She sighed happily while dreamed in fantasy, "And he's such a hottie and handsome dragon guy with fire. Not to mention, I loved drinking his blazing tongue and his muscle for me to wrap him up. He's such a handsome!"
Quake and Voltscar groaned, "YUCK!"
"Oh, no! What if I get a cutie mark in it?!" Skeedaddle's voice exclaimed in fear.
Rumble cleared his throat, "I'd better go and check this out."
Mei Kai smiled, "Take your time, little boy. I'm waiting."
As Rumble headed off, both Quake and Voltscar were about to attack. But they were grabbed and coiled by Mei Kai's Water Tentacles. She groaned in anger and annoyance as she turned and glared at them. She hissed angrily at worried and scared Demon Successors.
Rumble has arrived to the camp, where he found Skeedaddle and Pipsqueak were panicking in fear and worry while looking at the horseshoe on the pole.
"What's wrong?" Rumble asked.
Skeedaddle gulped, "I was able to throw and win the horseshoe toss! I didn't actually like it, just having fun with it!"
"Then you'll be stuck doing it forever!" Rumble snarled at Skeedaddle. He turned to the group, "Blank flanks, no more potential cutie mark activities!"
The campers immediately stopped playing and entertaining with the activities. As much as they wanted to play the games for fun, they don't want to end up with cutie marks they may not like it.
"That's kinda a bit of paranoid about it, don't you think?" Starlight's voice said calmly.
The campers gasped upon looking at Starlight's entering the scene. They looked worry and scared that they might be taken back to the camp.
Rumble snarled at her, "What do you want?!"
"Easy! I just want to talk, Rumble." Starlight said calmly. Rumble looked suspicious of her talking to him. She continued, "And you know what else I find? I find out that you're not honest to yourself or anyone else."
Everyone looked confuse and uncertain of what Starlight has said. Rumble looked worry and scared as he thought of how to make some excuses.
Rumble gulped in fear, "I-I-I don't know what you're talking about. I already say that I-!"
Starlight sighed, interrupting Rumble's speech, and spoke, "Rumble, be honest with me. Tell me what's your reason of not wanting the cutie mark."
"Why would you want to know?" Rumble asked suspiciously.
"Because I know how I felt about the cutie marks." Starlight said calmly, surprising the campers. She continued, "I want to share my experience with you about it."
Though Rumble was uncertain and suspicious, the campers sat down and listened to Starlight. He sighed in defeat as he decided to do the same as well.
"Have you wonder why I hate cutie marks in the first place?" Starlight asked calmly, making ponies shook their heads. She continued, "I started hating it since the day my best friend got his cutie mark and got transfer to Princess Celestia's Gifted School for Unicorns. I wrote so many letters to him, hoping and waiting for his letters. But not one of them came to me. I felt hurt and upset that he left me, all because of his cutie mark."
"W-What did you do next?" Pipsqueak asked in concern.
"After I got my own cutie mark and made some magic spells, I followed my foster father - Amon Blood, who also shared my hatred for cutie mark as well," Starlight said calmly, "He trained and taught me the tricks and special spell to remove cutie marks. My first mission is to subjugate and rule the rural village."
"Is it where Princess Twilight and her friends solve their Friendship Problem?" Kettle Corn asked.
"And then, you decide to take revenge by changing the history?" Skeedaddle asked in concern.
Pipsqueak gasped, "Changing Princess Twilight and her friends' first day of getting their own cutie marks!"
"Almost like that," Starlight said happily before cleared her throat, "Anyway, Princess Twilight stopped and redeemed me to do the right thing. And do you know why?"
"No?" The campers answered.
Starlight smiled, "Twilight talk to me about the friendship. Even though we're very different especially not getting cutie marks on the same time, we're still friends from either old and new. It's what us strong. So, I realized that manipulating and forcing ponies to forget their own cutie marks and talents doesn't make good friends."
"What are you saying?" Rumble asked in confuse and uncertain.
Starlight sighed while smiling, "Don't be afraid to trying new things." She then looked at her cutie mark, "I already know that I'm magical unicorn and loved making magic spells. But what I really loved the most is playing the Dragon Pit. It's my favorite game. Truthfully, I wish I could get that cutie mark, instead of glimmering star. But it never stop from playing it or trying new things, no matter what my cutie mark is telling me."
"Starlight..." Rumble said in surprise.
Starlight smiled, "You might get wrong cutie mark, but you're still fastest flying Pegasus as your brother, Rumble. So, I believed there is more to you than meets the eyes if you're willing to try." She raised her hoof before Rumble, "What do you say?"
Hearing what Starlight has said to him, Rumble thought carefully and realized that she could be right. He then looked at her carefully. She still smiling at him. He smiled nervously as he held and shook her hoof. The campers cheered happily and wildly.
"Does that mean we can play any activity?" Pipsqueak asked happily.
Rumble smiled, "Yeah! Who's up for archery? Coz I loved that too!"
"Great! Let's go!" Starlight smiled.
BOOM! Starlight and the campers yelped in surprise. They fell right into a large pit. They all groaned and moaned painfully. They chatted and demanded of what's going on. They looked up and found Mei Kai and her cousins stood on top of them.
"Mei Kai?! Quake?! Voltscar?!" Starlight asked in shock and concern.
"What's the big idea?!" Rumble demanded.
Mei Kai sighed, "To think that we could be buddies. I guess we could proceed the next phase."
"Lunch time!" Quake and Voltscar exclaimed happily.
Starlight and the campers looked worry and scared. They've got a bad feeling about it. Unknown to anyone, they were spotted by Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon from the hill. Both of them looked worry. They turned and headed off to find their friends.
Shiroi and Cutie Mark Crusaders have located and met up with Thunderlane at Wonderbolt Training Arena. They explained to him about what has been happening to Cutie Mark Day Camp. This revelation has shocked and concerned him a lot.
"Lemme get this straight. My little brother up-ended your entire camp?" Thunderlane asked in shock and concern, "All because he doesn't want a cutie mark at all because he's afraid he'll get stuck doing something he doesn't like forever? And he bullied both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon because he thinks they're bullies?!"
Shiroi and Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at each other and nodded a bit. Nyx nodded, "Yup. That sums it up."
"No, I don't." Thunderlane protested in concern, "Rumble's good at all that stuff."
"Really? He doesn't looks like he's really good at any of them," Jade asked suspiciously.
Apple Bloom gasped, "Unless... he was bein' bad at stuff on purpose!"
Scootaloo groaned, "I don't believe it. Why the heck would he do that?!"
Thunderlane sighed, "I was afraid of this..."
"Why do I get the feeling that Starlight's right about this one," Shiroi said suspiciously.
"What's that supposed to be mean?" Alyson asked curiously.
"Ever since I became a Wonderbolt, Rumble's either watching me or trying to fly like me." Thunderlane said in concern, "He won't do anything else. That's why I thought your camp was such a good idea."
"I don't understand." Twist said in confusion, "If Rumble wants to be a Wonderbolt someday, what's wrong with that?"
Thunderlane shook his head, "Not a thing. But right now, he isn't even giving anything else a chance."
Sweetie Belle groaned, "Unbelievable. He doesn't try anything because he wanted to follow his brother's hoofstep?!"
"That is so obvious..." Dinky said dryly, "Especially bullied two crusaders and turned all of the campers and even Nyx's boyfriend on us."
Nyx groaned and steamed off in red and anger, "For the last time, Pip's not my boyfriend! And are we off from the main subject?!"
"Right," Apple Bloom agreed, "Sounds to me like Rumble isn't afraid of bein' put in a box at all."
Shiroi hummed thoughtfully, "I know what you mean. He's afraid he'll get a cutie mark that'll keep him from it." She then looked at the training obstacle course. She smiled, "And I know how we can do this."
"Crusaders! Crusaders! Miss Shiroi!" Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon called. Everyone turned and looked at them They panted heavily before shouted, "Miss Starlight and campers are in big troubles! Demon Successors are gonna eat them!"
Everyone gasped in shock and worry. Their friends are in danger now.
The campers cried and screamed in fear while Starlight grunted and struggled. All of them were tied up an put into the boiling cauldron, along with onion pieces, carrots, cabbages, potatoes and even bones. Voltscar was charging up the cauldron's heat. Quake was handling and stirring the soup, and even add some salt and sugar into it. Mei Kai was reading while checking and testing the soup's taste. They all can't wait to have their own lunch.
Pipsqueak screamed, "We're gonna die! We're gonna be monster's foods!"
Skeedaddle quivered, "I don't wanna die! I'm too young to be monster's food!"
"I wanna go home!" Kettle Corn exclaimed in fear, "I cannot face my demons!"
"QUIET!" Quake snapped angrily at the worried campers.
"Why are you doing this?!" Rumble demanded in anger at Mei Kai, "I thought you're gonna help them to give them what cutie mark they wanted!"
Starlight sighed, "Rumble, didn't your brother teach you about Demons?" Rumble nodded meekly. She sighed, "Never and ever trust the Demons especially if it's Demon Successors. They're always the liars and get what they wanted."
Rumble groaned in annoyance, "And I fell for it."
Mei Kai hissed, "Indeed. All of you will serve delicious yet perfect lunch dish for my family. My mother would enjoy to feast a full grown unicorn."
Starlight gulped fearfully, "Just terrific..."
Sensing a chill on her body, Mei Kai summoned the communication portal. She found her mother Bai Tza was glaring at her. She gasped and bowed humbly, "Mother. It's good to see you again."
"Did you accomplish your mission?" Bai Tza demanded dryly and darkly. Mei Kai nodded happily. She looked up and found Starlight and the campers in the cauldron. She groaned, "No Twilight or Yue?!"
Mei Kai hissed in concern while bowing to the ground, "No, mother. But I know that you and my other relatives are hungry now. I already know that you can't eat slugs for whole time. So, I'm preparing your delicious dishes of Twilight's student and foals. I know Aunt Po Kong liked them."
Bai Tza was annoyed and disappointed before sighed, "Better than nothing, I supposed. Cook and deliver our meals to us at once, no more delays. I can't stand the stupid arguments from your uncles. Po Kong still whining again."
Mei Kai smirked, "At once, mother." With her communication portal cut off, she turned and looked at her cousins, "Voltscar! Quake! Butchered and cook them alive!"
Quake and Voltscar chuckled evilly as they armed and readied with their chopping knife and mixing stir. They're ready to cook the ponies. Starlight and the campers looked scared and worried before screamed in fear and worry.
"Heads up, cous!" Teenage Nyx's Voice exclaimed.
Quake and Voltscar looked up and found two giant boxes falling on them to the ground. Both Teenage Nyx, Shiroi and Thunderlane landed on the ground. Starlight and the campers gasped in surprise and relief to see them alive.
"Thunderlane!" Rumble exclaimed happily.
Thunderlane groaned in anger, "Nopony barbecue my little bro! He's not your lunch!"
Teenage Nyx nodded firmly, "Get ready for another knuckle sandwich, Mei Kai! Payback for what you did to me and my baby cousin!"
Shiroi transformed into Kasai as she armed with her blasters, "And also, ruining our Cutie Mark Day Camp!"
Mei Kai hissed in fury, "I used to like you, Yue. But now I hate you a lot! Trust me, I'm gonna barbecue and eat you alive! Prepare yourself!"
Mei Kai screeched in anger as she unleashed and fired her Water Tornado Blasts at three ponies, who jumped back at once. She chased after them. She summoned and used her Neptune Trident to attack them. Three of them dodged and evaded the attacks swiftly and firmly while fighting back. Quake and Voltscar roared in anger as they emerged out from the giant boxes. They all charged and attacked two ponies at once. Nyx, Kasai and Thunderlane moved away and dodged the attacks as fast as they can.
Mei Kai and Nyx swung and struck their Neptune Trident and Mystical Night Sword at each other, and also deflect and block the attacks. They even used their Demon Water Magic and Unicorn Magic powers to battle as well. Thunderlane flew on the sky as he was dodging and evading the Thunder Arrows by Voltscar's, who was annoyed and frustrated of dealing with airborne pony. And at the same time, he flew down and hit his head and butt for few times. Quake roared in anger as he armed with his fists in slamming and attacking Kasai, who ran and dodged while firing her blasters at him. When he gets too close to her, she engaged him, with her martial art skills.
While Nyx and Thunderlane distracted the Demon Successors, Cutie Mark Crusaders and even Snotty Duo came out from bushes. They quickly helped and freed Starlight and the campers from the cauldron. The foals chatted happily. Starlight then gave some thoughts while looking at the cauldron and the surroundings. She smirked as she has the idea.
Three ponies did their best to distract and fight off Demon Successors as long as they can. But the ponies were getting tired as the demons have wounded and cornered all of them.
Teenage Nyx struck and thrust her Mystical Night Sword at Mei Kai, who easily dodged and evaded them via transparent between solid and liquid forms or even slithered away. And at the same time, she strike back at her. The alicorn barely dodge and block the attacks as it's almost close in killing her or just injured her. Both of them continued fighting for few times. Teenage Nyx became exhausted from fighting, allowing Mei Kai to whip on her face thrice before tripped her down. She then grabbed and coiled her by her tail.
Thunderlane flew and dodged as fast as he can from the Thunder Arrows and Thunder Strikes, though he got hits by them. Seeing his target became exhausted and wounded, Voltscar smirked and roared wildly. He charged and jumped up high. He activated and used his Lightning Sword in giving him a powerful electrocution, shocking him. Thunderlane groaned and grunted in pain by the attack. Thunder Demon Successor then grabbed and slammed the Pegasus to the ground hard. He again unleashed his Thunderstorm Battle Cry, which unleashed a powerful lightning in shocking him more.
Kasai dodged and evaded Stone Throwing Attacks by Quake for few times. And at the same time, she charged for blasting her blasters and struck her Martial Art Skills in combating with him for few times. Her attacks did little damage to him, but only infuriated and angered him a lot. Quake jumped and stomped on the ground, causing a powerful earthquake, making Kasai struggled to balance and steady herself. He slammed his Earth Fist at her to the tree's branch. He then gave a loud roar at her face, making her deaf.
Three Demon Successors brought three ponies in their grip. They all laughed evilly at the ponies, who looked scared and worried.
"Victory is ours! You three will be our dish again!" Mei Kai said proudly. Quake and Voltscar nodded happily. She gasped in realization. She turned and found her cousins were with her. She groaned in anger, "If you two were here, then who's guarding our dish?!"
Quake and Voltscar yelped as they looked at each other. They gasped, "Uh Oh!"
"Uh Oh, indeed!" Starlight said slyly and proudly, "Campers, cooking time!"
Cutie Mark Crusaders and Campers cheered wildly and happily. Rumble, Jade and Pipsqueak used their roller-skate, skateboard and scooter to charge and ram the demons hard while freeing the captives. Pipsqueak caught Teenage-turned-to-Filly Nyx on his hooves. He smiled happily while she blushed in red and surprise. The ponies moved aside at once.
Starlight helped and set a large dough, along with vegetables and sauces. Apple Bloom, Diamond Tiara and Twist charged and rammed three Demon Successors on the dough. Sweetie Belle, Dinky, Silver Spoon and some campers moved and rolled up the dough on them. The demons got trapped inside, making them struggle to get out. Nyx and Thunderlane set up and built the firewood. Cutie Mark Crusaders and the campers moved and dropped the dough on top of twin large branches-like holders.
The dough was slowly burned and cooked up, making three Demon Successors yelped and screamed in pain to feel the burn. Kasai gathered up on her magical horn. She then unleashed her powerful Mega Demon Beam, which blow them to the sky. They all screamed in pain and fear.
"I knew this plan won't work!" Quake and Voltscar screamed in anger.
Mei Kai screamed, "SHUT UP, MORONS!"
The dough landed back in somewhere of black forest, where they landed on the rest of their cousins. All of them groaned and moaned painfully.
Back to Cutie Mark Crusaders' side, they and their friends were cheering wildly and happily that they have won the battle and beat the demons. Rumble turned and faced to angry Thunderlane, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.
"What do you have to say?" Thunderlane asked dryly. He turned and looked at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, "And what you have to do next? They did save your life for telling me and the rest about you and your campers getting cooked up."
Rumble looked guilty and shame as he sighed, "I'm sorry for being a jerk and a liar, bro." He turned and looked at Snotty Duo, "And you know what else? You two are cool and better than being bullies, Crusaders."
"Really?" Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon asked in surprise. Rumble smiled and hugged them both. Though annoyed and angry with him for insults, they decide to drop it and hugged him, "I guess we are. Cutie Mark Crusaders forever!"
Thunderlane smiled, "Glad that you like it."
The campers came and surrounded the group. They all chatted and cheered happily to them especially Thunderlane for saving the day and also helping the heroes as well.
"Well, I'm glad that everything is back to normal," Shiroi said in relief.
"Yeah," Cutie Mark Crusaders agreed.
"Almost of everything..." Nyx said angrily while glaring at Pipsqueak," Pipsqueak!"
Pipsqueak yelped as he hugged his friend while cried tearfully, "I'm sorry! I'm really sorry! I'd never ever, and ever turn my back on you! Please, forgive me!"
Nyx sighed while rolled her eyes in annoyance, "Fine. No more turning on me again." She then glared at her friends, who were snickering at her. She groaned, "No more 'love song' about me and Pip! Seriously! We're friends."
Starlight laughed a bit, "Either way, let's get back to our day camp! We've got a very special event to do!"
Jade cheered, "This is gonna be fun!"
Cutie Mark Crusaders and the campers returned to the camp, where they begin their special events, involving of Thunderlane as special guest, and also joining and having fun during Wonderbolt Obstacle Course and other activities and entertainment for them to enjoy. It was the best day for them to enjoy indeed.
Interestingly, Thunderlane was cooking some meals for the campers to enjoy. This has surprised, intrigued and inspired Rumble to follow his example after recalling Starlight's story and advice of trying new things while not worried about getting what he wanted.
Cutie Mark Crusaders and consultants have witnessed everything. They're happy that everything is back to normal. And at the same time, Jade and Pipsqueak got their own cutie marks - skateboard cutie mark and adventure hat, magnifying glass and binocular.
"Looks like our plans work," Apple Bloom said happily.
Scootaloo nodded, "All thanks to Starlight and Thunderlane, they really got Rumble through and made him realized that there's nothing to worry about cutie mark."
"Don't forget. Ponies become more open and friendlier to our new Crusaders," Sweetie Belle said happily, watching some foals chatting with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. She smiled, "Looks like we finally put the past behind us."
"Not to mention, we've got cutie marks!" Jade said happily.
"Yeah," Alyson agreed before looked at Starlight, "You're really good at this."
Nyx smiled, "Yeah. A great student consultant. That's what we need. Somepony, who understands and consults with the students or foals about their problems and solve them."
Shiroi smiled, "Nyx's got the point. And who knows? We might have the School of Friendship, with you to help students out."
Starlight giggled, "Yeah. Maybe, I will get it."
END...
Review and Suggest...
Main Casts:
Michelle Creber: Apple Bloom
Claire Corlett: Sweetie Belle
Madeleine Peters: Scootaloo
Kira Tozer: Nyx
Cherami Leigh: Jade Adventure
Alyson Stoner: Alyson Joy
Kelly Sheridan: Starlight Glimmer
Hayden Panettiere: Shiroi Bai/Kasai Songbird
Hayden Welch: Mei Kai
Kevin Michael Richardson: Quake
David Sobolov: Voltscar
Vincent Tong: Rumble
Minor Casts:
Trevor Devall: Thunderlane
Chantal Strand: Diamond Tiara, Spoiled Milk
Shannon Chan-Kent: Silver Spoon, Dinky Doo
Alexandra Carter: Twist
Graham Verchere: Pipsqueak
Lili Beaudoin: Kettle Corn
Zach Leblanc: Skeedaddle
Cameo:
Tara Strong: Twilight Sparkle
Brian Drummond: Filthy Rich
Mona Marshall: Bai Tza