//------------------------------// // Episode 18: Call of the Cutie: Gala arc Part 11 // Story: My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic With Reiner and Bertholdt Season 1 // by TheUnknownPhantom5 //------------------------------// The day was perfect. The sun was shining, birds were chirping, and there wasn't a single cloud in the sky, it was just beautiful. Apple Bloom happily frolicked in a field of red flowers, giggling and smiling as she fell to the ground and looked up at the clear blue sky. "Days like today should honestly be ilegal". Apple Bloom thought to herself, but then again, how could anyone want to spend their time inside on such a lovely day. Apple Bloom couldn't stop thinking about that fact, and it made her feel lonely as she was the only pony in the field. "Oh, I wish I had somepony to play with". she sighed before rolling over and staring off into the distance. That was when she saw something, at first Apple Bloom couldn't make out what it was, but once she got a closer look she could see that it was another filly up on the hill. The filly saw Apple Bloom, smiled, and waved, Apple Bloom smiled and waved back. For a while Apple Bloom just stared at the filly, she had a light pink coat, and curly light blue hair. The filly then beckoned for Apple Bloom to follow her, and then ran off. "Hey wait"! Apple Bloom called as she began to follow after the filly. However she stopped for a second, and looked back at her house, seeing her sister in the kitchen. "Applejack won't mind if I'm gone for just a few minutes".Apple Bloom thought. So she followed after her new friend. "Hey wait up". Apple Bloom called, as the filly kept giggling. They both kept running until Apple Bloom lost sight of her. "Huh, where'd you go? Are we playing hidie and seek"? She asked. Apple Bloom looked around, and it was then she realized where she was. The Everfree Forest, and she was deep in it too. "Oh no, I was so busy trying to follow that girl that I must have wondered into the forest". Begining to panic Apple Bloom started to run, hoping to find away out before any of the creatures that lived in this dastertly place came out to eat her, or maybe even find Zecora's hut. As she ran she heard a faint voice ""Apple Bloom". She ran faster, covering hears trying to drown out the sound, but it kept getting louder and louder. "Apple Bloom". "Apple Bloom"! Apple Bloom awoke with a start, panting she looked up to her teacher staring down at her with a stern look on her face. "Good moring". said Miss Cheerlie. Apple Bloom looked around in confusion. "What. Happend"? she asked. "You fell asleep during class". Cheerlie stated. "Oh, sorry". Apple Bloom apologized. Miss Cheerlie sighed "Well don't let it happen again, I really need you to pay attention to today's leason, because today we're learning about Cutie Marks". One student, Diamond Tiara was unimpressed by this leason. "Bo-ring". She sighed. Cheerlie ignored what Diamond Tiara had said and just continued on with the leason. "You can all see my cutie mark, can't you? Like all ponies, I wasn't born with a cutie mark. My flank was blank". Cheerlie explained while showing a picture of her as a filly. "Aww...! She's so precious"! exclaimed a student named Twist as Cheerlie continued. "Then one day, when I was about your age, I woke up to find that a cutie mark had appeared". "Hey look at her hair"! One student stated. "Yes I know, but honestly, that's how everypony was wearing their mane back then. I had decided to become a teacher, and the flowers symbolized my hope that I could help my future students bloom if I nurture them with knowledge. The smiles represented the cheer I hope to bring to my little ponies while they were learning. Now, can anyone tell me when a pony gets his or her cutie mark". Cheerlie asked. "Oh! Oh! Oh! When she discovers that certain something that makes her special"! Twist said. Cheerlie nodded. "That's right Twist . A cutie mark appears on a pony's flank when he or she finds that certain something that makes them different from every other pony. Discovering what makes you unique isn't something that happens overnight, and no amount of hoping, wishing, or begging, would make a cutie mark appear before its time". Cheerlie explained. "Apple Bloom tried to listen, and pay attention, but something was in the back of her mind, and that was the dream she had. "I don't know why, but I have a strange feeling about that dream. No I'm sure it meant nothing, then again Granny Smith told me once that dreams are sometimes visions of the future, but all I did was play in a field of flowers, and follow a strange girl into the Everfree forest. Maybe I'll meet her in real life one day........ No, I just". "Psssst". Apple Bloom was taken out of her thoughts by a noise, she looked over to see Diamond Tiara trying to hand her a note. Apple Bloom chose to ignore her, after all she had already gotten in trouble for falling asleep she wasn't going to be excused of passing notes either. Diamond kept trying to pass Apple Bloom the note, but unfourtently for her, she ended up being caught. "Diamond Tiara! Are you passing a note". Diamond Tiara dropped the paper and began acting innocent, as Cheerlie walked over. "What's so important that you couldn't wait till after class". she asked, but then looked down and saw that the paper had nothing on it. "Huh? It's blank". Cheerlie whispered, as Diamond Tiara smirked. "Remind you of anypony"? Diamond Tiara said looking towards Apple Bloom, however the farm filly was too focused on her dream to pay attention to what anyone was saying around her. After the class was over Apple Bloom headed over to her locker to get her lunch when all of a sudden Snips, Snails, and another colt named Featherweight came up to her. "Hey Apple Bloom you wanna eat lunch with us"? asked Snips "Yeah do you, do you"? Snails asked as well. Apple Bloom stared at all three of them in shock, she didn't know what to do. "Uh, I... Um..." Apple Bloom stuttered as she franitcly tried to come up with an excuse. She silently thanked her lucky stars when she saw Twist up a head. "Oh, I'm, uh terribly sorry you guys, but...um.... I promised Twist I'd have lunch with her today, and you know can't break a promise, heh heh, um... Buh bye". Apple Bloom said as she quickly trotted off leaving the three in confusion. Once Apple Bloom was far enough away she began to think about that, after all it wasn't the first time that had happened to her. "Ponyville Junior High. A fairly decent school in my opinon, sure it's nothing like Schools in big cities like Canterlot, or Manehatten, but It gets the job done. I still remember my first day here, I walked into my class, and for one reason or another I instantly became the most popular girl in the school. I don't know why it happened, and I certainly didn't ask for this"! Apple Bloom sighed, as she caught up with Twist. "Hey Apple Bloom, what's wrong"? Twist asked her friend. "Oh nothing, just have somethings on my mind". Apple Bloom replied. "What would that be"? Twist asked. Apple Bloom gave her friend a small smile. "Don't worry about it, after all I'm sure it's nothing important. I guess I just want to know how I got all this attention drawn onto me". Twist gave Apple Bloom a wide grin. "That's easy! It's because ever since the first day of school, you were so nice, and caring to everypony. If anyone needed help with their homework, or with solving a problem you'd offer your assistance, if you ever saw one of our fellow classmates sitting alone at lunch, and recess you would always join them in order to make them feel better, and you're always the first to welcome new students to the school". Hearing Twist say all this made Apple Bloom smile, maybe she was right. However, Apple Bloom's smile soon faded when she heard a familar, snobby voice. "I don't know why we had to sit through a lecture about getting a cutie mark". Apple Bloom looked over to see Diamond Tiara, and her little cohort Silverspoon coming towards them. "I mean, waiting for your cutie mark is sooo last week. You got yours, I just got mine. We all have them already. I mean, almost all of us have them already, I can't believe you two haven't got your's yet". Diamond Tiara said sarcasticly to Apple Bloom, and Twist. "Don't worry, you two, you're still totally invited to my cute-ceañera this weekend". "It's going to be amazing". Silverspoon piped up. "It's a party celebrating me and my fantastic cutie mark. How could it not be"? Diamond Tiara questioned as she and Silverspoon did their special little dance. "Bump! Bump! Sugar-lump, rump"! "Gimme a break". Apple Bloom sighed as Diamond Tiara and Silverpoon left. "See you later, Blank Flanks"! they insaulted. That night Apple Bloom went to bed early since she didn't want a repeat of what happened that morning, and once again she had the dream. The dream picked up right where it left off with Apple Bloon in the forest. She looked around franticly, trying to find anyway out. "Oh this dream is starting to turn into a nightmare". she muttered. Apple Bloom kept looking for something when she once again spotted the filly in a patch of trees, but this time she was with another filly. Apple Bloom couldn't see the other filly's face, but could make out some details about her. She had golden hair, and appeare to be wearing some tattered clothing. Of course they both ran off in the oposite direction. "Hey hold on"! Apple Bloom called out as she followed them all the way to a cave. Apple Bloom stopped, not sure if she wanted to go into the cave, but she wanted to know who those two were, so she decieded to go in. Apple Bloom ran through the cave, not stopping for any reason whatsoever. Finally she saw a light up ahead, and ran towards it. Apple Bloom however didn't find the exit, insted she seemed to be in some kind of other area of it, this one covered in what looked like crystals. "Woah" Apple Bloom stared in aww, when she suddenly heard something. Hiding behind one of the pilars, she saw eight strange looking creatures having a what seemed to be some kind of conversation. "Please, oh king I beg of you, please help me! Save the people before my wife, and childern, before everyone is eaten"! "Eaten? By what"? Apple Bloom asked in confusion her curiosty piecked as she wait for the female creature to responed. "No! This is our punishment for the sins we have commited for the last two thousand years"! She said. "Sins? What is she talking about, who are they"? Apple Bloom wondered. For awhile all of them seemed to just stand still confusing Apple Bloom even more. Then a blinding flash erupted from where the creature that asked for help was standing, sending a shockwave of crystal debries towards Apple Bloom who was knocked out. When she came too she looked around, and saw that the place had been slightly damanged. Apple Bloom looked around, and gasped when she saw a horrible sight. The children, and the mother of the creatures were most defenitly dead. Apple Bloom gasped in shock, espesicaly at the one who clearly seemed to be the youngest. Apple Bloom took a look at each of their bodies. They seemed to have been crushed from above, but what could have done that, there we're no rocks to have fallen on the ground. Apple Bloom backed away, and while doing so she caught glimpse of another creature, just standing still, looking at the carnage. Apple Bloom stared back at him for a bit, before seeing another light, hoping this one would lead her out, and sure enough it did. Apple Bloom found herself in another field. Breathing a sigh of relief, she decieded to take a rest, and forget about those two fillies. She laid down, but not only two seconds later the ground started to shake, and Apple Bloom jolted up in suprise as she wobbled and tried to keep her balance. She looked around, and in the distance, she could see a huge cloud of smoke up in the air. Apple Bloom gasped as she woke up from her dream. She looked up to see her older sister Applejack staring down at her with a stern look on her face. "Huh, Applejack? What happend"? Apple Bloom asked. "Ya overslept, come on you got chores to do". Applejack stated. "Oh, sorry". Apple Bloom apolgized. Applejack sighed, "Well come on you're gonna have to eat first before you do any work and". Applejack stopped when she looked back at Apple Bloom, a look of both confusion, and concern on the elder apple sister's face. "Apple Bloom..... Why are you crying"? Applejack asked. Apple Bloom was confused by Applejack's question, so she looked in the mirror, and sure enough tears were streaming down her face. "I don't know". Apple Bloom simply replied. Later, Applejack, and Apple Bloom were outside gathering Apples from the trees in the orchard. Applejack bucked one tree and Apple Bloom caught them inside the basket she was carrying. "Nice catch sis". Applejack complemented. "Thanks". Apple Bloom smiled before looking down. "What's wrong"? Applejack asked. Apple Bloom sighed. Why don't I have my cutie mark yet. She asked. Applejack looked at her little sister in confusion. "Now what brought this up"? she asked. "Well, Diamond Tiara invited me to her cute-ceañera this weekend, but the way she was braging about her cutie mark means I just can't show up without one of my own. Applejack gave her a confused look. "And what makes you think that"? she asked. "I just know I do"! Apple Bloom responeded. Applejack looked down at her little sister. "Well, I hate to break it to ya, but a cutie ani't just going to appear because you want one too, and besides I was the last one in my class to get my cutie mark, and I couldn't be prouder of it. I knew my future was to run Sweet Apple Acres, and these bright shiny apples sealed the deal. I think Big Mac, and Granny Smith we're also the last ones in their classes too, huh must run in the family. Hey hold on a minute. Run in the family". Apple Bloom gave Applejack a confused look before asking. "What are you talking about"? Applejack smiled and replied. "Think about it, I have three Apples for a cutie mark, Granny Smith has an Apple Pie, and Big Mac has half an Apple". "What are you getting at"? Apple Bloom asked. Applejack smiled again. "How would you like to help me at the market today". She asked. Apple Bloom gasped in shock. "A are you sure about this, I mean I" She stuttered, but Applejack put a reassuring hoof around her shoulder. "Don't you worry none, I know you're ready for this, and besides maybe you'll get your cutie mark". Hearing this Apple Bloom gave her sister a big smile. "Okay"! She exclaimed excitedly. Later that day, Applejack, and Apple Bloom were both in the market trying to cell the apples they had in their stand. "Get your delicious, nutritious apples here"! Applejack called out to the crowd. "Delicious, and nutritious"! Apple Bloom repeated. "As well as so many uses." she began to explain i hopes of drawing in at least one pony. "You can eat them". She said as she swallowed one whole. "Play with them". She said as she threw one, only for it to hit another pony. "Watch it"! "Sorry"! Apple Bloom apolgized, she then started to look around, and saw a stalion walking by. "Excuse me sir, would you like to buy an apple"? The stalion looked down at Apple Bloom. "No thanks I've got plenty at home". he responeded. Apple bloom looked down in dissapointment. "Oh, okay". she sighed. Seeing Apple Bloom's dissapointed look, the stalion sighed. "You know, maybe I don't have enough, tell you what I'll buy one, okay"? he asked as he gave Apple Bloom a bit, and bought an Apple. Apple Bloom gave a wide grin, happy that she made a sucessful sale. "Apple Bloom grab some more Apples from the wagon for me please". Applejack called out to her. "Sure thing big sis". Apple Bloom replied as she went over to grab more apples from the wagon. "This is going great, I thought it was going to be alot harder, but it's actually quite easy". Apple Bloom thought to heself as she made her way back over to Applejack, however she failed to see a chair leg sticking out in her way, and when Apple Bloom walked over to that area she tripped, sending the Apples flying into the air, and causing them to land all over Sweetie Drops. "Oh my gosh! I'm so sorry I didn't mean, I mean it was an aciedent and". Apple Bloom began to stutter. Sweetie Drops gave Apple Bloom a small smile. "It's alright, I mean I wasn't planning on buying any apples today, but since they're alredy in my bag I might as well. So how much". Apple Bloom turned to Applejack in hopes that she would know what to say. "Tell you what, do to the situation no charge". Applejack stated. "Why thank you". Sweetie Drops said as she left. Applejack smiled and turned towards Apple Bloom only to see her taken over her aporon. "Now what are doing Apple Bloom". Applejack asked. "I just don't think I'm ment to be a salespony". Apple Bloom replied. "Oh come on it was just one little mistake, everypony makes them on the first day". Applejack stated. "But what if I make more, and hurt somepony"! Apple Bloom protested. Applejack thought for a moment really unsure of what to responed with. Then she came up with something. "Listen, sugarcube, I know it's hard to wait for your very own cutie mark, but, you just can't force it. Besides, you're not that grown-up just yet. Ain't there other fillies in your class without one"? Apple Bloom thought for a bit. "Twist doesn't have her's yet". "Well then there you go, wouldn't you feel better going to the party with her"? Asked Applejack. Apple Bloom nodded. "Well alright then". Applejack said. As soon as Apple Bloom left, a stalion spoke up, "Hey, who's been using my racket". Applejack gave a nervous chuckle. Currently Publicly Avalible Imformation Cutie Marks. A mark that appears on A pony's flank. It is ment to tell a pony their special calling in life. Apple Bloom made her way over to Twist's place and knocked on the door. Twist smiled when she saw Apple Bloom. "Hi Apple Bloom, what's up"? she asked. Apple Bloom smiled at her friend and told Twist the reason why she was their. "So I was thinkin'... maybe we could go to Diamond Tiara's cute-ceañera together. I don't have a cutie mark, you don't have a cutie mark". Twist stopped and gave a nervous look. "Well, actually". Twist turned around and reavled that she had gotten her cutie mark shocking Apple Bloom. "Isn't it wonderful"? Twist asked. "I've always loved making my own favorite sweets, but it took me some time to discover that it was my super-special talent. Pretty sweet, huh"? Apple Bloom was still in shock, sure she was happy for her friend, but now she truly was the only one in class who didn't have a cutie mark. "Uh....... Yeah". She responeded. Indeed Apple Bloom was happy for her friend, but she was also clearly upset that she was now most likely the only one in her school without a cutie mark. "Hey... this doesn't mean we can't go to the cute-ceañera together. You're still gonna come to the party, are you"? Twist asked. "Of course she will". Said Diamond Tiara who had just shown up with Silverspoon". "Yeah It's not like being the only pony there without a cutie mark would be, like, the most embarrassing thing ever". Silverspoon laughed, as she and Diamond Tiara walked off with Twist leaving Apple Bloom alone. Apple Bloom, unsure of what to do next found herself laying beside a tree when Rainbow Dash showed up all of a sudden. "Whoa, looks like somepony's got a dark cloud hanging over her head. Let me do something about that. What's the matter, kid"? Dash asked. Knowing that Rainbow Dash was one of Applejack's best friends Apple Bloom took a deep breath and explained everything. "There's a cute-ceañera this afternoon and everypony in my class will be there and they'll all have their cutie marks and I wanna get my cutie mark but I'm no good at sellin' apples but I really wanna go to the party but how can I go to the party if I don't have my cutie mark which my big sister says I'm gonna get eventually but... I WANT IT NOW"! "Cutie mark? I can get you a cutie mark like that"! Rainbow Dash stated. "Applejack says these things take time. I have to just wait for it to happen". Apple Bloom Pointed out. Rainbow Dash just scoffed in response. "Why wait for something to happen when you can make it happen"? Dash asked. "But Applejack says th....." Apple Bloom began only for Rainbow Dash to intterupt her. "Hey, who are you gonna listen to, Applejack, or the pony who was first her class to get a cutie mark"? Rainbow Dash asked "I can think of a number of reasons not to listen to you". Apple Bloom mumbled to herself as Rainbow Dash continued "I always liked flying an' all, but I was going nowhere in a hurry. It wasn't until my very first race that I discovered a serious need for speed, and KAZAM, this sweet baby appeared as fast as lightning". Rainbow Dash took off beckoning for Apple Bloom to follow her. The little farm filly sighed. "I know I'm gonnna regret this". she said to herself as she followed Rainbow Dash (DOA Plays) Once they had gotten to a specfic area, Rainbow Dash had Apple Bloom doing push ups while she coached her on. "That's right, stretch out those legs. Gotta be nice and loose. The key here is to try as many things as possible as quickly as possible. One of them is bound to lead to your cutie mark. Are you ready". "I'm ready"! Apple Bloom said. "I said are you ready"! Rainbow Dash asked again. "I'M READY"! Apple Bloom repeted. "Juggling, go"! Rainbow Dash shouted. Apple Bloom proceeded to juggle five balls, and found that she was pretty could at it, but no cutie mark. So Dash opted to try something else. "Hang Gliding go"! Apple Bloom ran towards the edge of a cliff and leapt off. Soon she was soaring through the air, and while it was exciting it was also terrifying, so Apple Bloom landed on the ground without a cutie mark, Yet Rainbow Dash still had more tricks up her wings. "Karate, go"! Apple Bloom jumped at one of those things that's used for karate training. She kicked it so hard it was knocked out the window impressing Rainbow Dash. "Well Damn". she muttered. but still Apple Bloom had no cutie mark. "Kite flying go"! Ordered Dash. Apple Bloom flew the kite, but no cutie mark. "Ultrapony Roller Derby, go"! Again, no Cutie Mark. Rainbow Dash and Apple Bloom sat under a tree as Rainbow went over all the things they did in order for Apple Bloom to get a cutie mark. "Tried that one... tried that one... tried that one...". Apple Bloom sighed when once again she heard Diamond Tiara, and Silverspoon. She looked over and saw them wearng their new dresses for the party. "Your new outfit is, like, perfect for the party". Said Silverspoon. "I know. It totally shows off my cutie mark". Diamond remarked. "I love being special". Silver replied Can you imagine how embarrassing it must be to be... not special"? asked Diamond Tiara. "I don't even wanna think about that". Silverspoon replied as she and Diamond Tiara laughed. Apple Bloom sighed, when Rainbow Dash shouted out. "I got it!" "What is it"? asked Apple Bloom. Rainbow Dash came over to her and showed her a picture of a 60 meter ramp going stright down over several rings that were lit on fire. Apple Bloom gulped. "This pony's trying to kill me". "With this I'm sure you'll get your cutie mark in no time, and "Uh that's nice Rainbow Dash, and I really appreciate your help, but I uh, have somewhere else I really need to be right now". Apple Bloom said as she quickly ran off leaving Rainbow Dash alone and confused. Apple walked through the town. The whole time thinking about how she was going to be humilated at the party later. It plauged her mind so bad that everything and everyone became a blur. Apple Bloom had to sit down, and once she did, she began to hyperventilate. All of a sudden she saw two figures heading towards her. It was Toola Roola, and Coconut Cream. "Apple Bloom". Called Toola as she and Coco came up to her. Are you alright? Asked Coconut Cream. Apple Bloom shook her head. Toola Roola and Coconut Cream both looked at each other before Coconut Cream nodded. "Alright. Toola Roola stay with her, and I'm going to get some help". Eventually Coconut Cream returned with both Miss Cheerlie, and Nurse Redheart. Both of whom told Toola Roola and Coconut Cream to go as they could handle it from there. Once they left Redheart gave Apple Bloom a glass of water which she drank slowy. Once Apple Bloom had her composer back, she started to explain what happen. "I was walking, and then everything went blurry, and I had trouble breathing". "You've had a Panic Attack". Nurse Redheart explained simply. "Did something upset you, make you anxious"? She asked. Apple Bloom thought for a moment, remembering that it was the fear of being humilated at the party that caused the attack, but she didn't want them to know about it. "Yeah a little a guess". Apple Bloom stated. "You wanna talk about it, you can you know". Nurse Redheart said. Apple Bloom shook her head. Nurse Redheart nodded. "Well Panic Attacks can be very scary, but the symptoms are temporary remember that if it happens again. Hearing that scared Apple Bloom "It's gonna happen again"? She asked. "It might, I deal with filles younger then you who have them everyday". Nurse Redheart explained. "No! I can't go through that eveyday". Apple Bloom stated. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to sugesst that you would". Nurse Redheart Apolgized. "You know what how about I get Applejack". She sugesseted. "No! Don't tell Applejack, about this. Or Big Mac, or Granny Smith". Apple Bloom begged. "Apple Bloom, your family can really help you with this". Said Miss Cheerlie. "No"! Apple Bloom stated firmly. "Okay". Nurse Redheart Nodded. With that Apple Bloom walked off in the opposite direction. Once she was out of sight Cheerlie turned to Redheart. "Ellie, you're not really gonna keep this from Apple Bloom's family are you"? She asked. "For now Sammy, yes I am". Redheart confrimed. "But how long can you keep it from them, you know they'll find out eventually". Cheerlie protested. "I'm well aware, but this is what Apple Bloom wants". Redheart stated. Cheerlie sighed. "Alright". Meanwhile Apple Bloom kept on walking through town, however she couldn't help shake the feeling she was being followed, but when she turned around there was nopony, at least nopony who looked suspicous at all. Eventually Apple Bloom found herself at sugarcube corner where Pinkie Pie was setting out a tray of snacks, she looked up and noticed the little filly at the entrance. "Oh, hey Apple Bloom, how are you today". Pinkie Pie asked. Apple Bloom starred up at the pink party pony and began to explain. "Diamond Tiara is having her cute-ceneria today, and I've been trying to get my cutie mark so that I wouldn't become the laugh stock of the school". Once she finshed Apple Bloom looked over to wear Pinkie Pie was standing, but saw that she wasn't there anymore. Apple Bloom became confused and started to look around for the silly pony. "Pinkie? Hey Pinkie where'd you go"? she asked. Pinkie then appeared right behind Apple Bloom shocking the little filly. "What the, how did you". Apple Bloom was about to ask, but then she remembered who she was talking to. "It's Pinkie Pie, don't question it". she mummered to herself. "You wanna get your cutie mark"? asked Pinkie. "Um........... Yeah". Apple Bloom said hesetating a little with her response. "Well I can help you with that. I happen to know the perfect cutie mark for you". Pinkie Pie exclaimed excitedly. Apple Bloom beamed with happiness after hearing Pinkie's word's. "Really?! What, what is it"? she asked. "A cupcake making cutie mark!" Pinkie exclaimed as she grabbed Apple Bloom and brought her into the kitchen. "Hold on Pinkie, I'm not so sure about this". Apple Bloom protested. "What are you talking about you're an amazing baker". Pinkie Pie stated. "Yeah but those are all apple related dishes I make". Apple Bloom told her. "Well what about those brownies you bake? They're not apple related". Pinkie Pie said. "That was just an experiment I tried". Apple Bloom responeded. "An experiment"? asked Pinkie. "Yeah, I saw them in a recipie book one day, and decieded to give baking them a try. Them turning out the way they did was purely a coincidence". Apple Bloom replied. "Well now you can experiment with cupcakes, come on just give it a try". Pinkie Pie encouraged as she began to sing a little tune. "All you have to do is take a cup of flour! Add it to the mix! Now just take a little something sweet, not sour! A bit of salt, just a pinch! Baking these treats is such a cinch! Add a teaspoon of vanilla! Add a little more, and you count to four, And you never get your fill of... Cupcakes! So sweet and tasty! Cupcakes! Don't be too hasty! Cupcakes! Cupcakes, cupcakes, CUPCAKES"! Though she was still unsure if this was a good idea, Apple Bloom couldn't help but smile at Pinkie Pie's song. "Alright, let's make some cupcakes"! Apple Bloom said. "YAY"! Pinkie Pie cheered. After about thirty minutes the cupcakes were done, and they suprisnigly looked promising, though Apple Bloom was still unsure about the whole thing. "Oooh, those look amazing Apple Bloom"! Pinkie Pie stated as she took one and ate it. Seeing how Pinkie Pie gulped the whole thing down, Apple Bloom decieded to take a small bite herself, and to her suprise, they weren't half bad. "Huh maybe I will get my cutie mark in cupcake baking". she thought to herself. Just then Pinkie Pie exclaimed. "What's that"? Causing Apple Bloom to get excited. "What's what? Is there something on my flank? Is there, is there, is there"? Apple Bloom gasped when she spotted what looked like a cutie mark on her. "A cutie mark! It's a... a measuring cup? No. A mixin' bowl? No... Are those cupcakes? A tower of cupcakes maybe". She exclaimed, but then Pinkie Pie blew on it revealing that it was just some flour that got onto Apple Bloom's flank when they were baking. "Flour. It's flour! Yay! I guessed it. What game you wanna play next? Please say bingo, please say bingo". Apple Bloom however just sighed in dissapoinment and looked down. Just then, Twilight Sparkle, Reiner Braun, and Bertholdt Hoover all walked into the kitchen. "Hey Pinkie Pie, what are doing"? Twilight asked. "We've been making cupcakes, wanna try them"? Pinkie Pie asked as she brought the tray up to the three new ponies. "Woah, these look amazing". Stated Reiner as he Bertholdt, and Twilight each took one. "And they taste amazing too". Bertholdt pointed out. "Yeah who made them"? asked Twilight. "Apple Bloom did"! Pinkie Pie replied. Twilight, Reiner, and Bertholdt all turned to see Apple Bloom, still looking down in dissapointment. The three walked over to her. "You seem like you got something on your mind". Reiner stated. Apple Bloom didn't reply, she just kept looking down. "Apple Bloom? Are you okay". Asked Bertholdt. The little filly shook her head. "What's the matter"? asked Twilight. Apple Bloom took a deep breath. "Tiara's cute-ceañera's today and everypony in my class will be there and they'll all have their cutie marks and I want to get my cutie mark but I keep failing no matter what I try or how good I am at it but I wanna go to the party but how can I go to the party if I don't have my cutie mark, which Applejack says says I can't just make appear, but I need it it to appear, right now"! Twilight looked at Apple Bloom in confusion? "Why does it need to appear right now"? she asked. "Because if I go to the party without a cutie mark I'll be humilated". Apple Bloom stated. "And what can we do"? asked Twilight. "Can't either you or Mr. Braun use your magic to make my cutie mark appear"? asked Apple Bloom. Twilight looked at Apple Bloom in shock. "What? Oh no, Apple Bloom. A cutie mark is something a pony has to discover for herself". "Can't you please try? Pretty please"? she begged giving them really big puppy dog eyes. That almost got Twilight to cave, she would have most likley given in had it not been for Reiner. "Im sorry Apple Bloom, but neither Twilight nor I can do that for you". "But". Apple Bloom began only for Reiner to intterupt her. (Vogel Im Kafig Plays) "No! Apple Bloom listen to me, A cutie mark appears when a Pony finds his or her special talent right"? Apple Bloom nodded. "If Twilight or I just magically poof a cutie mark on to your flank, then you'll most likley end up with something you won't enjoy"? Reiner explained. Apple Bloom thought for a moment. "But Diamond Tiara said". Reiner stopped her before she could finish. "If all Diamond Tiara cares about is cutie marks, then she's not someone you should be trying to impress. You already have a family who loves you, and friends throughout Ponyville, the opinion of two little fillies isn't going to matter to anyone, and you know that". Apple Bloom didn't know what to say at first, but after thinking it over she knew that Reiner was right. "Yeah, you're right Reiner I shouldn't care what one pony thinks of me". "Right, now I suggest you go out there, and if Diamond starts to give you trouble, just let her know that you don't care what she thinks. Apple Bloom nodded, took a deep breath, and step outside to join the party. Once she was in the main room, she began to tense up, and get nervous, but she brushed her worries aside. You can do this Apple Bloom, remember what Reiner said, the opinion of one pony doesn't matter Just then Apple Bloom saw Applejack, and went over to her, Applejack smiled when she saw that her little sister had made it. "Apple Bloom, you made it. After I heard about Twist, I was afraid you wouldn't show up. I sure am glad you came to your senses about this whole cutie mark thing. These things happen when these things are supposed to happen. Trying to rush 'em just drives you crazy. I'll let you be, looks like your friends want to talk to you". Apple Bloom turned around, and saw Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon standing behind her with devious grins on their faces, but Apple Bloom didn't let that faze her. "Well well well, look who's here". Diamond Sneered. "And look who's still a blank flank". Silver Spoon joined in. Apple Bloom cringed at their remarks, but remembered what Reiner had said, and spoke up. "You're right, I don't have my cutie mark, and that's okay". Apple Bloom stated confusing both bullies. "O Okay"? asked Silver Spoon. (Call your Name Plays) "Yeah, because your opinions of me don't matter, If all you care about are cutie marks, then I'm not going to waste my time or my life trying to impress either of you. I know that I will get my cutie mark eventually, and It will be something I'm really good at. Now what that is I don't know, but I will when I discover it. Now if you two will excuse me". Apple Bloom went back over to Applejack who stood their in shock, so did everypony else. "Wow Apple Bloom, that was quite mature, and I for one am proud of you". Applejack stated. "Thanks Applejack, can we go? I'd honestly rather be with Ponies who like me for who I am, and not what's on my flank". Applejack smiled. "Sure thing, you got anywhere in mind". (The Reluctant Heroes plays) "Well".......... Apple Bloom stated. A couple moments later Apple Bloom, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, Reiner, and Bertholdt we're all hang gliding, and having a lot of fun while Twilight resited her letter to Princess Celestia "Dearest Princess Celestia, I am happy to report that one of your youngest subjects has learned a valuable lesson about friendship. Sometimes, the opinon of others doesn't change how your true friends feel about you..." "They help you learn who you should associate with, and who truly cares about you". Celestia concluded as she smiled at her own cutie mark. (Inside Wall Rose) Eren Yeager awoke from the dream he had, just as Mikasa Ackerman walked into the room. "Eren, are you alright"? she asked. Eren looked at her confused,before nodding. "Yeah, Yeah I'm fine Mikasa don't worry. What was that dream about"? Eren wondered. Preview Still trying to get her Cutie Mark, Apple Bloom and her class take a filed trip to Manehatten, where she encounters a troubling situation, luckily for her, there are old friends, and even new ones who will come to her aid. Next Episode A Simple Request.