//------------------------------// // Episode 29: Distress: Gala arc Part 22 // Story: My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic With Reiner and Bertholdt Season 1 // by TheUnknownPhantom5 //------------------------------// How could this have happened. Everything was going so well too. Applejack, and Twilight stared daggers at the bandit who had Apple Bloom in his grasp, the knife aimed at her neck. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Spike, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Reiner, and Bertholdt all watched. Waiting, for what would happen next. Several Hours Eariler It was a lovely day in ponyville as Twilight Sparkle raced through the town. Reiner, and Bertholdt close behind her. "Come on you guys, I wanna tell all our friends about this as soon as possible". Twilight said. "Twilight please slow down, it's still very early, you'll have plenty of time". Reiner stated. Twilight looked back at him, and slowed down. "I know that, but still I really want to tell our friends about this campsite. I mean look at it, it has everything. A lake, a waterfall, and oooh I'm just so excited". Twilight squeeled. "Well look, like I said it's still early, so some of are friends, namely Rainbow Dash are probably still asleep. So how about this, who did you want to invite"? Reiner asked. "You, Bertholdt, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Spike, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, Applejack, and Apple Bloom". Twilight stated. "Um Twilight, did you forget Apple Bloom has a broken leg"? Bertholdt asked. "Don't worry Bertholdt, I'm sure it will be fine, and besides I think Apple Bloom would appriecate getting out of the house" Twilight replied. Reiner sighed. "Okay then how bout this, when it gets a little later in the day we each split up and tell our friends about this camping trip". He said. Twilight nodded in agreement. Later that day, the three of them each split off to tell their friends about the camping trip. Twilight had to tell Rarity, Sweetie Belle, and Pinkie Pie about the camping trip. She went to Pinkie Pie first. The pink earth pony instantly agreed to the idea, and began to get ready. Rarity was reluctant at first, but ulitmatley agreed after seeing Sweetie Belle's excited face. Bertholdt was tasked with telling Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo. First he told Scootaloo, and had no problems convicing her to come, especially after saying that Rainbow Dash would be there. Speaking of Rainbow Dash, she too agreed to come along. Now it was Reiner's job tell Fluttershy, Applejack, and Apple Bloom. Fluttershy immeditly said yes. Which Reiner of course knew she would. "Okay the hard part". Reiner thought to himself. Reiner walked up to the front door of Applejack's house, and knocked. After a few minutes Applejack opened up, and smiled when she saw him. "Howday Reiner, what brings you here today"? Applejack asked. "Hello Applejack, hey um listen there's something I need to ask you". Reiner said. "Well what is it"? Applejack asked. Reiner sighed. "Twilight found this hiking trail near here that leads to a very nice camping area, and she wants all of us to do it. By all of us she means Herself, me, Bertholdt, Rarity, Sweeite Belle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, Fluttershy, you, and Apple Bloom." Applejack stared at Reiner, and he continued. "I know Apple Bloom's leg, and all, but Twilight thinks Apple Bloom needs to get out of the house, and not sit inside all day, and I mean come on it is a nice day after all". Reiner said with a nervous chuckle. Applejack stood in silence for a few minutes. She looked up at the sky, and then back at Apple Bloom. She was on the couch sleeping with a pair of crutches next to her, and a new cast on her leg. Applejack smiled, and turned back to Reiner. "You know what, you're right Apple Bloom does need to get out of the house". Applejack said. "So that mean's you'll come". Reiner asked. "You betcha, as long as everypony can help Apple Bloom that is". Applejack stated. Reiner smiled, and nodded his head. Later the group met up at the Golden Oak Library to discuss how the hike was going to go. "I'm so glad you all agreed to come along on this adventure. Now I'm going to explain how things are going to go during that trip". Twilight said with excitment. Everypony smiled, and waited as the listen to Twilight. Once she was done explaing Rainbow Dash raised her hoof. "This sounds great and all Twilight, but if we want to get there quick, then don't you think there's somepony who might slow us down"? Rainbow Dash asked. Now Rainbow Dash didn't look at anyone in paticular, but everyone new she was talking about Apple Bloom. The little filly also knew, and felt tears well up into her eyes. Applejack wasn't too happy with Rainbow Dash for making her little sister cry. "Ya'll wanna repeat that missy"? Applejack warned. "I'm just saying we shouldn't have a liabilty come with us on this trip if we want it to be fun." Rainbow Dash replied. That made Applejack really angry, and she began to advance towards Rainbow Dash who in turn got into a fighting stance. Twilight quickly got in between them while the other comforted Apple Bloom who was now silently crying. "Girls please don't fight. This is suppose to be something all of us can do, and Rainbow calling Apple Bloom a liabilty? How could you say something like that to her"? Twilight demanded. Rainbow Dash just sighed, and looked at Apple Bloom. "Sorry". She simply said. Apple Bloom looked up, and nodded. "It's okay." But maybe I should stay here. I don't wanna be a liabilty." "Hey hey hey. You're not a liabilty. Don't think for a second that just because you have a broken leg means anyting". Reiner stated. "All of us will help you on this trip". Bertholdt replied. This made Apple Bloom feel better. Rainbow Dash just rolled her eyes, as Twilight spoke up. "Alright everypony. Lets go on an adventure"! She exclaimed excitedly "Yeah"! Everyone cheered. Soon they were all off on their adventure. Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie stayed back to assit Apple Bloom. About twenty minutes into their walk the gang game to a fork in the road. Twilight and Reiner looked at the map. "Both paths will lead to our desination, however the left one is shorter then the right one". Twilight stated. "Well then let's take the left past if we want to get there quick". Rainbow Dash said as she rushed forward only for Reiner to stop her". "Hold on Rainbow". He stated. "The left path is shorter but has a punch of hills we need to climb over". "That's right, we need to take the long way for Apple Bloom". Twilight replied. Everyone nodded in agreement, but Rainbow Dash gronaed in frustration. "Oh quit yer whinning Dash". Applejack stated. "We wouldn't be having any problems if she had just stayed home"! Rainbow Dash said pointing at Apple Bloom. "Rainbow Dash leave her alone"! Fluttershy scolded softly but firmly. "Yeah". replied Pinkie Pie. "It's not her fault she has a broken leg"! "Whatever'! Rainbow Dash stated as she continued on her way down the long path. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo both put comforting hooves on Apple Bloom's shoulders as tears welled up in the little filles eyes, and she began to softly sob. Both Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo glared at Rainbow Dash, who just rolled her eyes, and continued forward. Twilight just sighed, before turning to Apple Bloom. "Are you okay"? She asked. Apple Bloom just nodded, and Twilight gave her a smile reassuring smile. "Alright let's get a move on we wanna get to are destention before sunset". Reiner stated. The group went on down the path with Pinkie, and Fluttershy helping Apple Bloom. As they walked down, they couldn't help but admire the beautiful scenerary around them. "I can't believe how beautiful this forest is". Sweetie Belle stated. "I know, it's simply breathtaking". Rarity replied. "So lovely" Said Fluttershy. "It's nice to just get out, and enjoy nature every once and a while". Bertholdt acknowledged. Rainbow Dash, and Applejack however were not to into the scenerio around them, but instead were glaring at each other. Applejack knew Rainbow Dash was annoyed that they had to move slowly for Apple Bloom, but Applejack couldn't care less. She didn't want to leave her sister cooped up in a house, and this was actually good for her anyways. Rainbow Dash then spoke. "You know if we didn't have the EXTRA WEIGHT! We'd probably be there by now". She made sure to say that last part out loud. Everyone tried to ignore her. Pinkie Pie, put her hooves over Apple Bloom's ears so she wouldn't have to hear what was being said. Applejack however was none too please with how Rainbow Dash was behaving. "You take that back right now missy"! She demanded. "I will not, I'm only speaking the truth, but you are just too stubborn to realize that"! Rainbow Dash retorted "I ain't the one who's bein stubborn"! Applejack argued back. "Howday ya'll I'm Applejack, and I just love Apples"! Rainbow Dash mocked. This made Applejack furious. "Oh yeah?! Well I'm Rainbow Dash, and I wanna be a wonderbolt, but I know that will never happen cause I'm too darn lazy to ever do what I'm told. Rainbow Dash gasped. "How dare you"! She exclaimed. "What? I'm only speaking the truth". Applejack stated using Rainbow Dash's own words aganist her. That sent Rainbow Dash over the edge, and she lunged at Applejack. Immedidtly, Rarity, Reiner, and Bertholdt jumped in between them in an attempt to deescalte the situation. "Come on you two, this is no way to behave" Rarity said, but Applejack, and Rainbow Dash were too busy shouting at each other. Meanwhile everyone else just stood back. "This, is not going well". Sweetie Belle stated. "I know, I was hoping to have some fun with Rainbow Dash, but I honestly don't like the way she's acting". Scootaloo Replied. "This isn't going the way I hoped it would". Twilight muttered. She then turned to the little filly who was being the most effected by all this. "Apple Bloom I'm so sorry you have the hear all this". Twilight said as she hugged the little earth pony filly. Apple Bloom smiled, and gentely hugged Twilight back. "It's okay". She whispered. Finally, Rarity, Reiner, and Bertholdt manged to calm Applejack and Rainbow Dash down. "Now what do the two of you say to each other"? Reiner demanded. "Sorry". They both said meekley. "Good, now let's go". Reiner said. The group continued moving all while Applejack, and Rainbow Dash kept glaring at each other. Currently Publicly Available Information The Wasteland Navigation Exercise. A field exercise in which the cadets are split into two detachments and make a round trip through a wasteland. Both groups depart at the same hour and travel along two different routes, retrieve the planted object, then return to base. The target of this exercise is to find out how well one can stay alert in a non-critical situation. The group continued to walk on. Sweetie Belle took some pictures of the nature with the camera she brought. She smiled at how nice they came out. "Taking some pictures?" Asked Bertholdt. Sweetie Belle nodded. "I wanna remember all the things we saw today". She told him "Who knows if we'll ever have a chance like this again". Bertholdt smiled. All of a sudden Spike noticed something. "Hey guys look at this". He called out. The others came up to him, and noticed some bags on the ground. "Seems like there are other hikers around". Twilight stated. "Yeah, but look there". Spike said pointing. The others then noticed a large machete sticking out of one of the bags. "Why would hikers need a machete"? Asked Scootaloo. "Maybe to cut through leaves, and bushed"? Sweetie Belle suggested though she was unsure of herself. "That's not possible, there aren't any bushes on this path". Apple Bloom stated "They could have been cut up". Sweetie Belle replied. "If that were the case, the we would have seen cut up leaves on the ground". Reiner stated. The group stared for a while, before Fluttershy spoke up. "Oh my, I have a bad feeling about this". She gulped. Twilight nodded. "Yeah me too, so let's get out of here before whoever owns those supplies comes back. Everypony agreed, and quickly moved away from the bags, unaware that they were being watched. As they continued on the group came across a rope bridge, that looked pretty unstable. Twilight, and Reiner both knew they all couldn't cross at the same time. "This bridge won't be able to support us if we all cross at the same time". Twilight stated. "So what do we do"? Asked Bertholdt. "Simple we each cross one at a time". Reiner replied. Twilight nodded. "Right, Apple Bloom, and Spike first". She said. "Woah hold on, why them first"? Rainbow Dash asked. "Because Apple Bloom's going to need help getting across the bridge". Twilight told Rainbow Dash. She then turned to Spike. "Be sure to help her get across". She told him. "Of course". Spike said. Spike and Apple Bloom then walked over to the bridge. As they walked past Rainbow Dash, Apple Bloom noticed she was glaring at her. "Ignore her". Spike said as the two made it the bridge. "You ready"? He asked. Apple Bloom nodded, and the two slowly, and carefully made their way across the bridge. It did wobble a bit causing Apple Bloom to flinch, but other then that the two of them made it across safely. Soon the others came as well. Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Bertholdt, and Reiner. Rainbow Dash flew across. As soon as they were across the bridge Twilight looked at the map one more time. Apple Bloom walked up to her. "Where now"? She asked "See up there? There's another fork in the road. Unfourntenly unlike the last one the map doesn't show what path which be eaiser for you". Twilight stated. "So, what do we do"? Asked Apple Bloom. "Reiner, and I are gonna check both paths, and see which one is better. Would you mind holding onto the map for me"? Twilight then asked. Apple Bloom beamed and nodded her head. Twilight, and Reiner then walked up the paths. Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo walked up to Apple Bloom "Isn't this wonderful, it's so nice to go on an adventure like this". Sweetie Belle stated. "It would be even better if I didn't have this broken leg, and wasn't slowing us down". Apple Bloom said sadly. "Hey, don't listen to anything Rainbow Dash is saying. It's not your fault you're injured". Scootaloo said. Apple Bloom still didn't feel very good about herself. "Hey think about it though, we might get hiking cutie marks". Scootloo then stated. Sweetie Belle gasped. "Yes that would be amazing". She exclaimed. "Cutie Mark Crusader Hikers"! Apple Bloom cheered "YAY"! They all cheered. Applejack, and Rarity both smiled at the children as they cheered. "Sure is nice seein em smile like that". Applejack said. "Yes, especially Apple Bloom with after everything that's happened today". Rarity replied. "I couldn't agree more". Stated Applejack. However the excitment soon went downhil. All of a sudden, a random bird flew out of a bush near Apple Bloom, causing the young filly to yelp in suprise. However the worse was yet the come. Apple Bloom had been so startled that she dropped the map. "Oh no"! Apple Bloom Yelped as she tried to get the map. The others noticed what was happening, and tried to get the map too, but it was no use. The map flew off the cliff, and fell into the river bellow completly ruined. Rainbow Dash turned to Apple Bloom, her eyes full of rage. "Look what you've done"! She shouted causing Apple Bloom to yelp. "Rainbow Dash"! Spike began, but Rainbow Dash wasn't listening as she advanced towards Apple Bloom. The filly backed away trembling in fear. She then tripped over a stone and hit her broken leg causing her to cry out in pain, but Rainbow Dash didn't stop. "First you slow us down, and now you've gotten us lost! I knew Twilight shouldn't have brought you along, you're nothing but liablity, and a nuscinces"! Rainbdow Dash yelled. Apple Bloom's eyes filled with tears, her lips began to quiver. "I I I'm s s sorry"! She began sobbing. Rainbow Dash however just continued to grill in to Apple Bloom. "Miss Rainbow Dash stop yelling at her this instant"! Rarity scolded. "I'm only speaking the truth". Rainbow Dash stated. "The truth? All you'ved done is make my little sister feel bad about herself"! Applejack replied. As Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack argued, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Bertholdt, Spike, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo all began to comfort Apple Bloom just as Twilight and Reiner returned. "What happened"?! Reiner demanded. "Why is Apple Bloom crying"!? Twilight asked in a concerned voice. "She dropped the map in to the river, and now we don't know where to go"! Rainbow Dash complained. "It was an accident, she didn't mean to do it". Fluttershy stated. "SHE SHOULDN'T EVEN BE ON THIS TRIP IN THE FIRST PLACE, ALL SHE'S DOING IS SLOWING US DOWN"! Rainbow Dash stated. "NO SHE HASN'T! AT NO POINT DID WE EVER HAVE TO STOP AND WAIT FOR HER! YOU RAINBOW DASH ARE BEING NOTHIN BUT A DAMN HIPPOCRYTE"! Applejack yelled. Soon the two of them were in a screaming match with each other. Rarity, Spike, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle tried to stop them, while Twilight, Reiner, Bertholdt, Pinkie, and Fluttershy stayed with Apple Bloom who was now coverng her ears. "Apple Bloom are you okay"? Bertholdt asked with conceren in his voice. Apple Bloom only grimced in response. "Nggh". She groaned. "Apple Bloom, what's wrong"? Asked Twilight as she put her hooves around the little filly's shoulder's. "Make them stop". Apple Bloom grimced. The others looked at each other, and then Reiner stood up. "ENOUGH"! He shouted with such authority it made everyone jump. "Rainbow Dash you have no right to be treating Apple Bloom the way you are". "But"! Rainbow Dash began. "NO"! Reiner intterupted. "You have been nothing but cruel, and unfair to her, nothing has slowed us down, or anything". Rainbow Dash just stared at Reiner, not saying anything so Reiner contiuned. "You want to be a wonderbolt right? Well they won't accept someone who yells at an injured child". Reiner stated. Rainbow Dash just sighed. "Sorry". She grunted. "It's okay". Apple Bloom stated, but she knew that Rainbow Dash didn't actually mean it. Then Spike spoke up. "But what are we going to do without the map"? He asked. "Don't worry, we don't need it anyways"? Twilight told him. "How come"? Asked Sweetie Belle. "Because all we need to do is take the left path, and we'll be there". Reiner stated. That made everypony exicted. "Well what are we waiting for, let's go"! Apple Bloom exclaimed happily. With that the gang all followed Twilight, and Reiner up the path. It took about ten minutes to get up the hill, but finally they made it, and looked at the amazing view ahead of them. "What did I tell you guys, isn't this amazing"? Twilight asked excitedly. "I'll say, this place is simply breathtaking". Rarity replied. "I'm so glad of all us get to experiance something like this". Scootaloo stated as they all looked around. There were trees, a large field down the hill, a crystal blue lake with a waterfall, and a rainbow. It was magnificent. "Come on girls let's go have fun"! Pinkie Pie said to the CMCs as she put Apple Bloom onto her back and ran down the hill, with Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle following. Soon they were all playing in the site, and having a great time. Pinkie Pie, and The Crusaders swam in the lake, Fluttershy froliced in the field of Flowers. Twilight, and Spike looked up at the Rainbow, Reiner, and Bertholdt spared with each other, and Sweetie Belle in addtion to swimming also took severeal pictures with her camera. However Applejack, and Rainbow Dash didn't play, and were both just glaring at each other. Fluttershy noticed this, and came up to the two of them. "Are you two alright"? She asked. Applejack was about to answer, when Sweetie Belle came up to them. "Hey, you all gotta see, what Apple Bloom, and Pinkie Pie found". She told them. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Twilight, Fluttershy, Spike, Reiner, and Bertholdt all followed Sweeite Belle behind the waterfall where Pinkie Pie, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo were waiting. "You wanted to show us a cave"? Rainbow Dash asked unimpressed. "Not the cave it self, it's what's on the otherside". Pinkie Pie stated as she, and the crusaders led the others down the end of the cave. Once on the other side, the others gasped in shocked, there was a hotsprings. "How did you find this, it was nowhere on the map". Twilight pointed out. "As we were swimming in the lake, I just happend to look behind the waterfall, and a saw a quick glimpse of something I didn't know what it was". Apple Bloom exclaimed. "So Apple Bloom asked me to take her over there, and check it out. That's when we discovered the cave, and our curiosty got the better of us so we went through it, and found the hot springs". Pinkie Pie stated. "So of course we told Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo". Apple Bloom continued. "And then I told all of you". Said Sweetie Belle. The others stared for a while, before all smiling. Soon they were all relaxing in the hotsprings, and what was even better is that there were four different areas. One for The mares, one for the Crusaders, one for Spike, and one for Reiner and Bertholdt. With Twilight and the others they sat, in their pool as Rarity spoke. "It is so lovely that you and the crusaders discovered this Pinkie Pie". She complemented. "Well it was mainly Apple Bloom who found it". Pinkie Pie replied. Each of the girls all nodded in agreement except Rainbow Dash who just groaned. "She's lucky we made here at all after she lost the map". She grumble. "Oh for the love of knock it off RD, it was a mistake, and you know it." Applejack stated. "Yeah, and you know what else was a mistake, bringing a damn cripple on this hike who's gonna do nothing but ruin our fun"! Rainbow Dash retorted. She said this in a whisperer, but Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Spike, Reiner, and Bertholdt all heard her. Apple Bloom began to cry while Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo comforted her, while Reiner, and Bertholdt had to hold Spike back since he wanted to give Rainbow Dash a peace of his mind. Later that night they were all gather around a campfire, though tenseions were high, with Applejack, and Rainbow Dash glaring at each other, and Apple Bloom feeling guilty about loosing the map. After a few minutes of silence Twilight spoke up. "Um, I know things were a little frustrated, but at least we all made it her, and we were all able to have fun". She said. Reiner nodded in agreement. "That's right, come on everyone let's not dwell on the negetive stuff, and focus on what a great time we had". He said this while looking at Applejack, and Rainbow Dash. Seeing Reiner look at them Applejack just smirked at Rainbow Dash. "You are absouletly right Mr. Braun, we did have a great time today, and absoultely nothing, nor did anypony ruin it". She said while eyeing Rainbow Dash, who noticed the way Applejack, and Everyone was looking at her. "What"?! She asked in a rather annoyed tone. To which Applejack smirked again. "Admit it, you were wrong about Apple Bloom ruining this hike because of her broken leg". She stated. "Applejack's right Rainbow Dash, Apple Bloom's injuried hasn't caused any major issues at all". Bertholdt replied. Everyone nodded in agreement, but Rainbow Dash just rolled her eyes. "Well she lost the map, and how are we going to go home without it"! Rainbow Dash retorted. "Simple, by just going back the way we came, we went in a staright line". Sweetie Belle replied. "Whatever". Rainbow Dash said. That's when Applejack spoke up. "You know I've had it up to here with you treating my little sis like garbage! You are almost a grown adult, and you should not be treating a child they way you have been treating Apple Bloom". "Oh yeah, well if you were smart you would have known not to bring her on this hike"! Rainbow Dash argued back. Soon enough they were again shouting at each other when all of a sudden a voice screamed "STOP"! Everyone looked to see Apple Bloom panting heavily with tears streaming down her face. "I'm tired of you two arguing over me, I can't help that I have a broken leg, but I'm not going to let that stop me. I'm glad to be on this trip with all of you" She stated before turning to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. "However if anyone is runing this trip it's you two with your constant arguing, and bickering." Apple Bloom then turned to Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. "Can you two help me down to the lake, I need some time alone". She told them. "Of course". Sweetie Belle said as she and Scootaloo helped Apple Bloom walk over to the lake. Everyone else just watched them go. Applejack didn't say anything. She just knew that Apple Bloom was right. For a while no pony said anything, utnil Twilight Spoke up. "It's late, let's get some sleep". She said. Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo helped Apple Bloom down to the lake, once there they sat her down by the edge of the water. "Thanks you two". Apple Bloom stated. "No problem". Replied Scootaloo. "Do you want us to stay with you"? Asked Sweetie Belle. "No thanks, I just want to be alone right now". Apple Bloom answered. "Oh, okay well yell if you need anything". Sweetie Belle said as she and Scootaloo headed back to the others. "Today was a pretty fun day, though Rainbow Dash was being such a big meanie to Apple Bloom". Sweetie Belle grumbled. To her suprise Scootaloo nodded in agreement. "Yeah I can't believe Rainbow Dash would say all those horrible things to her". Scootaloo stated. "Wow Scootaloo I'm actually surpised that you aren't defending Rainbow Dash". Sweetie Belle stated. Scootaloo looked at Sweetie Belle in confusion. "Why would you say that"? She asked. "Because you look up to Rainbow Dash, and think everything she does is awesome". Sweetie Belle replied. "Yes, while I may be Rainbow Dash's biggest Fan". Scootaloo began. "Self proclaimed". Sweetie Belle intterupted while smirking. "Anyways, I may have looked up to Rainbow Dash, but I will not support anyone who is mean to a pony who is sick, and or injured, and honestley with the way Rainbow Dash has been treating Apple Bloom I don't even think I want to be like her anymore". Scootaloo stated. Sweetie Belle stared as Scootaloo walked back to the others. "I hope Rainbow Dash realizes her mistake, or she's going to loose all of her friends". Sweetie Belle mummbled to herself. Apple Bloom sat by the lake, fourtenlty Sweetie Belle, and Scootloo made sure to put her in a postion where she would be comfortble. She then thought back to what Rainbow Dash had said in the hot springs "You Know What else was a mistkae? Bringing a damn cripple on this hike who's gonna do nothing but ruin our fun"! Apple Bloom stared at reflection in the lake, she wondered if Rainbow Dash was right, was it a mistake coming with everyone. "I did loose the map, even if we did make it here in once peace". Apple Bloom said to herself. As she pondered this a ferret came out of the bushes and up to her. Apple Bloom gave it a small smile. "Hey there little guy". Apple Bloom said as she gave the ferret a few small pets. The ferret rubbed up against Apple Bloom making the little filly giggle. It was like it knew something was bothering her, and it was trying to make her feel better. Apple Bloom couldn't help but smile as she remembered the words Reiner told her the day of Diamond Tiara's cute-ceninara. 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 smiled. Reiner was right, and she didn't regret coming on this trip. Apple Bloom was about to call out for help back to the others. She knew it would annoy Rainbow Dash who was most likely asleep, but Apple Bloom didn't care anymore. However before she could call out she was interrupted by some rustling in the bushes. on the other side of the lake. The sound caused the ferret to spring up and snarl. This confused Apple Bloom greatly, as the ferret all of a sudden ran off. Apple Bloom only stared off in the distance, when all of a sudden a figure appeared behind her. Twilight was awoken by the sound of a shirl scream. She looked up to see a masked stalion looming over her holding the same machete they had discovered eariler. "Don't move". He said in a deep voice. Twilight's eyes darted around. She saw that a bunch of masked stalions were standing over her friends. All of them had looks of fear in their eyes, as the one who stood over Twilight spoke again (VNPF2013 Plays) Gather their supplies he said. His henchmen did what he asked, and started to gather all the supplies the group had brought with them as they could only watch. "Why are you doing this"? Twilight asked. "You ponies look like you have stuff that others would be willing to pay a heffty price for, and beisdes it's not like you need them anyways". The lead bandit replied as the group contiuned to stay in place. All of a sudden, Twilight shot up, and grabbed the Machette the lead bandit was holding. "Everyone, now"! She commanded as she and the lead bandit began to struggle. However no one did anything. "Twilight"! Spike shouted only to have another knife pointed at him. Rainbow Dash tried to fly away, but stopped in her tracks when the machette the lead bandit was holding flew out of his hooves, and wizzed past Rainbow Dash's head. Rainbow Dash just stood still in shock, as the lead bandit brought up his free hoof, and socked Twilight in the face sending her to the ground. "You better think twice before you move". He stated. Present Time Twilight, and the others could only watch as the bandits took all their supplies. However to make matters worse, they we're also taking Apple Bloom hostage as well. He front and back legs were tied, and her mouth was gagged so she couldn't scream. The lead bandit then spoke again. "We're not going to kill her, and we will release at one point, but if you follow us she's dead". He warned as he got into the waggon they had brought with them and sped off. "Everyone.... If we had attacked as a team, then we could have done something". Twilight stated. The others just looked at her before Rainbow Dash spoke up. "That's just your opinion. I think you're wrong. Infact you're reckless behavoir put us all in danger". She replied. "We should get go back to Ponyville, this trip is over". Applejack said. "You're right"Spike replied. Twilight however didn't like that response. (Call your Name Plays) "Are we just going to abandon Apple Bloom"?! She asked, disgusted that Applejack would even suspect that. "Of course not, I want to save my little sister, but we don't even know where they went. We need to go to the proper authorites before we do anything". Applejack told Twilight, but Twilight wasn't having any of it. "By the time we get help, it will probably be too late"! She exclaimed. When no one replied she continued. "I'm going to save Apple Bloom, even if I have to do it alone"! Twilight told them through tears as she began to walk off. "Twilight"! Spike called out only for Rainbow Dash to go after her. "Wait"! Rainbow Dash called as she caught up to Twilight and grabbed her. "How do you even expect to find them". She aksed. "Why does it matter to you"?! Twilight stated angrily. "It does matter. I'm going with you"! Rainbow Dash replied. Twilight was shocked to hear Rainbow Dash say that. Rainbow Dash could see that so she continued. "I've been unfairly cruel to Apple Bloom throughout this entire trip, I owe her a big apology, and I also want some payback for what those bandits did. As Rainbow Dash say this, the others came down all willing to join them on this rescue mission, Applejack putting her hoof on Rainbow Dash's shoulder. "I know Apple Bloom will forgive you RD, and I'm glad you're seeing the error of your ways". She said. Rainbow Dash smiled. "Alright, let's go save Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo you two stay here". Twilight said. "No way"! Sweetie Belle retorted. "Huh"? Twilight said in confusion. "Apple Bloom's our friend, and there's no way we're going to sit back when she's in danger"! Scootaloo stated. The others knew that Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo weren't going to back down, so they all just sighed. "Alright, then lets go"! Twilight replied. "Wait, how are we going to find them"? Fluttershy asked. "I've got an idea". Reiner answered. "What is it"? Asked Spike. "A couple months ago back when Bertholdt and I were training to be soliders in our hometown, we had to do a training excerise which involed going out into the woods. We we're split into two groups, and during the excerise group A had to deal with bandits who had kidnapped one of our friends. Bertholdt and I weren't part of the group that delt with the bandits, but group A told us that they manged to rescue our friend by going up to higher ground like trees, and mountaints". Reiner replied. "Going up. That's a great idea Reiner"! Twilight stated. So the group made their way up a nearby mountain to see if they could spot the kidnappers, and sure enough they were. Twilight looked through the telescope she had brought with them, and saw them at a different campsite. They were leading Apple Bloom towards another wagon with the supplies. "At least they have the dignently to support Apple Bloom with her leg". Twilight mutterted to herself. "So what do we do know"? Asked Scootaloo. "I have an idea". Fluttershy replied. Everyone looked at her in shock, but Fluttershy told them her plan anyways. "There are two different paths those guys can take. The right path is the easier one, as it has more room, especisaly for those big wagons. If they get there it'll be too late, however luckly for us there's they have to go through the forest to get to it". Fluttershy told them. "So what are you suggesting darling"? Rarity asked. "Simple, as long as we can block their path with the trees, and then ambush them we should be good". Fluttershy replied. "Hold on Flutters how is everypony going to get up to the trees, I mean You, Bertholdt, and I can fly, but what about the others"? Rainbow Dash asked. That's when both Applejack, and Pinkie Pie smirked. "You just leave that to us". Pinkie Pie stated. (EMA Plays) Down with the bandits, they had tied Apple Bloom up aganist the top of the Wagon, and began to drive off. However they were unawre that Twilight, and her friends we're waiting from the trees ahead. Once the wagon made it into the forest, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Spike, and Rarity used Pinkie Pie's grapple hook to swing from one tree to the next. Meanwhile, Applejack, Reiner, and Bertholdt were waiting behind some rocks while holding the lasso Applejack brought. "How will we know which wagon has Apple Bloom in it"? Bertholdt asked. "Will hear the sound of clanging since it will also have the stuff in it to". Reiner answered. The three of them waited. Four wagons pasted, finally the fifth one made the clanging sound they we're waiting for. "NOW"! Applejack shouted as she Reiner, and Bertholdt pulled the rope, and brought the tree down. Unfouretnely the ponies pulling the wagon saw the tree coming and quickly made it under the tree before it blocked their path. "Damnit"! Cursed Applejack as the wagon began getting away. However unknown to the bandits in the trees waiting were Twilight Sparkle, and Rainbow Dash. As soon as the Wagon was near them, they leaped in from the trees. "What the! Who are". The stalion didn't have time to finish his sentence before he was socked in the face by Twilight. He was knocked out as the other bandit began to struggle with her. As Twilight fought with the other bandits Rainbow Dash worked on freeing Apple Bloom All of a sudden Apple Bloom screamed. "LOOK OUT"! Rainbow Dash turned just in time to see one of the bandits rushing at her with a large knife. However before it could strike Rainbow Dash Reiner appeared, and blocked it with his foreleg. The knife struck him creating a deep cut as blood started to leak out of the wound. "Reiner"! Twilight screamed. "It's okay, I'll handle these guys, just get Apple Bloom, and get as far away as possible"! Reiner demanded. "But Reiner"! Rainbow Dash argued. "Don't argue with me, just do what I say"! He said sternly. Twilight, and Rainbow Dash reluctantly did as they were told, and began to work on freeing Apple Bloom. Finally, the manged to untire, and lept out of the wagon. Once they were save Twilight turned to see Reiner still on the wagon fighting the bandits. "Reiner"! Twilight yelled, and began to chase after the wagon only to be stopped by Bertholdt. "Bertholdt what are you doing"?! Twilight asked in confusion. "Don't worry. Reiner can handle himself". Bertholdt reassured Twilight. Twilight looked back as the wagon disappeared into the woods before sighing, and rushing over to check on Apple Bloom. Back with the bandits the leader was wondering what all the noise was. "What is happening back there"?! He demanded. "Those ponies we robbed attacked us, and rescued the girl! Now one of them is on the last wagon, and is attacking our crew". One of the henchmen replied. The leader growled in response. "Stop abrubtly, all the other wagons will stop too. That should get whoever the pony is off balance enoguh for someone to kill him. The driver of the head wagon did as he was told, and soon all the other wagons did so as well. When the last one stopped Reiner, who had been beating up the other bandits was knocked down. This allowed one of the bandits to stab Reiner right in the chest with a large hunting knife. "ARGH"! Reiner growled. The pony smirked at Reiner. "Not so tough now are you. Now you will pay for what you've done". The Bandit said. He went to finish Reiner off when Reiner grabbed the knife from the bandit, and tossed it out of the wagon. "You have know idea who you're messing with". Reiner stated as sparks of light began to appear across his body as the bandits looked on in confusion. Outside the other bandits waited for their orders when they were all suddendly suprised by the sound of an explosion. They all turned to see that the last wagon had been destroyed, all of the ponies in it dead, and standing in front of them all was the Armored Titan. "What the hell is that thing"?! One of the bandits asked in shock before he was instantly stepped on by Reiner. The Armored Titan then charged forward as the bandits tried to run away, however Reiner was able to run pass them. He then slammed into the side of a mountain the force of the impact causing a huge rock slide the crushed, and killed all the remaing bandits. Once they were all dead Reiner left the nape of the Armored Titan, covered himself in a bunch of cuts, and bruises, and made his way away from the carnage. It took Reiner about an hour to return back to the others. By the time he got there several police ponies along with Mayor Mare, and even Princess Celestia were all there as well. Twilight was talking with Celestia when she spoted Reiner walking over to them. "Reiner"! She ran over, and gave him a hug. "Are you okay". "I'm fine". Reiner reassured Twilight just as Mayor Mare and Princess Celestia came up to them. "Mr. Braun, can you please tell us where the bandits are now"? Mayor Mare asked. Reiner sighed, "All of them are Dead". He replied. Twilight gasped in shock, but Mayor Mare. and Princess Celestia remained unfased. "Can you tell us how they died"? Asked Princess Celestia. "As we were going past a large mountain there was a rockslide, and they all got crushed. I survived because I jumped out of the wagon I was in". Reiner answered. Princess Celestia nodded her head. "Very well". She said. "We will send a team to collect their bodies". She, and Mayor Mare then walked away. "How's Apple Bloom"? Reiner asked. "She's fine, a little shaken up, but other then that she's going to be okay". Twilight said. She then walked away just as Bertholdt came up to Reiner. "You used your Titan form didn't you". Bertholdt whispered to which Reiner nodded his head. He then looked at Twilight. "That little pony is young, but she has potential Bertholdt. Prehaps she can help us retake the Coordinate from Eren". Reiner said. To which Bertholdt simply nodded. Meanwhile Rainbow Dash was talking with Applejack, and Apple Bloom. "Apple Bloom I am so sorry for how I've been treating you all day. I had no right to say it was a mistake to bring you, or to yell at you about the map. I really hope you can forgive me". Rainbow Dash said sadly. Apple Bloom responded by giving Rainbow Dash a big hug, and smilling. "So you do forgive"? Rainbow Dash asked hopefully to which Apple Bloom smiled, and nodded her head. "Thanks Apple Bloom". Rainbow Dash smiled. Over a few meters away Pinkie Pie stood with Fluttershy. "You know we didn't really do alot". Pinkie Pie said. "Meh". Fluttershy shrugged as she walked away confusing Pinkie Pie. "Meh? That's all you've gotta say is meh?". She asked to which Fluttershy just said. "Meh". Again leaving Pinkie Pie confused as Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo who had both seen the hold thing just laughed. Preview When Princess Celestia visits Ponyville Fluttershy notices her sick pet bird, and decieds to take it home in order to help it feel better. However she does this without asking the Princess's permission, and soon trouble arrises. Next Episode. A Bird in a Hoof