//------------------------------//
// Independence 
// Story: Unmarked Once More 
// by gamernerd717 
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The Crusaders were all doing their own thing. Apple Bloom was doing work over at Sweet Apple Acres, Scootaloo had been practicing stunts on her scooter, and Sweetie Belle was helping Rarity with designing the latest in fashion. They may be a trio at heart, but they can’t do everything together. 

Unbeknownst to them, the sorcerer had been mulling over plans to get the Crusaders’ identical marks for his own ends. The problem wasn’t physically separating the marks from the ponies, that was easy. The problem was trying to lure them in without them catching on. Foals, whether they be colts or fillies, were normally gullible, but these three may be more cautious if his pre-existing studies were anything to go by. The fact that they had been the only ponies he’d seen to have matching cutie marks was enough for him. 

“While these three may be more gullible than I anticipate, I still cannot afford to make premature assumptions. I shall get to work on how to lure them in, and strike when the time is right.”, he thought to himself. The more he studied to see what made them tic, the better. His efforts would most certainly pay off in the end. He just needed to look deeper, and see something he could exploit. Perhaps, it would be best to get a little more information on what their social lives were like; How they talked to other ponies, or what they liked to do. Maybe then, he would get what he wanted. 

Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom had been on the receiving end of Applejack’s excessive attempts to help or aid in some way. She had always hated being treated like a baby, but this instance was more irritating than usual.

“I don’t need your help, Applejack! I can take care of myself! You don’t need to help me with absolutely everythin’.” Apple Bloom told her big sister.

“I just thought you would need some extra help is all. After all, you can’t do everythin’ by yourself just yet. You never know when you might need the extra-“ Applejack was cut off by her little sister’s sudden outburst.

“I SAID I DON’T NEED YOUR HELP!” Apple Bloom snapped. Realizing what she had said, and looking at her big sister’s shocked expression, she quickly took it back. 

“I’m sorry, Applejack. It’s just…with everythin’ that I’ve been doin’ by myself and with the Crusaders, I just feel like I can be a little more independent, now. I got my cutie mark. I’m not a little filly anymore”. 

Apple Bloom’s apology reached her sister, who took the words to heart. 

“I know sugarcube. I’m not tryin’ to intrude on your life. I just want you to know that I’ll always be there to help you through thick and thin, if you need me. I know you got your cutie mark, and I couldn’t be prouder of you, but it’s always nice to help once in a while”. 

The two Apples shared a hug, and went back to their work on good terms. If Apple Bloom ever found things to be too tough for her to handle, Applejack was always a little trot away.

Listening just out of sight, the sorcerer was spying on the Apple family and knew he had struck gold. Now, he knew what he had to do. With one down and two to go, everything was slowly falling into place.