It was mid-morning in Ponyville. At the town's little schoolhouse, Cheerilee was, as always, teaching her class. She was currently lecturing the students on Equestrian history, at the same time etching some visual aids on her chalkboard.
"And so you see, fillies and colts, the great cherry tree groves of Dodge Junction came to be because-" Her lecture was suddenly cut off by the sounds of snoring. "I certainly hope somepony isn't sleeping in class." She remarked, slightly irritated, yet still trying to focus on the lecture. "I'd hate for them to miss out on such a vital learning opportunity..."
Cheerilee was answered by more snoring. Reluctantly, Cheerilee turned away from the chalkboard, and looked out over the small sea of young pony faces (most of which were trying their best to look as alert as possible). She didn't expect finding the sleeper to be all that difficult, as most of the students were standing upright with attention. What she didn't expect was the identity of the sleepers: Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle.
"Cutie Mark Crusaders!" She yelled loudly.
The trio snapped awake.
"Huh-what?" Apple Bloom gasped.
"I'm awake!" Scootaloo yelped.
"I was having such a nice dream..." Sweetie Belle yawned, still half-asleep.
"Girls, please see me after class." Cheerilee instructed, an unamused look on her face.
The Crusaders shared matching expressions of unease, fearing just what kind of talking-to they were going to get. Their fellow students' expressions ranged from sympathy to "you got what deserved".
As the class were let out for recess, the Crusaders approached Cheerilee warily.
"Um, sorry about fallin' asleep, miss Cheerilee..." Apple Bloom said nervously.
"We didn't mean to!" Sweetie Belle added.
"Please don't be mad!" Scootaloo begged.
"I'm not angry, girls." Cheerilee assured them. "Just disappointed. This isn't like you. Any of you. Is something wrong?"
"Oh, nuthin's wrong." Apple Bloom answered. "In fact, a whole lotta stuff has bin goin' right this week."
"We helped a few foals to get their Cutie Marks." Scootaloo added. "And even helped a couple understand their special talents a little better."
"And we've been doing a lot of good work as friendship tutors at Princess Twilight's school." Sweetie Belle smiled.
"I see..." Cheerilee mused. "Sounds like you have been very busy lately."
"Yeah, but... y'know, never hurts to help ponies in need." Scootaloo shrugged.
"I can't argue with that." Cheerilee smiled. "But maybe you could try going to sleep a little earlier tonight, so we can avoid something like this happening in the future."
"We will, miss Cheerilee." Sweetie Belle nodded.
"Very good." Cheerilee nodded. "Now, off to recess, you three."
"Yes, ma'am!" The three chorused, before racing out of the classroom.
"Those fillies, always so eager to help others..." Cheerilee shook her head admiringly.
After school ended, the Crusaders made their way to the School of Friendship, intent on squeezing in some tutoring before dinner.
"...And that's how Princess Luna found the strength to contain the Tantabus within herself." Apple Bloom told an attentive Chill Char.
"Wow." Chill Char gaped. "You ponies have the most amazing history."
"It's even more amazing when you actually see it with your own eyes." Scootaloo noted. "Pretty much all of Ponyville was there, in one big, shared dream. I had the most gigantic wings!"
"Thanks for the help, girls." Chill Char smiled. "I've got so much friendship history to catch up on, and I wouldn't want to slow my friends down by asking them to help me study."
"I'm sure your friends won't mind." Sweetie Belle declared. "Just like we don't mind helping you and any other student who's a little behind on their work."
"And I'm sure every student is as grateful as I am." Chill Char grinned. "Now, about that whole thing with Queen Chrysalis's second attack..."
After they were done assisting Chill Char and a few others with their studies, the CMC departed from the School of Friendship, seeking to return to their homes and families. But on the way, they were approached by a panicky blue Earth Pony filly by the name of Archer.
"Cutie Mark Crusaders!" She yelped. "I need help!"
"What's the problem?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Well, it's about my cutie mark." Archer replied, pointing out the bow and arrow symbol on her flank. "When I first got it, I thought it meant I'd be great at archery. But lately, it doesn't seem like it."
"Maybe you should show us what you mean." Sweetie Belle suggested.
"And er, make it quick, if you can." Scootaloo added. "It's almost dinner, you know."
"Okay..." Archer said awkwardly. She extracted a bow and a suction cup arrow from her saddlebag. She looked around for a suitable target, and settled on a nearby tree. "You see that tree there? Watch."
Archer readied the arrow, took aim, drew back the bow, and released it. The arrow didn't even come close to hitting the tree.
"See?" Archer frowned. "I used to have perfect aim. But now..."
"That is odd." Apple Bloom mused. "When's the last time you practiced?"
"'Practiced'?" Archer scoffed. "Why would I need to practice? It's my special talent!"
"That doesn't mean you're going to be great at it without putting in any effort, or keeping your skills sharp." Scootaloo pointed out.
"Yeah." Sweetie Belle agreed. "Take my sister, Rarity. Her talent is designing clothes. But that doesn't mean she can't make a bad dress every once in a while. We all have our off days, you know..."
"So my special talent isn't broken?" Archer asked. "I just need to practice?"
"Looks like it tah me." Apple Bloom nodded. "Give it a few days a' work, and yah'll probably see sum improvement."
"I will." Archer smiled. "Thanks, Crusaders."
"Happy to help." Scootaloo grinned.
As Archer departed, Sweetie Belle took note of the setting sun.
"We're better get moving." She noted. "It's almost dinnertime!"
"See ya tomorrow, gals!" Apple Bloom declared, and the three went their separate ways.
"Later!" Scootaloo called.
The three young fillies returned to their homes, weary from the efforts of the day. Following Cheerilee's advice, the three of them were quick to go to bed after dinner, intent on not repeating the embarassing incident of the prior morning.
For the next few days, things seemed okay. They attended their lessons, helped ponies with their cutiemark-related problems, and tutored students at Twilight's school. But then...
"Now than, foals." Cheerilee declared. "Today's lesson is about the pyramids of Southern Equestria."
The CMCs sat up as straight as possible, intent on listening to every word of Cheerilee's lecture. But despite their early bedtime the night before, they still felt a little tired.
During recess, they were quick to discuss the problem.
"Am Ah the only one feelin' as tired as a caterpillar after a marathon?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Not really." Scootaloo yawned.
"I don't know what's wrong." Sweetie Belle frowned. "I got plenty of sleep last night."
"Maybe we've jest got an off day." Apple Bloom shrugged. "Like Archer and her archery."
"Speaking of which, I ran into her in the market." Scootaloo declared. "And she says she's gotten way better now she's started practicing again."
"That's great news!" Sweetie Belle smiled.
"Yep." Apple Bloom grinned. "That's another pony whose life is better thanks tah us."
"Best feeling in the world, isn't it?" Scootaloo grinned. "Race you guys to the swings!"
The CMC rushed off to play, temporarily reenergized by their sense of accomplishment. Unfortunately, it would not last, for once the time came for them to tutor students at the School of Friendship, the tiredness began to creep back in.
"And after Rainbow Dash decided that she needed to represent Ponyville in the Equestria, the pin the Wonderbolt gifted her with ended up..." Scootaloo ceased her lecture to break into a yawn. "...Becoming her key to the Harmony Box."
"Is it really that boring?" The turquoise dragon Scootaloo was tutoring snarked.
"No, no!" Scootaloo said awkwardly, horrified at the idea of making anything her idol accomplished look dull and uninteresting. "Just been a long day, that's all... Now, after all the keys were found, Rainbow Dash and her friends unlocked this awesome Rainbow Power and defeated Lord Tirek!" She tried to look as invested in the subject matter as possible, but her drooping eyelids betrayed her.
"Okay..." The dragon said, awkwardly taking notes. "Thanks for that..."
After the student stood and departed, Scootaloo slammed her head into the desk in embarassment.
Meanwhile, her fellow Crusaders weren't faring much better.
"And that was when the flyer of Friendships chased off the Windigos..." Sweetie Belle declared, relating the story of the founding of Equestria to a yak student.
"'Flyer'?" The yak frowned, confused. "Yak though it was 'fire'."
"Th-that's what I said!" Sweetie Belle cringed, her cheeks flushing red as a similar sense of embarassment washed over her.
Apple Bloom was struggling to focus as she tried to help Chill Char learn about the battle between the Pillars of Old Equestria and the Sirens.
"So you see, the Pillars fought the Sirens as a team." She declared wearily. "And then they created a portal... to trap the PIllars..."
"I think you mean 'Sirens'." Chill Char said awkwardly.
"Oh, right." Apple Bloom shook her head. "That's right, Sirens. Trapped..."
"...Would you excuse me for just a second?" Chill Char said suddenly.
"Sure, sure..." Apple Bloom sighed, shaking her head again in an attempt to clear the fog threatening to engulf it.
As Chill Char raced out of the library, the CMCs felt themselves starting to doze off. But that was prevented by a familiar voice.
"Hey, guys!"
The CMCs all snapped awake, and saw their honorary Crusader Gabby rushing over to them.
"It's so great to see you all!" Gabby squealed, enveloping the trio in one of her trademark hugs. "How have you been?"
"We're great, Gabby." Apple Bloom smiled.
"What are you doing here?" Scootaloo asked.
"Oh, the usual." Gabby smiled. "Just picking up another letter for Grandpa Gruff from Gallus. Let me guess, you're tutoring today?"
"That's right." Sweetie Belle nodded, the brief burst of energy from their reunion starting to fade. "Every day this week..."
"You gals feeling okay?" Gabby asked, taking note of their tiredness in their eyes.
"We're jest fine..." Apple Bloom stifled a yawn.
"That's debatable."
They all turned toward the library entrance; Chill Char had returned, joined by the Young Six.
"Chill Char said you fillies have been acting a little weird today." Sandbar declared.
"And I can see why." The ever-observant Ocellus stated as she approached. "You three look exhausted."
"We're okay." Scootaloo put on a smile.
"We've just been a little busy lately." Sweetie Belle declared. "Attenting Cheerilee's classes, tutoring students here, helping ponies with their cutie marks and special talents."
"That sounds like a lot of work." Silverstream noted.
"It's not really work when yah love what yah do." Apple Bloom grinned.
"Still, a little time off wouldn't hurt." Smolder pointed out.
"We can't time off." Scootaloo countered. "Not when there are all sorts of creatures who need our help!"
"You can't help them if you're too tired to see straight!" Gallus pointed out.
"I think it's time for an intervention." Gabby declared. "You three need to take a break, before you totally burn yourselves out. I mean, you kinda have to go to school, but the rest of what you do can wait."
"But what about if sum a' the friendship students need tutoring?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Chill." Sandbar smiled, as he indicated himself and his friends. "We'll cover the tutoring thing no problem."
"We will?" Smolder frowned.
"Yes, we will." Yona said firmly.
"But what about if any ponies need help with their cutie marks?" Sweetie Belle pointed out.
"I'll help them." Gabby offered. "I think I've hung out with you guys enough to get the gist of it. At least for a day."
"We can't ask y'all tah do that fer us." Apple Bloom protested.
"You don't have to." Ocellus smiled.
"You've already done so much for everycreature here." Gabby declared. "Now let us do a little something for you."
The CMC looked into the expectant smiles of the others. Then they shared a glance with each other.
"...Guess we don't really have a choice." Scootaloo sighed.
"Sure you do." Silverstream grinned. "We just want to help you make the right one."
"...Maybe one day off from Crusading and tutoring wouldn't hurt..." Sweetie admitted.
"That's the spirit." Gallus nodded. "Startin' to make me wish I could get a day off right now..."
"Thanks, everycreature." Apple Bloom smiled.
"We don't know what to say." Sweetie Belle admitted.
"You don't have to say anything." Sandbar declared. "Just head home, and get some rest. For once, leave the helping to somecreature else."
"Will do." Scootaloo nodded.
"We oughta be gettin' home, anyway." Apple Bloom noted the time on a wall clock.
"See you soon!" Gabby waved, as the Crusaders deaprted for another early night's sleep.
"Enjoy your day off!" Chill Char added.
The CMCs returned home to a filling dinner and another much-needed sleep. After getting through school (with little attention loss) the next day, they spent the remainder of the day relaxing, either at home, or just hanging out at their clubhouse together.
"This is nice." Sweetie Belle admitted.
"We've been so busy lately that I almost forgot what it feels like to relax." Scootaloo joked.
"Ah guess a day off wuz what we needed after all." Apple Bloom acknowledged.
"I haven't felt this good since that time we went on the hayrides at the harvest festival." Sweetie Belle smiled.
"Yeah, good times..." Scootaloo grinned.
The three spent the rest of the day reminiscing about old times, talking about their own hobbies, interests and families. Once the day was nearing its end, they returned to their homes for some peaceful, quiet dinners, and a third good night's sleep.
The next day, the CMC dropped by the School of Friendship, hoping to catch up on events. The Young Six, Chill Char and Gabby were in the garden.
"Hi, y'all." Apple Bloom smiled.
"Hey." Silverstream waved. "You gals look so much better today."
"We feel so much better." Sweetie Belle declared.
"Was I right,or was I right?" Sandbar grinned proudly.
"So, how did things go around here?" Scootaloo asked.
"Not so bad." Ocellus answered.
"Yona teach fellow students lots about pony history!"
"Me and Smolder? Not so much." Gallus joked.
"Don't listen to him." Smolder scoffed. "We did okay."
"More than okay." Chill Char added. "Not to brag, but I think I aced yesterday's homework."
"What about you, Gabby?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Any cutie mark-related problems you had to deal with?"
"A couple." Gabby grinned. "This one colt named Featherweight felt like his photography hobby wasn't living up to his special talent. But I helped him turn things around by suggesting he get into taking pictures of nature!"
"Wow, good thinking." Scootaloo smiled.
"Aw, shucks..." Gabby blushed. "I just did what I thought you guys would do in that situation."
"You did great." Apple Bloom said warmly. "You all did."
"That's what friends are for, right?" Chill Char smiled. "I think we all learned that much."
"Speaking of which... You think if we tell the teachers about this, we might get extra credit?" Gallus smirked, eager to jump on a perceived opportunity.
The rest of the group laughed good-naturedly.
"I'm serious." Gallus said humorlessly.
"Well, it's good to know that if we ever push ourselves too hard again, we've got some really great stand-ins to take care of things." Sweetie Belle noted.
"Not that we're gonna be pushing ourselves that hard any time soon." Scootaloo smirked. "Now that I remember how good it feels to relax, I for one am gonna be looking to get in more relaxation time from now on."
"Me too." Apple Bloom agreed.
"And me." Sweetie Belle added. "'Cuz we can't help anypony if we don't take care of ourselves first. But as long as we're here, there's no harm in a little tutoring."
"As long as we get a break between sessions, I'm not complaining." Scootaloo shrugged.
"That settles it." Apple Bloom chuckled. "The Cutie Mark Crusaders are back in business!"
"Yeah!" The Crusaders, Gabby, the Young Six and Chill Char all cheered.