The Cutie Mark Crusade Is Over

by Pure Coincidence

Part IV

(Yeah, I’m sorry that this one took so long to get here and I’m also sorry for what it may entail. No matter what I did, I couldn’t find a style of writing that seemed... right. So this is the best version I could come up with) ((It may seem a bit rushed)) (((If somebody wants to remake this chapter using the same storyline, it would be GREATLY appreciated)))

A few weeks had passed since the wondrous voice had been discovered in Ponyville. From that time, everypony had requested audience with Sweetie Belle whether to perform or just to hear the newfound talent. Once more Applebloom was struggling, struggling to deal with another one of her friends having the popularity and normality that comes with a Cutie Mark.

Wishing, wanting, jealousy, envy. It was all there, shutting herself off from the world didn’t help too much either. Over the soft breeze that was ever present through Ponyville the voice of Sweetie Belle performing, practicing and creating new musical masterpieces was heard.

Applebloom’s confidence was shot, her ability to cope was gone, the slightest of tasks that were laid before her sent her into a cascading spiral of depression and sadness. No matter who talked to Applebloom noticed this and whatever they did to help was to no avail.

At last Applejack had given up on her little sister; there was no longer anything she could do to give her even a brief reprieve from the sadness she held present. A decision was made.

“You are leaving.” Applejack started packing a bag in Applebloom’s room.

“I’m what?” Applebloom replied, unsure whether her sister was making another attempt to cheer her up or at least change her mood.

“You are going to Manehattan.” Applejack said steadily, even though it hurt her to say so. “I went there and I realised my future, you can do the same.”

Applebloom thought it over and although it made sense in a way, but there were too many variables to really be confident about the idea. “Do I have to?”

“You have been moping around here for days now, you show your face to take your food and hide once more,” Applejack tried to make the words hit hard against Applebloom. “Your friends and family are worried, there is nothing we can do to help the situation, YOU won’t let us help.”

“Alright, when do I leave?” Applebloom had no opinion in the matter anyway it seemed, but she still didn’t really want to go to Manehattan. Or go anywhere.

“Today, for one week.” Applejack left the room and tears welled up in her eyes, that had taken more strength from her than she was really willing to admit to anypony.

Later that day, Applebloom was on the train speeding for Manehattan, it was an overnight trip so she found an empty bunk and settled in for the long trip. “I hope this helps.”

The train slowed and the whistle blew awaking the passengers within, Manehattan was upon them. High-rise buildings shot up through the ground before them and the masterpieces of architectural ability were quite obvious in the little filly’s eyes.

“Applebloom!, Applebloom!” Aunt and Uncle Orange (to Applebloom at least) were calling to her from the platform.

“Yay, some more people who just want to attract everypony’s attention” Applebloom muttered to herself.

After embraces and greetings and Applebloom forcing a smile the whole while, they all headed towards the Orange’s home. Unpacking occurred and little talk between anypony was present.

Sensing a need to change the mood Aunt Orange said, “Come on Applebloom, go out and do some sightseeing, we have some work to do at the orchard.”

Not wanting to strike up an argument, Applebloom obliged and left back towards the city. Slowly, Applebloom trudged from one structure to the next; their huge size was daunting enough as it was, but the intricate work on the outer walls, the statues that hung precariously close to the edges. Everything went by in a blur. The more and more Applebloom walked her mood lightened as her mind travelled elsewhere into a world of its own.

Excitement began to grow inside Applebloom, she was so interested in the works around her she could do nothing but stare. Eventually the light dimmed and Applebloom came to her senses, she needed to get back to the orchard before problems arose as the nightlife crept in every shadow.

Nervousness took over Applebloom, she had no idea what the city would be like in the darkness and to put it simply. That scared her. Applebloom ran, and didn’t stop until she was safe back at the orchard.

“Where have you been?” Aunty Orange inquired. It was quite obvious she had been worried, she knew as much as anypony how dangerous the city could be at night.

“I’m sorry, Aunty. I was so caught up with the city that I didn’t realise the time.” It was the first time in ages that Applebloom had actually meant what she had said.

“PLEASE, be more careful next time you go into the city. I don’t want to be the one to face your sister if you went missing.” Uncle Orange called from the kitchen.

“Get yourself some food and get some rest, you look tired” Aunty Orange instructed.

“Ok,” Applebloom did as she was told and fell into the covers of her bed. Dreams soon came, Applebloom slept peacefully. Something that had not happened in a LONG time.

At the crack of dawn, a rooster called his greetings and Applebloom arose, scoffed some breakfast and left for the city once more to gaze upon its sights. Applebloom left a note saying where she was just to not worry the Oranges’.

The day washed away, Applebloom stopped at a stall and bought some lunch and soon enough she was heading back to the orchard. The day had flown, and Applebloom’s mood had once again lightened and she felt open enough to talk with her Aunt and Uncle about the city and its origins.

Applebloom continued her days in Manehattan exploring the history behind the walls. Although she didn’t know it, Applebloom was herself again and she was heading back to Ponyville.

A crowd had formed on the platform of Ponyville station. “Here it comes!” Scootaloo shouted.

The train approached and stopped. A lone Pony exited from the train and looked upon the ground. Applebloom looked at everypony and said “Everypony, I am sorry. I treated you all badly, ignored your advice and deliberately put myself in the state of sadness that had you all so worried, after going to Manehattan; I had some time to think.”

Nopony even drew a breath hanging off every word of the small filly’s apology. “I’m me again!”

A cheer rose up throughout the crowd and Applejack and the other Apples’ embraced Applebloom, this was soon followed by Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and every other pony present, a huge group hug formed.

Regularity ensued in Ponyville; a few days had passed since Applebloom returned. The Cutie Mark Crusaders waited until the weekend and met in their club house.

“What are we going to do with you Applebloom?” Sweetie Belle said. “Even with everything we have tried, you haven’t gained your Cutie Mark.”

“What do YOU like Applebloom?” What took your interest in Manehattan?” Scootaloo broke in before Applebloom could reply.
“I know what it will be. I know what will make me unique.” Applebloom replied coolly.

“WHAT?!” Both ponies said in unison. This was an answer they had not been expecting. They always had just gone with the flow and ended up lucky.

“Get me timber. A LOT, also I need nails, and tools and other pieces of equipment. Here’s a list.” Applebloom breathed in deeply and started drawing on a piece of paper.

Speechless, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle left to gather the supplies from the list that they had been given.
Dusk soon came over Ponyville and the ponies finally returned with the stuff and entered the Club House. Pictures and blueprints hung around the entire room.

“Wow, how did you do all these in that time? They are so intricate!” Sweetie Belle complimented.

“Are you an artist Applebloom?” Scootaloo said, seriously considering the idea.

“No,” Applebloom said still calm and in control. “Leave me and return in two days. THEN you will see what I am. My future”
Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo left, wondering what had happened to their friend at Manehattan, she was always excited or had some emotion to show. Now she seemed to be in a state of tranquillity.

The night wore on and Applebloom worked on her project with ease and caution, no mistakes could be made or everything would be ruined. The next day started and yet still Applebloom toiled until once again night began.

Dawn broke and Applebloom was finished, everything was perfect. A huge sculpture lay before her, she nodded with approval of her masterpiece and her flank was still bare.

Before too long, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo had assembled and their attention was on a large tarp in the middle of the clearing.
“This is me. We now know where our talents lie and we must disband our name of Cutie Mark Crusaders.” A smile broke across Applebloom’s face, “I can’t stay docile any longer.”

“But, you don’t have your Cutie Mark yet!?” Sweetie Belle was obviously very confused at the concept that Applebloom had her mark but didn’t yet have it.

“Yes, but this is it!” Applebloom revealed a structure from behind the gigantic tarp.

Curvaceous were the buildings corners that led to the peak. A miniature scale tower stood before the ponies, the colour scheme was perfect against the forest background and matched in near camouflage.

“Go inside,” Applebloom opened large double doors and revealed the inside of the structure. A spiral staircase stood central in the room and paintings were on every wall of memories the three had gathered together in their journey to find their own uniqueness. Inside the building was square despite the strange outside of the structure.

The whole while, the walls and building was perfectly sanded and were perfectly painted. The second floor was even more intriguing eight posts held up the roof that slanted downwards from a pointed tip and the walls were all open, showing the landscape from just above the canopy of the trees.

In just a few days Applebloom had created a building with the best view that Ponyville had ever seen and it was only of a miniature scale.

No words were said, and none were needed. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were in awe of the amazing work that had been produced by their friend and they also saw a hammer, a saw, and a paintbrush crossing each other diagonally on her flank.

The three embraced, satisfied alone by each other’s company as they stared into the distance over the trees towards Ponyville.

(Yes, I know it needs editing, but I have not the skills or the time, volunteers would be GREATLY appreciated and someone who could rewrite this using the same ideas but better, I would be in your eternal debt.) Thankyou everyone, for the support you have given me, You’re the best!