Like they had planned the previous day, the Cutie Mark Crusaders would start taking trips to places outside of Ponyville to avoid detection of orphan catchers. They spent the rest of their day figuring out the best place to start with and came up with an answer, Canterlot.
They choose Canterlot since it was only two hours away and their sisters and friends were always talking about it; they said that it was a nice, friendly and clean city to visit, the ideal place to go for their first trip outside of town. But first they had to get out of town without being noticed, meaning that they will have to pack lightly.
“Sweetie Belle, somepony is going to notice us if we travel with a mountain of bags!” Scootaloo face-hoofed as Sweetie Belle tried to bring her ten bags full of clothing and personal items into the Clubhouse where Apple Bloom and Scootaloo had been planning on how to get onto the train without detection.
Sweetie Belle looked from her pile of baggage to her two friends confusedly until she noticed that they didn't have anything with them aside from their saddlebags and their capes that draped over the bags, hiding them from view.
“Oh, I guess we wouldn't need a lot since it's only for a day huh?” The others nodded as Sweetie Belle scrapped a hoof along the floor with a sheepish smile before nodding along as well.
Together they pushed the baggage to the side to be put back later and packed lightly with their saddlebags full of food, bits and some first aid supplies in case anything happened.
Once they were ready, they snuck around the edge of Ponyville to get to the train station since Pepper seemed to know that one of her targets stayed near the town. Aside from the threat of being taken back to the orphanage, having the older orphan around meant that Scootaloo couldn't make any deliveries, costing her the only means of self-sufficiency she had. The orange peagasus was holding out the hope that by traveling they would either draw Pepper away from Ponyville or perhaps earn some bits elsewhere.
The girls had left early in the morning, so there wasn't anypony awake to see them leave making it easier to sneak around. They were only going for a day to see if their absence would be noticed or not, they didn't want to leave for a long time and get into so much trouble for it that they can't do so again ever.
Luckily the early morning train to Canterlot was very much empty and only cost two bits for the trip there. They found a private booth in case anypony did join them on the train, they wouldn't want to run into anyone from town who would turn around and tell their sisters/parents about it.
The whole train ride was spent in excitement of the sights of Canterlot and the things they could try to do. They had a goal of trying three different things to possibly earn their cutie marks as bankers, announcers or giving tours of museums, unless they came across something else they'd want to try as well.
They did try to be train conductors, but All Aboard was firm in his declining of their help.
Once they arrived the trio couldn't help but stare in awe of the city before them. It had been a long two hour trip filled with anticipation after stepping off onto the platform, spent a moment to stare at the large cities before them.
“Now that's ah city! The Koopahs have nothin' on this place!” Apple Bloom stated in wonder as the other two nodded their heads in agreement, their jaws slightly opened in amazement of size of the buildings and the quality of it all.
They snapped out of their stupor at the same time, giving their heads firm shakes before nodding at one another and heading into the city. While the Koopa Kingdom had made the girls feel small and insignificant, Canterlot made them feel doubly so; it also didn't help that a lot of the citizens seemed to be unicorn nobles who had their noses so high into the air that the Crusaders wondered how they could see anything.
Just as the girls were getting really discouraged by all the snobs' reaction to them, they came across a group of young unicorns and earth ponies who seemed to be picking on another unicorn. The trio walked up and the conversation came to a jarring halt as the two groups eyed each other.
The Canterlot group was made up of two unicorns and two earth ponies; one unicorn was a light pale-blue with dark-navy mane and a five-pointed star as a cutie mark, and the other was pale-green with forest-green mane and a with a pair of binoculars for a cutie mark, while the earth ponies were gray with forest-green mane with a large bag of bits as a cutie mark and the other was pale-yellow with purple mane, who didn't seem to have a cutie mark.
They seemed to be picking on a pale-pink unicorn with two-tone pink mane who was also a blank flank, though the girls weren't sure if that was the reason they were picking on her.
The Canterlot ponies weren't sure of what to make of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, with their hoof-sewn capes, worn saddlebags and blank flanks that all but screamed country-town to the snobbish ponies.
“What are y'all arguin' 'bout?” Apple Bloom demanded as they noticed how the pink unicorn was crouching fearfully from the others.
The city ponies flinched from the country accent that only affirmed their disdain for the trio.
“Nothing that concerns you country folk.” The light pale blue unicorn snubbed as he looked at the original target once more.
“While I admit that you are slightly above these ruffians, you still are not a proper Canterlot noble. But if you put these uncouth little foals in their place, you will be heading into the right direction.” The pale green unicorn stated while eying the Crusaders with distaste.
The pale pink unicorn looked a little surprised but before she could say anything Sweetie Belle cut in shrilly.
“What? That's a mean thing to say and we haven't done anything to you!” The city ponies (aside from the target of the bullying) all flinched at the shrillness of her response and stared at the trio with annoyance in their gaze.
“Yeah, everypony was born equal!” Scootaloo began to say before she was cut off with a rude laugh.
“You're uneducated as well. We're nobles, born with a higher rank, authority and responsibility than you peasants; though some need to be reminded of their place.” The gray earth pony colt glared at the pink unicorn as he said this, who crouched down lower.
The last filly didn't seem so sure of everything being said but remained silent least she became the new target; until she saw the indignation on the three Crusaders' faces causing her to think about everything being said.
“That's the silliest thing Ah've ever heard in mah life! And we live in the same town as Pinkie Pie!” Apple Bloom gave the city ponies a glare as she stood next to the pink pony, the others joining the united front against the bullies.
“Who?” The pale-blue unicorn asked with a slight raise of his brow while he still managed to have his nose in the air at the same time.
“A very good friend of ours, who's much nicer than you! Let's go girls!” Sweetie Belle turned on her hooves and started to walk away with her own nose in the air. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo followed along with small 'hmphs' of their own before all three stopped as they looked at the pink unicorn.
“Ya comin'? Ya don' have tah stick with these here snobs.” Apple Bloom tilted her head curiously as they all wore inviting grins.
The unicorn smiled back hesitantly as she nodded slowly and trotted over to the trio. All four fillies turned away together and 'hmph'd while sticking their noses high into the air and walked away.
The Canterlot nobles were shocked at the treatment and began to mutter angrily with each other, except for the pale-yellow filly who was staring at the retreating figures before turning to the raining nobles with a scowl.
“If we are such great nobles, we should treat those of other rank with respect and care for their wellbeing, in order to set a good example. You three are not proper nobles, good day to you.” The pale-yellow filly left the snobs in a shocked silence as she ran to catch up to the Crusaders and their new friend.
The fillies held their snobbish acts until they were a block and a half away when they all broke out laughing at each other's act and the shock they had caused. Just as they managed to slow their laughter and attempt to talk, they heard somepony calling out to them.
“A moment, if you please!” The four turned to find the pale-yellow noble who stopped next to them and was trying to catch her breath while four pairs of eyebrows rose up, remembering the filly as one of the four noble bullies from before.
“I wish to apologize. That was not the proper way to act to anypony. I'm also sorry for your treatment Sweet Success, it wasn't very proper either.” The pale-yellow earth pony bowed her head briefly to each in the group as she apologized, after which the four girls' expressions cleared of any doubt or suspicion into grins.
“Well shoot, that's mighty kind of ya tah find us and say all that. Mah name's Apple Bloom,” Apple Bloom stated with a nod, Scootaloo cutting in at that point.
“And I'm Scootaloo!”
“And I'm Sweetie Belle! What're your names?” Sweetie Belle chimed in as the three Crusaders looked at the two city ponies. They grinned back and introduced themselves.
“I'm Sweet Success.” The pink unicorn said as she turned towards the yellow earth pony.
“And I'm Golden Exchange.”
“Those are pretty cool names. Do you know all the sights around here? We're visiting for the day and we don't know our way around.” Scootaloo said as the three looked up at the nearby buildings. Sweet Success nodded slowly as Golden Exchange tilted her head in thought.
“Sure we can give you guys a tour. What are you looking for? Anything in particular?” Golden Exchange asked, watching the Cutie Mark Crusaders in amusement as they all shouted 'yay!' together.
“We wanna try tah be tour guides!” Apple Bloom stated before being pushed over a little by Sweetie Belle.
“And bankers!” Scootaloo then pushed Sweetie Belle aside as she put in her two bits.
“And announcers!” The two Canterlot ponies were amused at how the Crusaders were getting excited over rather mundane things.
“How would you be tour guides? Wouldn't you have to know about the museum first? And who would you give the tour to?” Sweet Success asked with a smile, she had a feeling that the day was going to be very interesting.
“Pssht. If you've see one museum, you've seen them all! We'll be fine, show us the nearest museum and we'll prove it!” Scootaloo waved a dismissive hoof while the other Crusaders nodded along.
Sweet Success and Golden Exchange shared a look of mild surprise at the boast and shrugged before turning and leading the way to the nearest museum, which happened to be one of the largest in the city.
“This is the largest museum in the city, home to-” Golden Exchange began to explain when she was cut off by Apple Bloom who waved a hoof to get her attention.
“Whoa nelly! We're the tour guides, we'll take over from here! This here is the largest museum in th' city, home tah lots of pieces of art. Uhm, let's head inside now.” The three fillies led their new friends inside the three storied museum, which had walls that were off-white in color so that they pieces of art would stand out the most.
It was full of large ionic columns and had arched ceilings and door frames, not that the Crusaders could tell the difference. The first floor was of masonry works and other art made from heavy material, the second full of the lighter material art and the top floor full of paintings.
As the five young ponies entered the lobby, the Cutie Mark Crusaders began to wave vaguely to everything around them.
“And this is the entrance... with nice big fancy looking doorways.” Scootaloo squinted at the sight, trying to find anything else to mention.
“Alright, this is the first floor, full of rock statues? They are inside so that passing peagasi aren't distracted by their awesomeness and crash? Um, yeah, so this one looks like a pony with a bad hair day? And that one is a pony, uhm, floating in the air without wings? Yeaaahhh....” The group followed the orange filly who ran a continuous stream of bad explanations for the statues around them as Sweet Success and Golden Exchange tried to contain their laughter. The Cutie Mark Crusaders, on the other hoof, seemed bored at the displays and agreed with Scootaloo's description of the art around them.
Soon they reached the end of the first floor and Sweetie Belle took over the tour for the second floor that was filled with art made of other materials. As they walked up the stairs to the next floor, Scootaloo did a quick check to see if she earned anything only to find she was still without a cutie mark.
“Ok, and now we've come to the second floor of the museum, where it's more statues? But not made out of rocks, which look pretty weird... Ok, um, here is one that is made from wood, it's a fish? Swimming in the wood? And this one is, ah, glass with a picture of peagasi, earth ponies and unicorns floating around? Um, over here is...” Sweetie Belle's tour was filled with more confusion and tilting of heads was done by all as they realized that some of the art was pretty odd.
Sweet Success and Golden Exchange were really enjoying the tour, never having thought about all the art that way before and unlikely to see it properly again. Soon they came to the end of that floor and Apple Bloom took over, as Sweetie Belle checked her own flank to find it blank still.
“Alright y'all, now we're at the fancy paintings floor. This one shows a forest with the sun settin'. This one is a bunch of ponies at a picnic... There's six diamond dogs playing go fish.. Ah dunno ifin' this one is done, they got half the pony's face all done and is kindah squarish, so they'll come back tah that one Ah'm sure. This here is a paintin' of another forest? These ponies must ah lived near lots of forests. Ah, this here is a picture of timberwolves, though they got the eyes an' teeth wrong...” Apple Bloom mentioned as the other Cutie Mark Crusaders nodded along, causing confusion to the two other fillies.
“Wait, how would you know if the eyes and teeth are wrong? Have you ever seen one?” Golden Exchange raised a disbelieving brow; amusing as the 'tour' was, she wasn't going to stand for flat out dismissal of art simply because it was 'wrong'.
The three Crusaders shared a knowing look and agreed silently, they could trust these fillies with the truth; besides, what was the point of having cool adventures if they couldn't tell anypony?
“We have. We fought off three of them at once befor'. Them teeth ain't so sharp lookin' like a bear's, and we've meet Harry the Bear. And their eyes are an evil green, not red.” Apple Bloom stated as the others nodded along solemnly.
The Canterlot ponies were in shock, if what the Crusaders said was true, it was an amazing feat indeed especially considering that they were still fillies.
“... Wow! Tell us about that! I don't think you'll get your cutie marks in tour guides anyways.” Sweet Success said as gently as possible, fearing their reaction. The Crusaders merely sighed and nodded sadly.
“Yeah, we figured as much; but we had to give it a try. If you really want to hear about it, we could tell you on the way to the our next objective, announcers! Do you think we could try and announce for the derby?” Scootaloo asked with excitement in her eyes at possibly see Rainbow Dash's heroes, the Wonderbolts.
The two natives shrugged at one another before nodding to the Crusaders. The girls jumped in joy and began to regale their new friends with stories of their adventures so far as they walked through the city.
The tales sounded farfetched at times (Koopas, really?) but they were so earnest and detailed about it that the two city ponies were beginning to think it really happened. The story telling lasted until they reached the derby track, which was another thing that the Cutie Mark Crusaders were in awe of; there was nothing like it in Ponyville after all.
The derby was held on the edge of the mountain, surrounded by a stone wall preventing just anypony walking in and watching the race. There were two arched doorways; one was an exit while the other was guarded by a ticket booth leading inside.
As they were looking in from the outside, they realized the latest problem; they didn't have tickets to get inside. They waited in line for tickets as they talked about ways they could try and be official announcers. Golden Exchange and Sweet Success were trying to convince them that it was unlikely they could be announcers while the Cutie Mark Crusaders were trying to think of ways to sneak into the box. Just as the five fillies stepped up to buy their tickets, a sold out sign appeared over the booth as it shut loudly in their faces.
“What?!”
“Hey!”
“That's not fair!”
The Cutie Mark Crusaders were shocked at the rudeness of the ticket seller, while the Canterlot ponies expected something like this. They explained how most ponies usually got their tickets in reserve long before the event itself as the line that had formed behind the five ponies dissipated. This fact only confused the Crusaders more, who would be able to reserve whatever ticket whenever they wanted? What about all the other ponies who would want to watch too? Soon though this took a backseat to their main concern, getting into the derby and being announcers!
“No way are we missing this derby! Come on girls, let's find another way in.” Scootaloo checked that the coast was clear before leading the trio along the outside of the stands, looking for a way in that wasn't covered by guards.
The city ponies gave each other raised eyebrows before following along at a slow trot; though when the Cutie Mark Crusaders saw that they weren't 'sneaking', they gave them light glares and motioned for the city ponies to also sneak along. Golden Exchange and Sweet Success tried not to laugh too much as they did as commanded, crouching lower and tip-hoofing along behind the more experienced sneakers.
The guards watched the fillies curiously until they continued to move along. As they passed the last guard who stopped watching them after they turned the corner, they jumped into a nearby bush which they then picked up and edged closer to the building while using it for cover. They found a small gap in the fence where it met the stand walls and squeezed through while leaving their bush there as cover for when they needed to get back out.
The derby was mostly stone stands with an important pony box at the very top, facing an open air track with clouds as a means of keeping the racers in place. The announcers' box was on the ground level as a means to see who was in the lead the easiest, along with a several microphones to help announce the race with extras for any guest speakers.
Just as everypony was getting ready for the upcoming races, the fillies slipped into the speaker box before the regular announcer could and locked the door behind them. The normal announcer came by not even a moment later and knocked trying to figure out who had locked the door.
“Who's in there? This is my announcer box, open this door!” The light brown pony knocked even more on the door, while the girls shared a moment of panic before Scootaloo answered as she deepened her voice to try and sound more like a grown-up.
“Oh, uh, I'm working this shift instead, the higher ups made the change. Gotta follow the boss' orders after all.” Scootaloo tried to convince the actual announcer to not cause a fuss about being locked out.
“Oh, why I never! I was told that they wanted me to come as a special announcer today!” The pony outside of the door continued while the girls gave each other more panicked looks.
“Welp, I just do as I'm told, and the boss wanted me to announce. Come back again later.” Scootaloo tried to sound more forceful, starting to get annoyed that the older pony wasn't giving up. Any more of this and the gig would be up, the race was supposed to start soon and if they spend any more time arguing the others would know that something was going on.
“The nerve! This is the last time I announce for this derby track! Of all the...” the pony continued to mutter about inconsiderate ponies as she walked away while the fillies gave small cheers and high-hoofed each other.
The city fillies were in slight shock that it was working so far and could only watch as the Cutie Mark Crusaders set themselves up at the desk to watch the derby and announce the race. The referee looked to the speaker box to find that the girls had pressed the button to signal that they were ready to start the race.
“Hellllooo Canterlot! Welcome tah today's race.” Apple Bloom welcomed the crowd who all frowned as one and began to wonder who in Equestria was announcing the race, though the girls didn't notice since they were looking at the racers before them and not the noble crowd.
“Today's race is going to be awesome, especially since these are the Wonderbolts! And they are lining up as we speak!” Scootaloo pointed to the racers even though nopony else aside from those in the box could see it.
“That's right, and now it's time to begin. There's the flag and they're off!” Sweetie Belle shrilly announced as the three Crusaders held the mics in their hooves and they watched the race before them.
“And the fiery red maned pony is in the lead, now it's the dark blue one, the fire red, blue, red, blue, red!” Apple Bloom tried to keep up with the incredible speeds the Wonderbolts were racing at, as each tried to nose past the others. As the earth pony was shouting out mane colors, Sweet Success was trying to explain that they were Spitfire and Soarin', to which Apple Bloom paid no heed as she continued to announce.
“But wait! It's the white maned Wonderbolt, Fleetfoot! She's pulling ahead of the herd with Spitfire and Soarin' duking it out between the two of them.” Scootaloo cut in as Fleetfoot edged around the two ponies who were fighting for the lead; Scootaloo knew about the Wonderbolts since they were Rainbow Dash's heroes and could only barely make out who was who in the mad rush of the race.
“And there's the flag! The white maned peagasus -” Sweet Success cut into Sweetie Belle's announcing with a hiss of 'Fleetfoot!' which Sweetie Belle managed to hear “-uh, right, Fleetfoot, has crossed ahead of the others! We have a winner for our first race, the Wonderbolt Fleetfoot! Let's give her a hoof everypony!” Sweetie Belle said to the crowd, who could only stare on in shock at the unusual command.
The Wonderbolts looked between themselves in wonder at the unusual announcing but gave shrugs of indifference; they had something interesting to listen to while they raced at least. Everypony else (aside from a light blue maned noble who sat in the top box) was beginning to wonder who was announcing and debating if they should complain to management about it.
As they moved onto the next race, everyone settled back down, hoping that the odd announcers would straighten themselves out while the girls got ready for another race to try and earn their cutie marks announcing for.
After two more races announced by the Cutie Mark Crusaders, management received enough complaints that they had guards break down the door to reveal the five girls, three of which looked the most sheepish sitting in front of microphones. The two other races had been announced in a similar fashion as the first, with the earth pony not knowing any of the names, the unicorn only barely able to keep up and the peagasus making side comments distracting from the race.
As the five fillies were lead out of the derby, the Cutie Mark Crusaders took a quick peek to see if they had earned anything, which they found they had not. Towards the end of the third race, Sweet Success couldn't help but take over the announcing, doing a better job by far and had actually enjoyed herself doing so. Though by the time she was able to help announce, it was far too late and the guards were already gathering to break into the announcer's box.
Unknown to the group of young ponies at the time, Sweet Success had earned her cutie mark that looked like a silver horseshoe, which resembled the small token given to the winners of each race.
It was as they were told that they may NOT ever come back to the derby unless accompanied by an adult with proper tickets that the Cutie Mark Crusaders noticed the new cutie mark.
“Golly Sweet Success! Ya got yer cutie mark! What do ya think it means?” Apple Bloom asked as everyone gathered around to check out the new talent.
“Huh? Wha- Oh my gosh!!! I got my cutie mark!” Sweet Success spent a moment going in circles, trying to get a clear look at her cutie mark while she thought about what could have caused it to appear.
“Oh! It was when I was announcing! It was actually pretty fun and I may have never gotten a chance to do that if weren't for you guys! Thanks so much!” Sweet Success grabbed the three crusaders in a hug while Golden Exchange looked on with a smile, happy for the unicorn.
“That's ok, at least somepony got a cutie mark...” Sweetie Belle said with a small smile, glad for their friend but saddened by lack of cutie marks of their own.
“Yeah, that's great Sweet Success. Did you want to do anything else? Or did you want to keep going with us? Perhaps we could try something else next...” Scootaloo smiled a little at the unicorn as well, trying to be happy for their friend even though she was hoping to get a cool cutie mark as well.
“Huh? Why would I go and do something else? Didn't you guys want to look into a banking cutie mark...? Oh, I get it,” Sweet Success gave the others a small smile and shook her head at how they seemed to think that since she had a cutie mark now, she wouldn't want to hang out with them anymore.
“Just because I have a cutie mark doesn't mean that I don't want to hang out with friends! It just means that you guys may be onto something, and somepony else might get their cutie marks as well!”
Everyone else nodded in agreement, somepony getting their cutie mark did help encourage them that they may get their own as well.
“Well, I don't see how we could try banking unless we broke into one which is NOT a good idea.” Golden Exchange began to state as she saw three pairs of eyes lit up at the thought before reality came back to the adventurous Crusaders.
“But we could try the stock exchange. They don't mind others coming in and spending their bits.” Golden Exchange suggested as the Crusaders looked confused while Sweet Success nodded in agreement.
“What's ah sock exchange? Why would anypony want tah exchange socks with somepony else? Do ah lot o' ponies wear socks?” Apple Bloom looked to Sweetie Belle as she posed this last question, since the unicorn's older sister was the local fashionista.
Sweetie Belle wore a pensive frown and was about to respond when Golden Exchange cut in with a confused smile, wondering if they usually got things this confused.
“No no, not sock, STOCK. It's where ponies gather to trade either bits or stuff with one another in one place. If you know how to work the system right, you can make lots of bits or own lots of one kind of thing, or even many different kinds of things. Come on, I'll show you where the stock exchange is.” Golden Exchange waved a hoof to the others before heading into the city while the others followed; though the Crusaders were still confused, they couldn't understand how one could gain a lot of bits if they were buying a bunch of stuff from others.
They walked through the city, and while most of the nobles still avoided the fillies, they didn't get as many snobbish looks since they had two natives with them. They still got looks because of their capes however which had started to gather a light coating of dust from the constant walking around.
They were almost at the stock exchange when the trio realized that it was long since passed noon and they haven't even eaten yet. As they pointed out the need for food, Golden Exchange realized that most of the agents would actually be having lunch right about now and there wouldn't be as much trading going on and consented to a picnic.
The Crusaders had actually packed a lot of food and shared it between all five of them, having found a table and seating to relax at a nearby cafe while they ate. While most of their food stuff was apple themed or just plain old baked goods, they still managed to have a mostly balanced meal. They made quick work of the lunch, eager to finish and keep trying to earn their cutie marks.
Once everyone recharged their energy, they set out once more for the stock exchange building. It was two stories high but very large, and while the building was a normal square shape, the inside was open in the center in the shape of a circle; in the middle of the center was a board that constantly changed its display, showing current stock prices as ponies shouted to one another about buying and selling.
The two Canterlot nobles helped to get passes for all five of them (no sneaking in this time) and got how much they could spend registered so that others would know that they could pay for only so much as they traded with other agents. Once they were set up in style to try their hoof at trading, Golden Exchange led the way onto the sales floor, where everyone was in shock at the noise of all the adult ponies shouting.
“Ah can barely hear mahself think; how can all these grown-ups shout so much?” Apple Bloom half-shouted to her friends who only barely heard her, though once they figured out what was being said they completely agreed.
“What should we do?” Scootaloo shouted to the others, unsure of all the rules that came with the exchange.
Golden Exchange thought only for a second before deciding that doing a demonstration was the best way to learn. She watched the screen for a little while and decided to buy some stock in crystals.
As she looked for the pony selling the stock in crystals, she realized that due to their smaller size it was going to be hard for anypony else to see them to trade with them. The pale-yellow filly led the others to nearby chairs to stand on so it was easier for others to see them before starting the demonstration.
“I'll take two shares of crystals, at 13 bits a share!” Golden Exchange shouted to the trader-pony who jerked his head towards the voice before writing down her number in the little electronic notepad to see that she could indeed pay for it and they did the transaction by shouting and electronic means.
After gaining two shares of crystals, Golden Exchange kept an eye on the screen, watching crystals go up a little, then down and going up seven bits than when she bought it. At this point, Golden Exchange started to look for anypony buying crystals and sold it one bit cheaper; once she successfully sold her two shares of crystals, she turned to her friends with a triumphant smile.
“That's how you do stock exchanges. You buy stock at lower prices and try to sell it at higher ones.” Golden Exchange said to the Crusaders who looked at her in wonder before grinning and staring at the screen for other things they could try and buy to sell.
They spent the next hour trying to buy and sell stock with minimal success. The Crusaders would buy things that would drop in price soon afterwards and never managed to make profit, though they got enough to keep a balanced amount from when they started trading. While Sweet Success had a little more success at trading, it was Golden Exchange who led the way for all of them. They tried to mimic what she did, but that only worked for an extent, especially as the adults around the fillies noticed and kept an eye on the pale-yellow filly's transactions to gain the upper hoof.
It was after the Crusaders lost most of the bits they brought with them that the five fillies called it quits on trading stock. Golden Exchange managed one last haul before they turned in their badges and got the bits they earned, or in the case of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, acknowledged the loss of the bits.
As they regrouped outside of the exchange, Golden Exchange turned to the trio and gave them the bits she had earned.
“Here, take these. I've got plenty of bits, I don't need all this much extra. Besides, I can always go and make some more later if I need to.” Golden Exchange said as the Cutie Mark Crusaders looked doubtful of taking their friend's bits.
“Ah dunno. It don't feel right taking yer bits that you made; though ya did earn yer cutie mark for it!” Apple Bloom said as she pointed to the golden scales that rest on Golden Exchange's flank while the other Crusaders gave her large grins.
Golden Exchange looked at her new mark and gave the others a large grin, all the while pushing the sack of bits towards them.
“I got my cutie mark! It's my special talent then! You guys don't have to worry about me, I can always make more, but you have to be able to pay for your ride home.” Golden Exchange smiled happily at the sight of her cutie mark before looking at the others who were staring at the pile of bits being offered.
Sweet Success nodded along with what Golden Exchange said; while she didn't make as much either, she hadn't lost all the bits that she had on her like the Crusaders did and would hate for them to be stuck in the city.
“I guess... thanks Golden Exchange. Congratulation on getting your cutie marks you guys! Though I guess this means it's back to the drawing board about getting our own cutie marks.” Sweetie Belle looked to the others as they split the pile between the three of them as Sweet Success and Golden Exchange looked on.
“Hopefully you guys get your own cutie marks soon. It was a pretty fun day, thanks you guys.” Sweet Success gave the Crusaders a hug which was gleefully returned as the trio realized that it was indeed very late in the day and that they would need to head home soon before anypony noticed their absence.
“It was pretty cool! Even if we didn't get our cutie marks, and we did lose most of our bits... it was still pretty cool.” Scootaloo said as she waved a hoof in a circular manner to help describe the day with a smile.
“Yeah! We'll come back and see you guys some other time!” Sweetie Belle said with an excited leap at the thought of coming back to visit later.
“Yeah, an' when we earn more bits we'll pay ya back Golden Exchange. No matter what y'all might say, we don' take no charity, we'll earn bits jus' like we'll earn our cutie marks one day.” Apple Bloom stated with a proud smile, already trying to think of how to earn over three-hundred bits to pay back their friend.
The two Canterlot ponies smiled at how energetic the trio could be and their stubbornness about taking bits from others. The five friends walked together to the train station just in time to catch the latest one to Ponyville, just after the usual rush of ponies heading home for the day.
With cheerful goodbyes, the trio headed back onto the train for home. The train ride back was almost as empty as when they first left, most of the other ponies having already returned from their work that day making it easier to find another empty compartment to hide out in.
Once they arrived, they remembered why they were traveling outside of town in the first place just in time to avoid Pepper as the gray earth pony asked All Aboard if her target had left town. As they avoided detection All Aboard recalled seeing the trio leave, though he hadn't seen them return yet. Pepper groaned in frustration and demanded to know where they had gone; at finding that they went to Canterlot the dark-blue maned pony left to send a letter to the pony who was looking around in Canterlot to keep an eye out for the orange peagasus.
Once that was done, Pepper then started to look in the nearby areas for Scootaloo or any other orphans, she had quite the lead in Ponyville that unless the young filly flew the coop, she would come back eventually and Pepper planned to be there to catch her.
The Crusaders made it back to their Clubhouse without incident just in time as Applejack stopped by to invite them all to dinner at the farm house. The trio figured that that was the best way to start their awesome sleepover/camp out and raced to the house in excitement. They were starving from having such a long day and more adventures; though they were glad that it was of a more peaceful kind this time around and were hopeful for the kinds of adventures that awaited them that summer.