Walking down the street to head toward one of the items on her list, Sweetie halted in her tracks, putting a hoof on her chest as pain flared up in it. Chatting casually, Snips and Snails hadn’t noticed her yet, and she was tempted to hide. Cringing, she felt her breath go ragged as she fought that desire, and gave a small whine as they noticed her.
“Hey Sweetie, not often we see you these days. Glad to see you were found safe.” Snails gave an eager smile, and was pushed aside as Snips beamed proudly, striking a pose.
“Yeah, I was searching the forest for you painstakingly. Snails here looked after Fluttershy’s animals.” Glancing to his friend, there was a hint of arrogance in Snip’s words. Wincing, Snail looked away from both, and his ears flopped down.
“Fluttershy couldn’t search for Sweetie and take care of them, and she’s much more comfortable around the Everfree monsters thanks to her talent. The chances of finding Sweetie were better when she didn’t have-” Cut off, Snail's head only got lower.
“Whatever, admit it. You were just afraid of the Everfree. Don’t worry, I picked up the slack because you weren’t there.” Snips smiled, and Snails gave a hesitant smile in response. Narrowing her eyes, Sweetie took a step forward, but stopped when Snails responded.
“Thanks Snips, you’re a great friend, helping me all the time.” That answer, it made her blood boil.
“Alright, that’s it!” Turning to Snails, Sweetie poked her hoof right in his face.
“You, you are a kind and gentle pony that shouldn’t feel pressured by others to act like Snips just because he treats you better for it. And you,” she spoke, turning to Snips.
“You need to stop forcing your beliefs on Snails, and start trying to get proper friendships. As such, I am officially interfering in your lives, and becoming your friend from now on. My first order of business is to introduce you to my friends, and hopefully get you inducted into the CMC.” Turning her back to them, Sweetie rolled her head toward the sky.
“And yeah, I know this sounds hypocritical since I was just calling you out on it, Snips. But so help me, I refuse to let anyone I like be doormats. I get enough of it from Rarity overworking herself, I don’t need others doing it too.” Glancing back at them, Sweetie blinked, and took a step back.
’Oh jeez, I didn’t mean to get so angry… I gotta watch my temper in the future, it certainly didn’t get any better during my time in the Loops.’ Feeling a little sorry for taking out her frustrations on them, Sweetie opened her mouth, about to apologise.
“But we can’t be Crusaders, we already have our Cutie Marks.” Snails surprised both Snips and Sweetie, speaking out of turn as he looked sadly to his Mark. Eyes widening, Sweetie smiled softly, feeling a pang in her chest. Coughing to hide the beginnings of a blush, she looked away for a moment.
“Weeeeel, all of us have our Marks now. So that point is kinda moot.” Chuckling, Sweetie closed her eyes, rubbing the back of her head. Snips raised an eyebrow, stepping forward.
“If yas have your Marks, why are you still the Cutie Mark Crusaders?” Folding his arms, Snips frowned. Turning, Sweetie giggled, amused that they hadn’t figured it out.
“That’s simple, it’s no longer about our Marks. I’ll admit, I haven’t discussed it yet with this version of my friends, but I’m pretty sure they’ll all be behind the idea of turning the CMC not into a crusade for our Marks, but for every Mark.” Narrowing her eyes, Sweetie smirked, raising a hoof slightly and pointing it to the sky.
“There are fillies and colts out there, worried about never getting their Mark, worries we shared with them. I want to bring out their true potential. That’s what my mark means, after all. And I’m going to make it happen.” Looked to them, she put her hoof down, and stood proudly.
“It may take years, maybe even decades, to bring the CMC around Equestria, to grow into a recognised group. But when we do, we will bring both happy memories, and cherished joy to all Markless ponies. For it's not only the Mark that counts, but the journey to get there.” Wiping her eye, Sweetie felt an open joy in her heart. Her dream, it could happen now she was outside the Loops. Both colts were open jawed at her, a hint of pink on their cheeks.
“Wait, version?” Tilting his head, Snips was confused by this word choice. Winking, Sweetie chuckled, turning and walking away. Swishing her tail once, she spawned a chicken, giggling as they watched it pass them.
“Oh no, that’s a story I’m saving. All my friends will hear it together, or not at all."