//------------------------------// // Conflict among Crusaders // Story: Friendship's New Flight: New Crusade // by Masterob //------------------------------// As planned, The 5 Crusaders had gone to the park with their two guardians, Applejack & Cloudchaser, they were expected to meet up with Rarity. "So what's the crusading plan today?" Babs asked. "Well Rarity is bringing a wagon big enough for all of us to ride on, we're gonna find a nice hill first, maybe we can get Cutie Marks in Wagon Riding", Sweetie said. Babs looked confused, "Wagon Riding? Where'd you get an idea like that?" "I heard that Apple Bloom's cousin Braeburn has stuff like that where he's from, sounds fun", Sweetie said. Apple Bloom face hoofed, "Sweetie, it's not that kind of wagon, these wagons move like the ones mah family's wagons move for Apple Bucking". "Oh..." Sweetie felt foolish, "Well it should still be fun, I'd bet Scootaloo would like it". "Yeah, sounds like a wild ride", Scootaloo said with enthusiasm. Rumble spoke up, "It does sound fun, I hope Miss rarity gets here soon so we can try that". Sweetie Belle stopped and looked at Rumble, "Wait, you actually wanna do this?" "Yeah? Why?" Rumble asked. Sweetie Belle felt Rumble's head, "Well he's not sick, but maybe he's still a bit abnormal". "I'm totally serious Sweetie, I wanna ride with you girls", Rumble said. Sweetie Belle smiled a bit, "Good, at least you're starting to be more of a team player, and stop putting a damper on our ideas". Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, "Sweetie, I seem to remember when Scootaloo wanted to glide on that zip line, and how scared you initially were and didn't think it was a good idea". "Zip Gliding is a bit more dangerous than half the things Rumble shot down", Sweetie stated, "Besides I'm a filly, it's ok for me to be cautious, Rumble's a colt, he should be born liking this kind of stuff". Rumble grumbled a bit, "That sounds kinda sexist Sweetie Belle". "Yeah seriously, you're really gonna use the whole 'I'm a filly' thing to justify being a hypocrite?" Apple Bloom asked. "Not to mention your sister and friends are fillies and they're great ponies, in fact some of the best ponies in Equestria are mares, like Spitfire", Rumble said. "Ugh what's with ponies jumping all over me for my comments?" Sweetie shouted. "Well stop saying such insensitive comments", Scootaloo said. "Ugh, whatever lets just go", Sweetie said with a huff. The group walked on and met up with Rarity who was waiting near a wagon with Spike. "Hey Rarity, glad you could make it", Applejack said. "My pleasure Applejack, good afternoon Cloudchaser", Rarity said. "Sup Rarity", Cloudchaser said. Rumble went up to Rarity, "Hi Miss Rarity, nice to see you". "Rumble dear, just call me 'Rarity', I know you like being formal, especially with me but it's not nessacary, your my dear little Sweetie Belle's friend", Rarity said. "Loosley", Sweetie muttered. "Sweetie", Rarity said sternly. "I mean...yeah, good friend", Sweetie said, barely hiding the sarcasm. "Anyway here's your wagon, Spike offered to bring it", Rarity said and gestured over to Spike. Spike showed them the wagon, "Sure did, can't let a nice lady like Rarity deal with a task like pulling a wagon when her favorite dragon can help her". Rarity giggled, "What a charmer you are Spikey-Wikey" Rumble rolled his eyes, somewhat annoyed at Spike's attitude, "I think Rarity could have handled it Spike, she's not as fragile as she appears". Rarity ruffled Rumble's mane, "It's fine Rumble dear, that's just Spike trying to be noble, I like it". "Yeah, you're not the only one who can put on a charm Rumble, and I have better charisma, so chill out and stop being a drag", Spike said. Rumble wasn't pleased to hear Spike say that, but he didn't comment on it. Applejack however glared at Spike a bit, "Spike, be nice to Rumble". "Hey I was just saying-" Applejack got closer, "Knock it off Spike, ah mean it!" Spike backed off a bit while sweating, "Right, sorry", he didn't want to cause a scene with Applejack after all. Applejack went back to Cloudchaser while Rarity put on a nnervous smile, "Well then, um, lets chat while the foals play". "Sure thing, you foals can go, be careful, don't play to rough...and be nice to each other", Applejack said, last part very sternly. The foals nodded and grabbed the wagon and walked off. "Spike, why don't you go play with them?" Rarity suggested. "I'm not gonna play with a bunch of little kids, I'm gonna head back to Twilight", Spike then turned to Rarity, "Let me know if you need anything else". "Will do darling, you may run along now", Rarity said. Spike nodded and left, leaving Rarity with the other mares, "Nice to see your cousin's here, things been going well lately?" "Yeah, she's really happy to be with Apple Bloom again", Applejack said. "Nice to see she's all straightened out, further proof that with the proper guidance, anypony can reform", Rarity stated. Cloudchaser scoffed, "No pony fully reforms, including that kid, I don't like her attitude". Rarity looked confused, "Why do you say that? Was she being rude to the other foals?" "Only Rumble, what's with Rumble and Thunder being magnets for hate?" Cloudchaser asked, clearly annoyed at how her friends are being treated, "Thunder I understand, he can be a moron sometimes, not that it's justified, but Rumble's a sweet kid. Do they find it hard to believe a colt can be as sweet as a filly? Granted I was never much of a nice and sweet filly that's even further proof that the stereotype is nothing but a fraud". "Well most fillies don't know how to deal with colts", Rarity explained, "Especially tougher ones who don't know how to express emotions, look at Rainbow Dash and Thunderlane, she's often rude to him even as a couple, but it's just her way of showing affection". "I can buy that with Babs, being from Manehatten she seems like that type, but for Sweetie Belle, I have my doubts, why does she hate him? Is it seriously the whole 'hesitant' thing or 'shoehorn'?" Cloudchaser asked. "Well she stated something about him being 'too nice' and that she thinks it's an act, though I do my best to explain that he's just like Fluttershy", Applejack said. "And did she accept that?" Applejack shook her head, "No...she said that's more of a filly thing, not a colt thing" "Tch, little sexist", Cloudchaser said. "Lots of young colts and fillies say things like that, even Applejack had said something like that once to Spike. I remember when all of us shared a hug and it looked like Spike was gonna vomit, and...what was it you said Applejack?" Rarity asked. "Ah said 'like a boy not being able to handle a little sentiment', seemed like he didn't care for 'girly' moments", Applejack stated. Cloudchaser snickered, "You of all ponies complaining about something like that? Of all your friends you're the most tomboyish and you're gonna complain to Spike about something like that?" Applejack grumbled, "How am ah a tomboy? What about Rainbow Dash?" "Rainbow Dash is tomboyish but for the most part it's an act, she just doesn't like to show her girly side, she thinks it makes her look weak"< Cloudchaser started explaining, "As for you, well you don't exactly act like a girly girl, you do hard rigorous farm work, you're stronger than most Stallions, hell Thunderlane admits he would be afraid to fight you cause he says you'll whoop him, though he thinks that about all your friends, but mostly you, you don't mind getting dirty, face it you're a tomboy". Applejack groaned, "I'm just a mare, ah ain't trying to act like a stallion, ah just don't follow a stereotype". "The fact that you don't act and it's natural just further proves my case, besides looking at your muscles, I'd say that's more proof", Cloudchaser said. Applejack blushed, "What's wrong with mah muscles? I'm a farmer, nothing wrong with having muscles to help, doesn't make me less of a mare". "Didn't say muscles was a bad thing", Cloudchaser said. Rarity spoke up, "Personally I say there's nothing wrong with a strong mare, I'm not for rigorous work outs but I've always liked that about you, your traits still make you a.." Rarity started to blush, "VERY attractive pony". Applejack blushed as well, "Aw, thanks Rarity". Cloudchaser looked confused, "Um Rarity, did you just..." "LOOK OUT!" All 3 ponies looked up to see who said that and saw Derpy Hooves heading for them, looking like she was gonna crash, luckily all 3 managed to get out of the way. Derpy hit the ground and rubbed her head, "Sorry I startled you, I just don't know..." "What went wrong?" Cloudchaser finished. "Yeah, how'd you know I was gonna say that?" Derpy asked. "Lucky guess". Applejack helped up Derpy, "There you go partner". "Thanks Applejack, gotta work on my landing". "So what brings you here?" Applejack asked. "I'm here with Dinky, she wanted to come to the park so I offered to take her, she is my favorite little filly after all", Derpy said. "You're such a kind mare Derpy", Rarity said. "Of only you could stop being such a clutz", Cloudchaser bluntly stated. Rarity glared at Cloudchaser, "Cloudchaser, that is uncalled for, some ponies can't help how they are". "It's fine Rarity, lots of ponies tell me that, I know it's a bit annoying", Derpy said. "Still, I won't allow such a thing", Rarity said with obvious unhappiness in her voice," You're just fine the way you are Derpy Hooves". "She's got a point Cloudchaser, you yerself are annoyed at how Sweetie was treating Rumble, what you did there wasn't much different", Applejack pointed out. Cloudchaser sighed, "Yeah you're right, sorry about the crack Derpy" Derpy hugged Cloudchaser hard, "It's ok, I forgive you". Cloudchaser chuckled nervously, "Thanks...now can you please let me go, you're kinda hurting me". Derpy let go, "Sorry about that". Rarity and Applejack chuckled a bit, meanwhile the foals have taken the wagon to a small hill. "Ok, ya'll ready for this?" Apple Bloom asked. The other foals nodded and Apple Bloom got ready. Watching from nearby was the young filly, Dinky Do. "3...2...1...GO!" The wagon went down and all the ponies yelled for joy, though it ended sooner than they wanted. "Aw, that hill wasn't big enough", Scootaloo said. "Lets find a bigger one then", Babs said. As they walked to find another hill Rumble noticed Dinky and waved at her, "Hi Dinky!" Dinky waved back, the other crusaders noticed her and waved as well. "Hey Dinky, wanna join us!?" Apple Bloom asked. Dinky nodded and followed the other crusaders. Babs whispered to Sweetie Belle, "She ok?" "She's fine, doesn't talk much though", Sweetie said. "She ever wanted to join?" "She never showed interest, though Rarity does bring up the idea". Dinky joined up with the others. "So Dinky, who are you here with?" Apple Bloom asked. "I'm here with Derpy, she's actually over there talking to your sister", Dinky said, pointing to Derpy and the other mares. Babs cocked her head, "What's with her eyes? She mentally disabled?" Dinky frowned, "No, she's just got a lazy eye". Rumble glared at Babs a bit, "That's not a proper question to ask". "Uh, did I ask for your opinion?" Babs asked. "Babs!" Apple Bloom shouted. "Yes?" Babs asked with false sentiment. "Be nice!" Apple Bloom scolded. Bad enough Sweetie's acting like this, she doesn't need Babs to join that bandwagon. Babs groaned, "Fine then, don't get an attitude about it" Dinky looked unsure about this, she had just met Babs and she's already getting the idea that she's not the nicest filly. Rumble simply rolled his eyes, normally he didn't like to think bad of ponies but between Babs' bully history and the fact that she doesn't seem to be acting nice right now, he was starting to dislike her. But he knew she needed a chance, Apple Bloom did consider Babs her favorite cousin, all he needed was one major piece of evidence that she's a nice pony, like he had with Sweetie Belle, despite her bratty nature he knows she's nice. He just needs to get on her good side. They found another hill, this one was a lot bigger and the path looked a little bumpy. Didn't stop Scootaloo from trying to set up the wagon. "Looks dangerous, lets find another", Rumble said. "What? No way, it looks fine", Scootaloo said. "No it doesn't, we'll get hurt", Rumble pointed out. "Hey sometimes we need a few scratches and bruises to get our cutie marks", Scootaloo admitted and continued to ready the wagon. "Come on, that's a load of nonsense, our cutie marks are not worth serious injury", Rumble said. Babs blew her hair out her eye, "You know for a colt you're not very brave". Rumble muttered, "Well you're not very filly-like yourself" Babs glared, "What'd you say to me?" "I wasn't saying anything to you technically speaking", Rumble pointed out with a slight attitude. Babs got in his face, "Don't get smart with me, unless you want a black eye". "For the record, I have no problems telling on you if you do something bad", Rumble threatened. "What are you? A wuss? Just because you have a filly face doesn't mean you should act like a scared little girl". Rumble was taken back by the 'filly face' comment, "I don't have a filly face!" "Yeah you do, when I first saw you in Manehatten, I thought you was a filly, you even sound like a filly", Babs taunted. Apple Bloom looked appaled by this, Scootaloo looked uneasy, Dinky looked angry, she barely knew Rumble but felt he didn't deserve this, Sweetie Belle had a sly smirk on her face, hoping this means Rumble will finally leave. Rumble looked hurt but he didn't want to back down, "Yeah...well, at least I'm not chubby like you are!" Babs grabbed him, "What'd you say kid!?" "Babs don't you dare hurt him!" Apple Bloom warned. "Stay out of this cuz, this is between me and this little chump!" Babs shouted.. Rumble struggled in her grasp, "Let me go!" "Or what? You gonna whine and cry some more?" Babs then pushed him to the floor. "Ow!" Rumble started to get up but saw Babs approach him. With tears in his eyes, Rumble shouted "APPLEJACK!" "Aw, you want Applejack to save your sorry ass?" Babs said and shoved Rumble again. "Come on Babs, Knock it off!" Apple Bloom shouted. "Not until I teach this kid a lesson!" Babs said and shoved Rumble once more. Rumble shouted again, "APPLEJACK! HELP!" At that moment Appplejack arrived with the other mares. "What's going on here!?" Rumble ran to Applejack and hugged her, somewhat scared. "What'd you girls do!?" Applejack angrily asked. Rumble pointed to Babs, "She shoved me!" Cloudchaser looked enraged, "She shoved you!?" "3 times", Rumble said. Applejack glared at Babs, "Did you shove him?" "Well, yeah, but he said I was chubby, I wasn't gonna take that!" Applejack motioned Rumble to Cloudchaser, "Take him, watch the other girls, I'm gonna have a nice talk with mah cousin". Cloudchaser nodded while glaring at Babs, she was just about ready to slam her face into a tree but held back, figuring Applejack had this. She took Rumble and motioned him to Rarity & Derpy while the other foals just stoof there. "Lets go Babs", Applejack said and walked off, Babs hesitated to follow but Applejack turned around and spoke with more force, "I ain't gonna ask again, lets go!" Babs decided not to test Applejack's patience and walked. Derpy approached Dinky, "Are you ok muffin?" Dinky nodded, "I'm fine, though this was uncomfortable for me to watch". Rarity turned to Sweetie Belle, "Did you have anything to do with what just happened?" "Hey don't blame me, I didn't tell Babs to hurt Rumble, nor did I tell Rumble to call Babs chubby", Sweetie said defensively. "That Babs girl started it by calling Rumble a filly face", Dinky said. Cloudchaser turned to Rumble, "She said that to you?" Rumble nodded, enraging Cloudchaser more, then she turned to Sweetie, "This is your fault, I know you started this!" "Hey I didn't start a damn thing, so piss off!" Sweetie shouted. "Sweetie Belle! Watch your tone!" Rarity shouted. "Don't tell me what to do, you're not my mom!" Sweetie shouted. "Do you want me to tell mother how you're acting!?" Raritty asked. "Tattle Tale!" "Why you!" "Hey!" Apple Bloom shouted, getting everyone's attention, "Rarity, may I speak with Sweetie Belle alone?" Rarity nodded, "Of course, maybe you can get through to her". "Thanks, lets go Sweetie" Apple Bloom said and walked off with Sweetie Belle. Rumble then approached Rarity, "May I ask you something Rarity?" "Sure dear, what is it?" "What does Sweetie Belle like?" "Hm? Why do you ask?" "Well", Rumble twiddled his hooves, "I want to get her to like me so we can be friends, but I don't know how, what should I do?" "Aw, it's sweet that you still wanna be friends with her, I suppose being her friend is the best way to deal with all this, look dear, Sweetie just seems a little threatened by your appearance in the crusaders", rarity said, then had an idea, "The best thing you can do is show her you care about her, if you'd like you can even make a nice little friendship bracelet for her". "Well I tried telling Sweetie I want to be her friend, she just doesn't seem to trust me", Rumble said. "Well another issue she had was that you're too nice, you have to be a little assertive once in a while, if Sweetie gives you an attitude, don't be afraid to tell her off", Rarity said. "I don't want to upset her, besides I tried being assertive with Babs, and it nearly got my flank kicked", Rumble said. "Babs is a little more troubled it seems, Sweetie isn't really that violent, she almost never gets into fights, the only time I recall is a little squabble in the Canerlot Garden with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo", Rarity said. "They got into a fight with Apple Bloom? I thought she was really strong", Rumble said. Scootaloo interjected, "She is, luckily she wasn't in that much of a bad mood that time, besides she's only gotten stronger lately due to her extra work at the farm", "I don't see how this is helping", Cloudchaser pointed out. "Just that odds of Sweetie hurting you are slim, but if she does, just let one of us know like you did with Babs, I guarantee soon you'll be friends with Sweetie Belle", Rarity said. "I hope so, I don't want her to become a bully, like Babs", Rumble said the last part with a little malice. "Babs isn't that bad either you know, she just needs a little getting used to", Scootaloo said. "Tch, she needs a LOT of getting used to", Dinky said. Scootaloo glared a bit at Dinky but didn't say anything, the mares were already in somewhat of a bad mood, she didn't need to be on the receiving end of a lecture. Mwanwhile Applejack is talking with Babs. "Why are you doing this Babs? Ah took you in for the summer because I thought it'd make Apple Bloom happy, and because a little life in a simple village would probably be easier than life in the city, nicer folks, better surroundings, more friends, yer throwing that all away by being mean to Rumble! He's a sensitive colt, you don't need to be shoving him like that!" "But he called me chubby", Babs complained. Applejack facehoofed, "And why exactly did he call you 'chuby'?" "Well...I may have told him that his face looked like a filly's, but that was simply a friendly tip". Applejack simply stared like if Babs was an idiot, "Listen, I'm gonna tell you just once, DON'T bully Rumble like this again" "Whoa, whoa, whoa, Bully? I don't bully, I was bullied", Babs said. "Listen! Believe it or don't believe it, don't matter, you're being bully. Now knock it off, you got off easy last time but you won't this time, and your family has given me permission to punish you if you misbehave, yer already going to bed without dessert as it is, don't make things worse!" "Aw Camaaan!" "End of discussion, now you will go back to Rumble and apologize for how you were acting", Applejack said with authority. Babs sighed in defeat, "Ugh, fine" "Don't give an attitude!" Applejack warned. Babs rolled her eyes and blew her hair out her eye and spoke with a mock polite voice, "Yes cousin Applejack". Meanwhile with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. "Sweetie, this needs to stop, Rumble is one of us, you need to give him a chance", Apple Bloom said. "I didn't have any say in it whatsoever", Sweetie said. "Neither did ah! Doesn't matter anyway! Why are you treating him like this? He's a nice pony" Apple Bloom said. "Too nice, also too annoying, he never does anything...and DON'T bring up the zip gliding thing again", Sweetie warned. Apple Bloom did a shrug like motion, "So he's hesitant, and it's a little annoying but still". "A little? He doesn't do anything, he even admits our cutie marks aren't that important!" Sweetie said. "He says it's not worth getting hurt over and well...maybe he's right, he just cares", Apple Bloom said. "What about Babs, he got her in trouble, doesn't it bother you that he sold out your cousin like that?" "She shoved him, would you rather he hit her? Or is that what you wanted, an excuse to hurt him physically?" "I don't need an excuse to do that", Sweetie pointed out. Apple Bloom glared, "Listen, ah don't want you hurting him, like ah said, there will be consequences, not just from me, but also from mah sister". "Speaking of your sister, notice that she's so concerned for him nowadays? Doesn't that make you a teensy bit jealous?" Sweetie asked. "No, why would it?" Sweetie Bell groaned, "I seem to remember wanting your sister as my new big sister, and you having an issue with that! Suppose Rumble takes away Applejack from you! You still want him around?" "Listen! Mah issue was not you wanting Applejack, it's why you wanted her, because you were mad at yer sister, so you want to replace her like that, how can ah trust you with mah sister?" "Hey Applejack seemed like a perfect sister", Sweetie admitted. "She's not perfect, you've seen yourself how overprotective she can be, remember when ah wanted to stay home alone. Not to mention she's really stubborn, like the time she wanted to buck all the trees entire Sweet Apple Aces alone, and you remember the whole issue when she first met Thunderlane, then this whole thing with Rumble in Canterlot!? She's not perfect, nopony is" "Still, do you really want to take a chance you'll lose Applejack?" Sweetie asked, still prodding at Apple Bloom's emotions. "Listen! Stop trying to drive a wedge! Rumble ain't trying to steal Applejack, and Applejack ain't trying to replace me, you know Applejack is just trying to make amends for her actions before, besides ah want him closer to mah family, then he'll pick me over this other filly he likes!" That seemed to click in Sweetie's head, "He likes another filly?" "Yes, he told me himself because he thought it'd be fair since he knows ah like him and he doesn't want me to feel too crushed, so he's not after one thing, he at least cares enough to give me a warning, now ah want to make sure ah win him over, so don't screw this up for me!" Sweetie rolled her eyes, "Ugh, fine, I won't, though I still think you're wasting your time" "Listen Sweetie, you know what's gonna happen if you keep this nonsense going? Rumble's gonna snap! He's being really patient but ah think his patience is running low, the day he snaps at you, yer gonna regret it, and I ain't gonna be there to help yah, because you deserve it!" Apple Bloom huffed to relieve the rest of he ranger, "Now lets go back to our sisters". Sweeite huffed, but couldn't stop thinking about what Apple Bloom said about Rumble liking another filly. Back with the group, they were simply waiting, then Applejack and Babs arrived. "Where's Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle?" Applejack asked. "She went to talk with Sweetie Belle", Rarity explained. "Getting a little sense into her as well?" Applejack asked. "Yes, I hope things work out, oh here they come now!" Rarity saw the two fillies arrive. "Everything cleared up?" Rarity asked. "Fer now, yeah", Apple Bloom said. "Ok Babs, do you have something to say to Rumble?" Babs sighed and reluctantly said, "I'm sorry I called you filly face and shoved yah". Rumble nodded, "It's fine, sorry for calling you chubby". Babs barely cared, "Yeah thanks". Rarity smiled, "Well then, that's taken care of, why don't you kids get back to playing". "While I keep an eye on you", Cloudchaser warned. The foals simply nodded at that. "Dinky, do you wanna keep playing with the Crusaders?" Derpy asked. "Yeah, I can still play with them", Dinky said. "Ok, have fun muffin", Derpy said. As the foals walked off, Cloudchaser spoke, "I don't think it's a good idea for them to keep playing together, what if this happens again?" "We'll give them one more chance, if they act up again, we go home, but if you're concerned go follow them and watch them like you said, we'll be here if you need us", Applejack said. Cloudchaser nodded and followed the foals, keeping a distance. As the foals walked, Babs spoke up. "Why does that wall eyed mare call you 'muffin'?" Dinky's eye twitched a little, didn't take long for her to be such a prude again, "Her name is Derpy, and that's her nickname for me. She likes muffins, so she compares me to something she likes" "Right...so does she foalsit you, or do you foalsit her?" Babs said, ending in a chuckle. Dinky huffed, "Just because she looks and acts innocent doesn't mean she's unable to do her job as my foalsitter, I love Derpy, she's like family to me, I'd say she's almost like a mom to me, or at least a big sister". "Relax kid, I'm just messing with ya", Babs said defensively, while blowing her hair out her eye. "No more fighting please, lets just try to get along", Rumble pleaded. As they walked, Sweetie approached Rumble, "So Rumble...is there a reason why you want to be in our group? Just meaning to ask", Sweetie was being genuine when she spoke, though feeling a bit awkward when doing so. Rumble was a bit surprised Sweetie was asking nicely, "Um, well Scootaloo said it would be fun, I had doubts but I decided to give it a chance, so far it seems nice". "I see...um, are there certain fillies you would date in our group?" Sweetie asked, trying to hide a blush. Rumble raised his eyebrow, "Did Apple Bloom put you up to this? This isn't like you to ask me". Sweetie got annoyed, "I was just asking Rumble!" she swung her head away from him, "Colts, I swear". Rumble rolled his eyes, but he figured maybe he's getting close to befriending her. They approached a pond and decided to skip rocks. "Maybe we can get a cutie mark in skipping rocks", Scootaloo said. "Are cutie marks all you ponies can think of? There's more to life than a cutie mark, sometimes you just do things for fun", Dinky said. "Ok we don't need another Rumble Dinky", Sweetie Belle said. "We certainly don't need another Sweetie Belle", Dinky muttered. "I heard that!" "Lets just skip the dang rocks and stop fighting", Apple Bloom said. "This keeps up, we're gonna turn out like Rainbow Dash & Lightning Dust", Rumble said. "Well you already compared Babs to Lightning Dust, Trixie, Suri & The Flim Flam Brothers, imagine that, comparing an Apple to the brothers that tried running the Apples out of business", Sweetie said. Apple Bloom glared, "Sweetie, yer getting on mah bad side, stop stirring up the pot, I ain't jealous of Rumble's relationship with mah sister, I ain't gonna complain about him second guessing our cutie mark ideas, and I ain't mad at him for telling on Babs, she had it coming". "Hey!" Babs complained. Rumble groaned, he was clearly starting to get annoyed with Sweetie Belle, "Sweetie did I do anything to you that you hate me so much?" "It's not you did, it's what didn't happen", Sweetie said. "Huh? What? Tell me, whatever it is I'll do it", Rumble pleaded. "Rumble, you ain't got to do anything. Sweetie, knock it off, the big ponies are watching, especially Cloudchaser, don't tick her off" Apple Bloom warned. "Fine whatever", Sweetie said. The foals then started skipping the rocks, Rumble, Scootaloo & Babs did well, Apple Bloom and Dinky had some trouble, but got the gist of it, Sweetie had the most trouble. "Ugh, come on, work with me!" Sweetie said as she threw the rocks. "You're too much in a bad mood", Apple Bloom said. "Do you need help?" Rumble asked. "I got this! Stop bugging me!" she tossed the rock again but messed up. "You almost got it", Rumble stated. "Don't make me dunk you in the water", Sweetie warned. "Can I do it?" Babs asked. Rumble backed away from Babs, "I don't want you near me" "Wuss". Dinky turned to Apple Bloom, "I thought the problems were fixed?" Apple Bloom sighed, "It's the same story, Rumble gets picked on, there's a scolding, fake apology, the only difference is that Babs is here, which made things worse, I mean I'm sorry Babs, you're family and I care for you, but you're being a nightmare right now". "Come on cuz, I do this cause I care", Babs said. "Seriously girls, didn't you learn anything from mah sister and Thunderlane?" Apple Bloom asked. "Yeah, don't let a colt come between friends", Sweetie Belle said. Apple Bloom face hoofed, "You're really something Sweetie Belle, just remember so long as Thunderlane is friends with our sisters and the coltfriend of Rainbow Dash, Rumble ain't going away, especially so long as I have say, now learn to get along, I'm getting tired of talking about this" Sweetie then pondered, "I wonder if we could get a cutie mark in anti-match making?" That comment set something off in Rumble, his eyes bulged in anger and he got in Sweetie Belle's face, "Alright listen you pompous little brat! You do anything, ANYTHING AT ALL to mess with my brother's relationship with Rainbow Dash or friendship with the elements, you're gonna regret it!" Sweetie was taken back but then fully enraged, "How DARE you speak to me like that!" Cloudchaser noticed the quarrels and called form afar, "What's going on over there!?" Rumble put his hoof up, "Hold up CC, I got this!" Cloudchaser wanted to step in but she didn't want to take away from Rumble standing up for himself, it was a long time coming anyway. "Look, I didn't ask to be a Crusader, I was offered, and 2 of your friends seemed to like me, so what's your freak deal with me!?" Rumble shouted. "Hey Babs doesn't like you either", Sweetie said. "Who cares what she thinks!? She's a troubled filly", he pointed his hoof to Babs, "You do anything I will call Applejack again", Babs stood there with anger in her eyes while Rumble kept speaking, "Sweetie Belle I want to be your friend, I really do, but if you can't see that, that's your loss. I won't let you get in the way of my friendship with Apple Bloom, or Applejack, or any of the other elements! And I certainly won't let you ruin the friendship my brother, Flitter & Cloudchaser have with the elements either! So back off!" Babs got between then, "Hey, don't talk to my friend like that! A colt like you bettah know his place!" Rumble backed up, "Babs, I told you to keep away from me!" "Yeah when it's Sweetie you're all tough but when with me you're a real wussbag aren't yah?" Babs taunted. Cloudchaser called out to Applejack, "Yo AJ! It's happening again!" she then flew over to Babs, "You need to back the hell away!" Soon Applejack and the others arrived, "It's been like 10 minutes and you're already at it again?" "Rumble started it", Babs said. "NO I DIDN'T! YOU AND SWEETIE DID!" Rumble shouted, but backed off when Babs approached him, "Stay away from me!" "That's it, fun's over, CC take Rumble home, Rarity grab your sister and Scootaloo, I'll take Apple Bloom and Babs back home", Applejack said. Derpy got Dinky, "We better go too" "Derpy, do you know when the post office closes? I need to send Babs' family a letter about how 'great' her first day here was, and by the way Babs, that's now a week without dessert", Applejack said. "You freaken' kidding me?" Applejack glared at Babs, "Don't push me, ah ain't in the mood right now". Babs backed off a bit. "Don't worry about it Applejack, I'll get your letter sent ASAP once you're done with it", Derpy assured. Before he left, Apple Bloom went to Rumble, "I'm sorry for how mah cousin's treating you, but don't worry, I have another plan to fix this" Rumble sighed, "Apple Bloom, I really like you but maybe being in this group isn't the best idea" Dinky approached them, "I agree with Rumble, after today I don't think I ever want to be a crusader, no offense Apple Bloom, you're really nice but aside from Scootaloo, the rest of the group doesn't seem to be". "Don't worry, I have an ultimatum for them, be at the clubhouse tomorrow at noon, I have a plan to fix this", Apple Bloom said. Rumble nodded and then left with Cloudchaser, Derpy left with Dinky, Rarity then herself left with Sweetie and Scootaloo, and Applejack left with her sister & cousin. "For the record Babs, you ain't bunking with Apple Bloom, you're sleeping in the living room", Applejack said, earning a dejected sigh from Babs. The Crusaders were falling apart.