//------------------------------//
// Journey's end 
// Story: The End of the Crusade 
// by CeresBane 
//------------------------------//

Paralysed with fear the cutie mark crusaders stood in the middle of Fluttershy's living room frozen in place by the mare's almighty stare. For a time they had gained great respect for Fluttershy after that incident with the cockatrice. But foals being the foals they are, the lesson had lain forgotten in the dust they left behind as they returned to the forest once more. As one collective mind they had gained another means of which they could gain their cutie marks. Fluttershy had turned her back for just a moment making ready for that tea party she oh so wanted to have with them. It was plenty of time to be gone and deep into the darkness of the Everfree forest.

"I didn't want to have to do this but you leave me with no choice." Fluttershy sighed in deep resignation. The crusaders collectively gathered sweat on each of their brow as they gulped down in anticipation.

Taking a long moment to take a deep breath Fluttershy began.

"Scootaloo your special talent is riding your scooter Sweetie Belle your special talent is singing and song writing Applebloom your special talent is building and making things everypony has known this for a very long time and we had hoped you would realise already and discover for yourselves but you are clearly too dim to do so and so I tell you now so that you can get these cutie marks already and stop being nuisance!" Fluttershy panted rapidly, her pink mane soaked with litres of sweat.

The crusaders blinked at once at Fluttershy. Then they blinked at each other. And finally blinked to see on each of their flanks their cutie marks. Smiles as wide as mile were beginning to form but Fluttershy made a stop to that.

"There! It's done. It's over, now drink some damn tea and we are going to have a nice and quiet party!" Fluttershy's expression was as fierce as one she made at the night of the grand galloping gala. She was not going to be denied.

Everyone gathered at the table and in silence, drank cold tea and ate hardened cake until it was time to go to bed.