//------------------------------//
// Silver and Gold 
// Story: Moonburst Chronicles 
// by Code Breaker 
//------------------------------//

“Ah told yah this was a bad idea!” Applebloom cried out as she and four other fillies had hit a tree and crashed hitting the ground beneath them.

They are known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders or CMC for short were attempting again to obtain their cutiemarks again but in zip lining only to end up below a tree and with tree sap all over them which cause them to literally stick together.

“The idea would have worked if the line didn’t snap and we wouldn’t be in this mess.” Scoots replied back. 

The other three crusaders known as Sweetie Belle, Emerald Jewel, and Pendragon were watching them trying to free themselves from the tree sap.

“There has got to be an easier way?” Pen asked finally freeing herself from the others tree sap but still having brown spots of sap on her fur. 

“Well let’s just get this stuff off us.” Sweetie said and they all nodded.

After getting all the tree sap off them the crusaders were now at their clubhouse that is in the orchard of Sweet Apple Acres that once belonged to Applejack but decided to let the crusaders use it for their ‘crusading’. 

All of them were sitting in a complete circle wracking there little minds trying to decide what to do next to obtain their cutiemarks.

There was complete silence for about a half an hour until Applebloom spoke up.

“Ah got it! How ‘bout Cutiemark Crusaders: Karate Masters?!” Applebloom shouted out enthusiastically.

“Do you remember the last time we tried that?” Pen questioned already knowing the answer as Applebloom shuddered at the thought and memory.

“Yeah we all had sore hooves for three days.” Emerald answered.

“You know I did see a filer in town today.” Pen spoke up and all eyes were on her. 

“What’s it about?” Scoots asked.

“Well… I’ll show yah follow me.” Pen instructed as the girls left the clubhouse and went into town. Once their they’ve stopped in front on a building and saw a filer that Pen had saw earlier that day.





The filer read ‘Upcoming Young Writers Convention will be held in Ponyville. Winner gets first prize and gets to meet talked about author A.K. Yearling.’

“A…writers convention?” Scoots replied giving a confused look.

“Don’t you see we could all write our own stories, send them in to the festival and if one of us wins we get to meet A.K. Yearling. How great is that?” Pen said with enthusiasm.

“Lame.” Scoots bluntly stated as Pen blinked in bewilderment at her friend’s statement.

“Huh? But this is a great opportunity for us.” Pen countered. 

“It’s still lame. That’s more things that eggheads like to do. And besides who would want to meet this A.K. Yearling. Rainbow Dash?” She joked. 

“Do you always have to compare things to Rainbow Dash?” Pen countered getting a small bit irritated and tired of her friends obsession with the pegasus mare with a mane matching her namesake.

“Well I know Rainbow Dash wouldn’t be interested in stories. She’s too cool for that.” Scoots countered back.

“You don’t know what interests RD; she could have hobbies that she doesn’t talk about.” Pen stated an eyebrow raised at the claim.

“Well the answer is still no.” Scoots huffed.

“What you girls? Don’t you think this would be a good idea to try out?” Pen questioned looking the other three fillies.

Sweetie and Emerald stayed quiet and looked at each other trying to figure out what to say until Applebloom answered for them. 

“Well it is uh nice idea Pen, but Scoots does have uh point we need something that can benefit all of us, and not just one.” Applebloom answered to which Emerald and Sweetie nodded their heads in agreement.

“But…but…” Pen stammers and sighs in defeat.

“Alright. I guess you have a point.” She said downcast as the others walk away and she slowly follows, but she looks back and quickly grabs a rolled up flyer.

“But doesn’t mean I’m not going to try.” She thought.

Silver and Gold

Time soon passed as the crusaders broke up for the day each of them heading for home.

“I’m home Sunset!” Pen exclaims dropping the flyer as her sister pokes her head out of the kitchen.

“Hi Pen. How it go today?” Pen sighs showing her blank flank.

“Still trying to figure your special talent huh?” she asked as Pen sighs as Sunset noticed the flyer and unrolled it with her magic taking a look.

“You’re going to try this?” Sunset asked as Pen rubs her neck.

“I-I really don’t know. Scoots said it is lame, and AB suggested we should try something that benefits all of us…” Pen replied as Sunset scoffs

“Well if you are wanting to you should. Don’t let Scootaloo or anypony else tell you otherwise.” Sunset says as Pen smiles hugging her sister.

“Thanks. Maybe if I get started now I will be able to have it done in time for the festival.” Pen says rushing upstairs as Sunset chuckles.





A few hours passed and in Pendragon’s room another piece of paper was wadded up and thrown into a trash bin of overflowing wadded paper.

“UGH! Why is this so frustrating to write a single story?!” Pen shouted in frustration no ideas coming to her currently.

“Normally I’m good at this. I can usually write anything with ease. Maybe I’m pushing myself to much?” Pen thought and sighs heavily as her sister peeks in and knocks before walking in with a plate of snacks.

“So…everything going okay?” Sunset asked setting the plate down next to Pen. 

“What does it look like?” Pen growled giving her sister a slight glare as Sunset’s eye twitched in anger, but she gave a few breaths calming herself quickly.

“Hey give it time I’m sure it’ll come to you.” Sunset encouraged nudging her sisters side.

“I don’t know sis. You know I’m normally good at stuff like this.” Pen stated resting her head on the desk.

“Maybe you’re just pushing yourself to hard.” Sunset suggested as Pen sighs.

“That’s exactly what I was thinking. Maybe…just maybe I should quit.” Pen says sadly.

Sunset blinked a bit shocked at her sister’s statement.

“You can’t just quit Pen. You’ve barely even started or tried.” Sunset says as Pen glanced over and then back her head not rising from the desk.

“Think Sunset. Think think think…I got it.” Sunset thought.

“Sis I may have an idea.” Sunset stated with a smile as Pen picked her head up from the desk. Sunset when over and sat on her haunches on a small carpet piece and she motioned Pen over to sit across from her.

“Am I in trouble or something?” Pen asked. 

“No you are not in trouble but you seemed trouble that’s why I’m going to help you.” Sunset says calmly as she closed her eyes.

“You know that I do my breathing exercises for my anger problem right.” Sunset said 

“Which didn’t help with your friends if I may add.” Pen countered as Sunset’s eye twitched a little even with her eyes closed.

“I’ll imagine I didn’t hear that.” Sunset whispered to herself a bit annoyed.

Sunset cleared her throat before speaking and Pen sat near her.

“Okay now I want you to do as I do okay.” Sunset instructed as Pen groaned.

“Now close your eyes.” Sunset instructed as Pen closed her eyes.

“Now inhale through your muzzle.” Sunset stated they both inhaled.

“And exhale through the mouth.” Sunset says as they both did so.

“Again.” Sunset instructed as the breathing was repeating once more. 

“Let your worries wash over you like a river. Clear you mind of frustration.” Sunset instructed as the breathing was repeated again. 

“Let the words come to you and picture the story in your mind.” Sunset stated.

They both sat in complete silence for ten minutes until Pen’s eyes shot open like a bottle rocket going off her eyes wide and a beaming smiling on her face.

“I’ve got it!” Pen shouted and she rocketed toward her desk and then doubles back giving her sister a hug then went back to her desk and began to write with her quill in her magic. 

Sunset giggled as she got up and walked out of the room to give her sister some quiet time.





Pen worked into the night and early the next day. She was found by Sunset who peeked in and heard her little sister lightly snoring with her head on the desk. Sunset closed the door smiling a bit.

Pen let out a yawn as she woke her gaze shifting towards the clock on her wall.

“Oh no! I’m going to be late!” Pen exclaimed seeing the time. She grabbed her pages with her magic stuffing them into her saddle bag and ran downstairs and past Sunset who had been preparing her breakfast.

Sunset let out a sigh and began eating the breakfast she had prepared for Pen.

She ran to the school as fast as her little hooves could carry her she made it to the entrance of the school, but the school bell rang signaling the start of classes and thus she was late meaning she was going to hear about this from Mr. Neigh.

She slowly crept through the halls trying to reach her class without being spotted. As soon she’d reached the door to her class she slowly opened it and already seeing that class had begun already and saw Cheerliee grading yesterday’s papers while Mr. Neigh was writing something on the chalk board. She slowly tried to sneak in trying not to get his attention.

The door made a slight click as it shut which got his attention. He looked over and saw Pen standing there by the door 

“Pendragon why are you late for class?” He asked.

“Sorry Mr. Neigh I’ve overslept and lost track of time.” She answered.

“Well how about not staying up so late so you are here on time okay.” He says giving the ash grey filly a stern glare.

“Yes sir.” She chanted.

“Now please take your seat so we can continue onward.” He said looking back at the board as Pen took to her seat.

She headed toward her seat and sat down so everything could continue onward. Even though she was in the back she could see Diamond Tiara was mumbling something to herself probably another plan to pick on the CMC today. She ignored it and continued to pay attention to the lesson.

The recess bell rang and the all the fillies and colts ran out toward the playground to run off some energy. 

As Pen went out she found a nice spot to sit down and she took out her pages to make sure she didn’t make any mistakes in her story which there was, but she quickly corrected them.

“Hey Pen!” Scoots called out and Pen’s head shot up and noticed Scootaloo with the rest of the girls coming toward her; she looked at her story and quickly put back in her bag and smiled back to the girls.

“Um…hey girls what’s up?” Pen smiled glancing at her bag then looking back to them.

“Oh just think about what to do next to get our cutiemarks today.” Sweetie answered. 

“We were thinkin’ about trying roller derby today.” Applebloom said.

“Didn’t we try that already?” Emerald asked. 

“What do you think Pen?” Sweetie asked. 

“Actually you girls go on I got some homework I need to handle today.” Pen said.

“Alright, but you’re missing out on some great crusading.” Scootaloo says dropping the subject before her and the other fillies went to talking while Pen remained silent.

Soon enough the bell rung and all the young fillies and colts headed back inside for the rest of the class.

Classes went on as usual and soon class ended and everypony was released. Pen quickly shot off toward the convention being held at town hall. 





When she got to town everything was covered with vendors for fiction, non-fiction, biography’s, adventure, and many more types of books . In the back was the entry for the young writers contest and the judges were there waiting for new entries.

“Okay Pen here goes.” She muttered as she put and gave her story to one of the judges. After she gave her story to the judges she went to go look at the vendors. 

Before she could get around to looking at any of the vendors she saw her sister looking at one of the vendors more importantly the mystery book vendors.

Her sister was wearing a brown detective hat that covered her horn along with a brown overcoat and had a pipe in her mouth.

“Sis what in the world are you wearing?” Pen questioned looking at the items she was wearing. Sunset turned and looked at Pen who was looking at her with a strange confused look.

“Oh this old thing. You think I really keep these things to just look nice?” Sunset replied taking the pipe out of her mouth with her magic.

“Plus I came to support you and pick up some books. So I thought I would come in character.” Sunset answered.

The vendor gave Sunset three books that Sunset bought and put them in her saddlebag 

“So did you enter your story in time?” Sunset asked then Pen nodded. 

“Yep and there is still time to look around before they announce the winner.” Pen said and they decided to look around the festival before it finished.





Elsewhere the CMC minus Pen were trying their luck at roller derby which wasn’t going to good since they kept getting hit every single lap. By the time they finished the girls were covered in bruises and small scrapes. 

“Maybe roller derby wasn’t uh great idea.” Applebloom groaned.

“Gee even I could’ve told you that.” Emerald groaned. 

“Well yah don’t have to be uh jerk ‘bout it.” Applebloom countered.

“Alright girls let’s just get ourselves fixed up and try another idea.” Scootaloo said picking herself up from the pile.

“Unless we’re going to keep arguing.” Scoots stated and the girls shook their heads. 

“Okay then let’s get up and go see if Pen is done with her homework.” Scoots smiled and they all agreed and slowly went into Ponyville. 





Meanwhile Sunset and Pen spent two hours looking around at other vendors and getting snacks that were provide by Pinkie Pie. Throughout the festival grounds speakers were spread out everywhere and some were placed on poles while others were on walls near the area and inside town hall.

The speakers turned on and began to speak “Please all entries for the young writers contest please come toward the stage.” The intercoms spoke out.

“Well sis better get going there about to announce the winner.” Pen said excitingly then she rocketed toward the stage with Sunset right behind her. They went towards the stage and there plenty of other ponies up on stage which mixed from fillies and colts to mare and stallions which were waiting for the results.

“Okay Pen don’t be nervous just keep calm and you’ll be fine.” Pen thought her hooves shaking in anticipation. One of the judges approached the podium and held an envelope in his mouth and placed it on the podium. He cleared his throat as to speak.

“Now we have chose one story out of all of these contestants and what we looked for was originality, how well paced the story was, and an overall fitting conclusion. Now while they were all great stories there can only be one winner, and to announce the winner is the author of the ever popular Daring Do series books Miss A.K. Yearling.” He announced stepping aside as Yearling took the stand.

Yearling had on a deep purple collar neck robe that covered her flank so that her cutiemark couldn’t be seen or tell what kind of pony she is. She also wears a gray sun hat with a white bow tied on. She had a deep yellow color fur with what looks like a two tone gray mane that could barely be seen.  

She also wore red big rimmed reading glasses over her magenta eyes. She cleared her throat so she could speak. 

“Alright well we had some fine stories but like he said there can only be one winner and that winner is.” She took the envelope and opened it revealing the name of the title and the author of the story they’ve wrote.

“A Dragons Journey by: Pendragon Quill.” She announced and Pen jumped up and down in joy and received her ribbon for first prize. 

“T-Thank you Miss Yearling.” Pen says nervously but also proud of herself.

“When I first started writing I quickly grew to love it, and I learned quickly how difficult it was to make something even I myself could accept. There was always times I doubted myself…” Pen says trailing off in thought as she recalled the difficulty writing this story.

“But in the end it is always worth it.” She quickly adds.

“I’ll say it is.” A.K. replied with a smile pointing a hoof to Pen’s flank.

She looked behind her to view it and was stunned what appeared. Adorned on her flank was a rolled up scroll, and in front of it was a quill set ablaze with blue fire with a sharp metal tip.

“Well looks like you have two things to celebrate your first prize story and getting you cutiemark today, nice going kiddo.” A.K. said giving Pendragon her story back with her signature before ruffling Pen’s mane with her hoof. 

“Thank you Miss. Yearling.” Pen said before trotting off to find her sister. On the front of the page had A.Ks signature but it also read ‘Always be inspired by whatever is around you.’

Sunset when to go and greet Pen “Great job sis not only you got first prize, but you also got your cutiemark in the same day.” Sunset paused and looked at her sisters’ flank. 

“You know what this calls for.” Sunset added.

“A party!” Pinkie blurted out coming out of nowhere.

“GAH! Pinkie don’t do that!” Sunset yelled putting a hoof to her chest.

Pinkie smiled “Sorry about that!” She cheered and bounced on her merry way. 

“Sometimes I wonder about that pony.” Sunset said looking at her sister. 

They were both silent for a second then they both laughed and went on to celebrate Pen’s new cutiemark, but little did Pen know that four other fillies were watching and had seen everything happen.





After they got ice cream they finally made it home but as soon as they got home they saw Pinkie had already put up streamers and practically the whole shebang and invited the girls over to celebrate. On the walls hung a banner saying ‘Pen got first prize and Cutiemark Party’. 

“Wow Pinkie surely went over the top like always.” Pen said.

She looked over at Sunset who was twitching all over and eyes narrowed and one blinking while the other twitched.

“Uh sis you feeling okay?” Pen asked a small bit worried her sister was going to have another outburst.

“I’m okay just fine.” Sunset smiled gritting her teeth trying her best not to blow a fuse.

“Just that afterward I’m going to give Pinkie a strong talking to after this.” Sunset thought.

Sunset removed the uniform she was wearing and a placed it back on the hangers and the party ensued. Pinkie brought out the cake to give Pendragon. 

“So are glad you’d get a cutiemark for becoming a writer huh Pen.” Trixie said 

“Yeah I’m glad about it too. I put some good effort into my story and I’m glad it got first prize, and that I could celebrate it with everypony.” Pen stated and looked around and notices that some important ponies were missing.

“Um…Has anypony seen the others lately?” Pen asked.

“You mean the rest of the Crusaders?” Lightning asked and Pen nodded.

“Well last time I saw them they were trying to get their cutiemarks.” Lightning replied.

“Wonder why they aren’t here?” Pen asked sounding a bit disappointed. 

“Maybe they’ve gone crusading again.” Cheerliee said 

“Hopefully my daughter hasn’t hurt herself.” She added worryingly. 

“I’m sure they’ll be fine. After all they do look after each other.” Coco said reassuring Cheerliee.

“Well they’re missing a great party!” Pinkie cheered throwing streamers and confetti everywhere. 

“You’re cleaning this up afterwards Pinkie.” Sunset stated bluntly with a glare at the mare.

“Aww.” Pinkie whines her mane slightly deflating. The party went on for another three hours involving dancing, games, and other knick knacks like punch drinks and other random things Pinkie had come up with.

Time passed and soon the sun began to descend and the moon was rising as everpony was leaving the party.

“Well girls we all better be getting home before it gets dark.” Trixie said letting out a big yawn. Rainbow was still mostly awake as was Cheerliee, but Coco and Lightning had fallen asleep during the party.

Not surprisingly Pinkie still had energy to spare.

“Well this party sure was a great one right.” Pinkie said 

“Yep another one out of the park Pinks.” Dash commented before lifting Lightning Dust up on her back.

“I’ll take Dust home and it’s off for home for me then, later.” Dash said flying carefully not wanting to wake Lightning Dust up.

Cheerliee lifted Coco up onto her back “I’m taking Coco back home where she can sleep and I’ll be doing the same as Dash so I’m off and thanks for the party Pinkie.” Cheerliee taking a slight bow then headed off with Coco in tow.

“That goes the same for me can’t leave Spike alone in the library all night.” Trixie stated and teleported back to her library home. All was left was Pen, Sunset and Pinkie. 

“Well guess I better be getting home too so…” Before Pinkie could bounce off anywhere Sunset stopped her with her magic.

“Oh no you don’t you’re not going to clean this mess up.” Sunset stated.

“Why?” Pinkie questioned as she tried to escape the magic’s grip.

“Because the party was your idea, because you went and did it without my consent, and because I’ll flatten you like a pancake if you don’t.” Sunset stated slowly getting in Pinkie’s personal space.

“Anything else.” Pinkie said letting out a small giggle.

“NOW PINKIE!” Sunset shouted and with that Pinkie was rushing quickly to clean up her mess not wanting to face the wrath of Sunset.

“I’ve got to get a grip over this anger.” Sunset said facehoofing.

In thirty minutes Pinkie finished cleaning and went on home to Sugarcube Corner. 

“Well glad that’s over.” Sunset said. Pen was walking up the stairs toward her bedroom. 

“Sis I’m going to hit the hay.” Pen stated in a more sleepy tone.

“Go ahead Pen get some sleep you’re going to need it tomorrow morning and just because you have a cutiemark doesn’t mean you get to neglect your homework.” Sunset playfully teased.

“Yeah I know that.” Pen playfully stated and went into her room and planted her face in her pillow and slowly closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.





The night went just as quickly as it came as the sun rose and pierced the curtains of Pen’s room along with piercing her eyelids forcing Pen to stir away from the light, but she shifted just a little too far as she rolled off her own bed with a loud thud against the wooden floor.

“Ow.” She said groggily as she slowly lifted herself off the floor and slowly opened her eyes. She looked around the room getting a grasp of her surroundings before making her way to the shower just next door.

A quick wake up shower woke her up from her drowsiness and now she was wide away. She dried off her coat with the towel on the towel rack and brushed her tail and mane before making her way downstairs.  

By the time she got downstairs Sunset was already making toast and eggs for breakfast for the two of them. The toast popped out of the toaster with Sunset catching them with her magic and spreading butter on the four slices of toast.

She then flipped the eggs to make that they didn’t burn in the frying pan. After the eggs were done she added a parsley leaf to the top of the eggs before putting them on a two separate plates and setting them on the dinner table.

Pen smelled the food and came in to join Sunset for breakfast. To top it off they each had a glass of orange juice to make the breakfast complete.

“Two slices of toast with low fat butter, and two eggs over easy with orange juice to finish.” Sunset hummed as she sat at the table.

“You know me far too well sis.” Pen commented with a large smile. 

“Well it’s a sister’s job to know what their sister or brother likes.” Sunset smiled and lifted the toast with her hoof and took a small bite. 

“So sis got any clients today?” Pen asked 

“Actually yes, but it’s in Canterlot so I’ll be out for some hours okay.” Sunset solemnly stated.

After Pen finished her breakfast she took a look at the clock. She had thirty minutes before she had to be to class. 

“Well I think I’m going to head out early sis.” She replied and grabbed her saddlebags by the door and turned back to Sunset.

“Good luck at Canterlot sis!” She calls out enthusiastically.

“Behave at school!” Sunset called back and Pen was off to school.





To Pen today was going to turn out to be a great day for her especially with her newly acquired cutiemark that put an extra hip into her step and a wide smile on her face that could even rival Pinkie’s on this occasion.

She was about half way toward the school when she heard a voice coming just up the road.

“Can’t you two just leave us alone!” came the voice of a very irritated and slightly angry Scootaloo.

“Why not we all know that you blank flanks aren’t good enough for anything.” A very shrill fillies voice jeered.

Pen went up a little ways to find the source of the voices and she was correct about who it was. Scootaloo, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Emerald were being picked on by the ever ‘famous’ bullies of the school; Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon. 

Not that long after Diamond Tiara’s party and them creating there group she had begun pestering them for no good reason. Pen snorts and starts to walk up to the situation now able to see them.

“HEY!” She shouted toward them.

“Why don’t you pick on somepony your own size for a change?” She taunted walking towards them holding back a smirk as she glared at them. 

“Oh look blank flank number five now the whole freak show is here.” Tiara joked as Silver examined Pen and let out a small squeak of surprise.

“Um Di you may want to take that back.” Silver tells her in a hurry.

“And why should I if I may ask?” Tiara asked glancing at Silver who pointed out Pen’s cutie mark making Diamond go wide eyed with surprise and regret. At this time the other Crusaders took this opportunity and left while Diamond and Silver were distracted.

“Oh I’m sorry about calling you a blank flank like that.” She said worryingly with sweat coming down her face.

Pen just stared at them for a few seconds before speaking letting out a breath she had been holding in. 

“What do you two think you’re doing to my friends?” She asked holding a cold glare at the two.

“Um… well.” Silver began but could get the words out to continue.

“Now here’s how things are going to go; you two are going to turn around and walk to the school and if I ever catch you two bugging, saying names, or anything of the sort to my friends.” She began taking in a deep breath.

“I will personally BUCK YOU SO HARD YOU WILL HIT THE SCHOOL BELL!” She yelled and just like that the bullies were gone in a blink of an eye.

Pen stood proudly with a smile plastered on her face. She looked back to see if her friends were okay, but they were gone surprising and slightly confusing her. She shrugged and began to head off to school that way she wouldn’t be late again.





She had gotten there right on time and sat in her seat waiting for the lesson to begin. Over the course of the first half of the day things were different for once. There was no Diamond Tiara or Silver Spoon jeering at the CMC members and there also wasn’t any mocking from them or from the CMC so no fights were breaking out between them like usual.

As the recess bell rang several fillies and colts left in a rush smiling widely, but unlike any other day Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon had rushed out like they had just been shot out of Pinkie Pie’s party canon. Pen was one of the near last and right behind her was the rest of the CMC.

Pen looked over at them as they walked away. She tilted her head in curiosity and walked over to her friends wondering what they were planning.

“Okay so we are going to need…” Scootaloo started as Pen walked up.

“Hey girls.” Pen interrupts making Scootaloo stop and give a small glare.

“Hello Pen. We were just discussing our next crusade.” Emerald said catching Pen’s interest.

“Really? What is it?” She asks as Scootaloo snorts.

“It’s nothing. Could you maybe give us a bit of private time?” Scoots asked as Pen looks at her confused as Scootaloo signaled for the others to follow her, and they walked away from a very confused Pendragon.

The rest of recess Pen actually spent playing with others in her class, and during this time she had seen Diamond and Silver playing by themselves and actually kept moving in order to avoid the Crusaders for once.

Recess soon ended as everpony went back into class in order to finish the rest of the school day. As things went on it only seemed to get awkward to Pen as Scootaloo was avoiding her, and would make an active attempt to stop the others from being near her or even try to talk to her. This only served to confuse her more than before.





As the day ended the rest of the Crusaders rushed out like how Diamond and Silver had for recess.

Pen had taken her time as she packed up her stuff in her saddle bag. Satisfied she left the school house making her usual trek towards the club house located on Sweet Apple Acres. She had plenty of time to crusade with the others as her sister was ‘visiting’ a client in Canterlot.

As she entered the orchard she saw the usual sites; Granny Smith on her rocking chair snoring quietly, Big Mac plowing the fields, and Applejack bringing in a load of apples she had just bucked. She waved at AJ and Big Mac who waved back.

“Ohh I wonder what the girls are up to!” She says excited.

“Just because I have my cutie mark now doesn’t mean I can’t have fun with my friends.” She thought as she hummed finding the clubhouse. As she got closer she heard Scootaloo talking as if she was in the middle of a rant, and it sounded like she was furious the closer she got. She stopped right outside the door and put her ear up to the door listening.

“I can’t believe she went behind our back and went crusading without us!” Scoots rambled as Pen begins to worry.

“Is Scoots…talking about me?” she thought.

“Well yah did say that fair was fer eggheads.” Applebloom corrected. 

“So what?! It doesn't change the face that she still went without us and we promised that we would all get our cutiemarks together!” she retorted as Pen imagined she was getting in Applebloom’s personal space.

Pen peeked in seeing that she was right, and that Emerald and Sweetie Belle were watching the two bicker back and watched unsure how to jump in and stop them.

“Scoots let’s jus’ calm down and think ‘bout this.” Applebloom said in a calm tone.

“She went behind our back AB! What kind of friend does that?!” Scootaloo exclaimed as Applebloom sighs.

“Yah getting ahead of yourself Scoots.” Applebloom says.

“No I’m not. If she’s going to act like that then she doesn’t deserve to be a Cutiemark Crusader!” Scootaloo shouts as Pen takes in a breath realizing what Scootaloo was maybe about to do.

“What! But we can’t just…she’s been with us since we formed!” Emerald says.

“Well think about it. Do you really want to be around somepony who would lie to you as one of us?” Scootaloo asks making the others look to the ground in thought before looking back to Scoots.

“Then it’s agreed. As of now Pendragon is out of the Cutiemark Crusaders.” She says as Emerald and Sweetie nod while Applebloom was hesitant, but she too ended up nodding.

Pen backed away from the door in shock and was refusing to believe what she had just heard yet she had. She let out a chocked sob that was probably heard before taking off.

As she approached the gates she ran past Applejack and Big Mac both looking surprised and a bit worried when the teary eyed filly ran past them. Pen kept running towards town wanting to put distance between her and the clubhouse.





In town Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were walking about currently outside of a store. Diamond looked a bit guilt ridden as Silver patted her on her back.

“It’s okay Dia.” Silver says as Diamond sighs. Both then heard a pony trip and fall into some mud and they looked over they saw Pen who was now a bit muddy yet tears were streaming down her eyes.

Pen picked herself up from the mud and started to run off only to trip a few seconds later backwards and back into the mud. Pen picked herself up and walked out of the mud before she continued running.

Diamond and Silver looked at each other then where Pen had been. Diamond went inside the store they were sitting outside of and went in, and a few minutes later she came out with a towel as she and Silver walked towards the place Pen had run into.





Pen didn’t care about the mud or anything else. She didn’t even care if everpony saw her having a breakdown as she ran into Sugarcube Corner. She went to the nearest table and began sobbing.

Outside Sugarcube Corner Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon looked in seeing Pen crying. Taking in a breath both fillies stepped inside as the bell signaled they came it, and when it rang Pen looked to the door seeing them and was expecting them to stop and taunt her, but both fillies continued walking coming towards her.

Tiara and Silver took the other seats across from Pen as Pinkie came quickly taking two orders and leaving. Silence came over the table with the exception of the sniffles from Pen.

“W-What do y-you two w-want?” She asked between sniffles as she wipes her tears. Silver takes the towel off of Diamond’s back and tosses towards Pen who looked at them with a bit of surprise.

“What is this for?” She sniffed expecting a snarky remark from the two. 

“Well…just thought you might want to clean up.” Diamond says her tone filled with concern surprising Pen as she took the towel with her magic and cleaned herself.

“Now what do you two want anyway?” Pen asked again.

“Actually we were wondering if you were alright.” Silver said with some concern in her voice. 

“Yeah I’m fine why I wouldn’t be.” She lied glaring a bit.

“Are you sure?” Diamond asked calmly as Pen could no longer take it and was wondering why two of the biggest bullies in the school were worried about her.

“Why would you two care, you’ve picked on me and the others for so long and now you just come up and ask me if I’m okay.” Pen stated giving the two of them a glare.

“The others?” Silver questioned.

“You know who I mean!” Pen countered a bit of anger in her voice.

“Could you please tell us what happened?” Diamond asked.

Pen stopped what she was about to say having heard Diamond actually say please to her, and not in a sarcastic manner.

“Is she actually concerned for me?” Pen thought puzzled before letting out a sigh.

“I-I went to our clubhouse after school today.” She starts as the two looked at her a bit confused at the mention of a clubhouse.

“It’s were we planned our crusades, and hung out as friends.” Pen adds as the two nod now understanding.

“But…” She continues starting to tear up again.

“I was going to see what they were going to do today when I heard Scootaloo and the others talking.” As she said this Pinkie came with the fillies orders and placed them down.

“What were they talking about?” Silver asked as she and Diamond ignored what was brought to them.

“…Me.” Pen says after a few moments.

“Scootaloo was mad I had lied to them, and went and did something without them to get my cutie mark.” She added as both look at her.

“I know that was wrong, but I couldn’t help myself.” Pen quickly adds as Diamond went to say something. Pen then looked away.

“I-I’m not longer a Cutiemark Crusader.” She finishes.

“You didn’t even walk in and talk to them about it?” Tiara asked Pen who glanced at her.

“No. They didn’t know I was listening the whole time, and it probably wouldn’t have changed anything.” She says looking down at the table.

“Well maybe you should go talk to them.” Silver added as Pen thought still looking down at the table.

“I could but…” Pen starts then paused remembering who she was talking to and looked up the two with a glare.

“Wait a minute why am I telling you two my problems to a bunch of school bullies. You’re just going to use my troubles as ammunition against the crusaders.” Pen stated.

The two looked at each other before looking back at Pen.

“So you only think of us as nothing but bullies do you?” Tiara asked as Pen gives a nod without an ounce of hesitation.

Tiara and Silver glanced at each and looked away from her there faces guilt ridden.

“Sorry…It’s just that…” Silver says glancing up at Pen who was watching them never having seen them like this before. 

“We weren’t always like this.” Tiara added. Pen was still looking at the two trying to decide rather to believe them or to throw the muddy towel back at them.

“It was three years ago I think.” Tiara began as memories of the past flooded back to her in an instant.





-3 years ago, Ponyville-

It was early morning in Ponyville and in a very large room with expensive items all throughout the room and rather queen size bed for any pony including a small filly. 

The filly in question was a seven year old earth pony Diamond Tiara as she rolled out of bed with her light grayish violet, with white streaked mane was all frizzled.

She grabbed the brush next to the mirror and started to brush her mane and tail straight before placing her ever treasured tiara on top of her head. 

She stepped out of her room and elegantly made her way down to the living quarters of her rather large house. She was so happy because of her famous tiara cutiemark she’d got earlier. Its meaning was that she had potential for modeling as she had discovered when volunteering to help Rarity at her boutique.

In the living quarters in a lounge chair sat an earth pony stallion reading the Ponyville news. The stallion had a grayish amber coat and dark gray with lighter gray highlights along with light azure eyes and a cutiemark of three bags of money. He also wore a blue, white sailor collar and a red tie with a money sign on it.

This particular pony was named Filthy Rich and he is also the father to Diamond Tiara. She went to approach her father who was still looking at the paper. 

“Hey Daddy can I ask you a question?” she asked her big cornflower blue eyes stared at him as he looked up from the paper to her.

“Yes my sweet diamond.” He said

“Um… is it okay that I stay home today?” She asked rubbing her hoof with the other and smiling sheepishly. He looked confused for a minute before he sighs.

“Now why would you ask something like that my dear?” He asked back.

“Um… well you see… it’s just that.” She stutters but her voice fails her as her father sighs.

“Is it those bullies again at school?” He asked and she nodded downcast.

“What did I say about ponies bothering you?” Filthy asked 

“To tell the teacher or walk away from them.” She chanted looking up to him. 

“But they just won’t leave me alone even after I’ve done just that.” Tiara pleads bordering on begging.

“They kept calling me ‘Daddies little rich girl’ and some really other mean things.” She said tearing up.

“I know Diamond but you can’t just stay home because of that.” He said in a low calming voice.

“But…” She began.

“Your education is more important than some bullies, now go get your breakfast or you’re going to be late for school.” He said gesturing her toward the kitchen as Tiara pouts.

After she got her breakfast, she loaded up her saddle bag and was off toward school even though she wasn’t too happy about going she’d still had her education to think about and had no choice but to continue.





“So wait you were bullied because of you being rich?” Pen asked with a dumbfound look to which Tiara nodded 

“I know that sounds funny coming from me, but it’s true.” She says with a sigh.

“And not to mention I was more…irritable when I was younger so I would get into fights a lot.” She then adds.

“Okay so what happened next?” Pen asked.





It was recess period for the class and Diamond Tiara was playing in the small sandbox building a sand castle when she heard something that caused her to stop.

“GIVE THOSE BACK PLEASE!” A voice rang out through the playground. Her head immediately shot up to try and find the source of the shout, but it didn’t take too long to find it.

It was two colts and a filly who didn’t have a cutiemark were tossing around what seemed like a pair of cerulean glasses high in the air while a filly she hadn’t see before was trying to catch them.

This new filly in question was about her age and same type; an earth pony. The filly had a cornflower bluish gray coat with two shades of light azureish gray mane and tail with her mane braided into a ponytail. She also had moderate violet eyes to match. 

But what was also surprising that this filly had her cutiemark which resembled that of a silver spoon imbedded with a purple jeweled heart. Along with a cerulean beaded necklace around her neck.

“GIVE THEM BACK!” She screamed jumping the best she could to get those glasses and it didn’t help that the colts in question were two pegasi and the filly was an earth pony. Apparently those glasses belonged to the filly and she was trying her best to get them back.

“C’mon jump crybaby jump.” The colt taunted.

The filly stopped jumping and began to tear up before running off crying as she did so.

That was enough that Tiara couldn’t take anymore she got up and was about to head over before the words of her father echoed in her mind.

“Tell the teacher or walk away” echoed in her mind but she couldn’t let this slide. It was worse that she was picked on but some other filly was getting picked on as well was making her mad.

“Enough is enough.” Tiara thought.

She walked over with an objective in mind and she was going to complete it no matter what happened. 

“HEY!” Tiara shouted over to the three in question who turned to look at her.

“You give those back to her right now.” She demanded as the bullies just chuckled.

“Oh look its daddy’s rich girl again what are you going to do tell your daddy as usual.” The filly laughed along with the other two colts.

“I’ll give you one last chance to give me those glasses or else.” Tiara demands.

“Or else what daddy’s girl.” The filly countered and before the filly or even Tiara knew it herself she had tackled the filly to the ground and began fighting for the glasses.

The chanting of ‘fight’ got the teachers attention and was able to break up the fight but not until Diamond Tiara took back the glasses the filly had.

“Alright that’s quite enough now who started this?” He asked with a stern tone 

“SHE DID!” The filly shouted pointing an accusing hoof at Diamond Tiara.





“Hold on a minute. A fight over a pair of glasses?” Pen said in surprise.

“Who’s telling the story here?” Silver said a small bit irritated at being interrupted.

“Right continue.” Pen says sheepishly before gesturing them to continue on.





Recess ended and Tiara knew she was going to be in trouble with her dad that she started a fight but she got the glasses and went to find the filly in question. She searched after classes were done and waited outside for the filly to come out and eventually found the gray filly and walked up to her. 

“Um… hello do these belong to you?” Tiara asked holding the glasses out with one hoof.

The filly in question smiled greatly and snagged the glasses out of Tiara’s hoofs and hugged them close.

“Oh thank you! Thank you so much!” She cried out gleefully as she put the glasses on over her eyes.

“Ah much better now.” She said.

“Um… I never seen you around Ponyville before are you new?” Tiara asked as the filly nodded.

“Yes. My name is Silver Spoon. I actually just moved here.” The pony known as Silver Spoon introduced. 

“Silver Spoon, that’s a little long, how about I call you Silver for short.” Diamond requested.

“I don’t know you so why would you call that if I don’t know who you are?” Silver raised an eyebrow.

“Oh right, my name is Diamond Tiara.” She said politely 

“But you may call my Di if you like. Though why do you need those glasses?” She asked in wonderment.

“I’m kind of nearsighted, and well….” Silver added only to cut off looking away as Diamond quickly understood.

“Your family is rather rich?” Diamond asks to which Silver nods.

“So you’re not the only one bullied.” Tiara stated. 

“They’ve been picking on me ever since my family moved in.” Tiara frowned when she heard Silver say this.

“You know Miss Tiara you and me have some things in common. We’re both bullied, both our families are rather rich, and we both already have our cutiemarks.” Silver said as Diamond thinks about it.

“Umm…If you want maybe you can come over to my house for a bit?” Diamond asks shyly.

“I would like that Miss Tiara.” Silver says as Diamond chuckles.

“Just call me Diamond, and I’ll call you Silver.” Diamond says to which Silver agrees and both were on their way to Diamond’s home where she would face the consequences of her actions, but she would have a friend to tough out any situation with.





“What happened afterward?” Pen asked.

“Since I was the one that caused the fight my dad grounded me for two whole weeks and it was the worst two weeks I’d endured.” Tiara stated.

“Point is we had been bullied, but after that fight it became the other way around.” Silver states as Pen nods remembering that fight now, and how a few days after Diamond had started picking on her and the other ‘blank flanks’ at school.

“So your saying you only starting bullying in retaliation for being bullied?” Pen asks as both nod.

“And the majority of the ones that bullied you were…fillies and colts without their cutie marks?” Pen asks again as both nod yet again.

Pen looks away from them a bit of guilt coming up. Several times behind these two back her and the other crusaders mocked them and made up reasons why they were so mean and it was only now did she see the reason why the act the way they do.

“We had problems like anypony else. But we could always rely on each other to talk to.” Diamond says with a smile looking at Silver.

“So you should go tell them how you feel.” Silver adds as Pen looks away.

“I’m…not so sure about that.” Pen replies looking to them as Silver hums in thought.

“What if we went with you?” Silver suggested as Pen shakes her head.

“Scoots and the other crusaders hate you both, and now I’m on that list…” She says.

“Well how about…you hang out with us?” Diamond suggested as Pen looks at her in surprise and blinks putting a hoof in her ear rubbing it acting like she had heard wrong.

“Wait…your serious?” Pen asks after making sure she heard right as Diamond nods.

“Yep. I know we may not have been friends in the past, and I was…less than a pleasant pony to you and the others.” Diamond admits and gives a shy smile.

“Who knows? This might be the start of a great friendship.” She adds extending a hoof towards Pen as the filly thinks a moment.

“Could she be tricking me?” she thought looking Diamond in the eyes for any kind of lie or deceit, but saw nothing of the Diamond Tiara that she despised.

Pen smiles extending her own hoof shaking Diamond’s as Silver let out a squeal of excitement at this.

“Now that’s what I like to see!” Pinkie says as she pops up next to the table with another smoothie and put it on the table next to Pen who looked over at her.

“Uhh…why did you bring that over here Pinkie? I didn’t order anything.” Pen states as Pinkie laughs smiling at the filly.

“Of course I know that. This one is on the house.” She says walking away as the three look to their smoothies then each other.

“Cheers!” Pen says as Diamond and Silver do the same. The rest of the day was spent in Sugarcube Corner as the new friends talked and exchanged stories. As the day ended Pen headed home with a smile on her face.





“NOPONY WANTS TO SEE YOU SO GET OUT!” Came Scootaloo’s voice as then a buck and yelp is heard as Pen was knocked out of the crusaders clubhouse yet again. A week has passed since her becoming close friends with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. Each day she would attempt to on multiple occasions to talk to her ‘friends’.

Yet each time resulted in Scootaloo somehow interrupting and Pen being bucked out by the enraged filly. This time was no exception as she landed in her usual spot this time sporting a black eye, but as usual Pen picks herself up as Diamond and Silver poke their heads out from the bushes and went over to her.

“Didn’t work?” Diamond asked as Pen groans nodding as she and the other two fillies walk away towards their usual spot AKA Sugarcube Corner.

Diamond placed an ice pack on the unicorn fillies black eye who nodded her thanks to her friend.

“I’m starting to think that it’s hopeless girls. No matter what approach I take it only comes back to bite me in the flank.” Pen says.

“Or buck you in the eye.” Silver states plainly.

Pen groans as a particular unicorn mare and baby dragon came out the back both carrying trays of cupcakes either by claw or magic.

“Why are we doing this again Spike?” Trixie asks as Spike slaps a claw to his face.

“Because we owe Pinkie.” Spike states as he and Trixie set there trays down and then sees the depressed Pen and he nudges Trixie to get her attention as he points at the filly.

“We’ll think of something. I think.” Silver states as Pen and Diamond sweat drop as a tray of cupcakes were placed in front of them and they look up to see the two.

“Oh. Hello Trixie. What are you doing here?” Pen asks as Trixie looks away.

“Uhh…Taking Pinkie up on a favor.” Trixie replies as Pen shrugs.

“Is something wrong Pen?” Spike asks and then looks around noticing the lack of Pen’s usual friends.

“And where are the other crusaders?” He adds as Silver and Diamond make signals to try and stop him from asking then face hoof when he finishes making Pen look down and away.

“Uhh…Was it something I said?” he asked as he receives a slap to the back of the head from Diamond for his insensitivity.

“Miss Trixie.” Pen starts getting said mares attention as Pen rarely refers to her like that.

“I…I need some advice.” She says taking in a breath.

“W-What would you do if say you did something bad to your friends. Bad enough that they wouldn’t forgive you?” she asked.

“Well…If it was me I would think out how to talk to them, but if it’s that bad then thinking about what to say is not the best option.” Trixie replies as Pen looks at her confused.

“What do you mean?” She asked as Spike comes closer to her.

“She means you have to stop using this.” He starts putting a claw to her head.

“And starting using this.” He finishes putting a claw to where her heart is.

“Speak from your heart instead of from your mind. Don’t think. Just do what you believe is right.” She says.

Trixie turned away grabbing the trays with her magic as well as Spike.

“C’mon Spike. These cupcakes aren’t going to make themselves.” Trixie said trotting off with the baby dragon.

“Don’t think. Just do what you believe is right.” Diamond repeats.

“It’s always worth a try.” Silver admits as they all nod Pen getting up from her seat.

“Well nothing’s going to get done standing here.” Pen said as the two stands up from their seats as well.

“They are probably at their clubhouse still.” Silver said not having seen them pass through town at all to get anything.

The three began their trek to Sweet Apple Acres and the CMC clubhouse, but stopped by Pen’s home as she went in and got something before coming out with her saddlebag a red cloth sticking out of it.





Pen was sweating badly as they were now in view of the clubhouse and was starting to get extremely nervous and doubted that this idea would even work.

“M-Maybe they already left for the day. Let’s just try this again tomorrow.” Pen said looking left and right thinking of running off already starting to backpedal.

“If you don’t do it now Pen you might not get another chance.” Silver said as Pen stops in her tracks.

“If you need us we will be in the bushes.” Diamond says to her giving Pen a quick hug before her and Silver went into the bushes.

Pen turned to face the clubhouse as her breathing quickens. She took in a deep breath and let it out like Sunset taught her.

“You can do this Pen. You can do this.” Pen thought to herself as she walked towards the clubhouse door.

She knocked on the clubhouse door and put on a brave face expecting for Scootaloo to be the one to answer it, but to her surprise it was Applebloom.

“Oh umm…hi Pen.” She says nervously shuffling her hooves as Pen did the same looking away for a second before looking back, but heard from inside the sounds of snoring and saw a bit of a purple tail.

“Hi AB. Is um…Scootaloo around?” Pen asked nervously barely hearing the snoring.

“Yes, but now might not be the time tah…” Applebloom started, but inside Scootaloo woke up hearing ponies talking and saw Applebloom at the door. She also saw the ash grey coat of another filly and her wings buzzed in annoyance.

“GET OUT OF HERE TRAITOR!” Scootaloo yelled as she heavily stomps over to the door and attempts to slam it in Pen’s muzzle, but Pen keeps it open using her magic.

“Please Scoots stop. I just want to talk.” Pen pleads as Scootaloo scoffs.

“Nopony wants to talk to you after what you did. I thought you would get that by now.” Scootaloo says preparing to buck Pen in the horn.

“You lied to us and then left us for those two!” Scootaloo added as Pen looked away knowing that Scoots somehow knew about her hanging out with Diamond and Silver.

“Pinkie probably told her.” She thought before dismissing the idea remembering what Spike had said.

“…I…You’re right.” Pen says to her.

“And furthermore…wait. What?!” Scootaloo says as Pen lets loose her hold of her magic on the door which fully swings open as Scootaloo stopped trying to shut it. 

Pen stepped in and saw her other two friends Emerald and Sweetie who were watching this as Emerald hangs back and Sweetie steps up.

“I lied to you girls because I had already been rejected once, and I didn’t want to again. I was also wrongly angry at Scoots for denying me an opportunity.” She starts as the others listened a tear trickled down a cheek.

“So I left you girls out of it thinking it was no big thing, and didn’t even consider your feelings.” She admits before taking in a breath.

“But you all went and did the same to me. I…I was here the day Scootaloo convinced you all I wasn’t fit to be a crusader anymore.” She continued as the others recall as small noise like somepony holding in a sob.

“But in the end Scoots was right. I betrayed you girls and left you out of one of the most important moments in my life. Sure my sister was there, but it wasn’t the same without my friends.” Pen wipes away a tear.

“So maybe…maybe I’m not cut out to be your friends either.” She said as she used her magic to pull something out of her bag.

It was a cape that looked just small enough to fit Pen. It was a deep red and stitched on to it was a blue shield like emblem with yellow outlining. Inside the emblem was a pony standing on its hind legs.

The others recognized it as they each had one. It was there cape that had been made by Rarity not long after they had formed there group. It had been a crazy afternoon at the boutique and all five of them had almost driven Rarity crazy.

“I hope that someday you’ll forgive me for what I did to all of you and maybe we could be friends again.” She with a sad smile and walks outside and shutting the door. 

Scootaloo was in shock as she looked at the cape then went to the window watching Pen who walked like her legs were made of lead and head hung low.

Pen walked by the bushes as Diamond and Silver came out comforting her as they began to walk away from the clubhouse.

Scootaloo looked away from the window as she sat on her haunches and ears drooped low.

“What’s the matter Scoots?” Emerald asked as she walked over to comfort her friends.

“I-I don’t know. I feel like somepony ran a spear through my heart and is constantly twisting it like a drill.” Scootaloo said looking at Emerald with sad eyes.

“Ah think that’s what they call guilt Scoots, and it isn’t going to go away like uh bad cold.” Applebloom stated looking just as sad as Sweetie began folding up Pen’s cape looking as sad as the rest.

“Then what do I do then?” She pleaded looking to the young apple.

“Well I know what you should do.” Sweetie interjected looking at Scootaloo and pointed at the window to the shrinking figure of Pen, Diamond Tiara, and Silver Spoon.

“Okay well here goes nothing then.” Scoots said getting off the floor and runs out the door.

As they were walking away Silver was patting Pen on the back to comfort her “It’s going to be okay. You still have us Penny.” Silver says as Pen smiles lightly at the nickname.

“Yeah. Maybe this was one of those things…ohh what was that saying?” Pen says rubbing her head trying to recall it.

“When one door closes another opens?” Diamond quotes surprising Pen and Silver who look at her.

“What?” Diamond asks as Pen and Silver just shake their heads and laugh a bit.

“W-WAIT UP PEN!” Scootaloo shouts stopping the three who turn around to face her. Diamond growls ready to step up and lash out at Scootaloo, but Pen stops her stepping up to Scootaloo making her face as neutral as possible.

“What do you want Scootaloo?” Pen asks evenly doing her best not to break down crying in front of her like she almost had at the clubhouse.

“Could you umm…maybe come back to the clubhouse?” Scootaloo asked as Diamond starts to step up.

“I don’t know what you’re up to blank-flank, but if you think I’m just going to…” Diamond starts before Silver stops her by putting a hoof in her mouth.

“It’s Pen’s decision Dia.” She whispers as Diamond nods sighing as Silver took her hoof out of her mouth.

“But why?” Pen asked 

“I-I want to tell you something, but it has to be at the clubhouse.” Scoots said running back toward the clubhouse as Pen looks to her new friends who nod and all three run off with Diamond and Silver taking to the bushes when they got close to the clubhouse.

Scootaloo and Pen entered as the others gave a small wave and Scootaloo took to the podium in the room.

“Okay instead of doing the formalities I’m just going to get to the chase.” Scootaloo says.

“About a week ago in a fit of anger I…I made a few harsh comments on a pony I considered a friend.” Scoots says looking away before looking directly at Pen.

“Pen you are forgiven.” She states as Pen’s eyes widen at this.

“But what about what I did?” She stated

“Yes you lied, but you had guts to come over here and telling us how you felt about it.” Scoots smiled then frowned. 

“It’s me who should be sorry.” Scoots adds saddened at her own actions over the past week.

“Huh?” She said.

“I was so angry that you got your cutiemark without us that I took all my anger out on you. Then…Then I went and tried to turn the other crusaders against you.” She states as the other crusaders nod.

“And that I didn’t look at who I was hurting. I’m sorry Pen.” Scootaloo said her head staring at the wooden floor.

Pen look at her for a few seconds before smiling and lightly shaking her head a small smile on her muzzle.

“Oh Scoots no ponies perfect.” She simply stated patting Scoots on the back.

“So you’re not mad at me.” Scoots asked. 

“Well I was mad that you bucked me in the eye a few time but all in all no.” Pen smiled.

“So are we still friends?” Scoots asked Pen as she came out from behind the podium to her.

“When haven’t we not been friends.” Pen answers and Scoots smiled raising her spirits up with joy even flapping her little wings making her hover a bit.

“So this meeting is over.” Emerald stated just as joyful. 

“How about a bite at Sugarcube Corner I know a couple ponies that may want to join us.” Pen stated looking outside toward the bushes as Diamond and Silver poked their heads out.

“YOU TWO!” Scootaloo shouted seeing them as Pen face hooves.





The group of seven fillies was now at Sugarecube Corner sitting at a table together. Pen had given a bit of an explanation, but didn’t say fully not wanting to bring up bad memories for her new friends.

Trixie walked over with smoothies for the seven.

“Here you go.” She said as each filly takes one happily as Trixie walks over to Pen.

“I’m guessing our advice helped you huh?” she asked as Pen nods happily as Scootaloo and Diamond seemed to get into another fight. Applebloom and Silver sigh at this while Sweetie and Emerald giggle at it.

Trixie looked out as the sun was starting to set and looks back to the fillies.

“Well I suggest you hurry up. It’s starting to get late.” She suggested.

“Yes Miss Trixie.” All seven fillies said in unison making Trixie sweat drop.

“Please stop calling me that. Makes me sound like an old mare.” She says as Spike comes out from the back hearing her.

“Well your mane does kind of resemble an old mare’s.” Spike joked as Trixie glares as the fillies laugh making Trixie blush in embarrassment as Spike to joins the laughter and Trixie glares at him.

“That’s it. No jewels for you tonight mister.” Trixie said as Spike stops.

“OH come on!” he wails inciting the seven to laugh harder and Trixie laughed as well as Spike heads back to the back.

The fillies soon finished and exchanged good nights before departing from the others for the night.

Pen walked into her home and saw her sister sleeping on the couch letting out a few snores. Pen shakes her head smiling as she let out a chuckle before she levitates a blanket from a nearby chair over and wraps it around Sunset without waking her.

“Dear Princess Celestia, Over the past week and a half I have learned more about some ponies than I possibly could. Never in my life had I thought that two ponies who use to bully me would be nothing more than that. But I was wrong. When I had been left alone and friendless those bullies had come to me and changed my perspective. Now we are best of friends.” She starts as she thinks a moment.

“Yet I have also learned that all friendships have their hurdles. Even making the smallest mistake can make a friend question if you really are a friend. It might also make them lose trust in you or make them completely cut off relations with you.” She continued stopping a bit as she recalled the events of the day.

“Sometimes it takes talking to them and stating what you feel you have to say even if they don’t want to hear it. It won’t always work, but knowing that you tried to mend those bonds counts the most. Even if the pony whose trust you lost doesn’t accept what you say there are always others there who are willing to listen. Plus you never know. Your greatest foe might become the best of friends. Sincerely yours, Pendragon Quill.” Pen finished and put the quill away letting out a yawn as she looked over her letter.

Pen walked over to her bed letting out another yawn “I’ll give it to Spike in the morning.” She laid her head down and drifted off to sleep.