//------------------------------//
// Chapter 10: Cutie Stories 
// Story: Friendship 101 
// by BrawnyBold 
//------------------------------//

	After the students finished their friendship lesson with Twilight, Pinkie surprised them with a "Just for the Fun of Throwing a Party" party. Pinkie took the liberty of inviting all of Twilight's friends. The party was a blast as everypony enjoyed playing games, dancing to music, and talking to one another.The students were also introduced to the Cutie Mark Crusaders who now have their cutie marks. 
"So your talents are to help ponies to find their talents?" Lone asked the young fillies.
"That's right!" Scootaloo said with pride. 
"Then why are there smaller marks inside of the shields?" Lone said as he pointed the wing/lightning bolt on Scootaloo's mark.
Scootaloo brainstormed for an answer. "I think it represents my other talent of being quick and high-spirited." 
"Well, I think all of your talents are wonderful!" Fireworks said to the CMC. 
While Fireworks and Lone were talking to the fillies, Comfort and Guide were listening to Twilight about what happened after she came back from her lecture at the School For Gifted Unicorns.
"So this Starlight Glimmer was able to go back in time and prevented the Sonic Rainboom from happening?" Guide tried to repeat the story.
"That's right, and the change caused different timelines to appear with many of our old enemies ruling each one." Twilight replied. 
"Whoa," Comfort said as he soaked all of it in. "Time-traveling is can be such a scary thing." Comfort shivered from the thought.
"Luckily, the spell was sucked inside the portal so nopony will ever use it again." Spike said as he joined the conversation. 
"Man, it must be special to have a bond like the Rainboom to help form all of your talents." Guide sighed from thinking about it.
"So how did you get it?" Twilight asked.
"Get what?" Guide was confused. 
"Your cutie mark, you have been in my class for a while and we haven't really talk about cutie marks yet." Twilight said.
The other ponies just happen to join Twilight when she brought up the topic. Pinkie started to get excited.
"Ooh, another cutie mark origin story!" Pinkie said and then she gasped. "How about we listen to Twilight's students' stories on how they got their cutie marks!" She sat on the floor with a box of popcorn in her hooves.
"I think that can be a cool idea." Rainbow Dash agreed. "Maybe we can find a bond that connects them on how they got their marks." She sat down with the others.
The ponies waited for any of the students to start. "So," Twilight tried to encourage her students. "who will like to go first?"
"I go first!" Fireworks called out. 
"Alright," Rainbow Dash interrupted. "I like to hear how you became the spontaneous pony you are today." 
"Believe it or not Ms. Dash," Fireworks said. "I was sort of different before I discovered my talent." 

Fireworks' Mark

Near a small house in Ponyville, a small and hyperactive Fireworks was playing around outside. Fireworks continued to play as if she didn't have a care in the world. Her mom called from the door.
"Fireworks!" Fireworks' mom yelled. "Time to go to the soccer game!" Young Fireworks ran inside as she got ready to support the Ponyville Power Players. The Power Players was a soccer team of colts and fillies. Even though they didn't win a few games during the season, that didn't stop them from trying. 
Fireworks and her parents arrived in time for the first game that went on for a few hours. The Power Players' score was much lower than the opponents. This made most of the team feel really depress from this. As time went on, Fireworks needed to use the little filly's room. "Mom," Fireworks said. "I need to go to the bathroom." 
"Alright, sweetie." Her mom replied. Fireworks was walking down the stairs of the benches and she wasn't aware of the spill of soda on one of the steps. She slipped and it caused her to bounce on each step of the benches. Most of the players and the audience noticed the unexpected event that was happening. Fireworks bounced off from the last steps and spun into the air towards the ground. From some unexpected luck, Fireworks landed with both of her back hooves on the ground. Some of the audience were amazed from what just happened. Fireworks didn't know what she did, but for some reason, she liked it. 
Next thing Fireworks knew, she performed some flips and spins that encouraged the Power Players to win their game. The crowd cheered from the Players' victory. Something happened inside of Fireworks that made her feel special. Why should she waste her hyperactive energy on playing around when she can use it to give everypony the motivation they needed? After Fireworks' realization, an image of colorful, exploding fireworks appeared on Fireworks' flank. This marks Fireworks's talent to help ponies keep going with a fire inside of them. 





	

"Pretty good story, Fireworks." Rainbow Dash praised. "But my story was still the best and most important one." Some of the others rolled their eyes from Rainbow's comment. 
"Well," Lone interrupted. "I'm gonna get some snacks to ease my boredom." He made his way to the food table to pick out some pastries. 
Twilight came up with an idea. "How about you tell us how you got your mark, Lone?" Lone felt a little startled from hearing that. 
"Yeah," Pinkie huffed as she put both hooves on her hips. "How did you become such a grumpy grump?" 
Lone sighed as he had to reply that annoying question. "Fine," Most of the others sat closer so they could listen. "When I was a kid, I didn't have much."


Lone's Mark

Deep within the Everfree Forest, frogs croaked, beasts roared, and insects buzzed. A younger and innocent Lone was playing around as he was chasing a small ladybug. From the distance, a large, gray wolf appeared from the shadows as he scanned the area to look for something. When the wolf spotted Lone, he barked to the colt to get attention. Lone heard the call and made his way to the wolf. The larger wolf barked and growled in a manner as if he was scowling at Lone for running off on his own. Lone whimpered as if he was apologizing for doing such a thing. The large wolf nudged Lone to follow as they made their way to the pack. The wolf pack was the only family he has ever had. All he could remember as a foal was that he was crying in the middle of the forest when the pack found him. Before some of the wolves were about to devour Lone, the chief wolf decided to take Lone in and raised him as her own. Despite the chief's noble decision, the other wolves kept their distances from Lone because he was very different from them.
All of the wolves in the pack gathered to hear what the chief has to say. The chief warned in wolf barks that there was something fierce coming in the Everfree Forest. She wanted every wolf in the pack to stay sharp so that they can take down the monster to prevent it from killing the pack. Lone felt terrified from hearing the news as he thought the monster will eat him first. The pack started moving to look for food and shelter in order to stay alive. That didn't stop Lone from feeling tense from every step he makes because he was afraid of the beast already. Most of the wolves just rolled their eyes to show that Lone means nothing to them. The large, gray wolf was at Lone's side so the colt would be safe. This particular gray wolf was assigned to be Lone's guardian until Lone was old enough to take care of himself. Even though Lone was such a pain, he was sort growing on the gray wolf because Lone was his only company. 
The gray wolf noticed Lone getting more closer to his leg and then Lone was on the wolf's back. The gray wolf grumbled as he had to deal with Lone. He talked to Lone face to face in wolf language, saying that Lone should be more brave because he won't be a pup forever. Night arrived in the Everfree Forest where more deadly creatures started to lurk in the darkness. A few of the strong wolves stayed awake to keep watch while the others went to sleep. Lone had the most difficult time falling asleep while he was terrified of the beast in the woods. A loud roar made every wolf in the pack immediately wake up. Lone was as shaken as a chihuahua when he heard that noise. The trees on one path started to collapsed as something was about to approach the pack. The monster was a large ,scaly serpent that was the same size as a train. The serpent licked it lips to show that it has a craving for some wolves.   
The pack started attacking the long serpent but it was too large to strike down. The serpent's large tail swiped across the ground and five wolves were sent flying towards some trees. The chief wolf was busy clawing at the hard skin of the serpent and it caused the serpent to back away. While the wolves continued fighting, Lone was trying to find a safe place to hide until he was surrounded by a large tail. The tail coiled Lone so tight so that he can't escape. Lone's guardian wolf noticed this and he went towards the serpent to save Lone. The wolf took one large bite on the tail and the serpent screeched in pain. The serpent's tail allowed Lone to make a quick getaway as he wormed out of the coil. But the guardian wolf was too late to let go as the serpent bit him on his neck. Lone was horrified from this tragic accident until the other wolves tackled the serpent, leaving Lone's guardian wolf laying on the ground. Lone rushed towards his guardian wolf to make sure there weren't any more serious injuries. He moved closer to see if the gray wolf was alright, but the marks on the wolf's neck was starting to burn. Lone formed tears in his eyes from the guilt that he had caused to his closest friend. The gray wolf slowly raised his head to grumble something to Lone. The wolf told Lone that it wasn't his fault that the serpent took one bite. It was part of living. Before the wolf closed his eyes for one last time, he told Lone to stay strong and protect the pack like how the gray wolf had protect Lone. Lone's guardian wolf collapsed to the floor without any signs of breathing. 
Lone felt a new level of pain from the death of his protector. Something inside Lone snapped and all of Lone's sadness was replaced with anger towards the serpent. Lone immediately ran towards the serpent and he went on a nonstop punching to the monster. The serpent crashed on a large rock and it still tried to fight back despite the pain. Lone figured out an idea and he hit the side on the rock. It started to crumble and it fell right on top of the serpent. The wolf pack gathered to see if the serpent was still alive and it was completely dead under that rock. The wolves noticed Lone approaching the rock and all they did was stare at him from the one of the most shocking things the pack has ever seen, Lone defeating a beast all by himself. Lone walked slowly on top of the rock so that he can look up to the wolves to show that he was something they don't want to mess with. But he was still saddened from the loss of his guardian wolf because of Lone. To honor the gray wolf, Lone howled to honor his guardian's bravery. The other wolves joined in on the howling until the entire Everfree Forest heard those howls. A sudden flash appeared on Lone's flank and it was an image of a gray wolf head with a full moon behind it. Lone didn't know what this mark means, but that gray wolf on his flank reminded him of his gray wolf friend. Lone thought it was a symbol to show that it was this one wolf who gave Lone the courage to do things.







After Lone finished his story, all of the guest couldn't help but have tears in their eyes for hearing such a tragic story.
"T-that was one of the most saddest stories I heard!" Pinkie cried out as she blew her muzzle on a tissue. 
"Hmph," Lone shrugged as if it was nothing. "I was able to live with after a few days." 
"So what happened to the wolf pack?" Twilight asked while wiping the tears from her eyes. 
"That is another story to tell." Lone said. 
"It must be cool to get a cutie mark for doing something that daring." Comfort complimented.
"So did you do something daring to get your cutie mark, Comfy?" Fireworks teased.
"Well.......no." Comfort said with disappointment. 


Comfort's Mark

At the Ponyville playground, a group of colts was playing a round of kickball. One of these colts was a small and young Comfort as he was waiting for his turn. During the game, the colts were having fun as they slide across the dirt or crash to one another without a care in the world. Comfort was a little nervous because the game may involve some bruises, but he was going to try. When it was his turn, most of the colts moaned as they have to let Comfort kick a ball. With Comfort's personality, the colts thought that he'll squeal when the ball rolls towards him. But the colts were surprised when Comfort kicked the ball and it flew at a good distance. Comfort ran as fast as he could to avoid being out. After Comfort passed the third base, he was almost home free. Before the colts could tag the ball on Comfort, he skidded across the dirt ground to get to home base. Unfortunately, Comfort was only a few inches from the base when the ball finally hit him. Comfort not only was out of the game, he ended up with some scrapes that reached all across his arms. With all the new pain Comfort developed, he started crying while he was still on the ground. The colts did nothing with the crying Comfort on the ground. 
"Ah!" one of the colts moaned, "will this guy stop crying already!"
"Let's just leave the crybaby alone, maybe he'll stop after a few hours or more." the colts chuckled as they left Comfort who was still suffering from his scrapes. Comfort continued to cry until he noticed a shadow was over him. The source of the shadow was a short, elderly mare. She had a light blue coat that was almost similar to Comfort's but more blue instead of turquoise. Her silver ,white mane was tied to a long ponytail and the color of gold was shining inside her eyes. Her cutie mark was a knitted blanket that was tied to a pole to make it look like a flag. Comfort recognized this mare after a second because how could he forget the appearance of his grandma, Cover Quilt. 
"Oh Comfort," Cover Quilt spoke with a gentle tone, "You got some scars on your legs." She slowly picked up Comfort while trying not to make him ache from the lift. "It will be alright, Comfort. We'll just head back home and patch you up."
After hearing that, Comfort panicked from the imagination of his parents freaking out from his wounds. 
Cover Quilt chuckled a bit. "Don't worry, your parents are at a business trip so they won't be home until the evening." That helped Comfort calm down a little. 
Even though being in charge of a hotel was the dream for Comfort's parents, it still was a lot of work to do. Luckily, Cover Quilt was retired and lots of free time which allowed her to foal-sit Comfort while the parents were working. Once Cover made it to the kitchen, she placed Comfort on top of the counter and looked for the first-aid kit. Cover made sure to follow the proper procedures of applying bandages. 
"Could you please hold out your hoof, Comfort?" Cover asked. Comfort did what his grandma told him. "Now, this will hurt a little." she sprayed an anti-bacteria spray on the wound and it really stung Comfort. After a few minutes of careful bandaging, all of Comfort's scrapes were covered with white bandages. "Well," Cover suggested. "now your pains are covered and you're part mummy!" Cover giggled from her little joke she made. But Comfort only responded with whimpers and tears coming out of his eyes.
"Why am I such a wimp." Comfort hiccuped from crying. "Does it mean that I'm not a true colt at all?" Cover walked towards Comfort to look at him face-to-face. 
"No, Comfort." Cover placed both hooves on Comfort's shoulders. "The reason why you cry is that it shows that you care deeply about the things you feel. Those colts don't understand because they only suppress their feelings to put their pride first." Cover gave her grandson the most caring hug she has ever given. "But you, Comfort, are very special. You never let those kinds of thoughts enter your mind which goes to show that you're a true stallion who is not afraid to show his feelings." Cover's words and hug gave Comfort a warm spot in his heart as he felt more relieved as somepony understands how he feels. "Now, how about we go do some knitting?" 
That question brighten Comfort more than usual. Even though Comfort wasn't good at many things, his grandma showed him the wonderful joy of knitting and sewing. Cover was proud that Comfort has learned so much from her with the sewing skills. Cover was working on a very long blanket with some particular colors that matched the sky. Comfort on the other hoof was working on his own little  project. It was a simple stuffed bear that younger ponies would hold in their hooves, except that the fur was made of scraps of cloth that Cover no longer used for her sewing. Instead of black beads for eyes, the bear had different glass marbles in the pupils. It's not the best bear Cover has ever seen, but she was proud for her grandson for trying to make something from scratch. Comfort tied up the last button and lifted up his bear as if it was Comfort's own child. 
"Wow!" Cover said with excitement, "That looks really good, Comfort." 
"Thanks, Grandma!" Comfort hugged his new bear. "I'm going to call him Bearington!"  
"That's a good name." Cover said.
"Yeah, but I'm not sure that stitching is a very useful skill." Comfort pouted. 
"Hey," Cover gently lifted Comfort's chin. "There will come a time when certain skills will be needed. Even if the skill is very small." She then lifted Comfort up in the air as if he won something. "One day Comfort, you will play your part in this world!" 
Comfort felt a little better after the next day. He and his grandma went to the market fair to get some more material for their daily stitching. After they were done, both of them had baskets filled with yarn balls and fabrics in their hooves. These materials were just enough to make some sweaters for the cold weather.
The stroll was interrupted when they heard a filly crying up ahead. A young filly was bawling while a stuffed pig was torn opened next to her. Cover noticed this and decided to let her grandson take care of it. She nudged Comfort as if he already knew what to do. Comfort was a little confused until he finally understood. He slowly approached the filly and sat down next to her.
"Did this piggy got broken?" Comfort asked politely.
The filly replied with a nodded and tried to tell Comfort what happened. "I-I ran along the streets and I accidentally tripped. My piggy is now torn and my parents will yell at me!" The filly wiped some snot off her nose but continued to cry.
Comfort calmly gave the filly a hug in hopes that it will feel better. "It will be alright. It was only an accident."
At first, the filly felt grossed out since it was a colt hugging her, but for some reason this colt was different. He was more gentle than any pony she had met. Once Comfort was done hugging, he immediately pulled out his little sewing kit. His grandma said that it Comfort will never know when one toy will get damaged, so that's why he always carry a little sewing kit in case that would happen. Comfort began replacing the stuffing inside of the pig and then stitching up the pig. After a few minutes, the pig was good as new.
"Wow!" the filly cheered as she lifted it up the air. "Thank you so much!" the filly then gave Comfort a kiss on the cheek and left with a goodbye wave.
That left Comfort embarrassed and happy when he got a kiss.
"That was so nice of you, Comfort.'' Cover patted his head.
"It was nothing." Comfort acted modest, but he saw his flank glowing and a crying cutie mark appeared. This mark showed Comfort's ability of showing some care after dealing with pain.  

"Aww!" most the ponies cooed after hearing Comfort's story. Lone and Rainbow were not affected by such sappiness. 
"It wasn't very exciting," Comfort said as he looked at his mark. "but at least I got my mark from it."
"And it was very good for you!" Firework said while she and Pinkie gave Comfort a big hug, causing him to blush even redder. 
Guide coughed to interrupt this touchy moment. "I know we heard a lot of great stories, but can we get to mine please?!" 
"I think that's a good idea," Twilight was refilling her punch. "I've been wondering what made you into a skilled unicorn."
"Actually," Guide rubbed her hooves, trying not to look embarrassed. "I have you to thank for that, Princess."
Twilight tilted her head as she was confused from what Guide meant.


Guide's Mark

Guide was a young filly when she returned from school. It was another day of going through lessons about things she already knew. As she walked in, her mother was making some dinner for the night.
"Oh, hi sweetie!" Feather Dust called out. "How was school?" 
"Just another pointless day of learning." Guide sighed as she sat on a chair near the table.
"What's wrong?" Her mother asked. 
"I've been obtaining knowledge since I was born and I feel like there's no point to it all." Guide laid her head on the table. 
Feather Dust wasn't so sure on how to solve this problem since she wasn't a unicorn like her daughter and wasn't highly intelligent. "Sweetie, there will come a time that you will find that purpose that brings you to your fullest. But for now, enjoy what you have."
Despite that line Feather made, Guide decided to go along with it and replied with a nod. 
"Good!" Feather picked up a basket of food to Guide. "Now, can you please take this to your father, he must be hungry from working at old pawn shop." 
"Alright, mom." Guide levitated the basket and made her way to the Gold Coin Pawners Shop. 
It felt like another day in Ponyville to Guide. She couldn't help but smell the cooked hay that her mother made, it was irresistible to avoid. Unfortunately, that smell attracted a large grey bird from the sky and it flew right down to grab a bite. Guide was lucky to avoid getting bitten from that beak. She quickly ran around the area to look for a safe spot to hide under. A small ditch caused her to trip over, leaving her wide open. As the bird flew closer to Guide, she closed her eyes as she was about to meet her doom. That all changed when a large, pink beam shot at the bird, causing it to recover and fly away. A shadow went over Guide and she opened her eyes to see what the shadow came from. It was none other than Princess Twilight who came to Guide's rescue from that monster bird. 
"Are you alright, little filly?" Twilight asked. 
Guide didn't reply because she noticed how majestic the alicorn looked from the sunlight. "I'm fine," Guide said with her eyes wide-opened.
"Thank goodness!" Twilight wiped some sweat from her forehead. "You would not believe how many creatures have been escaping fromthe Everfree Forest. I'm just glad that nopony was harmed." 
The large bird screeched as it flew back into the air to attack more ponies. "I better go stop that bird before it causes more havoc," Twilight was getting ready to take flight. "Take care!" 
As the alicorn flew back into the action, Guide kept watching until Twilight was no longer in sight. After that day, Guide started looking up more about Princess Twilight. Guide was amazed on how a simple unicorn became a princess of Equestria. The more stories Guide hears about Princess Twilight, the more motivation she has from the princess. Since then, Guide started practicing her magic so that she could be as powerful as Princess Twilight. On one day, she activated a spell that levitated her entire house. Guide concentrated very hard as she thought about her dream to be like Twilight, a pony who can bring hope and friendship to everypony in Equestria. With all of that energy Guide gained, she was able to place her house down without her parents noticing. It was then her cutie mark appeared and it showed that her talent was to carry on the light that brings everypony hope that they needed.





"Wow," Twilight was shocked after hearing Guide's story. "I never thought I made that much of an impact to you, Guide." 
"It's true," Guide said. "and now I'm extremely happy to be your student." Guide gave Twilight the best hug that was ever given.
"Aww!" Pinkie whined. "That's all! There wasn't one common thing that caused them to get their cutie marks!"
"It's alright, Pinkie." Twilight patted her on the shoulder. "You don't have to have a particular event or object to have friendship. All that matters is that you are with your friends now and you will continue to have them in the future." 
After that saying, the Mane 6 gave each other a nice group hug to make good from this moment.
A thought came to Guide after a few seconds. "Twilight, what did Starlight Glimmer look like?"
"She was a light pink unicorn with purple and light blue mane," Twilight answered. "why are you asking?"
All of a sudden, Guide experienced a flashback that took place when Twilight was lecturing at the school in Canterlot. Guide was entering the castle to do her usual studying. As Guide trotted along, she noticed that the door to the Cutie Map was opened and a mare ,with the same description as Starlight, was looking at a scroll. 
"Excuse me," Guide asked as she approached Starlight. The mare quickly roll up the scroll and made a smile.
"Can I help you?" Starlight asked. 
"Why are you in Princess Twilight's castle? It's not polite to barge in unannounced," Guide glared.
"But, you're here." Starlight replied. 
"I'm here because I'm one of Twilight's students and I'm allowed to enter her library to do some studying." 
Starlight figured out a way to get out of this. "Oh, you're Twilight's pupil?!" she pretended to act surprise. "That must means that you must be very skilled!" 
"Oh, well it's nothing." Guide blushed from that praise. "I just work really hard."
"I'm one of the head professors at a magic academy and I just wanted to ask if Twilight wants to attend an event." Starlight said.
"Sorry, but Twilight is away." Guide said.
"How about I wait here for her and you go do your studying so that you can be as talented as the princess?" Starlight asked.
Guide thought that this pony wasn't that bad based on her personality. "Alright," Guide agreed. "but don't do anything, understand." Guide looked with a serious face. 
"You have my word." Starlight said as she had one hoof on her chest and one in the air to show that she promises.
Once Guide left the room, Starlight walked back into the room and sat on Fluttershy's chair, waiting for the return of Princess Twilight. 
Guide came back from her flashback. "Oh, it's nothing, Twilight." some blush developed on Guide as she just let a villain trick her into  leaving the Cutie Map room.