//------------------------------// // 11 Operation Tree Block // Story: The Unknown Cutie Mark // by hyderpony //------------------------------// The weather over Ponyville was changing. It finally stopped raining !! But then Twilight Sparkle said three months ago beforehand: “Winter is coming” and you know what? it was. We head down to The Castle of Friendship and we go inside. It was dark. We go down the hallway trying to obviously see where we're going and eventually we get to the end of the hallway. There was a sign on the door that said: “Princess Twilight Sparkle's room”. We go her bedroom and Twilight was asleep. But not for long. Because there was a clock on the wall and it said 3:59am. The clock struck 4:00am and the alarm clock next to Twilight's bed went off. PEEP PEEP PEEP PEEP PEEP PEEP (Typical sound of an annoying alarm clock) Twilight jumped out of the bed, turn off the alarm clock and turned on the radio. “Hello this is the PWS. Pony World Service. For those who don't know what that means. We have some, BREAKING NEWS!!” Radio announcer said in a posh and an important voice. “The Pegasus weather team have announced today that a snow storm is on it's way and heading for Ponyville in the next three days. Ponies are advised to prepare for the storm and wrap up warm. Remember to wrap up warm now !! ” “Oh no, I better let Applejack know!” Twilight said looking worried. She then turned off the radio and went over to Spike's bedroom. “Spike quick !! it's time to get up !!” Twilight said in a rush. Spike opened his eyes and looked at his clock and then said “It's 4am Twilight. I thought you said you weren't going to wake up so early anymore.” He said looking annoyed. Twilight then answered to Spike in her rushing voice: "I can't help it Spike. I'm sorry but it's what I do. You know what I'm like and I can't really give up the habit being the Princess of Friendship and all. Besides we're meeting Applejack today, remember?" Spike sighed and then said: “Yes Twilight at 7AM and I would love to get back to sleep please.” “No Spike you can't. There's a lot to do before be go to Applejack's.” Twilight said. “Yeah? “Like what? Spike asked still annoyed. Twilight then gave him an angry stare. “Well I need your help for a start. Your my personal assistant for ponies sake. Help me with the checklist. What do to do before we do them Spike. Twilight said. “Alright Twilight. But it'll cost you a tub of Ice cream for this.” Spike said smugly. “Okay fine. You can have your tub of ice Cream. Twilight said. Spike gets out of his bed and looks at Twilight. “Well?” Spike said. “Well what? Twilight asked. Spike rolls his eyes and folds his arms. Twilight still doesn't know what Spike was talking about. “Checklist? Where's the checklist, Twilight? Spike said a few minutes later. “Oh right, the checklist !!” Twilight said and then she hoofs him the checklist. Spike then began to read the checklist “Step 1: Wake up.” “Check.” Twilight answered. “I think I'll say the checks, okay Twilight”. Spike said after which, Twilight sighed. “Step 2: Turn on radio.” “Check”. Spike said. Twilight was about to say it but Spike beat her to it. “Step 3: Turn off radio?” Spike looks at Twilight and then she nodded her head. “Check” Spike said. “Step 4: Try to wake up Spike check” “Step 5 if Spike does not wake up, tickle him.” He said that not angrily but he wasn't happy about it. He looks at Twilight and gave her a stare. Twilight blushes and then said “Sorry Spike, But it would have been the only way.” “Thanks Spike. That'll be it. For now.” Twilight said. Then she let him have some more sleep. It was now quarter past six and Spike then woke up because he had a feeling that Twilight was going to tickle him. He then went over to her. My I don't know about you but have you noticed a slight change to Spike's attitude towards Twilight? That's not like him is it? “Well Spike we now have to get ready.” she said. “Yes Twilight” Spike replied. Twilight and Spike started getting ready to leave. Spike got out the list again. “Get winter clothing. “Check.” Spike said. “First before we go to see Applejack Spike we need to get Fluttershy”. Twilight said. “Why do we need Fluttershy? I mean we're just helping Applejack with the tree.” Spike said looking confused. “You're right. We are helping Applejack with the tree but Fluttershy can help relocating any animals that may have lived in that tree. Twilight answered. “Oh right.” Spike said. Using her magic, Twilight pulled out her mobile and dialled Fluttershy's number. It started to ring. “Um. Hello?” Fluttershy answered in her quiet shy voice. “Hello Fluttershy. It's me, Twilight.” “Hello Twilight. Um why are you ringing me this early?” Fluttershy said in a sleepy voice. “Sorry. But I was just wondering if you can help me with something.” Twilight answers. “Oh. I don't know Twilight. How can I help?” Fluttershy asked. “Well Applejack needs our help. A tree fell down to the ground and it's blocking the path back to Ponyville. Also there may be animals needing to be re homed.” Twilight said. “Oh no. I be right there.” Fluttershy said in a panicked voice. “Thanks so much Fluttershy. See You soon.” Twilight says. Everything will be okay Fluttershy, I'm sure of it. She continued. “Okay Twilight. I'll try. See you soon. Fluttershy answered. She tried not to worry about it too much but she couldn't help worrying. Can you blame her? But still, she was on her way. “She said she'll be here soon. We better get the food before she comes.” Twilight said to Spike. Twilight went to get the food to take with them. Meanwhile back at Sweet Apple Acres, All was dark. It stopped raining there as well. Gallop Crush was in bed sleeping. She dreamed that she was flying. she was so good at flying. If only it was so when she was awake. She just needs somepony to teach her to fly better. That was her only wish. Well, except getting a Cutie Mark of course. But who? Who would help her fly better? She flew down to the ground to get a drink of water. Then there was a loud bang. When the sound faded and everything calmed down there she was Princess Luna stood before her. “AH Princess Luna ?!” You made me jump.” Gallop said shocked. “Oh. My apologises dear Gallop Crush. But I have an urgent message for you.” Said Princes Luna. “Oh? From who?” Gallop asked “I'm afraid that I cannot say, Gallop.” Princess Luna said regretfully. “Okay. Um .. What's the message?” Gallop asked. “Now before I say the message Gallop, I would like to talk you about what you have done earlier on.” Princess Luna announced. “What did I do?” Gallop asked. “You saved Apple Bloom life.” Princes Luna says “How did you know that?” Gallop asked “From Apple Bloom. she had a small nightmare, But she is fine now. She told me what happened and she is so grateful for what you have done for her”. Answered Princess Luna. “I'm happy that I did. I just acted” Gallop said. “Now back to the message I was sent to give you.” Princess Luna said. “Oh yes, the message. Go ahead Luna” Gallop said. “The message goes like this: You are close to your goal. But there are lots to do before you reach that goal. I am something old. You will get something new soon. Something borrowed you do all the time But something blue is the key. You will find the answer soon my little one.” Princess Luna read out. “I must go now Gallop. Good luck with your journey and quest.” There was another bang and Princess Luna Vanished into thin air. Gallop was going crazy again. It must have been because of the message. she thought. “Wait ?! was that the quote that was on that radio show? It was. So it has to be THE DOCTOR !!” “ Something Blue? Hmmm …. Don't know what that was” She said to herself. She then thought some more. Was she going to ware a hole on the floor by pacing like Twilight Sparkle did? Little hint, “I .T.A.T.”. No? Okay “It's About Time”. Really amazing episode. You should see it !! Sorry. Back to the story: The next minute somepony said: “Apple Bloom, Gallop. It's time to get up”. It was Applejack. Gallop and Apple Bloom were waking up and looking tired. Apple Bloom sniffed the air. "Are those pancakes ?!” as her mouth watered “Darn tootin !!” Applejack said with a smile. “Haven't had 'em for a while so I thought we could have some for us, Babs and Gallop. Sound good?” “You bet it does !!” Apple Bloom said with glee. Gallop and Apple Bloom got up from there bed and looked out of the window. it was still dark then Apple Bloom looked at the clock. It was 5am. Applejack smiled and went downstairs “I wonder why Applejack woke us up at this time Gallop?” Apple Bloom said. 5 minutes past “Are you two up yet?” Applejack called from downstairs. “Yes sis. We're up”. A sleepy Apple Bloom said “Don't know Apple Bloom. But I'm sure you could find out.” Gallop said. “Yeah. Yer right Gallop. Well we'd better get to the dining room.” Apple Bloom said. Gallop and Apple Bloom headed to the door and went downstairs to the dining room. Babs was at the table and There were two big towers of pancakes on the table. “Hey Gallop, sleep well?” Babs asked. “Yes I did thanks, like a rock.” Gallop answered. “Um sis? Why did you wake us up at 5am?” Apple Bloom asked her older sister. “Well Twilight's goin' to help clear that tree for me and I think Spike's coming too.” Applejack said “Oh Spike from the Castle of Friendship is coming too? Gallop said. “That's right Gallop. You know him?” Applejack asked. “Yes. He gave me a tour of Castle” Gallop said “Ooh I think somepony got a crush.” Babs said teasing Gallop. “No I don't.” Gallop said blushing. Apple Bloom smiled and nodded at Babs. Apple Bloom and Gallop Crush sat at the table next to Babs. “When is Spike... I mean Twilight coming Applejack?” Gallop asked with a blush. “At 7am” Applejack said and she smiled. Both Gallop, Apple Bloom and Babs started taking some pancakes onto a plate and started to eat. “Oh I better get the brooms from the shed” Applejack said. “How's Twilight going to move that tree sis? Apple Bloom asked. “Some magic spell. At least that's what she told me.” Applejack said “Oh right. How silly of me” Apple Bloom said. “Um Apple Bloom, how are you going to connect me? Gallop asked. “Connect?” Apple Bloom asked looking baffled. “Um yes. In the next three days I mean”. Gallop asked trrying to make it clearer. “Oh right. Well me, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo will meet you at Sugar Cube Conner around 12pm and we'll tell you our plans on how to help you. I need to past on notes we made onto them.” Apple Bloom told her. “Oh right. That's excellent.” Gallop said happily. “How did you three all get your Cutie Marks Apple Bloom?” Gallop asked “Well it was all thanks to Diamond Tiara really.” Apple Bloom answered. “How?” Gallop asked “Well it all started when we The Cutie Mark Crusaders tried to help Pipsqueak run for our school's class president against Diamond Tiara. After Diamond Tiara lost the election, we found out why she was such a big bully to us. She realised that she acted the way she did was because of the high standards imposed by her mother Spoiled Rich. We reached out to help the struggling Diamond Tiara and taught her that friendship was the best way. it is through. Eventually we got through to her and amazingly Diamond Tiara finally stands up to her overbearing mother. We The Cutie Mark Crusaders realised that helping others discover their true talents is more important than realising our own.” Apple Bloom told her. “WOW !!” Gallop said In amazement. After they had their breakfast, Applejack, Gallop, Apple Bloom and Babs head out and went to the tree that was blocking the path. “Twilight should be here soon” Applejack said The rooster called out. (You know what they sound like) It was 7am and all four could see Twilight, Spike and Fluttershy? Coming down the path. “Well, howdy-doo. There y'all are” Applejack said. “Hi Fluttershy. What are you doin' here?” She asked. “Oh. Twilight asked for my help in case there were any animals in that tree”. Fluttershy answered with her usual shy voice. “Hello Spike.” Gallop said with a Blush “Oh hi Gallop. How are you?” Spike asked “Fine thanks Spike.” Gallop shyly said. “Why are you here Gallop?” Spike asked. “I was looking for Apple Bloom to help me get my Cutie Mark” Gallop answered. “That's great Gallop and I know the CMCs will be able to help you” Spike says convincingly. “Thanks Spike” Gallop says and blush even more. “Thanks again for coming Fluttershy.” Twilight said. “We know you're the best with the animals”. “Eeyup”. Applejack agreed. Luckily Big Macintosh didn't hear her say that. “Oh it was nothing really Twilight and Applejack. I'm glad and happy to help” Fluttershy said. “Oh it was so good of you for helping me Twilight and Fluttershy.” Applejack says. "I really do appreciate it." “What are friends for?” Fluttershy said with a grin. “Well Applejack did you bring the brooms?” Twilight asked. “Yep. Sure did Twilight” Applejack said. “First Fluttershy, Can you see if any animals need to re homed?” Twilight asked. “Okay Twilight.” Fluttershy said. After three minutes, Fluttershy came with two robins and they look scared. “Don't worry you two, I will help find you a new home” Fluttershy said to the robins. The two robins then smiled. Twilight did a spell on the tree and it chopped it into Wooden Heart warming trees cravings. “Wow Twillight that was so cool !!” Gallop said impressed. “Thank you” Twilight said and blushed. “Are you ready Applejack?” Twilight asked her. “Ready. Let's do this !!” Applejack says with determination. Twilight gave the brooms to Spike and Fluttershy. Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy and Spike then say: “sweep sweep sweep sweep sweep sweep sweep sweep”. I thought AJ didn't find that catchy. Oh well. “I think we're done now Applejack..” Twilight said looking relived and happy. “Thanks so much” Apple Jack said appreciating Twilight's, Spike's and Fluttershy's help. “Oh it was nothing. happy to help” Twilight said. “That's what Fluttershy said”. Applejack said as a joke. Twilight chuckled at the joke and told her: “I'm sure I can say it too AJ”. Then the three ponies and spike all hugged each other. “Well Gallop I better take you back to Sugar Cube corner” Applejack said. “Yes Applejack”. Gallop then said. Gallop turned to Apple Bloom, hugged her and then said: “Thank you so much for helping me” She says with a tear in her eye. “Oh. Think nothin' of it Gallop and I'll see you in two days”. Gallop shock Babs' hoof “Thank you as well” she said “No problem. But I'm sure you can hug me too, right?” Babs says. “Of course I can. Come here”. Happily said Gallop. She then gave Babs a hug. “See you later.” Gallop says. Babs and Apple Bloom wave at Gallop as she Applejack, Twilight, Fluttershy and Spike walk back up the path back to Ponyville. “Well Gallop, did you enjoyed yourself?” Applejack asked. “Yes I did. It was great. Your family are so nice and kind to me” Gallop “Yeah. It runs in the family” Applejack said to her. “Well this where I leave you.” Said Fluttershy. Gallop shook Fluttershy hoof very gently and said: “Thanks so much Fulttershy for your help”. “You're very welcome”. Fluttershy replied. Fluttershy waved them off. Gallop, Applejack, Twillight and Spike walked into Ponyville. “Well Applejack we better be off too.” Twilight said. Applejack hugged Twilight. “Thank you again Twilight, I don't what I could have done without you”. Said Applejack. “Happy to help Applejack”. Twilight said. Gallop shock Spike's claws. “Thank you Spike”. Gallop said as she blushed. “Anything for a friend.” Spike says and he blushed too. Both Twilight and Spike walked back to The Castle of Friendship. Applejack and Gallop walked into Sugar Cube corner. “WELCOME HOME GALLOP !! I AM SO HAPPY YOU ARE BACK !!” Pinkie Pie spoke really fast. So lets see, You met up with Apple Bloom, Bads right? Yes I am right and I can tell because you are so happy and I'm happy for you. Your mom will be happy you are back too.” Pinkie Pie said. “How did you know that Pinkie?” Gallop asked. “Just a hunch.” Pinkie Pie said and smiled. “I think I'm right that The Cutie mark Crusaders will be meting you in two days time too.” Pinkie Pie says Gallop just looks at Pinkie Pie and nodded her head. Just like the time time when Pepper Clark shouted “Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth” in front of Blythe Baxter's face and she nodded. “Um Pinkie Pie how come you can break the fourth wall?” Gallop asked. “I don't know why I can break the fourth wall. I think that was because of Lauren Faust. She developed the Generation 4 of My Little Pony and saved all the bronies from the horrors of Generation 3!” Pinkie Pie shivered, as she continued. “I used to be a pegasus !! I AM PINKIE PIE!” Suddenly, Gallop's mum appeared within the entrance of Sugarcube Corner, a worried look on her face. “Clover? What's wrong?” asked Pinkie. “Does Pinkie need to turn that frown upside-down?” “No, no.” replied Clover. “No need for dramatics, Pinkie. I just came to see my daughter Gallop.” “Oh. Well then, here she is !!” exclaimed Pinkie, pointing her hoof at Gallop. “I'm so happy you are safe” said Clover. Gallop hugged her mum and smiled. Then Clover come to Applejack and hugged her and then said “Thanks so much keeping Gallop safe Applejack.” “Oh don't mention it sugar cube, happy to help” Applejack said. All of a sudden, a blue pegasus pony comes into Sugarcube Corner and goes to the counter. “Hey there Mrs Cake, have you got my cake order?”