The cutie mark crusaders have grown up and are still learning about themselves
It has been ten years since Tirek was defeated, and now the Cutie Mark Crusaders are all grown up. Sweetie Belle has a foal named Emerald. Apple Bloom is engaged. And at the same time, Scootaloo is waiting for her response from the Wonderbolt Academy. Want to know more? Stay tuned!
Thanks to xStellar_Bubbles for the artwork! And thanks to FelineFluff for editing AND big shoutout to her as well for writing the first, third, and fifth chapter. This is going to be a thing where I write all of the even numbered chapters and she writes all of the odd numbered chapters. We hope you enjoy it!
Ten years after Tirek was defeated, there sat three adult mares. Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle.
In their earlier years, they had a little group called 'The Cutie Mark Crusaders,' or just CMC for short. They would do anything for their cutie marks! But on one fateful day, they discovered who they were, and earned their marks that they wanted so badly. Now, after eleven years of adventurous friendship, they were sitting in the cafe for their weekly meet & greet.
"I have some really important news for you, but your probably going to freak out. So what ever you do, do not faint!" Apple Bloom whispered across the table, looking sternly in to her two best friends eyes.
"You got a two-for-one sale at the market, for a super awesome wonderbolt trophy, shaped as Rainbow Dash?!?" Scootaloo squeeled, as she flew up, and hit the ceiling with excitement.
Apple Bloom pulled Scootaloo out of the air, and sat her down. "No Scootaloo, it has nothing to do with Rainbow Dash... It has something to do with me, and my---"
"You wrote an amazing song, that your going to sing for us?!?" Sweetie Belle said, as she jumped on the table in excitement, almost spilling their coffee.
"No! Please calm down, so I can tell you the real news! I can assure you, it's way more important, then Rainbow Dash trophy's, and me writing music." Apple Bloom said.
"Nothing is more important than Rainbow Dash trophy's!" Scootaloo giggled.
Apple Bloom leaned in close and whispered "Sparks proposed! I'm getting married in a month!" She lifted her hoof, revealing a beautiful diamond ring perfectly fitting around her left hoof.
"Your getting married?! Oh I've always wanted to be married!! Somepony to help me take care of my foal would be perfect! I'm so happy for you Apple Bloom!!" Sweetie Belle excitedly said, admiring the diamond on her hoof.
"Eh, that's cool, but nothing as cool as what happened to me this week!" Scootaloo said, as she pulled out a letter from her wing.
Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, as Scootaloo started to read.
Dear Scootaloo,
We have been lacking in out numbers of crew members and have been sending ponies throughout Equestria looking for skilled pegasi. One of said ponies was in Pony-Ville about three months ago and was highly un-impressed. My Wonderbolt companion told me this report:
"I have never seen such poor flyers in all of my life! They need to get in better shape if they want to move up in the world. However, there were only two ponies who caught my eye. An orange pegasus mare, and a grey pegasus stallion. The stallion had managed to clear the sky in almost record time. He also ran in to me which was why he did not make it into record time. Before he did such thing, he was flying with such grace, that I was deeply moved by how devoted he was to his flying.
The mare, on the other hoof, was much more experienced. Her movements, not only in the air, but on her scooter where amazing. Her timing for all of her moves were impeccable. If I were to choose some pegasi from all of Equestria, I would have to say those two from Pony-Ville."
After hearing this report, I immediately knew that you both were the pegasi we were looking for. So, what do you say Scoots? Want to bring that grey stallion and come try out? I hope to get your response soon.
Sincerely;
Rainbow Dash,
Captain of the Wonderbolts
Sweetie Belle sat there speechless. While Apple Bloom rolled her eyes.
Sweetie Belle hugged both of them super tight, and said "Oh I'm just soo happy for you guys!!"
"So Sweetie, has anything awesome happened in your life?" Scootaloo asked.
"Not exactly, Emerald has been nothing but trouble. But I'm trying to find a stallion, after her dad left for Saddle Arabia so long ago. She's such a wonderful child, but with my singing career, it's just super hard! But luckily, I got my sister to babysit her for a couple days. I just hope she isn't too much trouble for Rarity!" Sweetie Belle said.
"Aww that's too bad! But how's your singing career going? Written any more songs? I would like to hear one, if that's the case." Apple Bloom asked.
"Yes, actually! It's a beautiful song called 'Fillies and Colts' I wrote it for my dear filly, Emerald!" Sweetie Belle started to sing, with her voice of an angel.
Suddenly, the restaurant door flung open, and you'll never guess who was there!
"BABS!" Apple Bloom rejoiced, as she trotted over to her favorite cousin, and gave her a giant hug, completely interrupting Sweetie Belle's beautiful song. "It's been so long since we've seen ya'll!! How come you cancelled last weeks get-together?
Babs Seed walked over to the table, and sat down, taking a sip from Apple Blooms coffee. "I've been really busy with my new career, and I haven't had any time to stop by! But I'm so glad I did, because I have some big news for you Apple Bloom!!"
Sweetie Belle stopped singing, and leaned in. They all leaned in to try to tell Babs, "Tell us the news already!" without talking.
Once their snouts were a foot away from Babs, she screamed "I'M GETTING MARRIED!!!!" Babs jumped over the table and squeezed all three of them In a tight hug.
"Congratulations Babs! Because I have some news for you too!" Apple Bloom excitedly said as she released the hug, and sat back down.
"APPLE BLOOM'S GETTING MARRIED TOO!!!!" Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle shouted in unison.
Apple Bloom glared at them, and said "As I was trying to say, before I got so rudely interrupted, Sparks proposed to me! And I'm getting married on April fourth!!"
Babs Seed smiled so big she let out tears of happiness stroll down her face as she hugged Apple Bloom. "IM SO HAPPY FOR YOU I COULD CRY!!!!" Babs cried, as she gave a friendly kiss on the cheek to Apple Bloom.
"Wow you sure reacted differently than the other two!" Apple Bloom added.
Babs wiped her face from tears, and said, "That's because we're family! And your my favorite cousin!"
"Your my favorite cousin Apple Bloom!" Scootaloo shouted, as she joined the hug.
"Hey, your not her cousin!" Sweetie Belle said.
Scootaloo rolled her eyes, and added. "Fine, then she my favorite friend!"
"That's not fair! I'm clearly he most favoritest of all of you!" Sweetie said, raising her chin up, and smiling.
"Hey, that's not a word!" Scootaloo said releasing from the hug, and fighting with Apple Bloom.
"What are you? A dictionary?!?" Sweetie screamed, while in an angry dust cloud of friend fighting.
"Aww just like old times! Um.. I'm going to help them out." Apple Bloom said, reaching her hoof in the dust cloud of fight, and pulling two mares out, while they were still throwing punches at eachother.
"Girls, calm down! You guys are all my favorite friends!" Apple Bloom said.
Sweetie brushed her mane out with her hooves, and said, "Sorry Scootaloo..."
"Sorry..." Scootaloo apologized.
"Ok then! Now that we're done fighting, we can continue our meeting!" Apple Bloom said, sitting back down in the restaurant booth.
"Um actually guys, I gotta hit the sky! I have to go see Rainbow Dash, to audition for the Wonderbolts! But first I need to find some stallion pegasus with a grey coat, that's auditioning with me." Scootaloo said, as she fastened on a helmet to her head.
"Well, I wish you good luck on finding him, considering all of the grey stallions in Pony-Ville!" Sweetie Belle said thinking back on her old boyfriend, Rumble Lane.
"It's nice catching up with you Scootaloo! See you at Apple Bloom's wedding!" Babs said.
"Don't worry, I'm coming back to Pony-Ville as soon as I'm done with the audition! So I'll see you guys later!" Scootaloo said, riding off in her scooter at lighting speed.
"I guess I have to go too. My little Emerald probably already blew up Rarity's house with her clumsiness!" Sweetie Belle said, as she grabbed her saddlebag.
Emerald is a lot like you Sweetie! Clumsy, cute, and obsessed with waffles! Babs Seed said with a giggle.
"Hey, I hate waffles! And I'm not that clumsy anymore, it was only when I was a filly." Sweetie Belle laughed, and hugged both of them. "Goodbye girls!"
"Bye!" The two apple cousins said in a country accent.
Sweetie Belle, and Babs sat back at the table, and continued their chat. "So, when are you planning your wedding?" Apple Bloom asked.
"It's on April fifth. The day after your wedding!" Babs said excitedly.
"Oh, that's so perfect!!! You can be my one of my bridesmaids at my wedding, then I could be one of your bridesmaids at your wedding! And maybe, we can have a sleepover with the girls in-between those days!" Apple Bloom said, jumping in circles around Babs, who was now standing outside of the booth.
"Sounds like a plan! I have to go, I'm needed by my fiancé, Snails!" Babs said, raising one of her eyebrows, and playfully nudging Apple Bloom in the side.
"Have fun! I'll see you next Wednesday, for our weekly meet-up!" Apple Bloom said, as she finished her coffee.
They both left the cafe, and went home for the day. Babs took the train back to Manehatten, and Apple Bloom walked back to Sweet-Apple Acres.
Sweetie Belle walked through the carousel boutique's front door. She set down her pink, and purple saddlebag on Rarity's fainting chair. "Emerald! I'm home!" Sweetie called, "Were you a good girl for Uncle Fancy Pants?"
A white and green unicorn came running down the stairs, and hugged Sweetie. "Mother! Aren't I always?" She said poking her hoof at the ground with a fake smile.
"What did you do?" Sweetie asked her filly, "Was it as bad as last time?"
"Wow, one small prank and your set for life!" Emerald said, "No, mother, it was not as bad as pouring syrup in Aunt Rarity's hair."
"Then what did you do?" Sweetie asked, with one of her eyebrows raised.
Emerald took a deep breath, and started talking really fast, while hopping around, describing everything she didn't with her body. "I accidentally broke one of Aunt Rarity's mannequins, I'm sorry mother! Uncle Fancy asked me to get him a colored pencil from Aunt Rarity's pencil can. I went to get that, but Opal thought that the pencil was a toy so she attacked it like she normally does. I tried to get it back, but I ended up tripping over a bulk of fabric, hitting a mannequin, and making it fall over. I watched it fall, and break in half. Oh, mother, do you think Aunt Rarity will forgive me?" She finished panting, and holding on to her moms leg.
"Well," Sweetie said, lifting her hoof up, and walking towards the stairs. "Let me go take a look at her studio first."
Sweetie Belle started to trot up stairs, as she saw Fancy Pants, Her sisters husband, peek around the corner.
He walked down the stairs a bit. "That is highly un-necessary!" Fancy said, defending Emerald, as he came down to the bottom of the stairs., "I saw the whole thing, and I put Opal in time out!"
"Are you mad mommy?" Emerald asked, looking up at her with puppy dog eyes.
Sweetie looked at Emerald, then Fancy. She looked at Emerald and said, "No, I'm not mad. I understand that it was a mistake, and it wasn't your fault. And to answer your question from earlier, yes, Aunt Rarity will forgive you." She gave Emerald a hug, and started to trot up the stairs.
"Forgive me for what?" a voice said as Rarity stepped in through the front door, carrying groceries.
Emerald ran up to Rarity, and grabbed the groceries from her hooves, running to the kitchen with them. "Oh, Auntie Rarity!" Emerald said, reaching up to the egg bowl, and dropping it on the floor, cracking three eggs. "Oh, please for give me! I accidentally knocked over one of your mannequins, and it broke. I'm sorry Aunty, truly I am! I understand if you don't want me in your studio again." She said wiping up the egg mess with a scarf that was hanging on the wall.
Rarity Levitated the scarf from Emeralds mouth, and put it in the dirty clothes. She took a damp rag, and quickly cleaned up the mess herself.
"So, you broke one of my mannequins... You know that isn't a big deal, I have plenty in my workroom! Now go get yourself cleaned up." Rarity said, lifting one of her hooves in disgust, looking at Emeralds curly mane sopping with egg yolks.
"Thank you Aunt Rarity! I'll be right back!" Emerald said, trotting over to the bathroom sink, and cleaning out her mane.
Rarity chuckled, and looked over to Sweetie, "Oh, Sweetie Belle, a stallion in a horrid cape is at the door. He is asking for you."
"Really?" Sweetie asked, with an excited expression on her face. "Who could be asking for me?"
"Why don't you go find out? I can't tell who it is because of the ugly hood over his head" Rarity said. Trotting upstairs to her workroom, to clean up the mannequin mess.
"Alright, I will!" Sweetie said, "Emerald, be good. And no, you may not have waffles for dinner."
"Aww!" Emerald moaned, as she came out of the bathroom, and started walking towards the kitchen.
As Sweetie got her scarf, she heard Emerald say, "Uncle Fancy, can you make me some waffles for dinner?"
"What did your mother say?" Fancy Pants said, flipping a hay burger.
"Fine. No waffles tonight." Emerald sighed.
Sweetie chuckled at how much her daughter liked waffles. It sure didn't come from her! She got to the door-way, and was surprised at who was there.
"Rumble? Rumble Lane? Is that really you?" Sweetie asked, not believing her eyes.
"Yes, it is. Did you miss me? Because I missed you!" Rumble exclaimed, pulling a hood off of his head.
"Oh, Rumble!" Sweetie exclaimed before rushing over to kiss, and hug him. "Why didn't you visit? Emerald needed you!" She said with a stern look on her face.
Rumble, ashamed, said, "I know, I am truly sorry! But, I was needed in Saddle Arabia. My mother lived there, and my dad died, so I had to go help her take care of her needs. But my mom recently died so I figured. I could sell the place, and come see my marefriend and filly. Do you think she will still-" he got interrupted by a high pitched voice coming from inside.
"Daddy?" Emerald looked at the figure standing in the door way, with a confused expression on her face.
"Love me..." Rumble trailed off, "Emerald?"
"Daddy!" Emerald said not believing her eyes.
Emerald ran to her father, hugging him with all of her might. Sweetie watched the two, smiled, and joined them.
"Daddy?" Emerald asked, "Where did you and Uncle Thunder Lane go? Why did you take so long to come back?"
"That, my little filly," Rumble said, "Is a story for another time. I want to get to know my little filly since I didn't get to see you grow up so big!"
"What?" Emerald gasped, "I'm not big, I'm little!"
"Oh really?" Rumble teased, "Well I thought you were big, because the last time I saw you were this small!" Rumble lifts his hoof a few inches off the floor to make a point.
"So, what plans did you two have for today?" Rumble asked, "If it involves crusading, Sweetie, I think I'll stick with Emerald."
"Oh," Sweetie said, "We don't do crusading anymore. However, I do need to go to town hall before I go home. We moved into the old clubhouse and made it a real home... Would you like to come?"
"Of coarse I do!" Rumble said, "I don't want to miss any more time with my little filly and marefriend."
"Yay!" Emerald shouted, "Daddy's coming with us! Daddy's coming with us!"
"What's all this noise down- Rumble?" Rarity said as she came down the stairs, "Rumble Lane..."
Rarity glared at Rumble, turned, and went back upstairs.
Rumble looked down at the ground, and sighed. "I guess I wont be easily forgiven for leaving. Well, if I'm not welcome here, we might as well go. You ready?"
"Oh, yes," Sweetie said, "Let me get my saddle bag and then we can go. Emerald, get yours too!"
"Yes mommy!" The filly said as she hopped up the stairs to get her bag.
Rumble said under his breath, "Well, at least she remembered me-"
There was a scream from up the stairs and Rumble immediately recognized that it was Emerald.
"Emerald?!" He said as he started up the stairs. When he got to the top, he notice that she was just sitting at a doorway, shaking. When he approached the filly, he spoke softly. "Honey, what happened?"
"I just saw Aunt Rarity... She looked like a monster! She was yelling something to Uncle Fancy which made it worse." Emerald cried.
"It's ok honey!" Rumble said, "Come on, it's time to go."
"Ok, daddy," Emerald said as she held on to Rumble, "Daddy?"
"Yes honey?"
"I love you."
"... I love you too." Rumble said, as he squeezed out a happy tear.
After they left the town hall, they headed to Sweet Apple Acres. Emerald would skip in circles around them while they would walk along. When they got there, Rumble was amazed at how small it was.
"Wow, this is..." He stared at the tree house previously used for crusading.
"Small?" Sweetie finished, "I know. But I have been saving up for an apartment, but have had not much luck." She started to walk up the creaky stairs, and the other two followed behind her.
"What about Rarity?" Rumble asked, "Couldn't she help?"
"She has offered to let us stay at her place." Sweetie answered, "But I don't want to be in her way. Plus, I don't want Emerald to see her, when Rarity is in that freaky, stressed state when thinks she is going to be late bringing in an order. You saw how Emerald reacted earlier!"
"I see, maybe now that I'm back I can help!" Rumble proposed, "It wouldn't be that hard. The weather team pays amazingly! Enough that you could have a home in no time!"
"Rumble," Sweetie said, "I don't want to be a party-pooper, but I don't want to take your money! You are the one who earns it, you should be the one to keep it."
Rumble just looked at Sweetie, wishing she would take help from some-pony. As they sat there, watching Emerald play, they heard someone yelling.
"Sweetie! Sweetie!"
"That sounds like Apple Bloom!" Sweetie said as she started to worry, "She never yells on the way here! I wonder what could be wrong!" Apple Bloom came running up the steps in to the tree house.
"Sweetie! Ah came to warn- Rumble?" Apple Bloom said as she rushed in, "What are you doing- Oh, pony-feathers. Rumble, I wouldn't be here right now!"
"Why?" Rumble asked, "What's wrong?"
"Ah could be giving you the long story, but I shall give you the short instead considering they are on their way right now." Apple Bloom said, "Sweetie Belle's parents are at Sweet Apple Acres, asking where her house is, so they can visit."
"What?!" Sweetie screamed, "But, but, Apple Bloom, what did you tell them?!"
"Ah gave my apple's honor to granny, that I wouldn't tell a lie again," Apple Bloom said, "So ah told them where the clubhouse was. However, I told them how to get here the long way. They could be here in five minutes! Rumble, you need to go!"
"Alright!" Rumble said, "I'm guessing that they still never forgave me for leaving?"
"Nope!" Sweetie said, "Not one bit. Dad said that if he ever saw you again, he would skin you alive in town square."
"Oi!" Rumble said, starting for the door "Then I better get going! Sweetie, I'll see you and Emerald-"
"You hoo! Oh Sweetie Belle!" A voice in the orchard yelled.
"Later..." Rumble finished, "I'm dead."
"Sweetie, darling!" Pearl said as she came through the door, "How are you-"
"Rumble?!" Magnum said from the doorway. "What are YOU doing here?"
"I um... came for a visit?" Rumble said, backing off a few inches.
"Honey, we talked about this." Pearl said, "Try to keep calm."
"Calm? Calm!" Magnum raged, "This brat left our daughter, and grand-daughter alone for ten years, and is trying to get back in the family?! Why I oughta!"
At this point Apple Bloom ran to cover Emerald's ears. She got there just in time too. After Magnum had raged on Rumble, causing him to shake with fear. Apple Bloom released her hold on Emeralds ears, but she didn't leave her.
"Sir," Rumble said shakily, "May I explain why I left?"
"Make it snappy!" Magnum said, stretching his forelegs, as if he was about to fight a 10,000 pound stallion.
As Rumble told the story of how he had to leave, the hatred on Magnums face began to lift.
"Well, son," Magnum said, "I guess I need to apologize. I was just upset that some-pony would just leave our family. May I have a private word with you?"
"Um, I guess so," Rumble said, "Sweetie, I will be right back."
"Okay," Sweetie said, "Dad, can you try not to kill him?"
"What?!" Rumble squeaked.
"Don't worry, Sweetie," Magnum reassured her, "I wont."
As they headed out, Emerald just watched until her grandma came over to her, and gave her a hug.
"Son," Magnum started, "I need to ask you something. Something that I need you to answer truthfully."
"Yes sir?" Rumble confirmed, "Shoot."
"Are going to marry my daughter, or not?" Magnum said catching him off guard.
"Sir?" Rumble squeaked.
"Look, I can see that you love my daughter, and you also want her to be happy." Magnum said, "So I am giving you the permission to marry her if you wish."
"Sir," Rumble said, not believing his ears, "I don't know what to- Thank you Magnum, I will take care of your daughter and grand-daughter, and protect them with my life!"
"Good lad," Magnum said, "Now go, get a ring. I'll arrange a dinner date."
"You mean I need to ask tonight?" Rumble asked.
"Yep!" Magnum said, "She has waited ten years for you to come back. Why keep her waiting? Now go on, I'll just say you had to leave for weather duty."
"Yes sir," Rumble said, "Oh, and sir!"
"Yes?"
"Thanks... Dad!" Rumble teased, before he flew off.
Later that night, when the entire family was at the fanciest restaurant in Pony-Ville, Crem-da-la Mare, they all were intrigued with the stories Rumble told.
"And after that, he just, how shall we put it, blew up!" Rumble said as he finished a story.
"How did he do that daddy?" Emerald asked.
"I'll tell you later," Rumble said, setting down a glass of cider.
"Well Rumble," Magnum said, "What do you plan on doing now that you're back in town?"
"Well, Thunder Lane is going to move to Cloudsdale. He is planning on getting back together with Rainbow again, so that leaves me to take care of the house. So I am here to stay!"
"Yay!" Emerald cheered.
"Well," Rarity said, "Let me raise a toast! To Sweeties future cousin!"
Everyone started to toast when Sweetie Belle let what Rarity just said sink in.
"Oh, my..." She said, "Sweet Celestia! Rarity was that supposed to be a joke?" Sweetie Belle said, looking down at Rarity's abdomen.
At this point the entire table was looking at Sweetie.
"No." Rarity said, "It is not a joke!"
"What did I miss," Pearl said, as she came back from getting a glass of water.
"Yeah, I would like to know that too!" Magnum agreed.
"Oh mother!" Sweetie said, "It's nothing. All Rarity said was lets raise a toast to my future cousin!"
"Oh!" Pearl said, "I guess that's nothing to get excited ab- WHAT?!"
Everyone congratulated Rarity, and Fancy, and the happiness lasted even after they all headed home.
"Sweetie," Magnum said, "Can Emerald stay at our house tonight? She never has by herself before."
"Oh!" Emerald said, "Can I mommy? Please?"
"I don't see why not!" Sweetie said, "Mother, I ask that you don't serve waffles for breakfast no matter how much she begs."
"Aww!" Emerald sighed.
As Rumble walked Sweetie home, they chatted about what had happened in the past ten years.
"So," Sweetie asked, "What will you do with that house all by yourself?"
"Well I was hoping you and Emerald would share it with me." Rumble said catching her off guard.
"What?" Sweetie said surprised.
"Sweetie," Rumble said nervously, "I want you to marry me!"
Sweetie had her hooves over her mouth as Rumble got down on two hooves, and brought out the ring.
"So what do you say?" Rumble asked, a bead of sweat dripping down his face. "Sweetie Belle, will you marry me?"
"YES!" Sweetie gasped, "Yes, a thousand times, yes!" She started crying happily, and hugged him, around his neck.
Rumble slid the ring on her horn, and kissed her passionately. As Sweetie thought to herself, "Wow, I can't wait to tell the girls. This did end up being a really great day!"
"Don't worry, I'm coming back to Pony-Ville as soon as I'm done with the audition! So I'll see you guys later!" Scootaloo said, riding off in her scooter at lighting speed.
Scootaloo took out the letter from Rainbow Dash, and read the note on the back, while keeping one eye on the road. "Before you come to Cloudsdale for your audition, you need to find a grey pegasus named Rumble Lane. He is the brother of Thunder Lane. Once you find him, meet me at the weather factory where we will test your awesomeness, coolness, radicalness, and flying abilities. I wish you the best of luck, Scootaloo! See you at 3:00!"
Scootaloo stopped her scooter to think. All of a sudden anger, waved over her face, as she thought to herself, "Wait a second... Rumble Lane is that stallion that left Sweetie Belle to fend for herself! I've never met him before, but he hurt Sweetie's feelings! I bet he's a really mean guy!"
All of a sudden, she saw a black stallion walking across the street. It was Thunder Lane!
Scootaloo drove her scooter up to him, and said "Hey Thunder Lane! I was wondering if you knew where your brother was? He's supposed to audition for the Wonderbolts with me today!"
"Well, he just moved in to Pony-Ville, but he said he went to the store to buy a cape... I have no idea where he went! But good luck!" Said Thunder Lane walking in to the Sofa and Quill Shop.
"Ok, well luckily it's only 1:00, so I have some time to spare for finding him." Scootaloo said, looking up at the sun position, burning her eyes. "Ouch!" She screamed, rubbing her eye. "Why does Celestia have to make the sun so painful?!"
Scootaloo started up her wings again, and drove away towards the clothing shop. Once she arrived, she set down her scooter, took off her helmet, and set them down right outside of the building. She opened the Door, and trotted in to the store.
"Wow, I haven't been here since I was a little filly! I usually just have Rarity make all of my clothes, because everything in here is just too... Ugh, girly!" Scootaloo gagged, as she trotted towards the men's section to find Rumble.
Scootaloo looked down each isle, but nopony caught her eye. When she reached the last isle, a feminine voice from behind her asked, "Can I help you with anything sir?" Scootaloo turned around, and the sales pony, embarrassed, said "Oops, my bad mam, I'm really sorry about that!"
Scootaloo laughed, and said "No, it's fine! I'm just looking for a grey pegasus stallion named Rumble Lane. Have you seen anypony like that?"
"Oh, yes! He made his purchase, and left about 30 minutes ago!" The kind mare said.
Scootaloo said, "Thank you so much!" As she zoomed out of the door, leaving the mare in a cloud of dust.
Scootaloo grabbed her scooter, and just started to flap her wings, when she saw Rumble sitting on a bench outside the ring shop. She rode her scooter over to him, and glared.
"So, Rumble Lane right?" Scootaloo said, lifting an eyebrow.
"Um, yes... Can I help you?" Rumble said, putting a red box under his wing.
"Actually yes, I'm the mare Rainbow Dash said to audition with. You have to come with me to Cloudsdale right now." Scootaloo said, changing her smirk in to a smile.
"Oh of course! How could I have forgotten that was today?! I'm coming, just let me run inside my house real quick!" He galloped in to a nearby door, and came back out within seconds. "Ready to fly?" Rumble said, as he widened his wings, and zoomed off.
Scootaloo strapped her scooter to her back with a bungee cord, and flew off. "Ready!"
When they got there, a certain rainbow maned pegasus was standing there. "Hey! What took my two favorite flyers so long?"
Scootaloo and Rumble landed right next to Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo hugged her, "I'm so happy to see you Rainbow!"
"I'm happy to see you too Scoots! But we need to act professional, if your going to get in to the Wonderbolts." Rainbow Dash said, striking a pose putting her hoof up to her chest.
Scootaloo smiled really big, staring at her role model. "So what do we do first?" Scootaloo asked.
"Ok, we will test you in a series of skills. First, I will have you come over here, and test your agility. Then, you will fly past some really harsh weather. If you can make it through the wind, rain, and thunder, you will come over here, and race... Against ME!!" Rainbow dash said, striking another awesome pose. "Rumble, I will test you first."
"Me? Oh, ok!" Rumble said, flying a few feet off the ground.
Rumble flew over to the agility test, and started. As he flew past the first couple of obstacles, Scootaloo's eyes stared in awe at his amazing agility.
Once he reached the last pole, Rainbow clicked her timer, and said, "18 seconds! Great job! Now come over here. This obstacle course is very difficult. Even an amazing flyer like me failed the first time I tried it!"
Rumble swallowed, and thought "what if I fail? Sweetie Belle will never marry me if I can't get in to the Wonderbolts!" Her started his wings at full speed, and Rainbow started the timer.
He flew past a large gust of wind, recovering from a large spin-out. Then, she noticed a large rain cloud above her. "Oh no, here comes the hard part!"
Rainbow was on top of the cloud, bouncing up in down, causing rain water, and lighting to come out the bottom onwards Rumble, as large wind machines were blowing on him from all sides.
Rumble gulped, and started to fly past the lighting. He swerved passed several lighting bolts, but still got sopping wet from all the rain. "Almost... There!!" Rumble said, as he flew past a wind machine, racing past the finish line.
On the other side, Scootaloo was cheering for him, as she thought, "You know what, I don't even care he was mean to Sweetie! He's an amazing flyer, and I'll be very happy to work with him as a flying partner!" She pat him on the back, and flew up in to the air, as he collapsed on a white cloud.
"Ok, your turn Scootaloo!" Rainbow Dash said with a large grin on her face. "And, great job Rumble! You better rest up, because after Scootaloo finishes, it's time to race me!"
Scootaloo flew up in to the air, with a positive, yet determined face on. "I can do this!" She thought to herself.
Scootaloo swerved past the first three obstacles with such grace! She reached the last tunnel, and she flew through it as fast as possible. Suddenly, her wing hit the side of the tunnel, causing her to tumble past the finish line, falling on her face.
"Congratulations Scootaloo! You made it in 19 seconds!" Rainbow said, reaching out a hoof to help Scootaloo up.
"Thanks." She said, rubbing her left wing.
"Okay, quit your slacking! Time to get flyin'!" Rainbow said, pushing Scootaloo forward with her wing.
Rainbow flew up to the wind machines, turned the on, and flew up to the large weather cloud. "Okay, you can start now!" She said.
Scootaloo flew past the gust of wind, slightly recovering from the spin-out. She dove straight in to the bad weather, soaking her entire coat, and getting her tail stroked by lightning. She turned her head back, to fix her tail, and got stroke on her back, causing her to yelp, and fly straight towards the finish line.
On the other side, Rainbow patted her down, to get the lighting ash off Scootaloo. "Good job! But next time, don't hurt yourself." Rainbow said, giggling.
"Okay, now that my wonderful flyers are done with the obstacle course, it's time to race me!" Rainbow said. She flew down to the running course. "You see that red flag over there? That's where we will meet. Whoever gets there first, wins! Just keep in mind, even if you get last place, it doesn't mean you aren't getting in to the Wonderbolts! Now let's go!" Rainbow said, looking around. "Where's Scootaloo?"
"I'm up here! Sorry Rainbow, my wing kinda hurts..." Scootaloo yelled from the cloud they were once testing at. "Don't worry, I can still race! Scootaloo flew down to the runway, with one of her wings flapping faster than the other.
"Oh no! You can't fly like this! Is there any way you could use your scooter perhaps? Rainbow said, feeling Scootaloo's swollen wing.
"Well, I only need one wing to use my scooter, so I guess!" Scootaloo said, folding her hurt wing towards her side.
The three ponies lined up at the starting line. Rainbow and Rumble opened up their wings, in flight position, Scootaloo on her scooter, opened her one wing, with a determined look on her face. All of a sudden, Rainbow screamed "GO!"
They zoomed off, leaving a cloud of dust behind them. Scootaloo was traveling faster than she ever had before! But she was so caught up in her riding, she didn't even notice that she was leaving Rainbow, and Rumble ten feet behind her.
The finish line was yards in front of her. As she looked behind, she noticed, she was winning. As she crossed the finish line, Rainbow, and Rumble landed swiftly right after her. "I won?!? I won!!!" Scootaloo said, jumping up, and down.
"You won!" Rainbow said, pulling Scootaloo off the ground, and twirling her in the air. Once she set her down, she put on a serious leader face, and said, "Listen, you both were... Exceptional. Expect me to send you the responce soon."
Rumble, and Scootaloo hoof-bumped. Rainbow flew off, and happy danced in the air. "So, what do you say, flying partner? Wanna head back to Pony-Ville, and celebrate?" Scootaloo asked.
"I saw we should, Flying partner!" Rumble teased. Rumble picked Scootaloo up, and started to fly down to Pony-Ville. Once they reached Pony-Ville, Rumble set her down, and she got on her scooter.
"Thanks!" Scootaloo said, patting Rumble on the back with her good wing. "Friends?" She asked, smiling.
"Friends!" Rumble said, putting a hoof around her neck, and giving her a friendly hug.
Scootaloo walked over to her house, and went to bed, after she bandaged her wing.
When she woke up in the morning, she heard somepony knocking on her door. She stood up, and slowly walked over to the door.
"Babs? Why are you here?" Scootaloo asked, rubbing her eyes with her hoof, and yawning.
"I just moved in to the house three doors down from you! Snails finally earned enough bits to buy it, and I decided to tell you first!" Babs said, in her excited Manehatten accent.
"Wow Babs! That so awesome!! We have to go tell Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle!" So the two mares ran over to Sweet-Apple Acres.
Apple Bloom was on her way home to Sweet Apple Acres when she was stopped by some ponies.
"You hoo!" The voice called, "Do you live here?"
It was Sweetie's mother, Pearl necklace, and her father, Magnum.
"Um, yes," Apple Bloom hesitated, "How can ah help you?"
"Oh, we don't mean to trouble you!" Pearl said, "We just need directions to Sweetie Belle's house! Do you think you can do that for us?"
"Um, ah, um," Apple Bloom started, "They live that way! Just go around the orchard and you will find it!"
"Thanks kiddo!" Magnum said.
As they headed off, Apple Bloom broke into a run, as fast as she could towards Sweetie Belles house.
"Sweetie! Sweetie!" She called as she neared the old clubhouse, "Sweetie! Ah came to- Rumble? What are you doing- Oh, pony-feathers. Rumble, I wouldn't be here right now!"
"Why?" Rumble asked, "What's wrong?"
"Ah could be giving you the long story, but I shall give you the short instead considering they are on their way right now." Apple Bloom said, "Sweetie Belle's parents are at Sweet Apple Acres, asking where her house is, so they can visit."
"What?!" Sweetie screamed, "But, but, Apple Bloom, what did you tell them?!"
"Ah gave my apple's honor to granny, that I wouldn't tell a lie again," Apple Bloom said, "So ah told them where the clubhouse was. However, I told them how to get here the long way. They could be here in five minutes! Rumble, you need to go!"
"Alright!" Rumble said, "I'm guessing that they still never forgave me for leaving?"
"Nope!" Sweetie said, "Not one bit. Dad said that if he ever saw you again, he would skin you alive in town square."
"Oi!" Rumble said, "Then I better get going! Sweetie, I'll see you and Emerald-"
"You hoo! Oh Sweetie Belle!" A voice in the orchard yelled.
"Later..." Rumble finished, "I'm dead."
"Sweetie, darling!" Pearl said as she came through the door, "How are you-"
"Rumble?!" Magnum said from the doorway. "What are YOU doing here?"
"I um... came for a visit?" Rumble said.
"Honey, we talked about this." Pearl said, "Try to keep calm."
"Calm? Calm!" Magnum raged, "This brat left our daughter, and grand-daughter alone for ten years, and is trying to get back in the family?! Why I oughta!"
At this point Apple Bloom ran to cover Emerald's ears. She got there just in time too. After Magnum had raged on Rumble, causing him to shake with fear. Apple Bloom released her hold on Emeralds ears, but she didn't leave her.
"Sir," Rumble said shakily, "May I explain why I left?"
"Make it snappy!" Magnum said, stretching his forelegs, as if he was about to fight a 10,000 pound stallion.
As Rumble told the story of how he had to leave, the hatred on Magnums face began to lift.
"Well, son," Magnum said, "I guess I need to apologize. I was just upset that some-pony would just leave our family. May I have a private word with you?"
"Um, I guess so," Rumble said, "Sweetie, I will be right back."
"Okay." Sweetie said, "Dad, can you try not to kill him?"
"What?!" Rumble squeaked.
"Don't worry, Sweetie," Magnum reassured her, "I wont."
As they headed out, Emerald just watched until her grandma came over to her, and gave her a hug.
"Well," Apple Bloom said, "I'm going to head back home."
"Bye, Apple Bloom, see you tomorrow! Sweetie said, as she blew up an air mattress to sleep on in the clubhouse for the night.
The next morning, at 6:45 am, Applebloom was painting a beautiful picture of Sweet Apple Acres. As she looked across the field with her eyes in awe. Suddenly she saw a figure running towards her.
"Oh, hi Sweetie Belle! What brought you over this early?" Apple Bloom said, adding the finishing touches to her masterpiece.
Sweetie Belle stopped in front of Apple Bloom, and started panting from all the running. "I... Need... To.... Tell...." Sweetie caught her breath, and said "I need to tell you something amazing!!"
"Go ahead Sweetie, I'm not stopping you!" Apple Bloom said with a friendly smile on her face.
Sweetie put her hooves on Apple Blooms shoulders, and screamed, "I'm getting married! Rumble proposed!!!"
Apple Bloom dropped her paintbrush is shock "NO WAY!!! THATS SOO AMAZING!!! So, you, Babs and I are all getting married!! This is SOO awesome!!! When did you plan the wedding?"
"April fourth!!!" Sweetie said jumping up and down in excitement. Suddenly, Apple Blooms face dropped in horror.
"That's my wedding date!" Apple Bloom said covering her mouth with her hoof.
"Oh no... I'm so sorry, is there anything we can do?" Sweetie Belle said, as she sat down in saddness, and confusion.
"Well I suppose we could have a double wedding!" Apple Bloom said, smiling.
"No, that's impossible. Nopony has ever done that before." Sweetie said, frowning.
"No it isn't! Let's do it!" Apple Bloom said with excitement. "We'll just have to go to the engagement building, to fill out the paperwork!" The two hugged really tight, and didn't even notice their two best friends running up to them.
Suddenly, Scootaloo, and Babs Seed joined their hug.
"Wait, why are we hugging you?" Scootaloo said, letting go of the hug.
"I have amazing news!!! That's why I'm here." Babs said with a happy face. "Me, and Snails found a home in PonyVille, and we're moving in today!!" Babs said, screaming in excitement.
"Yay! I'm so excited for you, Babs, but I'm sure Sweeties news is a lot more exciting!!" Apple Bloom said. "Go ahead, tell them!"
"I'm getting married on the same day as Apple Bloom, and we're having a double wedding!!" Sweetie Belle screamed in excitement.
"Is that even possible? A double wedding? But other than that, congratulations Sweetie!!" Babs said, hugging Sweetie with all her might.
"We're going to find out! We have to go to the engagement building!" Sweetie Belle said.
"Wait a second, Sweetie, you don't even have a special somepony!!! Who is your fiancé?" Scootaloo said, with a confused expression.
"It's Rumble Lane!!! He came back yesterday, and proposed!!" Sweetie Belle said with excitement.
"Wait, he wouldn't happen to be a grey pegasus with a black spikey mane would he? Because if so, he auditioned for the Wonderbolts with me yesterday!!"
"Yup! That's him!" Sweetie Belle said, proudly.
"Well, I'm really happy for you Sweetie Belle! He's quite the flyer!" Scootaloo said smiling, and giving her a huge hug.
"How about we celebrate, and go visit my new house! I'll lead the way." Babs said, as she walked in to Pony-Ville, her three best friends following her.
As the four friends headed to Babs house, they discussed wedding plans.
"We're going to have Emerald be the flower filly, for the double wedding!" Sweetie said, "What do you guys think?"
"I think that would be awesome!" Babs said excitedly, "Can Emerald be the flower filly for my wedding too?"
"I think she would love it!" Sweetie exclaimed, "Now, about the attire."
"Yeah, do you think Rarity will volunteer for making all the wedding dresses, and the bridal dresses Sweetie?" Apple Bloom said kicking a rock in to a puddle.
"Well, I'll have to ask her. But she still hasn't completely forgiven Rumble... But I'm sure she'll come around! It all depends on if Babs, and Scoots will be the mares of honor. What do you girls think?"
"Oh, that would be epic!" Scootaloo said, "I would love to! So, are you having any other brides mares?"
"Well, if Sweetie doesn't care," Apple Bloom said, "I would kind of like to have Twist be another mare of honor. Oh, and she has to make the wedding cakes! They are just sublime!"
"Yes," Sweetie said, putting her hoof in the air, as a light bulb appeared over her head. "We should invite Twist! Oh, and we can't forget about Dinky!"
"Very true!" Apple Bloom said, "So Babs, we have been talking about our wedding the entire trip here. What should we plan for yours?"
"Well," Babs started, "I was hoping that you all could be my brides mares!"
"Oh," Sweetie exclaimed, "I love it! Of coarse we will!"
"I'm in!" Apple Bloom said, smiling "I can't wait!"
"Ditto for me Babs!" Scootaloo said, "Wow, it seems that you all are getting married, and I don't even have a special some-pony." She looked down at the ground, and frowned
"Oh, come on Scoots," Apple Bloom said, lifting Scootaloo's chin up with her hoof. "You are just as special as we are. Your an amazing flyer, and theres no other pony in Equestria that has amazing scooter skills like you do!"
"Yeah!" Babs said.
"Think of it this way Scoots," Sweetie said, "It's like waiting for your cutie mark. You can't rush a thing like this. these things take time. And the longer you wait, the better the outcome."
"Wow," Scootaloo sighed as she kicked a rock, "You know what, you're right Sweetie! I shouldn't be so glum about it. So, Babs, what are we wearing to your wedding?"
"Well, I was thinking about our CMC uniforms," Babs exclaimed, "We do nothing with them anymore, and this could be like a reunion! And my wedding won't be very formal anyways!"
"I like it!" Apple Bloom said.
"Are you serious?" Sweetie exclaimed, "I was the one who designed them! I feel so honored!"
The girls made it to Babs house and admired the architecture.
"Wow! This is an amazing house! Sparks promised me that he would buy us a house after the marraige! I hope it's as funerific as this one!" Apple Bloom picked up a snow globe, and shook it.
Scootaloo zoomed in, and grabbed the snow globe from Apple Blooms hooves. "Wow, that's so awesome! Considering your still living In your granny's house!" Scootaloo laughed, and stared in to the little snow flakes of the globe.
"Well, I'm real happy for you Apple Bloom! But we have to get to the engagement office soon, or they will close!" Babs Seed said, as she grabbed the snow globe from Scootaloo, and set it back on the shelf.
Sweetie Belle told Apple Bloom,"I'll go get Rumble! Make sure it's a surprise, so when you get to the building, close Sparks' eyes, see you soon!" She darted out the door, and headed towards the clubhouse.
"Babs, Scootaloo, you girls can stay here. We have some forms to fill out!!" Apple Bloom said super excitedly, as she trotted out of Babs' house, toward Sweet-Apple Acres, so she could find Sparks.
"Hey Sparks, wow your home early! Well, anyways I need you to come with me right now! No questions asked! I just know you'll love it!" Apple Bloom said, as she tied a cloth napkin around his head, and leading him somewhere he couldn't see.
Apple Bloom met Sweetie Belle at the outside of the engagement building. They had both of their stallions blind-folded.
"I will take this off of your eyes soon! Just be patient!" Sweetie Belle said, as she pushed a struggling Rumble Lane in the door. Then Apple Bloom followed in after her.
They took the blindfolds, and put a peice of paper in front of them. "Sign here!" Said Apple Bloom.
"Umm, what is this?" Said Rumble, taking the pen in his mouth, and signing the paper.
"I'll tell you later" Apple Bloom said, taking a different pen in her mouth, and signing it. After all four ponies signed the document, they handed it to the buisness mare at the front desk. She set the paper in her desk, and continued writing on her typewriter.
"Thank you?" Sweetie Belle said really confused.
"No problem. See you on the fourth." Said the mare with no enthusiasm.
"Okay, then..." Sweetie said to the mare. "Tell him everything when you get home, Apple Bloom!" Sweetie, and Apple Bloom ran to their own houses with their fiancé's following close behind.
Once Apple Bloom stopped at the front door of Sweet-Apple Acres, she caught her breath, and screamed in excitement, "You just signed a form saying that you will have a double wedding with Sweetie Belle, and Rumble!! It turns out, we both signed up for the same day, before we even knew eachother were getting married! So we had the perfect idea, that was a double wedding! And now all the paperwork is done, so YAY!!!"
"Bloomy," Sparks said, "Are you sure? I mean, that has never been done before! Are you absolutely sure you want to do this?"
"It's already done. of course I'm sure!" Apple Bloom said frowning. "What's the matter? You've never acted like this before towards good news. Something must be wrong. Sparks, I don't want any secrets in our relationship."
"Bloomy," Sparks sighed, "I can't tell you, you wouldn't understand."
"I understand," Apple Bloom said, "I understand, That I have a lying fiancé, who is keeping a secret that should be told! Sparks, trust me, I know from personal experience. Tell me what's going on!"
"Fine, I got laid off today." Sparks looked down at the ground, and started crying.
"What?!" Apple Bloom gasped, not believing what she was being told, "No, Sparks, this is not funny!"
"It's not a joke," Sparks replied, "The place where I work has gone out of business, and now there are plenty of ponies without a job. Apple Bloom, I'm afraid that I can't get the house that we wanted to buy now."
"What?!" Apple Bloom nearly shouted, "No, Sparks, this is not a funny joke!"
"Apple Bloom!" Sparks shouted, As they stood right outside of the barn. "This is not a joke! Would I lie about something like this?!"
"I thought you wouldn't, but I just don't know anymore!" Apple Bloom shouted back, tears in her eyes.
"Apple Bloom!" Sparks yelled, "This is serious! I don't have a job. I looked around already, and no-pony else is hiring! Bloomy, we don't have a place to live anymore."
"But," Apple Bloom said, ready to burst into tears, "What are we going to do? How can we get married, and not have a home?!"
Apple Bloom burst into tears and hugged Sparks. They both stood crying in eachothers arms. They heard the door open.
"Sorry for interrupting this moment," Macintosh said, "But we could hear you in the house. Now, please tell me what's going on."
Sparks started to talk but was interrupted by Apple Bloom.
"Oh, Mac!" She cried, "It's awful! Sparks lost his job and now we can't get the home we wanted to get! Oh, Mac, what are we going to do?!"
Macintosh looked at Sparks, and Sparks nodded his head.
"Apple Bloom," Mac said, "Look at me, we can figure something out! Now, how about we get some sleep. I'm sure some shut-eye will do us some good."
"Alright," Apple Bloom said, "Goodnight Sparks."
Apple Bloom headed into the house, and Mac was about to do the same when Sparks stopped him.
"Macintosh," He said, "May I speak with you for a bit?"
"Eeyup!" Mac replied.
"Well," Sparks started, "As you know, I lost my job and we can't get the home we wanted. and, well, now I'm stuck without a place to stay."
"What?" Mac exclaimed.
"Well, where I was staying, was for the employees that worked there. Now that there are no employees, there are no places for them to live."
"Well Sparks," Mac said, "I guess you can stay with Apple Bloom tonight. Just no funny business! Ya hear?"
"Understood sir," Sparks said, giving an apples honor. "And thank you for your kind offering!"
"You're welcome Sparks," Mac said, letting him in the door. Then went to sleep for the night.
The next day Apple Bloom woke up feeling something around her chest.
"What on earth could that be?" Apple Bloom thought.
She turned over and to her surprise, Sparks was in the bed as well.
"Sparks!" She exclaimed, "What are you doing here?"
"Five more minutes." He mumbled half asleep.
She creamed him with her, as he called it, "rock hard pillow."
"Yeow!" Sparks yelped, "What was that for?!" Now sitting up
"It was to wake you up, so you could tell me why you are here!" Apple Bloom exclaimed, "Get talkin'!"
"Fine." Sparks said, as he yawned, "You know how I got laid off? Well all of the ponies who worked there, lived in a building owned by the company. Well, since the company closed, I don't have a place to stay. Mac said I could stay here though. Now if you excuse me, I would like to visit slumber-land again."
She creamed him again.
"Yeow!" He yelped again, "Would you stop that?!"
"Never!" She said in a playful tone, "I am glad that Mac let you could stay here!"
"You and me both!" He exclaimed, "But as Mac said, no funny business!"
"I know, I know." Apple bloom sighed, "Come on! Let's go get breakfast, find you a job, and a house!"
"Bloomy," Sparks said, "You don't know how long that would take."
"But we have two weeks!" Apple Bloom said excitedly, "We have some time!"
"Bloomy," Sparks said, "How about we work on wedding details? You said yourself that we have two weeks!"
"I know," Apple Bloom sighed, "Have it your way!"
She kicked the covers off, went to her dresser, and started to work with her mane. When she finished with her mane, she noticed that Sparks was gone. She then heard a yell from downstairs.
"What the hay are you doing here?!"
Applejack saw Sparks. Apple Bloom rushed down the stairs to see how her lover was coping with an infuriated Applejack.
"I wont ask again!" Applejack raged, "Why are you here?!"
Sparks was on the floor near a wall, clutching his stomach.
"Applejack!" Apple Bloom shouted, "What did you do to Sparks?!"
"I kicked him a good one!" Applejack said, "Now, if you will. Tell me why on earth this stallion is even close to you!"
"Didn't Mac tell you?" Apple Bloom said, "He was my coltfriend!"
"Was is right!" Apple Jack said glaring at Sparks who was still clutching his stomach and gasping for air, "Get on with the explanation!"
Apple Bloom had a thought cross her mind and she smirked.
"Oh don't worry Applejack," Apple Bloom said slyly, "He is not my colt friend any more!"
Sparks caught on to what Apple Bloom was saying, and started leaning toward her, and tried his best not to grin.
"You better make sure that he aint your coltfriend any more!" Applejack raged.
"Oh, don't worry A.J.," Apple Bloom said, "He's not my coltfriend anymore."
"Good!" Applejack said, ready to throw Sparks out of the house.
"He's my fiancé!" Apple Bloom said catching A.J. of guard.
"Nope! Nope! Nope! Nope! NOPE!" Applejack said, "There aint no way I am letting you do that!"
Apple Bloom's sly smile grew wider, and Sparks could not contain his smile.
"But I guess that I can let you do that!" Mac said as he walked in the doorway, looking at Applejack with his eyebrow up. "Morning Bloomy, Morning Sparks, cool off A.J."
"Is that all you have to say?!" Apple Jack said in fury, "Cool off A.J.? This young mare get a coltfriend, and got engaged without telling us!"
"Applejack!" Apple Bloom yelled at her sister. Her blood was boiling, she could not believe what her sister was saying! "Shut up!"
This surprised Applejack enough that she took a few steps back.
"No, I didn't NOT tell you that I had a coltfriend and I just recently got engaged! It's just that you are so wrapped up in your own little world, of going and seeing that stupid Soarin all of the time! Dont think I don't know what you do while you're up there, because I figured it out on my own!"
Now Mac was getting surprised, he looked at A.J. and then back at Apple Bloom.
"And here you go, trying to keep your so called happy life in a secret, and you are trying to keep me and Sparks apart! Well guess what? He aint going anywhere! This is our home until the wedding! Now if you will excuse me, at least I'm eatin' breakfast in town. Sparks, if you want to come, come on. I need to get out of here for a while."
Apple Bloom stomped out of the house, her blood still boiling from her sister trying to tell her who to be. Sparks followed her, and they soon were at Crem-De-La Mare. By this point, Sparks had managed to calm Apple Bloom down.
"I'm sorry about what I did back there," Apple Bloom apologized, "I was just mad."
"It's ok Bloomy," Sparks said as he watched Apple Blooms eyes move elsewhere, "I am positive that Applejack will forgive you! Just try not to get that angry. You need to work on your anger issues- are you even listening to me?"
"What?" Apple Bloom said, "Oh, sorry Sparks, but a stallion just put a sign in the window. Give me one second to read it... Oh my Celestia Sparks!" Her eyes got wide, as a huge smile appeared on her face.
"What?" Sparks said, "What is it? What does it say?"
"It says, 'Help wanted, see a waiter for details' Sparks! This could be your chance! You could be a waiter!"
"Bloomy!" Sparks exclaimed, "I don't even know what the job is!"
"May I help you?" The waiter said as he came to the table.
"Yes," Apple Bloom said, "We would like to know the details on the job opening."
"Ah, an amazing job at that!" The waiter said, "We are searching for a manager who can help with ordering, and other things as well."
"Sparks!" Apple Bloom exclaimed, "Isn't that what you used to do?!"
"Yes," Sparks thought for a moment, "Sir, how can a stallion like me, get a job interview around here?"
"Follow me." The waiter said, as he set down his notebook on the table.
Ten minutes later, the happy couple walked out of the restaurant with smiles, and a job for Sparks.
Babs was sitting on the bench in front of her new house in Pony-Ville, quietly reading a book, and munching on an apple, spitting out the seeds in to her collection jar. The beautiful masterpiece behind her was everything she had ever imagined! A hay-colored house, with a little, green roof. Snails was the best fiancé ever, for buying this wonderful dream!
Babs sat down her book, 'Weddings For Beginners.' She walked inside the front door, only to be greeted by her lovely coltfriend.
"Good morning love bug!" Snails said, as he kissed her on the cheek. "Here, let me get that for you." He grabbed her jar full of Apple seeds, and carefully sat it on the desk.
"Good morning!" Babs said, giving him a playful Eskimo kiss. They continued rubbing they're snouts together, until they were interrupted by a soft voice at the door.
"Am I interrupting? Oh, I'm sorry... I'll just leave and-" Fluttershy said, turning her head from the scene.
"No! Of course not! What can I help you with, Fluttershy?" Babs said, walking up to the door. Snails trotted up-stairs.
"Well, if your free, I was wondering if you could watch Feline for me..." Fluttershy said, motioning with her hoof, as a little pink pegasus filly jumped out of the bushes.
"Hi!! My name is Feline Fluff! I really like cats! I get my animal loving skills from my mommy! Nice to meet a new pony!" Feline said, grabbing Babs hoof, and shaking it fastly.
"Ya, she's not really as shy as me... But once you get used to her, she can be a real sweetheart!" Fluttershy said, wrapping a hoof around her filly's back, pulling her in for a hug.
Feline flew out of Fluttershy's grasp, and went zooming in to Babs house. "Well, it would be kind of nice to have some fun energy around! I would love to foal-sit Feline for ya'!" Babs said, smiling at Feline's cuteness. "So, how long will I have to watch her for?" Babs asked.
"Well, if you don't mind, I'm leaving Pony-Ville to help Rarity make a dress order in Manehatten. So I'll be gone until the sixth of Aril." Fluttershy said, poking her hoof at the ground.
"So, she'll be with me at my marriage!" Babs gasped.
"Your getting married? That's so wonderful! Feline has always wanted to attend a marraige!" Fluttershy said, causing Feline Fluff to come flying over to the door.
"Please Babs! I want to see you kiss sompony!" Feline Fluff said jumping up and down.
"Well, luckily you'll get to see three ponies kiss, because on the fourth, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom are having a double wedding! The day after that is my wedding." Babs said, giggling at Feline.
"No! No! No! I want to see you kiss Fluttershy!" Feline said giggling, yet very stern.
Fluttershy's face turned bright red. "Sorry... She tends to be silly sometimes..."
"No, it's fine! Well, I'll see you on the sixth! We have to get some breakfast in us!" Babs said, slowly shutting the door on Fluttershy.
Feline flew over to the door, opened it, and screamed "I refuse to be left here with no kissing!"
Fluttershy trotted back over to the door, and gave Feline a kiss on the cheek. "No! No! No! I want you and Babs to kiss!" Feline said, wiping away Fluttershy's bright yellow lip-gloss off of her pink coat.
Suddenly, Snails came trotting down the stairs. "What is with all this ruckus?!" He yelled. He came to the door, confused.
Feline Fluff looked up at the tall, and skinny unicorn stallion, and sadly said, "All I want is for Fluttershy, and Babs to kiss... But they won't!" She burst in to tears, grabbing on to Snails leg.
"Woah there! Babs is mine, if you want to see her kissed, it going to be me that does it!" Snails said, kissing Babs straight on the lips.
"Ewwwww!" Feline looked away. "How could you do that in front of a filly? You guys are icky!" She flew in to the kitchen.
"Thanks guys! For everything! I'll see you in two weeks!" Fluttershy said, walking off, relieved she didn't have to kiss a mare.
"Wait! You forgot your filly!" Snails said, yelling out to Fluttershy. But it was too late, she had already took flight towards her cottage.
"No, she didn't! We're foal-sitting her until April 6th. I'm planning on having her be one of our flower-fillies!" Babs said, walking towards the banging sounds from the kitchen.
"Are you sure? She seems like a rambunctious one!" Snails said, staring in disbelief at the kitchen.
There were eggs all over the counter, and the sink was over-running on to the floor. "Do you think I'll get my cutie mark in food making?" Feline said, putting whole eggs on a pan, and putting them in the oven.
"Yeah. Definetly!" Babs said sarcastically. "Now, let's clean this mess up so we can eat some real breakfast!" Babs said, opening the oven. She pulled out the pan of eggs, and set it on the counter.
Feline flew in to another room, and screamed "OH MY GOODNESS!!!"
Snails took immediate action, and ran to the other room. "Whats wrong sweetie? What happened?!?" He said, staring at her, huddled up in a ball.
She looked up at him with tears in her eyes, yet with the biggest smile in the world. She whispered "you... Have... You have a cat!!!" She stood up, revealing a black, and white cat, asleep on the ground.
"Yes, his name is Corky, because his tail looked like it was tied in a knot from birth. I'm glad your fascinated by Corky, but we need to go eat!" Snails said, putting his hoof on her shoulder, with a smile.
"Yes sir!" Feline said. She picked up the cat, and flew in the kitchen. When she sat down at the beautifully cleaned kitchen table, she put Corky in the seat by her, and said "I know we're going to be the best of friends, you and I!" The cat stared blankly at Feline, and started licking his paws.
After breakfast, Babs, and Feline Fluff walked over to the coffee place, where her three best friends were waiting. Feline zoomed in the door, and sat right next to Sweetie Belle. "Hi Sweetie Belle!"
"Oh, hi Feline! How are you? Where's Fluttershy?" Sweetie said, as the other two ponies stared at her adorable face.
"I have a new mom now!" Feline Fluff said, flying to the front door. When Babs walked in, she got greeted my a very sweet hug. "Hi mommy!"
Babs hugged back, and happily trotted to the table, with Feline riding on her back. "Hi girls!" Babs said, sitting down at the table. Feline flew over to Scootaloo, and sat right next to her.
"Quite the little flyer you got here!" Scootaloo said, rubbing Felines head. "But, why is she calling you mommy?"
"Oh, Fluttershy is off on a business trip, so she asked me to foal-sit until after our weddings! I think she'll be a perfect flower filly!" Babs said, watching Feline blow bubbles in her chocolate milk.
"That's so cool! So we have Emerald, and Feline to be flower fillies! I'll add that to Rarity's dress making list!" Sweetie said, picking up her tea.
"Well, I can't wait for the weddings!" Apple Bloom exclaimed.
"Mommy. I have to use the little fillies room." Feline Said, in a soft, secretive voice.
"Oh, um... Of course! Go ahead!" Babs said, motioning with her hoof towards the bathroom.
"No. I need help." Feline said.
"Fine!" Babs got up from the table, and said to the girls "foal-sitting responsibility's await me!" They walked off to the fillies room.
Ten minutes later, Babs came back, holding Felines hoof. "Thank you mommy!" Feline said happily, as she jumped back to her chair.
"No problem!" Babs said, smiling at the adorable filly.
"Hey, I know this is such short notice, but I really need you to come visit! My granny is passing very fast, and since you part of the Apple family, you might want to... Say... Goodbye." Apple Bloom's eyes were slowly swelling up with tears.
"Oh my... I'm... I don't know what to say..." Babs said, starting to get emotional. "Im so sorry! Of course I'll come for a visit!" Babs said, hugging, and comforting Apple Bloom.
"You guys should go visit Granny. We don't want to intrude..." Sweetie Belle said, feeling sad. Scootaloo agreed.
"Ok, I'll see you girls soon! Sorry I had to cut out meet-up short. I just don't know how long she will last... Big-Mac said to come immediately home once I found Babs." Apple Bloom said, wiping the tears from her streaming eyes. Apple Bloom, and Babs walked out of the coffee-shop. Feline Fluff followed close behind.
When they got to Sweet-Apple Acres, everything was normal. The birds were singing, the trees were vibrant, but there was a loud sound coming from behind the barn. The three ponies walked through the barn, and opened the back door to the outside.
"TADA!" A huge crowd of ponies shouted, staring directly at Apple Bloom.
She got startled, and examined the ponies. Big Mac, and Sparks were covered in dust. Applejack pulled a huge lever, and a large red cloth fell from the sky. There, standing about 100 yards from the barn, was a beautiful little home.
Granny Smith slowly walked up to a very shocked Apple Bloom, and said "Now, my dearest Apple Bloom. I'm not actually going to die. The truth is, we just needed an excuse for the surprise party!
Apple Bloom hugged Granny, and asked "What is this?"
Sparks walked up to them, and said "It's our new home!" Sparks lifted her head with his hoof, and gave her a long kiss on the lips.
Feline avoided the kissing session, and flew over to the house. "Wow, this is so pretty!"
"Big Mac, and I built it!" Sparks said, pointing to the yellow, and blue cottage.
"Eeyup!" Big Macintosh said, smiling, as he put a hammer in the tool box.
Babs walked up to the house, and asked "do you mind if I go inside?"
Inside was a beautiful red couch, a fully functional kitchen, a bathroom, and two bedrooms! "It's everything I ever imagined!" Apple Bloom said, crying happy tears.
"Wow Apple Bloom! This is even better than my new house! I'm so proud of you!" Babs said, and she ran over, and hugged her favorite cousin.
The whole family had a big group hug, and afterwords Feline Fluff, and Babs went back to their house.
When she walked in the door, she sat down her bag, and said "Two more exciting weeks until the wedding, and everything is perfect!" She laid down on her couch, and took a nap, while Feline was in the other room gently playing with Corky.
"Wedding in an hour ponies!" A pink mare yelled as she ran down the hall toward the room where the brides were.
"What!?" Sweetie cried, "So soon? I don't know if I can do this!"
"Don't go chicken on me now!" Scootaloo said, as she helped Rarity brush out Sweetie's mane, "You dragged me into this, no backing out now!"
Sweetie sighed, "I know, it's just that I don't know what I will do when I walk down that isle!"
"Stop acting like a filly!" Apple bloom called from the dressing room, "It's not like you are the only one with pre-wedding gittters! What do you think I'm going through? My entire family is here! Even the ones that were in Saddle Arabia on an expedition for ten years."
"I know Apple Bloom," Sweetie sighed as she looked out the window. "Not very many ponies from my family showed up. They all thought that a Pony-Ville wedding wouldn't be as exquisite as the ones in Canterlot. So other than Rarity, Fancy, Mom, and Dad, no-pony from my family showed up."
"Sweetie, I understand why you feel depressed." Rarity said as she adjusted a curl on Sweetie's mane, "When I told the entire family that Fancy and I were engaged, they laughed. They said it would never work out, and that we would be, as they said, 'split' before we reached one year."
"And yet you have been married for eight!" Sweetie said, as she looked in the mirror at her mane, "Who knows, maybe somepony will come in late."
"If it helps," Pinkie Pie said, as she hopped in the room, "I just saw some of Fancy's family come in."
"Like his brother and sister?!" Sweetie gasped, "Are you sure Pinkie?!"
"Absa-pootsa-tootly!" Pinkie said as she bounced toward Apple Bloom. "I even asked if they knew who was getting married and they said that it was Sweetie Belle, the most adorable sister-in-law that Fancy has!"
Sweetie blushed at the complement and then headed over to help Apple Bloom with her mane.
"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity cried as she stopped her from helping Apple Bloom, "Stop! You need to go get your dress on! we only have thirty minutes!"
Sweetie grimaced, "Alright Rarity," She sighed and went to put her dress on. Her dress was creamy white, with beautiful gold ribbon. She also had golden shoes. Her mane was in a simple bun with a few locks of hair hanging on her forehead.
"Thunder Lane!" Pinkie called out in the hall, "What time is it?"
"It is about twenty minutes until wedding time Pinkie!" The dark Pegasus called to Pinkie.
"Thanks Thunder!" Pinkie called. She quickly helped Apple Bloom into her dress and then left to go sit down in the wedding chapel.
"Are you ready?" Sweetie asked Apple Bloom as they headed toward the doors where they would walk in.
"As ready as I can be!" Apple Bloom said as they parted ways to different entrances, "Good luck!"
They stood at their respective doors, waiting for the music to start the best day of their lives. Then, like a flash of lightning, the music was playing, and the doors began to open into a packed wedding hall. The ponies began to rise, they turned, and gasped. The dresses were so magnificent that no-pony could say a word. As the brides walked down the isle, the grooms eyes went wide with amazement. Never had they seen their lovely ladies as beautiful as they did now. Emerald Isle, and Feline Fluff trotted down, throwing flower pedals in every direction, and the two beautiful brides walked towards their handsome grooms. When the reached the front, the stallions led the brides up to be wed.
The ceremony was short, but touching. There was a lot of crying. At the reception, the ponies danced, ate, and congratulated the newly wed couples and wished them best of luck in their lives ahead. And just as they wished, it was a wonderful life.
At Apple Bloom's freshly built house, the four mares were spread out across a couch, watching Feline Fluff, and Emerald played tick-tack-hoof in the corner.
"That sure was an amazing double wedding!" Scootaloo exclaimed.
"Well, I hope we have just as much fun at my wedding in the morning!" Babs said, very excitedly.
"Ya, and Babs is going to let me bring Corky!" Feline said, as she flew up to Babs, and gave her a big hug.
"Really? A cat at a wedding... Now that's just weird!" Sweetie Belle said, laughing so hard she was kicking her hooves up un the air, while rolling on her back.
"You let me bring Opal to Rarity's marriage!" Emerald said to Sweetie.
Sweetie stopped laughing. "Hmm maybe you're right... Ok fine."
For hours on end Sweetie, Babs, and Apple Bloom were talking about their amazing stallions. Within 15 minutes of gushy love stories, Scootaloo moved over in to the corner with Emerald, and Feline.
Eventually, Luna rose the moon, and it was time for them to rest.
All six ponies woke up when Celestia raised the sun, and they had merely two hours before Babs' wedding would begin! After eating breakfast, They all took a fancy carriage over to the wedding chapel.
There, Babs was greeted by her handsome fiancé, Snails.
"So, how was the sleepover, sweetheart?" Snails asked Babs, as he helped her out of the carriage with one hoof.
"It was quite alright! How was your sleepover?" Babs asked, straightening the bow tie on his tuxedo.
"Uh, stallions don't have 'sleepovers'. But we had a wonderful time!" Snails stated, giving her a short, but sweet kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you soon, my dear!"
Babs waved goodbye, and blew a kiss over to him, as he walked in to the building.
"Oh, here you go!" Babs tossed three capes over to Sweetie, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom. "You were going to wear them as my bridesmares. Remember?"
"Oh yeah! My wonderful creation being re-used! I feel so honored!" Sweetie Belle said.
Suddenly, a beautiful carriage parked outside. "It's probably just Rarity." Sweetie said, lifting an eyebrow.
"I'm here!!" Rarity said, as Fancy Pants bowed, and helped her out.
"You could have just worn the same dress as yesterday, you know." Sweetie said.
"Oh, a lady never wears the same dress two days in a row! And anyways, this one is a bit more... Country." Rarity smiled. "Oh my! Just what are you wearing girls!" Rarity said, disgusted with the capes.
"It's our Cutie-Mark Crusader capes. And you can't stop us from wearing them!" Sweetie said, strutting around like a model.
"I never said I would, but maybe you can turn them inside-out?" Rarity said, lifting Apple Bloom's cape, revealing a beautiful gold silk.
The three mares smiled really big, and said in unison, "That's a perfect idea! Thank you Rarity!" They turned them inside-out, and the gold silk made them look beautiful.
"So, are we ready?" Babs asked, smiling big.
"Ready!" Feline Fluff, and Emerald finally came out of the carriage. Emerald was dressed in a beautiful green, and gold dress, and Feline was matching. Feline was holding Corky, and flying around.
"Ok, I need you to drop off the cat with Applejack, and go in the hallway." Babs said to Feline.
"Ugh fine!" Feline Fluff flew in to the chapel, dropped off the cat, and made it towards the hallway.
"Emerald, go with Feline!" Sweetie Belle said pointing towards the pink pegasus doing summer-salts in the air.
"But she's crazy!!!" Emerald said, standing her ground.
"Well, you can't be a flower filly without her, so go on!"
"Fine." Emerald walked slowly to the hallway.
Babs, with her beautiful gold and green dress, walked into the building. The other three friends went in to the chapel, and stood at the front, where Snails was already waiting.
Suddenly, the instruments started to play, and the two flower fillies burst through the door, throwing flower petals in every direction. Babs locked eyes with her handsome groom, and walked slowly towards the front. Once Feline and Emerald were done, they went to the sides, and sat down in little chairs in the front row.
Soon, Babs and Snails had said their "I do's" and kissed. Feline cringed, and Emerald, along with most of the audience, cried happy tears, as their kiss lasted for at least five seconds.
After, it was the reception with cake and punch. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were dancing to the music. "Hey, where's Scootaloo?" Apple Bloom asked.
"I have no idea. Maybe she's just in the bathroom." The two mares continued dancing crazily to the music.
Meanwhile, Scootaloo was outside crying her eyes out. She was curled up in a ball, with her hooves over her eyes, crying.
About two hours later, people started to go home. While Scootaloo was curled up, a whitish pegasus stallion flew over to her. Scootaloo looked up, only to see Featherweight standing with a worried expression on his face. "What's wrong Scootaloo?" He asked, holding out a scrawny hoof to help her up.
Scootaloo stood up by herself, and wiped the tears from her eyes, finally saying, "Well... All of my friends are married, and I don't even have a Coltfriend. I never thought I cared much about love, but now that I see everypony experiencing it, I don't think I can live without it in my life..."
"I'm so sorry... But I think I know a way to fix all of your problems." Featherweight said, smiling big, and blushing.
"What's that?" Scootaloo asked.
Featherweight bowed, and lifted a hoof. "Would you care for a dance?"
"Gladly." Scootaloo said, putting her hoof on his. The two ponies walked in to the reception room where music was still playing, and ponies were still dancing.
There was a slow song on, and the newly-weds were slow dancing in the middle of the room. Feline, and Emerald were sleeping in the corner with cake smeared all over their faces, and Corky was drinking punch from the bowl.
Scootaloo, and Featherweight started to dance. He eventually locked eyes, and whispered "Will you be my very-special-somepony?"
Scootaloo's eyes widened, and a large grin appeared on her face. "Yes!" She pulled him in for a hug.
Featherweight lifted her chin with his hoof, and gave her a loving kiss on the cheek. "I'm so glad!"
After twenty minutes of dancing, almost everypony had cleared out, and we're heading home. "Oh, there you are Scootaloo!" Sweetie Belle said, walking up to the couple.
"Uh, do you think she's alright?" Apple Bloom asked.
"I'll check!" Babs walked up to the couple, and shouted "SCOOTALOO!"
Finally she let go of Featherweight, and opened her eyes. "Oh, hi guys! Meet Featherweight. He's my very special somepony." Scootaloo smiled, and blushed.
The three friends hugged her, and Babs said, "I'm so happy for you! But we really should get going."
"Ya! We don't want to miss out on our sleepover!" Sweetie Belle said, jumping in excitement.
Scootaloo hugged the girls back, looked up at her stallion, and said "Actually, I think I'm going to have a sleepover with him tonight."
"Fine with me! But let's still meet at the coffee place tomorrow at three o-clock! See you!" Babs, said. The fillies finally woke up, and Feline grabbed the cat, who was sleeping on the punch table. Emerald straightened her dress, and ran after Sweetie Belle as they walked out the door.
Once everypony had exited the building, Featherweight gave her a long kiss on the lips. Once they let go, they were both blushing. "Come on, we have to get some rest." Featherweight led her towards the door, and out to the carriage.
Everypony happy, they all went home, and had a good nights rest.
