> Beyond the Cutie Mark > by Iamsorry > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1: too late to say sorry but right on time to say goodbye > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nighttime was beginning to take over the small town of Ponyville, everypony was heading in for the night, well except for one unicorn. “Spike! Hurry up!” the young bookworm of a pony yelled being in an obvious hurry. A little dragon scurried across the room as fast as his short legs could carry him waddling as he walked. “I’m going as fast as I can Twilight!” The little green dragon said as he picked up a few books from the floor and placed them back on the shelf. Twilight stood their tapping her hooves in annoyance waiting for her assistant to finish. After a few more minutes of running around the room organizing stuff the little dragon finally finished. He stood panting a bit as he wiped his brow, he quickly turned to her glaring a bit, she returned the glare. “Its about time!” Twilight hissed angrily as she rolled her eyes a bit. Spike looked up at her angrily showing off his small fangs as he did. “Hey don’t take out your anger on me just because you got a column written about you, and your over obsessive reading!” He yelled angrily but quickly covered his mouth. Twilight looked at him shocked for a moment before looking at the ground sadly. “Oh man...I'm soooo sorry Twilight!” Spike said a bit too loudly looking at her with sad eyes. Twilight stayed quite but looked up at him making him gulp a bit. “Look I didn't mean it---” “Yes you did, you wouldn't have said it if you didn't meant it.” She said cutting him off as she stared him down obviously hurt. Spike looked down not wanting to see her. he twiddled his thumbs a bit as drew circles on the floor. “I …..I understand if you want me to leave and get a new assistant.” the young dragon said sadly as he started to turn and began to walk away sulking a bit. But before he could get far his whole body was surrounded by a light purple field and was pulled close to Twilight. “Don’t be silly.....your my number one assistant after all and my little brother, I wouldn't trade you for anything in this world, Its just been a rough day for everypony that’s all.” Twilight said sadly as she hugged him. He smiled and I hugged her back happily that he didn't ruin his friendship with his big sister. After a tender moment the two separate and smiled at each other. Twilight looked at him before rubbing her neck a little. “Hey I need to ask this so please be honest, Do you think I read too much?” Twilight asked nervously still rubbing her neck awkwardly. Spike hesitated a little rubbing his neck but he knew he would have to answer it ether way. This was Twilight after all, she was still trying to figure out the dreaded Pinkie Sense. “Honestly?....yeah a little.” Spike said a bit worried not wanting to make eye contact as he readied himself for the worse. Twilight stayed silent for a moment before giggling at his action making him blush slightly. “Well It wouldn't hurt to slack off once in a while.” she said using her magic to lift spike up and onto her back. he smiled happily down at her. “Really!?...well that’s cool then!” the small dragon said happily as he gave the back of her neck a hug. At that moment he noticed a book on the floor and hopped off, he quickly made his way to it but it was lifted up into the air and onto a nearby bookcase, the same treatment being given to the few more books he missed. “Let me take care of it I mean I need to do something to say sorry for over working you.” Twilight said putting the books back on a shelf. At that very moment a loud thump was heard outside making Twilight drop one of the books. She stared at the door a bit before glaring. “Oh don’t tell me They are back.” Twilight hissed angrily picking up the book again and slamming it into its spot in the shelf. “Probably looking for more embarrassing stories.” Spike said angrily glaring at the door crossing his arms as he did. “Spike get rid of them.” Twilight said coldly as she turned around and started to walk up the stairs. Spike nodded and made his way to the ladder and quickly climbed it to get to the window at the top and opened it. “Hey didn't we tell you too----oh its you.” Spike said hopping down from the window. He landed on his feet gracefully for a dragon of his size and shape and walked to the door. “Hey, whats up Applejack?” Spike asked opening the door, a mare quickly making her way into the house a look of fear on her face. “Oh spike! Wheres Twilight?!” the young southern orange mare asked with a hint of panic on her voice. something spike rarely if ever heard. “Shes up stairs why?” Spike asked closing the door behind her. As if on cue Twilight walked down the stairs she looked like she was about to chew someone out. “I thought I told you 3 not to----oh hi Applejack.” Twilight said changing her words mid sentence as she trotted up to her friend noting the look of distress on her face. Applejack looked around the room nervously as if looking for something. “What do you need?” Twilight asked as Spike hopped on her back again both of them looking at her a bit confused. “Have you seen Applebloom?” Applejack asked a bit worried as she looked around some more as if expecting to see her pop out. “Thankfully not.” spike said annoyed Twilight quickly shushed him as she looked back at her friend. “Damn it!” Applejack hissed as she quickly turned to walk out. Twilight and Spike looked at each other for a moment before they followed her and were surprised to see a snow white unicorn mare with a purple mane standing outside. Spike quickly got off Twilight's back and made his way to her. “Anything?” she asked worried as she gave spike a passing glance not that he noticed. Applejack just shook her head and walked over to her. “Rarity? OK what is going on here?” Twilight asked trying to get to the bottom of this as she walked up to them. Spike on the other hoof was happy to just make googly eyes at the white mare. “Twilight have you seen Sweetie Belle?" Rarity asked in a worried tone as she trotted in place. her mane frizzled by the stress shes in. “Whats going on?” Twilight asked in a serious tone, she knew Rarity only trotted in place when she was stressed. “Me and Rarity have been looking for Applebloom and Sweetie Belle.” Applejack said worried making the hairs on the back of Twilight's neck stand up. “They haven’t been home at all, we even looked around for Scootaloo no one has seen her ether!” Rarity said as she looked like Fluttershy in a thunderstorm. “Spike go get Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy, tell them to meet us at the center of town.” Twilight said In a demanding voice as she walked over to her 2 friends. “Why?” spike said taking off to find the rest of the gang. “Just hurry tell them its an emergency!” she yelled after him. Spike nodded and ran at full speed to deliver the message. “Come on you two.” Twilight said taking off, Applejack and Rarity looked at each other for a moment before following right behind her. …......................... Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity stood waiting in the center of town each tapping their hoofs. Rarity and Applejack becoming more and more impatient by the minute. Applejack screamed at the top of her lungs as she stomped on the ground. “Its been 10 minutes now!” Applejack screamed as she stomped on the ground cracking it slightly. Rarity nodded as she began to pace back and forth. “Relax Applejack, it takes time for Spike to run you know that.” Twilight said looking back at her friend trying to calm her down, only earning a glare back from the pony. “Hey I resent that remark!” a voice yelled getting the groups attention. The three mares looked behind them and saw two Pegasuses, one yellow with light pink mane, the other one blue with a rainbow colored mane and right behind them spike waved at them riding a pink pony with poofy pink hair as she hopped toward him. “That was faster than a thought.” Twilight said greeting her friends as they made their way to the group. the pink one hopping around happily around them. “Well I ran into Rainbow Dash on my way to Pinkies.” Spike explained pointing at the flying blue Pegasus as he jumped off the pink pony. “OK cut to the chase why did you bring us here?” Rainbow Dash asked already annoyed as she crossed her hoofs. Twilight walked up to the middle of the group clearing her throat. “The Cutie Mark Crusaders also known as Gabby Gums are missing and we have to go look for them.” Twilight said in a serious tone. The others who showed up all rolled their eyes and began to walk away. Even Fluttershy looked annoyed as she moved away. “Oh please who cares?” Rainbow Dash said angrily as she started to fly away. “Yeah they are meanie gabby pants and will not be invited to no more parties.” the pink pony said hopping off in a somehow angry way. “What they did was very mean, and I would not like to see them right now, if you don’t mind.” the other Pegasus said following Rainbow Dash. “Please wait.” Applejack said loud enough to get their attention making them stop. “Applebloom hasn't been home all day and me and Big Mac are getting worried we've been looking for them for the past hour now.” Applejack said sadly looking up at her friends. “Shes right! Sweetie Belle hasn't been home ether and Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo hasn't been seen in town at all.” Rarity said a bit angrily. The rest of the gang looked at them silent for a moment before sighing. “Look I’m sorry for that and everything but are they really in any danger? I mean its Ponyville for Celestia's sake!” Rainbow Dash said loud enough to get the attention of a few ponies walking by. “Yeah Rainbow Dash is right! I mean nothing bad ever happens here its like the most safest place in the world duh!” Pinkie Pie said in her usual energetic way. “Yes..I agree with Pinkie and Rainbow Dash....if you don’t mind that is.” Fluttershy said in a barely audible tone trying to hinde behind her hair as she spoke. “But what if they aren't? What if they left and went into The Everfree Forest?!” Rarity yelled at them as her hair went a bit more out of place as she spoke. “Applejack!” a strong deep voice called out. The girls and spike all turned to see a big red stallion running toward them. “Big Mac!” Applejack smiled at her big brother. The big stallion stopped in front of his little sister and pulled her into a hug. “I found them.” he said in his deep voice. Applejack and Rarity both gasped in joy. “REALLY WHERE!?” both Rarity and Applejack yelled in union. He just looked angrily up at the sky before looking back down at her. “In their club house.” Was all he said anger clear in his voice and as if someone flipped a switch both Rarity and Applejack went from worried and clam to angry and annoyed. “WHAT?!” Rarity yelled out loud her hair getting more fizzled than usual. “YEAH TAKE US TO THEM TROUBLE MAKERS!” Applejack yelled just as loud as Rarity earning a few shushes from passing ponies. “Who just tried to shushed me?! WHO!?” Applejack yelled making all the passing ponies run away in fear. “Applejack!” Big mac yelled making her silent as he and Rarity started to walk off. “Well thanks guys anyway, sorry it was a waste of time.” Applejack said following her brother quickly catching up to them. “Anytime Applejack.” Twilight said loud enough for Applejack to hear her waving at them friends as all of them began to leave. Everypony made their way back to their houses for the night. “Told ya Twi.” Rainbow dash said annoyed as she floated above her. “I don’t know Rainbow....i just got this bad feeling.” She said as she and Spike made their way home giving one last look at their friends. …............... …........................ The 3 ponies quickly made their way to the club house on a secluded part of sweet Apple Archers. Rarity and Applejack were about to explode with anger as they noticed the lights were on at the little house. “Why those no good gossipers.” Rarity said angrily as she glared at the club house part of her wishing to set it ablaze. “Ah'll give them a earful that will last till next apple season.” Applejack hissed as she trotted angrily up the ramp. All 3 of them followed walking over to the window and peeked in. They looked around and saw that their were 3 bumps hiding under the covers. “Ah think they're asleep.” Big Mac said quietly. Applejack and Rarity took a deep breath and began to clam down a little. “What should we do?” Rarity asked quietly but still a hint of anger in her voice. “Ah don’t know.” Applejack said calming down some more as she rubbed her head. “Should we wake them?” Rarity asked about to tap on the glass. Big macs hoof grabbed hers before she could tap making her look at him blushing a bit. “Nope.” Big Macs deep voice said loud enough for the 2 mares to hear as he turned and started to walk away. “....come on Rarity.” Applejack said a moment later as she walked away following her big brother. “You sure?” Rarity said following the two siblings taking one last look at the house, something nagging at her but she couldn't put her hoof on it. “Yes they should stay here and think about what they done, ah don't know why ah worried about them in the first place.” Applejack said coldly. Big mac looked back at her a little shocked but nodded. Rarity followed lowering her head a bit before looking back up ignoring that nagging feeling. “.....yeah your right these little brats need to learn a lesson!” Rarity said angrily as she and the 2 siblings walked together leaving the tree house and the 3 filly’s inside for the rest of the night. ….....................…................................... The sun rose high above Ponyville waking up all its inhabitants. Sweet apple Acres was for the first time in a long time not the first ponies to wake up. Applejack was sound asleep on the couch enjoying her peaceful sleep. She had been up late with her brother waiting to see if her little sister would come in but never did. Suddenly a loud thud was heard from the front door waking up Applejack with a start. “Who wha wha?!” She said out loud almost falling down form the couch. She rubbed her eyes and stood up stretching as she did. She then walked over to the door and opened it. “Applebloom?” she asked with a yawn. When no one answered she poked her head out and looked around then noticed a news paper on the ground. Applejack growled as she saw the Gabby Gums Column. She was about to slam the door shut until she saw the title “Gabby Gums exposed” Applejack reached down and picked it up with her hoof and walked back inside just as Big mac and Granny smith were making there way the down stairs. “Good morning Granny, Big Mac.” She said happily as she walked over to the kitchen giving another yawn as she did. “Applebloom hasn't been back yet?” Big Mac asked as he helped Applejack make some food. “Nope I was just about to read this.” She said tossing the paper on the table. Big Mac just shrugged as he, Applejack, and Granny Smith sat down to some waffles and hay. After they ate Applejack picked up the paper again with a cup of coffee in the other hoof. She began to read it and smiled as she enjoyed her coffee. “To the citizens of Ponyville For some time now You have been reading this column, to get the latest dirt and the hottest buzz, but this will be my final piece. We want to apologize For the pain and embarrassment we've caused. You see I’m actually 3 little fillies, Sweetie Bell, Applebloom, and Scootaloo. As the popularity of our column grew we got sweeped up in the hype, We knew what we where doing didn't feel quite right, but we ignored the guilt because everypony seemed to want to read what we where writing, and form now on we promise to respect everypony's privacy, and we wont engage in hurtful gossip anymore. All we can do is ask for your forgiveness Ponyville. Sighing off for the very last time XOXO Gabby Gums” “Ah hate waking up late.” Big mac said putting his plate in the sink. Applejack looked up and smiled at her big brother. “Same here big bro.” Applejack said happily. Big Mac looked over at her with a curious look. Applejack noticed this and tossed the news paper at him and it landed on his head. “Hmm theirs a sale for paint at Home-hoofs.” Big Mac said taking the paper in his big hooves. “Front page dork.” Applejack said laughing at him a little. He nodded and flipped to the front. “Ah...good for them.” Big Mac said with a smile. He put the news paper at the counter and began to walk over to the front door. “Where you going?” Applejack asked looking at him as she finished her coffee. “You heard theirs a sale going on now and the barn needs a new coat of paint.” He said in his deep voice. Applejack nodded with a smile as Granny smith walked over to the living room to her favorite chair. “Hey any of yous...younging emmm... oh! Did any of you seen little Applebloom?” Granny Smith said sitting down. “Nope.” Big Mac said opening the door. “Last night she was with Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo in their club house.” Applejack said answering her grandma. “Ah...why?” Granny Smith asked as she began to rock in her chair. “Why.....what?” Applejack asked looking at her elder. “Why was she out their in the first place?” Granny Smith asked looking over at Applejack and Big Mac. “Well ah guess it was time out over you know the whole Gabby Gums thing.” Applejack said shaking her head a bit. “....ah hope you two weren't too rough on her.” Granny Smith said giving them a stern look. “Hey she needed some tough love.” Applejack said a little annoyed. “Yup.” Big Mac said. “Maybe but it was just a little story, doesn't mean we have to stop loving her for that.” Granny Smith said firmly giving them a glare making both siblings look at her shocked. “Wait...who said we didn't love her?” Big Mac asked looking her his grandma. “Yeah we still love that little pain in the flank.” Applejack said with a weak smile. “Does she know that?” Granny Smith asked sternly. Both Big Mac and Applejack stayed quite for a moment before looking at the floor. “Go fix that right now.” Granny Smith said for the first time since anyone could remember in a angry tone. Both Applejack and Big Mac nodded as the siblings both left the house. Granny Smith sat their rocking alone for the first time in a long time. “....I hope everything is OK.” She said as she continued to rock back and froth as she looked out her window. Applejack waved at her brother as he left to the shop. She smiled as she began to make her way to her sisters club house. As she did she began to think about what Granny Smith said, was she really that hard on Applebloom? She thought to herself a moment of guilt ran though her she remembered the whole scene clear as day. …............................... “Oh Come on Applejack your not still mad at us too are you?” A little yellow filly with a red mane and a light pink bow on top of the mane asked sadly. “Yup ah am.” Applejack said in the most uncaring voice her little sister ever heard. Her and her two friends behind her looked up at the grown ups with such sad faces. “Your not even going to talk to us?” The little filly asked in near tears. “Nope.” Applejack said turning around as she moved a basket around a bit. “Why?” She asked again as a few tears began to come out. She then touched her big sisters hoof with hers and Applejack just moved away from her. “Because ah don’t feel like talking to you Applebloom and that goes double for Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.” She said angrily Big Mac nodding. “You should be ashamed of yourself humiliating your sister and me like that.” Big Mac said angrily. At this the three filly’s backed away they never seen the big red stallion angry before. “but Big Mac---- “ah said we don’t want talk to any of you right now!” He yelled angrily again his deep voice clearly scaring the three fillies. “So take your little gossip column and your embarrassing photographs and JUST GO AWAY!!!” He yelled at the top of his lungs as he stomped his massive hoof on the ground scaring the 3 filly's. Applebloom cried as she took off running. Her two friends ran after her with some tears in their eyes. “You jerks!” one of them yelled out as they got smaller and smaller. “Don't you come back here! Your not welcomed here anymore!” Applejack yelled loud enough for the 3 filly's to hear just as they disappeared from sight. Big Mac looked over at his sister with a disapproving look. “Hey don’t give me that look they deserved that.” She hissed back at him angrily as she continued to work. …..................................... Applejack kept on walking mauling over the scene in her head. The more she thought about it the more she felt ashamed of herself for letting anger get the best of her. “Ah need to apologize to her.” Applejack said quietly as she continued to walk. “Apologize to who?” A energetic voice said. Applejack looked up just in time to avoid crashing into pinkie pie. “Woeh! Where you come from?” Applejack asked looking at her friend her heart beating quickly. “From Ponyville silly-filly.” Pinkie pie said happily as she bounced around her friend happily. “So why so cheery? Just came from a party?” Applejack asked as she walked past her. At that moment she quickly realized what she said and immediately regretted what she said. “NO! I didn't but..OH MY GOSH! We should so make a party! Like a coming home from a party party! We need balloons!,cupcakes! decorations and----” “Pinkie! Your doing it again.” Applejack said quickly covering Pinkies mouth. Her eyes widen and began to talk again even though her mouth was covered. This went on for a total of 5 minutes before Pinkie Pie stopped and Applejack removed her hoof. “So anyway you hear the great news?” Pinkie Pie said happily as she began to hop around her friend again. Applejack sighed as she stood their. “What news?” Applejack asked looking at her pink friend. “About Gabby Gums, your sister, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, you know! They also all---” Applejack hoof shot up quickly and covered her mouth again. “Are we interrupting something?” A voice said form behind them. Applejack turned around and saw the rest of her friends coming over the hill. “Oh nothing just having a Pinkie moment.” she said letting go of Pinkies mouth. “Hi everypony!” Pinkie yelled waving erratically at them. “So AJ hear about your sis?” Rainbow dash asked hovering above the group. “YUP! Already told her!” Pinkie said with a smile. “Wait how!? We just found out about it minutes ago and it takes at least 15 minutes to get here from the center of town!” Twilight said looking at Pinkie as if trying to see if she was lying or not. “Oh I just skipped the panels.” Pinkie Pie said with a smile as she looked at her friends. “Wait what?” Twilight asked looking at her with a puzzled look. “What what?” Pinkie asked looking back at her with that same smile. “what you just said!” Twilight said getting worked up once again. “what I say?” Pinkie said that smile still on her face. “ABOUT THE PANELS!” Twilight yelled angrily as her horn gave a little spark of anger. “What panels are you talking about? You silly-filly” Pinkie pie said as she hopped away. The other 4 ponies quickly reacted and held Twilight back as she began to charge at Pinkie. “Come on guys we need to go congratulate those 3 silly-filly’s!” Pinkie pie said as she hopped off to the club house. The rest of the gang sighed as they let go of Twilight who at this point was clam---er. They followed their pink friend giggling and laughing with each other. they enjoyed talking about the weather and other things but Applejack had to ask something. “So Twilight why are all of you here exactly?” Applejack asked looking over at her friends. “Oh well we all read the paper....and wanted to---- “Basically Twilight felt guilty and wanted to say sorry.” Rainbow Dash said interrupting Twilight making her give a pout up at her. “Hey you should talk I wasn't the one who yelled at Scootaloo and made her cry!” Twilight snapped back noticing a bit too late what she said. Rainbow Dash looked over at Twilight with a hurt look. “look Rainbow-- “No, no your right I was really mean to her and I feel so crummy about it.” Rainbow Dash said interrupting Twilight again but this time with a sad tone in her voice looking at the ground. “Rainbow Dash don’t worry please......we all did things we regret.” Fluttershy said quietly . The others nodded their heads in agreement. “Trust me Rainbow Dash, we ALL need to say sorry.” Twilight said sadly as she trotted on. “Hey Twilight where is spike?!” Pinkie pie yelled right into Twilight’s ear. Twilight nearly tripped over her own hoofs as her head rang. “Ooppsie sorry.” Pinkie Pie said backing away a little. Twilight growled at Pinkie but calmed down when she say the sad look on her face. “He's at the Library.” Twilight said dully as she rubbed her ear. “Really? I thought spike would be here looking for Applebloom.” Rainbow Dash said with a sly grin followed by a chuckle. “What are you implying?” Applejack asked looking over at Rainbow Dash. “Oh you know.” Rainbow Dash said her grin getting bigger. Applejack ran in front of the group right on front of Rainbow Dash. “Hey now your going to tell me what you mean!” Applejack yelled stomping her foot down on the ground as if getting ready for a fight. “Hehe OK, what I mean is that Spike and Applebloom Sitting in a tree.” Rainbow Dash said in a mocking tune. “K-I-S-S-I-N-G, First comes love,then comes marriage.” Pinkie Pie began to sing along in a happy tone. “Then comes Spike with a baby carriage.” Rainbow Dash said with a laugh as Applejack glared at her. “That's it!” Applejack yelled as she lunged at Rainbow Dash taking her to the ground. “Come at me AJ!” Rainbow Dash yelled as she and Applejack began to roll around on the ground fighting and wrestling. Twilight Facehoofed as she just stayed out of their way. Pinkie Pie started to sing a song about fighting and cupcakes. Fluttershy backed away in fear laying down on the ground and covering her eyes. Rarity began to go on a rant on how uncivilized and unclean it is while trying not to get dirty. The fight lasted a few minutes before Twilight stepped in using her magic to separate the two mares. “Rainbow Dash, Applejack stop fighting!” Twilight yelled in a annoyed tone. “She started it!” They both yelled in union as they tried to hit at each other even in the force field. Twilight used her magic to shake them like a salt and pepper shaker. “Stop it! We are here for a reason so stop being such fillies.” Twilight said firmly. After the world stopped spinning the two mares looked at each other and shook hoofs. Twilight smiled as she let go of them suddenly. They landed hard and groaned standing up. “Hey AJ....I’m sorry OK.” Rainbow Dash said first rubbing her flank as she looked over at the earth pony. “Yeah yeah I'm sorry too....its just been a very stressful week.” Applejack said with a smile. They smiled at each other as they gave each other a hug. They let go of each other and smiled as they began to follow the herd. “Good thing I didn't tell her that I saw Spike and Applebloom making out in the barn.” Rainbow Dash said under her breath as she walked. “WHAT YOU SAY?!” Applejack yelled loudly ready to pounce on her friend again. “HELLO! HURRY UP YOU SLOW POKES!” Pinkie Pie yelled out getting their attention. They sighed as they ran up next to their friends a little annoyed they didn't wait for them. “You could have waited for us you know.” Applejack said annoyed as her and Rainbow dash rejoined the group. “You take to long~.” Pinkie pie said in a sing a long voice as they continued to walk. The group of mares walked for a little bit until they reached their destination The Cutie Mark Crusaders HQ. “Really? The Cutie Mark Crusaders HQ?” Rainbow Dash said reading the sigh noting how it was poorly done and the words being all weird looking. “Well lets get this over with.” Applejack said with a smile as she lead the group up the ramp and up to the front door. She knocked on the door loudly. “Hello?! Room service!” Applejack yelled out loudly grinning their was no answer. “Hey open up!” Applejack yelled again. Again silence was the only thing that was heard. “OK that does it!” Applejack said out loud as she was about to use her back legs to kick the door down but Twilight quickly stepped in. “Whoa whoa! Hold on Applejack!” Twilight yelled as she stepped forward and used her magic to make the door click. “See no need for mindless destruction.” Twilight said with a smile. Applejack just rolled her eyes as she walked past her friend Rarity followed behind her eager to see her little sister as well. The room was dark, it gave off a eerie vibe as the light from the outside casted shadows around the room. “Applebloom?” Applejack said looking around as she turned on the lights. They saw that the club house was indeed empty. “Oh no now where are they?” Rarity sighed as she began to walk around the clubhouse hating how it looked. “Hey girl's look there is a note.” Twilight said using her magic to pick it up. “How'd Ah miss that?” Applejack asked slightly annoyed as she walked over to her purple friend. “Hmm there is a chair right there next to the note and next to the window and the window is open and it's windy so the wind blew the note to the ground, that means the note was originally on the chair, that's how you missed it.” Twilight said cheerfully as she began looking over the note. “Well thanks for that Twilight.” Applejack said annoyed as she rolled her eyes. “Well what does it say Twilight?! OH! I know its a party invitation!” Pinkie Pie Yelled happily after a few moments of silence, as she hopped around the clubhouse. Twilight just stood their reading it silently her eyes slightly bugging out. “Oh boy shes in her reading zone again, that means talking to her is next to impossible now.” Rainbow Dash said annoyed as she looked around the house a bit. “Well what in tarnation does it say Twilight?” Applejack asked getting annoyed. Twilight's eyes going wider the more she continued to read, something deep inside Applejack told her it wasn't good. “GIVE ME THAT!” Applejack yelled yanking the note away. Applejack quickly began to read it. She immediately noticed her sisters hoof writing and noticed that it looked like it was written by at least 3 different ponies. She took a deep breath and began to read out loud. “Dear Applejack,Rarity, Rainbow Dash and the rest of Ponyville You may or not have noticed that Gabby Gums has left for good, but We feel that what we have done can never be undone. I Sweetie Belle am so so sorry for what I have done to my big sister Rarity, I didn't mean to print her dairy, I was desperate for some stories but I now know it was wrong of me and that I may never gain the trust of my sister again I hope that one day we can be back to the way things were. ” “We realize that you may never forgive us, and that we will not be welcomed back into Ponyville, ah Applebloom wished ah never went to work for the paper, Ah have shamed myself and more importantly my family, Ah hope that one day they can forgive me, and to my sister and big brother Ah hope to one day be able so see you again but for now ah must leave to make sure ah don’t hurt anypony anymore.” “So in short..we just wanted to say goodbye, and that we are so very sorry and that we hope to be forgiven someday, I.....I don’t know what else to say I don’t have a family or anything here so I’m sure no one will miss me so I guess its pointless to say anything else, but the only pony I feel that is the closest thing to family is you Rainbow Dash, I'm so sorry that I embarrassed you and I know you never did see me more than anything than a annoying fan but I still feel I should say sorry and that I hope I get to see you perform with The Wonderbolts and maybe we will meet again but I don’t believe we will. So here’s Scootaloo saying goodbye. ” “Fair well forever hope to love the cutie mark crusaders." The entire room fell silent as Applejack let the note fall to the floor as tears weld up in her eyes her body shaking a bit. “i....i....it has to be some kind of joke....right Applejack?” Rarity asked trying to hold back her tears. Suddenly Applejack ran out of the house nearly knocking over her friends in the process. “Hey AJ what the hay!?” Rainbow dash yelled angrily. She was about to yell again but as her friend ran out the room she noticed tears running down her eyes. Applejack ran as fast and as hard as she could until she reached her home and saw her big brother working the field. “BIG MAC!” She yelled her voice cracking as she did. Big Mac looked back and saw his sister running at him, when she was close enough he saw that she was in a full blown panic. “APPLEBLOOM!NOTE!RAN!” Applejack yelled hysterically as she waved her hoofs around frantically. Big mac quickly put his hoof on her mouth quieting her. “What is happening?! You need to clam down and tell me what happened to Applebloom.” Big mac said in a clam voice noting his sister was crying he quickly pulled his hoof away. “She Ran away!” Applejack screamed as tears fell from her eyes. “she what!?” Big mac yelled as he stared at her not believing her but the look on her face told him other wise. “She ran away!” Applejack yelled again crying her eyes out as she covered her face in shame. “when!?” He yelled as he started running toward Ponyville his sister following right behind him. “Sometime last night, oh Ah shouldn't of--- “WE shouldn't of let her out of our sights.” Big mac said as he and his sister ran to the town each with determination in their eyes as she started the search for one of their Apples. > Chapter 2 Into the Forest part 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was pandemonium in Ponyville the whole town was in an uproar, everypony was in a panic looking around checking under everything that wasn't nailed down. It was pure chaos as everypony who could lend a helping hoof running around like they are on fire. It would have brought Discord tears of joy if he had witnessed this chaos. Applejack and Big Mac where very surprised at the scene when they arrived into town ready to get a search party ready only to be greeted with the whole town already searching high and low for the 3 lost little filly’s. “What the hay is going on?” Applejack asked looking around in confusion. “Applejack! Big Mac!” A voice yelled getting their attention. “Twilight! What in the hay is going on?!” Applejack asked as she and her brother ran over to the purple unicorn. “I got here first and told the whole town what had happened, and now everypony is looking around frantically for The Cutie Mark Crusaders.” Twilight said with a hint of pride in her voice. “Oh thank you so much Twilight, what do you need me and Big Mac to do?” Applejack asked eager to get started with Big Mac nodding behind her. “OK! You, I and the rest of the girls will go to Zecora’s hut; while Big Mac goes to town hall they need some more help there.” Twilight said pride still in her voice. Applejack and Big Mac nodded as the 3 ponies split up. "Give a shout when ya find them!" Big Mac yelled as he galloped away from them. "Sure Ah will, right after Ah tan their hides!" Applejack yelled as she and her purple friend ran in the opposite direction. “Hey Twi can Ah ask you something?” Applejack asked as she and Twilight ran together to their friends hut. “Sure what?” She said back with a smile. “Why Zecora?” Applejack asked looking over at her friend. Twilight just smiled at her. “Easy we need her to help us look for the CMC.” Twilight said smiling. “CMC?” Applejack asked with a confused look on her face. “The Cutie Mark Crusaders!” Twilight said out loud a hint of annoyance on her face. “Oh hehe” Applejack laughed nervously, but then looked at her seriously. “Wait...why do we need her help? Ponyville isn't that big not to mention the whole town is looking for them, not to mention Zecora doesn't know the place as well as us.” Applejack said with a hint of pride in her voice. At that moment she noticed something they were not in Ponyville anymore. They where galloping away from the town and slowly reaching the edge of it. “Twilight where are we going exactly?” Applejack asked nervously her stomach tightening in a knot as she noticed The Everfree Forest coming closer and closer. She looked over at Twilight who in turn looked at her with a worried look in her eyes. “Applejack we couldn't find them in town and the only other place that they could―Applejack wait!” Twilight yelled as her friend ran at full speed toward The Everfree Forest. Applejack barely noticed Twilight calling her. She ran as fast as she could she reached the entrance to the forest but didn't stop, she just kept running. “Oh why did Ah have to yell at her?!” She yelled at herself running more and more. “What if we never find her?! What if something got her!? What if Ah never see her again?!” the last thought made tears run down her face. “Ah'm sorry, Ah'm so sorry!” She said to herself and tears freely ran down her face. Suddenly she crashed into something knocking them both down. “Have you gone mad?!” the voice yelled angrily. Applejack looked down and noticed she that the pony she knocked down was no pony at all but a zebra. “Zecora! Ah'm so sorry!” Applejack said helping up the zebra. “Oh is that Applejack before my eyes? Ah it is how happy it is to see you.” Zecora said with a smile but it quickly faded as she looked into Applejack’s tear stained eyes. “Everything is not alright your eyes look so sad.” Zecora said sadly as she stared at her. Applejack shuddered a bit the way she looked at her made her feel like the Zebra was reading a open book. “Your right I did a terrible thing and I need to make up for it.” Applejack said standing up. “Ah yes Gabby Gums would be the one or should I say ones for this little mess.” Zecora said looking up into the sky as if expecting something to call to her. “You heard?” Applejack asked looking over at the zebra. She just nodded looking back at her. “Come there is much work to be done.” Zecora said taking a path back into the forest. “You don’t think they are in here?” Applejack asked looking around the forest getting more and more worried as she followed the zebra. “Maybe or maybe not that is the question of the moment.” Zecora said as she and Applejack continued walking. “What you mean not the question?! My little sister is missing not to mention 2 other little fillies and you say it's not the question?!” Applejack said angrily. Zecora turned around suddenly making Applejack yelp in surprise. “ The question that has lead to their disgrace is exactly what made these three little fillies run off in the first place ” Zecora said with a hint on anger in her voice. Just as Applejack was about to say something but before she could Zecora walked past her. “Ah how is my fast friend doing this fine day?” Zecora said happily. Applejack looked up and saw Rainbow Dash flying at them. “Hey Zecora, hey Applejack any luck?” Rainbow Dash asked looking at them with hopeful eyes. The look in Zecora's eyes made Rainbow Dash look down sadly. “Nothing? Nothing at all?” she asked landing looking up at her 2 friends. “ Ah just got here and Ah feel so helpless.” Applejack said with a sad tone looking down at the ground the memories of what had happened still fresh in her mind. She then felt a hoof on her shoulder, she looked up and saw Zecora looking at her as if she was looking straight into her very soul looking for answers, and she still felt unnerved by it. “Relax Applejack mistakes are made here and their but only when we admit them do we learn from them.” Zecora said with a smile as she turned to the Pegasus. “Did you bring the items I asked for?” Zecora asked with a smile. “Yeah I did, but why do you need them anyway?” Rainbow Dash asked pointing over at her saddle bags. “In time you will see, for this will be the first step to our goal to find out missing fillies.” Zecora said as she turned around and began to walk. Applejack and Rainbow Dash fallowed the zebra. Applejack looked over at the multicolored Pegasus and noticed something she hasn't before, their where bags under her eyes. “Hey Rainbow Dash you alright?” She asked in a worried tone. Rainbow Dash looked over at her and knew that she couldn't hid it. “No didn't sleep at all last night.” Rainbow Dash said looking over at the earth pony. “Oh why?” Applejack asked as they continued to fallow the Zebra. “Well after the little meeting last night....I began to think about some things.” Rainbow Dash said looking ashamed of something, Applejack knew that look she had that same look this morning and knew it had something to do with the 3 missing crusaders or in this case a little orange Pegasus. “Let me guess, Scootaloo?” Applejack asked and noticed at how her cyan friend winched at the mention of the filly Pegasus. “....yeah....I did something.....something so...” Rainbow Dash began to choke up tears beginning to leak out of her eyes. “Easy no need to say anything ah know the feel--- “NO! No you don't! I did something so terrible!....I...I broke her heart and dreams.” Rainbow Dash yelled in tears remembering the incident. Applejack just watched her as she began her tale of what she had done to the little filly. …................................... “Stupid Gabby gums, stupid Applebloom, stupid Sweetie belle, and stupid Scootaloo!” The rainbow colored Pegasus yelled as she lay down on a cloud. She growled in anger as she shifted laying face down. “If I ever see any of them again...I'll do more than just make it rain on them.” She hissed angrily as she suddenly yelled into the cloud making it muffle her scream. The events of what happened today still plaguing her mind. How she walked into Cloudsdale only to be laughed at, everywhere she turned she was laughed at. She walked around in a panicked state wondering what was happening, that's when she noticed the new Gabby gums. “How could they publish that?! It was only once and now my life is ruined!” She yelled into the cloud again. “Figures that the one time I decide to let my friends talk me into going to a spa it completely ruins my life.” She said out loud. Her anger building and building as she remembered everything that happened today. everything from running out of Cloudsdale practically in tears due to the embarrassment, from her so called fellow Cloudsdale friends laughing at her when she passed them. to having her bosses laugh at her. it was the worst day she ever had. “Now The Wonderbolts will never accept me.” She said in a sad tone as a small tear ran down her face as she dug her face deeper into the cloud. “Rainbow Dash! Hey Rainbow Dash!” A voice yelled out to her. “ Oh you have got to be bucking kidding me.” was all she said as she lifted her head and looked down and saw a little orange filly Pegasus looking up at her. Her anger began to rise again the moment she saw her. “What do YOU want Scootaloo?” Rainbow Dash hissed at her. The small filly didn’t seem to notice the venom in her voice as she looked up at her with a nervous smile. “Can...can I talk to you?” Scootaloo asked with hope in her voice. The Rainbow Pegasus just scoffed as she laid back down on the cloud doing her best to ignore her. “Come on Dash.....I really want to talk to you.” Scootaloo said again this time more of a urgent tone in her voice. Rainbow Dash dug her head into the cloud trying to ignore her. “Come on please?” Scootaloo said out loud again. The small filly continued to ask over and over again, not realizing that the bigger Pegasus was getting more and more angrier. “What the buck do you want?!” Rainbow Dash yelled as her face popped out of the cloud, this time Scootaloo noticed the tone in her voice making her recoil a little. “I uhh....I-- “SPIT IT OUT!” she yelled again as she flew right in front of the little filly making her back off. “...I just ...wanted to....say...I’m sorry.” Scootaloo said looking down in shame. “You're sorry?....too late for that.” Rainbow Dash said angrily. Scootaloo didn’t dare look up at her, at that moment Rainbow Dash saw a small saddle bag on her back. “What's in their?” Rainbow Dash asked pointing over to the saddle bag. Scootaloo looked over and smiled up at her. “I..it's something I wanted to give you.” The small filly said with a smile as she reached into the saddle bag and pulled out a necklace. It was old, the pendant was in a shape of a gold heart with silver wings on the side, a gold necklace looped though it. Smudges and small scratches covered the whole thing. “Here I wanted to give it to you for some time now.” Scootaloo said handing it over to her role model, her Hero. “What is this? A bribe?” Rainbow Dash asked annoyed as she took the necklace. She held it in front of her glaring at it. “No I just wanted to give you it to say I’m sorry.” Scootaloo said looking up at the cyan Pegasus. Rainbow Dash just looked at necklace then at her, this time the little filly noticed the cold glare in her eyes. “You think I’m going to forget what happened?” She asked angrily shaking it, making it sway violently left to right. “Be careful!” Scootaloo yelled in a panic as she looked up in fear. “Why? Because you won't get your money back on this?” Rainbow Dash hissed bitterly. She began to shake it harder making Scootaloo panic some more. The anger in the rainbow maned Pegasus blinding her to the fear in the small fillies eyes. “Please Rainbow Dash I’m---- “Sorry? Well too late!” Rainbow Dash yelled at her suddenly making her be quite. “It's too late! I’m the laughing stock of the whole town! Of Cloudsdale!” She yelled more the events of the day still very fresh in her mind. “Because of YOU and your friends I can never live it down!” Rainbow Dash yelled louder not caring anymore. “I'm sorry!” Scootaloo cried back this time near tears as her necklace was being swung about violently. “And worst of all! The Wonderbolts will never let me join now! All because you wanted a story!” Rainbow Dash yelled with tears of anger in her eyes. “And ….and you think you can make up by giving me this?! A cheap necklace you bought at a pawnshop!?” Rainbow dash yelled as she bit into the necklace and pulled on it. She could hear the small filly cry out in horror but she no longer cared. “NO! PLEASE DON'T!” Scootaloo yelled crying as she run up to her idol only to be shoved back hard enough to fall to the ground, she grunted loudly as her right back leg hit a rock. Scootaloo looked back quickly and noticed a nasty cut in her leg as it slowly started to bleed. She looked back and saw that Rainbow Dash only growled angrily as she pulled and pulled until it finally snapped. Scootaloo's eyes shrunk to the size of dots as she watched the chain snap making it fall to the ground, everything seemed to move in slow motion as it fell. Scootaloo wanted to scream and cry but her mouth hung open in a wordless yell. The small filly only crawled slowly over to it and just stared at it as she slowly reached for it with a shaking hoof. “So take your stupid present and don't EVER come talk to me again!” she yelled as she noticed that Scootaloo wasn’t even paying attention anymore. Scootaloo slowly continued to reach over trying to grab the necklace only to have Rainbow Dash’s hoof smash it into the ground. “Don't you dare ignore me!” She yelled stomping it again and again like a mad bull. Scootaloo stood there in complete shock as tears freely ran down her face watching the necklace being stomped by her hero. Each stomp that made contact with the necklace was followed by the sound of crunching metal. After a few moments Rainbow Dash stopped huffing and snorting like the mad bull she was at the moment. She looked down and saw the heart bent and dented in several areas, the right wing snapped off while the other was bent in half. She reached down and picked it up glaring at it. “Stupid piece of junk!” She yelled and she tossed it at Scootaloo hitting her in the head with it. Scootaloo just stared at it with so much sadness in her eyes she didn't dare look up at her so called hero not wanting to show her how much it hurt. “I don't want to see you again you got that?” Rainbow Dash said coldly not looking over at her as she turned making Scootaloo shake slightly. “OK....” Scootaloo said her voice barely audible still shaking. “And you can forget about any flying lessons, you're not good enough to fly with me, heck you're not good enough to fly at all.” She said coldly as she began to take off but stopping in mid air and looked back looking over at the little filly as she began to walk away slowly with a slight limp slightly shaking. “Here! something to remember me by.” She said kicking a nearby cloud turning black as it began to rain on the little filly. the little filly stopped her shaking becoming uncontrollable as sobs and chokes where heard. Scootaloo looked up at her, Rainbow Dash winched as she looked down at her seeing how sad she was how much her hero hurt her was clear in her eyes. She mouthed out "I'm Sorry" as tears ran down her eyes. At that moment all that anger that she had in her heart was gone and replaced with the most powerful feeling of guilt she had ever experienced in her life. “Scootaloo I---Wait!” She yelled as Scootaloo ran away sobbing being heard clearly as she disappeared from sight. ….I'm sorry” She said feeling ashamed of herself. She quickly kicked the cloud making it go away, she wanted to fly after her to go hug her but her pride told her not too. Told her the kid would get over it. her heart felt like it was about to break into pieces as a small tear slides down her cheek. She sighed and turned to fly home but then noticed something shining on the ground she looked down and saw the broken necklace, she slowly flew to it and picked it up. “I'll make it up to you, I mean how much does this thing cost to replace?” She said as she flew away with it in her possession. ….................... …........... Applejack walked in silence as she listened to the story come to an end, they walked on silence thick in the air. “You can say it Applejack, I'm a monster.” Rainbow Dash said wiping tears off breaking the silence. “You're not a monster.” Applejack said firmly but backed off a little as Rainbow Dash ran up to her angrily. “I broke the necklace right in front of her and told her she wasn’t good enough to fly! And made it rain on her! How am I not a monster!?” She yelled getting in her face but then backing off in a puff. “Oh Rainbow you're not a monster, I mean how much can it cost to--- “It can't be replaced.” Rainbow dash said interrupting Applejack her voice dripping with sorrow. “Why it can't be that expensive right?” Applejack asked looking over at her friend. “It was priceless and irreplaceable.” Rainbow Dash said sadly her voice cracking a little. Applejack just rolled her eyes in annoyance. “OH will you just spi--- “IT WAS HER MOMS OK!” the rainbow colored Pegasus yelled out angrily making Applejack yelp in surprise making her back off a tiny bit, as well as getting a look from Zecora. “What?” Applejack asked looking over at her multicolored friend. “It...was her moms at least that’s what I found out later.” Rainbow Dash said not looking at her friend. Applejack walked in silence not knowing what to say. “I swear I ...I didn’t mean..to.” the multi colored Pegasus said as tears ran down her face. Applejack just stayed silent not knowing what to say. “If I knew it.... was her mom's I would have never ….done anything I would of forgave her ….right then and their if I knew.” she said breaking into sobs. “You should have forgave the small filly Scootaloo before you gave into your rage.” Zecora said in a tone that sounded very displeased. “I know! I know! I should have kept a cool head! I should of! I wish I never done any of that to her!” Rainbow Dash yelled crying not holding back anymore. “Easy their Dash it--- “NO! Don’t you dare tell me it wasn't my fault or not to worry, It was all my fault!” Rainbow Dash yelled at Applejack in anger and sadness. “I have never in my whole life felt soo...sooo...sick to my stomach!” Rainbow Dash yelled suddenly bucking a nearby tree with her two back legs making it shake violently. “How did you find out?” Applejack asked looking over at her but keeping her distance, last thing she needed was to be bucked by a angry Pegasus. “I found it out from their teacher.” Rainbow Dash said looking at the ground not bothering to look at her friend. “Cheerilee?” Applejack asked. “Yes....Scootaloo brought it to show and tell and told everypony that it was her moms....at least that’s what she thinks it was.” she said shaking slightly. “Oh.....Ah'm mighty sor---- “What kind of kid doesn't know something like that?!” Rainbow Dash yelled out suddenly interrupting Applejack again. “What kind of kid doesn't know anything about their parents! She didn’t even know if she ever had a mom in the first place!” the cyan Pegasus yelled out again kicking the tree again. Applejack just watched on as her winged friend vented out her anger on the poor tree. “And …..and I.....I......broke the only thing that...that.” Rainbow Dash began to cry harder not able to finish her sentence as she let out her sadness not bothering to stop herself this time. She sobbed and yelled angrily as she kicked and kicked at the tree each time kicking harder than the last. The last kick she gave shook the tree so hard that Big Mac would of been speechless. Zecora had stopped walking ahead to observe the normally "cool" as she put it pony loss her cool. To their surprise she spun around and grabbed a rock with both her hoofs and tossed it at the same tree. The rock took some bark off as it hit the tree with such force it sounded like thunder. She stood there huffing and snorting angrily tears running down her face freely. Suddenly she fell on her flank her back legs apparently giving out as she sat there crying her eyes out. Applejack quickly walked up to her and embraced her. Rainbow dash quickly embraced her back holding onto her as if she was the last pony in the world. “It's OK, it's OK you didn't know, everypony makes mistakes.” Applejack said stroking her friends back as she rocked back and forth gently. “No it's not OK! I took something she loved and destroyed it! I don’t even know why she wanted to give me it in the first place!” Rainbow Dash said as she sobbed into her friends shoulder. “It is quite simple why she did what she did, it is because you are her hero.” Zecora Said looking at them. “Why would she look up to me!? I......I’m not special at all.” Rainbow Dash cried some more into Applejack's shoulder still holding on tight to her. “It is quite simple, you embody what she always wanted to be, free from the ground and bound to the sky and free.” Zecora said as she walked over and placed a hoof on Rainbow Dashes shoulder. Rainbow Dash looked up and saw Zecora smiling down at her. “Everypony makes mistakes, it is when we notice them that only then we can learn from them.” Zecora said placing a hoof on crying Pegasus shoulder. “Yeah Ah mean Ah know how ya feel Ah treated my own sister like a rotten apple and ah feel so bad ah just want to find her and bring her home and tell her how much we love her.” Applejack said rubbing the back of her friends head trying to calm her down some more. After a few moments of silence Rainbow Dash's crying slowed down until she finally stopped crying and she looked up at her friends. “I'm sorry....I guess I just....lost it.” The rainbow maned Pegasus said quietly wiping away her tears while sniffling. “It is best to not let emotions be bottled up, or it will make you explode.” Zecora said with a smile. “Yeah trust me Ah know what it means to blow your hay stack.” Applejack said smiling at Rainbow Dash. “Thanks guys.....I guess sometimes it's better to blow off some steam.” Rainbow said wiping the rest of her tears away. “It's OK we don't blame you at all.” Applejack said with a warm smile. After a few more moments Rainbow Dash stood up and smiled her tears gone. “Come on slow pokes we need to get back on track those little pain in the flanks aren't going to find themselves!” Rainbow Dash said in her usual tone all sadness gone from her eyes, and replaced with determination. Applejack and Zecora smiled as the zebra turned and began to lead the way back to her hut. As they walked Rainbow Dash slowed down a bit making Applejack slow down as well. “Hey....thanks for..you know....being here.” Rainbow Dash said shyly looking over at her friend. “Oh think nothing of it surge Ah'm happy to be here for my friends. “ Applejack said with a smile as she playfully nudge her friend. They laughed a bit as they continued to fallow the Zebra noting that they were getting close to her little hut. “So...not to open up old wounds but what happened to the necklace.” Applejack asked with nervously. Rainbow Dash looked at her and sighed but gave her a smile. “I almost forgot about that.” Rainbow Dash said as she reached into her saddle bag and pulled out a baby blue box. Applejack stopped walking and looked at her. The Pegasus opened it and smiled as she showed applejack what was in it. Sitting there on a cushion of soft pink sponge was a recently polished pendant in the shape of a gold heart with silver wings on each side, a gold necklace looped though it. “Wow! That’s incredible how you get another one!?” Applejack said happily as she stared at the beautiful necklace. “I took it to the local jeweler, he knew what it was the moment her saw it apparently scoots took it to him before.” Rainbow Dash said with a smile. “Oh you mean Diamond Tinker?” Applejack asked as she continued to stare at the beautiful necklace. “Yup he did manage to fix it and I added something extra to it.” Rainbow Dash said pointing to the middle of it. Applejack looked closer and at the very center of it. It had Rainbow Dash's cutie mark engraved in it. Applejack whistled as she looked at it with a smile. "Didn't ya say it was irreplaceable?" Applejack asked with a grin Rainbow Dash just chuckled. "Oh heck ya! I thought it was but thank Celestia for unicorns." she said with a bright smile. "He looked at me and sighed I could tell it would be a lot of work for him, but he fixed it! and I will say this now Applejack I will never make fun of unicorns again." she said as she looked at the necklace with joy. The look in her eyes reminded her of when she meet the Wonderbolts face to face, but even that failed in comparison to the joy she saw in her eyes. "So not even if Trixie was here?" Applejack said with a grin nudging her playfully. "If Trixie did this I would gladly kiss her on the lips and call her All Powerful Mistress." Rainbow Dash said with a gag, making Applejack laugh. "Wait Ah thought you where---- "Hey I swing both ways but even I have standards and let's face it Trixie would drive Celestia insane!" Rainbow Dash yelled with a laugh. the two continued to laugh at the thought of Trixie and her cyan friend being at each other necks. Applejack continued to laugh until it died down a little with a chuckle but then looked up at her friend as a thought came to her mind. “How much did it cost ya?” Applejack asked and regretted it when she saw Rainbow Dash winch. "100 bits?" Applejack asked a bit hopefully, her winged friend nodded no. "Higher." she said quietly, the fact she sounded like Fluttershy made her worry. "300 bits?" she asked hoping she hit the target range, but nod from her multi colored friend told her otherwise. "Way, way higher." she said cringing. "Well out with it already!" Applejack yelled a bit annoyed. “.....too much, let's just say I will be in Fluttershy's dept for the rest of my life.” She said laughing nervously but applejack just stared at her. “....how did she pay for it then?” Applejack asked surprised. “She had a lot of bits left over from when she was modeling and I mean a LOT, no wonder she always wants to treat us on our nights out.” Rainbow Dash said with a smile. “How you going to pay her back then?” Applejack asked almost not wanting to hear the answer. “well....for fixing this necklace for me I would of done anything and I was ready to, but all that she asked for is to go to....the grand opening of the botanical gardens opening next week in Canterlot .” the cyan Pegasus said with a sigh. “Wow seriously? That doesn't sound bad at all.” Applejack said with a laugh. “ It's not but I hate places like that but I can bite the nail on this one, for Scootaloo.” She said with a chuckle. Applejack smiled up at her friend. "Yeah for Scootaloo and the rest, Ah know we will find them so let's get going!" The Stetson wearing pony said with a tip of her hat. "yeah! for them!" Rainbow Dash said with a smile as she put the necklace back in her saddle bag. “Are you trapped in quicksand or are you just not quicker than a turtle?” Zecora yelled from a distance. Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked over and saw her waving at them. “Coming!” They both yelled in union as they dashed after their zebra friend. “Hehe looks like Zecora knows about Tank?” Applejack said with a chuckle as she ran side by side to her friend. “Hey leave Tank out of this besides he's a Tortoise!” Rainbow Dash yelled back laughing as the two ran into the forest, in the hope of finding the three lost filly's. the hope that they would find them safe and sound keeping there spirits up as they ran.