Zecora gets a new apprentice; Apple Bloom. Can she be able to help her without messing up?
Set at the exact same time as "Summertime Road Trip" and "Riff's Silver Strike", but NOT based on any segments of the Tiny Toons' summer vacation special. Apple Bloom gets a summer job helping Zecora make and test her potions as well as build and reinforce shelves for the bottles for said potions. Now, Apple Bloom knows Zecora has no money to pay her, but it IS a good way to help a friend AND keep in practice for a tinkerer's competition (as in a friendly competition for sentient beings who happen to be good with tools) at the end of the summer.
"Bye kids, enjoy your summer off!" Cheerilee calls out to her students as they leave the schoolhouse. It's time that the foals has waited for all year: summer vacation!
The ponies needed a vaca after the madness involving the Dark Water which Bai Tza has made a long time ago. This stuff ended up corrupting the Mane Six, turning them crazy and causing trouble. Fortunately, Spike, Ben, Nyx, the CMC, Princess Luna, Pinkamena's group and their pals were able to fix the mess and restore the Mane Six to normal.
The Mane Six felt a bit terrible for what they did, but luckily, they were forgiven. After all, it isn't the first time ponies were turned bad against their will (they did forgave Rarity for her brief time as Nightmare Rarity).
As things went back to normal and summer has arrived, the ponies of Ponyville prepare for their own summer, especially Twilight Sparkle who is working on tying to prepare a speech to congratulate the most recent graduates of Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns.
On this moment, Apple Bloom hums happily as she trots into the Everfree Forest. The filly has made this trip various times before, visiting her good friend Zecora. Today is going to be a special one as Apple Bloom got something planned to help Zecora this summer.
Apple Bloom reaches Zecora's hut and knocks on the door, calling, "Zecora? You in? Zec..."
Apple Blooom was cut off as an explosion is heard, causing the door to fly open. The filly looks concerned as smoke came out of the room. The zebra is obviously in the middle of another one of her potion making.
Zecora coughs as she came out, groaning, "This is the last time I used bat wings instead of guano." The zebra spots Apple Bloom then smiles. "Ah, young Apple Bloom. What brings you to my hut today?"
"Eh, you sound weird without the rhyming, Zecora." Apple Bloom giggles a bit, amused that Zecora isn't doing the rhyming she is known for.
"As usual, I do that whenever I tend to be mysterious and spooky."
"Uh, right. Anyway, I done wonder if I could ask ya for a favor."
Zecora nodded as she led Apple Bloom into her room. The zebra gets a broom and prepares to clean up as she spoke, "Yes? What is it?"
"I wonder if I would work for ya during the summer." Apple Bloom explains. Zecora arches an eyebrow as the filly continues. "Well, school is out for the summer. I can help make and test yours potions as well as build and reinforce shelves for the bottles for said potions."
"Hmmm, I could use some help around here for a while. And with our past, it will be a blast." Zecora said, giggling as she made a rhyme. "Of course, you know I cannot pay you."
"I know that, but it IS a good way to help a friend and for this." Apple Bloom took out a flier from the saddlebag she's wearing, showing it to Zecora. "I wanna keep in practice for a tinkerer's competition (as in a friendly competition for sentient beings who happen to be good with tools) at the end of the summer."
"Yes, that is good. Very well, you can start by helping me with this mess."
Apple Bloom cheers as she grabs a broom and prepares to help Zecora out in cleaning the mess up. Her summer job is about to begin!
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Apple Bloom hums as she helps in putting in the right items for Zecora who looks through her book carefully. The two has been doing quite fine so far.
"Give me the Itemsis Zorcis." Zecora calls out to Apple Bloom for the next item.
"Done!" Apple Bloom giggles as she brings in the ingredient.
"Throw it in."
Apple Bloom throws the contents into the cauldron, causing a bit of a cauldron. Luckily though, it wasn't too bad like the last time.
"My friends are missing this. Shame Sweetie is going to Whinny Land with Diamond Tiara while Scootaloo and Nyx are helping Silver Spoon against Riff." Apple Bloom said to Zecora with a chuckle. The filly is missing her friends who are busy with their own thing this summer.
"I suspect they will be in quite of a ride of their own." Zecora said as she mixes with a spoon. The zebra tasted a bit. "Needs more salt."
Apple Bloom grabs a salt shaker and spread salt into the mixture. She wonders if Zecora is making a potion...or her lunch.
"So what are we making?" Apple Bloom ask as Zecora grabs a bottle and pours the contents into the thing.
"Watch and see." Zecora said as she pours a bit of the potion onto a pot. "Stand back!"
The two stand back as the plant inside the pot grew big. Apple Bloom gasps in amazement as the plant grew watermelons, oranges, and other fruit you don't normally see on trees! Amazing!
"Wow, a potion that makes stuff you don't normally see on trees!" Apple Bloom exclaims with an amazed look. "Zecora, you amazed me!"
"I know." Zecora answers with a smile on her face. "All right, this next one you must do on your own."
"What?"
"Well, if you wish to practice for the tinkerer's competition, this is the start. Prepare yourself."
"Oh! Okay, Zecora." Apple Bloom said as she brought out a notebook and prepared to write down some notes.
"Now, do we have the croc toes?" Zecora ask Apple Bloom.
"Got them." Apple Bloom said, checking the item.
"The sugar eyeballs." Zecora said, as Apple Bloom checks the next item.
"Check."
"And the tailfor?"
Apple Bloom blinks as, confused, she ask, "What's a tailfor?"
"For wagging of course!" Zecora giggles as she wags her own tail. Apple Bloom realizes that her zebra friend was making a joke just now.
"Oh, good one!" Apple Bloom exclaimed with a giggle of her own.
"Getting serious. I'm about to make a potion that can allow a pony to see miles away...in fact, I made one already." Zecora said, bringing out a bottle. "Test it out and see how it works."
"All right." Apple Bloom said as she took the bottle.
Apple Bloom drinks the potions, yelping as she jumps a bit for a few seconds before stopping.
"All right, do you see anything?" Zecora ask Apple Bloom curiously.
"Hmmm....oh, I see Diamond Tiara and Sweetie's family in a car heading somewhere." Apple Bloom gasps as she saw something miles away. "Diamond was reading an issue of Power Ponies and...EEEEW!"
"What? What is it?"
"I guess Diamond found out too late that Sweetie can't read and eat in the car." Apple Bloom remarks with a shrug, knowing what just happened.
"Good." Zecora said with a nod. "And what else?"
"Well, I see Riff going after Silver...again." Apple Bloom said, speaking the last part dryly.
"Typical plothead, I must say, but I bet he'll soon have a very bad day." Zecora remarked in rhyme.
"And...that's it." Apple Bloom said, frowning. "I'm seeing just the inside the hut."
"The potion obviously doesn't' last long but it works regardless." Zecora remarks with a shrug.
"What kind of potion was it?" Apple Bloom asked curiously.
"Not marked for now." Zecora said, putting the potion away. "So how is your family and friends?"
"Applejack has done recovering from the incident when she was a greedy dishonest pony." Apple Bloom sighs a bit. "She's laying low right now as is the rest of her friends."
"It is a good thing you, your friends, Spike, Nyx and Ben Mare, along with some others, teamed up to put an end to that madness." Zecora remarked with a nod.
"Yeah, I know." Apple Bloom hums a bit in agreement. At least that problem is over, the Demon Lords came close to winning that time!
A knock came at the door. Zecora spoke up, "Who's there?"
"Cantalope"." A familiar voice spoke up, making Zecora roll her eyes.
"Cantalope who?"
The door opens up as a familiar Discord flies in, joking, "Cantalope tonight, dad's got the car! Ha ha ha ha!"
"Discord!" Apple Bloom exclaimed in surprise.
"I heard on the grape vine that a certain filly is being the zebra's apprentice." Discord said, smirking as he holds out on grapes on a vine. He transforms into Commander Keen. "And I'm blasting on over!"
"Well, try not to break anything." Zecora said with a sigh. "How is Fluttershy doing?"
"Oh, she's a little low." Discord comments, crawling low under a bar. "She's saddened about sending her animals after the little foals but she's feeling a bit better now."
"Well, hope she feels better." Apple Bloom said with a nod.
"Found something." Zecora said as she takes out a potion.
"Oh good, I need a drink!" Discord exclaims as he grabs the potion, drinking the stuff down.
"No! Don't, that potion..."
Zecora didn't have time to finish as Discord explodes...turning into a small buck-toothed prehistoric squirrel.
"I feel like I am a squirrel who gets beaten around in a prehistoric movie series." Discord said, blinking at what happened.
"You look cute. Want an acorn?" Apple Bloom giggles as she holds out an acorn.
"Don't taunt me!" Discord groans to Apple Bloom in irritation,
"No worries, that potion is only temporarily." Zecora said with a smile to the squirrel Discord. "It's a potion that turns others into certain neglected animals."
"Yeah, Fluttershy would've love that one." Apple Bloom remarks playfully.
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A few minutes after Discord transforms back and left, Apple Bloom is stocking up the shelves quickly. A few times, she helped Zecora in working on her potions, testing them out. Luckily, the zebra made sure not to give her anything that is deadly.
"Now then, sugar from a bee!" Zecora booms as Apple Bloom tosses some sugar into the cauldron, making it explode a bit.
"What are we making?" Apple Bloom ask curiously, wondering what the two are making.
"Air freshener, this place is beginning to stink." Zecora comments as she puts the stuff into jars to air out the hut.
"Got it." Apple Bloom confirmed.
"Now help me put potions into the right places." Zecora said, putting some potions.
As Apple Bloom helps out, she holds out a familiar potion, asking, "Is this the same potion I once used that gave me the Cutie Pox?"
"Indeed, now you know not to use it again, correct?" Zecora ask, reminding Apple Bloom the last time she foolishly tries to get a cutie mark.
"Yeah, especially since Ah finally got a cutie mark." Apple Bloom confirmed, not wanting to take the cutie pox potion ever again.
"Now then, time to test out the tinkering skills." Zecora said, reminding Apple Bloom why she's here. To test for the upcoming tinkering competition.
"Got it. What shall I do?" Apple Bloom ask, ready for anything.
"Make me...the Poison Joke Potion, the same stuff Fluttershy used when she was covering up for Big Mac when he lost his voice." Zecora explains, giving a test to see how well Apple Bloom has done.
"Poison Joke potion?" Apple Bloom asked in shock, "But... But if Ah touch some Poison Joke, Ah could get affected and come down with any negative random effect!"
"Which is why I supply special gloves." Zecora assures, pointing out to some gloves nearby. "They help handle Poison Joke with care."
"Oh! Good idea." Apple Bloom said, and then she put on the gloves, "These will definitely help me collect the main ingredient."
Apple Bloom heads out, grabbing the knife on the way out. She got a task to do!
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It took Apple Bloom a few minutes but she manages to get all the Poison Oak that Zecora needed. The filly came back with the stuff which the zebra then use to work on the Poison Oak Potion. Apple Bloom made sure to keep her distance so she doesn't get effective by the stuff by accident.
Zecora hummed, "Oh, my... It appears we're out of items. Apple Bloom dear, would you mind help me get some items? This is essential to my potion."
"Sure, no problem. What do you need?" Apple Bloom ask her mentor and friend curiously who gave her a list and a bag of bits.
"Here is the list you must find and get. Here is the bits for your payment. Good luck, my little friend.
Apple Bloom made her all the way back to Ponyville Town in search for some items. The list involves soap, weird flowers, flour, cereal, and whatever stuff one don't normally find to eat or found in other potions. Still, Apple Bloom isn't to question, rather to get what is needed.
"That's tons of them. Some I recognized especially it's from Twilight's castle." Apple Bloom said, glancing at the list. Maybe she could stop by the castle, checking up on Applejack and her friends, seeing if they recover from the dark water incident. "But others, not really much of it. How on earth can I find these things? If only Jade or Scruffy were here, I'd find it in no time."
"Hey, Apple Bloom? What'cha you doing?" A familiar voice ask anxiously. Apple Bloom looks up to see Snips and Snails, coming over with eager smiles on their faces.
"Scavenger Hunt? I wanna play!" Snails exclaims, jumping up and down eagerly.
"No! I'm doing a job for Zecora!" Apple Bloom exclaims to the two with a frown. "Besides, don't you have a play to work on with Miss Cheerilee?"
"How did you know???" The two dimwitted ponies ask Apple Bloom confused, wondering how she even know what they're doing.
"Lucky guess?"
"Oh, we're practicing but taking a break, but anyway, wWhy do you need a job? It's summer!" Snips exclaims, bewildered that Apple Bloom would want a job in the summer of all times.
Snails nodded in agreement, speaking, "Yeah. What's so fun about it? It doesn't do much."
"Maybe. But I do need some bits for myself and my family. I'd be rich for the next day." Apple Bloom said. Okay, she isn't a good liar as the filly is doing for the experience but the filly is hoping these two would leave her alone.
"Sweet..." Snips and Snails said with stupid smiles on their faces.
"Excuse me I've got some might work to do."
"Can we join?" Snips ask Apple Bloom much to her dismay.
"Yeah! We wanna earn some money too!" Snails exclaims eagerly.
"Zecora's job is a bit complicated and hard when it comes to potion." Apple Bloom protest in annoyance. Can't these two ever get the hint?
Snips looks at one of the items on the list. He spoke, "Well, I know where the ice iceberg is."
Snails gasped, "Hey, isn't that from Twilight Sparkle's Castle? I saw it when we both went for autograph."
"Aren't you two afraid after the dark water incident?" Apple Bloom ask Snails in concern. She wonders if these two are wary of Twilight after the incident with the dark water.
"What dark water?" The two colts ask confused, making Apple Bloom sigh. Of course, these two eventually has forgotten that.
"Yeah, I didn't thunk so. Well... I'm no boss or something. But you can help me. Just don't get me lost like the last time you did."
"What last time?" Snails ask confused, scratching his mane.
Snips sighed, "It's obviously that she was referring to our camping trip from last year. And wow, so hard to believe that Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon change and turn nice to us."
"Well, they did good work like Nyx's Birthday Party."
"Good point. Shall we?"
"Lead the way."" The filly said as Snips and Snails lead Apple Bloom to find and get the items. She can only hope these two can actually do something right this time!
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Surprisingly, it didn't take too long and the trio was able to get the stuffed need. Apple Bloom, Snips and Snails returned to Zecora's home. The shaman zebra was preparing the cauldron of her latest magic potion when they came in.
"Ah, Apple Bloom, welcome back. I assume these ponies help you?" Zecora ask, giving a glance at two familiar colts.
"Eeyup. So, what'cha making?" Apple Bloom ask curiously, wondering what Zecora is making now.
"Preparing the Cutie Pox antidote. While that event maybe a history, but that doesn't mean it won't repeat again."
"Good point. By the way, you'd think that they can join us for the job?"
"Really? I'm surprise. While I appreciate some help, but I'm mostly concern of their... precaution." Zecora said, glancing at the two randomly peeking around, looking at stuff.
"I'm worry of that too. But which is why I'm here, to keep an eye on them." Apple Bloom assures Zecora. Hopefully Snips and Snails will stay out of trouble long enough to be ready for their performance in the play.
Zecora hummed but sighed, "Very well, I trust you do well-!" The zebra gasped as she saw Snips and Snails handling a poison with a certain leaf label on it. "Not my Poison Ivy potion! Be careful with it! It will...!"
PUFF! Snips and Snails got covered by purple mists. They all got rashes. Hoo boy.
Apple Bloom sighed as she slaps her forehead, "This could take a while."
"Be sure that they touch nothing unless they ask my permission." Zecora said sternly to Apple Bloom as she goes to look for an antidote to cure Snips and Snails of their rashes.
Zecora was able to make the antidote for Snips and Snails while Apple Bloom made sure that the two don't touch anything else. Luckily, she was able to do long enough for her friend to make the stuff and cure them of their rashes.
"You okay, guys?" Apple Bloom ask the two in concern.
"Wow... That was itchy." Snips comments, relieved to have those rashes cured.
Snails nodded as he stupidly comment, "Tell me about it. So, what's next?"
"We can finally begin making the potions. A word of advice to avoid trouble again, let me and Apple Bloom handle them." Zecora said to the two sternly. She isn't going to let them cause any further trouble today!
Snips nodded as he happily spoke, "Sure!"
"Whatever you said." Snails remarks in agreement.
Apple Bloom sighed in embarrassment, "I'm sorry for this, Zecora. I didn't mean for them to cause some trouble. I just need help in finding the ingredients."
"It's understanding, my dear. Come. Let us begin work." Zecora advises the filly. She glared at Snips and Snails who are looking at some skulls before adding, "I said no touching!"
Zecora and Apple Bloom were working on it. Snips and Snails continued watching the event for a second before they went around the hut to see some stuff. Every 5 seconds passed Zecora and Apple Bloom glared at Snips and Snails, the colts stopped for the moment from moving around. Zebra and filly continued working on the Cutie Pox medicine.
"It is done." Zecora said in satisfaction. At least those two didn't ruin this one!
"This looks very different than the flower you gave me." Apple Bloom comments, glancing at the potion. It's amazing how her zebra made this in so short of time!
"That is because the one I used is Flower Cure of Truth - it's rare but the only item that could cure the Cutie Pox. But because of Mystic Ponies roaming freely, I received a new knowledge of it."
"Really? Mr. Tao gave it to you?"
"Indeed. It is done. It appears your friends haven't done anything damages yet." Zecora said in relief. Snips and Snails actually behaved themselves. Maybe there's hope for them yet.
Of course, as they say in the game "I spoke too soon". Snails and Snips were snoring and sleeping before they fell on the floor hard, causing a vase to dropped and moved a ball towards the cauldron to pour the rest of the cure out.
"Maybe not..." Apple Bloom said a bit awkwardly. So much for behaving!
Zecora slaps herself with a hoof as she comments dryly, "This could take some time."
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Apple Bloom and Zecora got to work on making more potions. But of course, as you folks can tell, two certain colts made some trouble.
For one, the two are working on the Dark Water Restore Spell, the same one that was made to restore the Mane Six and Ponyville after the Dark Water incident. The two are almost done.
"Hey, where did you want us to do with this liver rats?" Snails ask cluelessly as he and Snips came over with a box.
"Put them..." Zecora looks up and yelps. "Watch out!"
The two trips and knocks the liver rats into the potion, causing an explosion. When all is clear, Zecora is black on one side and white on the other, Apple Bloom is a tree, Snips and Snails are stuck to each other like when Trixie was corrupted one time!
"What do you boys have 'ta say?" Apple Bloom ask the colts while waving her branches.
"Oops." Snips and Snails said sheepishly with meekish smiles.
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Zecora was able to make a cure to restore everyone back. She asked Snips and Snails to go outside to look for mushrooms and allow herself and Apple Bloom to work on the next potion.
"So what's this?" Apple Bloom ask her mentor/friend curiously.
"A Sound Grenade, to draw the Parasprite away." Zecora explains as she put the potion into a ball object.
"Oh good." Apple Bloom said with a smile. It's good to have a device that should keep those Parasprites at bay. "Will it work?"
"Of course it will, my little friend." Zecora replied, "It keeps the Parasprites tame to no end."
The two decided to test it outside. Snips and Snails are still doing what they're doing: looking for mushrooms.
"Hey, look! A Super Mushroom!" Snips exclaims happily. "It's-a Me, Snips!"
"All right, time to spray this stuff. Hee haw!" Apple Bloom exclaims as she prepares to use the object.
Apple Bloom throws the ball...but Snails, noticing, uses a basket to catch it as if playing a game. He smiles while saying, "Ha! Caught it!"
"No, Snails! Get rid of that before..."
The ball blows up, covering Snips and Snails with the stuff. The two colts cough like mad. That stuff is stinky.
"Wow! We haven't stink so badly since we saw Birdemic!" Snips remarks, coughing like mad.
"Ugh!" Zecora groans, holding her nose. "Maybe I used too much. Now it's repelling us!"
"Okay, so it can repel Parasprites and make colts unattractive." Apple Bloom groans while trying frantically to wave the smell away. "Of course, with these two, it isn't hard."
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The group now stood in the middle of the forest. Zebra holds up a potion with a topper that appears to be sealing it.
"So what's inside? A bug?" Snails ask Zecora curiously.
"This next magic you will be seeing is called the Flame Flare, used when signaling or warning." Zecora explains clearly what this next magic potion does.
"Another useful item, from the sound of it." Apple Bloom remarked.
Snails blinks as he listens to the potion. Then the unicorn frowns as he spoke, "Awww, what a gyp! I hear nothing!"
"That was an expression." Apple Bloom said dryly.
"Maybe you gotta shake it!" Snips exclaims, using his magic to grab the potion and shake it.
"No, you fool! You will cause it to blow up!" Zecora gasps in shock.
Again, too late. The potion opens up, sending a flare into the sky and causing it to crash onto something. A big roar is heard, an angry ticked off roar...
"Now you've done it!" Apple Bloom snapped angrily.
Manny the Manticore, all burnt, came in and roar. He isn't happy.
"Uhhh, kitty!" The two silly colts exclaims stupidly.
Apple Bloom did a facehoof at this. Man, are those two idiots!
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The next few potions ended up being ruined or failing, mostly because of Snips and Snails's cluminess.
Zecora made a Motion Sickness. But Snips knocks it over, causing the whole room to shake and getting everyone sick. Air Sickness send everyone into the air, thanks to Snails opening it. Sea Sickness, ditto.
When Zecora made the Age Restore Medicine, she made the mistake of asking Snips to use a age reversal spell to turn Apple Bloom into a foal so she can use it. Snips's spell misfire and hits himself, hurting Snips into a foal.
As for Curse Breaker, too bad it wasn't immune by those Curse CURSE Breakers. Take three guesses who that is and the first two don't count.
Finally, enough was enough. Apple Bloom groaned, “I don't think this is gonna work. Snips, Snails, I'm sorry. It's not gonna work.”
“What do you mean? You need a new potion or something?” Snips ask Apple Bloom in concern.
“Maybe we can get more of poison jokes for it.” Snails said, hoping to make up for what he and his pal has done.
“I mean I don't think you two are good at this. I mean, come on, guys, did you really have any idea of what you're doing?” Apple Bloom ask her friends with a sigh. As in do these two even got any idea what they’re doing?
“Uh...” Snips and Snails said, trying to think. But it didn’t take long for Apple Bloom to come to the conclusion herself.
“That's what I thought. I'm sorry.” Apple Bloom sighs. Maybe it was a bad idea to get these two knuckleheads involved.
Snips shrugs as he comments, “Nah... We just go out and have some fun.”
Snails nodded as he adds, “Yeah. It was boring anyway...”
And just before Snips and Snails could do anything, they got tripped and slipped by a banana's peel as they went around and knocked most of the potions into the cauldron. Zecora and Apple Bloom struggled in stopping and helping them. Soon the last potion of black bottle fall into mix…and then exploded causing everyone covered in black.
Snails coughed, “Wow... Did not expect that.”
“Me neither. Sorry.” Snips said as he looks down in shame. The two colts were trying to help but failed miserably.
Apple Bloom was about to scold but noticed something in the cauldron, some sort of new potion. She ask, “What the hay is this?”
Zecora hummed, “Very unusual potion I ever seen.” The zebra took a dip and lick on it. She hummed in surprise, “It tastes good but why do I feel very... good?” She looked at her body as she found herself cleaned off from the dirt and bruises. “Curious. Yet very peculiar...”
“Wow... What was that?” The trio of foals ask in surprise. What just happened here?
“It appears we have found a perfect cure that is match Mangani's Healing Power. But let us see what kind of potion did you all mix.” Zecora said with a smile. Apple Bloom is surprised. Looks like Snips and Snails has done something right after all!
“This could take a while.” Apple Bloom said, knowing this will take a while to redo.
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It took a few minutes or so. But soon, Snips and Snails were able to help Zecora find the ingredients that helped make the healing spell in the first place. Apple Bloom looks amazed. Those two did something right for once...for being silly colts.
Sadly, although the two has proven themselves useful now, Snips and Snails decided to call it quits.
"Are you sure you don't want to continue?" Apple Bloom ask her friends in concern.
Snips shrugs as he answers, "Nah. We've got some awesome stuffs to do than this."
"Yeah. We're no wizards anyway. But we're glad to help you if you need some ingredients..." Snails said to Apple Bloom with a smile. If she needed any further help, the two are happy to give out their assistance...or whatever it is that they do anyhow.
"Thanks. I'll see you back on school after the summer." Apple Bloom said to the two with a nod.
"See ya." Snips and Snails said stupidly as they took their leave. The two got a lot to do, as well as the play that they still gotta work on!
"Zecora, I'm very sorry for this big mess. I thought that they might be a helpful since they know about ingredients."
"Do not worry, dear Apple Bloom. Not everypony is interested in making potions as you, Princess Twilight, Nyx or any magic user." Zecora said calmly. She put an upper foreleg around the filly to assure her that no harm is done. "They each all have different tastes and cannot be forced to listen to us about it or even try to do something foolish to entertain their amusement."
"I know." Apple Bloom said with a sigh. It would be great if Snips and Snails got other talents besides what they do.
"However, it's great experience for them to try. If not of them, the new cure wouldn't have existed."
"Yeah. I guess you're right. So what's next?"
"I was thinking making a potion about ponies who could not eat. I have yet discovered but it be worth it to learn." Zecora explains as she looks at some more ingredients. The zebra wishes to make another potion to help those who cannot eat. If it works, then it could end hunger for them!
"Can't wait to start." Apple Bloom said in delight. The tinkering contest is still a while away, she got time to work with.
Time has passed throughout the summer. Apple Bloom was able to continue her apprentice job with Zecora with no further trouble. With the zebra's permission, the filly begins introducing her skills with her tools and potions to work on a mystery potion: a project called a "Cutie Mark Predictor" which has the power to predict what foal gets cutie mark before he or she even gets it.
Apple Bloom put potions in some parts with Zecora pushing up panels onto a big metal machine on it. The mare puts in doors to use to make an entrance and exit for ponies to get out of. The machine's power? It's friendship!
As time drags off, things happened with the Mane Six and Spike being busy. First they were dealing with bad guys from another universe and then dealing with a variety of supposed "emergency calls". And trust me folks, they are still recovering from the Dark Water incident.
Fortunately, thanks to help from their friends, the Mane Six recovered fully, now able to continue their task of helping Equestria and spreading friendship throughout Equestria.
Soon the time has come for the tinkering competition. Big Mac helped in pulling the project to the auditorium where the tinker's competition towards the end of summer is taking place. Apple Bloom smiles in anticipation. All her hard work has indeed built up for this!
Both siblings as well as Zecora look in the auditorium. More tinkerers are there with their projects, all of them are eager and determined to show off their hard work.
"Man, this looks like we got a tough competition this year. I don't even know if we can score 3rd place, even much less to get 1st place." Apple Bloom spoke with worry in seeing the fierce tinkerers & their works; maybe they might not reach the top three best tinkerers.
"Do not feel discourage, my little friend. Whether we win or lose, it’s how the game is played." Zecora spoke in rhyme, to say something to calm the mind.
"I'm not following." Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow in what she heard.
"To help a friend, is a friend indeed. I simply wish to offer my service to help any friend in need." Zecora simply says this, in what may be the way to follow through.
"So you want to show everyone at the competition cause you wanna be supportive than just winning?" Apple Bloom slowly was saying in what she was following.
"What is fair for me, is what is fair to other. If what you bring is something you feel is good for you, then it's better to share for others with compassion than simply doing it for profit." Zecora pointed off to say this as she wishes to share what she has for everyone to bear-witness, then others that wanna make quick cash.
"Thanks Zecora, that's a really nice way to picture it." Apple Bloom smiled to nod in agreeing to what the girl was saying.
"Try your best, Apple Bloom. Applejack and I will be in the audience." Big Macintosh said to Apple Bloom with a nod as he unhook himself before heading off.
"Oh, I will, Big Mac, I will."
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As the competition started, Rumble was the first to show his project.
"Mr. Rumble, what do you got for us?" A Pegasus judge asked curiously.
"I called it a "Wind Blaster", instant wind without Pegasus power. Watch." Rumble said as he pushed the switch.
Without warning, a blast of wind blasted everyone back. Some flew or teleported to avoid getting blown away. Rumble struggled until he could shut it off.
"Uh, good, good display." The judge said bewildered as he brushed his mane back to normal.
The audience applauded their hooves as Rumble and his invention left.
"All right, now then, next is Mr. Tender Taps." The judge said, bringing in the next contestant.
Apple Bloom grinned as a friend she and her friends once helped came up with some sort of robot.
"This is something I made called a "Dancing Bot"." Tender Taps announced proudly as he gestured to a robot that looked oddly like Apple Bloom. "It helped foals who want to dance!"
"Hmm, interesting." The judge said, interested at what Tender described, "But does it work, I wonder?"
Tender smiled as he flipped the switch. The robot came to life and began to tap dance. Tender Taps smiled as he danced along.
The audience and judges watched as Tender Taps and the robot dance just like the colt did on the day he got his cutie mark. The demonstration looked impressive.
When it's all over, the robot slid with Tender Taps in front of the audience, making a big finale that earn applause.
"Most impressive!" One of the judges exclaimed with a smile.
Apple Bloom gulped, getting nervous. Zecora patted her apprentice, saying, "Courage, my friend. Courage."
"Next is Miss Apple Bloom." The judge said.
Apple Bloom breathed in and out and pushed her machine out onto the stage. It's show time.
The filly cleared her throat and spoke to the audience, "Folks. Ever done be curious what your foal's cutie mark could be? Even by guessing? Well, my Cutie Mark Predictor has the power to predict what foal gets cutie mark before he or she even gets it. Now Ah need a volunteer from the audience."
"I'll do it!" says a voice. It came from a cream-colored Pegasus filly with a white muzzle and a short orange mane and tail who wore an orange shirt and blue bow as she came onto the stage.
"Ah, yes. We never done met before, right?" Apple Bloom asked the filly with a smile.
"Nope." The filly giggled. "My name is Creamy Dreamy, I just moved here with mommy."
"Miss Dreamy, who I never worked with until now has agreed to assist me in this." Apple Bloom explains. "Will you hope onto the platform, Creamy?"
Creamy nodded as she got onto the platform, facing the entrance.
"Nice hopping." Apple Bloom commented.
"Thank you." Creamy said with a cute smile, which reminded Apple Bloom greatly of her friend Sweetie Belle.
Apple Bloom pushed a button. Creamy finds herself pushed by the sliding walkway into the machine.
"Now then, Creamy will appear in this window." Apple Bloom explained, motioning to a window on the machine. Creamy appeared in the image, waving. "Now, Creamy? Ah will activate this thing. You will feel something tingly but nothing harmful. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Apple Bloom." Creamy said with a nod.
"And now..." Apple Bloom motioned to Featherweight who flew in, he was asked to assist in this. "Pull the lever, Featherweight."
Featherweight nodded as he pulled the lever....causing a trapdoor underneath Apple Bloom to open before she fell in.
"WRONG LEVEEEEERRRRRR!" Apple Bloom is heard screaming before a crashing noise is heard.
"Huh?" Featherweight asked, confused by this as everyone else is.
Apple Bloom came back in, dusting herself off while groaning, "Why did I even put in that lever? Excuse me, Featherweight."
Featherweight moved aside as Apple Bloom pulled the right lever. The machine came to life as potions got pumped in. Creamy paused, yelping as she felt some tingles in her. Fortunately, it wasn't harmful.
The audience gasped as Creamy shined a bit, before a flash appeared. Soon, what appeared to be a blue character was shown on her flank. The audience applauded excitedly for this.
"Wow! My cutie mark!" Creamy exclaimed in excitement.
"Folks, according to this, Miss Dreamy is destined to care for whatever this little guy." Apple Bloom said, chuckling as the cutie mark disappeared. "Of course, as Twilight told me, magic doesn't help give you a cutie mark. It must be earned or discovered. But Miss Dreamy will one day find that destiny."
"Wow! After seeing this, I think I want to join the Cutie Mark Crusaders!" Creamy said excitedly.
"Well done, Miss Bloom, well done." The judge said, applauding with everyone. "This could help many future cutie mark finders for centuries to come."
Apple Bloom gave a proud squee. Looks like her demonstration was a hit!
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Soon the show is over, the awards are given out. Apple Bloom grins as she left the auditorium with her ribbon: "First Place". The cutie mark machine was a big success that there has been some offers to manufacture one. Though Apple Bloom refuses them all because, to her, it's a once in a lifetime event.
"Great work, little sis." Applejack said, hugging Apple Bloom proudly. "I'm done proud of ya."
"Eeyup!" Big Macintosh said with a nod of agreement.
"Shucks, thanks, big sis." Apple Bloom said with a giggle. "I got a good teacher and some good help."
"Hey, Apple Bloom." Creamy Dreamy giggles as she comes over. "Thanks for that demonstration that I am happy to be a part of."
"Same here. Hey, listen. We're done always looking for some new Cutie Mark Crusaders. So tomorrow, my friends and I can get you in."
"Really?! Oh, thank you!"
"Come on, sis." Applejack chuckles as she motions her sister away. "Time to go on. You had one busy day."
"Hang on, I will catch up with you." Apple Bloom said. She just spotted her mentor Zecora preparing to head on home. The little filly heads on over, the zebra stops long enough to give her a hug. "Hey, thanks for everything."
"You're welcome, Apple Bloom." Zecora said with a smile. "It's great you won first place without doom."
"So wait, you're rhyming again?"
"I decided to give it another try. Best not to ask me why."
"I won't." Apple Bloom said with a smile. She pauses, giving a thoughtful look. "Say, out of curiosity...can I still help you out after school sometimes?
Zecora smiles, hugging Apple Bloom as she said, "It will be a pleasure, my friend. Let's hope this friendship never ends."
Apple Bloom giggles as she heads off with her siblings. Zecora smiles as she heads off to her home in the Everfree Forest. Looks like it will be another eventful Equestrian year.