Coming of age story as the Crusader Trio slowly drift off to do their own thing in life
As a slightly alternative universe to the cannon, the cutie mark crusaders each earn their individual, nonlinking, cutie marks. And while they will always be friends forever, life is strenuous. Ponies get new jobs, some acquire fame, and some of them go off to start a fresh life with somepony else tugging on their heartstrings.
Not everypony is happy with the hoof life has given them, or the life given to the ones they care for. Will the cutie mark crusaders be able to handle the real world? Will family bonds be torn apart by betrayal?
It was that time, in everypony's life that every pony looks forward to. The one year before adulthood; the last year of school, the last year of carefree fun, the last year of tests and exams. And... most importantly, this was the year to enjoy senior year prom.
The ponies of Ponyville High were all excited for their last big event, loud discussions filling crowded hallways and circling past lockers. Ruby Pinch was no stranger as well to the excitement. She stood at her locker, a black cardigan on top of a solid grey shirt adorned her with matching black shorts. Ruby also wore a small red bow around her neck. Black boots kept her back legs warm and toasty as the young mare collected her bags for the morning period.
Upon turning around to start her day, the well-known trio passed through the hallway, with one orange pegasus agitating their acquaintances as she glided past on her trusty scooter. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle accompanied Scootaloo, standing on either side of her. Ruby flushed as Scootaloo passed by, and with a sigh, the mare closed her locker.
"Oh come on, you are not about to do this again," Dinky interrupted Ruby's thoughts, startling the magenta unicorn.
"Come on what?" she asked defiantly.
"Can we stay focused on passing this year of high school?" Dinky sounded annoyed. Though it didn't surprise Ruby. If their years of friendship had taught Ruby anything, it was that Dinky thought heavily on her studies. That mare had been focused on academics and nothing could deter her. Well...maybe one thing.
"Coming from the mare who overworked herself into stress sickness last year," chimed in Tootsie Flute.
An angry blush brightened Dinky's face as she waved a hoof in the air, "Could you not remind me, please? Uhg. Derpy would not leave my side the entire time. I'm not a kid anymore, I can take care of myself."
Ruby giggles, "Your sister was just showing concern for you. Now, I don't know about you three but I'm ready to grab some grub."
So the trio of friends nodded and made their way into the cafeteria. After grabbing lunch trays and setting their belongings on their table, the three sat and discussed their school schedules, with most of them having free periods in the later hours. "Ruby, I heard your aunt is going out on explorations now," Tootsie chimed, "is that true?"
"Mmhm! She's been itching to travel since foalhood. So our moms decided to gift her a travel fund last year for her graduation," Ruby agreed.
"Well, maybe she would be willing to let Dinky tag along."
Ruby snorts, "Mmhm! Her and you know who~"
"Hey, would you two sto-"
A flash of orange stopped the mares in their tracks and the elongated plastic seat Ruby sat on vibrated as Scootaloo crashed down, and snatched a hoof-full of grapes and tossed them into her mouth. "Sorry to interrupt-" Scootaloo lied, "but mind if I join you three?" Ruby giggled softly and looked over to her friends; Tootsie looking over the two endearingly while Dinky looked disapproving.
"I guess..." Dinky said reluctantly, "but don't you have your own friends to bother?"
"Sure I do, but I just wanted to say good morning to my lil firework," Scootaloo gently nuzzled Ruby's cheeks. Ruby blushed and Dinky gagged at the gentle display.
"You two are a-shoeing to win prom king and queen," awed Tootsie.
"That's the plan," laughed Scootaloo.
"Uhg, is that all you think about?" Dinky continued, "there are more important things to worry about. Like, say, our future?"
"Well, maybe if you had somepony you wouldn't be so uptight all the time," Scootaloo refuted. Dinky simply rolled her eyes and continued their conversation despite their intruder.
This was it! Last year of high school! It was so exciting! And best of all? Scootaloo got to spend their final year together with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom! The three had big plans this year, with Apple Bloom looking into home building and Sweetie had dreams of singing all over Equestria. Her voice was a godsend! It would be a crime to keep her precious voice from the rest of the world.
But, that meant leaving her friends behind in Ponyville. The three agreed to do as much as they could together before anything drastic happened, but time goes by fast. And, to be honest, Sweetie wasn't the only mare planning to hop across the globe. With dreams of being an awe-inspiring daredevil, that meant Scootaloo had to prepare for the worst as well.
But if she could have it the way she wanted? Scootaloo would stay in Ponyville forever, just herself, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle. Truth be told, Scootaloo has had the biggest crush on Sweetie Belle for a while, but... she was afraid to say anything. She never wanted to risk ruining the friendship the three once-proud blank flanks had worked so hard to achieve.
Early in the morning, Scootaloo rides into the hallways on her trusty scooter with her friends running beside her; Scootaloo laughing at any time passerby would give them a dirty glance or even a scoff. As the trio trailed into the cafeteria, Scootaloo caught sight of Ruby and gave her a wink.
"So, any plans for the weekend?" Sweetie asked
"Plans? The week just started," said Apple Bloom, sounding astonished by the question.
Meanwhile, Scootaloo laughed and answered, "Of course I do! I've got a gig going this weekend."
"As do I," added Sweetie Belle, "The Luxury Lounge at Manehattan wants me to entertain guests."
"You're going all the way to Manehattan this weekend?" Scootaloo sounded disappointed. And Sweetie just nodded.
Scootaloo frowned and whined, "Aww, guess that means you won't be able to see me defy death."
"No, but I'm sure Apple Bloom will go and you could always invite your marefriend." Sweetie tried to reassure her.
"Yeah!" shouted Apple Bloom, "Ah'd love to go see ya shows. Always do."
"Thanks Bloom," Scootaloo smiled and continued to lead the gang to the cafetteria.
The air smelled sweet of fresh apples and tree bark. Apple Bloom wiped the sweat off her brow as she was doing her daily chores around the farm. She was sure her sister had finished her share before leaving for the afternoon. Bloom wasn't sure where she had gone but it didn't bother the mare anymore. She was completely capable of tending to the farm for herself, as she assured her sister many moons before.
"There," she let out a sigh of relief, "all done." The mare paused and looked around one more time. Sighing, her ears pulled back as a wave of melancholy swept the yellow pony. Time really does fly, and before she knew it, her friends would be gone. So much for the Cutie Mark Crusaders staying together forever; but, perhaps that was just their foalish dreams. She wasn't sure who she would turn to for fun once they were gone. Everypony else already had their dreams and ambitions, and most were moving away.
Sure, she had her family of course, but they too had their own lives. Apple Jack often hurried her chores to go hang out with her friends and even Big Mac seemed to stay busy. "Ah never imagined mahself out on mah own-" she headed on to the barn, "the Cutie Mark Crusaders have always been my home." She enters and makes her way into the kitchen, grabbing a jar of apple jam. Plopping herself on the couch, she indulges herself in the homemade jam, glancing at the far wall. It was lined with family photos, awards the farm had earned (mostly from Apple Jack, being the competitive apple in the family), and two neck accessories; one an orange handkerchief dotted with red apples, and the other was a pink band with a blue emblem with a white pony head.
With a sniffle, Apple Bloom pulls herself from the half-devoured jam and gingerly grabs the handkerchief. Feeling the soft cotton with a free hoof, Bloom mutters shakily, "One more year Granny....just one more year." In a solemn gesture, she ties the fabric around her neck, tying it tightly.
Some time had passed when the door to the barn swung open, startling the earth mare out from slumber. "Oh, Apple Bloom! Ya home from school yet? Ah got a surprise fer ya,"
"Surprise bitches!" said a familiar Manehattan accent.
Gasping, Apple Bloom darted over and embraced Babs in a tight hug. In response, Babs chuckled and wrapped a hoof around her, softly nuzzling. As Bloom pulled away, she noticed her sister giving Babs a disapproving glare for cursing but Bloom ignored it. "But wait, it's the start of the week! What about school?"
Babs shrugged casually, "Somethin happened with mah sister, so she contacted Jack an asked if ah could stay with you guys fer a bit. Hope that isn't an issue."
"Of course, it isn't! This is great! Thank you Apple Jack," AB exclaimed.