applebloom known as blank flank is about to be set on a path to getting her cutie mark
Applebloom is the only blank flank in her class and is getting sick of the teasing, she is determined to do anything, even put her life in danger. when a rampaging monster attacks ponyville it seems to everyone that applebloom is no more, little do they a creature that no one in ponyville has ever seen before is here to get her cutie mark, will she become a hero or will she forever remain a zero?
It was just another day in ponyville, birds were singing and the sun was shining while the ponies busy themselves with their everyday lives. As some hummed happily others were caught in a singing moment of the birds. Walking through the town was a purple unicorn with a Magenta six-pointed star, surrounded by five smaller stars on her flank. Her long Dark Indigo mane with pink and purple streaks curled at the end and hung short of her shoulder. Beside her, walking on two feet was a small purple dragon with green scales and spikes going down his back. He was small but that was because he was still a baby, even though he proves to be very helpful to twilight that was the pony’s name.
“Okay, let’s see,” spike said as he looked at the long list whilst holding a quill in his left claw. “ We've been to applejacks, Fluttershy's, pinkie pie’s and rainbow dash’s place, they are almost ready for Princess Celestia’s visit tomorrow.”
“Excellent.” Exclaimed Twilight sparkle, who seemed more excited about this than the other ponies. “The preparations are almost complete and for once nothing has gone wrong.” She said as she grinned happily from ear to ear. Suddenly a hyper pink pony named pinkie pie called out to her.
“Twilight, twilight!” she sounded alarmed like something terrible had happened. “Twilight my pinkie sense is acting up.” She said as she galloped across the square, although with pinkie it was between a gallop and bouncing. Her right front leg was off the ground, spike begin to shiver with fright, he knew most of pinkie pies sense was bad.
“Pinkie pie,” twilight asked as she pointed at pinkies leg “What’s wrong with you leg?” “My knee is pinchy, and you know what that means.” “Actually I forgot.” Twilight said sheepishly. She knew her best friends “pinkie sense” always came true, she didn't know how but it did. She was going to write a book on it so she knew what each feeling meant.
“My knee, it’s pinchy and a pinchy knee means something scary is going to happen.” Pinkie said as her eyes darted everywhere looking for the scary thing. “Oh, come now pinkie,” Twilight consoled her “it’s a beautiful day and princess Celestia is coming tomorrow what could be so scary that-” before she could finish a loud thud shook the ground, it felt like an earthquake but it wasn't consistent enough, it sounded more like footsteps, giant footsteps. In the distance pinkie, twilight and spike saw the trees shake. The birds cawing from the everfree forest were flying scared and with good reason. The trees were knocked over with ease twilight's eyes shrank in fear as she saw that this was going to be a problem. The creature was huge and purple, glowing with stars and a long brush like tail. Its long sharp yellow claws curved as it stomped the ground. Its red eyes blazed angrily as it approached ponyville. Its two long sabre like teeth bared forward as it growled and an awfully sound. Despite all these traits twilight was fixated on the blue star in the middle of its forehead. It was a symbol to show that was going to be a problem on her hooves. She stuttered at first as she tried to pronounce the name of the creature but suddenly with all the breath in her lungs she screamed.
“Ursa major!” As it roared furiously they ran to warn all the other ponies of ponyville, pinkie pie’s pinkie sense was right. As they galloped through town screaming all the ponies began to panic, ponies left right and centre were attempting to escape from this raging beast. Rainbow dash saw the action from above and she glad she was a Pegasus but her friends were in danger she had to do something. Suddenly a loud roar was heard overhead, a streak of blue appeared from the sky in three straight lines it was the familiar roar in the sky of the wonderbolts. No doubt princess celestia must have heard about the Ursa Major attack and took quick, responsive action. Rainbow dash admired them and was determined to show them that she was wonder bolt material; suddenly it struck her, if she could help take down the Ursa Major then they would be begging to join them. With a mighty zoom she flew to the Ursa Major and performed the double loop around its head. As she came in for swoop fly by the Ursa Major’s paw smacked her aside sending her spiralling out of control straight into the wonderbolts. As all four Pegasi’s plummeted to the ground those who stood and watched saw with shock and horror that there was no stopping it. Suddenly A yellow earth pony with a red mane and tail with a large pink bow on her head came rushing past twilight, holding a rope in her mouth. She knew who this was. This was Apple bloom a friend of hers little sister, she was a young filly who was desperately seeking out her cutie mark. Her older sister was applejack, a hard working good to honest pony. On the other end of the rope was applejack. She had the look of determination on her face. she would as she would say “tie this varmint down.” They galloped at great speed, although twilight looked hopeful in her friends to stop this beast she sincerely doubted they could. If the wonderbolts couldn't stop it, who would. The closer they got to the Ursa Major the less sure applejack was of bringing it down, she was distracted by its daunting size that she didn’t see bon- bon running across in front of her. As the two ponies collided apple bloom was left on her own facing a giant monster, as she came face to face with the beast she was frozen in fear. Applejack saw her sister as her vision came back from the collision and saw that she was on her own. “Apple bloom get outta there.” She yelled, but Apple bloom did not. Her own heart was making so much noise she couldn't hear anything. The Ursa Major couldn’t see her as it continued its rampage, debris was flying everywhere. As it knocked over a building dust blew into its eyes and it couldn’t see. As its paw slammed down on poor apple bloom apple bloom knew this was the end. The shockwave was felt not just throughout ponyville but sent shockwaves through the hearts of all the ponies. Tears streamed down from applejack’s eyes as she just witnessed her own kin’s death. Twilight felt sorry for applejack, to witness such horror must be painful on so many levels. Suddenly a great roar was heard, but not from the Ursa Major, this roar was different. Suddenly a dark figure came out of the smoke and said two words that would change the course of pony history forever.
“Fire Flare.” It said as its hoof was enveloped in flames. The figure blinded the Ursa Major and taunted it. “Come on you big bear sack, follow me, if you can.” The Ursa Major become enraged and with great speed followed the pony that so boldly taunted it to chase him. While others thought he was just another Trixie, showing off what he could do, others thought of him as a hero. Brave and heroic like most heroes from pony tales. As fluttershy helped rainbow dash up, the other ponies dared to look at the giant paw print that squashed poor apple bloom to discover nothing there. Applejack couldn't believe it, her own sister, still a little filly....gone.
“Aw, gash darn it, I should've told her to stay home, now look what's gon’n happened. How am I going to explain to big Mac and granny smith what happened?” all felt sad for applejack. Just then a voice was heard from behind them. A sweet loving and concerned voice, “What’s happened here, my little ponies?” as everyone turned round they saw that princess Celestia had arrived. While all the ponies bowed before her twilight was the one who spoke, sadden by today’s event which would ruin tomorrows as well. “Princess Celestia, it’s terrible. During the Ursa Major’s rampage half of ponyville is destroyed and we have lost a good pony and dear friend, apple jacks sister.” Princess Celestia felt applejacks pain, for she too knew what it was like to lose a sister. Though lunars was only for a 1000 years, apple blooms would be permanent. As she walked towards applejack the ponies felt the need to leave applejack to her grieving. Princess Celestia wrapped one of her wings around her and said softly.
“Losing a loved one is hard, but they will always be with you. For love is always around us and it is that love and memories of them they make us happy.” She smiled down on applejack and applejack tried to smile back but could only manage a slight twitch of her lips. Applejack got up and said kindly. “Thank y’all Princess Celestia, but I got’s to tell the folks back at sweet apple acres, what’s happened.” She slowly walked home with tears still streaming down her face. As applejack left Princess Celestia was quite perplexed. Ursa Majors don't attack pony villages and definitely not during day time. Not only that but a faint smell of burning was in the air, as her nostrils picked up the scent she discovered two things down the dark alleyway. A strange set of hoof prints and some ripped fabric. What did this all mean? She didn't have the answers, but she knew who might. She levitated the fabric with her horn and rushed off to twilight’s library, she needed twilight to do something for her, something that goes beyond the lessons of friendship.
“Twilight!” giggled spike “that tickles, you know my feet were always ticklish.”
“Sorry, spike” she apologized “But I need to draw around your feet to confirm princess Celestia’s suspicions.” the quill was brushing against his leg as twilight tried to draw around his foot on a large piece of paper. Princess Celestia stood by one of the many bookshelves in twilight's library; she had come to her most knowledgeable student because something at the incident scene had sparked her interest. She had planned to search the royal library on her return to find a book that may hold the answers, the history of Equestria. She had seen hoof prints and dragon footprints before but these hoof prints were strange. They were long and curved not small and circular like so many other hoof prints.
“Done.” Twilight squealed. “Your correct princess, the footprints did come from a dragon but these other ones are still a mystery, I've never seen anything like them.” Celestia knew this would happen; even here student did not know the origin of the other foot print. She sighed.
“Thank you for trying twilight, and thank you for your contribution spike.” Spike blushed.
“Oh it was nothing your highness.” Twilight levitated a piece of fabric that celestia had also brought with her. “I’ll see rarity tomorrow; perhaps she’ll have a better idea on what this is.” Outside the sun of the day was slowly slipping away, soon it would be night and Luna will be raising the moon. Her sister. Her thoughts were now focused on the young filly applejack. Today she lost her sister, a pain celestia knew all too well. As she left she turned to twilight and said. “Do let me know if you have discovered anything. The fabric, the strange hoof prints or why an Ursa Major attacked during the day and near a populated village.” She knew she was stalling of going home, to look at her sister and break down in tears. Twilight had sensed this and slowly said as to measure her words.
“We tried everything we could; there is nothing no pony could have done. I’ll see applejack tomorrow and see how she is” and with that, celestia spread open her wings and took off back to canterlot. Twilight felt empty and is she felt empty of what happened to apple bloom only celestia knows how applejack was feeling.
On Apple Acres, Applejack was slowly returning to the barn to put back the rope she had used today. As she put away the rope she remembered the conversation she had with apple bloom only moments before the Ursa Major attacked. She had been moving hale bales into the barn with apple bloom when the conversation came up.
“Do you think I can get a cutie mark in bale pushing?” she looked at her flank excitedly, only to be dashed to see her flank blank. Nothing she did was working. “Ima going be a blank flank forever.” She whined. Apple Jack gently placed a hoof on her head and said. “Sugar cube, when the time comes you’ll get your cutie mark. Who knows it may have something to do with apples, heck I’d bet it be something grander, but when it comes, you’ll know.” Apple bloom tried to smile but it was now use. Come Monday she’ll be teased of being the only filly in her class of being a....blank flank. Even the name made her shiver. Silver spoon and diamond tiara where the meanest fillies she had ever met, and now that her only friend twist had got her cutie mark, she had been seeing less and less of her. Soon Sweetie belle and Scootaloo will have their cutie marks and they’ll disappear too. She was about to say something when the screams of the town had reached them, apple jack grabbed the rope and apple bloom followed. Applejack should have made her stay but she was determined to try everything to get her cutie mark and to deny this would deny her hopes of getting a cutie mark. She slowly closed the barn door and wiped away a single tear that trickled down her face. As she opened the door to the kitchen the smell pricked her nostrils it was apple blooms favorite stew, barley grass and carrots. Granny smith was stirring as she came in; she looked up and waved with the wooden spoon still in her mouth. Apple jack smiled but her eyes were red from the crying. She was about to explain to big Macintosh and granny smith when all of a sudden.
“Hey applejack, where have you been?” That voice, it couldn't be. It was impossible but it was right there. Apple bloom. She was alive, but how? All of a sudden applejack wrapped apple bloom in her hoofs and hugged her tightly. Apple bloom struggled against the tight hug and was puzzled at why her sister was trying to choke her in this embrace. “What in the hay do you think you doin?” “Apple bloom? Is that...you?” she was struggling to find the words for only a few hours ago did she say her sister crushed by the Ursa Majors paw. “Of course is it me, why wouldn't it be?” “You don’t remember?” “Remember what?” Apple bloom was obviously confused; apple jack didn't want to scare her just in case it did something to her, so she had to do something that went against everything she knew. She lied. “Those...hay bales. I told you were stacking them too high but practice is all it takes.” After that dinner was served and nothing else was said.
Later that night as lunar’s moon hung high in the sky, the light gleamed down on sweet apple acres, making it glow eerie, even the apples once red glowed a strange grey. seeping in through the half closed blind of apple blooms room. The little filly was tossing and turning in her sleep, she gritted her teeth as the memory of earlier that day flooded back. The dust from the buildings half blinding her, and then facing the angry half blind Ursa major. She remembered the sheer terror when facing the beast she remained frozen even as the paw came, as it slammed down she felt herself being thrown to the side down an alleyway, she was barely conscious in the alleyway.
“Is she alright?” one of the shadows asked. “I think so, she’s still breathing, get her out of here.” “Why? What you going to do?” suddenly a loud crash and fire licked at the shadows feet. “what I do best” he said confidently. As he leaped up from the ground he yelled “Dragon fire....flare.” the other figure felt scaly as it picked her up. She could feel its claws lightly digging into her. It ran at speed, if she was awake the world would pass by in a blur of back alleys and green.
“He always has to go and do the stupidest things. But I guess why he’s one of the best.” The voice echoed all around apple bloom, the voice sound disorientated it was clear enough to hear but some words were hard to hear, although she couldn't see she felt them jerking left and right until they came to a stop. “This place looks as good as any.” The figure said as he placed her down, apple blooms eyes opened a little, she managed to glimpse some big dragon feet all purple, but it wasn't spike, this dragon was much bigger. Suddenly they scurried away and apple bloom closed her eyes again. When she next opened her eyes she was in her bedroom. Cold sweat had been running down her, it was still night time. She stayed still for a few moments to recollect her thoughts, was it a dream or did it happen? Who was the figure who saved her and was there a second dragon in ponyville? Just then her door opened and applejack walked in.
“You OK sugar cube?” she asked. She seemed concerned. “I’m ok sis, just a bad dream is all.” Applejack wondered if her sister was telling the truth, she could ask her was that true but then she had lied at dinner to spare her of what really happened. With that she tucked her back into bed and said goodnight as she gently closed the door behind her.
Morning rose and the dreaded Monday had arrived, apple bloom wondered if she could use her bad dream experience to get out of school, at least for today. But before she could even pretended applejack burst into her room, got her out of bed and out the door for school with applejack walking every step of the way. She wanted to make sure that apple bloom arrived there safely; even though the Ursa Major was gone anything could happen. She never knew how much danger her little sister could get in to. A random cart accident, trampled by a stampede even being crushed under a lot of apples, anything could happen and it could happen at any time. Apple bloom had watched her sister who was sick with worry; she didn’t want to say anything but she had to know.
“Big sis?” she asked. Applejack stopped dead in her tracks and looked around. She was searching for anything dangerous, “are you ok?” she asked again. Realizing what a foal she must look like Applejack quickly straightened up and said.
“I’m fine just wonderin if rainbow dash was going to prank me again.” It had been another lie, normally she’d tell her the truth but this whole situation had completely changed her. They had arrived at the school; apple bloom was hesitant of going in because by the school door was silver spoon and diamond tiara were standing there waiting for her. As she stepped back apple jack pushed her forward. As apple bloom was pushed through into the play ground apple jack called out to her as she left for home “Now don’t get into any trouble, and I’ll see you later.” As she walked off, apple bloom watched as her only chance of getting out of school walked away. Her attention was so focused on applejack that she forgot about silver spoon and diamond tiara as she turned she saw them moving closer to her, she wanted to run or escape but it was too late they were here. She may as well get the insults over and done with, how bad could they be she thought. How wrong she was.
“Hey apple bloom,” diamond tiara said so smug “ I've recently became physic I can tell what you didn't do over the weekend. “In fact everyone else can as well.” Added silver spoon. As she they circled round her they mostly homing in on her blank flank “Are you ever going to get a cutie mark?” “Or are just going to be a...” the cruelest two words that apple bloom heard daily from these two came in a loud unison like the whole school was joining in. “Blank flank!” and the laughter rang through her ears, like hoofs on a chalk board. The tears swelled up in her eyes and then, she ran. Out of the playground and through ponyville so blinded by her tears that she didn't see Scootaloo or sweetie belle coming out of sugar cube corner. She kept running and she ran to where no pony except her dares to tread, the everfree forest. Scootaloo and sweetie belle saw her run into the forest and wanted to chase after her but if they got lost who would find them, they decided to go back to ponyville to find flutter shy and apple jack, hopefully one of them might help them find apple bloom.
Apple bloom wasn't going to stop, or open her eyes as the leaves and branches battered her. She wanted to get to Zecora‘s and stay there until she was better or until her cutie mark came, which ever happened first. If she had opened her eyes she would have realized she was going the wrong way, a path that had been blocked branches was now lying limp and the leaves were scatted all around the place. It was normal for trees to overgrow on the paths but these branches were put there, like sort of warning. Maybe flutter shy wanted no one to go this way, but why? She found out her answer, her hoofs pounded on a rock surface and not the path to zercora’s. This was better; the first place anyone would look is at zercora’s this way she can stay out of sight from everyone. She sat on a rock close to the edge and shivered at the sheer drop into the river below that cold for sure. The birds flew past and circled round near apple bloom, the last of her tears were drying up, Cheerilee would now be worried and so would her big sister and brother. Little did she know that the cliff she was on was unsafe and cracking very badly, the cracks grew bigger with every moment. As she wiped the last of her tears on the back of her hoof she stood up.
“I guess I better go back, everyone would be worried sick. Well almost everyone.” More small rock rolled silently down and the crack grew ever larger. Suddenly apple bloom smiled “So what if I’m a blank flank, I’m apple bloom I can be anything.” She was getting better by the second while the crack were getting worse. “Yes!” she cried out “ I’m apple bloom and I’m-” and that was as far as she got for as she stomped her hoof down, the cliff finally subsided it happened so quickly that apple bloom didn’t have time to run. One minute she was there next her world had turned upside down and found herself falling with rocks all around her. She wanted to scream for help but what was the use, no one knew she was here. She’d be buried under rock or drowned before anyone found her. Above a great shadow blotted out the sun as she looked up she saw a pair of large wings that were on fire. A phoenix? Here? It dived towards her in attempt to grab her, either to save her or as food she did not know what phoenixes ate. A small rock had bounced off the falling debris around and smacked her in the center forehead, knocking her out. The phoenix caught up with her and wrapped its strange misshapen wings around her and turned its body round so that the impact of the rushing water below would be felt by the phoenix instead of the frail apple bloom. And then with an almighty splash both the phoenix and apple bloom plunged into the cold water below as well as the large boulders plunging in. After the loud noise all fell silent very quickly. The animals that had been watching raced off to find the one pony that would understand them, fluttershy.
The peace of the everfree forest was interrupted by the stamping of several hooves. The animals had led the charge but now Apple Jack had overtaken them and was leading the way. She was panting heavily she had not stopped since Flutter Shy told her. She had been at the farm bucking apples when she spotted Flutter Shy running towards her.
“Howdy Flutter Shy.” She said cheerfully but by the look on Flutter Shy’s face, something serious had happened. “Whats wrong? You look lower than rattle snake with no rattle.” Flutter Shy had to tell her but didn’t know how. In the end she swallowed her fear and explained what her animal friends had seen. Before she finished telling her about a phoenix that caught her, Apple Jack was already half way down to the entrance of the ever free forest. She had run along the path that Apple Bloom would have taken to zercora’s but stopped at the intersection that led uphill. She waited for Flutter Shy to catch up.
“Are you sure your animal friends saw her going this way.” She said as Flutter Shy caught up. “Oh, yes, they’re sure.” She said quietly. “They saw her go up here and then cliff collapse but they saw the phoenix grab her.” Apple Jack was already racing ahead uphill she had to see for herself. Perhaps the phoenix dragged her along the shore or had it carried her towards its nest, she had to see for herself. She came to an abrupt stop as she saw that half the Cliffside was missing.
Flutter Shy trailed slowly behind, she had noticed something odd. The branches that lay scattered had come from other trees and placed there. What was also strange that underneath one of the branches was a strange hoof print, it wasn't like anything she had ever seen. She had seen every kind of animal prints there was, but what creature left long narrow prints. Apple Jack looked around, there had to be a clue or a sign to where the phoenix took her. And then she saw it. It was there, floating against the reeds the sun was glistening on it. A humming bird swooped by and picked it up and laid it in front of Apple Jack. Apple Blooms pink ribbon. She was wearing it only this morning and now she was gone. Applejack thought that this might be like the Ursa Major, Apple Bloom might be back at the farm sleeping underneath an apple tree, but it wasn't.
She knew Apple Bloom was gone; tears rolled down her face and landed on and around the ribbon. Flutter Shy was also crying, when her friends cried she cried. They stood there for a long time before setting off. How was Apple Jack going to explain this to granny smith and big Mac? It would break their hearts, just like hers was now. The rabbits had dug up some mud and made a mound where they placed a pebble on top with Apple Bloom’s ribbon underneath; this was to be her grave for a pony so young. They strolled slowly back, it was a sad day indeed no more Apple Bloom, no more shadowing other ponies to learn how to get a cutie mark.
Shadows on the tent. That’s what young Apple Bloom was watching; she had been awake for ten minutes and in that time she took in her surroundings. She was in a pale green tent that was held up by two wooden branches. She was in a sleeping bag that was five times bigger than she was. It was old and faded It was also light green. She didn’t know where the tent was or who the figures were but at the next opportunity she was going to run as fast as she could. She could smell something cooking and wondered if it was for her. She was going to be lunch for these creatures if she didn’t run. Suddenly one of the figures started talking to the other.
“Do you think she’s awake yet?” Its voice was kind and caring but sounded like a child, although it could be a disguise. The other one sounded like he had a bad cold when he spoke.
“Check on her, but don’t wake her, let her rest.” The figure with the cold had spikes on top of his head and was very tall, he was the same size as big Mac on two legs and probably just as strong. One of the shadows was getting closer, he was almost as big as the other figure, but he had a large horn. Perhaps it was a unicorn? No it had long sharp claws, it was a dragon. She dived back into the sleeping bag just as the figure peered in. She saw the shadow growing as the flaps were pulled back and she knew with sickening feeling that it was getting closer. Its warm breath was smothering her as it got close. She then saw a pair of gold claws gently wrap itself around the sleeping bag and gently pulled it down. As she covered her face with her hoofs the scaly beast looked down on.
“Oh, you are awake.” It said kindly. Apple Bloom peered through her hoofs to see the figure was a dragon. It had large horn on its head as big as twilights, its body was purple with gold scales and its tail was trailing out of the tent. Its eyes dark brown and gentle looked down on her. “Hope you’re hungry?” He said “lunch is almost ready.” And with that he backed away and left her alone. She got up and bravely stumbled out of the tent and into the bright sunshine.
The sun was high in the sky it must've been noon. Then she thought for all she knew she could've been asleep for days. She looked around. She was in a clearing that was surrounded by trees and shrubs. She watched as the dragon walked away. The dragon was walking on its two large feet like spike, but it almost seemed to drag itself. It had two gold wings on its back along with gold spikes. It sat down on a fallen log, but it wasn’t alone.
There was another figure next to him. No scales, so it wasn’t a dragon, no feathers so it wasn’t a phoenix. She didn’t know what it was it wasn’t until she got closer that the figure didn’t look scary at all. His mane was yellow and spiky like a hedgehog; his skin was soft and slightly tanned. He had a blue scarf that had recently been ripped at the end around his neck. He was wearing a black waist coat that exposed the front of his body with red trimmings. He had open toed black sandals and knee length white trousers. Rarity would have a field day with this creature. She approached with caution; the figure seemed to be asleep. It eyes were shut and it wasn’t moving. As she stepped ever closer it suddenly spoke.
“Glad to see your alright.” Apple Bloom was spooked, she hadn’t said a word or made a sound and yet he knew she was there. He opened his eyes. They were dark brown but light, this creature whatever he was wouldn’t hurt her. “Hope you hungry, we got barley grass and carrot stew cooking.” He said as he pointed at the big black pot that was cooking. Apple Bloom looked at him.
“Barley grass and carrot stew?” “Yeah, it’s all we’ve got I’m afraid.” “No mister, you misunderstand. Barley grass and carrot stew is my favourite.” She smiled happily. And the creature smiled back.
“That’s good to hear, and please call me Matt.” He said to her kindly as he poured a small bowl of stew. The bowl was made from two small stumps of a tree hollowed out. She happily ate the stew, she felt like she hadn’t eaten in days for all she knew it could have been. Birds flew high above her and the sky was clear. It should have made her cheerful yet she felt sad. Matt had sensed something was wrong and asked her.
“Something wrong, little pony?”
“My name is Apple Bloom.” She replied “I just wanted to thank the phoenix that saved me, but didn’t get the chance. It’s probably the same phoenix that saved me in ponyville.” She sighed wistfully. Suddenly the dragon roared into laughter. “Whats so funny?” she asked. The dragon wiped away the tears of laughter from his eyes with the back of his claw. “It wasn’t a phoenix that saved you those times.” As he caught his breathe he pointed at Matt “That was his work.” Apple Bloom looked at Matt in amazement; this creature took down an Ursa Major. She stood up frightened, was this creature nice or was it just luring her in for its next meal. She started to back away. “Matt....may I ask you something,” As Matt looked at her he saw the fear in her eyes “What are you?” Matt looked down and sighed sadly. “I’m...a human.” Apple Bloom backed away she didn’t know what to think. “Are you....” she gulped “Dangerous?” Matt smiled at her. “Only when my friends are in danger, I had to grab you quickly before the Ursa Major crushed you and i had to go dragon fire burst before you were crushed by the rock. You seem to get into trouble an awful lot, question is why?” Apple Bloom could see he was honesty and friendly, maybe her sister applejack might welcome him for dinner. Perhaps even Flutter Shy might let him near her animals. She came closer. Matt did not react. As she sat down next to him she said quietly.
“I’m a blank flank, that’s why.” “A blank flank? Whats that?” the dragon asked. “It’s a young filly with no cutie mark, its embarrassing for me Mr Dragon.” “I’m Wilbur, Wilbur Fire heart, Apple Bloom.” “Well Wilbur Fire heart, its hard being the only filly in school with no cutie mark. I wouldn’t expect you to understand.” She said in a huff. As Wilbur and Matt glanced looks at each other, Matt picked up Apple Bloom and stood her on four hooves and said.
“We may not know about not having a cutie mark but we do know what it’s like to be alone. But Wilbur and I came up with a song to help us and we think it may help you chase those cutie mark blues away.” Wilbur went to fetch something inside the tent. When he returned he held a bright red guitar. As Wilbur handed Matt the guitar, Matt started to play a tune that Apple Bloom has never heard of. “When you want to join in, don’t be afraid.” He smiled. And then he started to sing.
“This is my escape, I'm running through this world and I'm not looking back, 'Cause I know I can go where no one's ever gone and I'm not looking back. But how will I know when I get there? And how will I know when to leave? We've all got to start from somewhere and it's right there for me, the possibilities are never ending. I see it, I see it and now it's all within my reach. Endless possibility. I see it, I see it now it’s always been inside of me and now I feel so free. Endless possibility.” Apple Bloom listened and understood; she started to tap her hoof and then started to join in. Matt could see she was ready and he let her sing next.
“And so I'll carry on, my time to shine has come I feel it. As fast as I can go straight to the top I know, you’ll see it. So please wake me up when I get there? It feels like I’m lost in a dream I know in my heart that it’s my time and I already see The possibilities are never ending . I see it, I see it and now it's all within my reach. Endless possibility. I see it, I see it now it’s always been inside of me and now I feel so free. Endless possibility.” As Wilbur walked over to Apple Bloom he said to her.
“So Apple Bloom?” he asked her. She looked up at him “So if someone say’s to you-” he then began to sing with Matt. “Drop that smile Cause you’re beaten again,” Apple Bloom yelled. “No this is where my journey begins.” Matt shook his head.
“You're losing speed; you're losing your flow.” “But inside me is a power you'll never know!” “Then let it out, it's inside you!” “Better all stand back, 'cause I'm coming through!” as she yelled she felt a swell of power deep inside her. This power was unbelievable strong. She was beaming with excitement, who could blame her? Someone she never knew or knew existed gave her confidence beyond confidence. She was dancing and singing beside someone who took down an Ursa major, with only ripped scarf as an injury. Suddenly she found herself singing, dancing and smiling a smile she never knew she had. “I see it, I see it and now it's all within my reach. I see it, I see it now it’s always been inside of me. I see it, I see it and now it's all within my reach.”
“Endless Possibility.” Matt added. “I see it, I see it now it’s always been inside of me. I see it, I see it and now it's all within my reach. I see it, I see it now it’s always been inside of me and now I feel so free. Endless possibility.”
“Endless Possibility” Wilbur sung. “Endless Possibility” “Endless Possibility” all three sang the last part in unison. As they lay down on the grass and looked up at the sky, they laughed as though they had been friends forever. They stayed on the ground with the fire slowing turning to embers and the sun going down. Apple Bloom looked up and sighed.
“I better get going.” She said as she slowly sat up. “My family's probably worried about me. For runnin out of school an all.” As she looked around she realized, she could be anywhere in the everfree forest and she could get lost and never be found. She looked over at Matt. “Can you help me get home?” she asked with soft eyes. He looked at her and sat up.
“How can I say no to those eyes?” he looked over at Wilbur “I’ll be back in a while Wilbur, protect the camp.” The dragon merely grunted and waved its claw. As Matt turned he lead the way for Apple Bloom back through the everfree forest. Matt knew where ponyville was from here and marked each tree to show Apple Bloom the way back. all was quiet at the camp, and Wilbur thought it was time for a nap. Matt had been gone for a few moments before the wind blew. It carried upon it a scent of putridness. Wilbur opened his eyes and the pupils narrowed, he smelled something. Something evil. It was here and it was close.
In a room filled with fabrics of many colors and textures Rarity was busy with a dress that had so many jewels that was almost hard to see the fabric they were sewn too. As she attached the final gem a knock came at her door. It was bizarre. Every pony knew she was closed today, so who would be knocking at her door? Perhaps sweetie belle coming back from school. She hesitated a moment longer, before she lit her horn up and opened the door with her magic.
“Come in.” She called in an upper class manner. As the door swung open, twilight appeared. “Hey rarity.” She replied. “I’m sorry to interrupt you when you’re working-” “Oh think nothing of it darling.” She smiled happily. “I was just finishing, would you care for some water with a twist of lime.” “That’s ok Rarity; I need to write to princess about that strange sighting we saw yesterday. And I was wondering if you had a chance to look at that fabric. You know, the one that princess celestia found.” There was a slight nervousness in her voice for some reason. But nonetheless she was determined to smile. Rarity’s eyes glimmered and shone as bright as her jewel dress.
“I did indeed. But I don’t know what material it is; I’ve never seen it on sale in any shops in all of Equestria. It’s beyond my expertise and that’s saying a lot.” She obviously felt disappointment to fail her friends, but to have a piece of rare fabric in her shop was a gift from celestia herself. It was blue like the sky, hard like a diamond but still soft enough to make into any clothing. It was very rare and she wishes she knew what it was and where to find it.
“Well thanks for trying rarity. I still have no clue on the foot prints or the fabric, but the burn marks came from a dragon and large one, but spike is the only dragon in ponyville. “ she growled in frustration. “Whoever this mystery pony is, he better step forward soon because this is driving me crazy.” As she panted rarity levitated a glass of water in front of her, ranting always made her thirsty. As twilight levitated it in front of her with her own magic she thanked rarity with a smile and began to drink. The sun was slowly setting and soon lunars job of the night sky will start.
At the edge of the everfree forest Apple Bloom could see ponyville in its strange sunset glow. They would have been here sooner but matt had stopped and slashed each tree with a small knife he had produced from his pocket. It would make finding him again easier than falling off a cliff.
“Thanks for showing me the way back.” She smiled. Apple bloom wanted to go home but felt nervous. She knew Apple Jack would be furious and she’d get a scolding from Big Mac. She was also thinking about Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara. Surely they knew how much it hurt her and where willing to do it again. As if reading her mind Matt said suddenly.
“If you ever need help, just follow the marks.” He said as he pointed at the slashes. “But only after school,” he said sternly “No more running away from your problems. Trust me it doesn’t work.” She walked forward then turned round.
“Why don’t you come to ponyville," she asked. "I’m sure everyone will wanna, shake hoofs with the hero that saved them’ all.” “I can’t.” “Why not?”
“You were frightened when you first saw me, imagine what everyone else is like, especially after what Zecora told me.” “You know Zecora?” Apple Bloom exclaimed. It seemed strange for a human to know Zecora in the everfree forest only being here a few days. “Yes, but I’ll tell you another time.” Matt raised his hand to stop her interrupting “You got a family to get back to.” As he waved goodbye he slowly disappeared into the everfree forest. Apple Bloom watched him go. The human had no fear of the everfree forest, just like she wasn’t afraid of it. She headed off home, singing the new song she learnt.
“Endless possibilities, endless possibilities.” As the moon slowly rose up a new night began and with it a day that would change history.
“What in the hay did you think y’all we’re doing, running off into the ever free forest like that?” Applejack shouted. She was furious, hooves stomping and eyes blazing, they were red from tears of joy to see Apple bloom alive as she walked in like nothing happened, but now her eyes stared in anger at her. Apple bloom hadn't said anything, nor could she. She made a promise not to say where she was and if she lied Apple jack would know, so she said nothing. “If you’re not going to tell me where you went today, then I can’t trust you to do anything by yourself. You’re grounded for three weeks. Git upstairs, no supper for you tonight.” Apple bloom walked slowly to her room, she got into her room and could see smoke rising up from the ever free forest. It had to be Matt. As she got ready for bed, she realized her sister had every right to be angry, she did run away and nearly died, twice in two days. Was getting a cutie mark really worth it, she thought. Of course it was and no matter what she was going to get her cutie mark, one way or another. As she yawned she said to herself. “Tomorrows another day filled with....endless possibilities.” She fell asleep dreaming of the day when she got her cutie mark. Everyone was cheering and chanting her name, but she couldn't see it. But whatever it was it must have been something special for the whole town to chant her name and to be recognized as a great pony. Suddenly a blinding light appeared above her, as she looked up and saw the dark clouds part to let in the sun and then, she woke up. It was a wonderful dream but it was just a dream, her cutie mark still wasn't there and probably never will be. No! Today was the day she would get it. After school, sweetie belle Scootaloo and her will form the cutie mark crusaders and find their cutie marks. As she got up and went downstairs for breakfast she forgot that she was grounded for three weeks, so no cutie mark crusaders for a while, that just means she’ll have to discover her special talent on her own. They ate their oats in silence, Apple bloom wanted to speak but she knew the first thing Apple jack would ask was what happened yesterday. She would of course refuse to answer but sooner or later she would find out. She went upstairs and brushed her teeth only to catch big Macintoshes reflection, he was watching her closely; apparently the grounding was only part of the punishment. As she got ready for school Applejack and big Mac were waiting for her. She was going to be walked to and from school always under supervision; there is no worse feeling when no one trusts you, even for a little filly. She arrived at school where Cheerilee was waiting for her. She must’ve been worried sick about Apple bloom when she ran away from the school, just then Apple bloom felt really guilty. She didn’t stop to think how this would look for Cheerilee. A teacher who let her student run off alone to a scary place and presumably left for dead in the everfree forest, ponies would talk about her, she might have lost her job if she did die, in a way Matt saved not only her life but Cheerilee’s life too. She knew words wouldn’t do her any good, proving she was really sorry but staying and compiling with her punishment was the only way. Applejack and Cheerilee talked about yesterday and how Apple blooms punishment was being carried out. Apple bloom didn’t listen she was still thinking about Matt; she wanted her sister to meet him. She’d like him and so would everypony else. She just wished he’d come and say hi to everypony. They’d accept him there wasn’t a single bad pony in ponyville, except two and they were staring at her now, diamond tiara and silver spoon. She shivered in the warm sun, and stayed away from them out in the open. Applejack waited until Apple bloom was in the class room and set off doing her chores for the day. Cheerilee kept an eye on her when she was playing with the other fillies and colts. The day seemed to drag on forever, but at last it was over. Everyone raced out the door and ran home, except Apple bloom. She was to remain in the classroom until Applejack or big Mac came to collect her. As Apple bloom waited she saw other ponies racing by, excited about something. Finally Applejack came to pick her up; as Apple bloom came out she heard the ponies chatting excitedly. “Who would have guessed it?” Said one pony. “I know.” Replied the other “To think someone of that size could save us from the Ursa Major.” Her ears perked up, she looked up at Applejack and pleaded with her eyes to go and see the hero. Applejack looked down at her.
“What is it sugar cube?” she asked. “Can we go see the hero, please?” her eyes bulging on the verge of tears. Applejack looked at her and thought about it. She was supposed to be grounded, straight home and nothing else, on the other hoof they had to walk by that way to get home and a quick thank you for saving Apple bloom wouldn’t hurt, heck she owed this hero her life. She didn’t want to make it look like she gave in to Apple bloom’s eyes so she said sternly.
“We’ll see the hero and then we’re off home, understand?” Apple bloom nodded with a smile. She ran ahead off Applejack to the town centre, she couldn’t believe it, Matt was here and every pony was accepting him. When they got to center of town, the crowds had gathered in force. It was hard to see him over so many ponies; she started to make her way through the crowd, gently pushing past the other ponies. She was excited, Matt was here in ponyville, this was brilliant. Suddenly a mighty flame leapt out at the front, Apple bloom could feel the heat. It had to be Matt no one else could do fire like that. The ponies awed at the great spectacle, Apple bloom pushed ever further ahead, she could make out a stage in front of her. That puzzled her; why would there be a stage here? It was only when she had reached the front of the crowd she found out why. Standing upon the stage was not Matt but someone her sister was all too familiar with.
“Come one, come all.” A pony in a wizards outfit beckoned to the crowd. “Come hear the great and powerful Trixies tale of her narrow escape from the beast.” She boasted. The blue unicorn in the purple wizards get up was well known in pony ville for spreading her lies and boasting of accomplishments she had never done. The crowd gathered. Eager to hear the pony’s tale. “It was quite the battle,” she proclaimed “But Trixie learned new magic while she was away.” Apple bloom couldn’t believe it. Nor could her sister.
“You again?” she exclaimed loudly. She didn’t hide the disgust in her voice, she thought when she vanished it was the last time but she came back. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t the Apple seed family, come to ask forgiveness from the great and powerful trixie, hero to all. I am heroic but humble, so if you admit I am the greatest hero in all of equestria I will forgive you.”
“I’d rather eat pig swill, then tell you that.” She spat the words out at her. “Besides, you aint the true hero of ponyville, I know who is.” As soon as the words left her mouth, the whole crowd gasp, Trixie’s eyes darted back and forth. Applejack was stunned.
“What did you say, you little hay bale.” Trixie exclaimed. “I have proof that I am the true hero of ponyville.” She pulled out from underneath her cloak a blue scarf. On the stage she was waving a blue scarf like a fan and showed it off like it was special. It was ripped at the end where some creature with claws had ripped it. “This is the end result of me saving you all, my precious scarf ruined to save you.” “So does the true hero, in fact he told me everything.” “HE?” Trixie was starting to become more worried. “Pray tell, little one,” trixie trying to sound calm. “What is this pony’s name?” “He’s not a pony.” “Then what is he?” “He’s a human.” Instantly she wanted to put those words back, she silently promised not to tell anyone and yet she blurted it out, in front of a large crowd. Apple bloom looked down ashamed; she let her new friend down. Worse than that she broke a promise, her gut was wrenching at the very thought of how Matt and Wilbur would react when she told them. Suddenly a burst of laughter came from nowhere. It was loud and obnoxious; Trixe had rolled onto her back on stage and laughed.
“Oh, you little foal,” she said as she tried to catch her breath back and regain her composure. “Humans haven’t existed in equestria for over a thousand years.”
“They so do exist!” she screamed.
“Prove it, trixie challenges you to bring this human.” Apple bloom stood still, she didn’t want to be called a liar in front of the crowd but she didn’t want to expose her friend more than she already did. “I will give you one hour, if you fail to produce such a human then the Apple family is nothing but a bunch of rotten lying Apples.” The crowd began to mummer, Apple bloom and Apple jack were in the center of it all.
As Applejack and Apple bloom walked through pony Ville looks from the other ponies sent shivers down their spines all the way to the hind quarters. All around them ponies were avoiding them and shutting their doors. They didn’t know then but soon everyone would be shutting them out completely, applejack was becoming worried. “Are you sure it was a human you saw?” she asked. “Absolutely sis, you know an apple never lies.” She said with an innocent smile. “Are you sure he’ll help us?” “Of course, he’s a guardian. He won’t say no to me.”
“No, no, no, no, no.” Matt said as he frantically packed away his tent, as Wilbur helped him he grunted and growled of all the work they had to do in such a short time.
“I didn’t mean to, it just kinda came out.” Wilbur growled at her.
“This is why we should have stayed in shadows Matt, ponies can’t be trusted.” A stabbing pain went through Apple blooms heart. “That’s not fair Wilbur!” Matt said sternly. “I can understand why she did it, I just didn’t believe she would do it. Anyways it doesn’t matter now.” “Please help me.” She asked close to tears. Matt saw her eyes and said with a sigh. “Go back to pony vile apple bloom. We’ll meet again.”
Apple jack waited for her from a distance and wanted to see this for herself but Apple bloom convinced her to stay for now. Knowing her sister was in trouble she started to move forward into the everfree forest and follow the same path her little sister did. The forest seemed to close in all around her, the darkness was creeping in. The wind blowing through the trees and the animals made noises that seemed to be spookier in the dark than in the light. Suddenly she heard a snap and reared up. As she looked quickly around on her hind quarters she realized it was just a twig. “Calm down apple jack” she told herself “If Apple bloom can do it, then so can you.” She ventured on coming closer and closer until she heard someone walking towards her. She dove into the bushes and waited to see what it was. To her surprise it was apple bloom silently crying. Something must’ve happened to upset her, she wanted to reach and comfort her but what that would do nothing except make the situation worse. As she left, apple jack emerged coved in twigs branches and thorns, she galloped in the opposite direction of apple bloom and went to confront the human.
Apple bloom felt lost, empty, betrayed. She thought the friend she made with the human was an illusion and what she saw was what humans were really like. They were nothing but selfish, cold and unforgiving creatures. They belonged away from ponies, to be lost in legends. All her sadness overwhelmed her so much she forgot where she was going and ended up straight in the middle of town. She only realized where she was when a loud, obnoxious voice called out to her. “Well, Well, Well look who has returned and what’s this? No human beside her? Filly’s Imaginations can always run wild.” Trixie said and she stood smug upon her stage. There was nothing apple bloom could do, Trixie seemed so confident that a human wouldn’t turn up. The smile upon her face was so large anyone could see it. She was nothing more than a bully, no worse than diamond tiara and silver spoon. Apple bloom felt darkness closing in around her, isolation, she dared not speak for her voice maybe lost within it all. Suddenly a glow of light came from behind her, an orange flame. Many ponies gasped and Trixie was for once, speechless. Apple bloom turned round to see, Matt Fire heart standing in the center of town burning fire in the palm of his hand.
“Heard you like magic?” he smiled straight at Trixie “Why don’t you make yourself disappear, before I make you.” Trixie trembled in fear, she thought humans were a myth but one was standing before her. She looked at it and noticed its gleaming sharp teeth, fire burning in his hand like it was nothing. No normal unicorn who could summon fire would hold it their hooves, she resorted to her last trick. She screamed out loud to Matt.
“You have not heard the last of the great and powerful Trixie.” As she stomped her hooves a cloud of black smoke concealed the entire stage. Suddenly with the sound of galloping hooves and squeaking wheels, Trixie disappeared out of Pony Ville. Mat was left standing in a circle by the other ponies and even those who didn’t see Trixie now wanted to see the event. As he put out the small ball of flame with a flick of his wrist he was expecting the worst. What he received was the opposite, the stamping of hooves and cheers from every pony he saw. Even apple bloom ran up to him and smiled.
“I thought you weren’t coming.” “I did say we'll meet again.” He smiled back. Apple bloom noticed something different about Matt, his cheek was bruised and had the markings of a hoof print. She left it, as she looked to the sky she saw Wilbur coming into land. As he landed he asked Matt as he looked around at the crowd of applauding ponies.
“Are we staying?” “For a while, Wilbur. For a while.” Wilbur grunted. “I’ll get the tent unpacked….again.”
