The Show Stoppers

Pony's Log Number 118: Ahh to be young again...the innocence, the carefree days, the big dreams...the absolute cluelessness! Mommia mia...

Somewhere on Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack began to lead the Cutie Mark Crusaders down a particular path towards something that she believed would be something special. However, only the orange pony knew what it was and had asked the three fillies to follow her.

"Where are you takin' us?" Apple Bloom asked curiously as well as puzzled.

"We're almost there, young'uns," Applejack called out ahead of the group as the three fillies followed her in single file. Applejack then pushed a large branch aside as she went by, Apple Bloom did the same, but pushed the branch away so hard that it smacked Scootaloo right in the face.

"Ouch!" Scootaloo groaned.

"Oh. Sorry," said Apple Bloom as she moved the branch out of the way and getting a good view of Scootaloo's annoyed face.

"Are we there yet?" the young Pegasus asked impatiently as they continued on their way.

"There? Where? What?" Sweetie Belle as she passed by the branch, somehow left completely clueless to what was going on, "I don't even know what we're doing!" It wasn't much longer before they arrived at nearby tree that had a very run down little house on its branches and a ramp leading to its entrance that was in the same condition.

"Here we are!" said Applejack excitedly as she looked at the tree house happily. The three fillies didn't see what was so exciting. To them, they just saw a rundown wreck.

"What are we lookin' at?" said Apple Bloom, not getting what they should be excited about.

"I have no idea," Scootaloo answered in annoyance. For her, this was not worth getting smacked in the face for.

"What is that thing?" Sweetie Belle asked. While she could tell it looked like a house, she wasn't sure if you could call it one.

"Cutie Mark Crusaders, welcome to your new clubhouse," Applejack presented to them. She had expected them to be excited but instead just got a cold unamused silence.

"Well, don't all thank me at once," said Applejack sarcastically as she approached the tree house and the three fillies soon followed her up the ramp.

"This was my clubhouse when I was your age," Applejack told them as she made her way towards the old balcony, "Sure, it hasn't been used in a while, but it's empty and on a secluded, private part of the farm. And it's all yours. It just needs a little, uhh...TLC."

"TLC as in Tender Loving Care," said Scootaloo curiously before adding sarcastically, "or Totally Lost Cause."

"Applejack!" said Apple Bloom, "We're supposed to turn this into our new clubhouse?"

"Well," said Applejack, "maybe y'all will get your cutie marks when you discover your talent for...waaah!"

CRASH!

Applejack had just learned a fore-hoof into the side of the wall, when it collapsed and she tumbled inside, her stenson hat the only thing that hadn't fallen inside.

"Uh...house cleanin'?" Applejack finished woozily. The three fillies just looked at each other, knowing this was going to be a challenge to fix.

(theme song)

Apple Bloom continued to survey the wreck that was now their wreck as she continued to jot down what she might need for repairs. Sweetie Belle just watched quietly, though she was getting rather bored waiting. Scootaloo had taken off to do something for the time being.

"Okay, so we need plenty of wood, hammers, nails, etc...and some paint," said Apple Bloom to Sweetie Belle as she showed her the list.

"It's gonna take us all day to get that stuff!" said Sweetie Belle.

"Most of it is back at the barn," said Apple Bloom, "the problem is gettin' everything we need from there ta here." It was just then a familiar pony zoomed by and Sweetie Belle gasped.

"Oh Mario!" Sweetie Belle called out in a sweet tone. Not even a second later, Mario had returned and stopped before the two fillies.

"You called Sweetie Belle," said Mario giving a smile that made the little filly giggle.

"We need to gather some stuff so we can fix up this ol' clubhouse," said Apple Bloom, "Can you give us a hoof?"

"Sure thing," said Mario, "Umm..."

"I already wrote down what we need and I actually have another paper of what I want to do," said Apple Bloom, showing a second paper with some very precise drawings featuring her projects for their clubhouse. Mario was impressed.

"Well, in that case," said Mario, "you girls wait here. I'll go bring over what you need. Just make sure you put it away what you don't use when you're finished alright?"

"Okay," they said together as Mario took off at high speed.

"Isn't he amazing?" Sweetie Belle cooed and Apple Bloom just rolled her eyes. The yellow filly did like Mario alot too, but she wouldn't go so far as to gush over him though. Sweetie Belle didn't even have to complain about what was taking so long as Mario arrived right away with everything Apple Bloom requested in a train of freight cars. Once everything was unloaded, the two fillies said thank you and sent Mario on his way. He did offer to help, but they insisted they could manage on their own. Despite their attempt with rebuilding a side table, Mario was going to trust that Apple Bloom was more prepared this time around.

Meanwhile, Scootaloo was busy drawing up a map as some birds were chirping from above. She carefully finished a rough sketch of what appeared to be the Library and Twilight's home. She nodded to herself as she rolled up her map. It should be noted that she was also wearing a helmet as she hopped onto a special scooter that was very dear to her. Flapping her small Pegasus wings, she revved herself up and took off at high speed. As she made her way past pony after pony, she notices a wooden board that is set up like a ramp. Scootaloo makes a determined smirk as she rides up the ramp and launches herself into the air. Ponies gasped as Scootaloo literally goes into the air and makes a smooth landing on the other side. As she continues her pace, Granny Smith was using her walker when Scootaloo zoomed by, startling Granny Smith as the elderly mare spun around.

"Soup's on!" Granny Smith yelled as Scootaloo zoomed away out of town and down the path to Sweet Apple Acres. Suddenly, a branch that was too low for her to duck under appeared and some birds were chirping on it. Scootaloo just smiled. In slow motion, Scootaloo made a good two yard jump off her scooter, clearing the branch as her scooter went under without a problem before landing back on and continued to move forward.

"You're not the only high-speed, high-jumping pony, Mario," said Scootaloo to herself as she made her way back towards the clubhouse. Apple Bloom was busy putting the last coat of paint on the ramp when she saw Scootaloo coming at her. Apple Bloom flinched since Scootaloo was moving so fast and feared being run over. However, Scootaloo was in full control and brought her scooter to a complete stop just beside the yellow filly.

"Whoa!" said Apple Bloom impressed, "Hi, Scootaloo! Back already? You're amazing on that scooter. You should totally race Mario!"

"Thanks!" said Scootaloo and then noticed their clubhouse, "Wow, Apple Bloom! You did all of this?" Apple Bloom apparently was more skilled in carpentry than she had shown back at that sleepover at Fluttershy's cottage. The clubhouse looked like it was brand new.

"Yep!" said Apple Bloom, "I fixed the broken shutters, sanded off the splinters, rebuilt the roof, painted..."

"That's so cool," said Scootaloo, "What's Sweetie Belle up to?" Apparently, the little marshmallow filly wasn't really much help with construction and had just gone off on her own. She was currently just using her tail to sweep a lone picnic table and the surrounding area.

[Sweetie Belle]

We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders... She just continued to hum the rest to herself for a bit.
...Never stop the journey...She hummed some more.

"There you are, Sweetie Belle," said Apple Bloom as she and Scootaloo came out of some bushes nearby, "I told you we could find her by following her totally awesome voice."

"What's that sweet tune you're singing?" Scootaloo asked.

"Oh, I was just working on our new Cutie Mark Crusader's theme song," Sweetie Belle replied.

"Cool!" Apple Bloom and Scootaloo said together.

"Teach us?" Scootaloo asked.

"Well, I've only come up with one part," said Sweetie Belle, "but okay!" The three fillies were soon settled into their new clubhouse as Sweetie Belle began teaching them the lyrics to their theme song. Applejack had just arrived to check up on them with Mario right behind her. The orange pony had wasted no time asking for his help with the farm chores when she saw him collecting materials for Apple Bloom.

[Sweetie Belle]

They all say you will get your mark
When the time is really right

[Apple Bloom]

And you know just what you're supposed to do

[Scootaloo] (loud and off key) Making Applejack and Mario flinch.

And your talent comes to light

"Well, uh...I'll be, Cutie Mark Crusaders," said Applejack from outside the clubhouse window, "You've done a fine job with this place."

"Guess Apple Bloom has some skills in carpentry," said Mario, "I'm eager to see what else she could build." Applejack smiled in agreement.

"So, what's next?" Applejack asked the three fillies.

"Well, now that we have a real life clubhouse..." Apple Bloom began.

"...and a map of Ponyville..." Scootaloo added, showing her the map she had drawn earlier.

"...And a Cutie Mark Crusader theme song..." said Sweetie Belle.

"Theme song?" said Applejack surprised.

"Didn't know you could come up with songs, Sweetie Belle," said Mario impressed.

"Well...it's no big deal..." said Sweetie Belle, blushing at the attention Mario was giving her, "I...well...could come up with a theme song for you?"

"Really?" said Mario, clearly interested with what she could come up with.

"Later Sweetie Belle," said Scootaloo, "This isn't "impress your boyfriend" time, it's "Cutie Mark Crusading" time." Sweetie Belle glared as Applejack shot a skeptical look towards Mario.

"Boyfriend?" Applejack said to Mario in a deadpan tone.

"We're just good friends is all," said Mario, "and she knows that. But like with Pinkie, I can't control the fact Sweetie Belle likes me." Applejack chuckled to herself.

"Anyways," said Apple Bloom, "We're gonna go out in the world and discover our talents."

"A new adventure!" Scootaloo said boldly.

"And earn our cutie marks," Sweetie Belle added excitedly.

"We'll leave no stone unturned!" Apple Bloom declared.

"No mountain unclimbed!" Scootaloo added in the same tone.

"No meal uncooked!" said Sweetie Belle with determination.

"No sock unworn!" Apple Bloom added.

"Well, okay then!" said Applejack, leaning back from all the declaration and determination, "Sounds like you have a plan. I gotta, uhh...leave no apple unpicked! See y'all later. Come on, Mario!"

"Ponies wear socks?" Mario remarked innocently as he followed Applejack downstairs. Applejack glared as Mario chuckled to himself before they headed back towards the Apple orchard.

"Are we ready to get our cutie marks, ponies?" Scootaloo asked as Applejack and Mario disappeared.

"Ready!" said the three fillies together. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were ready for action.

The first attempt involved them trying to be pig feeders. They worked together to load up the slop for the pigs to eat. Then Sweetie Belle rang the dinner bell. Just as they had opened the sliding barn door, the three fillies were overrun by dirty, muddy pigs. Sweetie Belle hadn't even gotten back on her hooves before a lone pig began to lick her cheek. Once they checked their flanks, which were still blank, they crossed Sweet Apple Acres off the map, and moved on to something else.

The second attempt brought them to Sugarcube Corner. Gathered around a large mixing bowl that was used for taffy making. They dump package after package of baking ingredients into it. It should be noticed that the packaging paper hadn't been removed either when they turned the mixer on. Things seems alright at first, but then the large beater caught Scootaloo's tail. The young filly tried to pull her tail out. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle tried to give her hoof but all three were sucked into the mixer and were now being mixed into the rainbow colored concoction. Fortunately, they weren't hurt, but they walked out of Sugarcube Corner stuck together, sticky fur, manes, and tails, and covered in torn up scrapes of packaging. They checked their flanks again. Once again, still blank. They cross off Sugarcube Corner and moved on to the next idea.

Their next task was setting up their own beauty parlor in the main area of the Carousel Boutique. Apple Bloom rang a bell to attract customers. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were busy helping their first customer relax as they tried to create their own mane dying mixture. The poor pony, whose name was Vera, left crying like a baby with a multicolored afro on her head. Yet all the three fillies cared about was checking their flanks again, which were still empty, and move on to something else.

Next came something a bit more subtle as they sat somewhere outside of town. They set up a special two sided stand. One side had some buttons with shapes on it. The other side had a collections of cards. Apple Bloom was on the side with the button selection panel while Sweetie Belle had a deck of cards. Sweetie Belle picked a card with a heart. Apple bloom thought for a moment before guessing a yellow circle. Sweetie Belle shook her head to tell Apple Bloom she was incorrect. Next with a blue star, Apple Bloom made another selection and both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo shook their head. The next card had green clover. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo both gasped as Apple Bloom was sweating hard, trying to figure out what the card could be. She ended up hitting all six buttons at once. The result was a collection of cards shooting out and smacking both Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo on the face. The two fillies glared at Apple Bloom, who was already checking her flank. Still blank and the same was said for Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. They crossed out the outskirts/park and move on.

Their next endeavor involved them doing some high mountain climbing through some snowy weather. Tied together with a rope, Apple Bloom took the lead and reached the top of the mountain peak first. Scootaloo was next as she wobbled up, The two worked together to pull Sweetie Belle to the top. Just as the young unicorn got to the top, she knocked the others off the tip, causing them all the tumble down the mountain. This would have been fatal...if the mountain they were climbing on wasn't only a few feet tall and sitting on a giant tree stump that was even taller than the "mountain" itself. The snow storm was just a single snow cloud. With their flanks still blank, they crossed out mountain climbing.

Next, they tried doing some deep sea swimming. Or deep lake diving to be more precise. With some flippers and snorkel masks equipped, the three fillies began to swim about casually. But then they were forced to swim away at high speed when a giant squid started swimming after them.

Wait...a squid...in a lake? Don't ask...

With that idea crossed out, the three fillies finally made their way towards the library. Twilight and Miss Cheerilee were making their way inside. Twilight was the first to enter the library when she gasped.

"I had nothing to do with this," said Spike as he crossed his arms indignantly.

"What is going on here?" Twilight asked as she saw the three fillies in a large pile of books.

"Hmm...Well, we sure aren't gettin' our cutie marks for bein' librarians," said Apple Bloom as she closed another book.

"Huh. I should think not," said Spike, earning a few glares, "What?"

"Moo-moot mmmmphing!" said a muffled voice from under the books.

"Wait...where's Mario?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Mmmmwn...mmmmere!" the muffled voice said again. Scootaloo began to dig through the books a bit and Mario popped his head out of the pile.

"Never expected you to get involved, Mario," Miss Cheerilee teased as Twilight smirked.

"No, I just love being buried in my studies," said Mario sarcastically as the two adult ponies giggled to each other, "I was trying to show them where to put some books when they tried to carry stacks that were too tall and too heavy and I was buried alive." Twilight just shook her head.

"Girls," Twilight addressed the three fillies, "I think you're going about this the wrong way. Instead of trying to do things you are not familiar with, why not try doing things in areas that you already like?"

"And I have the perfect place to start," said Cheerilee as she placed a poster on the floor for the three fillies to look at.

" "Showcase your talents..."," Apple Bloom read aloud.

" "...for all to see"," Scootaloo continued.

" "Perform in the Ponyville School Talent Show"," Sweetie Belle finished.

"There'll be all sorts of awards," said Cheerilee, "Best dramatic performance, best magic act, best comedy act...Surely you can find your talent."

"This would be the perfect place to discover our talents," said Apple Bloom, "Jugglin'!"

"Acting!" Scootaloo suggested.

"Magic tricks!" added Sweetie Belle.

"Square dancin'!" added Apple Bloom.

"Tightrope walking!" added Scootaloo.

"Tiger taming!" said Sweetie Belle. As the three fillies said their outrageous suggestions, Mario just felt a sense of headache coming on as he slowly sank back under the books.

"My little ponies," said Twilight, "You're missing the point. Think about the things you already enjoy doing. Think about what you're already good at."

"Sure! We can do that," said Scootaloo.

"Yeah! Sure we can," Sweetie Belle added.

"Well, whatever we do," said Apple Bloom, "we'll so it as..."

"...The Cutie Mark Crusaders!" they all shouted at once and then made their way out of the library. Mario was worried as he poked out of the books again.

"Why do I get this feeling that you're lesson went through one ear and out the other?" Mario asked.

"How about you quit goofing around and get those books put way?" Twilight said and Mario snorted.

"Did you even hear me?" he asked annoyed.

"I'm sorry I wasn't listening," said Twilight bluntly.

"Did you say something?" Cheerilee added in the same tone. Mario growled angrily before he used his magic to throw all the books back into their proper place. Each books made a loud thud as they were placed roughly back on the shelves in rapid session before Mario walked away grumbling to himself. Twilight and Cheerilee just looked unamused at his attitude until he left, then they snickered quietly to each other.

Meanwhile, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were busy collecting materials. Their first stop was Rarity's boutique where Sweetie Belle had collected various fabrics for their costumes. And judging by the fact Rarity came storming out was an obvious clue she didn't ask Rarity about it first.

"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity said angrily as Scootaloo took off pulling the young unicorn and Apple Bloom in a wagon with her scooter, "I told you not to touch my things! Come back with my supplies!"

"We're just borrowing them for the talent show," said Sweetie Belle as they moved away from the boutique, "Don't worry Sis, I promise we'll bring them back." Their next stop was a local fan store where Scootaloo came out holding a fan.

"Thanks, Mr. Breezy," said Scootaloo, "We'll return the fan to you real soon."

"What do we need this fan for?" Apple Bloom asked curiously.

"Trust me on this one," said Sweetie Belle before they went on their way again. Once they had collected their supplies. Scootaloo pulled over to check off their items.

"Okay, so that's six wooden planks, four-by-eight plywood, a box of nails, four cans of paint, and four paint brushes," said Scootaloo, "Anything else?"

"Yeah," said Sweetie Belle, "Instructions on how to use six wooden planks, four-by-eight plywood, a box of nails, four cans of paint, and four paint brushes." All that earned was a death glare from both Apple Bloom and Scootaloo as the latter hopped back on her scooter and took off, startling her two passengers in the wagon. Their final stop was the library where Twilight and Spike were standing outside as Twilight gave them a book.

" "Ghosts, Goblins, and Ghoulish Figures"?" said Twilight as she handed them the book, "Good heavens, girls. What do you need a book like this for?"

"You'll see," Scootaloo answered simply, "Thanks, Twilight. We'll give it back as soon as we're done with it." Twilight and Spike watched them take off with concerned looks on their faces.

"What do you think they're up to?" Twilight asked Spike.

"I have no idea," Spike answered, "and I don't know if I should be excited or scared to find out."

Scootaloo continued to pick up her speed when she noticed that she needed to stop as some larger wagons were passing by. She had searched for a launch ramp, but couldn't find anything that would let her jump over the wagons with her friends riding the attached wagon. As she waited impatiently, Mario chuckled at the annoyed faces the young Pegasus was making. He was waiting for his own small train of freight cars loaded with dry items and vegetables from the market for Applejack and the rest of the Apple family.

"The clubhouse isn't going anywhere," said Mario, "What's the rush?"

"We've got to work on our idea for the talent show," said Scootaloo, "and these wagons take so long to move."

"They are heavier than you think," said Mario, "besides, I'm gonna be sprinting so a little rest up is a nice welcome."

"Bet I could go faster than you," said Scootaloo, "You are the second fastest pony in Equestria." Mario snorted.

Where we're you when I made that ground sonic rainboom? I'll show you!

"It's a race," said Mario. They waited for the final wagon to just get out their way before Mario said.

"Alright, ready, set...hey Rainbow Dash is giving autographs!" Mario called out excitedly.

"Where?" Scootaloo squealed until she realized that Mario had taken off. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle sighed.

"She walked into that one," Sweetie Belle remarked as Scootaloo scowled to herself.

"You can say that...AHH!" Apple Bloom was startled as Scootaloo's take off was so fast they nearly lost some of their items in the wagon. Luckily, the two fillies were able to hold onto them as Scootaloo was pushing herself to top speed. Scootaloo tried hard to catch up but Mario was too fast. He gave her a triumphant TOOT-TOOT as he increased his lead, leaving the poor Pegasus far behind. Poor Scootaloo was out of breath by the time she reached the clubhouse. She just rolled off her scooter onto the grass nearby and panted heavily when Mario towered over her.

"Second fastest huh?" he remarked as Scootaloo glared.

"You were amazing," said Sweetie Belle to Mario.

"Hey!" Scootaloo protested bitterly as she sat up.

"It's alright Sweetie Belle," said Mario, "I'm glad I have at least one fan. Anyways, I better get these goods to Applejack so I'll see you later." Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle waved goodbye as Mario disappeared. Then the three fillies went inside their clubhouse to get back to work.

"I'm glad we're doin' this as a team," Apple Bloom remarked as they set the materials inside the clubhouse.

"Me too," said Sweetie Belle as she lay the tall fabric rollers against the corner of the clubhouse, "Um...so what are we doing again?"

"A super awesome dramatic song for the talent show, of course," Scootaloo answered.

"Right!" Sweetie Belle nodded, "With super-cool scenery. And amazing costumes!"

"This is gonna be soo amazing!" Scootaloo said excitedly.

"Sweetie Belle, I think you should be the singer," Apple Bloom suggested.

"What?" Sweetie Belle exclaimed, "No way I'm singing in front of a crowd. Twilight said do something we like to do, and I'd like to be like my big sister, and she's a designer."

"Fine then," said Scootaloo, "You can do the costumes and the scenery."

"And Scootaloo, you're great in maneuvers on your scooter," said Apple Bloom, "So you should do all the choreography. Y'know all those dance moves." Scootaloo nodded but then her eyes widened and she shook her head.

"Nah, I'd rather sing a wicked rock ballad," Scootaloo answered, "Why don't you come up with a dance routine, Apple Bloom?"

"Hmm...I'm not much of a dancer...but I do like kung-fu," said Apple Bloom, "That's kinda like dancin'. Hi-ya! Hah! Hah! Yeah!" Apple Bloom demonstrated a few moves to prove her point.

"Then it's settled!" said Sweetie Belle as she stood on her hind legs, "Let's get started!" Within a few minutes, they began to get to work. Apple Bloom had borrowed a music player and was trying to come up with some dancing moves. She soon found out that simple kung fu moves wouldn't exactly go with music. She then attempted to try a simple spin.

"One...two...three...Oh! Oh!" Apple Bloom wobbled as she lost her balance and landed right on Scootaloo's tail. The young Pegasus was sitting nearby trying to composure some music lyrics with a sheet of paper and a miniature piano. (No, not the one that boy from Peanuts had.)

"Ow, Apple Bloom!" said Scootaloo annoyed, "What are you doing?" Scootaloo then helped Apple Bloom back to her feet.

"Oh, I feel like I have four left feet," said Apple Bloom sadly, "I can't even spin right."

"Don't be silly," said Scootaloo, "You just gotta keep your head forward until the very last minute, like this..." Scootaloo then demonstrated a spin for Apple Bloom, "...See? Easy-peasy. You just gotta practice a bunch, that's all."

"Wow! That does look easy," said Apple Bloom, "Thanks. Okay. Let's try this again." Apple Bloom then tried to do a spin herself, but she was soon overwhelmed.

"Oh! Ouch! Ow," said Apple Bloom as she crashed somewhere in the distance, "I'm okay."

"Keep practicing!" Scootaloo called out.

"Will do," Apple Bloom replied as she continued to dance. Scootaloo was trying hard to figure out both the lyrics and music for their performance.

"We fight the fight, walk the walk," said Scootaloo as she tapped the piano keys in a discordant manner, "eat the...uh...food like a celery stalk? Ugh! I'll never come up with anything! Never, never, never!" Scootaloo banged her head on the piano keys as she finished her statement in frustration. Meanwhile, Sweetie Belle was working on a costume using a miniature sewing machine. She seemed to be managing herself alright, until the roller of fabric began rolling down a nearby slope.

"Come back! Come back!" Sweetie Belle shouted as she chased after the roller but the roller ended up getting away from her.

"Ugh, dumb fabric," Sweetie Belle muttered until she saw the young Pegasus nearby, "Hey, Scoot! How's the song going?"

"Pbbbt," Scootaloo answered with a raspberry.

"Pbbbt?" Sweetie Belle repeated, "Oh my! Sounds serious.

"I'm just no good at lyrics," said Scootaloo sadly, "Coming up with words is like..." There was a brief pause. "...really hard."

"Oh it can't be that bad," said Sweetie Belle as she read what Scootaloo had so far, " "With our cutie marks, we rock Equestria. We use our stomachs to...digestia"? Umm...Well...These are...um...good, but...How about after, "We fight the fight..." Sweetie Belle sang the next part.

There is nothing that we hear
We'll have to figure out what we'll do next
'Til our cutie marks are here

"Wow! That's so awesome!" said Scootaloo, "Did you come up with that just now?"

"Yeah...kind of," said Sweetie Belle modestly.

"Thanks, I'm totally using that," said Scootaloo as she wrote down what Sweetie Belle sang on her sheet of paper.

"Oh no!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed when she saw the end of the fabric had rolled into a small pond. Sweetie Belle wasted no time cutting up the drenched end and hung it along a laundry line to dry as she continued to make her first costume. She lifted it up once she had finished sewing the main pieces to it.

"One, two, three, four, five?" Sweetie Belle moaned and sighed at her mistake as Apple Bloom twirled by and landed on her back.

"Ouch!" said Apple Bloom as she sat up.

"How's the spin coming along?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"I think I gotta just stick to punches and kicks," said Apple Bloom and then noticed the five legged costume, "You know, ponies only have four legs." Sweetie Belle moaned in frustration.

"I'll never be a designer like my sister, Rarity," said Sweetie Belle sadly.

"Hey it's no big deal," said Apple Bloom, "Why don't you use the dress form?" Apple Bloom pointed to a nearby mannequin they had borrowed, "It'll help you with your patterns and help you put all the pieces in the right places."

"Oh, is that what that's for?" said Sweetie Belle. Apple Bloom then noticed that all the paints and colors for their set were all in the colors of browns and blacks.

"Uh...maybe you should also clean your paintbrush between each color," Apple Bloom suggested as well.

"Oh, I was wondering why all the colors looked like mud," said Sweetie Belle.

"You're not using power tools are you?" Apple Bloom asked her. Sweetie Belle's silence could have implied she was considering it, but thankfully she didn't.

A couple of days later, Applejack and Mario were making their way towards the clubhouse to check on the girls.

"The talent show is just around the corner," Applejack told Mario, "I wonder how the fillies are doin'."

"Me too," said Mario with some dread in his tone. He had told Applejack...not what they were doing to get cutie marks...but rather the fact the three fillies seemed to be overlooking what they were already good at in their pursuit of trying other talents they had no knowledge or skills in.

"It don't hurt to try new things Mario," said Applejack, "I'll show you." They quietly peeked through the window to see what was up when they both cringed.

"Oh! Sorry Scootaloo," said Apple Bloom.

"That's okay," said Scootaloo, "Ugh!"

"Oops! Sorry, Scootaloo," said Sweetie Belle.

"Oh, my bad, Sweetie Belle," Scootaloo replied, "Let's sing the chorus again!" Applejack and Mario had seen enough and walked away with frazzled looks on their faces.

"Good to try new things huh?" Mario asked, feeling too stunned to be sarcastic about it.

"Well, gosh," said Applejack, "Sure wasn't expectin' that."

"I think that sounded pretty good," said Apple Bloom. Both ponies could hear the three fillies from outside.

"Me too," said Sweetie Belle, "you think we're ready?"

"Ready as we'll ever be," said Scootaloo. Applejack and Mario cringed.

"Hey! Did you see us practicing?" Scootaloo asked as they all rushed outside before either pony could disappear.

"Uh...Yeah," Applejack answered simply.

"We...saw..." Mario added, neither pony turning around.

"Well? How'd we do? How we'd do?" Apple Bloom asked eagerly.

That was so terrible that all the three of you are gonna do is humiliate yourselves on a public stage! What were you thinking coming up with something like this? You completely missed the point of Twilight's lesson!

At least that is what went through Mario's mind and was sure Applejack would agree. But all either could say was:

"Uh..."

"Speechless!" Scootaloo said excitedly, "See, girls? I told you that's what we're gonna do. We're gonna leave them speechless."

"Yay!" the three fillies cheered as they dashed away, leaving a distraught Applejack and Mario behind.

" "Speechless" is right," Applejack muttered.

"Those three are setting themselves up for a big fall," Mario added, "Should we..."

"I doubt they would listen if we told them, sugarcube," said Applejack, "Sometimes the best lessons in life are the hard ones." Mario just hummed and started walking away.

"Where in tarnation do you think you're going?" Applejack asked curiously.

"Better stock up on tissues," said Mario, "I know Rarity isn't the only one who goes through multiple boxes when she cries." Applejack just rolled her eyes as Mario headed back into town.

Soon, the day of the talent show had arrived. and lots of ponies had arrived just outside the Schoolhouse grounds to watch the show. At the moment, Snips and Snails were both doing a magic act routine.

"And on the count of three," Snips explained as he lowered the hat over a rabbit, "this rabbit will disappear, and something tasty will reappear in its place. A one, a two, and a three!" Snips lifted the hat. The rabbit had disappeared, but there wasn't anything underneath the hat.

"Hey! Where are they?" Snips wondered, "Snails, where are the...carrots. SNAILS!" Snails had apparently put the carrots in his mouth and was munching on them dumbly before Snips took after him.

"Uh, how about a round of applause for the S&S magic act," said Cheerilee as some applause was made in the crowd, "Now for our next act, we have Sunny Daze and Peachy Pie reciting their favorite poem...on roller skates!"

Backstage, the three fillies were dressed and ready to go as they wore some black cloaks over their costumes and sat on a large crate waiting for their turn as Sunny Daze and Peachy Pie went skating by them.

"Break a leg!" Sweetie Belle shouted.

"Sweetie Belle," Apple Bloom exclaimed in shock, "What a thing to say!"

"No, no, no," Sweetie Belle explained, "You see, in the theater, it's considered bad luck to say "good luck". So you say "break a leg" instead."

"My little ponies!" said Twilight as she appeared next to them with Mario along side of her, "how are you doing?"

"Nervous..." said the three fillies at once.

"Don't worry," said Twilight cheerfully, "You're gonna be amazing. Remember, just stick to what you know best. I can't wait to hear you sing, Sweetie Belle."

"Why does everypony always think I'm gonna sing?" Sweetie Belle whined.

"Because you actually have a singing voice," Mario muttered before Twilight jabbed him hard in the side.

"Actually, Twilight Sparkle," said Scootaloo as she stood up on the crate, "I'm the main singer tonight." Twilight blinked.

"Oh?" said Twilight stunned.

"And I'm the main dancer," said Apple Bloom, "Hi-ya!" Apple Bloom did a kung fu chop.

"Oh?" Twilight repeated.

"And I'm in charge of..." said Sweetie Belle.

"Costumes?" Twilight guessed wearily.

"And sets and props," finished Sweetie Belle, "How'd you know?" Mario gave her a look, reminding her what he had said earlier. Twilight just glanced at him first before looking back at the three fillies.

"Really, girls?" said Twilight in disbelief and uncertainty, "Are you sure..."

"Cutie Mark Crusaders, you're up on next," said Cheerilee as she walked by, "Break a leg!"

"Break a leg-"

"Ugh!" said Apple Bloom annoyed at Twilight as the three fillies zipped away. Tossing their black cloaks behind them.

"Uh...good luck!" Twilight called out but was worried. She then saw Mario still looking at her.

"I hope you're not expecting me to admit you were right," Twilight remarked as Mario sulked.

"Would've been nice," Mario remarked under his breath. It didn't take them long before Sweetie Belle had their props set up and the entire stage went dark. Soon three lights were shinning on the three fillies heads. They had spiked their manes and put on make up and reggae style outfits to make them look like punk rockers. Their background music resembled a fusion of both late 1980s rock n roll and pop music.

[Scootaloo]

Look, here, are three little ponies,
Ready to sing for this crowd,
Listen up, 'cause here's our story
I'm gonna sing it

[Cutie Mark Crusaders-literally yelling]

Very loud!

The lights shined, showing some very amateurish backdrops and scenery. The ponies in the audience just stared at them with their faces hanging out. Poor Applejack tips her hat forward and ducks her head, feeling embarassed for both herself and the three fillies.

[Scootaloo]

When you're a younger pony
And your flank is very bare
Feels like the sun will never come
When your cutie mark's not there

So the three of us will fight the fight
There is nothing that we fear
We'll figure out what we'll do next

As she sang, Sweetie Belle single handedly tried to pull up various types of props from a sun to some hanging spiders. Apple Bloom just continued to stand in place, using kung fu kicks and chops to dance.

[Cutie Mark Crusaders]

'Til our cutie marks are here!

We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders
On a quest to find out who we are
And we will never stop the journey
Not until we have our cutie marks

Things began to go wrong at this point. For starters, as Scootaloo sang, the fog machine went on the fritz, spreading the smoke around Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom found she couldn't see and bumped into Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Apple Bloom then made a chop, causing her hind leg to get stuck in the scenery. The yellow filly smiled sheepishly before she tried to get her leg out of the hole she had made.

[Scootaloo]

They all say that you'll get your mark
When the time is really right
And you know just what you're supposed to do
And your talent come to light

But it's not as easy as it sounds
And that waiting's hard to do
So we test our talents everywhere

Sweetie Belle was supposed to cover a hanging spotlight with a blue visor to make the light beam turn blue. But her visor was too small for it to cover the entire light. So Scootaloo had to move for only her face to be bathed in the blue spotlight.

[Cutie Mark Crusaders]

Until our face is blue

Things went from bad to worse as one of the dropped props from above hit the giant fan they borrow, blowing the three fillies off the stage while they were singing. Some of the props began to teeter about as they continued to sing. Sweetie Belle rushed to try and prevent one prop from falling, but soon they others were wobbling about as well.

We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders
On a quest to find out who we are
And we will never stop the journey
Not until we have our cutie marks

We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders
On a quest to find out who we are
And we will never stop the journey
Not until we have our cutie marks!

As they finished their song, all the back props fell into the three fillies, smashing into pieces on top of them. The crowds were silent for another second...before they burst out laughing at them. The three fillies popped out of the mess and saw everyone laughing. Their laughter didn't make them feel good at all. It wasn't much longer before the broken props and other items were cleared from the stage. The three fillies were feeling glum and embarrassed.

"Wow," said Scootaloo, "That did not go as well as I expected."

"I can't believe they're laughin' at us," said Apple Bloom.

"Was it that bad?" Sweetie Belle asked out of the blue when Miss Cheerilee arrived.

"Back on stage, girls," said Cheerilee, "It's time for the awards."

"Back on stage? No," Sweetie Belle protested.

"They'll just laugh some more," Apple Bloom added sadly.

"Yeah, what's the point?" Scootaloo replied.

"Now girls, let's be good sports," said Cheerilee, "you made a great effort. You should be proud. Now come on!" The three girls just exchanged worried glances with each other before sneaking into the stage behind the other ponies who had participated in the talent show.

"Let's hear it for all our talented fillies and colts," said Cheerilee as the ponies all stomped their hooves to make it sound like they were applauding.

"Our first award goes to...Snips and Snails for best magic act," Cheerilee announced at the two unicorn colts made their way to the stage.

"Hey! Mine's at least shinier!" said Snips smugly.

"Well, mine's bigger," said Snails as they walked away.

"Oh yeah, well...Well, mine is, um...heavier," Snips shouted back. Spike and Cheerilee just roll their eyes at them before moving on.

"The next award goes to...Sunny Daze and Peachy Pie for best dramatic performance," Cheerilee announced. The two fillies smiled excitedly as they went to claim their medals. The three fillies quivered nervously as they waited for the next announcement.

"And finally, the last award of the night goes to..." Cheerilee announced. The three fillies continued to quiver nervously. Even Applejack was looking very nervous, unsure of what to do if the three fillies were left with no award despite their performance.

"The Cutie Mark Crusaders!" said Cheerilee as she rose off her fore-hooves.

"What?" said the three fillies in complete shock.

"For best comedy act," said Cheerilee as they gave them their three medals. The ponies cheered for them as the three fillies smiled. They still couldn't believe that they had actually won an award.

"Can you believe it?" said Apple Bloom once they were backstage, "We won!"

"I knew our act was awesome," Scootaloo replied.

"You know what would be the best?" said Sweetie Belle, "If we won and we got our cutie marks." The three fillies smiled as they tore off their costumes and checked their flanks. They were still blank and they let out a long moan.

"Congratulations, ponies!" said Twilight happily as she and Mario stood before them, "Job well done."

"Thanks," the three ponies said rather sadly.

"Hey, you don't sound too excited," said Twilight concerned.

"We worked really hard and won a prize, but we still don't have our cutie marks," said Scootaloo with a sigh.

"Which is the prize we really wanted," said Sweetie Belle in a dreary tone.

"Oh, girls..." said Twilight and Mario together.

"But we think we know why," said Apple Bloom.

"Yes. We know why," said Sweetie Belle.

"Oh? Tell me," said Twilight, "I'd love to make a special report to the princess." Mario nodded in agreement.

"Well, maybe we were trying too hard," said Sweetie Belle.

"Yes? And?" said Twilight, hoping to hear more.

"And instead of forcing ourselves to do something that is not meant for us...," Scootaloo added.

"Yes? Yes?" said Twilight growing more excited.

"We each should be embracing our true talent!" Apple Bloom finished.

"And that is...?" Twilight asked them with a smirk on their faces. Mario was eager to hear their answer.

"Comedy!" the three fillies said aloud.

PLOP!

Mario collapsed to the floor on his stomach. He knew these three fillies were very, very smart. He had seen their genius and true talents first hand, but the fact they couldn't figure this lesson out was just too much for him to accept as he literally knocked himself out from the cluelessness. Twilight just looked stunned...at the fillies. Not even noticing that Mario was passed out. Sweetie Belle saw that Mario was knocked out.

"Oh, my prince has passed out!" said Sweetie Belle, "I must revive him." She puckered her lips to give him a kiss when Apple Bloom shoved her out of the way.

"Just use the revival mushroom," Apple Bloom remarked in annoyance as Sweetie Belle pouted. No pony even asked how Apple Bloom had gotten the green and white spotted mushroom.

"Apple Bloom! You did it!" said Applejack excitedly as Rarity and Rainbow were standing next to her.

"Did you see our award?" the three fillies asked excitedly, "weren't we funny?" They took off to speak to the three ponies, leaving a stunned Twilight behind. Apple Bloom had even forgotten to give Mario the revival mushroom, dropping it in front of him. Twilight just blinked a few times before smirking at the three.

"One day..." Twilight giggled, "one day..." She then noticed Mario was passed out. She couldn't help but giggle as she grabbed the mushroom and fed it to him.

(extra life fanfare)

Mario groaned as he rose to his feet, rubbing his head.

"Bad day?" she asked innocently as Mario groaned.

"They may be my friends," said Mario, "But they really give me a headache sometimes..." Twilight just smiled.

"They'll learn," said Twilight, "Come on. Let's get a dessert together at Sugercube Corner, my treat." Mario smiled. Twilight had never offered to treat him to anything before. Plus it was just him and the beautiful purple pony.

Well, mom always said the best way to have that first date is a simple beverage or sweet pastry, Mario thought to himself as he followed Twilight.

He could only hope this would the start of many more "dates" in the future...

Mario's reactions in this episode are heavily on my first impression of this episode. But even those who see it again and again know the cluelessness is more than just about getting their cutie marks.

Plus could this be the start of something between Mario and Twilight? We will see...

Peace Pony Fans!