Author's Notes:

Release Notes:
ver. 1.0: Alternate Cutie Mark Crusaders Origins Edition

Prime Universe Equivalent: Call of the Cutie

The Ponyville Schoolhouse, a place for learning and expanding the mind. Apple Bloom, being the ever so diligent filly, is learning new things by daydreaming about a certain dragon.

*sigh* Spike~

Ms. Cheerilee called on Apple Bloom who babbled unintelligibly allowing a chance for her bully, Diamond Tiara, to taunt her. Since they were talking about cutie marks, she took advantage of the topic since the farm filly had yet to get her cutie mark. All of this bullying went to Apple Bloom's head.

Begin Theme. Twinkling Balloon holding Spike and Twilight descends.

My Little Pony
My Little Pony

Ah... Ah... Ah... Ah...

Cloud Zoom Transition. Rainbow Dash is absent. Twilight climbs out of the basket with Spike on her back and trots into Ponyville.

My Little Pony
I used to wonder how much Spike could mean
My Little Pony
Until you all chose to share him with me

Camera pans to Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Applejack. The two groups wave to each other.

Spike falls from a high height in front of a Cloudsdale-like background while screaming like a mare.
...
Rainbow Transition.

Spike and Pinkie Pie have a small get-together in Sugarcube Corner.
Tons of Fun!
Confetti Transition.

Spike enters Carousel Boutique and finds it empty.
...
Flash of Light Transition.

Spike helps Applejack with chores at Sweet Apple Acres.
Loyal and Strong!
Apple Transition.

Fluttershy gives Spike a very loving nuzzle in front of her cottage.
So Adorable!
Butterfly Transition.

Spike, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Applejack are outside the Golden Oak Library. Twilight teleports into the scene.
It's easy to see

That he is the best drakefriend!
The mares all group hug around Spike.

You have my little ponies
They all take a picture together and send it to the Princesses in Canterlot.

Princess Celestia is amused and has a warm smile while Princess Luna looks at the photo with filly-like naive confusion.
Do you know that Spike is really the best?
Zoom out on the picture of Spike, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Applejack.

Pink Background and Slam Logo on Top as Theme Ends.

Fade to Black.

Apple Bloom moped around after school at Sweet Apple Acres. This did not go unnoticed by Applejack and Spike who were doing some chores around the farm.

"You doing alright there Apple Bloom?" Applejack started.

"Not really. I'm having cutie mark troubles again," Apple Bloom pouted.

"Oh? How so?" Spike commented.

"The majority of the colts and fillies in my class already have their cutie marks. I'm starting to feel like I'm skilled at being inept."

"Bah! Does that really matter? Without having a set talent, you can pursue a wide array of them! Who said you had to specialize?" Spike brushed it off like it was nothing, "in fact, take a look at me. There's no way I can get a cutie mark, yet it's clear that I have certain skills. If anything, we're blank flank buddies."

Apple Bloom giggled and utilized Spike's statement to her advantage.

"So~ You're saying I should stay around ya more? I know I would like to," she brushed up against the dragon.

Spike blushed from the contact.

"Uh... Maybe...? Applejack, what do you think?"

Applejack pondered deeply.

Flashback.

"Applejack, you're going to have to act on that promise now you know. You're going to share him with me."

End Flashback.

Hm... Nah.

"Um..."

By not being the Element of Generosity, Applejack was about to do a selfish. Pinkie Pie popped out from behind one of the trees, glares and gives Applejack a stern slap on the back of the head.

"OW! Okay! Okay! I get it!"

Pinkie Pie smiled in approval before vanishing behind the tree. Applejack nodded vigorously to which Spike responded with a nod of his own.

"Mmhmm!" Apple Bloom continued enjoying the feel of Spike's scales as the dragon patted her on the head.

"So, how about you go take Apple Bloom for a nice and proper date to cheer her up?" Applejack suggested.

"That sounds like a good idea," Spike agreed, then turned to Apple Bloom, "Sugarcube Corner sound good?"

Apple Bloom smiled at that.

"I'd love to, Spike."

Hoof in claw, they made their way to Sugarcube Corner and sat down together in a booth. Pinkie Pie trotted... er... appeared in front of them to take their order.

"Hey there Apple Bloom! What's up, Spike? What can I get ya?"

"I'm up for anything. How about you pick for us, Apple Bloom?"

"Alright, Spike~ Hmmm... I think a strawberry milkshake sounds nice," Apple Bloom ordered with a smile.

"Okie Dokie Loki! Coming right up!" Pinkie chirped.

Pinkie Pie went to the back to prepare said milkshake.

Unbeknownst to Apple Bloom and Spike, they were tailed and now being watched by a unicorn filly and a pegasus filly that go by the names Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo respectively. These fillies who were sitting in a booth across the room were totally not spying in on the duo.

"He’s treating that filly very well, don't you think Scootaloo?" Sweetie Belle sighed lovingly.

"Sweetie Belle, why are you being all mushy? That's not what we're here for! We're here for the filly he's with since she doesn't have her cutie mark either!" Scootaloo glared.

"Well if you must know, Scootaloo, given the ratio of mares to stallions in Equestria, I would want to pick someone who would take care of me and treat me right which is what I see right there. Wouldn't you agree?" Sweetie Belle commented.

That is a very good point. (This is Scootaloo's Color, not to be confused with Applejack's.)

Pinkie Pie brought out the milkshake.

"Here we go! One strawberry milkshake!" the pink pony chirped.

Will I ever be able to have my own order of food or drink ever again?

We'll see about that Spike! It's too adorable when you eat with each of us! ^_^ But all I'm going to say to you is that you DID say you could go for anything and Apple Bloom DID say "I think a strawberry milkshake sounds nice" which does imply a single milkshake. :P

Whoa! D: Hi there Pinkie Pie! I guess that's true. Either way, I think taking care of you ponies takes a higher priority to having my own plate.

Aww, Spike! That's so sweet! <3

Apple Bloom looked at Spike and Pinkie Pie.

"Uh... am I missing something?" she inquired.

"No, just having a mind to mind with Spike, that's all," Pinkie simply smiled at Apple Bloom, "anyways, I'll leave you and Spike to your date! I'm looking forward to getting to know you more~"

How did she...?

Pinkie Pie winked at Apple Bloom, gave Spike a kiss, and went back to work.

You're still a wonder aren't you, Pinkie Pie?

You bet I am! ;)

Spike rolled his eyes in amusement at the departing pink pony.

"You see? Even Pinkie Pie approves!" Sweetie Belle squealed.

"Really, Sweetie Belle? Focus, please," Scootaloo glared.

"Uh huh," Sweetie Belle waved Scootaloo off.

As Spike and Apple Bloom were drinking their milkshake and making small talk, the farm filly suspiciously stared at the other two fillies.

"Do they seriously think we don't notice them following us?" Apple Bloom asked Spike.

Spike glanced at Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle who looked away.

"Well... now that you mention it, yeah. Got any ideas?" Spike whispered back.

"Yep! I highly recommend that you go over there and talk to them!" Pinkie chirped.

Apple Bloom and Spike fell out of the booth due to the sudden appearance of Pinkie Pie. After glaring at the party pony who squee'd, the duo made their way over to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.

Quite the looker isn't he... Wait a minute, are those two coming over here? *gasp* Act smooth! Act smooth! (This is Sweetie Belle's Color, not to be confused with Rarity's.)

Sweetie Belle flailed in the most smooth and fabulous way possible, landing on the ground with a loud "THUMP". Scootaloo rolled her eyes at the silly filly as the duo arrived.

"Uh... are you alright there?" Spike simply stared at Sweetie Belle.

Having expected to be helped up by the drake, Sweetie Belle shot up and glared at Spike.

"You're supposed to help a filly up! *cough* I mean, hi!" Sweetie Belle scolded then greeted, "of course I'm doing okay!"

"I don't know about that, you two were being too noticeable," Apple Bloom did a suspicious.

"Of course we were. We were watching over you. As the younger sister of Rarity, it's my duty to watch over you, younger sister of Applejack. I'm Sweetie Belle!" Sweetie Belle extended a hoof for a hoofshake.

Sweetie Belle you smart cookie~

"I'm Spike, companion to Twilight Sparkle," Spike shook the young unicorn's hoof.

*squee* His claw is soft~

Heh, watch this!

"And I'm Scootaloo! A friend of Sweetie Belle," Scootaloo mimicked Sweetie Belle's hoofshake, to which Spike also accepted.

Sweetie Belle facehoofed at Scootaloo's copying.

"And I'm Apple Bloom," Apple Bloom sighed, "so... What do you two want with us?"

"Well... we noticed you have no cutie mark either!" Sweetie Belle chirped.

"Yeah, and you two don't either," Apple Bloom commented.

"Yeah! That means you're perfect for our club! It's the... um... It's the..." Sweetie Belle slapped a few words together, "Cutie Mark Crusaders!"

An awkward silence ensued as a tumbleweed rolled in front of the Sugarcube Corner scene and Apple Bloom just gave her "questioning eyebrow raise".

"Whoopsies! That's not supposed to be there!" Pinkie dropped down via rope from the ceiling, picked up the tumbleweed, then went back up.

Spike stared at the spot Pinkie Pie dropped from and only found the ceiling.

Well then.

"I see..." Apple Bloom was still suspicious.

Scootaloo had enough of the improvisation that Sweetie Belle was attempting and bailed her out.

"She just wants to be your friend since she didn’t like how Diamond Tiara was teasing you," Scootaloo matter-of-factly stated.

"Well... now that you explained, I'm much more willing to give this a shot." Apple Bloom wasn't amused at Sweetie Belle's antics.

Sweetie Belle squee'd as Scootaloo gave her a "you're lucky I bailed you out" look.

"So... See you two here in a few? I'd like to get back to my date with Spike. I'm assuming you're going to the Cute-ceanera?" Apple Bloom farewell'ed.

"Yeah, we are, we'll see you there. Again, sorry about that, Sweetie Belle insisted that we talk to you two now rather than later. But still, it was nice meeting you, Apple Bloom and Spike," Scootaloo reassured.

Scootaloo dragged Sweetie Belle out Sugarcube Corner before the unicorn filly could say anything to retort. Sweetie Belle smiled and waved at Apple Bloom and Spike who watched blankly as they returned to their booth. After watching the events unfold, Pinkie Pie jumped into the booth next to Apple Bloom to check up.

"They seem nice don't they?" Pinkie Pie chirped.

"I guess... Uh... why are you muffling Apple Bloom right now?" Spike inquired of the party pony.

"Mmph!" Apple Bloom complained.

"Hmm? What do you mean?" Pinkie asked incredulously then gestured to Apple Bloom, "Oh!!! This! Well... Apple Bloom was probably going to comment on how obvious Sweetie Belle was being, but I'm sure they'll be great friends!"

Apple Bloom freed herself.

"Am not! You saw the way Sweetie Belle was looking at Spike!" the filly glared.

"Huh? She was?" Spike questioned.

"Yeah, she was! I saw her taking glances at you from that booth they were just at!"

"Oh? If that was the case, I didn't notice. I was too focused on you."

Apple Bloom went wide-eyed.

“Oh...” she blushed, "right..."

"Still, don't worry about that, Apple Bloom! Sweetie Belle does take after her sister ya know," Pinkie commented, covering for Spike, "but I've seen, she's a good filly with a mischievous side to her. Lastly, you are playing by Harem rules after all."

"Thanks, Pinkie," Spike smiled.

"Well... in that case, sorry about that Spike... I guess I got too carried away in being defensive of you," Apple Bloom squee'd.

"No worries, I understand you were just watching out for me too," Spike reassured.

Apple Bloom nodded in agreement. Spike paid for the two of them, bid farewell to Pinkie Pie, and departed for the Golden Oaks Library to pass time while the party pony finishes setting up the Cute-ceanera. They arrived at the door and knocked. Twilight answered.

"Hello? Oh! Hi Apple Bloom! Welcome back, Spike. What brings you here?" she greeted.

"Well... you see... this and that..." Apple Bloom explained.

"I see. Well, in that case, I welcome you aboard the Spike Harem."

Spike looked confusedly between Apple Bloom and Twilight.

"Hmm? Yes, Spike?" Twilight inquired.

"You understood what Apple Bloom just said?"

"Yes? The whole Pinkie Pie close friend thing remember?"

"Yeah, I figured that much, but how did Apple Bloom know to use that method of communication?"

"I didn't, I really didn't feel like explaining thoroughly," Apple Bloom squee'd.

"Uh... you know what? Forget it, even I'm not going to try to explain that," Spike simply shrugged, not wanting to make this exchange any longer.

After hanging around in the library for a bit, it eventually came time to go to the Cute-ceanera. Apple Bloom and Spike were given a ride on Twilight's back. They arrived and entered. Twilight went off to chat with a surprisingly calm Pinkie Pie. Apple Bloom and Spike found Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle sitting around a table chatting away about things. The four of them joined up then started making small talk.

Eventually, Diamond Tiara was being snobby again. She started to denounce Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle for showing up to a party that was supposedly meant for those who have cutie marks. These insults to the innocent fillies finally made Sweetie Belle snap.

"Alright! That's enough, Diamond Tiara!" she yelled.

Everything went silent and everypony watched with mouths agape.

"We deal with your bullying all the time yet we still take the time to attend YOUR party of all things since we still care for you. What do you have to say for yourself?!" she continued, "if you really hate us that much, I guess we'll just go."

Sweetie Belle gestured Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Spike to the exit. As the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike exited, Diamond Tiara could only watch. Something in Silver Spoon, a filly known to be a friend to Diamond Tiara who also attended, finally clicked as well.

"Miss Diamond Dazzle Tiara... They're right you know," she begins, "I have to say though, it's very disturbing the way you treat them. They treat you like an equal; Which to be very blunt, we are. I seriously thought you could change, but I guessed wrong. For now though, I've decided that between having a toxic friend and risking having no friends, I'd rather be friendless. Goodbye, Diamond Tiara."

Silver Spoon departed Sugarcube Corner, leaving Diamond Tiara basically all alone. Meanwhile, outside...

"Whoa! Sweetie Belle, wasn't that a bit over the top?" Apple Bloom inquired of the recent outburst.

"I don't think so, Apple Bloom. This has been going on for months. I don't think you can exactly call that acceptable," Sweetie Belle pointed out.

"I guess..."

"As the Cutie Mark Crusaders, it's time for us to move on and find our destiny!" Sweetie Belle shot a hoof into the air.

Scootaloo went wide-eyed.

"Wait, you were serious about that?' she questioned.

Sweetie Belle glared back.

"Of course I was serious! The only thing I wasn't sure about was the name!"

Scootaloo facehoofed.

"I don't know about you Scootaloo, but I like the idea," Apple Bloom reassured with a smile.

Sweetie Belle squee'd.

"You do?!"

"Of course! The idea that we can go searching for our skill is exciting isn't it?"

The two fillies nodded to each other then turned to Scootaloo.

"Well? What do you think?" they asked.

"It can't be helped now can it?" Scootaloo mused to herself with a smile as she turned to the other two, "sure! Let's do this!"

"Cutie Mark Crusaders! Yay!" all three of them chanted.

"Wait!!!"

The now Cutie Mark Crusaders all turned behind them to the source of that voice.

"Oh, it's you..." Sweetie Belle commented halfheartedly.

It was Silver Spoon.

"Hey hey, I'm not here to taunt you at all. In fact, I'm here to make amends," the glasses wearing Earth Pony filly reassured.

"Oh yeah? How can I be so sure about that?" Sweetie Belle was doubtful.

"Come on Sweetie Belle, think. Have I really ever said anything against you, Apple Bloom, or Scootaloo?"

Sweetie Belle then had a Flashback of all the times Diamond Tiara bullied them. It turned out that every single time, Silver Spoon was watching with a concerned expression.

"Oh... now that you mention it... you're right."

"Indeed. If you haven't figured, I've just cut my friendship off with Diamond Tiara. I just wanted to let you know I don't have any animosity against you three."

"Well... when you put it that way..." Sweetie Belle mused then hopped with a smile, "want to hang out with us?"

Silver Spoon went wide-eyed.

"Really? Just like that? Even though I was friends with a bully for so long?"

"Of course! I mean really, if you don't have anything against us, who am I to say anything against this?"

Sweetie Belle gave Silver Spoon a pat on the shoulder.

"Well, in that case, Sweetie Belle, I accept the offer," Silver Spoon smiled.

"In that case, let's go!" Sweetie Belle chirped.

"Wait, what? Now?"

"Yes now! There's no time like the present!"

Silver Spoon nodded along then departed with Sweetie Belle. Scootaloo shrugged and tagged along.

"You coming along Apple Bloom?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Hmm... Nah, I want to spend more time with Spike," Apple Bloom commented.

Sweetie Belle smiled and nodded in understanding then caught up with the other two fillies. It turned out that Twilight watched the whole thing play out.

"Huh, everything worked out didn't it?" Twilight went up to Apple Bloom and gave Spike a pat on the head.

"I know right?" Apple Bloom replied.

"So... spend time with Spike huh?"

"Mmhmm!!! I intend for him to spend the night with us Apple Sisters at Sweet Apple Acres! I think it's time for us Apple Sisters to have our time with Spike don't you think? You and Pinkie Pie already had your own scenes with Spike! The least you could do is give us a scene!"

"But... Fluttershy..."

"Don't worry about that! She'll have her own scene in a future Episode! Right, Spike?"

Spike pulled out an Episode list.

"Uh... Apple Bloom... well you see... the future isn't set in stone so I can't exactly guarantee--" he began.

Apple Bloom slapped a hoof over his mouth.

"What he means to say is that Fluttershy will have her own personal time with him sometime in a future Episode! Since I said it, it must happen now shouldn't it?"

Spike glared daggers into Apple Bloom.

"I mean sure but..." Twilight was about to retort.

Apple Bloom pulled her puppy dog eyes of adorableness.

"*sigh* fine..." Twilight gave in.

"Yay! Thanks, Twilight! Let's go, Spike!"

Apple Bloom grabbed Spike's tail in her mouth and dashed her way to Sweet Apple Acres.

"Just... take... care... of... him..." Twilight muttered out while watching the first filly induction.

Apple Bloom dragged Spike up the porch to her house and plopped him in the living room.

"Applejack! Big Mac! I'm home! We also have a guest!" she made her presence known.

"Pipe it down, Apple Bloom. I'm here I'm here," Applejack left her room to go greet Apple Bloom and said guest, "oh, Spike, you're here too. What brings you here this evening?"

"Well, Apple Bloom brings me here this evening..." Spike grumbled as he dusted himself off, "she was VERY insistent to Twilight on bringing me to stay over the night."

"How'd you manage to convince Twilight anyways?" Applejack was curious.

"Oh you know... Apple Family secret," Apple Bloom winked.

"Yep, that's my sister," Applejack confirmed.

Since Apple Bloom riled Spike up a bit, Applejack suggested that they go down to the pond to wind down for the evening.

"Cannonball!" Apple Bloom was first to jump in.

"Isn't this a bit... uncouth?" Spike was a bit uncertain.

"Ah, I know exactly where you're coming from Spike," Applejack understood, "you're a city folk aren't ya?"

Spike matter-of-factly nodded.

"Yep, I had a time where I was a city folk too when I lived with my Aunt and Uncle Orange in the city of Manehatten."

"You lived in Manehatten?!?!"

Oh right... I forgot...

"Yep! And I have to say, it was quite interesting. The difference in culture has definitely got to rank near the top."

"I can definitely see that."

"Ya know, you and me, we're not too different after all. I experienced the urban side and am a country mare myself, and you're a city dragon now experiencing the country style. All I'm saying is, we can learn from each other's style and can become a better pony and dragon from taking the best from each of our styles."

Spike thought about it for a bit then nodded in understanding.

"You know what? You're right Applejack. I've been raised as a city dragon. I think it's time to take a page from your book, kick back and relax."

Applejack and Spike smiled at each other.

"Hey! You two going to join? The water's fine!" Apple Bloom hollered.

Applejack and Spike got mischievous looks on their faces. Applejack tossed her stetson to the side and the two of them jumped in and began to have a two versus one splash war against Apple Bloom.

"Aw come on! No fair!" Apple Bloom pouted.

"Says the one who dragged me all the way to Sweet Apple Acres!" Spike retorted.

The splash war continued for a bit resulting in a thoroughly soaked Apple Bloom. After the three got out of the water and Applejack grabbed her stetson, Apple Bloom shook herself off like a dog, thus getting the last splash on Applejack and Spike. The farm pony and dragon glared at Apple Bloom who just blew a raspberry in response. The three of them laughed and returned back to the farmhouse. Applejack gave Spike and Apple Bloom a bath then took one herself since the tub wasn't big enough. They all went to have dinner with the rest of the Apple Family which included a very stern warning from Big Mac to Spike since the Apple Sisters chose him as their companion.

It was finally time to get some sleep. Although Apple Bloom insisted that Spike sleep with her in her bed, Applejack definitely retorted to that since she was inducted into Spike's Harem earlier than the farm filly. It was agreed that they would rest in the haystack in the barn. Rest in the barn's haystack they did. Applejack wrapped her body around Spike and Apple Bloom who already fell asleep cuddled up. After placing her stetson on the side, she finally fell asleep herself.

Zoom out of the sleeping trio.

"Finally we made it to the end of the Episode! I mean seriously! This stuff is usually reserved for a post-credits scene! Can you believe it?!"

So much for a peaceful ending to the Episode.

"PINKIE! SHUSH!" Apple Bloom, Spike, and Applejack sternly shut up the party pony.

Pinkie Pie squee'd then dashed off. After a few glances at each other in irritation, the Apple Sisters and Spike returned to their slumber.

Zoom out of the sleeping trio... Again...

End Theme with Credits.