How I earned my cutie mark

by Flyingshy

Chapters

• Chapter 1: A Story to tell
• Chapter 2: First week in Ponyville
• Chapter 3: The Mailmare incident
• Chapter 4: The Party
• Chapter 5: Calendar
• Chapter 6: Wingless Wonder
• Chapter 7: Cupcake Calculation
• Chapter 8: How Twilight became a Princess
• Chapter 9: Four words (1/2)
• Chapter 10: Fashion Parade (2/2)
• Chapter 11: Lesson of Loyalty
• Chapter 12: Unexpected Change
• Chapter 13: Cutie Mark Nark
• Chapter 14: (ACT I Finale): Final Nightmare
• Chapter 15: ACT II: Mystery Gift
• Chapter 16: How not to earn your cutie mark
• Chapter 17: Sweetie Belle's Wish (1/2)

Chapter 1: A Story to tell

My usually neat  blue mane was a mess as I galloped as fast as I could, my puffy purple tail flowing behind me. My small bag of belongings was strapped to my white coated body was perfectly placed to cover my blank flank. "I bet cousin Rarity is waiting for me at the train station! I can't wait, Ponyville sounds amazing!" I spoke to myself cheerfully as I ran through the busy streets towards Manehatten train station.

I rushed through the familiar streets I had grown up on, avoiding several garbage bags that had been thrown out as I turned the corner, nearly falling head over hooves attempting to avoid them.

Ah, garbage bags thrown all around the place, the perks of living in the apparently posh suburb of Manehatten.

"Whoa I finally made it!" I beamed to myself as I arrived at the train station, proud I'd actually ran so far. "And just in time too!" I noticed the train boarding ready to head to Ponyville. My fluffy tail hung low for a moment as I pondered for a moment. "What if cousin Rarity isn't totally excited to have me come stay with her though?" I spoke to myself fearfully.

"I AM TOTALLY EXCITED TO HAVE HIM STAY WITH ME!" Rarity beamed with excitement, hopping up and down on the train platform. "Oh my little Flicktailus Flufftail is finally going to be here!" Rarity beamed, scanning carefully as each pony stepped off the train. "Oh I do hope he gets here safely and I'm so glad you're all here to greet him!" Rarity glanced at her five best friends and Sweetie Belle.

"Flicktailus Flufftail?" Rainbow Dash sniggered at my name. "It took you this long to tell us your cousin has the last name Flufftail?" She burst out laughing.

Thanks Rainbow Dash.

My train had finally pulled in to Ponyville station, it was a fairly boring train ride, I'd spent the whole journey mindlessly staring out of the window.

I stepped out of the train and everything was right, I breathed in the fresh air away from the city for the first time my eyes closed tight, and it felt amazing. Before I could truly open my eyes to see what was in front of me, Rarity rushed up to me and pulled me in to the most enormous hug I'd ever experienced.

"Oh little Flicky! It's so great to see you!" She finally broke the embrace and used her hoof to make my mane neater. "Oh my you've grown! and your tail is even fluffier now!" Rarity was inspecting me. "Oh and your mane dear... that needs a nice deep conditioning I think, and what in the name of Equestria is that on your face?" She frowned at the dirt, licked her hoof and wiped my face.

"It's great to see you again Rarity!" I hugged her once more. "Thank you so much for letting me move in with you!"

"Oh it's not a problem at all, oh we're going to have so much fun! Just as long as you don't cause any trouble!" She teased, licking her hoof once again and wiping away more dirt from my face.

"I promise Rarity! I'll never cause any trouble at all!" I smiled up at my cousin eagerly.

Well that was a complete lie, sorry Rarity.

For that matter, sorry to the entirety of Ponyville. Anyway, I was always nervous meeting new ponies, so when Rarity insisted that I -

" - Must meet my best friends!" She proclaimed proudly.

Everypony stepped forward except Sweetie Belle who hung out nervously behind the rest.

"This is Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash!" Rarity introduced me to her friends, all of them smiled down at me politely. "And Sweetie Belle over there, oh come on Sweetie say Hi to your cousin, you've never met before!"

"Welcome to Ponyville Flick!" Twilight Sparkle stepped forward and lowered herself to my level.

"Hi Miss Twilight!" I squeaked excitedly.

"Yeah welcome... Flufftail." Rainbow Dash tried desperately to hide her laughter.

And that's how I first met Rarity's friends, they were all so lovely and welcoming. I had honestly no idea that I'd just met my new family it really was a perfect welcome. Although I recall Pinkie Pie firing some sort of confetti cannon that ended up with her getting kicked out the station at somepoint.

"Oh my, it's so nice to meet you," Fluttershy shyly spoke, clearly happy to see another addition to the group, yet still retaining her cute shyness.

Now my first impression of your aunt Fluttershy was that she seemed so kind, shy, quiet and just overall adorable, it was hard to imagine she seemed like the calmest pony you could ever meet. I'd eventually see what she's like when she finally loses her cool though.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

"Welcome to Ponyvillie squirt!" Rainbow Dash ruffled my mane. "And boy, you sure look like Rarity, hope you're not a fashion freak like her!"

I'd been told a few times that I resembled your aunt Rarity, besides my messy blue mane, I have the same colour eyes as she has, the same white coat, even a purple tail.

"If ever y'all need showin' around, ye can count on us to help ya!" Applejack winked, tipping her hat towards me. "We're mighty happy to have a new member of our group!"

"So Flicktailus Flufftail, what brings you to Ponyville?" Twilight asked warmly.

I had no idea at the time all the things me and your aunt Twilight would go through, I'd always had a huge interest in magic and had heard so much about her before I arrived in Ponyville. I'll get to all the amazing magic related stories later on. But for now I faced a problem.

Why was I here? I had to speak up and answer.

"Well it's lovely to meet you all! You're all so kind and welcoming thank you!" I blushed slightly nervously looking down at my hooves. "I decided to come here because -" I felt myself hesitating slightly, the idea of what I was about to say somehow sounded odd even though I'd told myself over and over that it was the reason I should move. "I want to earn my cutie mark, I thought maybe a new town away from the busy city and my parents might be a new start for me."

I knew that my life didn't belong in Manehatten or any other huge city. I knew deep down that getting away from everything could help me find that special something that I was destined to do. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Sweetie Belle suddenly look up and stare directly at me, before jumping in front of me, startling me and the rest.

"You don't have a cutie mark yet!" She gasped with a tone of enthusiasm, leaping in front of me. "You can be our new member! We have a group called the cutie mark crusaders, I run it with my two friends! I have to tell Apple bloom and Scootaloo! They gotta know that we have our first colt joining the group!" She paused for a moment and noticed my fairly blank expression. "If you know, you wanna join that is," she averted her gaze.

I swear when Sweetie Belle gets so excited her voice raises several tones, sometimes it's so high pitched I momentarily lost my hearing.

I rubbed my ear several times, trying to hide the fact she'd nearly deafened me I opened my mouth to speak -

"Come on now Sweetie Belle don't suffocate him with questions, you two can get to know each other before you do any cutie mark related things," Rarity ushered Sweetie Belle aside.

I glanced across to Sweetie Belle when Rarity wasn't look and nodded, winking as I did so. She grinned in return.

"Hey I haven't welcomed you yet!" Pinkie Pie suddenly appeared behind me somehow. "You can't have a welcome party with confetti!" She pulled a giant confetti cannon seemingly out of nowhere. "WELCOME TO PONYVILLE FLICK!"

"Pinkie it's not a good idea to set off the confetti cannon here!" Twilight tried to stop her friend.

"Nonsense!" Pinkie beamed happily. "All I want to see is Flick smile and feel welcomed! There's no better way to do that than confetti! It's the best idea ever! nothing can possibly go wro - "

"So now that we've been kicked out of the train station." Rarity glared at Pinkie Pie. "Where would you like to go Flick?" She asked me warmly.

"I know just where we should go!" Pinkie bounced happily away. "This way everypony!"

"She's quite a character." I giggled. "I'm actually excited to see where she takes us!"

"I would say you'll eventually get used to Pinkie Pie but, well that would be a lie!" Sweetie Belle giggled.

I shook my head in amazement. "I've only been here for five minutes and I'm already having so much fun! I wonder where Miss Pinkie is taking us though?"

"Well duh, where else?" Pinkie hopped alongside me, "Sugarcube corner!"

At that moment in time, I had literally no idea what Sugarcuber corner was, of course it quickly became my favourite place in all of Ponyville. So when we arrived we had a nice little party, where I also happened to meet two more very special ponies.

"Flick, this is Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, my fellow cutie mark crusaders! Guys this is my cousin Flick!" Sweetie Belle pushed me in front of the two ponies grinning at me.

"Nice to meet you! I'm Scootaloo!" Scootaloo eagerly shook my hoof.

I felt dizzy but returned the smile she gave me, before turning to Apple Bloom.

"I'm Apple Bloom! It's sure fine to meet ya Flick!" Apple Bloom did the same.

"So you want to join our group?" Scootaloo and Apple Bloom spoke almost immediately.

Sweetie Belle was grinning behind them, already knowing the answer. I smiled at my cousin and took a deep breath.

"He's going to say yes!" Sweetie Belle whispered to the other two. "I already know that!"

I composed myself. "You know what, it's been amazing to meet you all, this is a whole new life for me here," I spoke slowly, breathing deep as I did so. "We all want to find that special talent, everypony searches, because without it we feel incomplete. Like a piece of us is missing and we need to... to find our destiny and I - " I noticed all three crusaders staring blankly at me. "Yeah I'll join your group."

"YEAH!" They cheered in unison.

"Did somepony say YEAH?" Pinkie Pie immediately appeared with the huge confetti cannon once again. "Hey everypony, three cheers for Flicktailus Flufftail, the new member of our family!" Pinkie screamed happily, letting off the huge bang of confetti.

Everypony cheered several times, I blushed slightly.

"Wait..." Scootaloo started to laugh. "Flufftail?" She fell on the floor laughing.

I rolled my eyes as Scootaloo began to laugh, "Looks like she'll be the joker of the group," I giggled to myself under my breath.

"So Flick, we all have things we're passionate about and want to get our cutie mark for... what's yours?" Apple Bloom asked.

Scootaloo finally stopped laughing and stood back up, "Yeah!" She wiped a tear from her eye, "Flufftail... what do you want your destiny to be?"

I smiled and stared for a moment, before nodding. "Magic, that's my most favourite thing in the world, I just know if I focus and put my mind to it, I can totally get a magic related cutie mark!" I beamed.

My newfound friends smiled at me, enjoying my enthusiasm.

"Now you're a crusader, you'll find your cutie mark in no time!" Scootaloo placed her hoof around me, "Of course it wont be as cool as mine, when I get it before all of you that is," She smirked.

Of course my cutie mark didn't end up being magic related, life never usually goes as you expect it to, I'd find my true talent eventually though, and the journey to find it was amazing because of my new family being there with me every step of the way.

"So guys!" Sweetie Belle grabbed four milkshakes and gave one to each of us, "To Flicktailus Flufftail, my cousin, the new crusader!"

"To Flick!" Apple Bloom raised her glass.

"Flufftail!" Scootaloo giggled.

And thats how I became a cutie mark crusader.

This was the start of my adventure, it was never an easy one and wasn't always filled with good times, but no story is perfect, but this was my story. And this was just the beginning.

Chapter 2: First week in Ponyville

It was my first night in Ponyville, I'd just had a pretty relaxing bath, using an assortment of Rarity's shampoos. My blue mane was shining, my white coat was gleaming and my small purple tail was the fluffiest it'd ever been. Sweetie Belle convinced your aunt Rarity to let Scootaloo and Apple Bloom stay over the night.

Sweetie Belle was living at Rarity's for the moment, since their parents were off traveling so Rarity had to look after her little sister. On my first night in this new town, Rarity was kind enough to let the sleepover take place in her room, while I focused on getting to know my newfound friends.

"So what was it like in Manehatten?" Apple Bloom asked me wide eyed. The idea of a city like Manehatten seemed to impress her a a lot, living on the farm with her family had always made her wonder what city life was like. "My cousin Babs lives there but she doesn't really talk about it much."

"Well it was always busy I guess...I was sort of bullied a little at school too, the other ponies would just call me names and maybe tease me a bit," I nervously sat on the bed with my three friends recalling my time in Manehatten. "But I got through it because I had a friend there to protect me, she was just amazingly kind." I smiled. "My parents were always working so I never saw them much. So my best friend was all I had."

I'd told my new friends all about my best friend back in Manehatten, as soon as I mentioned that said friend had gotten her cutie mark not long before I moved away however, the others suddenly got excited.

"I just know my cutie mark will be something awesome like the one Rainbow dash has!" Scootaloo proudly remarked, she was always confident about her similarities to Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow dash's cutie mark seems pretty cool I guess," I thought back to when I first met Rainbow Dash earlier, her cutie mark was certainly striking.

Scootaloo looked at me with a wide-eyed expression, anytime she spoke of Rainbow dash it seemed to fuel her adrenaline. "Of course it is! She's the most amazing flyer in all of equestria! And I know that my talent will be to fly as good as her some day," Scootaloo paused after her words and slowly looked down on the bed, her face seemed to change for a moment and she seemed somewhat distant.

"Well my cutie mark is just going to be beautiful!" Sweetie Belle blushed, "Oh I just know it!"

I smiled, "Well, I'd like my talent to be magic...maybe Miss Twilight will show me some spells one day," I said optimistically, trying to Change the mood. "And Scootaloo, I bet if you ask Rainbow dash for help, she'll get you flying in no time!" I placed a hoof on my newfound friend, she looked up at me and smiled.

"You think so?"

I nodded.

That nice optimistic moment of friendship was then interrupted by the loud crashing sound of thunder that rumbled throughout the entire house, rain came crashing at the windows while the sound of the harsh wind hit the tress against the house. The huge blinding streak of lightning lit up the once dim candle filled room with blue flashes of intense light.

Oh a storm, what a perfect way for my first night in Ponyville to begin. I've always enjoyed a good storm, some ponies might be scared but I always loved being indoors during a storm, I found it cosy.

Scootaloo laughed as the sound of thunder caused the rest of us to jump off the bed. She looked at the three of us who had huddled together next to the bed, shying away from the window, where the branches of the tree were tapping it repeatedly.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes before standing up on the bed towering above us, "Come on guys! How can you be scared of some bad weather? Come on! We're the Cutie mark crusaders, we can't be scared of a little itsy bitsy tiny thunder storm, seriously!" She laughed.

She lay down on the bed, while us three remained on the floor huddling.

"Yep, just a stupid storm, me and Rainbow dash will fly through one of these together some day."

Okay that's how Scootaloo likes to remember that story, here's what actually happened -

The huge blinding streak of lightning lit up the once dim candle filled room with blue flashes of intense light. Suddenly I felt Scootaloo grab me and the others, she suddenly pulled us to the floor, quickly crawling under Rarity's bed and out of sight.

"Scoots why in the hay d'ya you do that?" Apple Bloom rubbed her head after colliding with the floor.

"Scootaloo are you okay?" I asked, slowly laying down so I could see under the bed.

The stuttering voice of Scootaloo trembled from under the bed. "N-nothing's wrong a-at all! I just...wanted to lay under here because it's..." A long pause passed where the three of us stared blankly at each other. "Cosy." The uncertain voice of Scootaloo finally spoke

Apple Bloom suddenly fell to the floor in fits of laughter. "Scootaloo is scared of a storm, oh, you really are a chicken ain't ya. If Rainbow Dash could see you now!"

"Oh come on Apple Bloom, everypony is scared of something," I spoke softly, hoping to reassure Scootaloo.

"Oh come on Scootaloo!" Sweetie Belle sighed.

"W-well what are you all scared of?" Scootaloo's voice trembled. "Everypony has fears...except me I'm not scared! I've r-rode my scoo-scooter through worse storms than this!"

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes, while I put my hoof out, gesturing my friends to stop mocking her.

"Well...I'm scared of...um Parasprites, I guess," Apple Bloom struggled.

"I guess I'm scared of Opal when she's mad and scratches everything," Sweetie Belle hesitated.

I realised that to make Scootaloo feel better I should tell her my biggest fear, I only really had one, and it was embarrassing.

"I'm actually scared of - " I hesitated.

I'd been bullied constantly about this fear of mine back in Manehatten, so naturally I was nervous about letting my new friends know.

"I'm scared of Mailponies," I confessed nervously.

"Mail...ponies?" Sweetie Belle asked me blankly.

"Well, Mailmares, Mailponies... anypony who delivers mail... terrifies me," I gulped.

"Oh my gosh!" Apple Bloom burst out in fits of laughter, collapsing on the floor. "How in the hay? Why in the hay? What?" She struggled to speak.

"Long story and I'd rather not go in to it!"  I rolled my eyes at Apple Bloom who had barely caught her breath from laughing, then sat down by the bed. I decided I'd try to talk Scootaloo around, to at least help her cope with her fear. "Scootaloo, you just have to know that your fear is normal. There's no need to be embarrassed about it at all, I'm sure even Rainbow dash doesn't like storms, not many Pegasus ponies would like flying in one right? But if you can face this fear, just stand up to that fear, ask yourself why it scares you...you might find you're braver than you think. Some fears won't go away, but if you can just try, maybe you can conquer it."

Scootaloo slowly popped her head out from under the bed. "D-don't tell Rainbow Dash..." She looked around the room frantically as if Rainbow Dash would be there.

We all laughed as Scootaloo fully crawled from under the bed, still cautiously looking around as she did so.

"But Flick..." Sweetie Belle cleared her throat, "Why are you scared of Mailmares?"

I paused for a moment and shuddered, "I - "

The voice of Rarity suddenly came from the other room. "Bed time you four! It's late!" She called.

"Oh hey my first bed time in Ponyville!" I grinned, every first in this town was exciting to me.

"Trust me, you'll soon learn to find these strict bed times not so exciting," Sweetie Belle huffed, looking at the clock.

I lay between Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, the storm was still raging outside, the flashes if lightning still illuminating the dark room every so often. Rarity had read us a story, I'd stayed awake until the end, I could never stand having a story unfinished.

"I'm so glad you're here baby cousin, I do hope you enjoy living here," Rarity spoke softly, gently smiling at me before leaving the room.

I smiled and closed my eyes, snuggling down in to the covers. I'd just heard those gentle words before I started to drift off to sleep.

"Psst, Flick!" Scootaloo whispered over Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle to not wake them up.

"Yeah?" I opened my eyes, my impending sleep interrupted.

"Do you really want to be a cutie mark crusader then?" She asked quietly.

I smiled to myself. "For sure!"

And so my first day in my new home was over, and journey of being a cutie mark crusader had just began.

"Now you're a crusader Flick, you might as well try some of the things the rest of us have tried before!" Scootaloo patted me encouragingly.

"I can't believe I get to help out with the animals! Oh imagine if I earn my cutie mark already!" I beamed excitedly.

"Um, are you sure this is a good idea?" the uncertain voice of Fluttershy spoke out as I stood outside the chicken pens.

"Of course!" said Scootaloo excitedly.

It wasn't.

"Yeah I'm great with animals!" I reassured her.

Wrong again.

Scoots, Sweetie and Apple Bloom looked on as I tried to call the chickens out of their pen. I'd tried talking calmly, but any voice that wasn't Fluttershy's tended to scare them. "Here little chickens..." I spoke softly.

Suddenly, one of the chickens popped its head out from the pen and noticed me; four other chickens soon followed him. I held out some seeds on my hoof and within moments several more chickens came running out towards me.

Fluttershy gave a sigh of relief, her warm voice began to speak slowly. "Now just make sure you speak nice and gent-"

"I DID IT!" I shouted over excitedly, scaring all of the chickens, which all tried to run back in the pen at once. They all bumped in to each other and suddenly dispersed around Fluttershy's yard in fear.

"Oh my! Chickens, come back, oh please!" Fluttershy panicked, holding her hooves to her mouth.

I did the first thing I could think of and use my weak magic to hold one of the many running chickens in place. The chicken now suspended in the air was casting a glow as I tried to keep him from the ground. I couldn't hold on for long and dropped it, causing it to panic even more so, running around scaring the other chickens even more.

"I mean... I'm not so good with chickens..." I giggled nervously.

"Make sure you don't scare Scootaloo then," Apple Bloom sniggered.

"Hey!" Scootaloo growled.

"Running joke, I'll fill you in later," Sweetie Belle whispered to me.

So after 10 minutes or so of chasing chickens, Fluttershy had to use this pretty amazing stare method that seemed to get the chickens in order. I felt bad about what happened and Fluttershy having to clean up more mess. So to get out of her way and clear my head I decided to go on a brief walk around my new town.

I walked around through the sunny cheery town of Ponyville, I saw every kind of pony you could imagine. Pegasus ponies were flying through the clear sky; I'd always admired pegasus ponies. The way they fly with such grace, someponies were selling various pieces at their market stalls and the occasional pony would say good morning as they walked past. I found myself lost in my train of thought. When suddenly, without noticing I was face to face with Pinkie Pie, she stared down at me with the biggest smile on her face.

"Oh hey friend! You’re Rarity's cousin! Oh my, I forgot what she told me your name is!" Her voice seemed to increase in pitch with every word.

"Oh, hi miss Pinkie Pie! My name is - " I started.

"FLICK! THAT'S IT I REMEMBER NOW." She screamed excitedly.

Oh Pinkie, always so excited.

"YAY FLICKTAILUS FLUFFTAIL!" Pinkie Pie's eyes lit up. "Wanna come over tomorrow with the rest of us to plan Rarity's birthday party?!" Pinkie's voice became even faster and more ecstatic.

"Isn't that like three months away?" I asked, unsure if I had my dates mixed up.

"Oh silly!" Pinkie Pie patted my mane "It's never too early to plan a party! be there for fun!" Pinkie soon started bouncing away humming as she did so, just being normal happy Pinkie.

"Okay see you Miss Pinkie Pie..." I called to her, unsure if she heard me. It was pretty amazing how much energy Pinkie had, all the time.

I smiled for a moment, before thinking back to the earlier events with Fluttershy's chickens.

"Come on Flick, Miss Fluttershy is part of my family now," I spoke to myself, quickly heading off back to her cottage.

I knocked three times on the welcoming wooden cottage door, a few seconds later I heard a gentle voice from inside. "Not now Angel, let me just see who's at the door, your lunch can wait mister," Fluttershy slowly opened the door, her eyes lit up when she looked down to see me.

"Oh hi there Flick sweetie, what beings you here again?" She asked warmly.  

Oh Fluttershy, she always seemed so welcoming and gentle...

"I was wondering if I could try and help with the animals again? If you don't mind miss Fluttershy."

"Oh sweetie really? Oh my are you sure?." Fluttershy's soothing voiced calmed me.

"Oh I've always loved animals I know I'll get better with them with your guidance," I hung my head slightly, sighing, looking up once more with my innocent eyes. "I just want to make up for what happened earlier, I got a little over excited."

"Well I guess you could try feeding them again, come on sweetie." Fluttershy beamed down at me, noticing my ears perking up at her gentle tone.

"Thanks miss Fluttershy!" I hopped a few times with excitement, something I often did without realising, my fluffy tail flicking upwards as I bounced.

"Oh sweetie just call me Fluttershy okay?"

I smiled and nodded, as Fluttershy showed me inside and closed the wooden door of her cottage, closing with a gentle creak.

"So Flick seems pretty eager to get his cutie mark, think he'll get his before we do?" Apple Bloom asked.

"He's certainly determined! I think me and him will get ours together!" Sweetie Belle smiled.

The three fillies walked on through Ponyville, Scootaloo raced around on her scooter causing everypony in the street to have to avoid her while she still maintained conversation with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. She always did it; she could race around in circles and still keep up with what you were saying.

"Yeah well I bet I- " Scootaloo had sped off so fast on her scooter the other two didn't catch the end of her sentence. She flapped her wings while mounted on her scooter, causing her to speed through the crowded street. She zipped through the ponies walking by, most of them used to Scootaloo's unique way of travel. Finally she turned around and raced back towards her two friends who were now so distantly behind.

"I'm getting faster! Wait until Rainbow Dash sees's me! She’ll want to train me to be an awesome flyer when see's how fast I can flap my wings!" She called as she approached her friends. She dismounted her scooter with a swift turn and hoof kick, keeping the front wheel suspended off the ground, almost as if it was a skateboard.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle merely rolled their eyes, so Scootaloo scoffed at their lack of interest and walked along side them, pushing her scooter.

"Come on guys, let's go to sugarcube corner, I'm in the mood for milkshakes," Sweetie Belle walked ahead and the other two followed.

I stood outside in the yard once more. I was having my second attempt at helping the animals. So this time I was going to try and feed the chickens, without getting too excited.

"Now just speak gently and softly, let them know there's no need to be afraid," Fluttershy stood back, expecting another chicken frenzy.

"Here little chickens, I have some food for you, there's no reason to be scared, it's just time to eat that's all," I made sure I spoke gently in a manner similar to Fluttershy.

Slowly enough, one of the chickens stuck its head outside of the pen, cautiously looking at me. Another two chickens soon followed him, I extended my hoof out further until the first chicken gently pecked at the seeds on my hoof, the other two quickly joined in.

"They're not scared of me!" I whispered somewhat loudly, desperately trying to contain my excitement

"Well done sweetie! Oh I just knew you could do it," Fluttershy cheered gently, her small voice beaming with happiness.

So after feeding the chickens, it wasn't long before Fluttershy's pet bunny, Angel got hungry himself. Now let me tell you two something. Angel the bunny, is really no angel.

"Um, okay Angel dear, I didn't forget you," Fluttershy noticed Angel angrily watching us both. The impatient bunny was stomping his feet, annoyed that the chickens got fed before he did.

"Sweetie, would you like to give Angel his lunch?" Fluttershy leaned down towards me.

Now at this point I was ecstatic at the idea of helping out as much as possible. But that bunny rabbit... that darn bunny.

"I'd love to!"

Fluttershy showed me Angel's bowl, a selection of prepared carrots and other vegetables were neatly placed inside. I used my magic to gently place the bowl on the floor near Fluttershy's couch. Angel sniffed the various selections of vegetables several times, before turning his head away in disgust.

I was determined to get all these animals to love me, I wanted to impress Fluttershy and maybe find that my true talent was looking after animals all along.

"Angel, if you don't want this food that's fine by me. So long as you know, if you say no to it, I'll throw them in the trash," I spoke sternly.

Angel continued to look away from the bowl, and me folding his paws. "Maybe we could feed this to some of the other animals then..." I deliberately sighed. Hoping this would work. the idea of his food being fed to any other animals was enough to suddenly make him want it more than anything. He grabbed the bowl and pushed it away from me, before pulling out a carrot and eating it as fast as he could. "If you eat it too fast you'll get a stomach a- Um, I mean, I'll have to take it from you and feed it to the others!" I spoke sternly.

Angel panicked and slowed his pace at eating; worried his precious food would be taken from him.

"Oh my, you managed to make him eat and slow down usually poor Angel will eat too fast and get a terrible stomach ache," Fluttershy looked down adoringly at me, before swooping me up in to a hovering hug.

I blushed as she hugged me tight, I'd made her happy, I'd managed to help Fluttershy and now she was holding me in a tight...warm, caring embrace...

What? You two know I had a little crush on your aunt Fluttershy when I was a kid right?

Well now you know.

When she finally put me down, the first thing I did was check if I had a cutie mark. I'd hoped more than anything that I'd finally found my true talent...but my white blank flank, still remained blank. Fluttershy soon noticed the sad expression that formed across my face.

"Oh sweetie, don't worry about your cutie mark, it just means you're multi-talented and you just haven't found your best talent yet!" She spoke encouragingly.

I looked up and saw her smiling gently at me. "If you want, you can visit here whenever you want and feed the animals, you can be my little helper, whenever you want to. So you know if ever you feel sad, me and the animals will always be here to see you,"  The words that Fluttershy spoke were so kind, so helpful and made me feel so much better about everything.

I smiled and hugged her tightly; she smiled in return and put a hoof around me.

"Thank you so much Miss Fluttershy, I'd love to help out whenever I can!" I couldn't contain the happiness in my voice.

So it had gone fairly well with Fluttershy, Angel behaved himself...for now. But he'd end up causing trouble at the party. For now though everything was perfect. I now had permission to see Fluttershy's animals whenever I wanted to. And as you two know, she even gave me my own little pet eventually.

I was heading home and wondering if Sweetie Belle was there. As I entered Carousel Boutique I noticed there was no sign of her or Rarity, so I headed to my room. As I entered my small room I noticed Rarity using her magic to move around a few boxes and decorative items, she turned around and noticed me. "Oh there you are Flick dear! I have some good news for you!"

She eventually sat me down on the bed and suddenly proved she really was the most generous pony you'd ever meet.

"Your room is mine and Sweetie Belle's now?" I felt a mixture of confusion and excitement.

"Of course! I'm only ever working on dresses in my work room, I only use my room for sleeping. I don't need such a big room, and with you and Sweetie Belle becoming good friends and thought you could have mine. That way Apple Bloom and Scootaloo can stop over more often," Rarity smiled.

Rarity noticed my eyes widening with each word she spoke, because her smile grew noticing my expression. I could hardly believe just how generous your aunt Rarity was, I threw my hooves around her and hugged her. "Thank you so much Rarity!"

"Oh it's nothing dear, no need to thank me!" she strained her voice; I think I held on to her a little too tightly.

I raced in to what was once Rarity's room, only to find Sweetie Belle jumping up and down on the huge bed. "It's our room now cousin!" she beamed. She seemed more excited at the idea of being able to jump on Rarity's bed for once.

I smiled back and joined in with jumping on the bed, laughing as we did so, with each jump on the bed we went higher and higher. I never thought I could be happier, I had amazing new friends, a wonderful new home. And quite frankly, the most comfortable bed ever.

Chapter 3: The Mailmare incident

I walked outside and the cool summer breeze rushed through my lungs. I breathed in and out, even after a few short days I was still enjoying the seemingly fresh air compared to Manehattten. I closed my eyes and embraced it, for a few seconds I was in a world of my own. "Ah clean morning Ponyville air..." I sighed contently, before I opened my eyes.

Walking up towards me was a grey pegasus mare, she had a blonde mane and a mail bag strapped to her body. I noticed she had a weird thing going on with her eyes.  

"Mail for miss Rarity!" she called over enthusiastically, a wide smile appearing as she did so.

The second I heard these words, I panicked and ran inside as fast as I could, I cautiously watched as she looked confused, before she smiled and placed the letter in the mail box.  She stumbled and fell as she turned to walk away, but she got up, smiled dreamily once more then flew off.

I had a huge sigh of relief as mailmare left and ran back to our room to see if Sweetie Belle was awake. Today was the day that Pinkie Pie was going to have the party planning meeting, Rarity was going to be too busy with dress orders today, that way she wouldn't find out we were planning anything.

"Hey cousin, all ready for planning the..." Sweetie Belle panicked at the sound of her own voice, cautiously looking around in case Rarity was nearby. "The party?" She whispered quietly.

I nodded, breathing fairly heavily.

"What's wrong Flick?" Sweetie Belle jumped off the bed she was once standing on and walked towards me, she gently put her hoof around me. "You're shaking!"

"Oh it's nothing! I'm just excited is all!" I laughed nervously.

So lets skip to arriving at your aunt Twilight's.

The door to Twilight's library opened with a glow of magic.  "Oh hi girls! oh and Flick of course!" Twilight stepped aside so we could enter.

"Hi Twilight, great to see ya!" Apple Bloom strutted in first, closely followed by us three.

"Hi everypony, hey...Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo's face lit up at the sight of the amazing flyer, who was now just looking bored, surrounded by countless books.

"Oh hey Scoots! and crusaders!" She saluted us while hovering above the ground, Scootaloo couldn't contain her smile as she saluted back.

"Hey their little missy," Applejack winked at her sister who ran and stood by her side.

"Hi Miss Fluttershy," I felt myself blush as I spoke the words to the yellow pegasus who was standing near the window, the sunlight shining on to her long pink mane.

"Oh hello there sweetie!" She waved her hoof at me.

"Rarity won't suspect a thing, she's too busy working on a dress for a fashion parade to notice we've even left," Sweetie Belle had a rather sarcastic tone, noting her sisters obsession with work.

"Oh but that means she's missing out on all the fun!" Pinkie Pie's eyes watered.

"Pinkie, we're planning her surprise party," Twilight rolled her eyes.

"I know and she's missing out on planning it!" Pinkie's ears flopped down.

Everypony in the room just looked at each other shrugged.

"So Flick, have you settled in now? I haven't seen you since you arrived," Twilight asked looking to her left where I stood by her side.

"Yeah, it's great! I love it here!" I spoke, noticing Twilight's cutie mark. "In fact...I've been meaning to ask...I've got a huge passion for magic, I was wondering if -"

Twilight suddenly lifted me up with her hooves, holding me in the air, being so small and lite I was pretty easy to pick up. "Magic? really?! oh that's brilliant! I can teach you!" She exclaimed happily. "Well I'm still learning myself actually but you know what it's like, you learn and you teach so you teach to learn and the princess would like me to teach because teaching is learning and by teaching I can learn to teach!"

She noticed my blank expression.

Twilight slowly and gently put me back down on to the floor of her library. "Well if you ever want lessons...I can help you," She smiled down at me, staring in anticipation.

"I'd love that!" I beamed back at her.

"Brilliant! We can start your training as soon as possible!" Twilight tried to contain her excitement.

"Oh wow, thanks Miss Twilight," I stamped my hooves excitedly, "Oh this is going to be awesome!"

"So everypony, y'all got any ideas for Rarity's party?" Applejack asked.

All eyes were soon drawn to Pinkie who was now jumping up and down excitedly. "I know! I can bring my new super improved twice the size confetti cannon!" Pinkie gestured towards a huge cannon, similar to the one she fired when I first arrived here in Ponyvillie, but this was twice the size and packed twice the punch.

"Wow that's a great idea!" Sweetie Belle squeaked.

It wasn't.

"Rarity loves confetti!" She added.

"What about the food?" Apple Bloom questioned. "Ah was thinkin' we could get us some apple pie's for the party, Granny Smith is mighty fine at baking em!"

"Can we have something that isn't apples for once?" Rainbow Dash sarcastically remarked.

"What in the hay is wrong with apples?" Applejack looked sternly at Rainbow Dash who was leaning against one of Twilight's book shelves.

"They're just a boring old fruit," she rolled her eyes.

"Why I never. You take that back! or I'll...I'll," Applejack growled.

"What?" Rainbow Dash taunted.

"I won't be lettin' ya'll have any cider next cider season!" she closed her eyes and nodded once in a stern manner.

"You can't do that!" Rainbow Dash gasped.

"Girls, stop fighting!" Twilight called anxiously.

"Rainbow Dash has a point about the apples, pft boring!" Scootaloo added.

"Hey, apples aren't boring! Why are ya sidin' with Rainbow Dash?" Apple Bloom yelled at her friend. "Some loyal crusader you are!"

"Rarity likes apple pie though," Sweetie Belle spoke up.

"Um, I think we should all just calm - " Fluttershy's gentle voice was interrupted.

"You apologise to me an' Apple Bloom right now, ya hear?" Applejack stepped forward towards Rainbow Dash.

"Why should I?" Rainbow Dash folded her hooves as she hovered in the air, accidentally knocking a bunch of Twilight's alphabetically ordered books off the shelf.

"Rainbow, look what you've done!" Twilight groaned, eagerly stepping forward to sort the books out.

"Just apologise to us this instant!" Applejack put her hoof forward towards Rainbow Dash.

"Help me pick them up!" Twilight mimicked Applejack's stern gesture towards Rainbow Dash.

"Um...I think we could try and - " Fluttershy's gentle concerned voice spoke up.

"You pick them up, neat freak!" Rainbow turned her head away closing her eyes sternly.

"No I like parties more!" Pinkie growled before running a few feet and facing the other way. "Yeah well I like fun more!" She growled back. Pinkie was just arguing with herself to stop feeling left out.

Now this party planning was turning in to a disaster, and I couldn't stand to see everypony fighting. In fact, me and Fluttershy seemed to be the only ones not yelling.  

"Could everypony PLEASE! - " I raised my voice so much, I surprised myself. Everypony in the room was suddenly staring at me, I felt my entire face warm as I blushed. "I really want this party to be perfect for my cousin Rarity, she's taken me in when I wanted to get away and she's given me this opportunity to live my life here,"  I sighed and closed my eyes, "Can we just make it special for her?"

A moment of silence filled the room.

"I'm sorry Applejack, Applebloom, you too Twilight," Rainbow Dash finally spoke, slowly gathering the pile of books off the floor as she did so.

Yeah you heard me, your aunt Rainbow actually apologised first.

Shortly after the atmosphere had changed, everypony had apologised to each other and slowly we began to discuss ideas for the party. Everything went smoothly and I felt hopeful that everything was going to be just fine.

"Great! so we have the food sorted, the decor suited to Rarity's taste is perfect…now all we need is some form of entertainment," Twilight paced around nearby the window.

I gently kicked my hoof at the wooden tree surface that was Twilight's floor, Sweetie Belle was sat next to me just watching me do so.

"Any ideas?" she asked me, noticing that everypony else was quiet.

I didn't exactly see Rarity often before I moved here, I'd only seen her four or five times before moving to Ponyville so I didn't know her well enough to know what she'd consider good entertainment. I shrugged and continued to tap my hooves on the wooden floor as my brain worked tirelessly for ideas.

"Awh come on guys!" Rainbow Dash jumped up and hovered in the air with energy. "It's obvious, I think we all know she'd love a sonic rainboom!" Rainbow Dash proudly spoke, confidence echoing through her voice.

"Come on Rainbow, I'm sure a sonic rainboom might kinda bring back memories of when you barely rescued her from…you know, falling from Cloudsdale," Twilight laughed nervously.

"Fell from Cloudsdale?" I whispered to Sweetie Belle in shock.

"Long story," She shook her head.

"I've really missed out on lot before I moved here huh," I thought it'd be best to not ask further questions.

"Oh come on Twilight! I did one at the wedding before! I'm sure everypony was impressed by that, well I'm out of ideas then..." Rainbow Dash sighed.

"Oh oh! I have an idea! oh oh! pick me!" Pinkie hopped up and down near me waving her hoof in the air.

Now Pinkie's ideas weren't always so… well, normal. So naturally everypony often overlooked her constant outbursts claiming that -

"This idea is different I swear!" Pinkie's eyes teared up.

Twilight sighed while rolling her eyes.  "Fine Pinkie, what's your idea?"

"Well..if you really want to know…" Pinkie teased.

"You've been asking to tell us for ages! what is it?" Applejack sighed, sitting next to Apple Bloom.

"Okie dokie, well my idea is - " Pinkie started but was quickly interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Twilight! it's Rarity dear, could you let me in?"

Everypony in the room froze.

"What in the name of Celestia is she doing here?" Rainbow Dash panicked, accidentally knocking over some more books.

"Rarity?" I whispered to myself in a panic, I tapped my hooves together anxiously. "But this party is supposed to be a surprise," I had a mild heart palpitation for a few moments.

"Everypony calm down, we'll just…not answer the door," Twilight reassured us all, ushering all of us to be quiet and remain still.

"Hey," Pinkie whispered rather loudly.

Twilight shot Pinkie a glare that could kill, shaking her head slowly to keep the ecstatic pony quiet.

Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes, "I never got to say my idea," She shook her head.

Suddenly the door to the library opened, a small purple and green dragon greeted my cousin Rarity at the door and smiled, he turned around and saw us all.

"Twilight! Rarity's...here…" his voice grew slower as he noticed us all staring awkwardly at him and Rarity.

"Thank you Spike," Rarity smiled.

Spike blushed. "No problem Rarity!"

"Yeah thanks for getting the door Spike!" Twilight spoke through gritted teeth, the small dragon knew her well enough to realise he'd made a mistake.

Rarity walked inside and looked around at us all, of course we all tried to look as innocent as possible, it probably didn't work.

"Ah Sweetie, Flick there you are, I hope you don't mind me Twilight, I came here to see if Flick was here...and clearly he is! Clearly you all are," she finished her words with a questioning tone, wondering why all of her friends were here and she knew nothing of it.

I slowly stepped forward towards Rarity. "Twilight…invited us all around here for an indoor picnic! But we thought you'd be too busy working today," I nervously stuttered, beaming at my cousin trying to assure her everything was fine.

"An indoor picnic?" She questioned, looking around everypony who avoided eye contact. "Without any food or - "

Twilight stepped forward. "We ate it all! It was just a little something I planned, we knew you'd be busy and we thought if we didn't tell you, well then you wouldn't be jealous and feel down because you can't make it, we're sorry," Twilight looked sympathetically towards her friend.

"Oh well not to worry dear! at least you tried to spare my feelings! and you're right I've got an awful lot of work to do, I just wanted to find Flick to give him this," A small letter cast a blue glow as Rarity used her magic to bring it in front of my face.

I gently used my telekinesis to take the letter from Rarity, slowly I unfolded the letter. I was aware that Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo had rushed behind me, curious to see what my parents had to say.

I had read it out loud, except the 'P.S' part.

"Wow they actually do care," I whispered to myself sadly, dropping the letter to the floor, "Would have been nice if they'd told me they're proud of me more often," I grumbled. My parents had never expressed these feelings until I'd read these written words.

Rarity hugged me tightly, "I'm glad to have you here dear I don't think I'd cope without you now!" She smiled.

I returned the smile and embraced her, realising how much I was loved in reality by Rarity.

"Hey what does the last part say?" Twilight walked over and lifted the letter off the floor where i had dropped it.

I pulled away from Rarity panicking, "Wait no!" I cried.

"P.S Try and get over your Mailmare fear while you're - " Twilight spoke, "Mailmare fear?" She asked.

Scootaloo was sniggering. "Oh it's all out in the open now!" She giggled. "Can you believe this guy? He's scared of mailmares!" She couldn't stop laughing.

"You're scared of thunder," Sweetie Belle whispered angrily to her.

"Shut up!" Scootaloo panicked and glanced at Rainbow Dash.

I blushed and felt my heart sink. "I um…" I quickly ran over by the door where Spike still stood, "Hi! It's Spike right? nice to meet you! I should probably go now!" I nervously laughed and quickly bolted out of Twilight's library running away as fast as I could.

"I'm on it!" Rainbow Dash leapt in to the air and stretched her wings, preparing to fly.

"No Rainbow," Twilight put her hoof out to signal Rainbow Dash to stop, "Rarity?" Twilight looked at Rarity with a concerned smile.

"He'll probably go back to Carousel boutique, I should get back and finish my work anyhow. He'll be okay," Rarity smiled at everypony, all of whom were a little confused at what had just happened.

"He thinks y'all gonna think he's weird 'cause he's scared of mail ponies," Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, glancing again at the now open door, "He was bullied relentlessly at his old school because of it."

"You knew about this here problem of his?" Applejack moved towards her sister, trying to get what information she could.

Apple Bloom nodded. "We all did," she gestured towards the crusaders, "He told us at the sleepover, no idea why he's terrified of them though."

So a little while later I was laying on mine and Sweetie Belle's bed back home.

I wanted to reread the letter my parents had sent me maybe to make me feel better. Until I realised that Twilight last had it, I sighed to myself. Everything had been going great, until now when word got out about my weird fear. Now I'd made a fool of myself. I rested my head in my hooves as I lay down, until suddenly the brown parchment of paper that was the letter from my parents landed in front of me. I looked up to see Rarity smiling at me.

I was about to speak but she put her hoof to my mouth.

"Everypony is afraid of something Flick, everything from timber wolves and dragons…to being alone or letting friends down. Your fear is just something that makes you who you are, being scared of mailmares isn't exactly normal, but never be scared of us thinking you're weird or not liking you. Because that won't ever happen," each word she spoke made me feel better, the words she spoke were so full of care it made me appreciate everything she had done for me.

"The mailmare that used to deliver our mail back in Manehatten she was scary, she was - she was a..." I started, closing my eyes holding back the tears.

"You don't have to talk about it dear," Rarity patted my mane reassuringly.

I nodded and once again placed my hooves around Rarity, a warm embrace kept me safe from my memories.

"You know Twilight thought of a great way to cheer you up," Rarity smiled.

"How?" I asked curiously.

"She said you can go for a magic lesson if you want,"

"OH MY GOSH REALLY?" I sprang up, forgetting all my problems. "When?" I grinned eagerly.

Rarity smiled teasingly at me, "Right now," She ushered me to leave.

My eyes widened, I quickly hugged Rarity and galloped out of the room.

"Well, what do you think?" Twilight smiled down at me.

I was amazed at the orange that sat on the table in front of me, a mere few seconds ago it was a shiny red apple. "That's amazing miss Twilight!" I exclaimed excitedly. "A spell to turn apples in to oranges? That's  literally the coolest thing I never knew I wanted to be able to do until now,"

Twilight blushed slightly and held her hoof out to usher me to be quiet. "Oh it's not all that amazing!, although that spell used to be a toughie for me to do Flick, but not so long ago I managed to pull it off. It's a fairly simple spell once you get the hang of it, it's not the easiest but…you seem like you'd be able to handle it, you remind me of me like that" Twilight giggled, smiling at me.

"It is amazing! I can't believe my cousin Rarity is friends with somepony so talented!" I exclaimed, still in disbelief starting at the orange on the table before me. "I'm still sorry I ran off earlier," I blushed.

"Oh it's fine Flick! I just hope this magic lesson is cheering you up. And as for the spell, it's pretty easy once you get the hang of it. Want to give it a try?"

"Me? try it? that spell? really?" I couldn't believe how excited I was to have Twilight's guidance.

"It's a simple not too exciting spell sure, but if you want to learn more complicated spells you need to start somewhere," She smiled  "Just breathe deeply, and focus on this apple," Twilight spoke softly, using her telekinesis to bring a fresh apple and place it on the table sitting in her library.

I closed my eyes breathed deeply, relaxing myself. Twilight stood next to me and put her hoof around me.

"The key to magic is focus, just concentrate and focus everything you can on it, imagine it turning in to an orange and just hold on to that thought. Make the thought stronger than anything you can imagine," Twilight contiuned calmly, allowing me to focus.

I opened my eyes and concentrated, that apple became the only thing I knew in that moment. I focused all my energy and felt my horn spark slightly.

"Oh my! you're doing it Flick!" Twilight tried to keep as calm and quiet as she could through her excitement.

My horn was surrounded by a light white glow, the apple in front of me starting glowing that same blue, getting brighter and brighter.

"I can't…keep this up!" I struggled, the feeling of doing such magic was unlike anything I'd felt before, my horn seemed to get hotter.

I kept my eyes closed tight and tried to keep focused, although I felt so much pain as my face got hotter and hotter. Suddenly the sound of books falling off the shelves and hitting the floor of the library was heard, of course at that very moment I didn't know what was happening.

"Um Flick! … maybe you should -" Twilight called out.

Before she could finish however I felt my self being lifted in to the air. I opened my eyes in panic and realised I was surrounded by a glow of white shining like energy beams, I glanced down from where I was floating. My small hooves couldn't reach the floor. I looked up at my horn and realised it too was glowing white.

"Try and let go Flick!" Twilight called. She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth aiming her horn at me, her purple horn cast a white glow and I was surrounded by a bubble like shield, just the right size to keep me inside and suddenly…

Everything was over.

I fell to the ground, surrounded by Twilight's shield which cushioned my fall. I lay on the ground, surrounded by the white glow, my head in buried in my hooves.

"Flick! are you okay?" Twilight quickly ran towards me and cast a quick spell to remove the protective shield that had encased me, it slowly faded away leaving me laying on the floor with my eyes closed tightly.

I felt myself slowly being lifted up by Twilight's gentle hooves, I breathed heavily and my face was scrunched up because I had my eyes so tightly sealed.

"Flick! Please open your eyes!" Twilight's voice cried.

I gently opened them and saw her looking at me with a smile of relief creeping across her face.

"Oh thank Celestia, you're not hurt are you?" She still held me in the air, her eyes darting all over my face for any sign of response from me.

"I…didn't turn the apple in to an orange," I sighed glancing over Twilight to the table that stood not far from us, the apple I had focused on for so long remained there. Almost as if it was taunting me.

Defeated by an apple, that's how I felt.

Twilight giggled, she gently placed me down and quickly threw her hooves around me in an embrace.

"No you didn't but the important thing is you're okay, magic isn't easy Flick and…what happened then, well I've never seen anything like it." She pulled away from me

Without warning I suddenly gasped out loud and gritted my teeth, my eyes closed as I felt a surge of power rush through me. A huge blast of white light beamed out of my horn and zapped the apple. The apple grew slightly and started to glow white, before it exploded in front of us, pieces of the fruit flew everywhere all around the room.

My horn stopped glowing and I fell to the floor in exhaustion, "I did not mean to do that! Woah what the hay?" I was breathing heavily.

"Flick..." Twilight stared around the room in shock, bewildered at what she had just witnessed. "Are you okay?" Twilight sat on the floor opposite me. "I've never seen magic like that especially not for a unicorn as young as you," Twilight eyed me up and down observing me carefully. "I have seriously no idea what happened Flick,I think you're magic is powerful, but clearly not well controlled."

"So what are you saying miss Twilight?" I asked, slightly worried, anxiously tapping my hooves together.

"Well you're clearly somewhat gifted by unusual magic," She laughed.

My small purple tail flicked up in excitement, I quickly glanced down towards my flank and - Still nothing, the blank flank that had haunted me for my short life so far was unchanged. My tail slowly fell as my hopes did.

"Oh Flick please don't feel down, you might not have your cutie mark yet but maybe that's a sign you just need to study magic a little more," Twilight used her hoof to lift my face up, "It's how it happened for me!"

"I will Miss Twilight! I'll keep studying and make Rarity and my parents proud!" I spoke mainly to myself, my small purple tail flicked up once more. "And I know for sure, my talent will defiantly be magic!" I beamed to Twilight as she smiled at my enthusiasm.  "Gifted by unusual magic..." I whispered to myself, I couldn't stop smiling.

I tried to stand up but the energy I'd exhausted from the magic rendered me incapable of standing.

"Just sit down for a while," Twilight kept me at ease, "Now while we're having a few moments rest..." Twilight cleared her throat, "What is it about mailmares that scares you so much?" She looked sympathetically at me. "I'm here to help."

I stared for a moment in silence.

Twilight stared at me in a supportive way, her eyes told me it would be better to talk about my problems rather than avoid the subject.

I let out a sigh, "It was about a year ago now."

I woke up as the sunlight beamed on my face through my small bedroom window, my room was always dark and unlit but the sunlight shone in around 8:20 am each morning. This was the sign that I'd overslept by 20 minutes. "Oh not again!" I sprang out of bed.

I knew I was late to meet my best friend, she was a stubborn mare when it came to lateness. I quickly got ready and galloped out of my room and down the stairs. My parents weren't in as per usual, both busy with work to the point they were almost never home.

I bolted out of the door without looking where I was going, colliding carelessly head first in to somepony walking towards my front door. I fell to the ground due to my size, I gently placed a hoof on my head and rubbed where the now throbbing pain was. I glanced up and saw the local Mailmare.  She looked down at me, her red mane was messier than usual, her often clean white coat was fairly dark and somewhat unkept. Her expression was not the usual welcoming look she often shared each morning as I passed her by, instead it was full of anger.

"I'm sorry miss!, let me help!" I cried noticing the mailbag that had opened and various dropped letters that lay on the ground. As I reached for a letter I suddenly felt a hoof on mine, the mailmare stared down at me with anger and suddenly her whole body flashed in a bright green intense light. I shielded my eyes and opened them once more.

Suddenly I was face to face with a dark evil looking pony staring down at me with dark green eyes and a mouth of sharp fangs, she hissed at me, her tongue edging out of her terror filled mouth.

I couldn't even move.

"That sounds like... a changeling. A changeling in Manehatten?" Twilight looked distant for a moment before snapping back to reality. "Flick, tell me what happened next."

I took a deep breath. "Well suddenly there was - "

A huge beam of light shone from behind the terrifying creature, casing an intense light all around it. It snapped it's head back and hissed, the figure of a pony was in the distance surrounded by the blinding light.

"The creature then ran away. It didn't look back, it just fled… somepony saved me but I never saw who it was, they teleported away before the intense light calmed down."

Twilight stood up, clearly disturbed. "Right... well maybe I should teach you some spells to defend yourself."

"What was that creature though Miss Twilight? It's haunted my dreams for so long now," I stood up also.

"What is that creature?" Twilight repeated, "Still out there, probably."

Chapter 4: The Party

"Guys… we've just broke a Pinkie promise…"  Scootaloo's eyes widened, her words were barely audible.  

"Oh come on, it's just a small promise right?" I rolled my eyes.

It wasn't just a small promise… during my time here in Ponyvillie I'd made a list of things to NEVER do and yes you guessed it, breaking a Pinkie promise was at the top of the list.

A Pinkie promise was not something to make lightly, this is the story of the first Pinkie promise I made, the only Pinkie promise I ever broke.  So let me explain the story.

I yawned softly and stretched my hooves out, the covers of the huge bed were so warm. Sunlight was beaming in through the windows and not a sound was disturbing this peaceful moment... The loud sound of Sweetie Belle's snoring next to me made my eyes widen in surprise. Me and Sweetie Belle were the same size, yet she seemed to snore very loudly for such a small filly. I sighed and quietly hopped out of bed.

"Ah good morning Flick," Rarity smiled in my direction as I entered the main room of Carousel Boutique.

Rarity was gently using her hooves to push a piece of green material through a sewing machine, the needle stabbed through the wool as she did so. "I hope you slept well? you're up fairly early!"

I yawned softly and nodded. "Yeah I slept pretty good, I like to wake up as early as possible really, no point wasting the day." I always did love mornings.

"Oh I do hope you love the winter wear I'm making for you!" Rarity grinned at her work, "Even if winter is a little way off yet."

"You're making us something? Rarity, I don't want you to have to do that..." I felt a suddenly felt guilty at my cousin taking time out of her morning to make me something.

"Oh it's fine! I just love making the most fabulous winter wear, and this, oh you'll just love this! anyway! you should go wake your cousin up now! make sure she doesn't waste the day!"  

I was about to go back in to our bedroom to wake up Sweetie Belle, when suddenly the sound of the mailbox slamming was heard outside.

"Oh Flick dear, could you fetch the mail? my hooves are rather full right now," Rarity spoke whilst concentrating on sewing.

I slowly walked towards the door, taking my time to ensure the mailmare had left by the time I got there. I gently opened the door and cautiously looked around. I quickly ran towards the mailbox and opened it to see five envelopes in there. Rarity often did get a lot of mail, I used my telekinesis to carry the stack of mail in to Carousel Boutique and shut the door behind me.

"Anything interesting dear? I'm expecting one off a very important client!" Rarity giggled to herself, excited to be getting such a highly respected fashion designer wanting her work.

I looked through the mail and placed it on to Rarity's work table where she sat, shifting through the mail I checked that non came from Manehatten for me.

Until then there was a letter addressed to somepony I'd never heard of. "Hey Rarity, there's a letter here delivered to the wrong address."

She looked at it through her red 'I'm working very hard on something fabulous glasses' and stopped sewing. "That mailmare! She's always delivering something wrong. No offence to the poor dear but she really isn't all that...well she's not so good at her job. This town needs a proper mailmare." Rarity rolled her eyes. "Could you take it with you and deliver it when you and Sweetie go off and do your thing Flick?" she asked, carrying on her work.

"Of course Rarity" I spoke, my mind was somewhat else where.

"It seems to be addressed to one of the small cottages not far from here," Rarity added, passing me the letter.

I cast a glow around the letter and took it with me in to mine and Sweetie Belle's room, placing it on the table next to Sweetie Belle.

"I suppose I should go and keep myself busy today," I spoke to myself. "Unlike you," I giggled quietly at my snoring cousin. "I should really go and see Fluttershy and help with the animals," I whispered.

I turned and headed away, forgetting the letter, leaving it on the bedside table next to the loudly snoring Sweetie Belle.

"Thanks Fluttershy! I'll see you tomorrow!" I waved my hoof at Fluttershy who waved back in return as she stood in the door way of her cottage. I smiled to myself, helping Fluttershy just made me so happy, everything had been going perfectly… but before I could relax after a hard day of looking after the animals -

"Flick!" a voice called from afar. Scootaloo raced towards me on her blue wooden scooter. She got closer and closer before skidding and halting just inches in front of me. I flinched slightly as the scooter suddenly stopped so close to me.

"Scoots, do you ever think you maybe travel a little too fast on that scooter?" I spoke gritting my teeth after the close encounter.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes at me, "Come on! we're late to meet Pinkie Pie, it's one week until Rarity's party! remember!" She eagerly mounted her scooter once more. "Come on Flick, hop on!" Scootaloo put her helmet on once more and prepared to take off on her scooter.

"Um, I'll walk thanks," I shuddered at the thought of riding on the scooter.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes and took off. "Better hurry, Twilight's waiting!" She called back, her voice quickly becoming distant.

So after a fairly long walk, I eventually got to Twilight's library.

"Ah there you are!" Sweetie Belle sighed. "What took you so long cousin? too busy trying to be a sweet little angel for Fluttershy?" she laughed.

I'd just been let in by Twilight who'd greeted me. We'd seen each other fairly often, I was still getting magic lessons off her every week. I rolled my eyes at Sweetie Belle's comment about me and Fluttershy.

Twilight cleared her throat. "Okay everypony, now it's just a few of us here today, Fluttershy has a huge workload with the animals, Spike is out getting some last minute things with Applejack."

The only turn out had been me and the crusaders. Along with your aunt's Twilight, Pinkie and Rainbow Dash.

"So What's we gonna be planning today Twilight?" Apple Bloom asked, standing next to me and the other three.

"Well We've sorted everything out except… decor… we had a little debate last time about what the theme should be, you know Rarity, she's not so easy to impress," Twilight tapped her hoof to her face pondering.

I looked to Sweetie Belle who stood next to me, we both gave the same look of despair. We loved Rarity but she was often very picky.

"Oh oh! I know!" Pinkie Pie hopped up and down several times.

"Here we go…" Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes as she sat on the floor near Twilight. Too bored and tired to even stand up.

"More confetti!" Pinkie Pie screamed with excitement.

"Pinkie you're already going to set off the huge cannon when we bring out the cake!" Twilight groaned, annoyed with Pinkie's slight obsession with confetti.

"No I'm not!" Pinkie Pie giggled.

"What do you mean? all you keep talking about is that huge thing and how it's going to not scare the living daylights out of Rarity," Rainbow Dash questioned.

"Yeah and that thing doesn't look like it'll make a quiet noise Pinkie… don't you think you should downscale?" Twilight remembered how large the confetti cannon was.

"No! we can't! because I was going to ask if one of the crusaders wants to set the cannon off instead!" Pinkie Pie giggled looking down at me and the other crusaders.

"Us?" Scootaloo's eyes widened.

"We can set the cannon off?" Sweetie Belle squeaked.

"Who's going to do it though?" I asked.

"You four have to Pinkie promise that you wont argue and will decide in a calm mature way though!" Pinkie pointed her hoof to all of us.

We all nodded, the grins on our faces becoming wider.

"Of course we will Pinkie!" Apple Bloom spoke while we all nodded.

"Yeah of course! it's a Pinkie promise!" I beamed up at Pinkie.

"The party will go amazing Pinkie," Twilight spoke encouragingly.

It wouldn't.

"Now come on everypony! we need a theme… I was thinking the colour scheme could be purple and white, Rarity loves her purple mane and likes to keep her coat gleaming," Twilight spoke loudly, trying to get the last part of the plan sorted.

"We could decorate the room with purple banners, covered in gems that match her cutie mark!" I added.

"Great idea Flick!" Twilight beamed. "You'd be quite the party planner!"

We'd finally agreed on the decour, and with that all the party planning was complete. The walk home after planning that party was pretty non eventful, we saw the mailmare fly past, it was late so she wasn't doing her rounds but again I shivered and looked away while Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes.

So then we arrived back home at Carousel Boutique.

"Ah there you two are!" Rarity sighed with relief. "And thank goodness! it's almost time for bed! you shall both go and take a bath now!" Rarity ushered us both towards the bath room.

"Awh but Rarity! It's early!" Sweetie Belle sighed, slowly walking towards the bathroom, knowing she couldn't win the argument.

"But you two need your rest my dears, I imagine you've had a hard day trying to earn your cutie marks!" Rarity laughed, tending back to her sewing work she'd been working on.

Even though the day hadn't been filled with some cutie mark earning antics, this whole party planning would end up being a huge step in my journey. My cutie mark wasn't for being amazing at planning parties like Pinkie Pie's of course, but it was a step forward.

I quickly followed Sweetie Belle in to the bathroom as she'd just started running the bubble bath, my coat was fairly grey after a messy day cleaning the animals pens with Fluttershy, and my mane was a little messy.

"This party is going to be awesome!" Sweetie Belle whispered to me, cautiously checking the door to ensure Rarity wasn't there.

"I know! it's going to be so good! I hope Rarity enjoys it, she's done so much for me!" I barely contained my excitement, "I can't wait..."

"Come on everypony Rarity will be back any second! this place isn't even ready yet! this needs to be the most amazing party ever! Twilight yelled as her eyes darted around the new brightly decorated Carousel Boutique. "We need those banners up! hurry Rainbow Dash!, Fluttershy!"

It's safe to say Twilight was panicking.

"I can't believe it's finally here! Rarity's party!" Sweetie Belle squeaked.

"Just Rarity.. five of her best friends, and us four crusaders! it's going to be a blast," I gestured towards the huge confetti cannon in the corner of the room. "Get it? blast? because it's a cannon!"

The others rolled their eyes but come on that was a good joke right?

"Oh come on now sweetie, you'll be standing with us ready to surprise Rarity." Fluttershy gently pushed her hoof on Angel's back trying to get him to move away from the exit.

Rarity was a fan of animals, of course she loved her cat Opal, but as for Angel... I love your aunt Fluttershy, but why in the name of Celestia did she ever bring that bunny to the party?

"Hey Flick!" Rainbow Dash called me to go over to her.

"Back in a minute guys," I said to the crusaders as I made my way over. "Hey miss Rainbow Dash," I smiled.

She returned the smile, "Okay, here's the thing, while Twilight is busy freaking out, she asked me to get all of Rarity's presents and put them in a pile next to the cake."  Rainbow Dash paused and looked at me "You got her a present right?"

"Yeah I did!" I beamed, grinning at the amazing present I'd gotten her.

"Great! so just give it to me and I'll-"

"Interesting story actually! It all started several days ago..." I reminisced, not noticing Rainbow Dash's blank expression.

"Please, no. Not a long story!" Rainbow Dash begged.

*****

"You know Flick, theres not much worth getting in Ponyville," Scootaloo sighed.

"I know..." I responded. "I love this place but there's nothing interesting, not like Canterlot, I'd love to go there and I bet they have things Rarity could only dream of."

"You can't just go to Canterlot Flick," Apple Bloom laughed, before noticing my changed expression.

Then I had a thought, why couldn't I? I had a whole day to get something special for Rarity, why not do something on impulse?

"Hold on just a minute!" Rainbow Dash interrupted me, "You guys went to Canterlot, on your own? without telling any of us?"

"Well, just me and Sweetie Belle, because we thought it was good if - "

"You two head back and help with the last planning of the party," I gestured my hoof back towards town to Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.

Me and Sweetie Belle were now on a train to Canterlot, I'd called the last words out of the window just as the train started to take off.

"You guys better be careful! Canterlot's a big place ya know!" Apple Bloom called as the train grew distant, each word slowly slipping away.

"We will be Apple Bloom, just don't tell the others we're going!" I called back. "Goodness knows we'd get in trouble!"

"Bring her back something awesome!" Scootaloo's last words echoed.

"Wait, you two went to Canterlot on your own? How did you afford anything from there?" Rainbow Dash asked puzzled.

Now there was one thing about Canterlot that me and Sweetie Belle didn't realise at the time, it was… expensive. So anyway on the train there -

"Oh oh! you'll love Canterlot Flick! they have everything! and you haven't even met Princess Celestia yet!" Sweetie Belle squeaked. "You should go meet princess Celestia! If you tell the guards you're a relative of the fabulous Rarity, they'll totally just let you in to meet her!"

"I think the Princess would be a little busy today to want to meet me," I chuckled at the thought of actually meeting the amazing princess, somepony so amazing that all of Rarity's friends and mine had the privilege of meeting several times.

"Any idea what Rarity might like then Flick?" Sweetie Belle asked, slowly look out the window as the train sped away from Ponyville.

"Well, something amazing, something that will make her happy! I'm sure I can afford something that she'll love!"

"I can't afford anything she'd love!" I cried in panic. "The only thing I can buy is a snow globe, but Rarity wouldn't like that... would she?" I groaned.

The stall in front of us was full of antiques and collectables, the huge stall was still small in comparison to the huge city of Canterlot we now stood in. Me and Sweetie Belle were so small, and everypony walking past had no time to stop for anything.

"So you got her a snow globe! okay pass it over," Rainbow Dash asked impatiently.

"I didn't get her a snow globe, there's more to the story," I spoke.

"Of course there is..."

My eyes darted around each of the stalls in the large vast market place, everypony from each stall calling out the offers they have on their products at once. Everything from fresh foods to designer fabrics.

"Designer fabrics!" I called to Sweetie Belle.

I ran through the crowd towards the stall where I heard the voice being called from, Sweetie Belle struggled to keep up.

"So you got her some fabrics for her work? Great! Now just -" Rainbow Dash held her hoof out.

"I didn't get her fabrics," I shook my head.

"Oh come on Flick! You're - "

"There's so many! Diamond embedded, jewel sparkled. Crystal shining...so many fabrics but I don't have enough bits.." I sighed walking away from the stall with Sweetie Belle.

"Flick, I'm sorry but there is nothing here you can afford," Sweetie Belle sighed. "Maybe you should just get Rarity a snowglobe..."

By this point we had searched high and low throughout Canterlot and there was nothing I could afford.  "let's just get the snowglobe and go home," I sighed, lowering my head and walking off as I did so.  I felt defeated, I couldn't find anything.

But sometimes you'll end up doing something completely on impulse, this was one of those times.

"Sweetie Belle... I have an idea," I stopped in my tracks, Sweetie Belle's head lifted up and hope gleamed in her eyes.

"So in the end, I got her this," I used my magic, slowly pulling a golden envelope out from my small bag that rested over my flank. Slowly moving it to Rainbow Dash who's look was now puzzled.

"And what is this exactly?" Rainbow Dash asked confused.

"Well it's actually -"

"Psst Flick!" Pinkie Pie called me from across the room next to the cake, waving her hooves in the air.

"Sorry miss Rainbow Dash, Pinkie needs me," I quickly ran off and headed towards Pinkie Pie.

"But you haven't even answered my question!" Rainbow Dash called to me, before sighing.

"Flick oh my goodness, I need to tell you before Rarity comes here," Pinkie Pie placed her hoofs on me and stared intently in to my eyes. "New Pinkie promise, don't set off the cannon!"

"What? But miss Pinkie, firing that cannon might get me and the others our cutie mark! Rarity likes confetti and - "

"No! Fluttershy said we can't fire the cannon because Angel is sensitive to loud noises and it might send him cuckoo crazy!" Pinkie Pie's ears dropped and her face was overcome with sadness.  "So you have to change that Pinkie promise, now you need to promise to not fire it at all!"

"But, oh why did Fluttershy have to bring Angel?" I looked over at the small bunny selfishly being too stubborn to get in position ready for Rarity to come in. Fluttershy desperately trying to coax him over to the cake where everypony would be.

"Promise you won't set off the cannon until Fluttershy takes the animals outside!" Pinkie shook me. "Pinkie promiseeee!"

"I promise!"

"So In short. Firing the confetti cannon will probably upset Angel and Opal. So we're not allowed to do it, UNTIL the animals are taken outside for a while," I sighed.  

"Why does Rarity keep that stupid cat anyways?" Scootaloo growled, looking over to where Opal was snarling at Angel who was nervously hiding behind Fluttershy.

"Awh come on, Opal isn't that bad once you get used to her," Sweetie Belle laughed.

"She always claws at my tail! I think she's got something against me," I cautiously eyed my own tail, I'd gotten used to Opal clawing at it.

"Don't have such a flicky fluffy tail then Flick," Sweetie Belle retorted.

We exchanged a rather annoying look to each other.

"You know what, I came here to get my cutie mark. Firing that cannon," I looked over at cannon. "When the time comes... dibs!"

"But I wanted to press it!" Sweetie Belle growled.

"Hey you can't call dibs!" Apple Bloom stared angrily at me.

"Okay everypony! final positions!" Twilight called out, before pulling the curtains shut, shrouding Carosuel boutique in darkness.

Before I had time to think further, we all gathered in our positions.  The front door slowly opened.

"Flick, Sweetie are you in?" Rarity called out shutting the door behind her. "Good heavens its dark In here."

Then came the amazing moment, Twilight quickly pulled the curtains open, the huge beams of sunlight shone through, lighting up the room.

"Surprise!" Everypony called out in unison, Pinkie Pie a little louder than the rest of us.

"Oh my!" Rarity was fairly taken aback by the sudden outburst.

"Happy birthday Rarity!" Twilight walked up to Rarity who's smile had widened. "You didn't think everypony had forgotten did you?" She laughed.

"Oh... this is just fabulous!" Rarity admired the banners and various items of decour that made the usual work type environment of her home more fun and inviting. "Thank you everypony, this is amazing! How long have you planned this?"

"A few months! Me and Flick helped a lot! We had to keep quiet though!" Sweetie Belle squeaked excitedly.

"So that's where you've been sneaking off to!" Rarity laughed.

"Ah made us some mighty fine apple fritters! Apple Bloom helped me, Granny Smith sends her love too" Applejack winked.

"Oh oh! And look at the cake!" Pinkie Pie pulled Rarity over towards the huge white cake that stood next to a huge pile of gifts.

The cake spelled out 'Happy birthday Rarity!' Some icing frosting surrounded the text in a nice contrasting blue.

"Oh this is just amazing. Thank you all so much!" Rarity couldn't contain her excitement.

And it was amazing, the first half of the party was perfect.

We played some party games.

"Time for pin the tail on the pony!" Pinkie Pie called out.

Everypony cheered as Rarity stumbled around blind folded across the room, holding the pony tail in between her teeth, while we all encouraged her to find the tailless pony pinned up on the wall.

We also ate lots of cake.

"Well I really should watch my figure... But it is my birthday... Go on I'll have another slice if you insist Pinkie!" Rarity giggled.

Everypony looked at each other bemused by the fact it was Rarity's fifth slice of what was a huge seemingly endless cake.

And then came the gifts.

"Oh Fluttershy dear a new bow for Opal! You really shouldn't have!" Rarity beamed. She admired the pink diamond encrusted bow Fluttershy had bought. The floor of carousel boutique was covered in wrapping paper now, the gifts Rarity had gotten were gently placed in the middle of the room.

"Oh it's nothing, really!" Fluttershy smiled at Rarity's happiness.

"Last two gifts now Rarity, they're from ya little family members," Applejack pointed her hoof at the fairly large wrapped gift from Sweetie Belle and the gold envelope from me next to it.

"Rarity, you'll love my gift. I'm just the best little sister ever. Mine is the best!" Sweetie Belle beamed.

"Yeah Sweetie Belle's gift is good! ...debatable that it's as good as mine But you know," I added snidely towards Sweetie Belle. It was no secret that me and Sweetie Belle fought for Rarity's affection from time to time.

I received a sharp look from Sweetie Belle.  "What did you say? Listen here cousin, my gift was expensive!" She retorted, her voice breaking with the high pitched yell.

"Well my gift is super rare and amazing!" I proudly proclaimed, "I had the best idea ever!"

"Oh come on you two, I love you both, a gifts value is hardly important," Rarity giggled nervously, trying to fight off any potential arguments.

Yeah, we should have listened to Rarity at this point.

"Well, I helped Twilight plan more of this party than you did! Rarity will love my present more because I'm the best sister in the world! And I'm getting my cutie mark for party planning for sure!" Sweetie Belle edged her face closer to mine.

"Well I'm the best cousin in the world, and that party planning cutie mark is mine! I...planned the decor! So, I'm the best party planner!" I moved my face closed to Sweetie Belle until we were just inches apart.

"Well...let's get the party started!" Sweetie Belle pointed her hoof towards the confetti cannon.

"That cutie mark is mine!" I growled, swiftly turning and running towards the cannon.

"Hey! If you two are tryin' to get yah cutie marks, we deserve it too!" Apple Bloom argued.

"Yeah we both helped out more than you did!" Scootaloo growled.

"I helped Applejack and Granny Smith make the food! I deserve that cutie mark!" Apple Bloom proclaimed, running towards the cannon.

"Crusaders! Could you guys stop fighting! This is Rarity's party!" Twilight yelled.

"Um please stop shouting, Angel doesn't like loud noises," Fluttershy panicked, noticing Angel getting a little on edge. "If I could just take the animals outside... for some quiet time, that'd be good."

"Please everypony just calm down, I'm enjoying this party you've all done a fabulous job!" Rarity tried to gently persuade us all to calm down.

I ran towards the cannon pushing the others aside as I did so.

"I'm the best at party planning!" I shouted, before hitting my hoof on the giant red button of the huge cannon.

Then nothing happened.

"Guys… we've just broke a Pinkie promise…" Scootaloo's eyes widened, her words were barely audible.  

"Oh come on, it's just a small promise right?" I rolled my eyes, "Besides the darn cannon doesn't even - "

Suddenly then came the loudest bang I'd ever heard in my life.

The huge blast of confetti fired around the room covering the place. The intense sound spooked Angel and Opal, causing Opal to jump up at the window and frantically claw the curtains panicking to get out.

"Oh my, Opalescence! Get down!" Rarity panicked.

Angel similarly ran away from the caring hooves of Fluttershy and hid in the corner of the room shaking.

"Oh my, Angel dear!" Fluttershy cried.

The cannons blast was so huge it had knocked some banners down, the sound was deafening and everypony covered their ears.

"It was Sweetie Belle's fault!" I yelled pointing my hoof at her frantically.

"No way! It was yours!" She argued back, stepping towards me aggressively

"It was both of your faults!" Apple Bloom yelled.

"I wasn't involved but you three did it!!" Scootaloo shook her head and stepped back from the whole thing.

"No..." Fluttershy closed her eyes and took a deep breath, in an instant she opened her eyes. Only this time, they were filled with anger and determination.

"Stop...this...PARTY!" She screamed louder and more enraged than I'd ever imagined she could. "I don't care who's fault it was, you've upset the animals and that is not acceptable!" Fluttershy growled, her anger lasted merely seconds before she began to cry.

"My designer curtains! Oh my, Opal has destroyed them..." Rarity cried.

"A..Angel, oh sweetie, don't be scared!" Fluttershy cried, running over to the small bunny shaking in the corner.

"Are you four proud of yourselves?" Twilight walked towards us angrily. "Months of planning this party and you broke a special promise and ruined it all! And look at Fluttershy! You made her upset and scared the living daylights out of the animals!"

And suddenly it hit me, the most overwhelming feeling of guilt I'd ever felt. I'd always had a huge soft spot for Fluttershy. I'd brought her to tears...I'd made a huge mess of my cousin Rarity's place and ruined what was supposed to be the perfect day.

"You broke a Pinkie promise," Pinkie's ears drooped down and tears brimmed in her eyes.

"I'm mighty disappointed for you getting involved Apple Bloom!" Applejack shook her head looking down disappointedly at her sister.

"Yeah and don't think you're off the hook Scootaloo, I thought you were supposed to be awesome, not the kind of pony to get involved in a stupid argument like that." Rainbow Dash hovered while folding her hooves.

"But - " Apple Bloom and Scootaloo spoke in desperate unison.

"I think you four should stay here and think about what you've done, come on everypony, we'll take the party to my place," Twilight looked down at us disappointedly before turning and ushering everypony out the room.

Me and the crusaders sat alone in the middle of the room.  "We shouldn't have argued, I'm sorry Flick... sorry to you two as well," Sweetie belle glanced at Apple Blomo and Scootaloo before she looked to the ground.

The entire floor was covered in confetti, yet the room was filled with loneliness. The gift and envelope me and Sweetie Belle had gotten Rarity remained in the middle of the room, unopened.

"I'm sorry guys, it's all my fault." I sighed. "Why did I do it! Me and my stupid selfishness!" I glanced towards my blank flank, the very thing that still haunted me. "Maybe my destiny is to just mess up everything..."

Banners hung low from the once cheer filled room, confetti was scattered all around the room and several curtains hanging next to the window were torn with claw marks. The entire atmosphere was dark and gloomy.

"We tried so hard to make Rarity happy, we ruined everything." Scootaloo sighed, "Now Rainbow Dash thinks I'm a dork," She covered her eyes.

"Okay guys..." I nodded, "Let's agree that we all played a part in this, me and Sweetie Belle shouldn't haved argued over who got the best gift for Rarity, none of us should argue like that. We're friends," I smiled, "Things seem pretty grim now but... well we're strong enough to forgive each other for the sake of our friendship right?"

My three friends nodded in agreement, a smile across all of our faces made the room seem brighter for a moment.

I suddenly felt a hoof pat my head slightly.

I turned around and saw Rarity standing above us, smiling softly, it turns out she hadn't left with Twilight and the others.

"I - Rarity! I'm..." The words were almost inaudible as I stood up to face her. "We're all so sorry!"

"I forgive you dear," She smiled at us, "You all had good intentions, you just got a little carried away, it's really nothing to worry about," She glanced around the once neat room. "I need you both to make a special promise, okay?" Rarity asked talking specifically to me and Sweetie Belle.

We both nodded.

"Well, I want you to make an extra special promise...a Pinkie promise. Pinkie?" Rarity gestured for Pinkie Pie to come forward.

Pinkie Pie suddenly bounced excitedly in front of us.

"Remember what I told you to say Pinkie dear," Rarity smiled encouragingly.

"Oh! I know!" Pinkie Pie cleared her throat. "I want you both to make a Pinkie promise, from this day forward - " Pinkie looked to Rarity who gave a nod in return. "From this day forward, you will both always remember that Rarity loves you both, and nothing you do or buy will ever change that. She's proud of you both and you won't ever have to fight for her affection, because she loves you both so much and neither one of you is more important to her."

Pinkie Pie took a deep breath, looking down at us both.  "Pinkie promise?"

Now Sweetie Belle might like to say she handled this emotional moment well but she was in tears at this point. And you know what, so was I.

Rarity stepped forward and wrapped her hooves around me and Sweetie Belle and hugged us tightly.

"We Pinkie promise," we spoke in unison.

"I love you both, remember that."

"We love you too Rarity," we spoke again in unison.

And that was the emotional ending to a pretty bad party but we all learnt a lot from that night. The most valuable lesson is that Rarity loved me and Sweetie Belle the same, there was never a reason to fight.

Oh wait! The presents from me and Sweetie Belle! How did I forget that? Okay so a short while after that -

"We can all stay over here and have a party sleep over now that everypony is here, oh it'll be so fun!" Twilight exclaimed walking through the doors of her library. "We'll clean Rarity's place tomorrow." We all followed her in to the warm inviting home, such a contrast to the dark gloom filled Carousel Boutique. "Spike! New job for you mister!" Twilight called up the stairs.

Spike quickly came running down the stairs. "Oh, hi everypony! What is it Twilight?"

"You need to look after Angel and Opal for the night and tomorrow you have to help us clear out Carousel Boutique for Rarity."

"I have to...look after those two?" Spike looked fearfully to Opal and Angel who stood either side of Fluttershy and gulped.

"Oh come on, just for the night. We're having a girls night now...plus Flick, so you can go keep Opal and Angel happy while we stay down here," Twilight giggled.

So a short while passed, everything was happier, the atmosphere was calm and perfect, between all of us, although it was a very... girly night, so of course I didn't enjoy it.

I nodded in agreement to what Rarity had said "I know! It's just something about That dress you wore that was just so beautiful!" I exclaimed excitedly. "I really do have an interest in fashion, it's such a beautiful expressive art form," I beamed.

"You have an interest in fashion?" Rarity could hardly believe what I'd said, a huge smile creeped over her face. "Oh you just have to help me design a dress sometime!"

Okay so maybe I did enjoy some of the girly topics. Scootaloo and Rainbow dash just rolled their eyes most the time.

"Hey Rarity, you haven't opened the little one's gifts yet," Fluttershy pointed to the gift and envelope that were brought over earlier.

"Oh my! I almost forgot!" Rarity exclaimed.

"YES! I can finally find out what's in the envelope!" Rainbow Dash hovered in the air excitedly, before calming down after everypony stared at her. "Flick was telling me earlier but took about five years and didn't even finish the story," She grumbled.

"I shall open Sweetie Belle's gift first then!" Rarity giggled, much to Rainbow Dash's annoyance.

So then Rarity opened the present from Sweetie Belle and was thrilled at the amazing dress Sweetie Belle had saved up so long for. The two shared a sweet hug and Rarity couldn't help but admire her little sister for saving up so hard.

"That dress is just...fabulous! I really can't thank you enough Sweetie, you really are the best sister ever!" Rarity beamed. "Oh my I just love the way the fabric has been woven so seamlessly with the jewels!" Her eyes lit up.

Sweetie Belle smiled happily in response, delighted Rarity was happy with her gift.

"And now the mysterious envelope from Flick!" Rainbow Dash cheered rather impatiently.

"You're lucky I still have it, I lost it on the train back, Sweetie Belle had to keep it safe for me. I'd be a terrible mailpony" I laughed.

"Train? Where did you get this?" Rarity asked.

I simply smiled and gestured her to open it.  And so Rarity opened the envelope, everypony except for me and Sweetie Belle slowly peered over to get a better view to see what it was. Rarity then pulled out the letter within Casting a glow with her telekinesis holding it out in front of her.

The Canterlot fashion parade was a huge fashion event, something your aunt Rarity could only dream of attending as a spectator, so to be a part of the parade itself, was in her own words -

"Amazingly beautifully fantastic!" Rarity gasped with joy. "Flick! I don't know what to say!"

"How did ya manage to get that Flick? That event is mighty fantastic, It's not easy to just get to be a part of it," Applejack gasped.

"Well I noticed that Rarity had mentioned that event quite a few times," I started.  Everypony giggled, Rarity had been working hard on dresses for various clients attending the parade, it was all she spoke about.  "So I got the idea when we couldn't find anything to buy, but then - "

"Sweetie Belle... I have an idea," I stopped in my tracks, Sweetie Belle's head lifted up and hope gleamed in her eyes.

"What is it?" She asked curiously.

"Come with me." I grinned. Why hadn't I thought of this before?

And then I ran, Sweetie Belle followed behind me through the busy streets of Canterlot.  "Flick, where are we going?" Sweetie Belle called out as she fell behind slightly.

But I didn't respond, I had a great idea. So a short while later we arrived at Princess Celstia's castle. A guard stood outside and stood his ground as me and Sweetie Belle walked up to the enterance.

"Flick, what are we doing here?" Sweetie Belle whispered, noticing the guard staring at us intently as we approached.

"What is your business here?" The guard grunted.

I cleared my throat, "I'm Flicktailus Flufftail and this is Sweetie Belle, you can tell Princess Celestia...we're relatives of the fabulous Rarity of Ponyville!"

"Oh my the fabulous Rarity? Why, come this way!" The guards attitude changed dramatically.

That's the huge perk of being related to the most fabulous pony who's just so happened to help save the whole of Equestria several times... So we were lead through the the huge amazing castle of Canterlot And that's when I saw her, the majestic Princess Celestia, she approached us after the guard had cleared his throat to gain her attention.

"Relatives of the fabulous Rarity are here princess," he bowed down.

"Princess Celestia..." I gasped and bowed as she approached us. "Sweetie Belle aren't you going to bow?" I whispered angrily.

"Nah it's cool me and Celestia are friends yo! Hey princess!" Sweetie Belle squeaked.

"Hello Sweetie Belle, I trust your sister is doing well?" Princess Celestia greeted her warmly.

"Yep she is! This is my cousin Flick by the way" Sweetie Belle pointed her hoof to me.

I blushed nervously.

"Oh so this is Flicktailus Flufftail! Twilight Sparkle mentioned your magical talents in a letter recently, I'd keep up the magic studying if I was you. You have a bright future," Princess Celestia winked.

I blushed even more, the fact I was standing in front of Princess Celesita was one thing, now she was complimenting me.

"I'd say magic is defiantly something you should keep up, maybe Twilight could keep training you once her training is complete." Princess Celestia giggled.  

The idea that the princess thought I had a bright future, well that was exciting. Of course at this time I didn't know, well non of us knew in fact that Twilight herself would become the princess she is today soon enough.

But anyway.

"So what I'm saying...Miss Princess Celestia your highness. is that Rarity has worked so hard designing dresses for everypony parading in the Canterlot fashion parade, do you think you could get her tickets to come and see the show?"

"Oh Flick, it's so generous of you to travel all this way to help your cousin, you're a lot like Rarity. You have the same generosity as she does," Celestia laughed gently as she noticed me blushing once more.

"Well I try!" getting so many compliments off the Princess was bizarre.

"Let me ask you both this..." Princess Celestia leaned forward "Do you think Rarity would rather be in the parade itself?"

Me and Sweetie Belle exchanged the biggest smile possible and nodded excitedly.

"And then she gave us the envelope and we came back to Ponyville as quickly as we could!" I finished proudly.

"Flick, that is just..." Rarity was almost lost for words.

Everypony else was fairly shocked and nopony spoke a word.

Rarity hugged me so tightly I couldn't even hear the muffled sounds of what she was saying. But I was happy. Me and Sweetie Belle had made Rarity happy. All was well in the end.

What followed was a fairly relaxed evening, we all ate the rest of the cake, and me and the crusaders told some stories of our recent cutie mark quests. Come the end of the night as everypony got ready to sleep, there was however one thing I needed to do.

I gently took a piece of parchment that Twilight had kept on her table, along with a quill. I gently dipped the feather in the pot of ink that sat on the desk. The feather hovered above the paper with the glow of my telekinesis.

Slowly I wrote out the words,

"Now I'll remember, never break a Pinkie promise" I whispered to myself.

And I never did break a Pinkie promise ever again.

Chapter 5: Calendar

Those last words spoken by one of the mare unicorn examiners had been echoing through Twilight's head. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't focus her energy on the purple spotted egg that lay in a barrel of hay before her. It was a simple task... but she was too anxious to pull it off.  And so Twilight did the only thing she thought she could do... admit defeat. "I'm sorry I wasted your time..." Twilight hung her head in shame.

The examiners disappointingly wrote on their clipboards, when all hope was lost, suddenly then came the biggest most colorful explosion, filling the once dim sky with a huge rainbow blast. At that precise moment several ponies lives changed at once. Rainbow Dash's sonic rainboom helped her five friends find their destiny, as well as earning her own cutie mark too. The intense noise startled Twilight, causing her true magic to prevail and allowing her to pass her exam. Twilight was very powerful even at a young age.

The point is that's an amazing story, and I'm sure you've been told it over and over again. But Twilight's side of the story always fascinated me, because I was so sure my cutie mark would be magic related. So one day in the club house a few days after the party, it was the start of a new month, and what a month it was.

"This month will be awesome, Rainbow Dash is giving me flying lessons in two weeks!" Scootaloo said placing our calendar back on the wooden wall.

"Maybe this will be the month one of us finally earns our cutie marks!" Apple Bloom hopped excitedly.

"It'll be me," Scootaloo proclaimed proudly. "Once Rainbow Dash shows me her awesome moves!" This month Rainbow Dash was at the wonderbolt academy, when she got back she promised to help teach Scootaloo some of her skills.

"Hey wait...when one of us gets our cutie mark we'll still help the rest of us on the journey right?" I spoke unsure of the answer that would follow.

You see I'd never thought what one of us one day finding our cutie mark would mean for the rest of us. We were the crusaders, a group with a bond but what would happen when one of us finally earned our cutie mark?

"Of course cousin we'll still be the cutie mark crusaders until we've all gotten our cutie marks!" Sweetie Belle reassured me.

"Yeah, once I get my cutie mark before all of you, I'll still help you all" Scootaloo winked.

"Bab's is visiting at the end of the year for hearths warming! We'll all have our cutie marks by then," Apple Bloom beamed. "Maybe she'll have hers too,"

You Kids met Babs once at a party Applejack had once, but you were both too young to remember, Bab's funnily enough lived in Manehatten, I never met her when I lived there, but she'd become a new member of the crusaders not long before I came to Ponyville, she comes in to the story a little more later.

I looked up at the calendar on the wall "We're already halfway through the year now, I wonder what life will be like at the start of the new year," I pondered.

"One more free milkshake please miss Pinkie Pie!" I spoke confidently resting my hoof on the bar of Sugarcube corner.

"Oh! Of course! Anything for you Flick, the most amazingly talented magical unicorn saviour of Equestria!" Pinkie Pie gasped and hurriedly started pouring my favourite flavour, strawberry with chocolate sprinkles. "I can't believe you saved the entire of Canterlot using just your magic skills from all those changelings last week! I read about it in that super popular magazine, that interview with you was amazing! You're so modest!"

"Oh please miss Pinkie, it's just what I do. I could do with a day off without being stopped in the street being told what an amazing hero i am," I smiled smugly looking at my cutie mark, a blue star surrounded by sparks of yellow lightning. "But hey keep talking about it!"

"Well you are the greatest hero in all of Euqestria! So how've you been Flick?"

"Well It's been a busy day, defeated some bad guys, having lunch with Princess Celestia,

same old, you know," I winked to Pinkie.

"Oh wow not another ambitious made up story," Scootaloo's voice groaned with boredom.

"Oh come on Flick, you the saviour of Equestria?" Apple Bloom rolled her eyes.

"Hey knock it off, I'm going to be the next Twilight! I'll save Equestria from something some day, for sure!" I rambled, trying to convince my friends that my stupid ambitious goal was plausible.

"Yeah right and seriously Flick, as if you'd be the one getting free milkshakes," Scootaloo scoffed.

"Coming through!" Scootaloo burst through the door of sugarcube corner.

"Oh! Scootaloo the most amazing flyer and captain of the wonderbolts!" Pinkie dropped my milkshake and the glass smashed, she quickly poured a different flavour. "Here have a milkshake!" She beamed, "Um, Flick could you make some space for Scootaloo? I mean she's literally the greatest thing to grace Equestria."

"Why thank you Pinkie!" Scootaloo smiled smugly. "Oh, it's been an awesome day, I was just teaching some Wonderbolt wannabes some of my moves, maybe one day they'll be as awesome as me and my awesome best friend honorary sister for life Rainbow Dash." Scootaloo looked at me grinning boasting her success.

Chapter 6: Wingless Wonder

"Almost there Flick! Just focus a little more!" Twilight stood back encouragingly.

"Uhm, Twilight, I'm not sure this is going to be safe." Spike squinted his eyes, standing in front of me, scared of the result of this attempt. A beam of blue light shot from my glowing horn hitting Spike, the intense light blinded us all for a few moments. Soon the light dimmed.  

"Oh my Flick you did it!" Twilight gasped, rushing over to Spike who looked relieved he was still alive.

Spike's normal purple and green scales were instead now a bright gleaming pink, and wow he sure did look funny. "Is there any point to this spell?" Spike crossed his arms although for a moment he smirked upon examining himself.

"Colour changing spell, good for camouflage, not an easy spell. Well done Flick!" Twilight chuckled at Spike and patted his head sympathetically, noticing his embarrassment.

"Did you have to choose pink? the only place this would make good camouflage is one of Pinkie Pie's parties." Spike folded his arms, rolling his eyes.

"That spell was easy, pfft, I know I could do something more awesome and dangerous or something!" I hinted.

Twilight was a great magic tutor, except she only really had me do basic spells such as changing the colour of objects, the size of objects. The most exciting and daring thing I'd been able to be taught was how to create a small forcefield around myself.

So the second that Twilight said -

"Calm down, we're working your way up, there are a lot of dangerous spells, I don't want you casting a flight spell on yourself and getting hurt anytime soon," Twilight laughed, carefully getting a book from her bookshelf.

"A flight spell? As in making a unicorn fly? Like the story Rarity told me about when she had those awesome wings?" I hopped up and down excitedly. "Teach me the flight spell miss Twilight! do it now! I can do it, go on just teach me something awesome already!" I hopped around Twilight my words escaping my mouth ridiculously fast with excitement.

"Oh Flick, it's not such a hard spell but it's risky, it wears off pretty quickly and a young unicorn like you suddenly being able to fly? that's not such a good idea."

"Awh... but...but," I gave Twilight my puppy dog eyes.

"Okay maybe tomorrow I'll show you the basics, but please Flick, if you ever cast this spell, be careful," Twilight couldn't help but smile at my eagerness. "And get some rest, you've had a pretty long lesson today, doing magic while tired is not a good idea at all."

I nodded eagerly.

I of course would have gotten some much needed rest, but while my magic tuition was happening I was helping Rarity design a dress for the parade I'd gotten Princess Celestia to let her enter. The parade wasn't for a while, but Rarity wanted things sorted as soon as possible. This event meant a lot to her so it was important to her the dress was perfect, and so she let me explore my interest in fashion.

"Okay now Flick, could you pass me that box of gems?" Rarity asked, slowly stitching some fabrics together looking through her red glasses. I hurriedly us my telekinesis to grab the box Rarity wanted and opened it. The entire box was full of the sparkliest gems from all different shapes and sizes and a vast amount of colours. "Next time I let you use the sewing machine, remember to do it like I showed you..." Rarity held up the unevenly stitched purple dress frowning.  "And try not to rip anything."

"I'm sorry Rarity" my small tail no longer flicked up as it often did and my ears went down. So it wasn't the easiest thing helping Rarity make a dress but I kept at it, for all I knew it could be my true talent. How hard could it really be to make a dress?

"You seem awfully tired dear," Rarity observed me.

"Me? Oh I'm fine!" I held back my yawn, "Come on show me how to stitch properly!" I grinned.

"Well okay five more minutes!" Rarity grabbed some more fabrics, "The trick is to be gentle with the stitching," Rarity began to craft the materials together, slowly showing me how the art is perfected.

And of course those five minutes turned in to a solid hour, and so eventually Rarity sent me to bed.

I walked in to our bedroom and sighed. "I never knew making a dress would be so hard," I sighed to myself. "And I've got a magic lesson in..." I glanced at the clock, "Five hours," I groaned, collapsing on the bed, I glanced over at Sweetie Belle snoring next to me and rolled my eyes.

I gently switched off the light on the bed side table, not noticing the small letter that had fallen behind the table sometime ago, a letter I had promised Rarity I would deliver to the intended address.

I was helping Rarity fix some gems to the dress, I thought this would be the easy but everything felt dizzy and out of focus due to lack of sleep.

"It's so nice of you to help me with my dress again before your magic lesson!" Rarity grinned,  "Now Flick dear this is important!" she sternly looked at me through her glasses while hovering a blue gem above the dress at her work table.

"Something gems something stitching important something things!" Rarity spoke.

"Something what do now?" I asked.

"Pardon?" Rarity asked.

I shook my head several times, "Sorry! Err, I gotta head off to my magic lesson!" I swiftly headed off, "I'll do more dress designing later!" I ran out of Carousel Boutique. The lack of sleep began to take it's toll on me.

And so then my magic lesson happened...

"Well you mastered the flight spell!" Twilight nodded, "For about five seconds before you crashed into my book case..." She sighed looking at the mess.

"I'm sorry Miss Twilight, I can do... help you do the clean thing," I stumbled slightly.

"Oh no you don't, you need to go home and get some rest, you're too tired to do any cleaning or flying spells and from the sounds of it, even stringing a sentence together." She replied, "Go home and sleep, I'll take care of the mess," She smiled.

"Yeah I'll go get some sleep..." I smiled dazedly, "Thank you Miss Twilight," I left the library, slowly walking home.

"Sleep sleep..." I smiled to myself as I slowly walked away from the library, suddenly I stopped in my tracks. "FLUTTERSHY!" I felt my heart sink.

I'd forgotten I'd promised to go help with the animals today after my magic lesson.

"And so Flick, the squirrels are fairly shy, but if you're patient..." One of the squirrel's slowly took an acorn from Fluttershy's hoof and happily ran back to the tree with it in his tiny claws. "They'll learn to trust you! Do you want to try Flick?"

Fluttershy noticed me staring at her intently, my eyes straining.

"Um sweetie? Oh my, are you scared of the feeding the Squirrels? don't worry, it's really quite easy," Fluttershy looked at me and tilted her head to the side.

Now at this point she probably said something like -

"Don't be scared sweetie, the squirrels are really cute! I know you secretly want to hold one of them really. They have such angelic little eyes and the most adorable bushy tails you've ever seen! But I don't mind if you're scared sweetie, it's okay." Fluttershy smiled down at me, before looking back up towards the Squirrels happily sitting on the tree branch.

But being half asleep, I could only focus on Fluttershy, sweet, kind Fluttershy... So all I remember was -

"Don't be scared sweetie,I know you can't quite focus on the animals because I'm really cute and you secretly have a huge crush on me. I've got such angelic eyes with the most amazing gentle voice along with the most adorable pink luscious tail you've ever seen, just admit it, I don't mind sweetie, it's okay."

I just stared smiling at Fluttershy  "You're an adorable angel, Miss Fluttershy..." I spoke, slightly dazed.

"Uhm Flick?" Fluttershy smiled slightly looking down at me.

"I mean, uhm, Angel is adorable, Miss Fluttershy!" I smiled nervously, shaking my head trying to wake myself up a little.

After I hurriedly left Fluttershy's place, I finally got home, a long overdue nap was waiting for me, until Rarity got hold of me and insisted we finish the dress...

"Okay Flick, now gently sew the ribbon be careful to not over do it," Rarity cautiously guided me, holding my hoof as I sewed the finishing touches. I focused on slowly moving the dress through the sewing machine, gently ensuring I made no mistakes.

Then suddenly... the last stitch was complete, and there laying before me and Rarity, was a newly completed purple sort of light pink -

let's just call it a 'girly sort of pink gem covered dress with pretty cute pink ribbons gently stitched on either side', the design itself had some weird hard to pronounce fancy name that Rarity could say with ease.

"Oh my Flick, you've done it!" Rarity beamed. "Why this is the most fabulous girly sort of pink gem covered dress with pretty cute pink ribbons gently stitched on either side I've ever seen!"

"I did it! I completed your dress!" I hopped off the sewing machine and eagerly looked towards my flank hoping to soon see a cutie mark, even if my vision was a little blurry because I was so tired.

"You've completed my prototype dress!" Rarity placed her hoof on me and patted my mane happily.

"Prototype? Wait, so you're not wearing this to the parade?" my eyes darted between the dress and Rarity.

"Of course not! Oh my dear, you must make a test dress first, to test wear and tear and decide if you want that as the final design!" She giggled. "I'll just um, put this in my safe place," Rarity took the dress and headed towards the cupboard near where Opal was laying down.

I rolled my eyes and ran in to mine and Sweetie Belle's room, I used my magic to bring up the piece of parchment on my bedside table, I scribbled down something on the parchment once more and sighed to myself. So now my list of things to never do had a new addition. "Never help Rarity design a dress," I spoke quietly. "I don't think I have the energy to ever help design a dress again," I looked down towards my flank. "And I guess this isn't my true talent." I collapsed on to the floor in a heap.

I slowly began to close my eyes and drift off in to a much needed sleep.

"Flick!" Sweetie Belle rushed into the room eagerly, "Come on sleepy head! It's too early in the day to be napping," Sweetie Belle spoke, grabbing me.

"Ah! Who? What?" I panicked after being awoken.

"Come on!" Sweetie Belle dragged me, "Rainbow Dash is about to give Scootaloo a flying lesson in the park, this could be the day she finally gets off the ground! She might earn her cutie mark!" She squeaked in excitement.

"Flying to earn what now?" I grumbled.

"Come on!" Sweetie Belle pulled me.

I said nothing but merely drooled slightly as I was dragged along the floor on to yet another adventure.

"You ready Scoots?" Rainbow Dash patted Scootaloo's head as we stood in Ponyville Park.

"Ready as ever Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo  jumped up and down excitedly, "Isn't this great guys?" She whispered to me, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. "A flying lesson from Rainbow Dash!"

My small tail flicked upwards and my ears perked up, "Flying!" I grinned, "We could fly together!"

"Say what now?" Scootaloo asked.

"Oh I learned the flight spell from Miss Twilight the other day, it's so awesome!" I beamed.

"You learnt it? Oh wow!" Scootaloo gasped.

"How did it go?" Apple Bloom asked.

I smiled for a moment and laughed nervously, "Totally - "

*****

"Flick be careful..." Twilight put her hoof to her mouth, "Okay... you're off the ground good..." She nodded. "Just be careful of the - "

A huge crash ringed throughout Twilight's library as I crashed into one of the several bookshelves, sending books all over the place.

"Bookshelf..." Twilight sighed.

*****

"- Amazingly well, natural born flier Miss Twilight said," I proclaimed proudly, "I could be the next wingless wonder!"

"Woah! Twilight said that?" Scootaloo could hardly believe what she was hearing.

The 'Wonderful Wingless Wonder' was a famous colt unicorn that was admired across Equestria. Gifted at magic, so much so he used his gift to become incredibly talented at flying with the use of nothing but his magic. He was amazing at it; winning races, saving any pony in peril, he was a regular superhero if anything, he had everything, even a really awesome catchphrase.

"This is going to be awesome! I'm finally going to learn to fly! Flick, maybe we'll both get our cutie marks and be flying buddies! We can be super heroes! The spectacular soaring Scootaloo and the fantastic flying Flick!" Scootaloo's wings flapped with excitement. "Oh and remember, we've got to stay in the park, since the Mayor is over at town hall giving a huge speech about - "

Oh right next to the park at the town hall the mayor was giving a speech on the restoration of the Town Hall.

The Mayor stood proudly on her stand outside Town hall, addressing the large crowd of ponies gathering. "Everypony of Ponyville, ladies and gentlecolts. I'm so thrilled for you all to be here, so many of you are here to celebrate the restoration of Town hall!" She grinned at the townsfolk, "After a certain clumsy mailmare recently caused damage to it..." she scowled. "But now it's perfectly restored, our beloved landmark is safe once more!"

The crowd cheered.

"Ready?" Rainbow Dash looked over to Scootaloo who was in a ready position next to her.

"Ready!" Scootaloo's eyes lit up.

"Now flap your wings to prepare and when you're ready," Rainbow Dash leaned down and flapped her wings. "Kick off the ground!" she kicked off but didn't fly, just to show Scootaloo the correct method.

Time almost froze for Scootaloo, she always wanted to impress Rainbow Dash, and this was her chance...Her wings flapped intensely, creating a breeze surrounding her, the silence of the park calmed her and the voice of the event over at town hall was drowned out. Everything stood still... until she kicked off the ground with the most force she could possibly manage -

And fell head first in to the dirt patch.

"Not again!" Scootaloo picked herself up to try and have a speedy recovery. "Why can't I do it?"

"Whoa kid, you can't even get off the ground can you?" Rainbow Dash looked sympathetically down at Scootaloo "But... look, try this instead."

"You can do it Scoots!" A huge beam of electric blue surrounded my tiny body as my horn started glowing brightly and I slowly rose from the ground, my tiny hooves were lifted in to the air and my tail flicked upwards in excitement, "See! Flying is easy!"

"Wow Flick, you're levitating!" Rainbow Dash looked over at me fairly impressed.

I concentrated all my energy and my whole body started to shake under the strain, I gradually drifted upwards away from the ground.

"That's amazing Flick! Oh I need to learn how to do that!" Sweetie Belle tapped her hooves in excitement, "That's so cool!"

Scootaloo flapped her wings faster than she could; she strongly used her hooves to push off the ground, before falling forward and losing her balance. However, before she hit the ground again, Rainbow Dash gently caught her with her hooves.

"I can't even get off the ground Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo cried.

"Now look Scoots, you see Flick?" Scootaloo nodded and looked down on the ground in shame; Rainbow Dash used her hoof to lift her face up to watch me once more. "He might be speeding around the sky in what appears to be a really crooked circle but he's just using some soppy old magic trick Twilight taught him to cheat at the whole flying game, he might be flying now. but that's a spell, one that wears off in five minutes. You've got wings and heart, that will never wear off. Once you get the hang of flying, you'll forever be in the sky!" Rainbow Dash spoke encouragingly.

Scootaloo smiled slightly up at Rainbow Dash, but the sight of me flying around in a slightly crooked circle caught her eye.

"Forget about Flick, he's just being a little crazy, he's nowhere near as fast as you will be one day," Rainbow Dash spoke encouragingly. "Here, try this instead..."

I felt my horn struggling to keep the spell up much longer, but I wasn't bothered by that, I was flying! I wanted to prove something to myself, so then I focused all my energy on a cloud in the distance and sped towards it, sparks of energy were pulsating from the straining glow around my body. "This is amazing!" my eyes were squinted looking through my goggles, while my front hooves were stretched in front of me. I was flying so fast it really was breathtaking, I got to the cloud and hovered at its level, I slowly adjusted my goggles, looking across to town hall, the mayor was stood on the elevated wooden platform, talking proudly to the increasing crowd of ponies eagerly watching and listening. 

Well, I saw things a little differently, the earlier conversation about The Wingless Wanderer had somehow put me in to the mind set of being a super hero plus I remembered when Scootaloo said -

So rather than seeing Mayor Mare giving a fairly innocent speech to the happy ponies of Ponyville, instead I got some crazy idea she was a super villain brainwashing them or something... I really was going crazy.

I smirked and sped down towards Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash as fast as possible, the glow around my body growing fainter.

"And so then I did exactly what you did!" Rainbow Dash blushed slightly.

"Really? You couldn't even get off the ground?" Scootaloo's voice raised in pitch with a bewildered tone.

"Not at all! I fell head first in to the cloud I was stood on and everypony laughed at me, It took me a long time to get to where I am now, trust me Scoots, It aint always easy, but you can do it, I believe in you." Rainbow Dash smiled adjusting Scootaloo's stance slightly. "Just like that, then use THESE hooves to kick off, don't use your front hooves."

"So... I should keep practicing?" Scootaloo smiled.

"All the time, everyday! And boy the way you flap your wings on that scooter of yours, that's skill right there! When the time is right, you'll be flying faster than me and I'll be proud of you Scootaloo," Rainbow Dash put her hoof on Scootaloo once more and looked down at her."Because I know you see me like a big sister, and honestly, to me you're just like a - "

"Scootaloo! I called racing down from the sky. "The evil Mayor Mare is brain washing the citizens of Ponyville! This is a job for the spectacular soaring Scootaloo and the fantastic flying Flick!"

"Flick! Stop being crazy! Get down here now, you're going to ruin the super important event about town hall!" Rainbow Dash called up to me. "Remember what Twilight said! The spell wears off in like five minutes!"

Oh right, like Rainbow Dash had just warned me, you see earlier Twilight told me -

"Got it! Never let go!" I called down to Rainbow Dash and winked. I prepared myself. " And then I sped towards the ground, towards Scootaloo and before Rainbow Dash could stop me, I grabbed Scootaloo tightly and my body sparked with blue energy once more as I sped upwards, towards town hall.  

I was holding on to Scootaloo and soaring upwards through the air, holding on to her with my tiny hooves tightly. "Flick! What are you doing? I can't fly yet!" Scootaloo's voice was full of panic.

"Nonsense! You’re my sidekick the spectacular soaring Scootaloo! Together we've got to save town hall and all of Ponyville!"

"Have you gone crazy?! That’s a super important event and the Mayor Mare is celebrating with everypony, she's not brain washing them! We’re not in some comic book Flick!" Scootaloo yelled up at me, the sound of the wind due to how fast we were going drowned out most of the speech.

"I know! She’s brainwashing them! That’s what I said!" I sped towards town hall still holding on to Scootaloo, "Here we go!"

"Flick... I'm scared..." Scootaloo's eyes slowly filled with tears and she placed her hooves over them.

We got closer and close to town hall, several ponies in the crowd below looked up and saw us. My horn was barely glowing and the electric blue glow around me was fading, Scootaloo kept her eyes tightly shut awaiting the worst.

And then it hit me. Oh, not the town hall not yet anyway. We were still speeding towards that in what now seemed like slow motion, the fearful words Scootaloo had just spoken suddenly got through to me.

I suddenly realized what I was doing, how bad I had been to Scootaloo, rubbing my magical ability of flying in her face, now speeding down towards the Mayor who was unaware of the pending danger, in that moment I had to do the right thing.

I concentrated all my energy but I couldn't do it, the flight spell wore off, I was too weak. I closed my eyes and held on to Scootaloo tightly. "I’m sorry for being a bad friend," I whispered as my voice broke slightly. I focused all my energy and hoped my magic wouldn't let me down now, a bright blue ball of energy surrounded me and Scootaloo, I'd managed to create a force field like Twilight had showed me only once before, a spell I thought wouldn't never be useful and I didn't want to learn in the first place. All so I could learn some stupid flight spell and put my best friend’s life in danger. Then -

The loudest crash filled the entire park, a huge blast of blue energy collided with town hall. The Mayor and the residents quickly noticed the problem and hurriedly got out of the way of the large building which was starting to collapse. The huge force field I created managed to keep me and Scootaloo from harm. The entirety of town hall collapsed completely, the sound of everypony panicking then slowly seemed to fade, as mine and Scootaloo's eyes remained tightly shut, my hooves were still held tightly on to her as we lay in the wreckage.

I lay with my eyes tightly shut, both of my hooves around Scootaloo, as I slipped out of consciousness... until suddenly.

"Pinkie is here!" Pinkie Pie beamed springing in to my view.

I looked around and knew instantly this was Ponyville, although it was dark and eerie and deserted but Pinkie's loud always-enthusiastic voice had somehow made the atmosphere brighter. "Miss Pinkie! I... what are we doing here? Where is everypony? And what about town hall? Is Scootaloo okay?" I stumbled over my words somewhat dazed and confused. The last thing I remembered was creating a forcefield around Scootaloo, hearing the loud crash and the ground vibrate from the large structure collapsing around us, and me then everything went dark.

"Oh silly! Scootaloo will be fine I'm sure! You cast a pretty safe forcefield!" Pinkie giggled, over enthusiastically even for her.

I nodded calmly relief washed across my face. "Why is Ponyville so... dark?"

This was the usual busy street of Ponyville, only deserted and gloomier.

"Oh! Well that's because you're having a nightmare silly!" Pinkie laughed at me bouncing on the spot as she did so, "You've knocked yourself out! You're currently laying... motionless in the wreckage of Ponyville's oldest building that was only just recently restored," She giggled.

"I'm not scared, how is this a nightmare?" My small tail hung low as my ears did the same.

"I'll show you Flick!" Pinkie excitedly whispered, holding both her hooves out in front of her.

And suddenly with tap of her hooves our entire surroundings became blurred and distant, suddenly everything had transcended in to yet another familiar setting my old home in Manehatten.

"This - this is my home! My first home!" I looked up at the small dim lit house on the busy street. "Pinkie why are we here?"

It was exactly how I remembered, the 'posh' suburb of Manehatten, one long road, garbage bags all over the place... classic Manehatten. Pinkie Pie pointed her hoof towards the door of my house, I quickly turned to look and saw my parents closing the door behind her.

"Mother!" I called a smile covering my face.

"They wont hear you Flick they're pretty busy anyway!" Pinkie noticed my disappointed expression.

I watched them both nuzzle each other sweetly before walking off separate ways down the street.

"They're going to work I guess. My dad went works at the Manehatten bank, he's head of the finance office and mother runs the flower shop," I let my mind flashback to my days in Manehatten, I often thought about my parents, I missed them like crazy. "Pinkie, why are we here?" I asked snapping out of my thoughtful state.

Pinkie merely pointed her hoof at the door once again, the surroundings changed slightly and it became lighter, like a time lapse of the day, as if several hours past within seconds. I suddenly saw the door open once again, this time I saw myself appear from the dark doorway, shutting the door with a blue glow behind me.

"That's me, I must be going to meet Daisy Spring," I stared for a moment, a smile again crept across my face.

You know Daisy, my best friend from back home, she'll be in the story later.

"I think for this part we should move on over to later in the day! To the fun time!" Pinkie beamed.

With a click of hooves tapping together, the surroundings soon became distant and blurred once more. Suddenly I was in the park, this was Manehatten Park, the place I always went with Daisy when we weren't in school.

"Heyo Flick! Took your time today!" The young pink maned, white-coated filly hopped towards the other version of me.

"Hey Daisy sorry I woke up late again," I rolled my eyes at my friends impatience. "How's it been not being a blank flank like me the last few days?" I sighed noticing my friends newly earned cutie mark.

"You two had a great friendship didn't you!" Pinkie Pie turned towards me, carefully watching my reaction to the unfolding scene.

"Yeah me and Daisy are amazing friends, she works at my mothers flower shop most days, her favourite flowers are daisies, hence her name." I watched this dream version of me run around in the park playing with my best friend. "I miss her actually, I miss Manehatten a lot sometimes, I love Ponyville and all my friends but i miss my parents and Daisy," my voice grew distant.

"She misses you too you know! You should have a party when you next go to Manehatten!"

I smiled slightly and looked across at me and Daisy playing together. "This is a memory, this can't have been more than a week before I left to live in Ponyville. She has her cutie mark, she only got that right before I left," I looked over at Daisy's blossoming cutie mark, the brightest bunch of flowers imaginable. "I shouldn't have been so jealous, I did sort of leave in spite honestly me and her were the only blank flanks at school before she found her talent it was wrong of me to act the way I did."

"Mental note, lesson learnt, don't be jealous," Pinkie Pie muttered to herself in a rather serious tone.

"Did you say something?" I asked Pinkie, the voice almost sounded nothing like her.

"I said uhm, time for more fun!" Pinkie smiled widely nervously, clicking her hooves together.

Yet again, the surroundings became distant and slowly transcended in to yet another setting.

"Oh no. Pinkie why would you bring me here?" I shook my head in disbelief. This was Carousel Boutique, covered in banners, a large cake waiting in the room surrounded by presents. "Why did you bring me to Rarity's party? I know how this ends! Do I really have to watch myself ruin the whole thing again?" I covered my eyes with my hooves.

Surely enough I heard a loud bang followed by Rarity's voice.

"Oh my, Opalescence! Get down!" Rarity panicked.

"Pinkie, please can we not watch this again?" I begged, peering through my hooves slightly. "This isn't fun Miss Pinkie you lied!"

The familiar scene of the party unfolded before my eyes.

"Stop...this...PARTY!" The loud voice of Fluttershy took me by surprise even now despite me being there when it actually happened.

"Okay... leaving the party," Pinkie's voice had a hint of disappointment.

The scene around us changed once more, suddenly the sun was shining brightly and we stood in Ponyville Park.

"Okay, Pinkie please listen to me! This is all in my head, so why are you showing me all the stuff that I regret? You’re showing me my friend who I held a grudge against since she found her cutie mark. My parents who I didn't spend enough time with and now the party I ruined, why are you doing this?" I felt anger like I hadn't ever felt before, especially to aunt Pinkie. "Anything else you want to show me?" I growled.

"Scootaloo!" I heard my own voice call out.

I knew where we were now.

"The evil Mayor Mare is brain washing the citizens of Ponyville! This is a job for the spectacular soaring Scootaloo and the fantastic flying Flick!"

I looked up to see myself cast in a glow levitating high in the air.

"Pinkie! This just happened! Like right now! This is the reason I'm in this stupid dream land!" I growled and cringed as I watched myself take my scared best friend and fly towards town hall.  "You're showing me all my regrets... why are you doing this? Why are you controlling my dream?" I started to feel anger rise inside me.

"I think I should leave you here to wake up now Flick, I think you've learnt your lesson," Pinkie Pie smiled ignoring my rising anger, she held out her hooves once more.

"Lesson? Wait don't leave without telling me some answers!" I stood my ground looking up angrily at Pinkie.

"Time to wakey wakey!" Pinkie Pie was about to tap her hooves against each other.

"NO!" I concentrated all my energy, suddenly my horn started glowing an intense dark red colour and sparks sizzled violently from the light.

"Flick! What are you -" Before Pinkie Pie could finish, the entire scene around us, to dark sinister nothingness, suddenly we stood in shadows, Ponyville had vanished around us.

"Flicktailus Flufftail, how did you do that?! You altered a dream, that power is far beyond such a young unicorn like -" Pinkie Pie's now unfamiliar confused booming voice was cut off by my whimpering.

"Pinkie what is going on?" I spoke tears were streaming down my face. "This is a dream so I don't care if I'm not polite, what the hay is all this? Seriously? Why would you show me all those horrible things?" I growled in anger.

"I took you to those memories to show you what you've been doing wrong Flick," Pinkie Pie looked sternly down at me. "You are so determined to get your cutie mark that you're doing anything you can to find it, hurting others, pushing them away and that wont end well for you Flick, I've shown you all of this to show what you're doing wrong. If you truly want your cutie mark, you need to think about your actions," Pinkie Pie spoke her voice becoming somewhat darker yet oddly comforting.

"I know I've done wrong, look I can prove I wont mess up like this ever again," I begged, fear overcoming me, "Why is everything dark?"

"You're anger and fear cause the darkness, Do I have your word you will think about your actions?" Pinkie's voice grew louder and more commanding.

"Yes you do! ... Maybe you can make me Pinkie promise to never do anything without thinking again or something, I told you I'd never break a Pinkie promise again!" I nodded in panic, a pinkie promise would surely suffice.

"But it wouldn't mean much making a PINKIE promise to me, because I'm not Pinkie am I?" Pinkie closed her eyes and shook her head.

"Well okay, you're my imagination version of Pinkie then," I rolled my eyes.

"Flick, everypony in this dream has only said and done exactly what you've remembered them doing... I've been speaking to you and telling you things even you don't know, how can I be a part of your imagination?" Pinkie opened her eyes and stared intensely down at me, not even blinking.

"What -  what are you saying?" I felt even more confused now.

"I'm sorry I had to invade what would have been a peaceful sleep Flick, but I felt I had to," Pinkie spoke.

A white glow of light started to emerge from Pinkie as she shut her eyes, the light turned a dark shade of blue and night soon fell in the dreamworld, the figure of Pinkie Pie started to morph and grew taller and taller towering even more above me than Pinkie herself did, a horn grew from her head and the biggest majestic wings grew from her, with a blinding streak of light, Pinkie was gone... and in her place...

My mouth was wide open once more. "Princess... Luna? It's such an honour!"  I bowed down before the dark mysterious princess "but how?" I asked, looking up in disbelief.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Flicktailus, I must say, although not under these circumstances. I'm not sure if your dear friend Scootaloo has ever told you of my dream dwelling habits," Princess Luna smiled softly down at me.

"Dream dwelling?  You've been controlling this whole dream! You... but miss Pinkie Pie?"

"I knew you would be scared to face your darkest memories alone, so as much as I wanted to meet you right away I thought I'd instead take on the form of somepony familiar to you, somepony who can laugh even through the darkest times," Princess Luna's dark mane blew mysteriously in the dark shade of night.

"But. Miss Princess Luna your highness, what about reality, what's happening there? Is Scootaloo okay?"

"Scootaloo is indeed fine, I can see in to reality as clear as we can see this dreamworld, you're going to wake up to a nice comfy bed and your friends gathered around you," Princess Luna moved towards me and placed her hoof on me gently, warmly smiling at me.

"But, oh no, no. New plan, I'm staying in this dreamworld forever.I don't want to know how much trouble I'm in when I wake up," My eyes widened, I'd wrecked town hall and hurt Scootaloo, this wasn't going to go unpunished.

"Relax you little worrying thing, your friends will be overwhelmed that you're okay."

"I don't know what to say, it's such an honour to meet you and thank you! So much!" I beamed, I could hardly believe it.

"It is my pleasure, you have a great future ahead of you, trust me, my powers have given me a great gift of insight to others futures, you have a bright ambitious future ahead of you should you take todays lesson and apply it," Princess Luna winked at me.

"I won't do stupid things to try and get my cutie mark again, I promise!" I sniffled.

"You'll do what you must to find your talent, but to put your loved ones in danger... will only lead you here, to the darkness," Luna spoke sternly.

"Well what do I need to do to earn my cutie mark? What's my true talent?" I asked hopefully.

"Keep in mind todays lesson and know that it will come eventually, you have a huge fear of disappointing others, a fear of mailmares and changelings along with a great fear of not having a place in Equestria. Let go of your feelings and then," Princess Luna remained silent for a moment.

"Then?" I questioned through the longest pause.

"Isn't it obvious?" Princess Luna winked as she clicked her hooves together.

The smile was the last I saw of Princess Luna before I felt the feeling of light slowly coming towards me.

"One more thing, I think you'll be needing to write a letter to my sister, she'll be interested to hear of this story," the last words by Princess Luna I heard as everything started to blur.

I nodded eagerly as the bright light overcame me, "I'll make you proud! I'll tell Princess Celestia about the lesson I've learnt... I should stop worrying about my cutie mark because I have - "

Then I woke up to see Twilight, all your other aunts, and my three crusader friends smiling down at me laying in the bed in my room in Carousel Boutique.

"A family," I looked around at everypony smiling at me in relief, bracing for the smothering embrace from Rarity, Scootaloo stood by her smiling at me, she was safe.

And that's how I met Princess Luna.

Chapter 7: Cupcake Calculation

I carefully shut the door of Sugarcube corner behind me, and turned to look at the comfy familiar place that I used to spend so much of my time in when I was younger.

"Oh Flick! what are you doing here?!" Pinkie Pie's voice beamed loudly with excitement. I smiled and walked on over to the bar that Pinkie stood behind. "Hey Pinkie, I just came to get the birthday cake that I had ordered." I grinned excitedly down at Pinkie.

I still find it amazing at how small I used to be, yet now I'm just slightly taller than Pinkie Pie. Her mane wasn't as intensely pink as it had been years ago, yet as you two know, she still maintains her bouncy care free happy attitude.

Then of course two days after that, it was your birthday my little princess.

"Wow dad! You got aunt Pinkie to make a cake just for me?" The young golden haired Pegasus looked up at me with her  green eyes gleaming and smiled happily.

"Of course I did sweetie, it's your special day, I had to get you something nice didn't I?" I smiled down at my little ray of sunshine.

"Hey dad she's gonna share that right?"

I looked across to see the younger colt unicorn standing impatiently using his hoof to scratch his messy blue mane, his purple tail gently covering his blank flank.

"You're just like I was at your age son, I was fairly impatient too, but the lesson to be learnt is that patience can be a key skill to eventually ensuring you have a - "

"Dad can I just have some cake, it's my birthday in just five months from now," he rolled his eyes.

"Of course you can," I laughed through my sigh.

Now I know you two were there for that, of course you were, but remember when I went to go talk to Pinkie?

"You two enjoy the cake, share it with your friends you two, I need to talk to your aunt Pinkie, your mother will be back soon so please

don't make a mess!" I smiled at the two ponies who beamed happily at me.

"We won’t dad!" they spoke in unison before running off to enjoy the large cake waiting for them.

"Thank you so much again for the cake Pinkie, she loves it." I hugged your aunt Pinkie.

"Oh it's no problem Flick! This party is super fun! And you planned it all yourself! I'm surprised you never became a party planner!" Pinkie bounced happily. "Did  you ever tell those two about Rarity's birthday party?" She giggled.

"The party that went wrong?" I blushed" Well, I was thinking of finally telling them two the whole story next week sometime, it's going to be pretty heavy rain most the week so they'll be stuck indoors and a good story could keep them entertained."

"You're finally going to tell them how you earned your cutie mark?" Pinkie's grin grew wider.

"Yep! I'll tell them every last detail! I'm sure they won't be bored..." I trailed off, of course my stories were entertaining.

"Are you going to tell them about the time you kicked that changeling in the face?" Pinkie questioned excitedly. "Ooh! what about the time you destroyed town hall? Oh! and what about the story about your green scarf?" Pinkie rambled on.

"Every last detail!" I interjected.

"TELL THEM THE STORY OF THE MAGICAL CUPCAKES!" Pinkie's voiced boomed and she leaped in to the air.

"I - what? That’s not really a huge part of the story." I stuttered, remembering the odd story.

"PINKIE PROMISE TO TELL THEM THAT STORY NOW!" Pinkie Pie growled.

"Uh - "

And so then I made a Pinkie promise, so here's the story of the magic get well cupcakes, blame your aunt Pinkie for this. It happened right after the flying incident.

"Princess Luna really helped you?" Twilight's smile was growing as I told her the story.

I lay in my bed at Carousel Boutique, my fellow crusaders and your aunts had all listened intently to my story. "It was amazing, she made me realized everything I've been doing wrong, I know now that the path ahead is clear, she really taught me an amazing lesson." I smiled before remembering something important. "She said I should write a letter to Princess Celestia! I don't have paper or a quill anywhere, can somepony find me some so I -”

"Calm down Flick, you can write a letter later, you need time to recover, you're injured and you've had a shock," Twilight patted my messy blue mane slightly smiling proudly down at me.

"I still can't believe you met Princess Luna too! Just like the time she saved me from my nightmares!" Scootaloo fondly remembered the camping trip with Rainbow Dash.

I smiled and relaxed, losing my tenseness as I did so.

"Yep Flick, you're injured!, which means - " Pinkie started.

Now you two know Pinkie can't stand anypony being sick or hurt in anyway, anypony who is gets half a dozen of her special get well cupcakes forced upon them.

Half a dozen. An hour. I should point out that the first few times I was pretty excited for these cupcakes.

" - it's time for get well cupcakes!" Pinkie beamed.

"Oh yay! Flick, you're in luck, Pinkie's get well cupcakes are amazing!" Sweetie Belle admired the pink box Pinkie had placed on the table next to the bed.

"They are mighty fine!" Applejack too fondly admired the box of delights.

Pinkie Pie opened the box; the pink cupcakes emitted a magical like glow that I'd never seen before.

"Oh my, Miss Pinkie they look amazing! Thank you so much!" I used my magic to bring one of the glowing cupcakes to my mouth and took a bite.

And I can't even express how it felt every bite was amazing, cupcake after cupcake the taste was sensational. The magic seemed to never wear off, but eventually...

"Who want's more get well cupcakes?!" Pinkie rushed in with a fresh box of glowing pink cupcakes.

Your aunts had all left at this point, Rarity insisted I needed rest but let the crusaders stay with me in mine and Sweetie Belle's room.

"More cupcakes? um, miss Pinkie, I don't think I could eat anymore." I rested my hooves on my belly as I lay in bed, I felt so full it was unbelievable.

"But - but, you love my get well cupcakes..." Pinkie lifted her hoof to her eyes where tears threatened to fall.

"But maybe I can manage one more!" I quickly added to avoid the impending flood of tears.

So then I tried to be polite and eat another cupcake, but it hurt so much to move, I cast a glow around one of the pink cupcakes from the box of eight, however I felt so tired and suddenly the cupcake slipped from my magical grasp as I tried to bring it closer to me, in that moment Pinkie's huge smile slowly changed to one of dismay.

The cupcake landed on the floor.

"You. Dropped a cupcake." Pinkie's eyes widened as she looked over to just near my bed where the pink swirled frosted cupcake was splattered on the otherwise immaculate while floor.

Suddenly the atmosphere changed, Pinkie's entire body started to expand and she suddenly exploded.

Okay that last part didn't happen, but I thought for a minute it was going to.

Pinkie stared open mouthed at me.

"Um, Pinkie Pie? ya okay?" Apple Bloom asked cautiously.

"You... ruined one of my special get well soon cupcakes." tears formed in Pinkie's eyes,

"No no! It’s okay Miss Pinkie!" I sprung out of bed and looked at the cupcake, casting a glow to bring it up to my mouth. "It's still edible! The floor is as clean as - ”

"NO YOU CAN'T EAT THAT!" Pinkie screamed, knocking the cupcake out of my magical grasp across the room with her hoof.

"Why not? The floor is cleaned all the time, Rarity polishes the floor everyday."

"This has nothing to do with the cleanliness of the floor! This is about the magical cupcake frosting!"

"Magical cupcake frosting?" I asked curiously.

"The special super secret magical cupcake frosting that makes a cupcake so tasty! If the cupcake is dropped on to the floor for more than a second, the frosting loses its magic. Then the cupcake will taste..." Pinkie's eyes stared at me, getting wider and wider. "Not as good as before!"

"So it's like the eight second rule?" Scootaloo asked.

"What the...?" Apple Bloom scowled. "You mean five second rule!" Apple Bloom corrected.

"Don't you mean the ten second rule?" Added Sweetie Belle.

"Oh my word! I hope you mean the no second rule! Any food touching the floor no matter how polished it may be is unsuitable for consumption!" Rarity shook her head as she walked past mine and Sweetie Belle's room.

"Okay, forget that cupcake." Scootaloo started. "Maybe we should just -”

"Have an experiment to test which second rule is the correct one to maintain the magical frosting flavour?" I sprung on top of the bed.

Everypony stared at me blankly.

"I need to go get some of my special cheer up cupcakes!" tears filled Pinkie's eyes as she galloped out the room.

You should know by now I sometimes got a little carried away. I should point out, I wasn't in the right frame of mind after the accident, I'd gone a tad crazy... again.

I stood on the bed overlooking my crusader friends; I glanced at the box of cupcakes on the bedside table. "My dad is a mathematical genius, he can calculate an entire years worth of profit and loss and financial results quicker than Rainbow Dash can fly out the room." I nodded smugly. "And I'm his son, the scientific genius, so lets find out which second rule is correct..."

I pulled out a pair of fairly big nerdy black glasses and placed them on, I cast a glow on the nearby piece of parchment and quill along with some giant calculator that I for some reason kept under my bed.

"Oh not those glasses." Sweetie Belle sighed.

Now when I put those glasses on I thought I became much smarter, efficient and intellectual, problems became clear and any task seemed to be easily conquered.

"Those glasses don't even have lenses!" Scootaloo squinted.

I ignored my friend, "Now... let the experiment begin! I will prove that this floor which by the way is squeaky clean shall NOT destroy the amazing taste of these cupcakes, at least not instantly."

"You're going to waste several cupcakes?" Scootaloo tilted her head confused at my intentions.

"...For science" I adjusted my glasses and flicked my messy blue mane imagining I was looking down some camera on my own science experiment show or something.

"Who are you looking at?" Apple Bloom looked in the distance to where I was staring.

"Uh, nopony, anyhow. Sweetie Belle! You first! You claim that the rule of eating food on the floor is exactly -"

"Ten seconds!" Sweetie Belle nodded confidently, "I mean germs can't act that quickly surely, a solid ten seconds before the food is icky I'm sure."

"Well lucky I have this!" I cast a glow on a stopwatch which came to me from under the bed; I carefully placed the strap around my neck.

Scootaloo rubbed her eyes in shock. "Seriously where did you get all this? You pulled it all out of thin air or something, maybe you can explain the science of that for a change rather than just -"

"No questions! Now, Sweetie Belle, please smell this cupcake."I demanded.

The cupcake floated by Sweetie Belle's nose and she smelt it for several seconds

"It smells good!" Sweetie Belle stared at the pink cupcake, her face dropped as it moved away from her.

"Well then, you'd love to eat it right?" I nodded smiling at Sweetie Belle.

She nodded enthusiastically in return, her tongue wagging like a dog.

Then the glow around the cupcake faded, and the cupcake fell to the floor a small splat covered the area it had landed.

"Stopwatch GO!" I slammed the button on the stopwatch.

"Flick! I wanted to eat that! Why are you -" Sweetie Belle's voice raised higher in pitch and despair.

"Well there's nothing wrong with it is there Sweetie Belle? You have ten seconds to wait and as long as you eat it before that time is up, you're fine!"

Sweetie Belle looked at me confused.

I cast a glow around the cupcake and lifted it off the floor. "Time! Sweetie Belle, it's been on the floor for exactly ten seconds, eat it." I instructed.

"But I -”

"Eat it! It’s fine! Unless you... want to admit your rule is wrong?" I glanced mischievously at Sweetie Belle.

"My rule is right! I know for a fact, this cupcake - " Sweetie Belle cast a glow around the splattered cupcake and brought it to her mouth.

"Will taste absolutely -”

Sweetie Belle spat the cupcake out before she even chewed it.

"Yuck! That was horrible! Pinkie's cupcakes aren't what they used to be!" She used her hoof to brush the horrid taste off her tongue.

"Interesting, the ten second rule is false!" I proclaimed loudly.

"Did you really just waste a cupcake just to try and prove a point.” Apple Bloom glanced at the box of tasty cupcakes.

"I think he's about to waste a whole box just to prove a point." Scootaloo rolled her eyes.

"Next up!" I squeaked excitedly. Before anypony could say anything, I'd dropped the next cupcake and hit the button on my stopwatch. "TIME!" I called eight seconds after.

"Scootaloo, you're up, eat the cupcake!" I pointed my hoof at the sad squashed delight splattered in front of Scootaloo.

"What? Hay no, I don't want that, Sweetie Belle's didn't seem so tasty." Scootaloo growled.

"You claim for a cupcake to be fine before eight seconds have passed, so eat!" I demanded, fire seemed to rage in my eyes through my fake glasses.

"Flick I think you hit your head pretty hard, but a free cupcake is a free cupcake, what could go wrong" Scootaloo warmed to the idea.

"Everything about that cupcake is wrong! It’s plain, sour and yuck!" Scootaloo mimicked Sweetie Belle's earlier actions, brushing the taste off her tongue.

"This is amazing! We're closer to proving the correct rule now! It’s not ten seconds, or eight so  that means - " I glanced at Apple Bloom.

Apple Bloom gulped, she knew there was no way out of it.

"Okay, so the five second rule is wrong too!" I tapped my hoof against my mouth in deep thought.

Apple Bloom shook her head, shaking the horrid taste away.

"My friends, we're going to have to do some more calculations. We've got five more cupcakes to work with!" I opened the box of glowing pink cupcakes.

So far the floor of mine and Sweetie Belle's room was half covered in pink spat out and splattered cupcakes,  it was going to get worse.

Scootaloo sighed frustratingly "Flick I don't think this will earn you any sort of cutie mark and even if -”

"This isn't about my cutie mark, this is - " I started.

Sweetie Belle shoved her hoof to my mouth. "I swear to Celestia if you say it's about science I'm telling Rarity and then -”

I pushed her hoof away. "Science!" I finished nodding in excitement to the crusaders who were less than impressed.

So while I was causing a cupcake genocide, your aunt Pinkie was on her way back here with her cheer up cupcakes.

"Hi Rarity!" Pinkie Pie beamed as she entered the room.

Rarity sat at her work desk carefully sewing some fabrics.

"Oh hello again Pinkie, back with more cupcakes I see." Rarity laughed nervously. "Those things could make a mess."

"Oh yes! I'm happy now, since my special cheer up cupcakes makes anypony happy! I thought I'd give some to Flick to say sorry about getting mad that he dropped a cupcake earlier!" Pinkie squeaked.

"Oh that's an ever so sweet idea Pinkie! I must go in there too and tell the others to let the poor dear rest; he's had such a traumatic time" Rarity set aside her fabrics and walked with Pinkie towards mine and Sweetie Belle's room.

And so if you haven't figured it out by now, here's one calculation I didn't get wrong.

Rarity stared in horror at the horrifically messy floor. "Oh my this is THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. - "

"MY CUPCAKES!"  Pinkie dropped the box of cheer up cupcakes she was carrying and stared in horror.

Pinkie and Rarity stood in the door way of our room, their faces terrified.

I stood on the bed smiling nervously at my cousin Rarity and aunt Pinkie, the other three crusaders looked to the floor cautiously, scared of the impending trouble. "Miss Pinkie! Hi!" I spoke awkwardly.

"Flick ya wasted a whole box of cupcakes, you're really in trouble now!" Apple Bloom smirked. "But uh, Scootaloo and me weren't involved at all!" she grinned nervously to Rarity and Pinkie Pie

"Hey neither was I, I swear big sis! I didn't, Flick's just gone crazy again! He hit his head pretty hard." Sweetie Belle panicked.

"Nope! I did it for science!" I growled at Sweetie Belle.

"Well then Flick, how do you explain this mess, hm? Do tell us where the science is in this." Rarity asked sternly, still grimacing at the floor, edging towards me slowly. This was it, I was going to be in big trouble unless I came up with an answer.

"Cupcakes..." Pinkie couldn't even take her eyes off the disaster.

"It was worth it! I can come up with an answer to the experiment to prove it! We had three theories, one clean floor, eight cupcakes. Hm." I scribbled away on my parchment.

The crusaders just looked between me and  Rarity who was now standing in front of me. All that was heard was my mumbling and the sound of the quill scribbling away.

"Flick, there's no point." Scootaloo sighed; she knew we were in trouble.

"Okay Flick, I think you should lay in bed and think about what you've done, and as for you three, well the only punishment I can think of is - "

"Wait!" I called out. The last words Scootaloo spoke raced around my head.  "I got it! Like Scootaloo just said there's no POINT! There were three theories, no point and one messy floor" Everything became clear. "Three... point... one floor..." I mumbled.

Then suddenly...

"The amount of time one of the magical cupcakes can last on the floor before losing its taste is three point one four seconds!"

Pinkie and Rarity glanced at each other, and then back to me.

The crusaders did the same.

"Get it! Its 3.14 seconds! the Pinkie Pi rule!" I raised my hoof in the air with cheer. "Get it! cause it's Pi! 3.14"

"Oh no, please tell me you didn't" Rarity put her hoof to her face.

"Pinkie... Pi rule? I don't get it" Pinkie looked confusingly down at the ground.

"Flick did you really do that?" Sweetie Belle asked, her mouth as wide as Pinkie's had been moments ago.

"You did all of these pointless calculations that make no sense, just for a mathematical pun?" Rarity's words grew louder and her tone was that of disbelief.

"Um yeah!" I spoke, unsure of what would happen. "I am the son of a super smart mathematician after all!"

And then Rarity started to laugh, she giggled slightly before being unable to control the intensity of her laugh. Pinkie as you know, would laugh whenever anypony else was laughing. So pretty soon, everypony was laughing, even Pinkie who didn't understand.

"I made a pretty cool pun didn't I?" I started to laugh myself "Because three point one four, is equal to Pi and your name... is miss Pinkie PIE" I burst out laughing and fell backwards on to the bed, in fits of laughter.

So that was how I wasted an entire box of cupcakes and made a mathematical pun related to your aunt Pinkie Pie.

I lay back on the bed after finally stopping laughing; I sighed and stared at the ceiling.

"Okay now, come on everypony, I think Flick clearly needs his rest!" Rarity ushered everypony out the room.

I sat up lazily, I was so tired. Rarity turned from the doorway to face me, she walked over to me and stood at the edge of the bed facing me.

"I think you should write that letter to Princess Celestia now" She spoke softly.

"Oh Rarity I'm sorry about the mess. I should tell Princess Celestia that I've been misbehaving." I looked down at the bed sheet in shame still trying to not laugh at my own joke.

"Oh no Flick, don't worry about that, I dare say Princess Celestia would love to hear this bizarre story, no matter how random or silly a story may be, it's still a story worth telling. You're a good pony Flick; you'll know what to tell the Princess" Rarity leaned over and kissed the top of my head before slowly walking out the room. "But do get some rest for once!"

"Maybe the Princess will like my joke, maybe being funny is my talent" I whispered to myself in thought.

I'd always thought I could try being like you aunt Pinkie, try to make everypony laugh, I looked down at my blank flank and back to the parchment and quill that lay on the bed next to me.

"No matter how random or silly a story may be, it's still a story worth telling.” I repeated Rarity's words to myself.

I cast a glow on the quill and parchment and smiled to myself as I started writing.

Oh and as for dropping cupcakes? Your aunt Pinkie wanted me to tell you in the politest way possible, if you two ever do that you're not invited to any of her parties for a year. And that kids was a completely pointless part of the story.

Or was it? I told your aunt Twilight all about it the next day and... well you'll see.

Chapter 8: How Twilight became a Princess

My first day of school in Ponyville was one of the scariest times of my life; my old school in Manehatten was full of bullies. So naturally when it came to starting a whole new school, I was scared.

Cheerilee stood at the front of the class of ponies, the first day of the new term had begun. "So class, how about we get to know our newest class member Flicktailus Flufftail! I've asked everypony to do a show and tell of what they did over the summer, Flicktailus, how about you tell us first?" Cheerilee smiled over at me.

Everypony in the class looked at me, I hopped off my seat in between Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. I walked to the front of the class, I got a few winks and words of encouragement off the crusaders and the other friendly new class mates. and a few giggles from who I'd later come to know as the school bullies, laughing at my blank flank most likely.

"So Flicktailus, what did you do this summer?" Cheerilee patted me reassuringly, knowing I was shy.

Now that was a really interesting question, you see this summer had been amazing.

This story however is a complicated one, it's better broken down in to different parts.

I yawned softly and gently jumped out of bed, however there seemed to be something different, Sweetie Belle wasn't snoring, she wasn't in bed next to me when I woke up. I glanced at the clock; it was 11:03 am. I'd overslept again. I swiftly left the room to find where Sweetie Belle had gotten to. I walked through the busy room of Carousel Boutique where all of Rarity's fabrics lay across the room, I noticed Applejack sewing some fabrics, panicking and muttering to herself, making a mess.

"Hey Miss Applejack," I spoke walking past her. But then I stopped. What the hay was Applejack doing here? "Miss Applejack? What are you doing? Why are you... sewing Rarity's stuff? Where’s Rarity?" To say I was confused was an understatement.

"Can't talk sugarcube, must finish these, it's what my cutie mark is tellin' me!" Applejack didn't even look over at me, she continued to panic and make a mess of the fabrics.

"What your cutie mark is what? What do you -" Then I noticed Applejacks cutie mark was no longer the three bright red apples... the cutie mark I was staring at was Rarity's. "Oh my! What the flying feather is going on?"

Applejack merely gave a mumbled response, so I ran out of Carousel Boutique, there was only one pony I knew who could help, Twilight, she would surely have a clue as to what's going on.

I galloped outside as fast as I could but then, instead of the usual sunny weather we'd had all summer, I was instead being bombarded with heavy rain, before I could react my entire coat and mane were soaked and my puffy purple tail was miserably between my legs no longer flicking upwards.

"But it's summer!" I exclaimed to the clouds, "What are the Pegasus ponies thinking?"

I quickly ran back in to Carousel Boutique, past Applejack still frantically sewing materials. I quickly grabbed my flank satchel bag and packed some winter wear. "Rarity usually leaves her pink umbrella here..." I sighed to myself, unable to find it, I braced myself and ran out once more.

I looked across and noticed a nearby crowd gathering, I swiftly headed on over there to see if anypony knew what was going on. But when I saw why the crowd was gathering, my mouth dropped open.

Rarity was standing there struggling to cast a magical glow on the dark clouds overhead. "I'm sorry everypony! I am trying to control the dark clouds but they are just shooting that awful lightning everywhere!" Rarity struggled. The cloud overhead shot a bolt of lightning a few yards from the crowd and everypony took some cautious steps back.

"Rarity? What are you - ” I started before noticing her cutie mark; it was Rainbow Dash's cutie mark.

"Oh hello Flick! Sorry can't talk run along and play with your cousin Sweetie Belle, I've got to manage the weather, it's what my cutie mark is telling me!" Rarity smiled nervously struggling to stop the storm.

"This is a nightmare! Come on out Miss Princess Luna! This HAS to be a nightmare!" I stepped away from the crowd frustrated and scared. "Okay... I need to find Twilight," I ran as fast as I could, heading towards the library.

I won’t lie, I was scared I really had no idea what was going on, so then imagine my face when I saw another crowd nearby outside sugar cube corner and this time the center of attention was -

"Miss Fluttershy?" I called in disbelief walking through the crowd to see Fluttershy in the center of Sugarcube Corner.

"Oh my Flick, I'm so sorry I can't talk!" Fluttershy panicked, smiling nervously at the crowd of booing ponies. The booing of the crowd got louder as Fluttershy struggled to keep them entertained.

"Miss Fluttershy, what in the name of Celestia is going on?" I shouted over the jeers.

"I'm sorry Flick! I'm busy, it's what my - " Fluttershy started.

"Cutie mark is telling you? Yeah I know," I rolled my eyes. "What I don't know is what is going on!"

I headed as fast as I could to the library and I'd finally gotten there. I stopped at the front door, I was scared to go in, half expecting to see Twilight with some cutie mark that didn't belong to her too. I opened the door, closing one eye fearfully, my mouth dropped once more as I came face to face with my crusader friends.

"Oh please, you hang around with the cutie mark losers?" The voice of a mocking pony came.

"Now now Silver Spoon, please do let Flicktailus finish his story," Cheerilee sternly looked at Silver spoon, then back at me smiling.

"Thanks Miss Cheerilee... um, so I was in the library and I was still pretty scared, the whole town was in chaos," I shuddered.

"As we all remember! So did you and your friends do the responsible thing and tell somepony who could help?" asked Cheerilee.

"Um, well..." I looked across the classroom to where the crusaders sat. They all nervously grinned at me and encouraged me to continue. "Not exactly, I tried to come up with a plan. First I needed to know what they were all doing in Twilight's library."

"Guys?" I asked uncertainly.

"Flick! Oh my we were too worried to come lookin' for ya its chaos out there!" Apple Bloom was pleased to see me.

"Yeah I know, what's going on? And what are you all doing here?" My voice was full of panic, I needed answers.

"Oh uh well ya see - " Apple Bloom started.

So this is Apple Bloom's part of the story.

Apple Bloom woke up in her bed; the sound of banging had disturbed her.

"Isn't it a little early to be workin' Big Mac?" she muttered to herself, stretching her hooves and yawning.

She hopped out of bed and lazily walked through the door way to see what the noise was about, nopony was around, but the banging continued, it came from outside. She quickly wandered outside cautiously, the atmosphere was somehow different. "What the hay?" Apple Bloom gasped, noticing Pinkie Pie wobbling on a stepladder, trying to hammer a nail in to the side of the barn.

"Pinkie Pie? What are you doing?" She called walking over to the barn cautious of how wobbly the stepladder was. Pinkie didn’t look like her usual self, her mane was flat and straight, not the usual bouncy fluffy pink ball of joy it once was, her expression was that of anger and her coat didn't quite seem to be as pink.

The noise was drowned out by the sound of Pinkie Pie banging the hammer furiously against the barn, causing more damage as she did so. "PINKIE PIE!" Apple Bloom yelled.

"Oh hey Apple Bloom! Isn't it a nice day for fixing barns!" Pinkie smiled nervously unconvinced by her own words.

"You mean breaking barns! You’re doing more damage!" Apple Bloom suddenly stopped, noticing Pinkie Pie's cutie mark.  "Pinkie! but... Applejack? PinkieJack? What are you doing?" Apple Bloom steeped backwards in shock.

"Can't talk now sorry! I have to fix this barn! It’s what my cutie mark is telling me!" Pinkie’s voice was full of frustration, the total opposite to her usual self.

"I... what they hay is going on? Big Mac? Granny Smith? Anypony around?" Apple Bloom ran around sweet apple acres calling the names of her family, but no response came. "I need to find the others! The crusaders will know what to do!" She spoke to herself, swiftly leaving her homeland.

So then Apple Bloom ran through the streets of Ponyville, through the rain and windy weather she then noticed the crowd that I hadn’t woke up to see just yet. "Rarity? What the? What are you doing?" Apple Bloom pushed her way through the angry ponies complaining.

Rarity struggled to control the dark clouds overhead with her magic. "Sorry my dear Apple Bloom, but this is what my cutie mark is - "

"That's what Pinkie Pie said! What’s with everypony swapping' cutie marks? Where’s Flick and Sweetie Belle?" Apple Bloom yelled over the noise of the lightning.

"Can't talk now dear, I've got to focus on the beautiful summer weather!" Rarity focused her attention back on moving the clouds; her usually perfect mane was soaked and windswept.

"What the hay do I do? I know! Twilight can help!" Apple Bloom rushed off and headed to the library. And so Apple Bloom galloped as fast as she could, the ponies she passed along the way were complaining about the weather that was growing worse and worse.

"Must... find Twilight!" Apple Bloom struggled to maintain her energy as Twilight's library came in to view. Finally she reached the door and banged her hooves on it eagerly. "Twilight! It’s Apple Bloom! You gotta come quick!"" However it wasn't long until she noticed the door was already open.

She cautiously stepped inside.

"Twilight? Are...are you in here?" Apple Bloom called. "Spike? Owlowicious? Any of you here?"  She called hopelessly. Until the sound of books hitting the ground startled her, she turned around to see a small white-coated pony throwing books carelessly from the bookcase. "Sweetie Belle? What the hay are you doing here?"

Sweetie Belle turned around and smiled awkwardly. "Hey Apple Bloom! Well I -"

Sweetie Belle yawned and stretched her hooves, her mind was racing too much to sleep for long. She looked across and saw me sleeping softly in the big bed we shared, she then glanced at the clock and sighed at the time before hopping out of bed, so tired she wasn't aware of her surroundings. She lazily stumbled out of our room and walked through the main room of Carousel Boutique. "Hey Applejack," she yawned walking straight past her.

That's how tired she was, she didn't notice something strange was going on.

Sweetie Belle stepped outside expecting to breath the fresh summer air, instead she was, like all of us, soaked by the heavy rain. "What's with this weather?" she shook her head, waking herself up although the rain had pretty much done that. "What are the Pegasus ponies thinking?" Sweetie Belle quickly ran inside and grabbed Rarity's pink umbrella, still oblivious to Applejack muttering to herself at the sewing machine.

She held the umbrella to stop herself getting soaked, as she cautiously walked through Ponyville, she saw crowds of ponies gathering around some storm clouds. She quickly moved through the dark almost unrecognizable Ponyville towards Fluttershy's cottage.

"Wait," I stopped Sweetie Belle mid story, "Why did you go to Fluttershy's cottage?" I asked.

"Oh Fluttershy and me had some important stuff to arrange," Sweetie Belle smiled at me nervously, looking to Scootaloo and Apple Bloom cautiously as she did so. "Except when I got there - "

"What stuff?" I quizzed interrupting again.

"Just stuffffff," She groaned. "Can I carry on now?"

Sweetie Belle knocked her hoof on the door to Fluttershy's cottage several times, the sound of rampaging animals filled the cottage. "Fluttershy? I'm here to talk about the surprise for - "

"Whoever is there I have my hooves full right now! Come back later!" the voice of Rainbow Dash came.

Sweetie Belle moved away from the door for a moment, before leaning closer. "Rainbow Dash? Is that you? What’s going on?"

"Can't talk kiddo!" Rainbow Dash's frantic voice responded through the closed door.

However Sweetie Belle soon noticed a window in the cottage was open, so she ran over and clumsily jumped through, only to be greeted by the most chaotic mess she'd ever seen. "I'm not like, even going to ask," Sweetie Belle jumped back out of the window. "Nope."

She decided to head to Twilight's library to see if she had any answers.

"Twilight? Are you here?" Sweetie Belle rushed in to the library, the door was open already.

"Sweetie Belle! Hey!" Scootaloo cheered. "Sup?"

"Scootaloo? What are you doing - "

"I don't need to bother telling you all about my day, it's simple, I woke up early is all, went for a walk, noticed some stuff going on, came to see Twilight but she ran right past me and said something about some magic spell she needed," Scootaloo shrugged. "She said something about cupcakes too actually."

"What? You’re mentioning this now? What did she say?" I panicked.

"I can't remember," Scootaloo said.

"Well think! Tell us your part!" Sweetie Belle sighed.

"Fine! Geez calm down!" She yelled.

Scootaloo woke up unusually early, yawning as she did so, she looked around -

I stopped Scootaloo as she started telling her story. "Wait. This is random, but Scootaloo, where do you live?"

"Look do you want me to just skip to the Twilight part?" Scootaloo sighed.

"Um, yeah sure..." I nodded, "But I've never been to your house where abouts - "

Scootaloo raced to Twilight's library as fast as she could, it might have been early but Ponyville seemed to already be plunged in to chaos. "Twilight!" She called, as she got closer to the library.

Only then Twilight came rushing out of her home, leaving the door open as she did so, galloping with speed unlike Scootaloo had

Seen.

"Twilight! You have to help! Everypony is acting weird and their cutie marks are all different!" Scootaloo waved her hooves.

Twilight instantly stopped in her tracks and looked on over to Scootaloo who was out of breath.

"It’s okay!" she called. "I just need the something spell and then I can fix everything! Just like the cupcakes!"

"The something spell?" I asked, holding my front hoof to my face, "You forgot what spell she said?"

"You've gotta be kidding me," Apple Bloom sat on the floor defeated.

I sighed, "And what the hay did she mean about the cupcake?"

"I don’t know, but now we're all here Twilight must be fixing stuff, the whole of Ponyville is going insane out there," Scootaloo tried to gather some order to our situation.

"Okay... We should do the right thing and sort this out ourselves before Twilight get's back!" I spoke confidently.

"How can we sort it out? Twilight is already sorting it out!" Apple Bloom tried to knock some sense in to me.

"We have a whole library here, this kind of cutie mark swapping problem must be the work of some evil magic, I'm Twilight's student, I can be a good student and fix it all! Get reading girls we're going to save Ponyville!" I tapped my hooves together.

There was a loud crash of books hitting the floor, disturbing my concentration on the book i was carefully reading.  "Could you three do things more neatly and quietly?" I asked the others, shaking my head.

"Oh come on Flick, don't be a Rarity," Scootaloo sighed.

"Hey that's my sister you're insulting!" Sweetie Belle argued. "But Flick seriously, don't be a Rarity," She added.

I rolled my eyes and continued to scan the books carefully, looking for anything that could help in the quest to help Twilight. "Still nothing, this dilemma must be linked between the elements of harmony... Doesn't Twilight keep them right over - "

I looked over to where the elements were once kept, but they were gone.

"Twilight must have taken them and figured this all out! great lets go home," Apple Bloom cheered and stood up from the messy pile of books.

"No, maybe they were stolen by whoever is behind this evil scheme," I panicked, my voice broke.

"Oh come on Flick who could do all of this anyhow? except Discord maybe but he's hardly going to cause trouble again after he changed his ways and - " Sweetie Belle spoke before I interrupted.

"Discord? who're you talking about?" I asked.

I'd missed out on a lot before coming to Ponyville, so my friends filled me in.

"You never bothered to tell me about a chaos loving disaster causing meanie like Discord?" I couldn't believe what I'd just heard.

"He's okay now! Rarity told me he said he'd use his powers for good instead! he wouldn't do this," Sweetie Belle tried to keep me calm.

But you two know by now, I never listened when I was younger.

"I'm going to scan the books again, everypony here needs to find some magical chaos reversal spell, now!" I growled sternly.

"But there are so many boring books here!" Apple Bloom moaned.

"Keep looking! we have to save Ponyville, and do it quietly! I need to think..." I tapped my hooves against my head.

I cautiously read through book after book, trying to ignore the loud crashing sounds of books being thrown aside behind me.

"Stop throwing the books at me Scootaloo!" Sweetie Belle’s annoyed voice squeaked.

"Stop getting in the way of where I'm throwing these books Sweetie Belle!" Scootaloo mocked Sweetie Belle.

"Y'all stop fighting and help find this magical spell that probably doesn't exist or something!" Apple Bloom stood up and argued.

"Give me strength... I didn't want it to come to this," I sighed to myself. I cast a glow around my flank pack and pulled out a green pair of knitted ear muffs Rarity had made for me some time ago, I'd packed them that morning after seeing how bad the weather was. The best thing being that they were so cosy and thick they blocked out any sound around me.

I hummed to myself while continuing to scan the books I'd placed neatly in front of me, oblivious to the crusaders arguing behind me. And so it wasn't long before Twilight's library was a mess, books were scattered across the room.

I glanced around behind me, my fellow crusaders seemed to be exhausted, lazily turning pages to various books. Thanks to the ear muffs Rarity had made me I'd not heard any of the bickering. "Thank goodness Twilight wont see this mess," I grimaced once more at the unoragnised chaos. I turned my head back to the book I was studying, my eyes darted between the words scanning impatiently for anything related to the elements of harmony, cutie mark switching or anything of relevance.

Now at this point I was still wearing those ear muffs, I missed out on some important news, because according to the other crusaders, right at that moment -

"Hey you guys hear that? the rain has stopped!" Apple Bloom called for silence amongst the three aruguing.

"Do I hear singing?" Sweetie Belle’s eyes lit up, the distant sound of a song was heard in the distance.

"You're right Sweetie Bell! come on lets go check it out!" Scotaloo beamed, happy to leave the library.

"Twilight must have sorted this all out! come on Flick let's go see!" Apple Bloom called, "Why else would there be singing?"

And the crusaders bolted out of the library thinking I'd heard them. But there I sat, still focused on the book I was scanning, desperate to find anything that could help.

"Guys, if one of you finds anything that could be helpful, put the books in a pile so they don't get put back accidentally!" I yelled, still reading not even turning around to see that my friends were no longer there. I presume I yelled, those ear muffs blocked out all sound, I couldn't even hear myself.

And the thing about total silence, is you can hear yourself think, so then I thought, did Twilight mention anything recently that could have made this happen?

I thought back to the last time I spoke to her.

"Princess Celestia will love that letter Flick, you really did learn a magical lesson there!"

"Yeah, I'm still sorry I was so crazy, not just with the cupcakes but that flying spell," I sighed and looked down at my hooves as I sat on my bed. "I just got so excited when Princess Celestia said I was gifted at magic when I saw her in Canterlot, I was so anxious to learn some amazing magic."

"It's understandable Flick, magic is exciting, but also dangerous and hard to master, but you really are an amazing student, I'm happy to be teaching you!" Twilight smiled down at me, placing a hoof on mine to reassure me.

"You're not like a cupcake at all miss Twilight," I beamed up at her.

"Well that's a pretty odd comparison..." Twilight laughed slighlty confused.

"No but I mean, one of Miss Pinkie's cupcakes when dropped to the ground they lose their magic, they're re longer the magical delight they once was and taste horrible. But when you feel like you've been dropped to the ground and feel like giving up hope, you always pull through and your magic never lets you down. I want to be like that someday," I didn't even know what I was saying myself, it made more sense in my head.

"Well thank you Flick, but I'm really not that amazing," Twilight waved her hoof for me to simmer down on the compliments.

"Rarity has told me stories at bed time, stories of your adventures and it's amazing, I think your magical abillities will get you far in life, and I'm so happy you've been willing to help me miss Twilight," I smiled.

Twilight returned the smile and patted my mane. "I'm so happy you want me to help you Flick!"

"She never mentioned anything about cutie marks, elements of harmony or anything." I sighed to myself. "Have any of you found anything?" I called, I then stupidly realized I couldn't hear anything, so I took the ear muffs off and -

I was alone.  So there I sat in Twilight's library, nopony was around at all, of course I'd missed seeing my friends rush off since I couldn’t hear anything and was focused on reading.

"Guys?" I called anxiously looking around the unusually messy oak library.

And then sometimes the universe will send you the most beautiful sound, something that makes everything better again...the sound of singing.

"That sounds like...What is going on?" I asked myself and stood up from the messy pile of books I'd been searching through. I glanced out the window and noticed it was sunny and bright, a complete contrast to earlier. "They left me! why do they always seem to disregard my plan?" I groaned to myself.

I composed myself and ran outside, I soon noticed the sun shining brightly on my coat, such a warm feeling, the singing was not far away, I quickly ran off, forgetting to shut the library door behind me.

I’d finally found the others, at the exact moment the singing stopped, it was something about being a true true friend, nice song.

"Flick! there you are!" Sweetie Belle ran up to me grinning enthusiastically.

"You guys left the library what was going on?" I tried to stop my mini panic attack, my heart was pounding.

"We told you we were leaving because of the singing and the rain stopping, Twilight's fixed everything!" Scootaloo hopped excitedly.

"She's sorted it all out? without our help? where is she now?" I felt a little disappointed I’d not managed to help.

"She's heading back to the library I think, she ran past with the others saying something about a spell she was working on," Apple Bloom smiled.

"Back to the library? but... the library is a huge mess!" I stopped dead in my tracks. "We have to tidy it before they get there!"

And thus began another mini panic attack.

"But they're probably there by now!" Sweetie Belle spoke.

"There's no way we can get there in time," Scootaloo’s voice killed my hopes.

I noticed Scootaloo was on her scooter so all I could think of doing was something probably totally stupid.  I cast a glow on Scootaloo's scooter and hopped on, I kicked off the ground with my hoof as hard as I could and did so continuosly to gain speed while holding tightly.

"Flick I haven't even shown you how to ride that thing! don't you dare damage it!" Scootaloo’s heart dropped upon seeing me mount her scooter.

"Oh come on don't you know by now your ideas always end in some sort of explosion or something?!" Apple Bloom called after me.

"I'm not going to crash, I'm not going to crash!" I panicked to myself, attempting to gain control of the scooter, kicking my hoof off the ground as hard as I could to gain momentum.

I swiftly dismounted as the library drew closer, galloping inside, I cast a glow on all the books I could, panicking as I fumbled around to place them in the correct places they belonged.  "I can't believe I didn't manage to help Twilight, I wanted to show her I was a good student." I sighed to myself.  I heard hoof steps quickly galloping closer from outside. "Oh you're kidding me!" I panicked and ran up the stairs realizing I had no time to get out. I cautiously peaked down the stairs to see Twilight and the others rush in and gather around a book, Twilight used a quill to write out the words she spoke out loud.

"From all of us together, together we are friends. With the marks of our destinies made one, there is magic without end," She spoke with confidence.

I glanced cautiously at the crown Twilight was wearing, it started to glow, then suddenly the huge beam of light shone from it, suddenly, each of your aunts elements of harmony necklaces started to fire colourful magical beams that created a a white powerful glow surrounding Twilight.  My eyes widened, I stood up and gasped as I saw in full view what was happening, I was about to call out to ask what was happening, but before I could...huge beams of light shone outside the library windows and throughout the whole room, and Twilight, was gone.

The other three crusaders had finally arrived at the library.

"We're finally here" Sweetie Belle tried to catch her breath.

"Do you think Flick is inside?" Scootaloo asked cautiuously glancing at the library. “Hey look he left my scooter outside! And it’s only mildly scratched!”

Suddenly the bright lights shone from the library, beams of light illuminated from inside and shone out of the windows.

"Yep Flick is in there,"  Apple Bloom nodded.

Meanwhile inside the library everypony was silent.

"Where the hay did Miss Twilight go?" I yelled in panic ending the stunned silence. The other five quickly turned at the sound of my voice.

"Flick dear! What are you doing here?" Rarity's voice trembled.

"Flick? What's going on? What are you doing here?" Rainbow Dash asked panic stricken.

"Miss Twilight just vanished right in front of us all are we not going to talk about that?" I pointed my hoof towards the ground where Twilight once stood.

"Whatever will we do? Oh my, poor Twilight!" Fluttershy lifted her hoof to her eyes and started to tear up.

"Never fear, Flick is here! I'll sort this out, we crusaders will help after all!" I proceeded to gallop out of the room.

"Oh no you don't mister!" Rarity stepped in my way. "You need to tell me what you've been doing lurking around here," She looked at me sternly.

"I...just wanted to help, this morning everypony was doing different things and the cutie marks, I wanted to be a good student and help," I whimpered.

"What are we going to doooooo?" Pinkie cried out in anguish. "I don't even have some of my 'cheer up it was just a small explosion I'm sure everything will be okay' cupcakes!" She lowered her head. "Oh Twilight, where are you?"

"You seriously have cupcakes for an occasion that involves a small explosion?" Rainbow Dash scratched her mane confoundedly.

"None of that matters now! Come on everypony we need to find Twilight!" Applejack adjusted her hat. "She could be in danger."

"Oh my, where do we start?" Fluttershy asked.

"We can start by asking around Ponyville," Applejack suggested.

"It's late now, I doubt anypony has seen her," Rarity shook her head.

"We can try and contact Princess Celestia! She might know something," Fluttershy's voice was surprisingly loud in this frantic debate.

Everypony was too busy debating, they hadn't noticed, that I'd managed to sneak out. "Twilight is gone!" I grabbed the three crusaders, I was physically shaking.

"What the hay do you mean gone?" Apple Bloom's eyes widened in unison with the other two.

"The others and their necklaces, the elements of harmony shot out beams of light and Twilight kind of - " I started and stopped suddenly.

"Kind of what?" Sweetie Belle asked.

I gulped, "Exploded."

The other five came rushing out of the library, where without warning a huge bright light shone in the sky, a giant star appeared exactly like Twilight's cutie mark.

"Oh my that's so beautiful!" Rarity was the first to speak, her eyes gleamed as she noticed the huge star.

"It's moving! Come on we should go check it out!" Rainbow Dash jumped off the ground and hovered preparing to fly off.

"Come on Flick, Sweetie Belle!" Rarity called as she galloped off with her friends.

Everypony nodded and galloped as fast as possible, following the star. I quickly grabbed the other three crusaders before they followed. "Wait girls! What if this is a trap made by whoever was behind this?" I spoke cautiously.

"Who'd set up a trap like that?" Scootaloo rolled her eyes.

"I don't know, maybe... DISCORD!" My eyes darted between my three friends rapidly.

"Flick, we all love you...but you are the most paranoid pony I ever did meet!" Apple Bloom poked my head with her hoof.

"I'm not paranoid at all!" I gasped. "Wait, do you all call me paranoid behind my back? Do you all hate me? Oh my I bet you all hate me and you're all just waiting for me to leave and go back to Manehatten or something. I knew it!" I panicked.

"Flick! We don't hate you, calm down! Now come on let's go find the others," Scootaloo pulled me along with her and the others.

"But seriously guys, Twilight just like. Blew up, right in front of us, surely that's a bad sign!" I argued.

Apple Bloom grabbed me and stared at me, inches away from my face. "Look here Flick, while we're standing here debating it, Twilight could need our help, so let's go already!" She screamed.

"... Okay" I squeaked.

I should have listened to Apple Bloom, because as we finally found the others, we'd missed something important.

"There they are!" I called in delight.

And then we arrived just in time to hear Pinkie Pie's scream of delight.  "Alicorn partttyyyy!" She cried in cheer.

"What party? Where?" Sweetie Belle asked happily as we finally arrived.

"Flick dear, I told you to follow us!" Rarity called me over.

"You guys," Rainbow Dash darted in front of me and the other three. "Imagine the best possible thing ever. Now times it by ten!"

"Uh ten of you?" Scootaloo beamed.

"Awh shucks kid, but nope. See for yourself!" Rainbow Dash pointed her hoof and moved out the way.

Your other aunts moved out the way too, and there stood Princess Celestia.

"Miss Princess Celstia!" I bowed. Encouraging the other three to bow also.

"Hello again crusaders, please bow down again. Not for me but for your new Princess Twilight Sparkle," Princess Celestia stepped aside.

And there stood Twilight, the most talented unicorn I ever met, who inspired me so much Only this time, she stood gloriously with her newly formed wings majestically protruding from her body.

She grinned embarrassingly at me and the crusaders.

"Isn't it amazing!" Pinkie Pie grinned. "I should get some of my special 'oh my I can't believe it Twilight is now a princess' cupcakes!" She beamed.

"Miss Twilight! I mean um... Miss Princess Twilight. This is amazing!" I gasped bowing down.

"Oh no no, none of you have to call me Princess," Twilight ushered everypony to act casual. "Even if I am totally a princess now! Oh wow!" She spread her wings and beamed.

"So you fixed the cutie mark problem and now you're a princess?" Scootaloo was flabbergasted.

"Princess Twilight corrected an old ancient spell that was previously unfinished. Because of her skills and bravery she has proved herself worth of the tile of Princess and the majestic powers of being an Alicorn," Princess Celestia looked down at Twilight proudly.

"You did it all on your own! That's amazing, I guess if you're a princess now you won't have time to teach me magic lessons now, I wish I could have helped today. I snuck in to the library with the others trying to find a spell to help you. I'm sorry I didn't help...and went behind your back," I bowed once more in shame apologising to Twilight, hoping she'd forgive me.

The other crusaders bowed with me.

Everypony looked at Twilight and smiled, she returned the smile and walked towards me and the cursaders, she stood above us but gently lowered to our level.  "You all have good hearts, you all wanted to help when everypony was in danger. You did help, because you've shown that the future of Ponyville and Equestria is safe, because you four have the same friendship that we all have. And that's the strongest magic of all," Twilight spoke encouragingly and used her hoof to lift my face up.

We crusaders smiled back at Twilight and I wiped a small tear from my eye.

"Now come on everypony, it's been a long day, we should all rest," Twilight laughed.

"Yeah Princess Twilight, you best get ready for your coronation!" Princess Celestia added.

"Oh wow, everypony in Canterlot, staring at me?" Twilight tapped her hooves nervously trying to process everything that was happening.

"I'm sure you can handle that," Princess Celestia winked.

"Oh by the way Flick," Twilight called me as we all turned to head back home. Everypony stopped to hear what she had to say.

"Yes Miss Princ - um, Miss Twilight," I quickly corrected myself.

"You did actually help a little more than you think." She winked at me. She grinned at my bemused expression. "Don't you remember the last thing you said to me before today?"

Twilight sat on her bed crying silently to herself, Spike gently patted her back, "Don't worry Twilight, I'm sure you can help fix this cutie mark problem somehow you just need to think and use your magic like you always do!" He spoke encouragingly, looking outside at the depressing scene of Ponyville.

"I don't know Spike, I don't think I can do it. I feel like giving up, I'm just not..." Twilight suddenly stopped and Spike stared at her confusingly.

And then Twilight remembered the last thing I said to her.

"You're not like a cupcake at all miss Twilight," I beamed up at her.

"Well that's a pretty odd comparison..." Twilight laughed slighlty confused.

"No but I mean, one of Miss Pinkie's cupcakes when dropped to the ground they lose their magic, they're re longer the magical delight they once was and taste horrible. But when you feel like you've been dropped to the ground and feel like giving up hope, you always pull through and your magic never lets you down. I want to be like that someday," I didn't even know what I was saying myself, it made more sense in my head.

"I'm just not a cupcake." Twilight finished.

"Um say what?" Spike scratched his head.

"It's like Flick said! When I feel like a dropped cupcake, I don't give up or lose my magic like a cupcake does. I pick myself back up and never give up...my magic never let's me down!"

"Er Twilight you've lost me... But that sounds positive!" Spike had a gleam in his eye.

"Spike, we're going to save Ponyville!" Twilight hopped off her bed and galloped down the stairs.

"Without your words of encouragement, I might have just gave up. But I knew you believed in me and because of that belief I went on to fix the problem.. And become a princess, for that I am so very grateful."  Twilight finished her words and then slowly bowed down to me.

I blushed and stuttered over my words. "I helped?" I couldn't stop the huge gleaming smile appearing across my face, the most bizarre feeling was seeing the Twilight, now a Princess, bowing to me. Everypony smiled, in my own small way I had helped, and I couldn't be more proud of Twilight for achieving something beyond all of our dreams.

And that's how Twilight became a Princess.

Chapter 9: Four words (1/2)

Right after I'd finished telling the story of Twilight becoming a princess to my new class, I had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting...

"Nice story there, perhaps next time you could tell the class how you got your amazing cutie mark! ... oh wait a minute," Silver Spoon glared and me and laughed at her own remark, hoof bumping her friend Diamond Tiara.

I lowered my head and my ears dropped, I sank lower in to my desk.

Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara...

"Gosh, the cutie mark losers club just seems to expand each day," Diamond Tiara rolled her eyes. "At least this Flick pony isn't as rough as that awful Babs from Manehatten," she shuddered.

"Hey that's my cousin Babs you're mocking! y'all shush now else I might just get her to pay a visit!" Apple Bloom retorted.

"Whatever, we aren't scared of her, just like we're not scared of you or your new member," Diamond Tiara folded her hooves.

And then Sweetie Belle said the most amazing four words, such simple words that would change my entire school life here in Ponyvile.

"Flick is from Manehatten," Sweetie Belle nodded smugly at the two bullies who sat behind us at their desks.

And their mouths dropped.

"He's from the rough part of Manehatten, everypony fears the Flufftail family!" Scootaloo leaned forward to terrify the two bullies.

"Oh my not again!" Diamond Tiara edged back away from me nearly falling off her seat.

"Another Manehatten pony?" Silver Spoon gulped.

"Hey I'm from the posh part of Manehatten!" I retorted.

I'd heard that when Babs came here she'd befriended the bullies, until she realised the error of her ways and both bullies ended up in a mud pit, they both knew never to mess with a Manehatten pony again.

"But yeah, I'm from Manehatten, so, do you have anything you want to say to me and my friends?" I spoke with new found confidence.

"Um, that was a really great story Flick!" Silver Spoon nodded quickly smiling at me.

"Yeah it was! you tell really great stories that totally aren't too long or in too much detail!" Diamond Tiara grinned.

And thats how I managed to scare the bullies.

Yeah, it’s amazing how four simple words can change everything, for example later that day four words had a pretty huge impact on your aunt Rarity.

"Canceled until further notice?!" Rarity almost fainted upon hearing Twilight's words. "How can the fashion parade be canceled?"

Twilight shook her head. "Sorry Rarity, but after the recent events in Canterlot, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna need to attend to a ton of business."

You see you two, not too long after Twilight became a princess, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna completely vanished, it caused an uproar, it's a long story, there was a mysterious box, Discord showed up, also apparently there was this cool cane with Twilight's face on it and  - well that's not important, I don't think anypony noticed that.

"The fashion parade is cancelled?" My voice echoed Rarity's panic.

Twilight ushered Rarity to calm down "Well it's not canceled, they have a new date planned, New years eve. That gives you loads of time to prepare!"

Oh and hopefully you two remember something else that’s important about new years eve, considering that day also happens to be my birthday.

"Oh the dress I'd made for it is simply beyond perfect and I could not improve upon it! I keep it in my special wardrobe for my most fabulous designs and my eyes were not to look upon it again until the parade," Rarity's voice trailed off thinking about her beautiful dress. "Oh but the event is months away now. I might go and look at my marvelous work just to cheer myself up."

I put my hoof to my mouth in fear and glanced at Applejack, she returned the same glance, her face full of fear.

I'll explain what that was about.

Back during the cutie mark crisis before Twilight earned her Princess title, I'd encountered Applejack sewing materials in Carousel Boutique.

"- It's what my cutie mark is telling me!" Applejack focused on sewing the materials together.  "Say Flick, what do ya think of this here dress I made?" Applejack nervously held up the messy oddly stitched somewhat ripped fabrics and showed me proudly.

My mouth dropped open. "That...was Rarity's fashion parade dress..."

And of course it all came out eventually, one week before the fashion parade itself.

"You ruined my dress?!" Rarity's voice was that of anger and despair.

Applejack gulped.

Rarity stared horrified for a moment. "AND YOU ONLY TELL ME THIS ONE WEEK BEFORE THE FASHION PARADE?"

"I was gonna tell ya sooner! I just... got a little worried about how you'd react is all..." Applejack slowly backed away from Rarity.

So after a whole afternoon of panicking and being mad, eventually the hearths warming spirit managed to cheer Rarity up a little.

"Oh my this place just looks fabulous!" Rarity admired the main room of her home and workplace, now covered in festive lights and lit up all nice and cozy. "Unlike my dress...Applejack," She growled to herself before snapping out of it. "Now you two must be getting some sleep soon, I expect there will be plenty of gifts tomorrow!" Rarity smiled.

"Gifts! oh my, I can't wait!" I beamed despite how tired I was. "Hey what are you going to do about the dress?"

"Oh no need to worry, I'm working on a new one! and Applejack is not allowed anywhere near it!

I yawned. "At least you and her resolved things!" It was pretty late, a mere few hours before Hearths warming itself.

"I suppose I better enjoy my last few days living here." Sweetie Belle's faced dropped. "Mommy and daddy will be home in a few days and they'll want me to go back to living with them." She cried.

"They're finally coming back from their long vacation?" I asked.

Sweetie Belle nodded sadly in response, I stared blankly. The thought of my cousin not living here with me and Rarity upset me.

Rarity tutted at her sister. "Don't be so down Sweetie Belle, I spoke to mommy and daddy and they sent me a nice letter. They said they're happy to let you stay if you get a good grade in your end of year pop quiz."

"For real?" Sweetie Belle squeaked looking at me hopefully. "But that test was hard and we won't get the results for a while."

"Sweetie Belle the test wasn't that bad, if I thought it was easy it must have been," I commented.

The test wasn't so hard in my opinion, the results would be posted out soon. So Rarity’s parents agreed that if Sweetie Belle’s grade was high enough, it meant that living at Rarity’s wasn't affecting her study time and she could continue to stay here.

"Now now, Sweetie Belle, it's hearths warming eve, we shall worry about this afterwards I’m sure you did good in that test, you two have a long day tomorrow and it's only one week until your trip to Manehatten," Rarity tried to get Sweetie Belle to simmer down.

"Yeah Sweetie Belle, we've still got Hearths warming and the fashion parade to enjoy, plus going to Manehatten!"  I was excited to go home for a while.

"Wait the fashion parade day is your birthday too!" Rarity quickly realized, directing her attention towards me, before cautiously looking towards Sweetie Belle.

I noticed the odd exchange between the two but didn't mention anything.

"It's going to be a busy few days for us all," Rarity sighed, shaking her head. "Now you two, bed time!" she smiled.

So me and Sweetie Belle headed to bed, and the excitement of Hearths warming started to set in, but Sweetie Belle was still a little down.

"I love living here with you and Rarity," she sighed, sadly climbing in to our bed.

"I love you living here, look that test wasn't so hard, I’m sure we both did great!" I tried to cheer my cousin up.

"I’m not as clever as you Flick." Sweetie Belle sighed. "What if my grade isn't good?"

"Look on the bright side, this time next week we'll be in Manehatten watching the fireworks at the start of the new year." I smiled.

"At least we have tomorrow and that to look forward to, plus Rarity will be amazing at the fashion parade!" Sweetie Belle perked up a little.

“Yeah she will!" I smiled proudly hoping she had gotten her dress ready once more. "And next year, I've got a good feeling about it, maybe one of us will earn our cutie marks" I spoke excitedly.

"I hope so, I could do with some happiness right now," Sweetie Belle lay down and sighed.

I smiled, before glancing outside the window and noticing something.

"Hey Sweetie, it's snowing!" I beamed.

And so began the second worst snowstorm Ponyville would ever have.

"Oh my! The dress is finally done and nothing could possibly ruin it," Rarity sighed to herself. She grinned excitedly and quickly made her way in to mine and Sweetie Belle's room. "Good morning!" Rarity burst in the room. Me and Sweetie Belle awoke fairly suddenly. Rarity took a huge breath of air before speaking. "HAPPY -"

Rarity was pretty excited for the fashion parade, so I can't blame her for what she said.

"- FASHION PARADE DAY!" Rarity beamed.

"Morning Rarity!” Sweetie Belle stretched her hooves out and yawned. “Oh and happy birthday Flick!" She hit me pretty hard with her hoof to make sure I was wide awake. “Birthday beatings!”

"Oh my of course dear! Happy birthday Flick!" Rarity walked over to my side of the bed and kissed the top of my head.

"Thanks I can't believe I'm a year older!" I beamed.

"Finally my age cousin!" Sweetie Belle winked.

"So what time do we head out to Canterlot?" I asked Rarity who was clearly excited.

Rarity giggled happily to herself. "We shall need to be there in a few hours, so it's best to start getting ready you two, oh and Flick your gifts can be opened later in Canterlot!"

"I actually have presents?" I whispered to myself in surprise, my parents had raised me to not celebrate birthdays.

Sweetie Belle shook me. "We need to drop by Fluttershy's cottage before we leave Flick her gift is the best!”

"Miss Fluttershy has gotten me something?" My heart melted and I drifted off in to deep thought. "Wait, she and the others are coming with us to Canterlot aren't they?" I asked.

Rarity nodded. "Of course they are dear, Twilight is already in Canterlot of course, it's her royal duty to open the show bless her. Now I must pack my things for when we leave! I've spent all week working on a new dress after Applejack admitted she ruined my other one," Rarity scowled thinking about it.  "I suggest you two visit Fluttershy then hurry back to get ready!”

Sweetie Belle bounced off the bed eagerly. "Come on Flick! We gotta go now you'll love your surprise!”

And so I was excited to finally go and get my surprise, it took us a fair while to reach Fluttershy's place, the entire town of Ponyville was covered in a blanket of snow.

"Oh my! Happy birthday Flick! Oh I hope Rarity got you some comfy winter wear!" she gently shut the cottage door shivering as she did so.

"Thanks miss Fluttershy! It's okay, I'm sure she has, you know what Rarity is like."

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes and nodded. "Come on Fluttershy! Your surprise!"

“Of course, I do hope you like him Flick!" Fluttershy leant down looking under the sofa, gently calling for something to come out. "Come on out sweetie, oh don't be shy," her gentle voice spoke calmingly.

Now as you two know, I helped out Fluttershy with her animals every so often, I was pretty good at it plus your aunt Fluttershy had once helped Rainbow Dash find the perfect pet, Fluttershy was amazing at finding the perfect pet partner. So I'd finally reached the age where she thought I was responsible enough to have a pet of my own.

"Come on out little sweet pea, I'm sure you want to meet your new owner!" Fluttershy's angelic voice soothed even me despite how eager I was to learn about my surprise.

Then from under the bed came the little nose of a small creature poked out, the cute dark and light brown coated creature slowly crawled out from his hiding spot.

"A ferret!" I squeed at the adorable ferret suddenly looking up at me. "Oh my Celestia! He's so cute!" I squeaked.

"Do you like him? He might even scare Opal away!" Sweetie Belle's last few words contained a hint of evilness.

The ferret backed away shyly back under the bed. "Oh come on sweetie! He's never usually like this, he always wants to be the centre of attention," Fluttershy spoke sweetly.

Then suddenly the ferret once more came out from under the bed, sniffing around as he did so. He slowly looked up and saw me smiling down at him. "Hey little guy," I spoke gently. He seemed to like the sound of my voice and I slowly put two hooves together to scoop him up.

"Oh my he likes you! He's usually so nervous with anypony else here, he scratches things when he gets scared usually,” Fluttershy watched the ferret in awe.

"I cant believe it... I have my own pet. A ferret! How cute! Wait until Rarity -" I stopped in my tracks. "But Rarity won't want another pet in the house! He might make a mess or fight with Opal!" I panicked.

"Don't you worry, Fluttershy has been working on him," Sweetie Belle gestured for me to listen to the gentle pony.

"I've been teaching him very well, I've made sure he doesn't make a mess or fight with any other animals. Why don't you take him to Canterlot with us today? Rarity can see how well behaved he is and she'll be in such a good mood after the fashion show she'll defiantly let you keep him!" Fluttershy's soothing voice eased my anxiety.

"That's a great idea Fluttershy!" I beamed with hope. "Thank you so much!"

“Once he stops getting so nervous and scratching things he'll be as sweet as can be!” Fluttershy smiled in return.

"Wait, does he have a name?" I asked.

"Well that's up to you," Fluttershy smiled looking between me and the small ferret. "But you two must hurry! Rarity must be panicking about later. I must get ready myself, I'll see you at the train station later! Happy birthday Flick!" Fluttershy panicked.

And so me and Sweetie Belle were rushed outside of Fluttershy's cottage, the small curious ferret crawled up my body and rested on top of my head, rummaging through my messy mane trying to keep warm from the gentle snow that was falling.

"We should go home and get ready," Sweetie Belle laughed.

What a bizarre morning.

"I'm sure glad you finished your dress in time Sugarcube!" Applejack sighed with relief looking at Rarity's pink suitcase.

Rarity frowned in return, I don't think she ever forgot about Applejack ruining her dress.

"It's gonna be awesome! Right Rainbow Dash?" Scootaloo bounced excitedly looking up at her idol.

"Eh fashion... Yawn!" Rainbow Dash responded.

"I mean, eh, Fashion... Yawn, this is gonna suck, right Rainbow Dash?" Scootaloo mimicked Dash's tone of enthusiasm.

I rolled my eyes. "We love fashion don't we little fella?" I smiled looking up at the ferret on top my head, he seemed to like Rarity's pink suitcase glancing over at it curiously.

"He's just so cute! Oh my Flick! Do you want a birthday cupcake?!" Pinkie bounced excitedly.

I'd already been given seven birthday cupcakes. And it was only just gone eleven in the morning. "I'm okay for now Miss Pinkie, thanks!” I couldn't face another just yet.

Rarity looked slightly worried, "Oh I'm so nervous, everypony will be there... And so many photographers! Oh what if the other eight entries are more fashionable than I am?"

"You'll be okay Rarity! We know you can do it!" Sweetie Belle squeaked excitedly.

"The train is here!" Pinkie Pie bounced also rather excitedly.

Four words had never made Rarity so terrified. "Oh dear, oh no!" Rarity panicked.

Everypony rolled there eyes and laughed, Rainbow Dash lifted me up in to the air slightly.

“Come on birthday boy! We're riding this train first class!” She ruffled my mane.

The ferret on top of my head jumped to avoid Rainbow Dash's hoof and backed down on to my back. I smiled in return. This birthday wasn't so bad after all. And so we got on the train and prepared to enjoy the peaceful journey to Canterlot while Rarity panicked over the day ahead. The train was really comfy, hay, even I'd say the decour used was pretty fabulous, what else could you expect from a train going to Canterlot first class?

"Okay, so girls -" Rarity spoke determinedly. "Oh yes and Birthday boy of course!" Rarity patted my mane. "Here's our plan of action, we arrive and meet Twilight before the opening of the show, I put on my fabulous dress that took so long to make again," Rarity took a moment to glare at Applejack, who smiled nervously in response. "Then the show will begin, there are Nine of us entered and the huge cat walk will be glamorous with a huge spotlight and so many photographers... And so many ponies watching. And don't even mention the judges who'll crown one of us the fashion parade princess!" Rarity spoke faster and faster realising the day ahead was going to be nerve wracking.

"Wow a fashion parade princess... My sister is gonna be a princess!" Sweetie Belle beamed loud enough for the other first class passengers to look around.

"We'll let's not get ahead of ourselves Sweetie," Rarity calmed her sister down.

"Hey wait you guys," Scootaloo spoke to us crusaders. "Aren't we still going to Manehatten for the New year countdown?"

"Don't worry, birthday boy has it covered, I made a schedule!" I proudly proclaimed.

"Oh no..." Sweetie Belle started.

"Not another schedule," Apple Bloom groaned.

"All there wrote neatly, thank you too Miss Pinkie those cupcakes were delightful!" I smiled. "Anyway I have one final thing to add to this list," I scribbled some words with my quill.

"Oh my, you haven't named the fellow yet?" Fluttershy glanced over to read what I wrote.

"I'm still thinking... He'll have a name by the end of the day," I pondered the possibilities.

I knew Rarity would let me keep him, there'd be no reason why she wouldn't want me to, then again -

This would end up being a long day.

"Ladies and gentlecolts, the train will shortly be arriving in Canterlot," The train announcement rang out.

"Oh my we're nearly there," Fluttershy muttered excitedly.

"This will be awesome I love Canterlot!” Scootaloo quickly looked to Rainbow Dash sitting opposite her. “Not fashion though... what a drag.”

"It's such a big amazing place!" I admired the city of Canterlot, it truly was amazing.

"Hey wait... Where are we staying before the fashion show?" Applejack questioned.

*****

"Canterlot castle!" Twilight Sparkle proudly proclaimed.

We all stood behind her in awe of the huge castle we now stood in, Twilight had been staying in Canterlot for royal business but would be returning to Ponyville fairly soon.

"This is amazing Twilight! Are you sure we're allowed to stay here while I get ready for the show?” Rarity was overwhelmed by the flawless interior of the royal castle.

“Of course, this is the first event I'm a part of since becoming a Princess, I want you all to be in the castle with me before it starts. All of the entries have a room to get ready,” Twilight grinned, clearly stressed by the planning of the event.

"This really is amazing Miss Princess Twilight!" I spoke, amazed still by the size of the room.

"I'm surprised they let Ferrets in here Flick, this place is immaculate!" Rarity giggled, in awe of how clean the place was.

"Well thank Celestia they do!" I looked towards my back and - My ferret was gone, no longer resting where he had sat happily the whole journey here. I cautiously put my hooves around my three crusader friends. "He's gone," I whispered in panic.

My crusader friends shared a silent gasp, Scootaloo rolled her eyes.

"We need to go find him then don't we," She whispered harshly.

I nodded in agreement and sneakily we left the room.

“Oh my this guest room is so fabulous!” Rarity admired the pink decor and the fancy furniture of her guest room.

“It sure is mighty fine! You've got a while before you need to get ready, how about we all go check out the view on the balcony?” Applejack pointed over to the balcony that extended from Rarity's room.

“That sounds like a great idea Applejack!” Rarity knew she needed time to relax.

“I already saw that view when I did that awesome sonic rainboom at the royal wedding!” Rainbow Dash bragged.

“Where did Twilight get to?” Fluttershy asked as everypony headed to the balcony.

“Well Twilight is a princess my dear, she shall be getting ready to start the show with Princess Celestia later!” Rarity responded, still marvelling at the glistening castle and all it's sparkling wonders. Rarity looked down before looking puzzled. “Where did the little ones run off to now?” Rarity wondered.

“Psst!” Sweetie Belle snuck around the corner of the giant hall. “Ferret! Where are you?”

Apple Bloom sighed following her. “This would have been easier if you'd named him, Flick, how the hay did you lose him already?"

“Why'd you have to lose him Flick?” Scootaloo growled frustraightedly.

“Hey come on! It's his birthday!” Sweetie Belle defended me.

“Oh yeah! I almost forgot,” Scootaloo smirked, before pounding my side with her hoof hard. “Birthday beatings!” She laughed evilly.

“Hey that hurt! Come on guys, we're in Princess Celestias castle! We have to find my ferret and get back to the others quickly!” I rubbed my side trying to stop the pain.

The long hallway was lit by the sunlight shining through the mosaic pains of glass, the red rug was like walking down a red carpet at some famous event but there had been no sign of that little ferret anywhere. We walked around the castle for what seemed like hours, although the super fancy clock in the hallway told us it had only been ten minutes and then came the first sign, just as we were about to give up, outside of the room Rarity was staying in -

"What is that on the carpet?" Sweetie Belle curiously walked over. "Is it chocolate?"

I put my hooves to my mouth and felt sick. "Wait, Sweetie Belle don't touch it! It's - "

I don't have to explain surely, my ferret had left a... special gift on the carpet.

“Okay it's my birthday, I'm not cleaning that up! I'll take birthday beatings for the rest of my life if it means I don't have to clean that.” I made that statement clear, sure he was my ferret but it was my birthday.

So after the ferrets special gift was put someplace that totally wasn't just outside the nearest window, Rarity decided it was time to get ready after Twilight had informed her we'd soon be heading to the centre of Canterlot for the parade to begin. The Parade itself was a fabulous parade on the huge catwalk in Canterlot castle where one pony would be crowned the fashion parade princess.

“The other entries have just arrived here in the castle!” Twilight beamed.

“Well that's... fabulous!” Rarity put her hooves to her face in delight. “Everypony can see my fabulous dress! Rainbow Dash, be a dear and fetch it out of my pink suitcase for me please, I think it's time I got ready.”

And this is when the story falls apart... remember earlier that day when I'd gotten my ferret, Fluttershy said -

It turns out being in a castle with all your aunts , me and the crusaders and the occasional guard walking around got the little guy kinda nervous... and so -

“Well if this is fashion...” Rainbow Dash grimanced.

She lifted up the dress, only now it was torn and ripped all over.

“Oh I just can't wait to - “ Rarity started, until she finally looked at her dress.

And before now, the loudest sounds I'd heard was either the confetti cannon blasting off at Rarity's party, or the town hall collapsing after I crashed in to it... until now, when that title went Rarity's scream.

“MY DRESS IS RUINED AGAIN!”

So what happened next? Well panic... and lots of it.

“I worked so long on that dress! I WORKED SO LONG!” Rarity collapsed to the floor crying.

“Oh come on Rarity! It's not that bad...” Applejack was never a good liar.

“Everypony will be there! JUST THINK OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS!” She stood up throwing her hooves in the air in panic.

“It'll be okay Rarity, we can fix it, you've got like two hours or so!” Rainbow Dash tried to helplessly help the situation.

“There is simply no way to fix this without all my supplies! Oh my... I can't be a part of the parade. I just can't!” Rarity slumped down on to the immaculately polished floor. "Of all the things that could have happened, this is THE WORST POSSIBLE THING!" She cried loudly.

“How did the dress get ripped like that? Whoever did it managed to rip through the suitcase, you'd need small sharp claws to do that,” Twilight observed the damaged case.

And then everypony looked towards me, where the small ferret scurried in to my mane. “I... found my ferret!” I grinned nervously. "Should of mentioned I lost him earlier."

“My dress was ruined by that... Fuzzy... ferret!” Rarity tried to contain her anger and cried some more.

I felt my heart sink, surely this wasn't in favour of me keeping my new pet. "But in his defence... He is cute and fuzzy," I noticed how scared the small ferret was. However I noticed he had perked up at the word 'fuzzy'. I smiled up at him. "Hey do you like being called Fuzzy?" I giggled.

And that's how Fuzzy got his name

But now back to serious matters, with her dress now ruined, Rarity thought all hope was lost, until I stepped in, as ever to attempt to save the day.

"Okay... Rarity, I wasn't going to mention this. I might have a solution to the dress problem! Look in your purple suitcase!" I couldn't contain my excitement, despite the disaster, this was the moment I saved the whole day.

"Purple suitcase? Well Flick dear I don't recall packing my purple suitcase," Rarity looked confounded.

I pointed my hoof, and there in the pile of suitcases the Canterlot guards helped carry in, sat the light purple suitcase.

"Flick?" Rarity asked cautiously somewhat nervous.

I simply nodded towards the suitcase and she headed over to it, casting a glow on on it and lifting out what was inside, she gasped as she realised.

"No need to thank me!" I proclaimed smugly.

"The dress you made... When I was teaching you all those months ago," Rarity lifted up the unevenly stitched fabrics.

"Yep! The dress you said was a prototype that you put in your safe place remember! You can wear that instead!" I felt amazing, this was surely going to fix everything.

Rarity smiled awkwardly. "You know Sweetie Belle did buy me a rather fabulous dress for my birthday, I'm sure we have time to go back to Ponyville and get it!" Rarity did the most obvious fake laugh.

And in that moment, I recalled Rarity's reaction to when I finished the dress all those months ago. I recall that awkward smile she did and how she hurriedly put it away, insisting it was only a prototype dress... so naturally it hit me.

"Wait, do you hate the dress I made? When you put it away, was it because you thought it was horrible?" I'd already felt tears forming in my eyes. "I worked so long on that, I was so sleep deprived but I finished it and you hate it?"

"Oh come on now dear, we're in Canterlot, it's your birthday, please don't be upset. I just maybe think fashion isn't your true talent," Rarity glanced between the dress I made and me.

It's funny, although I thought fashion was interesting, after making that dress I decided I didn't want it to be my true talent. But being told by Rarity that it probably wouldn't be my talent instead made me -

I burst in to tears and galloped out of the room. "I'm not good at anything!" I cried, the small ferret clung on to my mane for dear life as I ran.

"Oh no, no! It's his birthday what have I done?" Rarity came after me. "Flick come back! I'm sorry!"

But it was too late, I'd ran as fast as I could, through all the confusing hall ways of Canterlot castle, I suddenly felt sharp claws scratching my head, I looked up to the small ferret and stopped running. "Hey Fuzzy... What's up?" I asked gently wiping my tears away as I stood in the long empty hall way the distant voice of Rarity calling me heard from afar. The small ferret ran down my back and hopped off, jumping in front of me. He looked up at me, simply staring, as if he could sense something was wrong. "If Rarity wins the fashion contest she'd be really happy and probably let me keep you, She won't now she can't even enter, not without Sweetie Belle's dress."

And then, looking down at my new found friend. I decided there was only one thing I could do. I heard the chimes of the clock tower, somewhere in this huge city, ringing out.

I nodded confidently "So lets go and get it!"

"I've searched the whole castle! I can't find him, oh I feel awful." Rarity sobbed.

"You didn't mean to hurt his feelings Rarity, I'm sure he'll be back," Sweetie Belle attempted to comfort her sister.

"What if he's out there? Alone and in danger, the busy snow covered city on Canterlot all by himself!" Rarity only made herself cry more.

"I'm sure he's not outside in this weather, he'd have to be crazy." She gritted her teeth, knowing full well I was exactly that.

"Phew, I'm finally here," I shivered shaking my coat. Fuzzy lay on my head was covered in snow, keeping warm under my mane.

"All aboard! Sorry for the delays this weather is sure getting bad!" The train conductor stepped off the train gesturing for me to get on.

it was getting bad; the snow was gradually falling heavier and heavier, so naturally, the trains were running fairly late.

I hopped on the train with my plan in mind. "We can do this Fuzzy!" I spoke determinedly. I had enough bits to just about afford two journeys none first class back to Ponyville then back to Canterlot again, I found an empty standard class seat, looking out at the snow covered city of Canterlot, I could only imagine what everypony else was up to at this very moment.

"I'm not exactly sure why everypony else entered, like seriously," The annoyed mare spoke. "I mean, come on Princess... What's your name again? Surely this parade should focus on, I don't know, real talent?" The blonde, white-coated earth pony flicked her long golden mane to one side.

"Well this is a contest about making friends, and showcasing what makes everypony beautiful, it might be a contest but everypony is a winner really," Twilight smiled.

"Everypony a winner you say? Well if you're judging the biggest fashion rejects, I think you've got a bunch of winners," The blonde pony responded, glancing over to Rarity.

"Who the hay is that?" Applejack growled.

"Me? You must be another uneducated pony from somewhere...clearly far from Canterlot. I am Flawless Treasure, the name speaks for itself," She responded, turning around and exiting the room in disgust at the lack of recognition.

"Rarity, please knock her down a hoof or two, you must win the fashion contest now," Applejack whispered.

"One slight problem Applejack dear," Rarity groaned.

"Don't worry Rarity, I've spoken to Princess Celestia and she's enlisting the help of a top tailor how can try and fix your dress in time!" Twilight interrupted happily, calming her frustration from the encounter with Flawless Treasure.

"Oh but Twilight there's no need, if I'm given the materials I could do it myself," Rarity shook her head.

"Nope, sorry I won't let you, unless you want to spend your time doing that and missing out on the hoof manicure and mud bath," Twilight winked.

"Hoof...manicure? Mud bath? You know what Twilight I have complete faith in the  tailor to sort my dress out!" Rarity beamed rushing off. "Erm, which way to the salon around here?" She asked.

"Finally here!" I sighed to myself out of breath, knocking on the door of Twilight's library. Spike was still in Ponyville, sorting out the library for Twilight's return from the fashion parade, before long he answered the door.

"Flick! What are you doing here? I thought you were in Canterlot with the others?" The small dragon asked, putting the broom to one side.

"Hey Mr Spike, it's a long story but I need your help!" I panted, slightly out of breath.

"Well sure what is it? Oh and happy birthday by the way!" Spike was bemused.

I smiled greatfully at Spike. "Thanks! Okay, so here's what I need..."

"Should we go looking for Flick?" Sweetie Belle asked worriedly.

"Oh he'll be back soon don't worry dears, I do hope my comment on his dress didn't upset him..." Rarity sighed, half concentrating whilst receiving a hoof manicure. "I'm sure he's... not gone far," She could hardly talk in her relaxed state.

"Rarity!" Twilight's voice beamed as she entered the room making Rarity jump.

"Oh goodness! Yes? My dress is it done?" Rarity asked hopefully.

“Well the tailor is sort of busy elsewhere…So, no. I'm so sorry,” Twilight shook her head sadly. "Flawless Treasure asked the tailor to make some adjustments on her dress, which will take a while."

Rarity would have probably said a few dozen rude words were she not so relaxed from the manicure and relaxing mud bath.

"Urgent letter for miss Rarity!" One of the royal guards burst in to the room suddenly.

"Convenient timing!" Sweetie Belle squeaked.

The guard passed the letter to Rarity who’d stood up at the sudden news.

"What does it say Rarity?" Rainbow Dash hovered next to her friend, trying to read the letter quickly.

"Flick's in Ponyville? But he's only been missing for - " Rarity panicked as she glanced at the clock "Oh my! The parade is in one hour! I've spent so much time panicking I lost track of time!"

"He must have dropped by to my library and gotten Spike to send that letter," Twilight added.

"He went back to Ponyville on his own? What the hay for?" Applejack adjusted her hat, shaking her head in confusion.

Rarity smiled through her worry and anxiety, she spoke four uncertain words, "To save the day."

Chapter 10: Fashion Parade (2/2)

I pulled the green suitcase of mine, dragging it through the heavy falling snow. It was turning in to a blizzard of blinding white that made it near impossible to see where I was going. "We finally got the dress Fuzzy!" I spoke proudly. "This suitcase will keep it safe for when we get back to Rarity, and finally... we're at the train station. Mission accomplished!"

“Sorry kid, all trains to Canterlot are on hold for now, weather is pretty bad up ahead,” The train conductor shook his head.

"But - No!" I cried. "I came all this way to get the dress, for Rarity and now... No!" I fell to the floor defeated.

"I'd love to help you kid, but trains running in this weather could be very dangerous," he replied sympathetically. "Are your parents not around?" He looked around.

"I need to get to my cousin in Canterlot...If only there was another way to get there like... like - "

Now Canterlot wasn't too far away, a short train journey... a long long walk, and maybe only a short fly away.

"Excuse me sir, how insane would it be to fly in this weather?" I asked, squinting as the snow fell heavier.

"Very! I think the Pegasus ponies would be wise to stay grounded today!" He chuckled in response.

"How long would it take to fly to Canterlot?" I quizzed.

"Well not too long really, a Pegasus with enough stamina could fly over all the hills the train has to go around, but like I said, anypony would be mad to try that. Count yourself lucky you don't fly kid!" The train inspector headed inside the train station to be sheltered from the blizzard.

I smirked to myself and started to cast a light blue glow around my body. I still remembered that flight spell.

Now I'll tell you two this, never try to use a flying spell when you're awkwardly trying to carry a suitcase in your mouth and keeping a poor Ferret balanced on your head while you do so, because it doesn't work out.

"The train is canceled? Why is it?" Rainbow Dash asked intently.

"Sorry miss, the weather is too dangerous for transport, nopony is getting to Ponyville today," The Canterlot train conductor shook his head. "Last train ran not long ago, it's not coming back for a while."

"But we have a young pony out there on his own in Ponyville, that means he can't get back!" Rainbow Dash argued with the conductor before calming down. "Okay I'm going to go get him I can fly there in no time," Rainbow Dash looked down at Rarity and the other crusaders.

"Oh my no Rainbow Dash! It is far too dangerous!" Rarity put a hoof out to stop her friend.

"Look Rarity, he needs to be here. I'm awesome, I'll be fine!" Rainbow Dash proudly proclaimed.

"Wow Rainbow Dash! I wish I could fly through a blizzard like this!" Scootaloo shouted through the sound of the harsh wind.

"Tell you what kid, when I get back safe and sound, I'll give you another flying lesson!" Rainbow Dash winked at Scootaloo.

"Oh really? Thank you!" Scootaloo beamed.

Rainbow Dash sped off with a rainbow trail leaving her behind, heading back to Ponyville.

"You know it's pretty obvious that Flick has got your dress that Sweetie Belle bought you," Applejack told Rarity.

"Oh yes, I worked that out... But he has been so silly, traveling alone, if I hadn't have been so mean with what I said..." Rarity cried to herself.

"Well Flick is always eager to prove himself, he's got a strong heart. Despite how silly he might be, you must be proud of him," Applejack replied. "We should get back inside this snow is getting even heavier!"

"Oh I always am I just hope he's okay..." Rarity turned around and headed back to the castle, her head hung low.

"Oh by the way Rarity?" Applejack spoke up.

"Mhm?"

"Sorry about that first dress you made."

Rarity closed her eyes, "Applejack, be a dear and never mention that."

I lay in the snow, my horns glow slowly fading. Fuzzy scratched my mane in panic, desperate for me to open my eyes.  My whole body felt so cold, I  had tried to fly to Canterlot but I was too weak, I lost control and fell head first to the snow covered ground, I couldn't even move. "Fuzzy..." I opened my eyes, shivering as I did so. The small ferret sniffed my face eagerly and tried to keep me awake by biting my nose slightly. "I don't... I can't keep this up. I think I'm..." My voice was weak, I slowly became buried by the heavy snow.

And just as I was about to give up, as my whole body was numb and I thought it was the end, a miracle formed in the white sky above, in the form of a rainbow, I owe my life to the fact that the green suitcase was pretty easy to spot in the snow.

I was so numb that I couldn't lift my head, but slowly as my eyes closed, I heard the voice of Rainbow Dash "Flick! Oh no, no. It's okay kid, thank Celestia I found you!"

I felt myself being swooped up, before everything went quiet.

So while that disaster was barely avoided, in Canterlot there was one that seemed, somewhat unavoidable.

"I seem to just keep running in Flawless Treasure wherever I seem to go in this castle!" Rarity growled, entering her guest room from the hallway.

"What they hay did she do this time?" Applejack groaned.

"She's being a complete and utter -" Rarity started angrily.

“Calm down sugarcube, what did she do?” Applejack asked.

"She walked past me in the hallway just now," Rarity growled stamping her hoof. "And she had the nerve to say - "

"Oh hello there, erm, what's your name again?" Flawless Treasure giggled to herself, flicking her long blonde mane as she walked past Rarity.

"The name is Rarity, and you'll do well to remember that, I'll be fashion parade princess at the end of the day," Rarity nodded smugly.

“Well that’s great dear, but you might want to… sort your mane out first,” Flawless Treasure retorted, judging her rivals appearance. “You have a bit of…”

“What? Oh well this is classy, insulting my beautiful mane; I have a bit of what? Utter beauty, natural shine, amazing –“

“Dandruff,” Flawless Treasure snorted and walked off.

"Dandruff! ME? I'd just been outside it's snow! How dare she say I have dandruff!” Rarity snarled.

"Try to keep your mind off her Rarity, we've got bigger worries," Twilight sighed sadly.

Applejack nodded, "The snow sure is getting heavy...  I sure hope Rainbow Dash got to Ponyville okay."

“Where are Fluttershy and the crusaders? And for that matter Pinkie?” Rarity looked around the room several times.

“Well Fluttershy and Pinkie took the other three crusaders to go explore the castle to keep their minds off Flick not being here, poor guys are worried ‘bout him,“ Applejack replied.

And at that moment one of the Canterlot guards rushed in to the room. "Princess Twilight! You and your friends are needed in guest room twelve immediately."

"What is it?" Twilight asked in a panic.

"Oh Flick!" Rarity's voice broke.

"Oh my we just heard, I was showing the little ones around the castle, is Flick okay?" Fluttershy entered the smaller room.

A single bed was against the red wall, near the small window overlooking the city; I lay in the bed, my eyes firmly closed.

"Oh no!" Sweetie Belle rushed to my side with the other two crusaders.

"Will Flick be okay Rainbow Dash?" Scootaloo asked sadly.

“I got to him just in time I think, this little ferret of his was trying to keep Flick conscious, without that motivation Flick might have gave up.” Rainbow Dash looked at the small ferret sitting on the bed.

Rarity smiled softly at Fuzzy. "Thank you for being with him." She spoke sincerely.

"He'll just need to keep warm, I'll have my guards watch over him," Twilight sighed, looking at me lying motionless.

"Oh my word I can't possibly leave him," Rarity sobbed, resting her hooves on the bed. "It's my fault he went out there!"

"But there' something he brought for you Rarity," Rainbow Dash pointed to the green suitcase on the bed.

Rarity looked up  at the beautiful dress Rainbow Dash was holding, it was so perfectly crafted and princess worthy.

"I'm going to make him proud." Rarity spoke determinedly.

And so then Rarity headed back stage to get ready, while everypony who came to see the contest were in the large hall of the castle, looking at the giant catwalk.

"Look at everypony out there! And I have to walk on that cat walk and introduce the show..." Twilight paced around, listening to the talks among the crowd from the hall. "Oh I'm scared!"

"Oh dear you'll be fine," Rarity's voice came from behind the curtain.

Everypony had gathered as the show was about to begin, while in the guest room I still lay in the bed.

"Fuzzy!" I opened my eyes in fits of panic. "Where are we?" I put my hoof to my head "Wait! This is..." I looked over to the tall stallion walking over to me.

"Oh thank goodness you're awake. Fear not young one, I'm a royal guard of Princess Celestia, you're in her castle," The guard towered over the bed I lay in.

"How did I get here sir?" I rubbed my head dazedly.

"I believe a pony named Rainbow Dash flew you back here, and just in time too," The guard turned around and looked out of the window. "It's snowing heavily you're lucky to be here, the fashion contest is taking place downstairs now, but I'm under strict orders to make sure you stay and -" The guard turned back and stopped in his tracks, me and Fuzzy had gone, I quickly made the bed before I left.

"Fillies and gentlecolts!" Twilight spoke proudly. She had finally stepped out on to the catwalk and was greeted with a room of cheers, everypony excited for the show. The bright stage lights were blinding.  "Welcome to the annual Fashion Parade, one of our nine contestants today will be crowned the Fashion Parade Princess! Please stamp your hooves for our three judges!"

A panel of three highly critical fashion greats sat not far to the right of the catwalk.

"Now we're about to begin, enjoy the show!” Twilight smiled.

Everypony cheered waiting for the show to start.

"I can't believe Flick is missing this!" Apple Bloom yelled excitedly over the noise of the crowd. "Applejack I can't see!"

"Come on lil' missy," Applejack gestured for Apple Bloom to hop on her back and she did so, finally able to see the giant catwalk.

"Come on kiddo!" Rainbow Dash gestured for Scootaloo to do the same.

"You really mean it Rainbow Dash?" Scootaloo beamed.

"Of course! Just like I'm gonna keep my word about giving you a flying lesson after this!" Rainbow Dash winked as Scootaloo hopped on her back.

Sweetie Belle looked down sadly.

"Oh turn that frown upside down, you can stand on my back!" Pinkie grabbed Sweetie Belle and placed her on top of hers both smiling as she did so.

"Oh my, be careful little ones, don't fall off! This really is a crowded crowd..." Fluttershy panicked, her voice near impossible to hear over everypony in the room.

"That's why it's called a crowd!" Rainbow Dash laughed.

"Hey look! Here come the entries! Rarity is on last I think!" Pinkie Pie beamed.

“Well it’s just like that famous phrase! What is it… put the bestest of them all at the end of the rest…” Sweetie Belle smiled.

“Save the best ‘till last,” Fluttershy corrected, yet no pony heard.

And so meanwhile in the castle, I... Well I wasn't lost, I just wasn't entirely one hundred percent on my precise location and where the destination I wanted to get to was exactly.

"Excuse me Sir!" I called to another royal guard patrolling the hallway.

"Hello there young one, have you lost your way?" He asked.

"I'm not lost, I'm just not entirely one hundred percent sure on my precise location and where the destination I want to get to urgently is exactly," I sighed, correcting him.

The guard stared blankly at me. "You here for the fashion thingy?"

"The fashion thingy," I nodded.

He laughed and gestured for me to follow. Canterlot castle is pretty huge, by the time we got there it was almost time for Rarity's appearance.

"Entry number eight, Sugar frosting! Showcasing her unique, crystal covered sparkling dress reflecting her sweet covered personality!" Twilight proclaimed from the side of the catwalk.

The crowd cheered once more, welcoming the newest entry as the beautiful earth pony walked down the catwalk, flourishing in the flashes of the photographers.

"Pft. More like... Stupid frosting," Rainbow Dash laughed.

"Rainbow, you've mocked everypony who has came on stage so far. I really think you should be polite," Fluttershy shook her head.

"Now please welcome our final entry, Rarity!" Twilght’s voice finally spoke.

"Rarity... Pftt, more like... Oh wait Rarity!" Rainbow Dash suddenly realized, cheering as she did so.

And so, just outside the grand hall -

"This is it! They just called for my cousin to come on! Thank you sir!" I called to the guard and ran inside as fast as possible. And it was crowded, for a small pony like me at the very back; there was no way to see the stage. "Excuse me! Coming through" I tried my best to make my way through the crowd. I tried and tried to push my way through but it wasn't going to happen, my cousin was about to appear on stage and I was going to miss it. "Can you all let me through? That's my cousin up there!"

The crowd didn't budge.

"No! I came so far to see this, I will not miss it now!" I growled to myself. I cast a glow once more from my horn, this time I wouldn't end up rendering myself unconscious.

"Please welcome Rarity! Wearing her amazingly stitched beautiful err..." Twilight knew it was hopeless.

The crowd fell silent.

Rarity stepped out from the curtain, just as I had levitated high above the crowd unsteadily. And there she stood; wearing the dress I had made for her, the horrid unevenly stitched dress she had previously disregarded. The three judges at the panel stared, their mouths wide open. Rarity proudly walked to the front of the stage next to Twilight. A few flashes of photos were appearing every so often, capturing this rare moment.

"She's wearing my dress! But... Why?" I asked myself in disbelief, I couldn’t believe my eyes, i struggled to maintain the glow around myself as I levitated high above the vast auditorium.

"Twilight if I may?" Rarity gestured towards the microphone. Twilight nodded and passed it to her.

You see earlier when I was unconscious, Rarity made a choice.

Rarity looked at the beautiful dress, so perfectly crafted and princess worthy.

"I'm going to make him proud," Rarity spoke determinedly. Rarity turned towards Twilight and smiled.

"What is it Rarity?"

"Twilight dear, pass me the dress Flick made." Rarity closed her eyes and nodded.

"I...but what? What about Sweetie Belle's dress? He went all the way back to Ponyville to get it!" Twilight asked confused.

"He wanted to make me proud... And he has, time and time again, I'm going to return the favour," Rarity wiped a small tear from her eye.

Rarity wiped a few tears from her eyes. " - And so that's why I am here now looking at you all, wearing this dress that might not be the most perfect or fashionable. But it was made by my dear cousin who is laying upstairs now... Because he wanted for me to have this amazing opportunity. And I couldn't be more proud!"

Everypony in the crowd was silent, several ponies amongst the crowd were fairly emotional.

"Rarity!" I called, my voice echoed around the hall, I struggled to keep my balance in the air, a bright blue glow was sparkling around me.

Rarity instantly looked up to find where my voice had came from. And then she noticed. "Oh my word! Flick you're awake!" She jumped up and down excitedly, before realising what she was seeing. "GET DOWN AT ONCE! That spell is dangerous!" She panicked.

I was laughing at her concern. "That's my cousin everypony!" I gradually flew over towards the stage, keeping the glow around me, the first time I'd done the flight spell without damaging anything.

“Is that a unicorn flying?” I heard one pony below call to everypony around him in amazement.

“He’s doing a flight spell but he’s just a kid!” another pony replied in shock.

Fuzzy sat on top of my mane cautiously looking down at the crowd below who were all causing a commotion watching me fly over head.

"Flick! That's my cousin!" Sweetie Belle pointed her hoof up still balancing on Pinkie's back.

I finally arrived at the stage and descended without crashing, right next to Rarity who wrapped her hooves around me. And everypony cheered, the stamps of hooves on the floor were greater than ever. The judges from the other side of the stage gestured for Twilight to go on over to them, she patted my mane and hurriedly ran off to speak with them.

"You... Silly pony!" Rarity pulled away from the hug, tears in her eyes. "I thought I could have lost you. You have a habit of that mister!"

"I'm sorry Rarity, I wanted to make you proud," I sniffled.

"Oh you have dear! I'm wearing your dress because everything you do is perfect. Don't let anypony tell you differently."

Twilight stepped forward and smiled at me and Rarity. "Ladies and gentlecolts. The judges have made their decision will all the entries please head back on to the stage!"

All the other ponies came on again, Flawless Treasure stopped next to Rarity and me. "Oh my... Is this your little cousin you were talking about? If I were you kid, I wouldn't be seen in public with her, just look at that dress and her dandruff," She laughed.

"It was snow!" Rarity growled.

"The winner of the fashion contest is..." Twilight paused for suspense.  "Rarity!"

"I... What?" Rarity nearly fainted.

"EXCUSE ME? BUT LOOK AT HER DRESS!" Flawless Treasure screamed.

"The fashion contest was not only about fashion but about keeping the spirit of the contest alive. Making new friendships, showing kindness and generosity. Rarity showed that best by choosing a dress hoof made by her cousin because it was made out of love." Twilight explained, putting a medal around Rarity’s neck as she did so.

“Oh my! A shiny fabulous medal!” Rarity taunted Flawless Treasure.

"But... Look at my amazing dress! I worked on this for so long!" Flawless Treasure panicked. "You've made an enemy today... Rarity." She growled. "You too, you little brat." She snarled down at me.

"Hey I think your dress is nice... But it's a bit ripped," I laughed smugly, gesturing behind her.

And then Flawless Treasure turned around to see Fuzzy clinging to the back of the dress, his claws ripping through the fabric.

"He sure loves dresses!" Rarity laughed.

"MY DRESS!" Flawless Treasure screamed.

And the photographers captured that perfect moment. "STOP TAKING PHOTOS! Oh my, this is just horrid. I'm never coming to a stupid fashion event here again! I don't care about being a stupid fashion parade princess!" She stormed off in tears.

And that's how Rarity became a princess.

"I think we should get you and the crusaders off to Manehatten now, the trains are still running from here to there thankfully, the rest of you can stay in the castle with me for a few days before we all return to Ponyville." Twilight put her hoof around me smiling.

"Oh my, thank you Twilight," Fluttershy smiled.

"Castle party!" Pinkie Pie jumped with excitement. "Oh and Rarity is a winner party!"

Rarity giggled. "Have a wonderful time in Manehatten crusaders," She walked over to me. "And thank you once again Flick, happy birthday!"

I smiled happily up at my cousin. "Happy new year to you all for later!

"Rainbow Dash is outside with Scootaloo going her a flying lesson now, we should head off" Apple Bloom grinned.

"Yeah, we're ready to go, aren't we Fuzzy?" I smiled up at the ferret on my mane.

"I sure can't wait to see Babs!" Apple Bloom hopped off excitedly.

"Well let's go! It's going to be the best New Year ever. Manhatten, here we come! I sure hope we get to come to a fashion parade here again when the weather is better!" I headed off after saying my goodbyes.

That was the birthday that I got Fuzzy the ferret, the birthday Rarity became a fashion princess, the first birthday I spent with my new family. So now we headed to Manehatten for the new year, and I myself had a lot I wanted to do when I got there, I closed my eyes and walked with my friends outside in to the cold of the winter covered Canterlot.

“Let’s get Scootaloo, we’ve got a lot to do,” I braced myself for the cold weather awaiting outside, eager to start our next adventure.

Chapter 11: Lesson of Loyalty

“Well here’s the train to Ponyville!” Apple Bloom grinned noticing the train approaching the platform.  “Manehatten sure is awesome…”

“It sure is,” I smiled, looking at Babs who stood next to me.

“You’ll be back soon right Flick?” Sweetie Belle’s ears dropped slightly.

“Three days, that’s all I be,” I hugged my cousin reassuringly.

And so Scootaloo waved, hopping on to the train quickly followed by the other two, and before long the train started to head back to Ponyville.

"I bet you're gonna miss them huh? I know I do..." Babs voiced trailed off sadly.

It must have been hard for Babs, she was a member of our group and she lived fairly far from Ponyville "They'll be fine without me for three days," I smiled hopefully.

"Well if you don't like it you can leave this club house right now!" Scootaloo yelled.

"Well maybe I will!" Sweetie Belle restored angrily, her voice squeaking.

"Well I guess that's it then! This stupid argument has ruined everything, I don't want to be a cutie mark crusader anymore!" Apple Bloom stomped her hooves angrily.

"Neither do I!" Scootaloo turned her head away angrily, "I don't want to see you both again!"

"What the hay are you readin'?" Apple Bloom looked over to Sootaloo sitting opposite her.

The train journey had just begun on the way back to Ponyville.

"Huh? Me reading? Pfft" Scootaloo subtly hid the book behind herself.

"You are reading something! What is it?" Apple Bloom leaned over and stole the book from behind Scootaloo  "The Path of Flight... Where did you get this?" She read the words on the cover bemused.

Scootaloo didn't want to admit it, but she'd had this book ever since before Twilight became a Princess, at the time we were sorting through the books in her library.

"You stole this from Twilight's library didn't you?" Apple Bloom read the inside cover.

"I didn't steal it! I just... Borrowed without asking," Scotaloo scoffed.

"What's is about?" Apple Bloom asked.

"It's an amazing book of all the greatest flyers in Equestria! And full of awesome tips!" Scootaloo couldn't contain her excitement as her eyes widened.

"And is Rainbow Dash in there?" Apple Bloom laughed.

"Of course! She's number one in the top 25 flyers list!" Scootaloo rolled her eyes, as if Apple Bloom was stupid.

"Oh whoa! Let's see!" Apple Bloom was genuinely surprised.

"Hey hooves off... It's my book," Scootaloo yanked the book away.

"You stole it! Besides Rainbow Dash never mentioned being in no stupid book!" Apple Bloom growled.

"Hey I deserve it! Look what it says. The path of flight, for the true leaders and masters of flight. And since I'm the leader of us crusaders, I figured it'd be a good read," Scootaloo nodded her head confidently.

"You... The leader. What the hay?" Apple Bloom adjusted the bow on her mane and stared Scootaloo down.  "Oh come on Scootaloo, we all know who the leader is..." Apple Bloom shook her head

"Me," Scootaloo edged forward.

"Seriously?" Apple Bloom was flabbergasted.

"Yeah of course I am! I'm bravest and toughest. Like Rainbow Dash!"

"No I’m tougher! I help run the whole of sweet Apple acres!" Apple Bloom growled.

"Yeah because that's what leaders do... Help run farms," Scootaloo laughed.

"Okay then... Let's prove it, over the next few days we'll prove who the leader is," Apple Bloom retorted.

"Fine by me!" Scootaloo growled.

"You in on this challenge Sweetie Belle? Even though I'm clearly the winner," Apple Bloom maintained her gaze on Scootaloo.

"What? Oh... Yeah whatever" Sweetie Belle had drifted away during the argument. Something was clearly on her mind.

"Mail for Rarity!" The blonde derpy eyed Pegasus called excitedly, placing the mail in the mailbox, smiling contently as she did so before stumbling and walking away.

"Oh come on Flick, get over your mailmare fear already..." Sweetie Belle turned over in the large bed moaning. However she soon realized I wasn't next to her. "Oh, I almost forgot!" And so she did the usual mail sorting for Rarity, flicking through the letters before arriving at the one she had dreaded, it was from school, two letters from school each with results from the big test we had recently, her results and mine.

"Anything important dear?" Rarity hummed to herself while sewing some fabrics together at her sewing machine.

"Oh no. The usual stuff..." Sweetie Belle laughed nervously. To delay the tense moment of opening the letters she put both envelopes under the respective pillows of our bed, then left the room leaving them behind.

"So now I need to prove to the other two that I'm the leader, not silly Scootaloo with her silly Path of flight book..." Apple Bloom gasped for air after telling the entire story to Twilight Sparkle.

"Path of flight? Scootaloo has a copy of that too? I lost mine..." Twilight lifted her hoof to her mouth.

Apple Bloom giggled nervously before composing herself. "You're a leader Twilight, you're a princess. How do I prove myself as the leader of the crusaders?" She asked desperately.

"Look Apple Bloom, you and the crusaders, you're best friends... I mean are you really going to compete to see who's the leader of a group of friends? I mean seriously. What pony would call themselves a leader of a friendship group?" Twilight laughed at the idea.

Rainbow Dash laded on the grass in style, "Look kid. I know how you feel, I mean, I'm totally the leader of my friends by far. You need to assert yourself, do something that shows you're a force to be reckoned with," Rainbow Dash paused for a moment before flying off again.

"Like what exactly?" Scootaloo felt dizzy from watching Rainbow Dash fly around so quickly.

"Finally get your hooves off the ground! Flying is the true form of leadership... I read a cool book about that once," Rainbow Dash called down to Scootaloo.

"The path of flight?" Scootaloo called back questioningly

"You read it? Oh wow, that book is amazing" Rainbow Dash was fairly intrigued and landed with precision right next to Scootaloo.

"Of course I have! I've got my own copy, you're totally number one in the top flyers countdown Rainbow Dash right?" Scootaloo grinned excitedly.

"You didn't tell everypony that did you?" Rainbow Dash scratched her mane.

"Of course I did. I had to brag for you since you're so modest!" Scootaloo bounced excitedly.

"Look kid. You idolize me, I dig that. You're the most awesome crusader in my opinion... You just need a helping hoof," Rainbow Dash flapped her own wings in preparation.

"But how? When I can't even get my stupid hooves an inch from the ground...even your turtle can fly... And me, I have wings but do they work? No." Scootaloo flapped her own wings as fast as she could, straining hard.

"I just got a pretty cool idea," Rainbow Dash placed her hoof to her mouth tapping whilst thinking through her plan.

"What is it?" Scootaloo paused and stared anxiously.

"Meet me back here in one hour, bring the book I'll show you the true path of flight,"

"Apple Bloom what are you doing?" Scootaloo stopped in her tracks noticing Apple Bloom standing by a wooden stand in the middle of the busy street.

"Oh hey there Scootaloo... Nothing much, just counting all my bits!" Apple Bloom pointed her hoof to a sign and several kegs nearby, a load of bits in a small brown bag next to her.

"That's insane how did you make all of that? ... You're selling cider?" Scootaloo had to read the sign twice.

"Yep! It ain't even cider season but you know me being a good thinker and leader I figured what the hay, I'd make some and make a fortune early this year... Leaders initiative!" Apple Bloom emphasized the final words.  "Had a good day riding on your scooter? Cause that's totally what a leader does right?"

"Oh I'll show you, I won't need this scooter soon, I'll have my hooves off the ground so who needs wheels? I don't need a stupid scooter!" Scootaloo flapped her wings and sped off on her scooter before Apple Bloom could respond.  "Sorry I didn't mean that..." She whispered stroking the hoof bars.

"Hey kiddo sorry I'm late, did you bring the book?" Rainbow Dash approached Scootaloo.

"Got it right here Rainbow Dash! Just look at these great flyers!" Scootaloo admired the page she was on, an awesome two-page spread about the Wonderbolts  "They all have something so special, the Wonderbolts are only the second best according to this book." Scootaloo was in amazement. Then again you are number one!” She grinned to Rainbow Dash.

"Turn to page three," Rainbow Dash instructed.

Scootaloo quickly flicked back several pages before arriving at the page Rainbow Dash had said.

"Mindset...having the right state of mind," Scootaloo read the words out loud.

"You see scoots. A lot of it isn't here," Rainbow Dash touched where her heart was.  "Most of it is here," She firmly tapped her hoof against her head.

"I have the determination but I just don't have the strength," Scootaloo sighed sadly looking down.

"You need to be more assertive... Think positive, you don't just think you'll be a good flyer. You know you'll be a good flyer," Rainbow Dash tried her best to motivate the small Pegasus.

Scootaloo remained looking down until Rainbow Dash carefully picked her up.

"Whoa are we going flying?" Scootaloo perked up in surprise.

"You're going flying," Rainbow Dash soared in to the sky holding tightly on to Scootaloo.

"But I can't. Please don't let go! Oh this is just like when Flick did that flight spell," Scootaloo covered her eyes.

"Relax, we did this before remember, didn't it feel like you were flying back then? Just think how much you want to fly... Have that mindset. You can do anything,” Rainbow Dash yelled over the sound of the harsh wind that was caused by the extreme speed of her flight.

"I... I can do it!" Scootaloo panicked.

"Now flap your wings! I'm right here for support!" Rainbow Dash let go of Scootaloo and began to glide along side her.

"Oh my... I'M DOING IT, I'M DOING IT!" Scootaloo felt as though she was soaring, until she realized despite her tiny wings flapping she was falling rather quickly "I'm not doing it, I'M NOT DOING IT!"

"You're doing good! You re just gliding downwards, your strength isn’t keeping you up. Keep flapping!"

But despite her efforts Scootaloo couldn't hold on and her wings grew tired and stopped. Rainbow Dash flew down and caught her before she hit the ground.

"You see... How can I have the right mindset if that always happens?" Scootaloo growled in anger at herself.

"Turn the page," Rainbow Dash pointed to the book that lay open on the grass.

Scootaloo picked it up and spoke the words out loud. "Practice... All of the greatest flyers in Equestria started off unable to even get their hooves off the ground."

And then she read the quote.

"That's a great quote..." Scootaloo reread every word several times.

"You remember this, I read this book cover to cover constantly. That quote is the single greatest piece of advice you'll ever read. So... Without further ado, let's practice!" Rainbow Dash flapped her wings eagerly.

"If I fall you'll catch me again right?" Scootaloo looked away shyly.

"Anytime you fall from a stepping stone on the path to flight, I'll always catch you," Rainbow Dash placed her hoof on Scootaloo.

"Wow Rainbow Dash, you really are number one!" Scootaloo perked up.

"You really believe I am don't you..." Rainbow Dash wouldn't admit it, but she blushed slightly.

"Well you're number one in this book! And to me!" Scootaloo hooped and flapped her wings.

Rainbow Dash laughed nervously. "Hey kiddo... You think I could borrow this? Just for one night, I'd love to reread it," She picked up the book.

"Sure you can Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo smiled eagerly.

The sun was shining bright still as it began to slowly set in Ponyville park, but Rainbow Dash had one more treat for Scootaloo.

"Thanks kiddo! Hey, want to see me do the triple somersault wing glide?"

"You can do that move?" Scootaloo's mouth dropped.

"Sure as hay! Check this out!" Rainbow Dash kicked off the ground with speed.

And so an hour passed with Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash talking about the path of flight, while Rainbow showed her moves and taking Scootaloo for a fly and showing her some techniques.

"So yeah, according to Rainbow Dash, you know, the leader of her friends. I'm totally on the path of flight to awesome," Scootaloo nodded smugly.

"The hay you are! Look how many bits I made! Only a true leader can do that!" Apple Bloom pointed her hoof to three brown bags of bits next to her.

"Yeah well Rarity told me I'm the best..." Sweetie Belle spoke quietly, rather annoyed.

"Oh yeah, your big sister told you you're the best, therefore that's true you've not even done anything to prove you're the leader... You seem so down today what the hay is wrong with you?" Apple Bloom turned to Sweetie Belle annoyingly.

"She's just jealous... You both are because I totally am the leader, Rainbow Dash is so amazing..." Scootaloo fondly remembered the day she'd just had.

"You guys are annoying me so much! You don't know what I've got going on," Sweetie Belle stood up and turned her back.

"Well if you don't like it you can leave this club house right now!" Scootaloo yelled.

"Well maybe I will!" Sweetie Belle restored angrily, her voice squeaking.

"Well I guess that's it then! This stupid argument has ruined everything, I don't want to be a cutie mark crusader anymore!" Apple Bloom stomped her hooves angrily.

"Neither do I!" Scootaloo turned her head away angrily, "I don't want to see you both again!"

And with that said, each of the three ponies left the clubhouse, without any words spoken.

"Wow the weather is terrible here compared to Manehatten isn't it fuzzy?" I’d finally gotten off the train and stepped out in to the heavy rain. "We're a little earlier than expected, come on let's go surprise Rarity and Sweetie Belle!" The small ferret burrowed in to my mane to keep dry. And so I galloped through the heavy rain eager to get home.

I knocked on the door several times and was quickly greeted by Rarity. "Flick! Oh my dear, I've missed you so much!" Rarity instantly hugged me upon opening the door.

"I missed you too Rarity!" I beamed, trying to breath despite the tight embrace.

"Oh you must tell me all about Manehatten! That fabulous city... Oh I am ever so jealous of you," Rarity brought me in from the rain.

"Well you know I meant to write to you to let you know, there's a fashion week next week, who knows maybe you'll be invited. Now you're a fashion parade princess," I smiled.

"Oh that would be so fabulous... But enough about fashion for now, I do hope you had an amazing time back home!" Rarity smiled warmly at me, before turning around. "Sweetie Belle, Flick is here!" She called upstairs.

Rarity looked back at me and squinted. “You have a Rose flower in your mane dear..." She glanced at the bright red rose, resting in my blue mane.

"Long story," I smiled to myself.

"Where is Sweetie? I imagine she’s still sulking… I have no idea what’s going on. Go up and see for me dear, she’ll be happy to see you,” Rarity sighed.

"Sweetie Belle!" I called happily entering the room.

"Flick!" Sweetie Belle hopped off the bed happily for a moment.

"Hey... Have... Have you been crying?" I noticed Sweetie Belle’s eyes were red and puffy.

"Oh Flick, everything is going wrong..." Sweetie Belle fell to the floor.

"What's happened since I've been away?" I dreaded the answer.

"Calm down!" Sweetie Belle sat on the bed trying to keep me calm.

"How did this happen?" I panicked, pacing around the room.

"Scootaloo and her stupid Path of flight book!" Sweetie Belle growled.

"Path of flight?" I questioned.

"It's some stupid book she borrowed from Twilight’s, or rather stole. I just can't handle these stupid arguments. Plus now we've gotten our school results that's just extra stress," Sweetie Belle fell down on the bed.

"Wait the results are here?" I asked nervously.

"Yeah but I'm worried to open mine," Sweetie Belle shook her head.

"We need to get Scootaloo and Apple Bloom here," I decided to get back to the main problem.

"What? But it's only half an hour until bed time!" Sweetie Belle looked to the clock on the bedside table.

"Half an hour is all we need, besides, I know a quick way to get them both here...Fuzzy, you know what to do!" I looked down at the tiny ferret that perked up at his name.

"What the hay is going on?" Applejack glanced out the kitchen window.

"What is it Applejack?" Apple Bloom asked, sitting at the table.

"There's some ferret making noises outside by the looks of things..." Applejack rubbed her eyes and looked again.

"Ferret? FUZZY, I totally forget, that must mean Flick is back!" Apple Bloom hopped off the chair happily.

"Your friend Scootaloo is out there with him too."

"Scootaloo is there?" Apple Bloom stopped in her tracks, taking a deep breath, she headed outside.

"Scootaloo... What the hay is going on? What are you doing with Fuzzy?" Apple Bloom glanced down at the small ferret and back to Scootaloo.

"Hey Apple Bloom..." Scootaloo avoided eye contact. "He came to my house and started trying to get me to follow him and he led me here."

"He wants us to follow him?" Apple Bloom was puzzled.

"Well Flick is back... Maybe this is his way of getting us all to go to Carousel Boutique," Scootaloo rolled her eyes.

"Fine I'm going. But only to see Flick..." Apple Bloom looked away from Scootaloo.

"Yeah of course... Same here," Scootaloo was unconfident with her words.

"Flick... You have a flower in your mane." Apple Bloom laughed upon entering my room.

“Nice to see you too…” I sighed.

Scootaloo laughed also, trying to contain it.

“Now, I got Fuzzy to summon you here, to sort this out,” I spoke determinedly.

Everypony sighed.

“Come on! You can't let a stupid book distract you from the important things in life," I shook my head looking at Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.

"Tell that to Sweetie Belle," Scootaloo pointed over.

Sweetie Belle was sat on the bed reading a book.

"Sweetie Belle can you - " My eyes widened when I saw the book. "Wait what are you reading?"

"Your diary," Sweetie Belle teased.

"Flick you have a diary?" Apple Bloom laughed again.

"It's not a diary! It's just a journal," I argued.

"So it's a diary," Scootaloo snorted.

"Stop reading it!" I yelled to Sweetie Belle.

"Awh will this tell us why you have a flower in your mane?” Sweetie Belle kept reading the words.

"Why do you have a flower in your mane?" Scootaloo asked impatiently.

“It was from when I visited my friend Daisy - ” I started.

"Daisy...you told us about her before your best friend in Manehatten?" Sweetie Belle asked, still reading the book.

"We'd not been getting on much before I left, for... Reasons," I sighed sadly.

"Because she earned her cutie mark... You were jealous right?" Sweetie Belle read from the book.

“Why are you even asking me? You’re just reading my life story right there,” I growled.

"Hey Daisy!" I smiled as the door to the small house opened.

"Flick! Oh my what are you doing here?" The small pink haired pony hugged me tightly.

"I was with friends watching the New Year display, I wanted to drop by to say hi," I smiled looking at my best friend for the first time in months

"Come in! Oh you're going to love the place, my parents like, got me so many flowers to decorate my room with its insane," Daisy beamed, leading me inside.

"She seemed okay with you there," Sweetie Belle looked up at me.

"She was…” I sighed. “Everything was fine like nothing ever happened. It was kind of like an elephant in the room though, so eventually - "

"So how are things in Ponyville? Are the flowers nice?" Daisy asked intently after showing me the new flowers by her window.

"Erm yeah they are, it's all good. Me and my friends have our group called the cutie mark crusaders, I mean we're all trying to find our talents so it's a -"

"The cutie mark crusaders. You're a member?" Daisy immediately stared at me wide eyed. "That's like the most popular thing that's happened in school recently you wouldn't even believe it, you left here just before it all took off!" Daisy’s mouth opened wide.

"Wait, Popular?" I asked confused.

"All around school ponies are forming their own crusader groups, all dedicated to finding their talents, it was all started by somepony who visited Ponyville and one of her cousins was a member there," Daisy nodded.

"Wait... Babs Seed?" I asked.

"Yeah! You know her?" Daisy confirmed.

"No way, Babs actually did it! She made us crusaders a Manehatten phenomenon!" Apple Bloom smiled to Scootaloo who stood next to her.

"How awesome!" Scootaloo smiled back.

"So um... What did you and Daisy do?" Apple Bloom asked, looking over at Sweetie Belle to read more of the book.

"Well, she let me stay the night to catch up and stuff, so the day after..." I looked at Sweetie Belle who had no doubt already read ahead.

"Thanks again for letting me stay last night" I looked to Daisy and smiled, she sat opposite me.

"It's no problem, you're always welcome you know that," Daisy smiled back at me.

"Your milkshakes" The taller pony gave us both of strawberry ice cream shakes.

"Thanks," We both grinned; this was just like old times.

"I was kind of worried you didn't want to be my friend anymore..." Daisy finally spoke after a few moments of silence. Slowly taking a sip of her milkshake, glancing out the window sadly.

"I'm so sorry for how I acted...you know, when you earned your cutie mark," my ears dropped in shame.  Fuzzy sat on the chair next to me and sadly looked up at me, jumping next to me to try and cheer me up.

"Look it's okay Flick, I know you didn't mean to act that way," Daisy smiled reassuringly at me.

"Look the way I see, you're the winner anyway, you found your cutie mark. You're amazing at just about everything and picking flowers is like, the most adorable cutie mark related talent ever. And me, well I'm a member of a group of ponies who haven't been so lucky," I looked down and laughed at myself, I really hadn’t achieved much.

"You've got so much of your life to find your talent Flick. And there is no winner; there aren't winners or losers. Leaders or followers, as stupid as it might sound, if you have friendship, you're not alone on the journey," Daisy put her hoof on mine.

"That sounds like something my friend would say," I smiled, fondly thinking of Twilight.

"Do you still keep that diary of yours?" Daisy asked.

"Journal," I corrected.

"Yeah okay, journal" Daisy laughed, teasing me. "If you still keep it, I want you to write in there everyday, write about the positive side of your journey, don't look at everyday as another failure to find your true talent, look at it as a day closer to finding it," Daisy looked in to my eyes, meaning every word she spoke.

"I never looked at it that way..." I couldn’t find the words.

"Sometimes you need to think outside of the box," Daisy smiled looking down at Fuzzy who seemed fairly happy "So when are you heading back to Ponyville?" She quizzed.

"Tomorrow, I was going to stay here just another night, I won't ask to stay with you again, I don't want to be a pain," I looked down.

"You're always welcome Flick... But don't you think it'll be good to see your parents?" Daisy spoke truthfully.

"I guess I have to... I mean they'll be happy to see me but well they might be disappointed I've not found my true talent yet, you know how pushy they are."

"They'll never be disappointed with you," Daisy shook her head.

I smiled back at my friend, I hoped she was right.

Sweetie Belle paused, flicking through two pages of the journal. "And then... The diary just goes straight to when you're heading to the train station the next day... What about your parents?"

"I don't write everything in that thing," I sighed.

"How about you keep reading Sweetie Belle?" Apple Bloom asked, sensing my discomfort on the whole parents subject.

"Train will be here soon Fuzzy," I sighed contentedly.

"Flick!" I heard the familiar voice call.

"Daisy?" I was surprised to see my friend running towards me on the train platform.

"I wanted to catch you before you left," She caught her breath.

"What is it?" I asked confused.

And then she leaned up and fixed a red rose flower to my mane and giggled. "You look ridiculous!" She beamed.

"What's this for?" I giggled in return.

"It's a special rose that's going to be with you always okay? Keep it safe someplace and always know that friendship is like an everlasting flower. It blooms and with the right care and effort it'll stay that way, healthy and wonderful. Write in your diary, journal whatever you want, but life isn't a book. Life is so much more, remember that."

"Daisy... I don't know what to say."

She’d done it again… said something that left me entirely speechless, a few tears formed in my eyes.

"No crying! And if anypony laughs at you on the train don't worry, the flower suits you!" Daisy teased.

And without words I moved forward and hugged her, in that moment realizing just how much I’d miss her all over again.

"The train is here!" Daisy pointed to the oncoming train.

"Look I'm going to visit more often now okay? Like as often as I can," I spoke determinedly.

"It's fine Flick, whenever we're not with each other, just look at the flower. Remember I care, you'll always be my best friend."

I smiled back as the train pulled up and the conductor stepped off, awaiting any passengers to come aboard.

“I’ll see you soon Flick!” Daisy hugged me once more.

"Wow... so that's why you have a flower in your mane," Sweetie Belle giggled.

"Daisy is right, life is more than a book," Scootaloo looked sadly at the ground.

"Friendship does last... If you fight for it," Apple Bloom looked towards Scootaloo, the two exchanged a smile.

"Shall we all just forget the stupid leader thing happened?" Scootaloo finally spoke up hopefully.

"Yeah... Who needs a leader, we've coped fine before without any of us being titled the leader," Apple Bloom nodded.

"Finally the argument is over!" my fluffy purple tail flicked upwards happily, the crisis had been averted and I felt content.

"Oh hey I got ninety six percent in my pop quiz!" I cheered, reading the contents of the envelope out loud. "That's an A+" I sighed with relief, laying down on my bed.

"Congratulations Flick, I got a B..." Apple Bloom sighed.

"I got a D, like I care," Scootaloo scoffed.

"Hey so I got the highest score..." I spoke, a moment of silence lingered and I hesitated. "So... this means I'm the leader cause I'm the smartest?"

And then began another huge argument.

"You're just assuming you got higher than me?" Sweetie Belle's voice grew even more high pitched. "Could you be any more big headed?"

"Hey I'm not being big headed... Why does everything have to turn in to an argument? I'm always fixing the mess you guys make, you're always causing problems... I'd have been better off just staying in Manehatten," I scoffed.

As soon as I'd said those words however, I regretted it. My crusader friends averted their gaze from mine.

"Well it's nice to see how much we mean to you," Apple Bloom spoke coldly leaving the room.

"No guys... I didn't mean that! I didn't mean that at all... Sweetie Belle..." I spoke to my cousin.

Sweetie Belle looked at me and sniffled, holding back tears, she turned and left with the others, within seconds they had left Carousel Boutique and I was alone with Fuzzy.

"What have I just done..." I gasped. Fuzzy gently scratched my mane from where he rested on top of my head, "I know buddy... at least we never argue," I sighed.

So the next few days were pretty horrible, Sweetie Belle had stayed at Apple Bloom's place, all to just avoid me.

“The Equestria games are just days away, I’m so excited!”  Twilight beamed, hovering in the air to rearrange some books in the book shelf.

“It’s sure gonna be awesome that’s for sure! Scotoaloo seems pretty excited about it too!” Rainbow Dash beamed.

“You and her have become really close lately,” Twilight smiled, noticing the close bond between the two ponies.

“I love the kid, taking her under my wing was a good move on my part, she’s got attitude, I like that, I love those four crusaders,” Rainbow Dash fondly spoke. "Although I'm a little worried about Flick."

"Why?" Twilight paused from rearranging her books.

"I saw him earlier, when I was on my way here and he said - "

“My friends pretty much hate me,” I spoke sadly looking towards the ground.

“What? How the hay do you think that?” Rainbow Dash gasped.

“I’ve been upset because of all the arguments we have and I told them... I said I would have been better off staying in Manehatten." I sniffled.

"Yikes..."

"I keep spending time with Fuzzy because we won't argue... pets just don't cause rifts between you like friends can I guess."

“Oh I know what that’s like,” Rainbow Dash started. I looked up at her slightly confused. “Look kid, I know you love Fuzzy, I know what it’s like to love a pet.”

“You love Tank don’t you?” I smiled slightly. I loved seeing Rainbow Dash’s sensitive side.

“More than anything, when Fluttershy was helping me choose a pet, I was immature about it, I wanted fast, flying, awesome… I wanted a pet that was cool and lightning fast and it was selfish of me,” Rainbow Dash fondly thought of her loyal pet. “Tank came through for me, helped me when I needed him because he was loyal to me, even after I’d treated him unfairly and assumed he’d not be the right pet for me. I love him to bits,” Rainbow dash smiled, looking down at me and Fuzzy.

“Fuzzy is always there for me too,” I looked down to the small ferret scurrying around the ground.

“Exactly, but so are your friends, your crusader friends, me, Rarity and the gang we’re all here for you," Rainbow Dash spoke confidently. "Think about everything you've been through since you came here, all the trouble you crusaders have gotten in to, but you've all stuck together still, loyalty is what ties friends together."

“I just want to be a good owner and a good friend,” I sighed.  “I’ve been a bad friend haven’t I…” I cried slightly.

“Not at all, you’ve just been a caring owner, you know what, I have an idea. Come to Sugarcube corner in an hour!” Rainbow Dash started to head off.

"Sugarcube corner? What for?"

Rainbow Dash turned back to me, "Your aunt Rainbow Dash has a plan! be there!"

I stared for a moment as I saw her walk off, oblivious to the ponies in the street walking past me, I was lost in my own world.

"Sugarcube corner?" Twilight asked, "Was Flick okay? what are you planning?"

"Oh you're going to love it, I've planned something pretty awesome!"

I entered the familiar setting of Sugarcube corner, a place me and my friends spent so much time, suddenlyI heard a loud blast of confetti and cheers.

“Surprise!" Everypony called out in unison.

I was fairly surprised that’s safe to say, my mouth dropped as I glanced around, Twilight, Rarity and all their friends were here, along with the other three crusaders.

“Happy Friendship appreciation day!” Pinkie Pie cheered.

“Glad you could join us kiddo!” Rainbow Dash winked at me, she stood next to my crusader friends.

“Friendship appreciation day?” I couldn’t keep the smile from my face.

“The day that celebrates friendship and what it means to us and the loyalty that comes with it!” Twilight stepped forward smiling down at me. "This party was going to be one of Pinkie's usual random parties, but Rainbow Dash had a different idea."

I looked at Rainbow Dash and smiled.

“This is a day to appreciate all friends furry and small,” Fluttershy spoke gently at me and Fuzzy.

“And all friends loyal and cool!” Rainbow Dash winked.

“All friends hard working and honest!” Applejack took her hat off and smiled warmly at me.

“All friends that love to party!” Pinkie bounced.

“All caring family and friends.” Rarity added, gently pushing my three crusader friends forward towards me.

My three best friends stood in front of me and smiled. “All friends that are loyal crusaders to the end!” They spoke together.

It was safe to say I was speechless but I managed to force a few words out.

I looked down sadly. "I'm sorry, I know i misplaced my loyalty, I didn't mean what I said earlier."

“Well that’s why it’s a special day, a day to reflect on life and appreciate your friends,” Twilight smiled.

"You're all young, you're going to argue every now and then... hey, even we do," Rainbow Dash glanced around at her best friends. "But we're all together still, we're all loyal to each other, because friendship is something that lasts, and is worth fighting for."

I smiled and walked over to my three best friends, "You guys... I - "

"We know," Sweetie Belle smiled, "Rainbow Dash told us how miserable you were earlier, so we know you didn't mean anything you said. We're crusaders Flick, we'll never let an argument destroy us again."

"We're going to stick together forever!" Apple Bloom cheered.

"Miss Rainbow Dash, I don't know what to say..." I turned to the pegasus that stood behind me.

"You've learnt a pretty good lesson now I hope, if you four are loyal to each other, you'll find you never fall out again."

I nodded with a grin on my face, for a day that had started terribly, everything had worked out.

"Come on, open it! what grade did you get?" Scootaloo egged Sweetie Belle to open the letter.

Sweetie Belle stared nervously at the envelope.  "Here goes nothing..." she eagerly tore open the envelope and scanned the letter carefully.

"I... what?" her mouth dropped open. "An A?"

"You got an A?" I put my hooves to my mouth in excitement.

"Eighty seven percent... that's an A!" Scootaloo glanced at the results.

"I can't believe I got an A!" Sweetie Belle was thrilled, she would be able to stay living here with me and Rarity.

"For real! I'm so happy for you!" I beamed embracing my cousin. "That means you can stay!"

"Oh I'm so happy! I did it!" Sweetie Belle squeaked unbelievably happy.

"So I still got the highest!" I beamed.

Sweetie Belle shot a glance at me.

"But hey... lets not argue about it." I quickly shut my mouth. I glanced over towards Rainbow Dash who winked at me, I couldn't help the huge smile I returned.

Chapter 12: Unexpected Change

“Rarity what’s all the noise about?” Sweetie Belle asked, noticing her sister who seemed on edge.

“Why are there random ponies screaming outside?” I peaked out of the window of our home, looking at several ponies running around outside.

“Oh it’s nothing dears! Quickly do as your told and hop in the laundry basket!” Rarity grinned nervously, seeming out of breath and fairly weak.

“Oh do we have to?” Sweetie Belle sighed.

“Can we at least know what is going on and –“ I stopped talking and reflected on the last thing Rarity said.  “Wait, what do you mean laundry basket?” I asked.

“JUST GET IN THE BASKET!” Rarity cried.

“Okay I’ll just ask this,” I spoke, pushing a piece of fabric out of my face as me and Sweetie Belle sat in the dark closed wooden laundry basket. “Why the hay did Rarity tell us to get in here?” I asked confounded.

“Well that’s kind of Rarity’s way of protecting us,” Sweetie Belle responded.

I stared at my cousin, still confused.

“It started before you came to Ponyville,” Sweetie Belle continued. “Way back when Princess Luna was Nightmare Moon –“

“And so while we are away we would love for you to spend time with your little sister, all our love, Mommy and Daddy,” Rarity read the letter, before looking down at Sweetie Belle.

“Mom and dad said I could stay with you for as long as I want!” Sweetie Belle beamed.

“Oh… joy” Rarity grinned nervously. "This will be fun I'm sure," She tried to convince herself. "What could go wrong?" She whispered to herself.

“Oh what to do, what to do?” Rarity panicked to herself.

“Rarity, what’s going on?” Sweetie Belle hopped in to the front room of Carousel Boutique.

“Oh nothing Sweetie! No eternal night or evil Nightmare Moons around here!” Rarity panicked, grinning whilst trying to keep calm.

“Nightmare… Moon?” Sweetie Belle’s eyes widened.

“Don’t worry! There’s a new pony in town her name is Twilight Sparkle, she seems to know what’s going on and I’m sure she’ll sort it out!” Rarity reassured her sister.

“I don’t want an eternal night! or Nightmare Moon!” Sweetie Belle’s eyes started to fill with tears.

“Okay Sweetie, how about we play a game to pass the time!” Rarity hurriedly stopped her sister’s tears.

“How about hide and seek! I’ll hide!” Sweetie Belle perked up and galloped away.

“Don’t leave Carousel Boutique!” Rarity called after her.

And so Sweetie Belle found Rarity’s old laundry basket, full of dresses and materials that had just been freshly washed.

“She won’t check in here, she knows I can’t stand the smell of fresh fabrics!” Sweetie Belle laughed evilly.

And so Sweetie Belle jumped in to the basket, shutting it as she did so and then…

“Sweetie! This isn’t funny anymore!” Rarity panicked searching the same place she’d gone past several times. "Oh gosh... oh gosh" She began to panic. "Two hours of looking after my little sister and I've lost her already!" Before she gave up hope she heard the sound of snoring coming from the laundry basket, carefully she opened it and saw her baby sister asleep.  “Awh Sweetie Belle, you’re such hard work to look after. Thank goodness you’re only here for a few days and you wont end up living with me at any point in the future.” Rarity laughed, muttering that last part.

“So, ever since I moved in before you came here, whenever there is danger Rarity made me jump in to this laundry basket where she washes her fabrics and dresses and I usually just fall asleep!”

“Well that’s kind of weird, why not just ask you to go to bed?” I was fairly puzzled, despite the fact the story made sense.

“It’s totally weird, but here is rather cozy, almost makes you forget that the whole of Ponyville is in chaos and danger,” Sweetie Belle snuggled up to a white sheet of fluffy material and closed her eyes.

I couldn’t really argue with that, so I did the same as Sweetie Belle and began to drift off to sleep.

.

Apple Bloom stood angrily on mine and Sweetie Belle’s bed “So then Applejack was all like, oh no y’all can’t come outside Apple Bloom it’s too dangerous, and then she told me to just - just -” She ranted, stopping before finishing on the brink of a breakdown.

“Just what?” Scootaloo sat with me and the others on the opposite end of the bed.

“She told me to...“ Apple Bloom took a deep breath  “Stay in my room,” She shuddered.

“That’s it? We were told to lay in a laundry basket full of freshly washed dresses and materials, that smelt like fresh flowers on a Sunday morning, with a hint of lemon from the fabric softener Rarity uses.”  I started. “Actually for us it wasn’t that bad,” I grinned at Sweetie Belle.

“I went along to go and help Rainbow Dash and her friends, and Rainbow Dash called me hero!” Scootaloo nodded proudly.

“What? You helped Twilight and her friends stop this Tirek guy?” Apple Bloom’s mouth dropped wide open, as did mine and Sweetie Belle’s.

“I don’t buy that for one second!” Sweetie Belle shook her head.

“Guys I’m telling you, I heard the noise, found Rainbow Dash and the others and – “

“Oh thank Celestia you’re here Scootaloo! We were doomed without you!” Rainbow Dash galloped over to Scootaloo.

“I got here just in time!” Scootaloo looked proudly up at her idol.

“Okay look kid, how about you use your powers of awesome to blast this Tirek guy in to next week, I mean we’re all strong, but not as strong as you,” Rainbow Dash looked back to see Twilight and the others helplessly weak.

“Where is this bad guy?” Scootaloo frowned determinedly.

“There he is!” Rainbow Dash pointed her hoof to the huge Minotaur who looked down at the small ponies with rage.

“I WILL DRAIN ALL YOUR ENERGY AND THEN NOTHING CAN STOP ME!” He roared.

“I don’t think so! Hurry kid, use your powers of awesome and create a totally legit explosion that is actually possible to blast this guy away!”

“Awesome powers ACTIVATE!” Scootaloo jumped in to the air soaring up high.

“And then there was a huge explosion and Rainbow Dash hugged me, cause I saved the day!” Scootaloo finished, smugly sitting back on the bed.

“Really, that really happened did it?” I looked over to my friend.

Scootaloo smiled nervously.

“Scootaloo, what in the name of Celestia are you doing here? You’re doomed if you stay here!” Rainbow Dash ran over to the small pony who’d bounced along excitedly.

“I came to help Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo grinned.

“Okay… look kid, how about you use your powers of awesome to - ”

“What do you need Rainbow Dash?” Scootaloo looked up to her idol.

“Run to Sugarcube corner and get six milkshakes, we’ll be done here soon! Okay kiddo?” Rainbow Dash smiled nervously. “We need somepony with awesome powers to make sure we get our milkshakes and that’s you!”

“Sure thing Rainbow Dash! Awesome powers activate!” Scootaloo beamed and galloped off quickly.

Rainbow Dash gave a sigh of relief.

“I hope next time we actually are part of the adventure,” Sweetie Belle sighed.

“My mother always told me, everything can change when you least expect it, and that always seems to happen, all my big moments have happened when I’ve not expected them to,” I recalled my moms advice. “So when we least expect it, something might happen, and we’ll be the ponies to sort it out!” I nodded confidently.

“Okay awesome! I don’t expect anything awesome and adventurous to happen right now!” Scootaloo hopped up awaiting something to happen.

“It doesn’t exactly work that way.” I shook my head.

“Things will change soon, I’m sure of it” I nodded.

“Can’t something just happen now, please?”  Scootaloo sat in the exact spot on the bed she’d sat two days earlier. "Any sort of crisis that we can solve and earn our cutie marks would be nice! I'm sure it'll happen soon and - "

I frowned over at my friend and slowly shook my head.

“I mean, wow what a normal totally not adventurous day today is, nothing can possibly happen!” Scootaloo corrected herself.

“It’ll take longer than that, we just need to live our lives, try to find our cutie mark and eventually, something will happen when we’ve forgotten all about it! But we know for sure it’s not going to happen today when we clearly want it to,” I tried to lift the mood.

“Waiting is boring!” Sweetie Belle groaned.

“Big time,” Apple Bloom commented playing with the bow in her mane.

“Anyway, I need to go and pick up Fuzzy from Fluttershy’s place, she promised to look after him every so often so I get to spend more time with you guys, but instead you’re all being miserable and bored, I’d have more fun with my pet ferret than you guys!” I teased, I noticed my friends angry stares. "Kidding, I'm as loyal as can be now, remember? Anyway be right back."

“Fluttershy’s cottage, what an adventure,” Sweetie Belle spoke sarcastically.

“Wait! I know where we should go!” Scootaloo stood up suddenly. "Come on guys!"

"But I need to get Fuzzy from - " I attempted to talk but Scootaloo grabbed me. "No time!"

Scootaloo did that annoying thing where she dragged us all somewhere without even telling us where we were going, so we ended up in -

“Okay why exactly are we heading all the way out here?” I panicked as we entered the dark forest, the eery atmosphere made me increasingly paranoid.

“Because I know who can help us find the danger we’re looking for!” Scootaloo led the way as we followed her.

“And who would that be?” I asked slightly out of breath from walking through the dark forest, breathing quickly as fear built inside me.

“Isn't it obvious? Zecora!” Scootaloo jumped excitedly.

“Err, who?” I asked.

“Flick, this is Zecora!” Apple Bloom was happy to see her zebra friend.

We entered the small hut; I immediately was greeted by the tall Zebra looking down at me. “Oh yes a young talented unicorn of which I have no doubt, so tell me young ones, what is your visit about?” Zecora looked down between the four of us curiously.

“Well we were just wondering if you’ve seen any evil creatures lurking around here in the forest, perhaps something super evil that we could all team up together and beat down to show our skills!” Scootaloo asked.

“Ya know, maybe some crazy super villain who has some super evil plan!” Apple Bloom added excitedly.

“That we can show whose boss! Give Rarity and her friends a rest for once!” Sweetie belle squeaked determination burning in her eyes.

“I don’t believe I have seen what you seek, but why look for danger who prays on the weak?” Zecora asked.

I frowned slightly puzzled, noticing her habit of rhyming; did she rhyme everything all the time?

“Hey just ‘cause we’re young it doesn’t mean we’re weak!” Scootaloo gasped.

“You misunderstand Scootaloo, I just say it is not wise to do. There are beings and creatures who hunt ponies like you.” Zecora stared down at Scootaloo who stepped back slightly.

“Yeah but come on Zecora, you’ve surely seen all that stuff that happened recently,  Applejack and her friends always stop these bad guys and the whole of Equestria praises them for it, and we four are still stuck at home, and we haven’t even found our cutie marks yet,” Apple Bloom groaned.

“Beating bad guys might be our talents!” Sweetie Belle added. "We're the elements of harmony, the next generation."

Zecora shook her head before averting her gaze to me. “The new pony here seems somewhat shy, tell me young friend, do you really wish danger was nigh?”

“Um, yeah sure, I mean I want me and the crusaders to step up and help once in a while, I guess I’m just...” I started, my voice trembling.

“Scared! Flick is scared again,” Scootaloo laughed.

“No no, do not mock your friend, I see in his eyes, he’s seen evil to no end!” Zecora continued to gaze at me intently, reading every flicker of my eyes.

“He saw a changeling once!” Sweetie Belle spoke up.

“Can we not talk about that, lets talk about something different instead, danger can wait,” I shook my head, shaking away the bad memory.

“But it’s so boring, we want danger and adventure, but Flick says if we expect it, nothing will happen,” Scootaloo moaned.

“That fact is quite true, expecting something greatly is not what you should do. However maybe you’ll find you expect it wont happen so much, that you’ll look around soon and you’ll be surprised as such," Zecora turned around mysteriously. "You four ponies are eager to prove, yet night time approaches, you should make a move."

“Hey can I ask something off topic from the whole danger thing, Miss Zecora, why does everything you say –“ I started before being interrupted.

“Wait I have a great idea, lets just hunt in the forest ourselves!” Scootaloo beamed. "Like you said Zecora, night time approaches, so does the danger!"

“We are not going around the forest alone!” Sweetie Belle shuddered.

“You’re more scared than Flufftail over there is!” Scootaloo rolled her eyes, flicking her eyes between Sweetie belle and me.

“Hey I’m not scared, it’s just so different to the safety of Ponyville, the town is so calm and peaceful and this forest is… just full of horribleness,” I shuddered.

“You can’t compare Ponyville to this forest, the town is boring and any danger there we’re never allowed to get involved in,” Scootaloo was getting angrier.

”I’m not comparing them! I mean that’s like trying to compare, gosh what is that phrase?” I asked purposely despite knowing the answer, “Apples and… arm something?” I sniggered to myself.

“I believe the phrase you are looking for is comparing apples and oranges, a phrase that speaks of difference and – “ Zecora stopped and her eyes widened.

“Okay Miss Zecora you try rhyming something with orange, guess you can’t tell us about any danger now, lets go home!” I spoke quickly, leaving the hut.

I was proud of that plan.

“Well Flick you never cease to amaze me," Apple Bloom shook her head after we left the small hut in the forest. "Well that was a waste of time."

“Come on don’t be like that, who wants to come with me to Fluttershy’s place to pick up Fuzzy?” I asked, but was greeted with silence. “Well okay,  you’re all missing out on a nice, peaceful none drama or danger filled walk through Ponyville!”

And so I headed on my own to pick up Fuzzy.

“Thank you so much for looking after Fuzzy miss Fluttershy!” I beamed happy to see Fuzzy again and blushing while Fluttershy smiled down at me.

“Oh it’s no problem at all Flick, I meant what I said, I’ll happily take him off your hooves every few days so you have time to spend with your friends,” Fluttershy's voice calmed me down after the hectic day.

“Thank you so much! It’s great to see you again pal!” I nuzzled the small brown ferret who was sniffing around.

“So what are you doing with the rest of this beautiful day sweetie?” Fluttershy asked. "It's getting dark now."

“Well, nothing exciting is going to happen..Certainly nothing dangerous and adventurous, so I guess I’ll go grab a milkshake from Sugarcube corner and check in on Miss Pinkie!” I laughed.

“Well take care Flick sweetie!” Fluttershy smiled adorably at me.

“Thank you, you too miss Fluttershy!” I blushed and headed on my way.

And so I left the cottage and headed to Sugarcube corner.

“Here’s your order Mrs. Cake! I hope you make some more muffins with these super ingredients and make them tasty and muffin-licous!” The derpy eyed mailmare dropped the large brown box on the counter.

"Thank you very much!" Mrs. Cake smiled.

“EEK!” I squeaked upon seeing the mailmare in front of me.

She turned around and looked at me, one eye looking at me, the other lazily looking around.  “Hello! I hope you try some of the muffins Mrs. Cake makes, they’re super and muffin-licous!” She smiled at me contently, and clumsily left the building bumping in to the door as she did so, one of her eyes gazing at me.

Mrs. Cake studied me as I approached the counter.

I remained silent, catching my breath for a few moments. "Come on Flicktailus keep it together..." I took a deep breath. “I’m sorry Mrs. Cake, I came here for a milkshake I just...didn’t expect to see the mailman," I walked backwards, watching the grey blonde Pegasus walk away. “I kind of have a fear of mailmares...mail ponies...long story it, well it was involving a horrid creature I encountered once.” I shuddered. “I think Twilight said the creature was called a –“

I turned to face Mrs. Cake who suddenly was consumed by a bright green glow, before I could react, I was facing a dark horrific, green eyed creature like I did back in Manehatten, the very face that brought me nightmares to this day, staring at me viciously from behind the counter of Sugarcube corner.

Chapter 13: Cutie Mark Nark

A long time ago when I lived in Manehatten, I encountered a mailmare who turned out to be a changeling, a terrifying creature that I thought facing once was terrifying enough, but back when I first saw the creature that haunted my nightmares for years, I was saved by somepony who at the time, remained a mystery.

So when I encountered the same terrifying creature in Sugarcube corner when I lived in the usually safe town of Ponyville... I didn't take it too well.

"A changeling?" Sweetie Belle’s mouth widened as she repeated the words I’d muttered in terror.

“Flick can you at least get out of this here laundry basket?” Apple Bloom kicked her hoof on the wooden basket I’d closed myself in.

"How can a changeling be here? Rainbow Dash and the others got rid of them things ages ago!" Scootaloo shook her head.

"Well there's clearly one left. “ Apple Bloom smiled smugly, leaning towards the basket. “Hey Flick, maybe it's chasing you. I mean you've seen that thing once before maybe it wants to get you and -"

Sweetie Belle hit Apple Bloom on the head with her hoof, giving her a stern stare as she did so.

“Ouch! What the hay Sweetie Belle?”

"Come on out Flick, it's okay, I'm sure Twilight can deal with it." Sweetie Belle spoke to me softly; she of all ponies knew my fear was always a daunting nightmare on my life.

I burst out the basket.  "Twilight? No! We wanted danger and this is our chance to stop evil!" I leaned over the edge of the basket looking at my fellow crusaders.

"Stop a changeling? Ourselves?” Scootaloo stared blankly at me.

The idea was somewhat ridiculous, hey; even the word changeling terrified me. "Eek! Changeling!" I cried, slamming the lid of the basket shut and hiding in there once more.

"So Mrs. Cake is a changeling? Please don't tell me you're not going to be terrified of her now," Apple Bloom sighed, cautiously looking behind her not willing to admit she might just be scared.

"No. I know who's to blame,” My muffled voice came from inside the basket. “The mailmare!"

"Where ever the mail mare is, danger and horribleness follows! She's evil! I knew she was just like the one I saw in Manehatten!" I buried myself deeper in the fresh fabrics.

"Oh come on it's just a coincidence!" Scootaloo tapped the basket trying to get through to me. "No changeling would show it's face around here with Rainbow Dash on the prowl!"

Apple Bloom laughed evilly. "Yeah, I mean what are the chances a changeling comes after you twice in a row!" ... “Ouch!”

Sweetie Belle had thumped Apple Bloom once more.

"It's the same one, I know it," I whispered to myself. I wrapped my hooves around myself as I lay under the fabrics, rocking myself slowly as if I was going insane.

"So what do we do? I mean it's not like we can stop this thing... Is it worth risking our lives just to try and earn our cutie marks?" Sweetie Belle had a pretty good point.

"So now we've established it's worth risking our lives to try and earn our cutie marks, we need a plan," My muffled voice came from the basket.

"I seriously can't believe you brought the basket with you,” Apple Bloom shook her head in disbelief.

Fuzzy sniffed the basket curiously, wondering why I was hiding inside it.

Sweetie Belle approached the basket and lifted the lid with her hoof, leaning over the edge looking down at me, “Flick, you know , I’m really scared this isn’t going to work out, what if we get in trouble? Like real trouble, fighting a changeling isn’t something we can do,” Sweetie Belle offered me her hoof.

I sighed and took my cousins hoof as she lifted me out of the basket.  “I suppose you’re right, but I wanted this to be our shot at doing something good. Maybe we could have found our cutie marks," I looked down at Fuzzy sadly; the small ferret hopped on to my back and hurriedly scurried up to my head.

"Did somepony say Changeling?" Pinkie Pie burst out of the basket scaring us all.

We all stepped back in disbelief, staring at the happy pink pony that was beaming down at us all from the basket.

"Pinkie how did you-?" I started.

"I was there! Oh it was awful, It was such a terrifying moment when I went to help Mrs. Cake with the cupcake baking and she was - " Pinkie’s eyes widened and her whole body started to shake.

My mouth was wide open, I stared between the basket and Pinkie. “That’s not physically possible! I was in the basket how did you –“

“My Pinkie sense was going just craaaaaaaazy! I mean I should have known there was something wrong!” Pinkie shook her head.

"Okay wait, so Miss Pinkie... You saw it you can help us!” I could hardly believe it; somepony else saw the entire thing.

"I thought you wanted us to sort this out by ourselves," The voice of Apple Bloom came.

I nodded slowly, but quickly thought about the whole situation. "Well, a little help from Miss Pinkie is okay!" I smiled looking over to Pinkie who seemed to be her usual happy self despite the whole situation. I stepped towards Pinkie and looked hopefully up at her, meeting her gaze, the small ferret on my head looked at Pinkie cautiously.  “So you left Sugarcube corner once you saw the changeling right?” I asked.

“Oh my yes, I ran, I didn’t even have some time to get any cupcakes…” Pinkie’s eyes filled with tears that threated to spill all over Rarity’s fabrics.

"Well, We're trying to earn our cutie marks by becoming like you and Miss Princess Twilight and the others, so now we have you, can you keep it a secret and not tell anypony else?” I was nervous at the idea of asking Pinkie Pie of all ponies to keep a secret.

"The elements of harmony the next generation, that’s who we want to be!” Sweetie Belle stepped by me and winked.

“Sure I can keep a secret!” Pinkie Pie squeaked excitedly, quickly bringing her hooves to her mouth. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!”

And so your aunt Pinkie was here to help us solve this once and for all, of course first we all had to go since it was getting pretty late, so we all headed back to Carousel Boutique to be in the safety of mine and Sweetie Belle’s room.

I put my hoof to my mouth in deep thought. "So I wasn’t in Canterlot for that wedding, how were these things defeated last time?" I sat on my bed in front of my crusader friends, Fuzzy sat next to me.

"With the power of love..." Pinkie Pie sat on the floor, her voice trailed off as she smiled remembering the romance that stopped the previous changeling invasion.

"Hey maybe Flick and Fluttershy can do that then,” Scootaloo hit her hoof in to my side with force.

I groaned and rubbed where she had hit me. "I don't have a crush on Miss Fluttershy!" I argued, blushing slightly. "But hypothetically what if me and her got married?"

"Oh come on, can we just get a real plan together?" Apple Bloom spoke. "Applejack has told me how dangerous these here changeling things are, they could be anypony in the whole town and when they get us they'll -

Apple Bloom had quite a graphic imagination, I'll leave what she said to your imagination.

" - then after that, well we can't exactly stop them cause we'll all be a pile of rotting - "

"Erm, that's enough Apple Bloom." Scootaloo pointed over to me and Pinkie cuddling each other terrified.

"We need to get rid of that mailman,” My last few words became twisted with fear and anger as I cuddled Pinkie tightly.

Scootaloo sat in front of me and Pinkie. “Get rid of the mailmare? but the changeling was Mrs. Cake, you can't just assume every mailmare is a - "

I interrupted Scootaloo swiftly. "I'll complain to whoever it is who actually runs the mail service and tell them that silly mailmare is working with an evil changeling! And also mention for the record, that she's never on time with the mail, and delivers the wrong stuff!" I wiped the tears from my face and composed myself.

"Okay that's ridiculous," Apple Bloom waved her hooves at me to stop.

"Hey half my mail never gets here anyway, she's a bad mailmare! And you know, plotting evil with a terrifying creature that’s pretty bad too," I growled.

"Oh she can't be that bad, maybe you just lose all your mail, look there's even a letter stuck down there!" Scootaloo pointed by the bedside table to a small letter that had fallen behind it.

"Wait what is that?" I reached forward to take it.

Oh that special letter, addressed to a small cottage here in Ponyville, it had a pretty remarkable impact on everything later in the story.

I placed the letter on the bed in front of me. "Not sure where this place is, apparently it’s a cottage,” I spoke, reading the address.

"Why not go drop it off?" Sweetie Belle suggested.

"This letter is months old, I really doubt whoever this is for wants it,” I laughed. "But I suppose it's the right thing to do. I'll deliver it later, and this time I wont forget.” I nodded placing the letter down on the bed in front of me.

Before I could think, Rarity's loud voice came from the other room.  “Flicktailius Flufftail!"

Yeah, I knew I was in trouble when I was called by my horrifically embarrassing full name.

"Where is my laundry basket? I have some important fabrics in there that I need immediately!" Rarity walked in the room, sensing something was different, glancing at us all cautiously.

"Oh, I left it in the clubhouse. I guess you noticed I was in there all afternoon huh…"

“Yes, I did,” Rarity spoke slowly.

I gulped, hoping she wouldn’t ask any questions.

“You shall go and fetch it for me mister, I have some important fabrics in there I need for tomorrow morning," Rarity pointed her hoof to the door, gesturing me to leave immediately.

I nodded. “Sorry Rarity” I whimpered, my tail hung low. I’d always hated getting in trouble. “Fuzzy, you keep that letter safe. I’ll deliver it tomorrow when it’s early," The small ferret remained on the bed curled up next to the letter. I looked to my crusader friends as I prepared to hop off the bed.

"Why not just deliver it now?" Rarity asked, "Oh my, I asked you to deliver that so long ago now!"

"I'll deliver it when it's early, that way I can explain to whoever this is for the reason why it's so late," I coughed slightly glancing at my friends.

"Oh come on Flick do we need to go everywhere with you now?" Scootaloo whispered sharply.

“It could be out there, you have to all come," I panicked, hopping off the bed and running past Rarity.

“Oh! I’ll come too!” Pinkie Pie smiled happily and bounced following me, shortly followed by my crusader friends.

Rarity watched us leave somewhat confused by what was going on.

“So the last time you saw this Changeling, back in Manehatten, you said you were saved by somepony?” Sweetie Belle asked as we walked through the darkening street.

I simply nodded in response.

“I wonder who it was?” Scootaloo pondered.

I stopped for a moment and was lost in a memory, still so vivid in my mind. “I think… well I don’t know.” I shrugged. “Who knows?” I shook my head and attempted to change the subject. “Something I do know though, if we defeat this changeling, we’ll totally get our cutie marks.”

“Oh geez, the day you earn your cutie mark, I’m not looking forward to it,” Apple Bloom directed her words towards me.

“What? Why?” I asked genuinely surprised stopping suddenly in my tracks.

“Come on Flick, you’re totally going to be a cutie mark nark!” Apple Bloom laughed.

Ah yes, a Cutie mark nark, that was a phrase that we’d come up with to describe a certain pony we knew at school, it all happened a few weeks earlier -

"So class please welcome our new student, Fulfilled Intellect, please make him feel welcome and I’m sure you’ll all become great friends!” Cheerilee smiled at the class.

The small pony next to her was a short Pegasus colt with a rather neat brown mane.

“Pfft, another a nerd,” Diamond Tiara snorted from the back of the class.

“Totally,” Silver Spoon scoffed.

"He hasn't got his cute mark!" Apple Bloom beamed to me and the other crusaders, eagerly looking between us all.

“And with a name like Fulfilled Intellect he could be super smart and could have some amazing ideas!” I eagerly spoke, gaining my fellow crusaders excitement.

“Guys do you think he'd join us?“ Scootaloo spoke excitedly.

Oh yeah, a new crusader, that's what we thought, and he was honestly an amazing pony.

He was kind.

I looked at the sheet of paper in front of me. “Pop quiz? Oh yeah! Wait, oh drat I forgot my quill,” I l turned around and looked at Fulfilled Intellect smiling. “Oh excuse me… I lost my quill, could I maybe – “

“Sure go ahead!” He beamed, pulling out a case full of several different quills.

“Wow! I had no idea one pony would need so many quills...” I was stunned by the amount the small case held. “… Thanks!”

He was overall polite.

He seemed like the perfect candidate for our group.

And yet, merely days later..

"We told you hanging out with us would help you get your cutie mark!" Diamond Tiara proudly walked in to the classroom.

"Yeah aren’t you glad you didn’t join the cutie mark losers now?" Silver Spoon sniggered.

"Hey everypony, I got my cutie mark!" Fulfilled Intellect beamed with pride walking in to the class.

Everypony turned to face the small pony proudly showing off his cutie mark, a piece of paper with an A+ stamped on it… like a great big… well, reminder that he was a top student.

And when somepony earns their cutie mark, they like to tell you about it... Constantly.

"You know when I found my cutie mark, It was amazing. I just feel complete you know,” Fulfilled Intellect smiled dreamily. “Not like a stupid blank flank whose hopes and dreams haven't even been fulfilled yet... No offence."

"Oh, None taken,” I muttered.

You get the idea.

A Cutie Mark Nark:  Somepony who after earning their cutie mark, brags to and tells everypony as much as possible when nopony gives a flying feather about it.

Example: That pony who just earned his/her cutie mark is bragging about it constantly, he/she is being a Cutie Mark Nark.

Additional notes: Ponies who do this are super annoying.

I shook my head. "Hey when I earn my cutie mark I'm not going to talk about it constantly, I'm not one to brag, you guys know me better than that. Hey I bet I'll probably get mine before you guys do though, but because I'm a super good friend, I still won't brag."

“Congratulations Flick!” Apple Bloom placed a blue ribbon on my chest. “Last place!"

Okay I was the last of us four to get my cutie mark, but I swear I didn't brag.

"You're so not earning your cutie mark before me," Apple Bloom turned her head away from me as we all walked on.

"I so am, and when you come last place I'll slap a huge ribbon on you that says last place!" I laughed. "Oh just you wait!"

“Sure thing Flick,” Apple Bloom said.

“Well anyway, here we are,” I said looking up at our clubhouse.

“It’s getting pretty late, I might have to head on home,” Apple Bloom yawned.

“Yeah me too,” Scootaloo nodded in agreement, attempting to not yawn.

So me, Sweetie Belle and your aunt Pinkie said goodbye to Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, and with Rarity’s laundry basket with us, we headed back to Carousel Boutique.

“Thanks for everything Miss Pinkie, you promise you wont tell Twilight?” I asked hopefully, as we finally approached Carousel Boutique.

“I crossed my heart remember!” Pinkie Pie grinned down at me.

I returned the smile happily.

“Okay! Well then, here we go,” Sweetie Belle took a deep breath as we finally prepared to go through the doors.

You see, with the whole changeling thing happening, we didn’t think it was a good idea for Pinkie to go back to Sugarcube corner, due to the potential danger… so -

“Oh you’re back finally!” Rarity happily greeted us at the door, happily looking at the basket.

Before she could stay content however, Pinkie Pie burst out the basket excitedly beaming with happiness. “Slumber party!” Pinkie raised her hooves in the air happily.

I noticed Rarity staring at us somewhat confused. “We forgot to ask… can Miss Pinkie stay over for a few days?” I grinned eagerly.

Rarity’s eyes widened.

“It’s going to be fun!” Pinkie beamed.

Rarity smiled a clearly fake smile. "Oh joy..."

Chapter 14: (ACT I Finale): Final Nightmare

“Just a few days, I swear.” I pleaded.

Rarity took a deep breath, "Pinkie Pie... staying here for a few days?" As if having two young ponies wasn't enough to handle.

"I promise, she'll be gone within three days," I reassured Rarity.

“Okay so she’s been here slightly longer than three days,” I looked away awkwardly laughing.

“What has gotten in to you and Sweetie Belle lately?” Rarity glared at me, knowing full well I was hiding something.

“Well…”

“Miss Pinkie has been having nightmares,” I sighed, partly to myself for lying while trying to convince Rarity it was true.

“Nightmares?” Rarity quizzed.

“Yeah! And I know how horrible it is to have nightmares, so I suggested she stay with me for a while!”

“Oh dear me, poor Pinkie, she always puts on her brave happy face but I knew she doesn’t have it easy all the time, one dreads to think what she has nightmares about” Rarity shook her head sadly.  “You’re being a good friend Flick, but I shall speak to her about it myself later, I’ve spent enough nights consoling you after a nightmare, maybe I can help her”

“Yeah, that’s a great idea” I gulped.

“So Miss Pinkie, when Rarity asks, just pretend you’ve been having nightmares, understood?” I asked hopefully.

“Not at all!” Pinkie beamed and proceeded to bounce around the room.

“Great…” I sat down on my bed staring at my hooves.

“You backed yourself in to a corner there Flick, and we’re still no closer to finding the changeling.” Sweetie Belle sighed, before giving a look of annoyance. “And seriously, Flick will you control your ferret? He’s run off with my homework!”

“Hey don’t worry miss Fluttershy said it’s just a phase, don’t worry about it," I dismissed Sweetie Belle's worries, "Wait he’s taken mine too!” I growled angrily.

Oh, I probably didn’t mention yet, your aunt Fluttershy had given me some news the last time she’d been looking after Fuzzy for me.

"Thanks so much for looking after him again Miss Fluttershy!" I blushed.

"Oh my it's no problem sweetie, he's a delight to look after." Fluttershy smiled as the small ferret sat in my mane happily.

Although there is one thing I wanted to ask, he keeps stealing little things from home. He's taken loads of Rarity's fabrics and things then runs off and buries them somewhere or something, isn't that what dogs are supposed to do? Not you know, ferrets?"

"Oh dear, well that's a fairly normal thing, sometimes these little critters just get possessive and greedy, they find a nice little hiding spot and hide everything they can, it's common on loads of animals," Fluttershy giggled slightly. "It's just a phase, don't worry about it sweetie."

"Geez pal, you really are like a dog..." I giggled at Fuzzy.

"So you're ferret is a hoarder," Scootaloo rolled her eyes.  

"Hey he's only stolen a few things..." I argued. "Our homework and -"

"The letter!" Pinkie Pie jumped up happily.

"Wait he stole that letter?" asked Sweetie Belle.

"Yeah I asked him to look after it that night so I could deliver it in the morning and explain to whoever it was that the mailmare delivered it to the wrong address and I'd just forgotten about it," I looked down at Fuzzy, "Then when we got back turns out this little guy had ran off and buried it with goodness knows where he hides all our things."

"Huh... kinda weird how that letter just seems to not be delivered... maybe there's something super special about it!" Sweetie Belle teased.

I smiled and shook my head, "You know that letter is stupid anyway, whoever it was addressed to surely wouldn't want it anymore," I laughed to myself. Some old letter that seemed to pop up all over the place was becoming an annoyance. "But anyway, we've got bigger problems than a letter and a hoarding ferret..."

"What are you going to do about the Changeling then? Rarity is getting curious now I'll bet," Apple Bloom spoke.

"Maybe I can get a little bit of help..." I pondered, "I know I said we can handle this ourselves but maybe we could gather some information... from somepony who knows a lot about Changelings."

"Twilight?" Scootaloo asked.

"Miss Twilight," I smiled.

“Excuse me Miss Princess Twilight!” I called.  I'd finally found Twilight, she wasn't at her brand new amazing castle funnily enough, instead I'd found her walking the streets of Ponyville.

“Oh hello Flick, I’ve not seen you around lately, I was just out getting some essential reading material!"  Twilight beamed down at me.

"You haven't got anything though?" I scanned around but saw no sign of Twilight having actually bought anything.

"That's because I'm carrying it..." Spike groaned slowly walking towards us.

"Oh hey Mr Spike it's been a while!" I smiled.

Spike returned the smile looking up at me, struggling to carry the pile of books.

“I was just wondering if I could ask you something?” I turned my attention back to Twilight.

“What is it Flick?” Twilight smiled, always happy to help.

I took a deep breath. “I want to know everything you know about Changelings.”

“How come?” Twilight seemed fairly shocked by the seemingly random request.

“Well I… Miss Princess Twilight I kind of…” I felt angry with myself for the lie I was about to tell, “I’ve been having the nightmares again, about the changeling in Manehatten, it’s stupid.”

Twilight looked at me for a brief moment, carefully observing me.  “Okay, well what do you want to know?” Her voice finally broke the silence.

“Everything.”

“Flick you complete… element of dishonesty!” Apple Bloom shook her head.

“Well I didn’t want her finding out, we decided we can do this together,” I lay back on my bed looking at the ceiling. "We're missing something... I know it you guys, there's something we've not pieced together."

"Well what did Twilight say?" Scootaloo asked.

"Changelings are scavengers, they're always in groups, feeding off magical energy. But this one is alone, weak, without power... Miss Twilight said they hunt down anypony who has power to restore what they need."

"So this thing is hunting down anypony with magic?" Sweetie Belle panicked.

"It would seem so, possibly every unicorn," I put my hooves to my face and rubbed my eyes. “But it’s always came to me, twice in a row now.”

“Hey guys, hate to break away from the Changelings subject, but Fuzzy never brought back your homework…” Scootaloo laughed.

I sat up in a panic.

“Wait… but the homework is in for tomorrow, you two will get a detention!” Apple Bloom laughed.

"Oh boy... I forgot all about that. Fuzzy, why are you doing this, what's up with you eh?" I looked down to the small ferret curled up in a ball at the end of the bed.

“Oh I’m sure Cheerilee will understand if we explain that Flick’s pet ferret ran off with the homework, that’s not an excuse any teacher’s heard before,” Sweetie Belle reassured herself.

“I can’t believe she didn’t believe us.” Sweetie Belle sighed.

“What the hay Fuzzy!” I growled to myself.

“Now we’re stuck here for an extra hour… I said we’d meet Apple Bloom and Scootaloo in Sugarcube corner for milkshakes.” Sweetie Belle looked outside the classroom window sadly.

“Yeah well that will have to wait until –“ I started.  “Wait, Sugarcube corner?

“Yeah they’ll be there now having some milkshakes without us, trying the new flavor out as well! Caramel with cookie crumbs, It’s called the caramel cookie crumb crazy creation, full of terrific taste and amazing alliteration!” Sweetie Belle drooled slightly at the idea of such a milkshake.

“WHAT?” I tried to not yell as loud as I did.

“I know! It sounds so delicious!” Sweetie Belle squeaked. "Plus the slogan is super catchy!"

“No, I mean, what? They’re at Sugarcube corner… that’s where I saw the Changeling!” I put my hooves on the desk stopping myself from jumping out and running out the room.

“Oh come on I doubt it’s still there, those things could be anypony, anywhere at any time... It wouldn't stay in Sugarcube corner, it would be out hunting for any pony too weak enough to stop it.”

Oh Sweetie Belle, always so reassuring.

“Sweetie Belle!” I growled.

“Be quiet you too, the sooner you do the work the sooner you can leave,” Cheerilee spoke up from the front of the classroom.

"Sorry miss Cheerily," We both apologized in unison.

"Now you two behave, I need to quickly go and sort some stuff out for tomorrow's class, but I'll be back soon. Remember my little ponies, concentrate on your work!" Cheerilee smiled before leaving the room.

"I could have sorted out Fuzzy's hoarding problem if the changeling thing didn't happen," I sighed once Cheerilee left the room. "Then we wouldn't be stuck here and we could go try that new milkshake..."

"We should really sort this out once and for all." Sweetie Belle groaned.

"But it's so confusing!" I hopped off my seat and ran quickly to the chalkboard.  "I saw the changeling way back in Manehatten," I cast a glow around the piece of chalk and quickly sketched a diagram.  "Now suddenly it appears here in Ponyville."

"I don't think we need a diagram for that exactly," Sweetie Belle shuddered as the chalk squeaked along the board. "Can you not make it so squeaky and annoying?"

"Have you ever heard your own voice?" I muttered.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing," I smiled. "But anyway...don't you see, there must be a link..." I stepped back from the board.

"And what would that be?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"Why Manehatten... why Ponyville... Scootaloo was right when she was teasing me. It's hunting me," I nodded my head in deep thought. "This thing hunts down magic and has tried to attack me twice."

"So it can sense you're getting good at magic?"

"Magic is my destiny. I just know it... My cutie mark must be something magic related!" My voice had a hint of excitement.

"But if that's the case, how does it know you're talented at magic? And why go after you and not somepony even more powerful?"

"It knows I'm scared, It's why it attacked me the first time."

“Then you were saved by somepony.”

“Somepony more magical than I've ever seen...I never saw who it was but I sensed the power.” I stared out the window.

“You’re getting pretty good at magic Flick… you should be careful, if this Changeling is hunting down ponies who have strong magical energy, well you’re just feeding yourself more for it to take from you,” Sweetie Belle hopped off her seat and headed over to me.

"I need to carry on… magic is all I want to do,” I sighed looking down at my hooves.

“Things will work out Flick… lets finish this work, then maybe you can start by facing your fear, we should go to Sugarcube corner.”

“But Mrs. Cake… she was the – “ I growled at myself for being so ridiculously scared.

“I know, but a Changeling can be anypony, I could be the Changeling right now, you know I’m not but… if you’re going to be terrified of a mailmare and now Mrs. Cake, if this Changeling becomes everypony you love at some point or another… slowly you’re going to lose us all to fear,” Sweetie Belle put a reassuring hoof around me.

Deep down I just knew, I'd see that creature again soon, and I was right... I'd see it again, on ironically the scariest night of the year.

“Are you little ones still getting ready?” Rarity entered the room.

“Yeah we’re nearly done!” I smiled.

“Good, Twilight shall be visiting soon I simply can’t wait for her to see your costumes!” Rarity smiled, walking out of the room once more.

“I look so amazing don’t I?” Apple Bloom admired her fangs and dark make up. “I’m APPLE DOOM!” She snarled, looking in to the mirror.

“You look so not scary,” Scootaloo laughed.

“Says you dressed as Rainbow Dash!” Apple Bloom retorted.

“Hey! I’m the cute innocent beautiful pony tonight and I demand you all remain calm in front of the future costume contest winner!” Sweetie Belle adjusted her dress carefully. Her mane was the same as always, neatly brushed and perfect, a glowing yellow halo was fixed above her head and fake eyelashes flicked graciously from her eyes while sparkling glitter sparkled from her tail.

“I hope I don’t scare anypony too much,” I giggled. My usually somewhat messy blue mane was messier, dark black and scraggily. Thanks to Rarity's mane color changing hair supplies. I wore a dark cape around my neck that covered my entire back, while two fake fangs were placed in the top part of my mouth making my smile more sinister "I'll have so much fun tonight! Miss Fluttershy is looking after Fuzzy so I don't need to worry about him," I smiled. "And we all look great!"

“You all look so not awesome,” Scootaloo adjusted her rainbow mane wig.

“You criticise us too much,” I sighed. “But hey tonight is going to be amazing!”

“I’m going to be the most beautiful pony of the night!” Sweetie Belle beamed happily. “There’s a costume contest on, and I’m going to win!”

“Oh hey Sweetie Belle, well aren’t you just the most beautiful pony ever tonight!” Mrs. Cake smiled.

“Oh please! I bet you say that to everypony,” Sweetie Belle looked up proudly.

“Of course I don’t! There’s a costume contest later and I think I’ve just found the winner of the most adorable pony of the year!” Mrs. Cake grinned. “Would you like a spooky cupcake?”

Sweetie Belle squeaked with delight.

“How about you have some of this super spooky slime!” The nearby pony spoke. The pony stood by the cauldron of green slime was a stallion pegasus dressed as some horrific zombie like creature.

“Ew! Is that really green slime?” Sweetie Belle looked at the cauldron of unappetizing green sludge.

“Say what you want about it but it’s super tasty why not have a try? you can trust me, I'm the spooky slime vendor! I'm too spooky for you!" He laughed evilly. "But seriously, ten bits and you can have as much of this green jelly as you want, I gotta make a living here ya know."

“No thanks, I’ll prefer some cupcakes,” Sweetie Belle happily took a cupcake.

“Suit yourself!” The spooky slime vendor was fairly annoyed; he soon turned his attention to the next customer. “Why hello there miss, that’s a super costume you got there! Would you like to try some of the spooky spectacular slime?”

The grey derpy eyed Pegasus mare smiled in delight.

Sweetie Belle looked back only to see me happily walking on by.

“I can’t believe she called me adorable oh my gosh! Okay…keep it together Flick, you’ve got a job to do!” I sighed happily to myself.

Sweetie Belle stared at me confused, she shrugged and carried on looking around. “Hey that’s the catwalk where the fashion contest is!” Sweetie Belle’s eyes lit up happily as she headed off backstage to sign up for the contest. “Excuse me, is this the costume contest sign up, I want to sign up for – “ Sweetie Belle spoke.

“Excellent! Right this way you’ll be going on right now!” The ginger maned pony set aside her clipboard and hurried Sweetie Belle to the stage entrance curtains.

“Wait, what do you mean don’t I have to sign up? My sister is working backstage here I was hoping to see her before I went on and - ” Sweetie Belle panicked.

“Catwalk! Now my dear, it simply cannot wait! Photo Finish is impatient, she’s waiting!”  The assistant was clearly panicking. “What’s your name?”

“Sweetie Belle.”

The assistant pushed Sweetie Belle through the curtains. “Ladies and gentlecolts, our newest addition to the costume contest for this nightmare night, the beautiful Sweetie Belle!”

Before Sweetie Belle could speak, she was pushed on to the huge stage.

“Oh wow I feel famous!” Sweetie Belle gasped, seeing the huge crowd of ponies watching.

“She’s beautiful” One colt spoke up from the crowd.

“Isn’t she sweet!” several mares spoke in unison.

“The little ones get more adorable each year, I always say so!” The older mare spoke to the others.

“She is a beauty! She will be perfect for my nightmare night photo shoot, I think we’ve found ze winner!” Photo Finish was at the front eagerly taking photos.

And so everything was going perfect, but right next to the catwalk -

“This slime is super TASTY!” The grey Pegasus mare spoke happily.

“It sure is! … Wow this ones had a little too much I think!” The spooky slime vendor spoke to Mrs. Cake.

“Oh she’s having fun, leave her be,” Mrs. Cake argued.

“What’s up with her derpy eyes?” The spooky slime vendor asked however suddenly he noticed the Pegasus trying to climb in to the cauldron. “Hey! Stop that you don’t want to go in that stuff! It's no swimming pool!"

The Pegasus panicked and fell kicking the cauldron as she did so.

“My slime!” He cried in anguish.

Sweetie Belle stood happily on the catwalk posing for the photographs when suddenly a large amount of slime was flung out of the cauldron covering her completely.

The whole crowd gasped.

“My costume!” Sweetie Belle panicked covered in a thick green substance that smelt somewhat rotten. “I stink! Oh no this is horrible!”

“You know what, I changed my mind! Nope! What a catastrophe oh this is just devastating! Give the first place award to the adorable little one who was on just before this… slimy little thing!” Photo Finish looked away disgusted.

“But I’m beautiful! My sister said so!” Sweetie Belle fell in a slump to the floor, the crowd of laughs got louder and louder. Wiping slime out of her eyes then covering them. Sweetie Belle sighed. “This is my worst nightmare!”

Nearby the happy grey derpy eyed mailmare was covered in some slime from the cauldron, none the wiser to the chaos she’d caused.

And that was Sweetie Belle’s nightmare.

So let’s rewind to that morning again.

“A costume contest? Really Sweetie Belle?” Apple Bloom scoffed.  “I only have one aim of the night… to scare the living daylights out of somepony!” Apple Bloom grinned menacingly.

So without further ado…

“Hey there little one! Would you like some tasty spectacular spooky slime?” The spooky slime vendor offered.

“Eh, no thanks…” Apple Bloom grimaced at the horrible cauldron. “Would you like a spectacular spooky FRIGHT?” She yelled and showed her fangs while hissing.

“Well aren’t you just the most beautiful pony ever tonight!” Mrs. Cake smiled. “Would you like a cupcake instead?”

“Why is nopony SCARED?” Apple Bloom questioned.

“That is a pretty cute costume!” The spooky slime vendor stared in awe.

“IT’S NOT CUTE! I’m Apple Doom!” Apple Bloom growled.

“Woo! Scary costume there! Oh my you scared me to death!” The voice of a familiar pony came.

“Really?” Apple Bloom turned to see Mr. Carrot Cake.

Apple Bloom smiled smugly “Well I mean I know it’s scary but –“

“And just where did you get that amazing cape?”

Apple Bloom noticed that Mr. Cake was actually talking to me, who’d just appeared behind her.

“My fangs are better than some stupid cape!” Apple Bloom whined.

“My cousin Rarity made it for me! Oh, hey Apple Bloom!” I turned to see my friend.

“Flick…” Apple Bloom growled.

I shrugged slightly at my friend’s annoyance before walking off.

“This is ridiculous, I’m the scariest pony at this here party and nopony is afraid of me!” Apple Bloom moaned.

“Oh my! You there, little one!” A ginger mare called.

“Me?” Apple Bloom looked around confused.

“Yes you! Quick follow me this way!”

“What’s going on?” Apple Bloom cautiously followed.

“I had almost given up hope, I was scouting around, looking for the perfect pony for the costume contest” The mare hurriedly pulled Apple Bloom back stage.

“Costume contest! Of course!” Apple Bloom grinned to herself. “I know I’ll win the scariest costume of the year, then everypony will be frightened!”

“Oh no my little one you’re mistake, this contest is to find the most beautiful adorable model worthy pony in this town, whoever wins shall become Photo Finish’s new model! What's your name?"

“Wait, but I’m supposed to be scary!” Apple Bloom growled. "I'm Apple DOOM tonight I want to  - "

“Here we are! Catwalk, now! Go!”

“Wait, catwalk?”  And then Apple Bloom was pushed out through the curtains on to a huge catwalk, with nearly everypony in the whole town watching and taking photographs. She took the opportunity and looked as menacingly as possible and hissed showing her fangs.

“Awhhhhhhh!” The entire crowd spoke in unison.

“This could not get anymore worse!” Apple Bloom stamped the stage angrily. “I’m SCARY, look at my fangs everypony! You're supposed to be terrified!"

“She is just so adorable!” an older mare close to the stage spoke in awe.

“How dare you! That is an insult! I’ll tell my big brother what you just called me and he’ll have something to say about that for once!” Apple Bloom stomped towards the edge of the stage to confront the mare before she was dragged back.

“Okay hurry! Off the stage!” The assistant who’d throw her on stage quickly pulled Apple Bloom back.

“Thank Celestia,” Apple Bloom sighed. “What sad pony would enter a contest on nightmare night that’s not even judged on being scary?”

“Ladies and gentlecolts, our newest addition to the costume contest for this nightmare night, the beautiful Sweetie Belle!”

Apple Bloom heard the assistant announce the name of her friend. “Of course.”

There were several awes and cheers, soon however before long Apple Bloom heard the entire crowd gasp in shock.  “I wonder what’s going on out there?” she pondered to herself.

“But I’m beautiful! My sister said so!”  Apple Bloom heard Sweetie Belle yell from the stage, she shrugged and attempted to leave.

“Oh no you don’t, I think you should stick around,” One of the other assistants stopped Apple Bloom in her tracks.

“Why would I stay here?” Apple Bloom argued.

“That didn’t take long everypony, for I have decided already the winner of zis years adorable nightmare night costume contest winner is Apple Doom!” The voice of Photo Finish came loudly from the stage.

Apple Bloom was pushed back out on stage once more by the assistant mare that’d stopped her from leaving. The whole crowd cheered.

And so ‘Apple Doom’ the supposedly scariest pony of the night had just won the award for being the most adorable.

“This is my worst nightmare!” Apple Bloom looked down sadly, blinded by the flashes of cameras.

And that was Apple Blooms nightmare.

So you know the drill, back to that morning again.

“While you all run around trying to scare everypony or be beautiful or whatever… I’ll be the most awesome recognizable pony ever, Rainbow Dash! Everypony is going to admire me, I can finally be Rainbow Dash for one night!” Scootaloo beamed with confidence.

“Hey there little one! Would you like some – hey wait a minute who are you meant to be?” The spooky slime vendor asked puzzled.

“Rainbow Dash of course!” Scootaloo scoffed.

“Hm… “ The vendor stared for a while.

“How can you not know Rainbow Dash? Ugh…” Scootaloo stormed off.

“Hey can you believe it? Somepony just got covered in this horrible green slime on the catwalk in front of everypony!” Scootaloo heard somepony laugh.

Snips and Snails were happily walking by. “Yeah! What a loser haha!” Snails agreed laughing slowly.

“Hey that wasn’t funny! Lucky I had a replacement cauldron, and it’s not horrible you two should try some!” The vendor argued.

“Gee, no thanks mister!” Snails laughed.

“Erm, who are you supposed to be?” Snips asked looking over at Scootaloo.

“Rainbow Dash, obviously,” Scootaloo sighed.

“Oh, I prefer Rarity, she’s the pretty one!” Snails sighed contently.

“Oh gosh will you two just buzz off!” Scootaloo growled angrily, storming away.

“Everypony out of the way, YOU’RE ALL DOOMED, DOOMED!” I cried running through the street past Scootaloo.

“Flick what the – “ Scootaloo sighed. “Whatever…Hey everypony! Look! My costume is the best, I’m the best pony ever cause I’m Rainbow Dash!”

“Yeah right! This Rainbow crash can’t be as awesome as me,” A filly dressed as Spitfire ran past.

“Hey Rainbow Dash has proved she’s better than the silly wonder bolts! Gosh, such amateurs!” Scootaloo yelled after the small pony that tried not to trip up as she ran.

Scootaloo had just given up hope until she turned around to see none other than -

“Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo beamed.

“Hey kiddo!” Rainbow Dash greeted. “I’m on my way to try some of that super awesome slime, I had some last year it was so amazing!” She beamed.

“That’s awesome Rainbow Dash, how come you’re not dressed up?” Scootaloo asked.

“I thought I’d go as the most awesome pony ever this year, myself of course!” Rainbow Dash nodded confidently.

“I don’t blame you, I mean, just look at my costume!” Scootaloo grinned nervously.

“Oh yeah it’s...not too bad I guess,” Rainbow Dash laughed.

“Is something wrong with it?” Scootaloo panicked.

“No of course not, I’m flatted Scoots… it just needs to… well,” Rainbow Dash stopped awkwardly, observing Scootaloo’s costume.

“Needs to what?” Scootaloo moved closer to Rainbow Dash begging for the answer. "WHAT?"

“It needs to be about 20% cooler,” Rainbow Dash giggled. “Catch you later kiddo!” She spoke before heading off.

“Rainbow Dash doesn’t think my costume is cool? But… But...” Scootaloo fell to a slump on the floor.” She cried. “This is a nightmare!”

"My only job tonight is to look out for the Changeling and protect the ponies of Ponyville, I shall succeed!" I looked in the mirror confidently. "Ever since I saw it the other day in Sugarcube corner, I knew I'd have to face it eventually, if it shows up tonight I'll be ready!"

I walked through the misty scary streets of Ponyville; everypony walking by was dressed in various scary costumes. “Oh my silly friends running around trying to prove themselves, I’ll just take the casual walk through the street and wait to get complimented approach!” I smiled to myself before turning serious. “But I have a job… to protect the ponies of Ponyville”

And suddenly, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

“Miss Fluttershy?” I squeaked in delight, seeing the cute shy pony dressed as a bunny.

“Oh hello Flick!” Fluttershy smiled, the smaller bunny Angel was sitting on top of her head along side Fuzzy.

“I thought you weren’t a fan of nightmare night?” I asked.

“Oh well I thought this year I’d really push myself!” Fluttershy beamed. “Oh and Flick you are quite simply adorable tonight!”

“I’m… adorable?” I blushed and quickly looked away. I shook my head and composed myself. “Hey buddy!” I smiled up at the ferret that was squabbling with Angel on Fluttershy’s head.

“I thought I’d dress as Angel this year!” Fluttershy squeaked happily.

“You look adorable too Miss Fluttershy,” I smiled, blushing once more slightly at what I’d just said, grinning awkwardly, “Hey I’ll see you later okay? I’ve got something I need to attend to,” I smiled before heading off.

“Have a safe night sweetie!” Fluttershy waved cheerily.

And so I continued walking on by I was  happily muttering to myself. “I can’t believe she called me adorable oh my gosh! Okay…keep it together Flick, you’ve got a job to do!” I sighed happily to myself.

Sweetie Belle stared at me confused, she shrugged and carried on looking around.

I continued talking to myself, “Okay… just need to find out if anypony has – “

“Woo! Scary costume there! Oh my you scared me to death!” The voice of a familiar pony came.

I’d accidentally walked in to Mr. Carrot Cake who was laughing, happily looking down at me.

“Oh hey Mr. Cake… is Mrs. Cake not around?” I panicked slightly.

“Oh no, she’s off making some spooky cupcakes! I love the costume though Flick! And just where did you get that amazing cape?”

“My cousin Rarity made it for me! Oh, hey Apple Bloom!” I turned to see my friend.

“Flick…” Apple Bloom growled.

I shrugged slightly at my friend’s annoyance before walking off.

“Flick! Howdy!” Applejack called to me happily waving her hat.

“Hey Miss Applejack!” I beamed.

“I’m glad to see you’re doing okay Sugarcube, that is one mighty fine costume!” Applejack smiled. "Are you holding up okay?"

“Thanks Miss Applejack and I'm - Wait… why do you say that?” I quizzed nervously.

“Well that pony in the Changeling costume sure looks scary, everypony’s seen it, I’m glad you’re dealing well with it!” Applejack proclaimed proudly.

“Changeling…costume?” I repeated to myself. “Oh Celestia it’s actually happening... Oh no no no.”

“What’s happening Flick?” Applejack asked slightly concerned.

“IT’S HAPPENING, I KNEW IT!” I screamed and ran as fast as I could. "It's not a costume... the changeling is here!" I galloped off leaving Applejack bemused. “Everypony out of the way, YOU’RE ALL DOOMED, DOOMED!” I cried running through the street past Scootaloo.

I ran as fast as I could far from the streets of Ponyville, “This can’t happen, please no, please!” I cried to myself galloping without stopping, avoiding the endless wave of ponies walking towards me. "I wasn't prepared enough for this..."

I'd convinced myself I'd be the hero who would be looking out cautiously for the deadly changeling tonight, yet when I was faced with the possibility it was still lurking around, I'd lost that confidence. I Suddenly stopped in my tracks; I’d left the crowded streets of Ponyville and ironically ended up near the Everfree forest, all alone. “Okay Flick, not a good place to be all alone on Nightmare night,” I spoke to myself, "Of all the places to end up, why did I end up at - " I turned around and froze immediately.

There I saw for the third time in my life, the creature of my nightmares.

I froze with fear as the Changeling snarled and moved towards me, I attempted to step back slowly but before I could turn to run, it had lunged towards me. “No please don’t!” I begged to the creature was on top of me smirking down at me. Is foul breath was all I could feel, my entire body began to shudder as it pulled it’s head back and opened it’s mouth wide, this was it, it was going to attack. "Why me? I'm not that powerful, I'm not even good at magic yet!" I stared in to the unforgiving eyes of the deadly creature and closed my own in terror.

This was the end.

"It was so nice of you to drop by Twilight!" Rarity spoke cheerfully to her friend.

“Hey Rarity, before I go could and see the little ones costumes?” Twilight asked. "Oh I just love dressing up at nightmare night and I bet those four look adorable!"

“Of course dear, he they're getting changed now, they said they were nearly ready, that was an hour ago, I imagine they're all done now!” Rarity smiled rolling her eyes.

Twilight smiled, heading out of the room towards ours, however she stopped just outside the room where we were preparing and she had heard -

“I knew it!” Twilight gasped to herself quietly outside of the room. My earlier conversation with Twilght about Changelings suddenly made sense. “Oh Flick, I wish you could have told me...” Twilight was shocked her suspicions were true. Twilight shook her head sadly and walked away, not entering the room. There was a Changeling lurking around after all, and now Twilight knew.

“No please, don’t!”  I cried. The creature opened its mouth wider and lunged its head towards me.

Before it’s sharp fangs inflicted it’s deadly damage to me however, a purple glow was cast around my entire body, the Changeling rebounded off the shield like glow and fell to the floor. Quickly it lunged back up and fled.

“Get back here!” Twilight yelled.

“Miss Twilight, you saved me!” I was shaking, unable to control the tears streaming down my face.

“It’s not over yet! It’s ran in to the woods!” Twilight stepped closer to the looming dark tree’s carefully staring in to the darkness. Suddenly the green eyed creature lunged out striking an attack on Twilight who wasn’t able to counter in time.  “Argh!” Twilight yelled in pain.

“TWILIGHT!” I yelled in fear.

The Changeling had struck and began casting a green glow around Twilight who was lying on the floor with her injured hoof. Slowly, the Changeling began to drain Twilight’s magic and energy, a strong purple glow from Twilight's horn was being absorbed in to the Changeling, the powerful princess now helpless on the ground, unable to retaliate against the dark magic.

“No don’t! I… don’t… please…” Twilight’s speech became weak suddenly as her energy was drained, the Changeling smirked.

“This is my worst nightmare!” I hide behind the nearby bush in a panic.  This was everything I feared, the sounds of Twilight trying to fight were all I could hear, until suddenly there was nothing but the sound of the magical transfer of energy as the Changeling slowly drained the last of Twilight’s magic. “No… this won’t happen” I stood up. “Come on Flick… remember your training, every spell I’ve ever learnt, every single thing Twilight ever told me…”

I leapt out and cast a bright blue glow around myself and leapt in to the air, flying over the Changeling’s head.  “Flight spell! Still got it!” I yelled and landed on the highest tree I could reach on the edge of the forest. “Hey you!” I called down angrily, snarling.

The Changeling looked up and snarled in return, unable to reach me, still draining Twilight’s power.

“You’ve haunted my nightmares for long enough," I felt intense anger, "I'm fine with that... but you DO NOT HURT MY FRIENDS!" I leapt down extending my back hoof. I collided with the Changeling striking it in the face with a vicious blow, it recoiled backwards and the magical transfer ceased.

Twilight stood up and shook her head, clearly out of breath and weakened by the attack, struggling to stand on her hoof. “You will leave this town and NEVER return, Changeling!” She yelled breathlessly, casting a strong white glow from her horn.

The Changeling snarled and lunged towards Twilight once more, before a bright white beam engulfed it, wrapping it in a force field. Twilight growled at the creature and concentrated all her energy in to one final huge beam of white light and then with a sudden flash, the Changeling vanished.

Twilight collapsed to the floor.

“Miss Twilight!” I gasped for breath, collapsing near her. I’d strained my hoof when I'd collided with the changeling and was exhausted. "Miss Twilight... I'm sorry, I didn't want you to be hurt." I lay next to her, struggling to comprehend the hellish nightmare we had both endured. I could hardly breathe, "I'm sorry, I didn't want you... to get hurt." My eyes closed as me and Twilight lay at the edge of the forrest. I wrapped my hooves around Twilight, "I'm sorry."

And that was my nightmare.

I woke up in a panic. “Miss Twilight!” I yelled.

I looked around and noticed I was in my room at Carousel Boutique, and there on the edge of the bed was Twilight, sleeping softly.

“Miss Princess Twilight, you’re okay!” I spoke happily, sitting up in bed, I quickly put my hooves to my mouth, not realising how loud I'd spoken.

“Flick?” Twilight’s tired voice came as she lifted her head up lazily, she smiled softly at me. “I’m always okay, how’re you feeling?”

“I feel… okay. Is it still Nightmare night?”

“Not anymore, it’s the next morning now,” Twilight smiled, "You've been out of it for a few hours, you collapsed for exhaustion."

“The Changeling… it’s –“ I panicked.

“Gone,” Twilight reassured me.

“Forever?” I asked hopefully.

Twilight smiled sadly. “Not forever.”

My ears flopped down as I stared out the window.

“Gone for now though, I didn’t have any other spell to use except a dispersion teleportation spell, so it's been teleported elsewhere, I’m not sure where,” Twilight noticed I was panicking still. “But I will look out for it constantly, now I know I promise you, I’ll look over you and make sure that creature never gets to you again,” Twilight spoke confidently. "It's a weak changeling hunter all alone, I could have teleported it anywhere in Equestria, I doubt we'll be seeing it again."

I remained quiet for a short while. “Was it you who saved me?” I asked.

“I think you saved me,” Twilight smiled. “You kicked a Changeling in the face to stop it draining my magic so I could send it away, you’re the hero.”

I smiled before shaking my head. “I mean back in Manehatten, all those years ago, somepony saved me I never saw who… my guardian angel I always called that mysterious pony as I grew up… was it you?” I gazed at Twilight; sure I’d worked it out.

Twilight shook her head.  “I’m sorry, I really don’t know who saved you, it wasn’t me.”

I sighed sadly.

“But whoever it was, be thankful for them, and you know I’ll save you any time you need me to. You have me, Rarity and all the others, we’re all your guardian angels now,” Twilight smiled. “Just be honest with me in the future, if I hadn’t have came around earlier and heard you mention the Changeling… I wouldn’t have been keeping my eye on you all night and wouldn’t have saved you.” Twilight shook her head at the thought.

“I’m sorry… I thought I could handle it on my own, like I always think I can." I tapped my hoof against my head. "I'm so stupid..."

"There's a reason that Changeling is so desperate to get to you Flick, I promise you I'll find out and protect you," Twilight whispered.

For the first time since I first saw the Changeling back in Manehatten, I felt safe.

“I’m so glad you’re feeling better Flick, Oh I was so worried!” Rarity hugged me once more as we walked through the streets of Ponyville.

“Yeah you had us super worried!” Sweetie Belle sighed. "You have a real habit of passing out Flick... Like seriously."

I blushed embarrassed, she had a point. “I’m fine now,” I smiled contently.

“You’re going to love the caramel cookie crumb crazy creation milkshake, it's full of taste and alliteration!” Sweetie Belle beamed. “We’re nearly at Sugarcube corner!” She squeaked excitedly.

I was looking forward to finally trying that milkshake, I took a nice deep breath of the fresh morning air and looked around, almost no pony was around,  We finally arrived to Sugarcube corner and I was delighted to see all your aunts there, along with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo eagerly awaiting my arrival.

“Here’s the hero of the hour!” Scootaloo ran up to me hugging me.

“Way to show that Changeling who’s boss!” Apple Bloom quickly followed.

I smiled at my best friends.

Fluttershy approached me smiling down at me, the small ferret ran from the top of her head and down towards me, nuzzling me happily.

“Did you guys have a good Nightmare night?” I asked my crusader friends whilst happily hugging Fuzzy.

“Well… not exactly, but none of that matters now, all that matters is you’re safe!” Apple Bloom grinned.

I smiled, looking around at my huge family, your aunts and my crusaders. I really did feel safe. I glanced out the window to see  the grey pegasus mare with derpy eyes, happily carrying a mailbag delivering the morning post. The mailmare looked on over to us and smiled happily like she did to everypony, I looked back at her and for the first time smiled back and whispered four words I never thought I would.

"My nightmare is over."

Chapter 15: ACT II: Mystery Gift

At the start of a whole new year, we crusaders had just started back at school, as usual; it was nice to have a fresh start.

“And that concludes my show and tell!” Apple Bloom proclaimed proudly, heading back to her seat.

“Okay, next up...” Cheerilee looked around the classroom of eager ponies. “Flick how about you?”

“Oh boy.” Diamond Tiara groaned from the back.

“Another edition of Flufftail’s long boring stories!” Silver Spoon sighed.

“Quiet back there Silver Spoon.” Cheerilee spoke sternly.

“That’s my cousin you’re talking about, shush your mouth!” Sweetie Belle turned around and hissed at the two bullies.

“Don’t talk to me like that Squeaky Belle!” Silver Spoon gasped.

“Just ignore her Sweetie Belle.” I sighed, getting up and heading towards the front of the class. I took the slow walk to the front; fully aware everypony was watching me. I stood at the front of the class. “I’ve really looked forward to coming back to school!” I grinned to Cheerilee, who smiled in return. I turned to face all my classmates, preparing to get my item for show and tell. I glanced towards Sweetie Belle who stared at me intently and shook her head, her eyes fixated on mine.

“For my show and tell, I’ve got – “

But before I get to that, we need to go back to New Years Eve, my birthday.

“This has been an amazing birthday!” I grinned sipping my milkshake. “And this caramel milkshake is just the best thing ever!”

“I’m glad you’ve enjoyed it!” Sweetie Belle beamed.

“It’s been a really great year hasn’t it?” Scootaloo took a sip of her milkshake. "This time last year we were at the fashion parade!"

“Time really flies." I smiled fondly.

“Did you like all your gifts?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Yeah they were amazing! … Although Rarity got me yet another scarf.” I rolled my eyes.

You know the scarves your aunt Rarity makes, each winter she’d given me some form of winter wear, most often in the form of a bright scarf.

“Oh boy, another one. Rarity sure is the element of generosity, giving boring gifts to you each year.” Apple Bloom scoffed.

“I have so many of these scarves now but to be fair I like the green one!” I half-heartedly laughed.

“What about the gift in the Club house?” Scootaloo asked.

“Wait, what gift?” I stopped sipping my milkshake.

“The gift in the clubhouse that’s been left for you who we don’t know who it’s from.” Scootaloo shrugged, soon noticing our blank expressions. “The gift in the clubhouse that…I probably forgot… to tell you about.” Scootaloo’s voice trailed off.

“Somepony left a gift for me in the club house?” My eyes widened in excitement.  “Why not just give it to me?”

“I don’t know, but it’s been there since this morning, there’s no tag on it to say who it’s from though.” Scootaloo said.

“Why were you in the club house this morning for? We didn’t have a meeting or anything.” Apple Bloom asked curiously.

“No reason, I was just putting up some more Rainbow Dash posters, the point is, there’s a gift there for you!” Scootaloo eagerly gestured for us to head to the club house.

“Well let’s go!” I shot up excitedly, rushing to the door.

“Awh man, do we have to go outside, it’s freezing!” Apple Bloom looked at the cold snow filled Ponyville outside.

“Come on Apple Bloom, think about the present! … That’s for me and nopony else!” I giggled.

And the long cold walk to the Clubhouse was –

“Freezing!” Apple Bloom gasped. “I am so… frozen.” her voice stuttered.

“Oh come on Apple Bloom it’s not that cold, you’ve been working on the farm in the winter you should be used to it.” Scootaloo moaned.

“Yeah Apple Bloom, stop complaining, frozen? Let it go.” I giggled to myself.

Now back in the day I myself was never a fan of winter, as a matter of fact if I hadn’t found my cutie mark on what is still known as the worst winter Ponyville had ever seen, I’d probably still prefer the summer. And so for now we faced the cold winter air to walk to the clubhouse… and sure enough, when we got there -

“Present!” I beamed.

The wrapped gift was fairly small; it clearly wasn’t something large, wrapped carefully in a glistening gold wrapping paper.

“Well like I said there’s no note so we don’t know who it’s from, it just says who it’s for.” Scootaloo spoke.

I carefully observed the writing on the note.

“The writing on this… it’s neat, a unicorn must have wrote I.” I commented, before observing more closely.

“Who’s writing is it?” Sweetie Belle asked, realizing I recognized it.

“II have no idea.” I shrugged.

“Well go ahead, open it!” Apple Bloom encouraged.

I needed no further encouragement, quickly ripping the golden wrapping paper off the gift.

“What is it?” Sweetie Belle asked bemused.

I lifted out a small case, a fairly old battered brown case with a golden clip, begging to be opened.  “Well the case is old, lets see what’s inside.” I spoke, nervously opening the case.

There sat within the battered case was what appeared to be a necklace, gold plated but somewhat worn out and battered much like the case, the center piece was a purple swirling like pattern similar to that of the far distant galaxies I’d seen from Twilight’s observatory.

“Whoa! That looks like one of the elements of harmony or something!” Sweetie Belle noticed the sparkle of the golden, purple shining necklace.

“The center part looks like a swirling galaxy or something…” Apple Bloom remarked.

“It looks so amazing and – “ I started before being interrupted.

“Stupid, what is this thing, some weird necklace.” Scootaloo scoffed.

“Shut up Scootaloo! What if it’s just like the elements of harmony!” Sweetie Belle gasped.

“No I’m sure it’s nothing like that… “ I laughed, although the thought initially crossed my mind.

“Wait maybe it’s an amulet!” Apple Bloom spoke up.

“Of course! Just like when Trixie came back to Ponyville, she had some super powerful evil amulet that gave her… dark powers.” Sweetie Belle shuddered.

“Oh come on, this thing doesn’t look like it’s filled with dark magic, look it sparkles!” I beamed watching the glistening of the golden plates and the purple shine of the centerpiece.

“Oh shiny sparkles!” Sweetie Belle stared in awe.

“I wonder who left it here for you then?” Scootaloo asked.

“Maybe it was Twilight!” I spoke with confidence. “Who else? I mean she has felt bad about being too busy to give me any magic lessons lately but what does this do?”

“Wait Flick, Twilight already gave you her gift this morning, remember? The magic book!” Sweetie Belle recalled.

“She gave me a copy of a book she used to study from when she was my age… maybe this is a bonus gift!” I laughed.

“Or maybe… somepony else wanted you to have this amulet.” Apple Bloom’s voice trailed off.

“I wonder what it does.” I asked myself. “

“Wait Flick! Don’t put it on yet” Sweetie Belle put her hoof on mine to stop me.

“Why not?” I asked.

“Because… you don’t know what this thing does, it could be dangerous. Why not ask Twilight first?”

I sighed. “I suppose you’re right… but I hope she tells me what this thing does. It would make an amazing show and tell on our first day back at school!” I beamed.

But I knew deep down, I had to talk to Twilight.

“Okay Fuzzy, here’s the plan, I’ll tell Miss Twilight I’m grateful for the gift and then I’ll ask her what it does and then it’ll all be sorted okay?” I looked up at the ferret resting on my mane. “Good!”

I knocked on Twilight’s castle door, before long it opened and Twilight stood in the door way.

“Oh hello Flick, how’s the special birthday boy doing?” She asked kindly.

“I’m doing really well thanks! Oh and thanks for the gift Miss Twilight!” I smiled up at Twilight.

“It’s no problem Flick, that book was one of my favorites, I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading it, there’s loads of useful spells in there!”

“And thanks for… the other gift.” My voice trailed off.

“Which gift?” Twilight asked clearly puzzled.

I gulped as my mind quickly began trying to find the right words to escape this situation. “The gift… of your friendship!” I grinned.

Twilight observed me closely, pausing for a moment, before beaming back at me. “Well friendship is magic, you know I’ll always be your friend!”

"Thanks Miss Princess Twilight! I... gotta go!" I rushed off.

Twilight stared bemused at what had happened, but shrugged it off.

“So it wasn’t Twilight?” Scootaloo asked, sitting on the edge of my bed.

“Apparently not… so who was it?” I asked myself, looking down at Fuzzy who was curled up by my hooves asleep.

“Flick, until you find out what that is, just be careful.” Sweetie Belle warned me clearly concerned.

“Yeah you have a history of being a bit destructive with magic.” Apple Bloom nodded.

I was about to retort but… well she was right.

“Why not just take it to Twilight and show her?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“No… I’ll do this by myself, I can do my own research.” I nodded to myself. “I mean I know in the past we’ve tried to do things ourselves and it ended up going wrong… but this time I can do it!” I smiled, looking down on the bed at the golden, purple swirled amulet.

I noticed Sweetie Belle staring at me once more.

“Just research don’t worry, I’m not going to just put it on to see what it does and blow up the whole town or something.” I chuckled. “Although this thing really would be an amazing show and tell.”

“Well you just – “ Sweetie Belle started.

“Be careful, I know.” I sighed.

But I knew I’d not be able to resist… because in a few short days we’d be going back to school, and a mysterious amulet really would be an amazing show and tell.

The cold air of night time Ponyville was full of excited ponies awaiting the new year's arrival, just moments away.

“No way Flick! You’re not showing that thing at show and tell, do you have any idea what could go wrong?” Sweetie Belle gasped. “You promised you wouldn’t!”

“Hey look Sweetie Belle, fireworks!” I pointed my hoof to the sky.

“Oh no, I’m not being distracted by – “ Sweetie Belle looked out of the window. “Ooooh pretty!" She admired the explosions of colours covering the entire sky celebrating the new year.

"Happy new year!" I changed the subject swiftly.

"The fireworks are nice, maybe you can put that amulet on at show and tell and BLOW UP THE ENIRE SCHOOL!" Sweetie Belle quickly lost her cool again.

“Calm down Sweetie Belle, a magical amulet would be the best show and tell ever!” Scootaloo grinned, encouraging me to show the amulet at school.

“You’re just hoping when he puts that thing on it really will blow the school up!” Sweetie Belle retorted.

“Yeah, we’d get so much time off!” Scootaloo stepped towards Sweetie Belle.

“We’ve just had hearths warming holiday!” Sweetie Belle growled.

“Pfft, check out the nerd who wants to go back to school.” Scootaloo laughed, turning to Apple Bloom who grinned in response.

“I’m not a nerd!” Sweetie Belle raged.

“Wanna bet?”

“Wait guys please don’t argue! It’s new year!” I popped up in between the two arguing ponies.

“He’s right…” Sweetie Belle sighed.

There was a pause for a moment, before Sweetie Belle spoke once more.

“Hey Flick” She spoke.

“Yeah?”

Without warning, Sweetie Belle smacked her hoof in to me causing me to flinch.  “Beleated birthday beating!” She grinned.

“Ouch Sweetie Belle!” I groaned. "I get enough of that from Scootaloo..."

The other three laughed as I rolled my eyes, Scootaloo glared at me evilly, pounding her hooves together.

“So… new years resolutions?” I asked already anticipating the same answer as the year before.

“Find our cutie marks?” Apple Bloom piped up.

“For real this time!” Scootaloo nodded.

And with the explosions of fireworks lightning up the sky of Ponyville, the next eventful year in my journey had arrived.

And what a year it would be… Which leads us to the part where I was at show and tell.

“For my show and tell, I’ve got - "

...

“This amazing scarf my cousin Rarity made for me!” I beamed, holding up the knitted green scarf. “I mean just look at it! It’s green! It’s knitted! ... it’s green!” I smiled, holding the green scarf. “And it’s a scarf! I get one every single year, and this one is my new favourite; My cousin Rarity made it for me so it’s super special!”

“Well thank you Flick that was very… interesting!” Cheerilee seemed somewhat underwhelmed, expecting more from me after my previous stories.

“Wow his short stories are even more lame than his long ones…” Silver Spoon giggled with Diamond Tiara.

Sweetie Belle gave a huge sigh of relief as I headed back to my seat.

“Why didn’t you show the amulet?” She asked grateful I had taken her advice.

“You were right Sweetie Belle, it wasn’t a good idea, I mean it could have ended in disaster and we don’t even know what that thing does.” I spoke truthfully, the entire school could have been at risk since the amulet could be magical and dangerous. "I bet after all this it ends up having no magic whatsoever, like it's just a fashion thing. Hey if thats the case I'll give it to Rarity."

“I’m glad you saw sense!” Sweetie Belle relaxed finally.

“You could have brought something interesting for once Flick.” Silver Spoon spoke from behind me.

“Well what have you brought Silver Spoon?” I turned to face her.

“My new pair of stylish glasses of course, don’t tell me you didn’t notice. I mean look, they sparkle!” She smiled proudly as the silver glasses shimmered in the light.

I glanced down at the amulet sparkling in my backpack before looking back at Silver Spoon. “Well fair play Silver Spoon, you’ve sure out done me!” I smiled.

“If only she knew.” Scootaloo leaned over whispering at me.

“With any luck, that amulet has the power to get rid of her giant ego or something.” Apple Bloom added.

"I guess we'll find out soon." I looked down confidently, contemplating the mysterious item.

“Dear Journal.” I spoke out loud as I wrote the words in to the small book I carried with me everywhere. “It’s been a crazy few days, I’ve still got no idea what this necklace, pendant thing is.” I paused for a moment. “I’m sure I’ll find out soon, with any luck it’s something good that could help me find my cutie mark!” I took a deep breath and decided to stop thinking about it for a while, knowing it would send me insane. Fuzzy sat in my mane sleeping soundly, used to me often rambling out loud.

“In other news, tension has been quite high lately between Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, to be honest they’re annoying me, they seem to argue all the time.” I carried on speaking as I wrote. “But since I learnt the lesson of loyalty from Miss Rainbow Dash I've learnt to not get involved, I’m kind of glad I don’t attract drama like those two do, they seem to be bickering constantly about silly stuff and – “

“Ahem, excuse me” The voice of Sweetie Belle came from next to me.

She, Apple Bloom and the others were sitting on the bed also.

“Sorry I sometimes forget I’m not alone.” I blushed.

“We don’t bicker!” Apple Bloom hopped on to the floor off the bed.

Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement.

“Sweetie Belle just bickers at me cause she’s jealous of me being so… beautiful…” Apple Bloom sighed proudly.

Sweetie Belle stared in anger at Apple Bloom and started to growl.

Oh right you remember the events of Nightmare Night? Sweetie Belle had entered the costume contest in the hopes of being the most adorable pony at the show, however an incident involving some horrible slimy slime…stuff caused a wardrobe malfunction. So it turns out that Apple Bloom in her not so terrifying costume ‘Apple Doom’ won the contest against her own will.

“I love being a model now!” Apple Bloom smiled smugly.

“Wait, but you hated it before” I leaned forward.

Apple Bloom shrugged. “Well sure, but that was when I was Apple Doom… now I’m the beautiful glorious photogenic Apple Swoon.”

“Apple Swoon…?” Scootaloo didn’t try to hide her mocking laughter.

Apple Bloom seemed to not be bothered by the obvious mockery Scootaloo was showing. “Photo Finish told me I’ll make everypony swoon over me when they see the photos.”

“Right…” I didn’t quite know what to say.

“Where are these photos going anyway?” Scootaloo asked.

“Photo Finish has a new magazine, it comes out next month. And I’m making the front cover! I’m getting the first edition posted to me!” Apple Bloom beamed.

“Oh shut up!” Sweetie Belle growled still lying down.

“Cheer up Sweetie Belle.” I spoke encouragingly.

“It’s okay, I didn’t want to be a stupid model anyway.” She rolled over to face away from us all. “Just stop rubbing it in my face Apple Bloom… seriously.” Sweetie Belle cried, soaking the pillow.

I gave a stern look to Apple Bloom, ushering her to leave for a while. This was going to be a long night of comforting my cousin… But the next day at school, Sweetie Belle had even more reason to be angry.

I happily skipped in to class ahead of crusader friends. “I’m so going to get an A in my project, I spent a whole week on it!” I smiled at Cheerilee as we entered the room.

“Wait we had a project?” Scootaloo panicked.

“Do you ever pay attention in class?” I rolled my eyes.

We all began to sit at our usual desks, until a voice called from the back of the class. “Hey Apple Bloom!” The voice of Silver Spoon came.

“Huh? Silver Spoon?” Apple Bloom was just as shocked at the rest of us that a popular pony was talking to one of us.

“Come here! Sit with us!” She invited Apple Bloom to sit next to her and Diamond Tiara. “Come on! You’re a model now everypony has heard about it. You should sit with ponies who are… more your standard.” she sneered at the rest of us.

Of course loyalty between friends is one of the strongest bonds that keeps us together, aunt Rainbow Dash had always spoken to us about the importance of never leaving your friends, I mean after all loyalty is –

… Apparently loyalty was something Apple Bloom didn’t quite understand back then.

“Wait you’re popular now, so you’re ditching us… the ones who care about you?” Sweetie Belle’s voice broke as she spoke.

I stepped forward to ensure there was no conflict, Sweetie Belle looked as if she was going to straight out jump at Apple Bloom.

“Oh come on Sweetie Belle it’s just for one day, besides I’ve been upgraded, I’m cool now I can sit at the back! I can still see you guys at break.”

“Don’t you remember what happened the last time we tried to be popular?” Scootaloo rolled her eyes remembering the previous failed attempt to become one of the popular ponies.

“That’s in the past, this is different. This time it’s just me, in all my glorious glory, just wait until everypony see’s the magazine next month!” Apple Bloom giggled, looking over at Silver Spoon who was gesturing for her to join them.

And so Sweetie Belle saw red, nothing but anger at her friend who had not only taken her dream chance of being a model away from her, but who now was ditching us for the class bullies.

And then Sweetie Belle got angry... really angry.

“You’re being a complete… Cookie!” Sweetie Belle yelled.

The entire classroom fell silent; Apple Bloom turned around and stepped back in shock.

She didn’t really say ‘Cookie’ You see we were at an age now where we… start to learn new things, words that are not exactly polite. Actually, for the sake of your own innocence I’ll just censor every rude word, you two aren’t quite old enough to know the truth.

.

“Cookie?!” Apple Bloom gasped in a harsh whisper. “I can’t believe you’d call me that if you’re my friend!”

“Just go and enjoy time being popular.” Sweetie Belle scowled.

“Another argument…” I sighed sitting down at my desk, pulling out my journal.  “Another drama filled story for the journal!”

“Oh come on Flick you and you’re stupid… Sprinkle filled journal!” Apple Bloom pushed my journal off the desk.

“What?” I was horrified, how dare she insult my journal. "Did you just say the...S word?"

“Sprinkle! That’s all it’s full of, a load of old SPRINKLE!” Apple Bloom stomped her hooves angrily.

“Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle!” Cheerilee yelled in disbelief. “You don’t use such language in my classroom! Or anywhere else for that matter! You’re both in serious trouble for this.” The angry teacher stepped forward, a disappointing look cast across her face.

And the problem with saying the word Sprinkle in a class full of young ponies -

“Sprinkle?” One pony called from the front.

“What does sprinkle mean?” Diamond Tiara asked, clueless.

“Hehe it sounds funny! SPRINKLE!” Silver Spoon giggled.

Everypony was very impressionable.

Cheerilee stared in disbelief; her worst day at work had clearly just begun.

I had gone to help Fluttershy with the animals as I often did, putting the earlier events of that day behind me, Scootaloo came with me to avoid Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom’s continuing argument.

“Come on Flick, it’s time to feed the ferrets.” Fluttershy guided me to the pen full of baby ferrets.

“Hey look Fuzzy! Aren’t these other ferrets cute” I spoke in awe, looking up at Fuzzy who was slightly scratching my mane. “Not as cute as you of course!”

“I see why you love helping out here Flick, it’s fun!” Scootaloo was smiling at all the different animals, which were all intrigued to see a different pony helping out for a change.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it Scootaloo!” I was fairly surprised Scootaloo would enjoy such a not so adventurous activity.

“Scootaloo sweetie, do you want to feed Angel?” Fluttershy stepped forward with a giant carrot.

“I’d love to!” Scootaloo took the carrot and lowered herself to look at Angel. “Come on little bunny… take the carrot.”

Angel seemed to dislike being fed by an unfamiliar face, stamping his feet slightly, looking annoyed.

“Oh but do be careful, he sometimes bites if somepony he doesn’t really know feeds him.” Fluttershy warned somewhat quietly.

“He wouldn’t bite me! Would you, you cute little – “ And then in one swift move, Angel opened wide, those huge bunny teeth striking down on Scootaloo’s hoof. “FUDGE!!!” Scootaloo screamed in pain and anger.

Again, I'm censoring words here.

I giggled slightly, knowing very well I shouldn’t have. The large carrot fell to the floor and Angel soon saw the opportunity to eat the entire vegetable within seconds.

“Scootaloo!” Fluttershy gasped. “Such language!”

“Fudging bunny bit my hoof… that hurt like a Bee!” Scootaloo cried, tears streaming down her face.

“Oh my…” Fluttershy fell backwards on to the ground, remaining motionless.

“What have you done?” I looked down on Fluttershy horrified. “She’s fainted! Well done Scootaloo!”

Scootaloo stared in silence for a moment. “Oops… we’re in so much trouble.”

“You’re in so much trouble! And are you really concerned about that when Miss Fluttershy has just fainted?” I felt myself getting angrier.

Scootaloo looked down at her red sore hoof and growled before composing herself. “I’ll go get Rainbow Dash!” She dashed away before I could respond.

It wasn't hard to find where Rainbow Dash would be on a sunny afternoon.

“Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo called up high to the cloud Rainbow Dash was snoozing on.

Rainbow Dash woke and glanced down, yawning and stretching as she did so. “Hey kiddo,if you want a flying lesson…” She yawned before continuing at a slower pace. “Just… just come back… another…” She began to snore again.

“I’m sorry to disturb you Rainbow Dash but erm, Fluttershy has just fainted!” Scootaloo called up emphasizing the final few words.

“What?” Rainbow Dash bolted upright and flew down to the ground in front of Scootaloo dramatically. “Again…seriously.”

“I know right!”

“Wait, kiddo what happened?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I was feeding Angel and he bit my hoof and it really hurt so I said fudge and said it hurt like a bee, then she just passed out.” Scootaloo explained.

“Oh boy, I think we should get Twilight or somepony who’s better at this sort of stuff.” Rainbow Dash sniggered slightly; hearing such a young pony use such words was somewhat amusing.

And so Rainbow Dash quickly gathered Twilight and her friends to head to the cottage, so with everypony together they came over to yell at us.

Oh and to help your Aunt Fluttershy of course.

“Such… such language…” Fluttershy spoke in a daze laying on the floor.

“I know Miss Fluttershy, I know…” I spoke softly trying to calm her down, keeping my hooves around her to support her, I blushed slightly, helping Fluttershy always put a smile on my face.

“Now listen here you three.” Twilight spoke to my crusader friends. “Applejack and Rarity have heard from Cheerilee that you two have been saying… certain words at school.” Twilight spoke awkwardly, aiming her words to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.

“And you Scootaloo, well I don’t have to tell you the consequences of your actions.” Rainbow Dash spoke.

"Such... language" Fluttershy spoke once more.

“You need to realize some words are not good, in fact they’re very bad and You need to promise you’ll never say any of those words again, okay?” Rarity spoke sternly.

“We promise…” The three crusaders spoke in unison.

“Good girls!” Applejack beamed, winking at Apple Bloom.

“Why hasn’t Flick gotten in trouble anyway!” Apple Bloom groaned.

“Because he’s the good guy, yet again.” Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “You’re always the hero aren’t you?” Scootaloo scoffed at me.

“Hey I’m not involved, I just wanted to make sure Miss Fluttershy is feeling okay.” I defended myself.

“Oh I feel much better now Flick, thank you very much!” Fluttershy managed to stand up weakly, smiling softly at me as she did so.

“Well at least y’all have learnt your lesson now!” Applejack took her hat off and fanned herself; relieved the situation had been resolved.

“Meanie words are only for meanies!” Pinkie Pie screamed, jumping in to the centre of the small room we were all gathered in.

Everypony had jumped at the sudden high-pitched scream.

“Hey I had to say something, I’ve been quiet for the entire chapter.” Pinkie hopped happily away.

We all stared as Pinkie bounced away.

“I’m oh so proud of you for not copying your friends in the use of such fowl language Flick!” Rarity beamed at me.

I shrugged embarrassingly, I really was the good guy again! “Oh it’s fine, besides I grew up in Manehatten! I’ve heard much worse there, me and even in the posh parts of Manehatten people say bad things, I mean my parents say everything, they say stuff like –“

And for the next twenty two seconds I went on to say every rude word in existence. As I rambled on I noticed everypony was staring at me, their mouths gradually opening wider, I was fairly pleased with myself and my vocabulary.

“- It's just the kind of stuff ponies in Manehatten say!" I laughed to myself almost falling on the floor from how hilarious the grown up words were.  "I think I get my amazingly vast vocabulary from my father actually, he did used to teach at a school once, he's super smart and he doesn't take any sprinkle from anypony. "

Rarity quickly interrupted me, flustered in a state of panic. “Okay Flick! You just leave now and… erm… think about what you’ve done okay!” Rarity wiped away some sweat from her head, embarrassed all her friends had witnessed my outburst. She gave me the stern look she'd always give when she was furious.

“But… such…language…” Fluttershy fell backwards passing out once more.

My fluffy tail dropped as I realized I’d just gotten in trouble, so I made the walk of shame out of the cottage.

I could hear Scootaloo giggling as I walked on by.

“They grow up so fast…” Rainbow Dash sighed contently.

Rarity glared at her in annoyance.

"What? I'm just saying... I was at least two years older than these little ones before I learnt to talk like that!"

“I hope it’s safe for me to go home now.” I spoke to myself, looking at Carousel Boutique in the distance.  It was a beautiful night, but I soon missed the comfort of being home. “If ever I say a bad word again, just bite my ear okay Fuzzy?” I spoke up to the Ferret sitting in my mane.

Fuzzy squeaked in response. “Nice one buddy! I’m sure Rarity has calmed down now.”

And so I finally got back.

“Rarity I’m home!” I called awaiting a response, however none came. “Rarity?”

The place was empty until Sweetie Belle came rushing towards me from our room.

“She’s not here!” She squeaked in an almost inaudible tone.

We knew Rarity must be off on yet another adventure with Twilight and her friends, she'd never leave this late without getting somepony to look after us. which meant -

“We’re…home alone.” My eyes widened. “While Rarity is off saving the whole of Equestria no doubt…” I sighed.

"We can do whatever we want!" Sweetie Belle grabbed me.

“Like what?” I asked.

“No Rarity, it’s getting late… fudge it, lets stay up all night!"

“We’re seriously home alone… without anypony to look after us?” I asked rather bemused.

“We can stay up all night and do everything we’ve always wanted to!” Sweetie Belle beamed.

Carousel Boutique was our oyster, one whole night to do anything we wanted.

“Okay then!” I cleared my throat, pulling out a list from my journal. “First up on the list of things we are totally not allowed to do but can do when Rarity isn’t here…”

“Jumping…! On…! THE BED!” Sweetie Belle squeaked as we bounced on our bed.

“I can’t believe how much fun this is!” I giggled.

You know one of the things your aunt Rarity can’t stand, is a messy bed.

“Make our own milkshakes!” I cheered, throwing several pieces of fruit in to the giant blender.

“Shall I just turn the blender on?” Sweetie Belle eagerly held her hoof above the giant button.

“Wait! We need another ten strawberries!”  I threw in several strawberries. “Okay do it!”

What soon followed was a giant explosion of fruit juice splattering all over the walls, it was glorious.

“Whoa, Sprinkle…” We spoke in unison.

"OUCH!" I cried in pain, Fuzzy had bit my ear. "Ugh, thanks pal." I shrugged off the pain. "What next?"

“Try on Rarity’s amazing dresses!” Sweetie Belle glanced at herself in the mirror wearing a sparkling pink dress several sizes too big for her.

“Yeah! Wait…” I looked down to see the bright purple dress I was wearing. “Why did I put this on?"

“Oh come on Flick, you always said you love fashion!”

“Not any more” I growled.

And for the next item on the list…

“Okay what else?” I asked.

“Erm… “ Sweetie Belle glanced at the list. “Next on the list, stay up all night!”

“All night?” I sighed, I was already tired.

Sweetie Belle hopped up and down. “Yeah! Come on Flick, you’re so lazy. How hard can it – “

The loud snoring of Sweetie Belle almost made the entire room vibrate.

“How can you sleep through all this noise Fuzzy?”  I glanced down at the small ferret who was fast asleep at the end of the bed, I sighed to myself, sitting back glancing outside at the full moon. “We just spent a whole hour making a mess of the house…Maybe we don’t spend enough of our time trying to earn our cutie marks.”

“I finally… got my cutie mark…” Sweetie Belle mumbled.

I immediately glanced down to see Sweetie Belle drooling as she slept.

“Another dream about getting her cutie mark, talking in her sleep this time.” I commented to myself.

I’d had plenty of those dreams, although I’d had no idea that Sweetie Belle was actually having a crazy nightmare.

“You know what Fuzzy, I’m going to do something about this once and for all.” I spoke to the ferret that was sleeping, oblivious to my ongoing dilemma. I felt stuck right now; I was no closer to finding my cutie mark.

“Darn it, this thing might help” I quietly pulled out the mysterious amulet from underneath the bed. I stared at the purple swirled centerpiece; Sweetie Belle had been warning me for a while now about putting this amulet on, in fact I’d promised her I wouldn’t until I found out what it was capable of. “Sorry Sweetie…"  I glanced at my snoring cousin. “In all fairness it wasn’t a Pinkie promise, Celestia knows I’d never break one of them again.”

And so I closed my eyes tightly shut, placing the amulet around my neck. I squeaked with surprise…

And nothing happened. “Well that’s anti climatic…” I muttered to myself. “Hey it looks good on me!” I proclaimed proudly, although still disappointed. “Why would somepony go through all the effort of leaving this amulet wrapped up in the clubhouse all secretively if it doesn’t do anything?” I sighed.

But then I used my superior intellect to attempt to solve this problem.

“Amulet… activate!”  Again, nothing happened. “It was worth a try…I guess this is just a piece of junk that can’t possibly help me do anything worth while.” I shook my head.

Before I could ponder further, Sweetie Belle’s voice mumbled once more. “I always knew I was going to get my cutie mark before you Scootaloo.” her voice came obnoxiously.

I looked down once more. “When will she stop talking in her –  And then I noticed something super weird; Sweetie Belle’s mouth wasn’t even moving.

“I bet you’re jealous aren’t you, just look at it! I finally have my cutie mark!”  she continued to ‘speak’ her mouth still not moving.

“What in the? “ I looked down to notice the amulet glowing a bright purple color.

“Wait… this isn’t the cutie mark I wanted. I’m… doing a bad job, this is a nightmare!” Sweetie Belle’s anxious cries echoed in my head loudly.

“Ugh! That’s so loud, she’s having a nightmare!" I covered my ears, Sweetie Belle's voice was yelling as if she was inside my head.

“I wish I never found my cutie mark… I hate this!” Sweetie Belle yelled, yet her motionless body wasn’t moving a muscle.

“Sweetie Belle stop yelling!” I cried. “Wake up!”

Light a lightning bolt Sweetie Belle sat up in a panic. “Flick… oh gosh, I had a nightmare! I found my cutie mark but I –“  Sweetie Belle immediately noticed the bright purple glow of the amulet around my neck. “Oh no not that thing, I told you not to! What have you done? Have you destroyed all of Ponyville?” She barely caught her breath.

“Hey don’t always assume I’ve caused some chaos all the time!” I retorted.

“Well you always do, you’re clumsier than that silly mailmare!” Sweetie Belle waved her hooves around annoyingly.

“Hey! Don’t say that, I’m not as clumsy as the mailmare, I haven’t fell over for at least five hours!”

“Hey I do not cry!” I yelled.

“Flick how did… I didn’t say anything!” Sweetie Belle’s mouth dropped.

“But you just said… wait a minute.” I'd realised Sweetie Belle had spoken again without moving her mouth.

And then it suddenly all became clear.

“Sweetie Belle think of a number between one and one thousand!” I grabbed Sweetie Belle shaking her slightly.

“What?” She was bemused.

“Just do it now!” I knew what I was doing.

The glow of the amulet intensified, the purple glow illuminated the dark room.  Slowly I focused before I heard the distant voice of Sweetie Belle, growing louder as if she was in my head.

“Five hundred and Sixty three!” I screamed excitedly.

“Flick… but… that’s impossible!”

“I know what this amulet does now.” I glanced between the amulet and Sweetie Belle. Sweetie Belle just stared at me, clearing begging for an answer. “It lets you read thoughts.” I spoke, half excited, slightly terrified.

And with that bombshell, of course what would happen next –

“I’m home!” The voice of Rarity called from the main room.

“Oh no! Amulet stop!” I tapped the amulet which was still glowing brightly purple.

“It won’t stop glowing, Rarity will find it!” Sweetie Belle panicked. “Get Fuzzy to hide it with all the other stuff he’s buried or something!”

“He’s a possessive ferret, he wont let us see where he hides that stuff! What do we do?!" I ran around in a panic, before falling over.  “Ouch… mommy” my eyes spilled tears.

Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes, before noticing a box. “Hey put it in that red box!”

“That’s where Rarity keeps her supplies.” I noted, wiping my eyes from the tears that ran down my face.

“Just do it!” She sharply whispered.

I quickly threw the amulet in the box and closed the lid before sliding it swiftly underneath the bed. A split second later, Rarity walked in to the room.

“Oh you two I just had an eventful night… but everything is okay now, sorry I’m back late, but I have some amazing news!” Rarity seemed somewhat out of breath.

“What is it Rarity?” I grinned innocently, hopping back on to the bed. "Did you and the others go on a super cool adventure?"

“Oh well... sort of but anyway like I said I have amazing news! We’re going to the grand galloping gala!” She squeaked with excitement.

“What? For real?” Sweetie Belle jumped off the bed.

“Yes! We only have two days to prepare for dresses, and don’t worry Flick I’ll get something for you to wear too!”

“That’s amazing!” Sweetie Belle hugged Rarity. “I can’t wait! and I thought you were going to mention all the mess we made while you were gone!”

“The… mess?” Rarity’s expression soon changed.

“Erm…joking!” Sweetie Belle grinned. “So what dress can I wear to the Gala?” She jumped excitedly.

“I was thinking you could help me design something nice for you to wear, perhaps something rather unique to make everypony see you’re far more prettier than anypony else, and show them that you should have won that costume contest on nightmare night!” Rarity showed Sweetie Belle some materials. “Oh Sweetie you will be the prettiest little pony there!” Rarity and Sweetie Belle kept talking back and forth about all the ideas for dresses and how to style their hair. “And don’t worry I have something special for you Flick” Rarity turned to me.

“I can’t go!” I shuddered.

“Oh no Flick don’t be like that, I assure you, you’ll love it darling!” Rarity waved her hoof at me to stop being silly.

“I… can’t go there again.” I shook my head.

Rarity noticed me shaking intensely and swiftly came over to me embracing me. “Oh dear my little Flufftail are you okay? What in Equestria do you mean, you can’t go there again? Are you saying you’ve been to the Gala before?”

I nodded.

“Well your parents never mentioned that to me, I had no idea either of them had been invited to go! Why did you find it so bad?” Rarity’s soft voice soothed me slightly.

The truth is... I had been to the Gala before, it was a long time ago, the Gala story was one I was very sensitive about, to put it lightly.

I shook my head and giggled nervously. “No reason! Just.. Awful…awful… food and the ponies there are all so snobbish!”

“What are you hiding dear? Nothing to do with any changeling incidents or anything I hope?” Rarity stroked my mane supportively.

I shuddered at hearing that word.  “No gosh no, no changelings” I sighed. “I’d just...rather not talk about it” My entire face went red as I blushed with embarresment. “I’ll be fine staying here honestly.”

“Well if you’re sure… I shall find somepony to look after you. Oh my little Flufftail, I do hope you stop hiding so many secrets from us one day.” Rarity hugged me tighter. “I love you my little cousin.”

“I’m sorry.” My voice was muffled. “I love you too.”

“Oh don’t be silly, as long as you’re okay now that’s all that matters.” Rarity kissed my head, before turning back to Sweetie Belle. “Anyway my little Sweetie Belle I shall go and sort your dress out at once!” Rarity swiftly left the room humming to herself.

“What… in the name of Equestria, was that all about?” Sweetie Belle didn’t hide her laughter. “You’ve been to the Grand Galloping Gala before? And something super bad or embarrassing happened to you? What was it?”

“Shut up Sweetie Belle” I huffed.

“I bet you a zillion bits that I can get you to go to the Gala AND wear that dress you wore earlier.” Sweetie Belle laughed evilly she quickly grabbed the red box from under the bed and placed the amulet around her neck. “Just keep thinking about what happened at that Gala!” She laughed mischievously, attempting to read my thoughts.

“Sweetie Belle no!” I tried to not think of the Gala incident.

“Hey this thing is busted…” Sweetie Belle moaned, as the amulet remained inactive.

“It’s mine! Clearly it only works for me!”  I snatched the amulet back and placed it back around my neck. “Whoever gave me this, clearly gave it to me for a reason.” I nodded proudly.

“Let’s just hope this thing doesn’t cause any trouble…” Sweetie Belle hopped on the bed next to me and Fuzzy.

“I heard that.” I replied as the amulet's mysterious power relayed Sweetie's thoughts in to my head.

We stared at each other before giggling and falling back on the bed.

I had no idea who had given me this amulet or why, but for a while it would remain another secret from Rarity and the others, and keeping secrets... is never a good idea, thankfully your aunt Applejack would soon teach me the lesson of honesty.

“I told you it would be amazing!” Sweetie Belle squeaked, marvelling at her beautiful pink shining dress.

“I can’t believe you got me to come here… on my list of places to totally never go, this is one of them." I blushed, looking around nervously at everypony staring at me.

“Oh come on quit your worrying, besides, you look good!” Sweetie Belle laughed.

I looked down at the purple dress I was wearing and rolled my eyes. I gave several bits to Sweetie Belle.

"Looking good indeed" Sweetie Belle happily took the bits from me. "You still owe me a lot more, after all the bet said a zillion bits!" She put her hoof to her mouth laughing.

“I hate you so much.” I sighed.

Chapter 16: How not to earn your cutie mark

Every story has a milestone, a time where you achieve something extraordinary.

I sat on my bed quickly shoving two cupcakes in my mouth. “These are SO GOOD!” My voice was muffled as I spoke with my mouth full.

This wasn’t one of those times for me. But what this day turned out to be was pretty huge, the turning point in my story, and I promise you we’re really making progress now! So it all started with a visit… from my mother.

“Oh Flick I can’t believe you missed out on the grand galloping gala!” Sweetie Belle bounced in cheerfully, Rarity followed behind her.

“Ugh! I HATE the grand galloping gala!” I hissed.

“Yeah I figured that out.” She rolled her eyes. “You know Discord was there too, you really missed out!”

“It was certainly eventful.” Rarity laughed, carefully stitching some fabrics eagerly.

“I looked so adorable!” Sweetie Belle sighed lovingly to herself.

I sighed and shook my head. “Sweetie Belle that was days ago and you’re still going on about it.” I groaned.

Sweetie Belle stuck her tongue out at me and looked away proudly. "You're just jealous because you're scared of going!"

I rolled my eyes in response.

“Oh Flick I do hope you were okay staying here” Rarity asked for the hundredth time.

“Of course I was!” I replied once more.

Rarity squeaked with happiness, still sewing some fabrics together. “At least now we can all have a nice day and go to the wedding without any problems hopefully!”

And cue the knock at the door.

“I’ll get it!” Rarity rushed to the door, opening it swiftly.

And there my mother was standing in the door way, I hadn’t seen her in quite a while and I had no idea why she was here.

“Flick! Your mother is here!” Rarity called to me.

“Oh Flicktailus I have missed you so much!” My mother called happily.

She was exactly how I remembered her, her long luscious blue mane was tied up in a bun, her fluffy purple tail similar to my own, a tail worthy of the Flufftail name, her cutie mark a bright purple fluorescent flower blooming with each petal sparkling various colors, it really stood out on her immaculate white coat.  And here she was, right in front of me.

“Hi mother!”  I panicked. “What brings you here?”

“Oh I thought I’d drop in to see how you’ve been doing here, tell me, is this small town always so crowded and full of rude ponies everywhere?”

“There’s a wedding taking place that’s why the town is crazy!” Sweetie Belle beamed. “Hi Mrs. Flufftail!”

“Ah Sweetie Belle! Oh how you’ve grown!” My mother squeaked, before glancing towards Sweetie Belle’s blank flank. “No cutie marks yet I see.” She observed us both.

Sweetie Belle frowned. “No… thanks for pointing that out.”

“Oh I am so delighted to have you visit us, this is a lovely family reunion!” Rarity gleamed. “No Mr. Flufftail?”

“I’m afraid he’s out on business, he was too busy to come and visit Flicktailus today.” My mother replied.

“Nothings changed then.” I grumbled.

"I thought i'd just drop by to see how you're doing, I needed a few days away from the shop for a while" She spoke towards me.

I smiled the most unconvincing smile I could in response.

“So you’ve just been to the Grand Galloping Gala” My mother asked Rarity.

“Oh yes, of course it’s not the first time I’ve been, it was glamorous as always!” Rarity giggled.

“I hope you didn’t take him.” My mother gestured towards me. “Not after the last time his father and I took him there.”

Rarity shook her head. “Flick wanted to stay here so I made sure he was looked after and – “

“Oh it was awful when we went there… Flicktailus embarrassed us all, to this day I can’t show my face in Canterlot.”

“Okay seriously! Flick! What happened when you went to the Gala? I have to know! Sweetie Belle growled.

I groaned. “Okay! Enough about Grand Galloping Galas! Come with me mother I’ll show you around Ponyville!”

Sweetie Belle sighed, before composing herself. “You’ll love Ponyville Mrs. Flufftail, it’s amazing!” She smiled.

“Hm, it certainly seems to be a special little town now doesn’t it, there are ponies running around like crazy out there.” My mother shook her head.

“It’s far more peaceful than back home usually mother.” I glanced up to Fuzzy who’d just climbed up to my mane. “Isn’t that right Fuzzy?”

“OH MY WORD!” My Mother shrieked.

“What is it?” I panicked, looking around to see what was wrong.

“That rodent! On your head, oh my!”

I sighed with relief and looked up at my beloved pet. “Oh yeah, mother this is Fuzzy, my ferret, Miss Fluttershy gave him to me!”

“Oh my just think of the fleas.” She groaned, stepping backwards.

“Oh he’s harmless and clean it’s okay, it’s that one you need to watch out for…” I glared at Opal. “Sweetie Belle can you show my mother around Carousel Boutique for a while, I need to go get ready.”

“Sure thing, don’t take too long though, the wedding is in an hour!” Sweetie Belle squeaked with excitement.  Sweetie Belle was about to show my mother around until she decided to head in to our room to have a word with me. “I’ll be one second!” As she entered our room, I was nowhere to be found. “Dang he’s getting really good at these magic tricks.” She glanced around bemused, until she noticed the laundry basket was shaking ever so slightly.  She sighed to herself and walked up towards the trembling basket. “Give me strength...Flick why are you in the panic basket?” She opened the basket and peered at me shaking softly inside.

“I know why my mother is here! You need to hide me!” My voice was muffled from the laundry I was hiding under. “She’s going to take my back to Manehatten I just know it!”

“Why would she do that?”

“I told her I was going to come to Ponyville to find my cutie mark, it’s been forever and I still haven’t, she’s going to try and convince me that I shouldn’t stay here!” I was clearly having a panic attack, but Sweetie tried to reason with me.

Sweetie Belle sat by the basket to talk to me. “Oh I’m sure she won’t do that, if you just talk to her in a calm reasonable way I’m sure she’ll –"

“NO WHERE IS SAFE!” I leapt out of the panic basket and shot out of the room faster than I’d ever ran.

“Flick wait!” Sweetie Belle called.

I zoomed past Rarity and My mother, Fuzzy clinging to my mane in an attempt to not fall off; I quickly slammed the door and left Carousel Boutique.

“Flicktailus where are you off to?” My mother called, but got no reply. I just galloped as fast as I could.

“You know he never usually runs off like this, he has been so well behaved!” Rarity laughed nervously.

“So he’s not usually running around destroying this town with his clumsiness then?” My mother seemed surprised.

Rarity stopped in her tracks. “Erm – “

And then Rarity recalled a few... minor things I'd done since I came to Ponyville. Destroying town hall for instance.

“Nope, not at all! I’ll go look for him, don’t worry! I won’t be long, I’ll be back in time to prepare for the wedding!”

So while Rarity headed out to search for me, I was outside, with no idea what to do.

I was walking aimlessly around Ponyville, lost in my thoughts. “My mother doesn’t even care about me why is she here? She never bothered being home much when I was growing up…stupid flower shop and all the stupid work she had.” I was ranting to myself while walking around alone. I’m sure I looked crazy.

Before I could think anymore -  

“I’m sorry Miss – erm…” I flustered at the earth pony in front of me, I often forgot some of the name of the other residents of Ponyville.

“Oh hey little one, I’m Special agent – “ She stopped suddenly in a panic and coughed to cleared her throat. “I mean Bon Bon! My name is Bon Bon! I’m sure we’ve spoken once before.” She laughed nervously. “You seem kind of lost or something, are you okay?” She looked down at me smiling.

“Hi Miss Bon Bon.” I spoke fairly confused. “I’m not lost I’m just – “

This was a good chance to maybe get some advice from somepony with a fresh perspective on my situation.

“- In a bit of a panic about – “

“The wedding! Oh aren’t we all!” Bon Bon gasped excitedly.

“I… what?”

“Don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll all get it under control, why don’t you see if anypony needs your help? I’m just going to help Lyra!” She grinned.

“Yeah sure, I’ll... do that.” I spoke slowly, before turning to run away.

So I kept running, I was panicking like crazy; I just needed some space away from –

I’d collided again with somepony again. “I’m sorry!” I gasped.

“I’m going to get flowers!” The grey derpy eyed Pegasus wasn’t fazed by the collision, happily grinning at me.

I smiled nervously and backed away.  “Calm down Flick, there’s no reason to be scared of the local mailmare anymore, you’re not thinking straight!” I muttered to myself, until I’d suddenly backed in to somepony with a bump once more. “Sorry Mr. Cake!”

“Oh no worries Flick! Hey, I’ve been hard at work on some cakes for the wedding, would you like to come try some?” Mr. Cake ruffled my mane, disturbing Fuzzy.

“I’m fine thank you sir!” My voice broke as I panicked more. I used my hooves to fix my mane, waving goodbye to Mr. Cake and running off.

The entire of Ponyville was crowded with everypony rushing around in preparations. “Who the hay is getting married anyway…” I asked myself as I galloped off. “I need some space away from everypony!”

And sure enough –

“WILL EVERYPONY JUST GET OUT OF MY - " I suddenly stopped. “Whoa nice Cello!” I beamed at the grey earth pony. “I’d love to learn to play…” I was fixated on the beautiful instrument.

“Oh really? Well you should first watch where you’re going mister. Anyway you simply must hear the beautiful music I’ll be playing at the wedding!” She spoke so classy and polite, she was incredible, she adjusted her bow tie proudly.

“I’m sure it’ll be great! I do adore classical music, it’s just so enchanting!” I smiled in awe.

“Well you should pick up an instrument one day!” She examined me closely. “It could be your special talent, although it does indeed take a very talented ear to learn such an instrument.”

“I’ll bare that in mind! See you later Miss…erm sorry I don’t know your name!” I ran off once more.

“Its Octavia, but hold on there young one, aren’t you attending the wedding?” She called after me.

“Oh, um, not really.” I turned around to face her, still walking backwards. “I’ve got super… important problems to deal with.”

“Hm, what could be more important than a wedding?” Octavia asked herself.

“It seems to be so busy out there… what on earth is taking Rarity so long finding Flicktailus?” My mother spoke to herself impatiently.

At that moment, Sweetie Belle entered Carousel Boutique, after she too had been out to search for me. “Good news, I found Rarity! Bad news, there’s no sign of Flick and there’s a monster attacking Ponyville.”

“I beg your pardon?” My mother asked, suddenly terrified.

“It’s just a bug bear, Rarity and Twilight will deal with it, and in the meantime we can go to the wedding! You wanna go get ready?” Sweetie Belle asked.

My mother shook her head. “I think I’ll go snooping around your room to make sure Flicktailus has been keeping it tidy.”

“Sure thing… that’s totally a polite thing to do.” Sweetie Belle shook her head.

And so my mother went in to our room to look around and on the bed she saw something very special of mine.

“Oh I see he still keeps this silly diary…” She picked up the battered book. She glanced around several times to make sure Sweetie Belle wasn’t there, before opening the book and reading.

Hey you’re probably wondering how I know this if I wasn’t there at the time, but it’ll all become clear later.

Back through the busy streets of Ponyville, I’d managed to find a quiet spot.  “My mother has always been so critical of me Fuzzy… I just know she isn’t proud of me.” I sighed talking to the ferret resting on my mane. “And she’s going to take me back to Manehatten because I’m a failure.” I pulled out a long list that I’d always carried around with me

'One hundred things I’m not good at’

I can’t stress this enough, I was obsessed with keeping lists.

“Allons-y everypony! This wedding is just going to be the greatest!” Somepony behind me spoke before tripping over me. He quickly got up and composed himself “Whoops! Sorry kid! I didn’t see you there.”

“It’s okay sir!” I replied to the brown earth pony that’d collided with me.

He smiled and proceeded to walk with the other ponies following him.

“Whoa Fuzzy his cutie mark is awesome… you think maybe he’s a time traveler or something?” I admired the hourglass cutie mark. “Oh I’m doing it again! Admiring other ponies cutie marks and still no closer to finding my own! Ugh, this is a complete load of – “

Sprinkle, a complete load of sprinkle.

“Oh my Flick, using such language… well I cant exactly tell you off since we’re not in the class room.”

I looked around to see Cheerilee. “Miss Cheerilee, Hi!” I blushed at her hearing my use of a bad word. "Sorry miss!"

“Why are you sitting out here alone Flick?” She asked, rather concerned Rarity wasn’t with me.

“My mother is visiting… so I ran away.” I blushed staring towards the ground; Fuzzy scratched my mane to attempt to cheer me up.

Cheerilee sighed sadly. “Again, we’re not in the class room so I can’t tell you what to do but – “

I quickly interrupted her. “I know… running away from your problems isn’t good, I should go back home and be happy and feel the warm, not at all critical judgmental love that my mother can give me.” I noticed Cheerilee looking sympathetically towards me. “Sorry Miss… I just have family problems, and other problems.” I sighed as I stared at the list I was holding.

“What’s that list?” She asked.

“It’s a list of one hundred things I’m not good at, all the things I’ve tried to do to earn my cutie mark and all of them I was terrible at. My mother must be so disappointed in me.” I bowed my head and felt tears forming in my eyes.

“Well Flick, I’m sure your mother loves you, you’ll know when you have little ponies of your own one day, the love you’ll have for them is stronger than anything, you’ll always be proud.” Cheerilee attempted to cheer me up.  She smiled at me before heading off. “I’ll see you in class next week!”

I watched as my teacher walked away, my mind stopped for a moment.

At the time I probably didn’t realize how true that statement was, until I had you two I didn’t know how much I could love two little ponies of my own.

I tried to weigh up the pros and cons of going back to Manehatten. “At least if I have to live back in Manehatten I can see Daisy Spring again.” I smiled at the thought of the last time I saw my friend. She’d given me a beautiful rose flower to wear in my mane. “But I’ll miss the crusaders, and Rarity and the others! Oh this is all a mess…” I growled to myself. “I suppose I should go home and face the music.”

And then as it often happened, a crazy idea came to me. I’d thought back to what Octavia had told me earlier.

“I need to face the MUSIC. Fuzzy! I know how to earn my cutie mark right now!” I beamed hopping up and down excitedly.

If there’s one thing this story has more than anything else, it’s crazy moments that I threw myself in to, and again, this was one of them.

“Excuse me coming through!” I ran through the busy streets of Ponyville until I faced a huge crowd on ponies that refused to move. “Ahem, excuse me!” I jumped up several times trying to get everypony to hear me.

No pony moved out of the way.

“Important wedding stuff coming through!” I yelled. Everypony swiftly moved out of the way, any mention of the wedding caused commotion and excitement.

“Sorry I need to borrow this!” I’d found Octavia, I quickly cast a glow around her cello and struggling immensely I managed to lift it off the ground with my magic. Her cool looking DJ friend was too busy playing records to notice me stealing her friends instrument.

“Excuse me! What in the name of Equestria are you doing? How dare you steal my cello!” Octavia shrieked.

I galloped as fast as I could, quickly lost in the crowds, attempting to not hit anypony while levitating a huge cello.

I swear I eventually stopped with all these crazy shenanigans.

So back at Carousel Boutique -

“He seems to be very gifted at magic, our friend Princess Twilight is very impressed with his skills, I’m sure he’ll get his cutie mark one day soon!” Sweetie Belle spoke about me. “And me? Well I’m a great model clearly, look how beautiful I am, I take after Rarity!”

“I hardly think Flicktailus can be that gifted, surely he’d be at the school for gifted unicorns otherwise, with his clumsiness he’s probably a danger to anypony. And you are indeed quite pretty Sweetie Belle but a model… really, of all the potential career choices…” My mother spoke judgementally.

Sweetie Belle sighed. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. “Excuse me for a moment!” She grumbled. She opened the door to see me barely managing to keep the huge cello floating off the ground, the sparkle of magic cast around it fading quickly.

“This is so heavy!” I struggled to speak.

“Flick why do you have a – “ Sweetie Belle stopped. “I’m… not even gonna ask just - just, whatever.” She sighed.

“Hi oh dear mother of mine! I’ve found my new talent!” I grinned nervously.

“New talent?” My mother asked curiously.

“I can play the cello now! See I’m talented, I’ll get my cutie mark soon and I can stay in Ponyville, no need to take me away from all my friends here!” I yelled as I panicked and began to play random notes on the cello. “Oh yeah! Just listen to the beautiful classic sound of the beautiful instrument! I’m doing this all by myself, I am talented!”

The noise I was making from the cello was not something worthy enough to be called music.

The sound of me playing the cello caused Sweetie Belle and my mother to cover their ears. “Flick stop trying to play that thing, you’re so terrible!” Sweetie Belle cried.

“Where did you even get that thing?” My mother yelled over the harsh noise of my failed attempts to play something melodic.

“I borrowed it from Miss Octavia, the pony who’s playing at the wedding!” I grinned, yelling over the sound of the continuing noise I was making with the instrument.

KRRRKRKRKRK The sound of my terrible playing scraped the strings, creating a terrible sound.

“He’s only doing this because – “ Sweetie Belle yelled.

“What?” My mother yelled over the noise, holding her ears in pain.

“I said he’s only doing this because you wont admit you’re proud of him!” Sweetie Belle yelled loudly.

I stopped playing upon hearing Sweetie Belle's words.

Silence filled the room.

“I am proud of him!” My mother yelled, only now noticing the horrific noise had stopped.

“What?” I asked, my heart had stopped for a moment.

“Flick… I saw your mom earlier, she went through your diary.” Sweetie Belle shot a glare at my mother.

“Journal” I corrected. “Wait what?”

My mother glanced around to make sure Sweetie Belle wasn’t there. Just around the corner however, Sweetie Belle hid, peaking carefully around the door so my mother couldn’t see her.

“Oh there is so much stuff in here, I never knew he wrote so much…” A few moments later, she came across an entry that captivated her.

My mother then glanced down to the attached letter, clipped to that journal entry with a parchment clip, she gasped slightly as she read it. It was the first letter my parents sent me from when I moved here, a loving letter my mother had wrote, telling me she loved me and cared about me.

Then she had realised, the letter she wrote and how she had acted in real life towards me, were both complete opposite behaviour. So when my mother finished reading that journal entry, according to Sweetie Belle -

“No, I don't believe you, there’s no way my mother cried.” I shook my head and laughed at the idea, there was no way that was true.

“She did!” Sweetie Belle squeaked. “I saw her!”

“My mother has never once cried… except when I embarrassed her and my father at the Gala. And she and him, were always way too busy working to ever want to spend time with me, why would she cry just because she realizes she’s a bad mother!” I yelled, looking over at my mother.

And to my surprise, she was crying.

“Flicktailus… look I – “ My mother stopped as she wiped away the tears forming in her eyes. She lowered her head down before slumping to the floor in bawls of tears.

“Mother?” I asked my voice breaking. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

And it hit me in that moment, as I watched my mother cry like this, maybe she cared after all, and what I’d just said… was nothing short of horrible.

I ran over to her and embraced her, “I’m sorry mommy.” I began to cry myself. “I didn’t mean that!”

“No I’m sorry Flick… I’m so sorry, I’ve never meant to act the way I’ve acted, not spending as much time with you is my biggest regret.” She sobbed. “I know I may seem so critical… but I want you to be happy, and I know all you want in the world is to find your talent, I thought being judgemental would push you further, I see now how it's wrong." My mother looked up at me, smiling softly. “Your happiness is all I want in this world.”

And the world just stopped, as for the first time in a long long time, me and my mother hugged tightly, forgetting all the problems in Equestria.

“Everything will be okay I promise.” She spoke encouragingly, stroking my mane as she did so, Fuzzy sat next to us both, glancing between us confused as to what was happening.

But we didn't care, we both sobbed while holding on to each other, I was in my mothers hooves, and I felt loved. So that’s the story of the lovely beautiful sentimental moment with my mother, it was perfect and the whole day was –

“WHERE’S MY CELLO!” Octavia burst in to Carousel Boutique.

“Oh... Sorry!” I grinned nervously through my tears, pulling away from my mother's embrace.

“You better have had a good reason for pulling that stunt on me!” She growled furiously. “The wedding is in twenty minutes!”

“I just wanted to see if it was my special talent so I could finally earn my cutie mark…” I responded sadly.

“Awh darling… I AM SO MAD YOU STOLE MY CELLO. But that is just adorable!” She adjusted her bow tie and cleared her throat.

I laughed. “And as you can see it didn’t work, I’ll probably have 200 things on this list soon.” I sighed, throwing the list aside.

Octavia picked it up curiously. “One hundred things I’m bad at…” She shook her head. “Well you’ll never find your cutie mark if you focus on the negatives, why not keep a list of things you’re good at?” She ripped up the list in front of me shaking her head disapprovingly.

“I didn’t really think about that.” I stared blankly at the discarded pile of paper.

“Listen here, both of you.” Octavia addressed me and Sweetie Belle. “When a pony earns their cutie mark it is because they have finally found that one thing they’re best at, more than anything. And how do you find something?”

I thought for a moment. “Look really hard for it and make several lists of what you’re not good at to eliminate the – “

“You don’t look for it.” She interrupted quickly.

“Don’t look for it?” Sweetie Belle was as confused as me.

“Not all the time, of course do go out there and experience things that could be your special talent, keep a list of what you’re good at if it makes you feel more positive. But keeping a list of negatives and looking day in, day out for your talent… thats not how you earn your cutie mark, positivity is all you need.”

“Whoa…” I could hardly find any words to say.

“Without positivity, I wouldn’t have put all these years in to my music, and it’s my true passion. I love it more than anything.” Octavia picked up her cello proudly smiling at us before heading out of the door. “The universe is writing your song right now, you're probably only on the first verse but soon you'll strike that beautiful chorus.” She spoke happily, walking away.

I glanced to Sweetie Belle and back at my mother, Fuzzy ran up my hoof and on to my mane happily sensing my new found confidence. “You know what, she’s right, it’s time to stop focusing on the negatives, no more list of things I can’t do. From now on I'll keep a list of things I can do! Although there will hardly be anything on it compared to the list of things I can’t do.”

“Quality, not quantity.” Sweetie Belle put her hoof around me encouragingly.

My mother smiled down at me. "I just know you'll find your cutie mark soon."

I smiled back at her, my entire outlook for the first time in forever, was completely positive.

And that was the story of how one pony I’d never even spoken to before, gave me the best advice I could have asked for, the list of things I can do eventually got pretty big rather quickly.  

You know of course my cutie mark wasn't anything music related, or for that matter anything magic related as much as I wanted it to be back then, nor was it for any extreme sports... nothing related to dancing, potion making or anything like that. But it's never too late to try any of those things.

“The wedding really was amazing!” Sweetie Belle sighed adoringly. “It was beautiful… aren’t you sad you missed it?” She asked me.

I sat on our bed next to my mother who had been sitting with me for the last few hours, talking to me and telling me all sorts of stories. I looked up at her lovingly, I now knew cared about me more than anything. “I was a lot happier spending the time with my mother.” I smiled.

My mother smiled softly down at me, although she had her usual immaculate appearance, through my eyes, she looked entirely different.

“Awh…" Sweetie Belle put her hoof to her mouth and giggled at the beautiful family moment unfolding. "It’s a good job you didn’t come anyway, I mean there was a baby changeling there after all!”

I smiled for a moment, before realizing what Sweetie Belle had said, my eyes opened wide and my smile vanished. “Wait… what?”

Chapter 17: Sweetie Belle's Wish (1/2)

It had been a pretty eventful time in Ponyville for me recently, my mother had visited and I’d just rebuilt my relationship with her and for a while after that I really took the valuable advice I’d been given from Octavia to heart. So skipping to the next big part of this story, a very special day for my beloved cousin.

“Happy birthday Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo bounced happily in to Carousel Boutique with Apple Bloom swiftly following.

“You’re one year older now!” Apple Bloom grinned, hugging her friend.

“Thank you guys!” Sweetie Belle squeaked playfully.

I sat next to my cousin on our bed; the other two soon joined us. “How’s it feel to be old?” I asked jokingly.

I was the youngest of us crusaders, yet I often felt like the most mature... I mean come on, I'm totally the mature one right?

“Hey don’t talk to your elders like that.” Sweetie Belle laughed. “I feel so old now…” She suddenly got lost in thought.

“Oh Sweetie Belle you’re still so young! I do miss being so carefree at your age…” Rarity had walked in to check on us. “Oh but do open the present I got for you!” She eagerly pointed to the small wrapped gift that remained on the bedside table.

“Oh I wonder what this could be…” Sweetie Belle groaned to us, quietly enough that Rarity didn’t hear.

I’ve mentioned before how Rarity seemed to always make us some form of winter clothing at any gift giving opportunity, she’d often make us some rather comfy wooly scarfs, hats, or just about anything.

“Another scarf maybe?” Sweetie Belle asked Rarity.

“I love the scarfs she makes!” I spoke happily.

“Since when?” Scootaloo scoffed.

“The last one she made me is comfy.” I defended Rarity’s work.

“And bright green.” Apple Bloom pulled a face of disgust.

“It seemed to go down well at show and tell.” I reasoned, pulling the scarf from under the bed, I wrapped it around my neck. “And something about this scarf… is just, I don’t know…”

“Icky?” Scootaloo asked.

“So not your color?” Apple Bloom added.

“Special.” I finished, smiling down at the comfy scarf I was wearing.

Truth is it was, the green scarf was actually very special, but that comes in to the story later, much later. I will say though, without it, I’d probably not be sitting here telling you this story now. It’s amazing what a scarf can do, without it I wouldn’t have my cutie mark.

Sweetie Belle had unwrapped the gift to find a comfy looking pink wooly hat, as usual, hoof made by Rarity.

“It’s not even winter yet.” Scootaloo stared confusingly as Sweetie Belle held the hat.

“Do try your hat on Sweetie Belle!” Rarity giggled excitedly.

Sweetie Belle put the rather itchy hat on her head. “How does it look?” She looked around at us all as we stared blankly, Rarity was giggling happily.

“Why not check… the mirror?” Apple Bloom hesitated.

Sweetie Belle’s mouth dropped open wide. “The mirror? I… I don’t think I’m ready…” She put her hooves to her mouth.

I should explain, you see in Carousel Boutique, the place was full of mirrors naturally this was so Rarity could examine every inch of her dresses as she modeled them. However, the biggest mirror in the shop was huge glamorous mirror, towering above all the others, mounted on a wall just by Rarity’s work station, sparkling jewels surrounded the frame. Whenever Rarity looked in to that mirror, she’d see the most crystal clear reflection of herself sparkling in the light of the jewels.

There was just one problem.

“I can just about see the top of the hat!” Sweetie Belle attempted to jump several times to see herself. “It’s my birthday! I haven’t even grown an inch.” She sighed sadly.

Yeah, the mirror was mounted high up, just enough in fact that none of us crusaders were tall enough to even see the top of our heads in that thing.

Sweetie Belle pounded the floor with her front hoof. “It’s my birthday, I must have grown!”

“Now, Sweetie Belle, these things take time, I’ll be back in a moment I must prepare your birthday cake!” Rarity happily left the room.

“I hate being short.” Sweetie Belle groaned.

“Hey we’ll all grow, and one day we’ll be able to see ourselves in that beautiful mirror I guarantee it!” I tried to remain optimistic.

Apple Bloom glanced up at the mirror, frowning as she just saw the tip of her red bow at the bottom of it. “Well listen to the professional model here, that hat isn’t so amazing so you’re not missing out on much and Flick that magical amulet thing doesn’t suit you either.”

I ushered Apple Bloom to stay quiet. “Keep your voice down will you? I told Rarity it’s a gift my friend Daisy gave me. She doesn’t know it’s magical.”

“Does that thing really…” Scootaloo looked around cautiously. “You know, read minds?”

I nodded pulling off my scarf so I could look down at my amulet. “Yeah, it only seems to work for me.”

“Who gave that to you? And why? Any ideas?” Apple Bloom asked.

“None at all…” I shook my head.

“Eh, it still doesn’t suit you, it’s almost as bad as Sweetie Belle’s hat, I should know. I am the model!” Apple Bloom proclaimed proudly.

“I’m not having this argument again! Why do you have to be so rude Apple Bloom?” Sweetie Belle was angered at Apple Bloom’s passive aggressive attitude. “Flick say something!”

I shook my head and sat down. “Sorry… I’m loyal to all of you, I can’t pick sides!” I nodded confidently.

You remember I had learnt the lesson of loyalty from Rainbow Dash, the crusaders and I had been arguing constantly, so to avoid all the conflict I started to neglect my friends and spend more time with Fuzzy, my adorable ferret. Yet this caused more of a rift between us. Then your aunt Rainbow Dash threw me a party to show me that being loyal was truly important.

It really was a life lesson. I’d go on to learn a lesson from Rarity and her friends, all six lessons were a life changer for me. In fact not long from now I’d learn the next lesson from Applejack, but I’m getting to that part.

“Oh Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle don’t argue, oh my this is just like when Fluttershy became a model and I did find myself being ever so jealous of her…” Rarity had walked in to the room once more.

“You guys see what’s happening here right?” I quizzed my friends.

“No idea.” They all spoke in unison, clearly not wanting me to elaborate.

“Miss Fluttershy was a model once! She told me all about it.”

“And?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Now you’re a model and you and Sweetie Belle are arguing, we’re having similar adventures to Rarity and her friends, I knew it! We’re just like them!”

“Yeah! I can be the famous one though, I mean just look how amazing I look in this magazine!” Apple Bloom threw the magazine in front of us all.

The magazine featured a huge photo of ‘Apple Swoon’ on the front, in her not so scary outfit that failed to terrify at nightmare night.

“Oh look at my eyes in this photo, they’re just gleaming… no wonder everypony will swoon over me.” Apple Bloom spoke dreamily, admiring herself.

I took a deep breath. “Okay and just like Rarity and her friends, we’re going to sort this out like grown ups and not – “

“Oh and there’s an article in here about Sweetie Belle!” Apple Bloom quickly flicked through the pages.

“Wait what?” Sweetie Belle’s heart sank.

“Sweetie Belle slumped to the floor, taking off her hat and her ears dropped. “This is just the worst…” She buried her head in her hooves and remained still, wishing the ground would swallow her up.

“Would this be a bad time to say I have another photo shoot next week?” Apple Bloom added.

“Apple Bloom!” I argued.

“Hey hey calm down!” Apple Bloom ushered me to calm down. “And it’s Apple Swoon if you don’t mi- “

I shot Apple Bloom a harsh stare.

“Can we get on to the birthday beatings now?” Scootaloo pounded her hooves together.

Sweetie Belle immediately stood up. “Do that as much as you want, you can’t make me feel any worse than I already do.” She walked off with her head hung low, not uttering another word, leaving the room.

“It’s her birthday, today of all days can we not get in a silly fight?” I hissed.

“I wish we could cheer her up, I didn’t mean to upset her.” Apple Bloom spoke. “I’m just proud of myself is all!”

“I was joking about the beatings… totally joking.” Scootaloo cleared her throat.

“I don’t know what to do.” I sighed. “Miss Rainbow Dash would tell us all to be loyal right now, and if I know Miss Rainbow Dash, then I’m fairly sure she’d also - “

“Hold on just one second.” Scootaloo stopped me mid sentence.

“What is it?” I asked, looking around confused.

Scootaloo took a deep breath. “I get that you’re super polite and from the apparently posh part of Manehatten…” She screwed her nose up.  “But of all the ponies to call ‘Miss’, can you not call Rainbow Dash that?” She shook her head, folding her hooves as she sat on the floor.

I glanced left and right a few times as my brain began to work. “She’s a miss and her name is Rainbow Dash, so she’s miss Rainbow Dash.”

“It makes her sound way less awesome when you call her that, she’s the super fast amazingly awesome Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo stood up in excitement, before frowning.  “Not… ‘Miss’ Rainbow Dash, it makes her sound like some posh snob.”

“Well excuse me for being brought up with manners! Clearly your parents didn’t…” I stopped and thought for a moment.  “Okay I still have no idea who your parents are but still, it would sound odd to not call her Miss Rainbow Dash.”

“Says you with the silly name, Flufftail!” Scootaloo retorted, leaning towards me and grabbing my tail with her mouth and pulling it, like a rubber band it snapped back and caused a sharp pain as it struck my flank.

“Ouch!” I cried, tears immediately formed in my eyes at the sharp pain. “You…you yanked my tail.”

“Yep!” She gritted her teeth in annoyance, holding back laughter.

“I’ll have you know I take pride in my flufftail! You can’t just yank it!” I growled. “How dare you! I’ll have you know my mother and father would wash my mouth out with soap if I referred to anypony without an appropriate title!” I argued.

“Okay you two, hate to break up this pointless argument, but I’m feeling super guilty over here, and the birthday girl has literally walked out in tears.” Apple Bloom stood up, standing between us both.

“You’re right… we need to find a way to cheer her up.” I turned my attention away from Scootaloo.

“Okay arguments aside for now… any ideas?” Scootaloo was acting reasonable.

“Rarity will still be preparing the cake, Miss Twilight and the others will be coming around soon for the party… Sweetie Belle needs to be back by then!” I panicked.

“She’ll miss out on Rainbow Dash doing the totally awesome sonic rainboom!” Scootaloo was equally as panicked.

“Miss Rainbow Dash is actually doing a sonic rainboom for Sweetie Belle?”

Apple Bloom thought for a moment “Maybe we could – well… it’d be kind of hard.”

“Maybe we could what?” I asked, before the amulet around my neck began to glow a bright purple. “Oh I know exactly what you’re thinking! That… could work.”

“What is it?” Scootaloo asked, looking between us both.

I giggled at the idea Apple Bloom had. “Sweetie Belle wanted to be the model, so lets make her the model, lets have a fashion show!”

Sweetie Belle had walked around aimlessly for a few moments, grunting often as she walked past the busy ponies of Ponyville. “Silly Apple Bloom…  and she calls herself my friend.” She growled to herself.

“Oh Sweetie Belle!” A familiar cheery voice called.

Sweetie Belle immediately smiled, hiding her anger. “Hi Mrs. Cake!” Sweetie Belle smiled at the familiar face.

“Oh it’s that special day finally isn’t it!” Mrs. Cake smiled.

“Yup it is!” Sweetie Belle squeaked happily. Sweetie Belle’s mind was racing; Mrs. Cake was no doubt about to give her a huge birthday cake or a milkshake, surely something.

“Oh please do congratulate the special somepony for me.”

Sweetie Belle stopped in her tracks. “But I’m… It’s my – “

“Apple Bloom’s a star in a fashion magazine now, I’ve heard everypony talking about it, the magazine came out today! Oh how adorable!” Mrs. Cake sighed happily. “I must get myself a copy, I’ve always said she was so sweet, Applejack must be so thrilled for her!”

“Oh… yeah, go Apple Bloom.” Sweetie Belle spoke sarcastically. “Everypony loves Apple Bloom don’t they?” She shook her head in anger. “Stupid magazine, silly Apple Bloom… GRR!” She stormed off.

Mrs. Cake stood staring blankly as Sweetie Belle walked off. “Oh no… the stroppy stage…” She shook her head.

“Okay gang, we’re all set for this!” I made some adjustments to the small stage we had made. “And Scootaloo you’ve got the camera right?”

“Yep! But one problem, Sweetie Belle hasn’t come back yet.” Scootaloo looked around several times.

Apple Bloom sat down watching me and Scootaloo work. “How are we going to get her back here?”

“Leave that to Miss Pinkie!” I winked. “Oh miss Pinkie?” I called.

The eager pink pony ran from the other room, she, Twilight and her friends had arrived not long ago for the party. “Yesyesyesyes?” She bounced up and down.

“Find the birthday girl and bring her back here, and don’t mention anything about this surprise!”

Pinkie Pie nodded enthusiastically. “Yes sir Flicktailus!” She saluted me and immediately ran out of the room.

“It’s useful having Pinkie around.” Apple Bloom noted.

Sweetie belle sat alone in the clubhouse pondering, lost in her own thoughts.  "Happy birthday to me…” She leaned out of the window, watching several birds fly through the sky. “I bet I wont even have a birthday cake…”

And then the thought suddenly hit her.

Rarity sat next to Sweetie Belle. "Okay sweetie Belle! Blow out the candles and make a wish!" She gestured towards the burning candles on the huge birthday cake.

"Will it come true?" Sweetie Belle tapped her hooves together excitedly.

"Of course!" Rarity smiled at her sister.

"Okay I've got it!" Sweetie Belle blew out the candles. "I wished for -"

"Oh goodness no Sweetie Belle! Don't tell me, it won't come true!" Rarity immediately put her hoof to her little sisters mouth.

"Oops!" Sweetie Belle muttered. "But I need to tell somepony! Keeping a secret is hard!"

"Not a word to anypony!" Rarity spoke sternly.

"I wished that I'd become a beautiful model and that everypony in Ponyville would swoon over me! I mean Rarity told me not to tell anypony otherwise it would jinx it... But you're no pony!" Sweetie Belle sighed a huge sigh of relief having finally spilt her secret.

Gummy stared at Sweetie Belle blankly. Not flinching, the tiny alligator just stared, as it often did.

"What could go wrong?" Sweetie Belle patted Gummy happily.

“This is my worst nightmare!” Sweetie Belle cried, everypony in the costume contest audience was horrified to see Sweetie Belle covered in green slime.

“And that worked out well…” Sweetie Belle sighed to herself, suddenly her ears perked up. "If I make a wish... And don't tell a living soul, it will come true!" Sweetie Belle grinned.

“Happy birthday!” A sudden high-pitched voice boomed from behind Sweetie Belle.

“Oh my Pinkie, you made me jump!” Sweetie Belle turned to see the eager face of Pinkie Pie.

“Well that’s your birthday surprise sorted! Absolutely no more surprises, why not come back home and have a totally none surprising birthday?” Pinkie Pie patted Sweetie Belle's head.

“Pfft, I’m not going back there, Apple Bloom is being annoying and rubbing her success in my face.”

SPLAT!

Pinkie Pie had grabbed a cupcake seemingly from thin air and face planted her own face in to it.

“Pinkie what the – “

“Rubbing cupcakes in your face is more fun, and delicious!” Pinkie squeaked, using her tongue to swiftly lick the cupcake from her face. “Yummy! Now come on! Lets go back to Carousel Boutique!”

Sweetie Belle shook her head, staring out of the window. “I don’t want to go, I’ll stay here until the sun goes down, then my birthday is over and I can forget it happened.”

“But… but –“

And then your aunt Pinkie said the most amazing sentence she’d ever speak in her life, out of pure desperation.

“If you come back you can have free milkshakes forever from Sugarcube corner!” She suddenly put her hoof to her mouth realising what she had said.

Sweetie Belle shook her head. “Pinkie I told you I’m not – wait… free milkshakes forever?”

Pinkie nodded, clearly not thinking the plan through. “Sure! Mrs. Cake wont mind at all – “ She grinned nervously.

I’ve told you both how Sweetie Belle’s free milkshake forever guarantee almost put Sugarcube corner out of business right?

“I can have free milkshakes… forever?” Sweetie Belle spaced out for a moment, staring in to the distance. “Yummy…Okay deal!"

Oh milkshakes, the one thing Sweetie Belle would do anything for.

“Then lets go!” Pinkie grabbed Sweetie Belle and galloped out of the clubhouse, swiftly heading back to Carousel Boutique.

“Pinkie you’re running way too quickly, what’s the rush?” Sweetie Belle panicked, she sat on top of Pinkie’s back attempting to stay on.

“I’m not running! This is how I walk!” Pinkie yelled.

Sweetie Belle tightened her grip to stay on Pinkie’s back “Is this how you get to places so fast and seemingly appearing out of thin air?”

“Oh no silly! When I want to do that, I just teleport!”

“How is that even possible? You’re not even a unic –“ Sweetie Belle was unable to finish before Pinkie bounced happily.  “Whoa careful Pinkie!” She nearly fell off.

“Here we are birthday girl!” Pinkie immediately stopped, Sweetie Belle fell off her back, barely landing on her hooves.

“Happy… birthday to… me.” Sweetie Belle fell over in a daze, attempting to not be sick.

“Come on lets go inside!” Pinkie grabbed Sweetie Belle and took her inside, Sweetie Belle put her hoof to her mouth after composing herself from the motion sickness.

As soon as Sweetie Belle entered the room, she noticed the lights were all off, the entire room was shrouded in darkness.

“Everypony stamp your hooves for the beautiful Sweetie Belle!” Rarity’s voice suddenly came.

“What’s going on?” Sweetie Belle turned to Pinkie Pie who smiled at her excitedly without answering. Suddenly the lights turned on, lighting the whole room.

“Happy birthday!” Everypony called in unison.

Sweetie Belle glanced around to see all of her friends, the crusaders, Twilight and her friends and of course Rarity. “Is this a birthday party?” She asked surprised. “I know I had one last year but I thought this year – “

“This is more than a birthday party, this is a fashion show!” Apple Bloom stepped forward. “For you!”

“But I… I’m not the model… you’re the – “

“Selfish one.” Apple Bloom shook her head.  “I’m the selfish one… but ya need to know, I never meant to act that way.”

“We’re friends… I never wanted to be so jealous.” Sweetie Belle felt her eyes filling with tears. “I’m sorry.”

“Miss Rainbow Dash taught me the lesson of loyalty, and now we’ve all learnt it, why argue when we can be supportive of each other?” I stepped forward, smiling back at Rainbow Dash.

YANK!

Scootaloo had leapt forward, biting my tail and pulling it once more, it snapped back and struck me yet again.

“Ouch! Scootaloo! WHY?”

“You called her miss again.” Scootaloo whispered to me, before smiling again at Sweetie Belle.

“You’re the prettiest pony in Ponyville Sweetie Belle.” Scootaloo smiled.

“I… thank you Scootaloo I – “

“You’re the prettiest pony in Ponyville Sweetie Belle.” Apple Bloom cheered.

“Apple Bloom thank you –“

“You’re the prettiest pony in Ponyville Sweetie Belle!”  Everypony else in the room stepped forward.

Sweetie Belle blushed as the compliments from all of her friends made her feel like she truly was the most beautiful pony in Ponyville.

“You’ll be a much better model than I was sweetie!”  Fluttershy stepped forward embracing Sweetie Belle. “I’m sure in the future you’ll grow up to be just as fabulous as your sister.” She whispered caringly.

Sweetie Belle probably doubted herself still back then, if only she knew just how fabulous she’d grow up to be.

“Oh I must get a beautiful framed photo of you Sweetie Belle!” Rarity wiped away a tear.

“But I’m not wearing a special dress or anything.” Sweetie Belle’s ears dropped. “How can I be pretty?”

“You don’t need a dress to be pretty Sweetie Belle, you’re perfect the way you are.” Rarity wiped a tear away from her sister’s face, hugging her tightly.

“It’s a good job you don’t have a dress Sweetie Belle remember what Fuzzy did to Rarity’s fashion parade dress.” I laughed at the memory. “Where is he anyway?”

“He’s over there just staring out the window.” Scootaloo pointed.

“Hm… I’ll go see if he’s okay.” I walked over to the tiny unusually quiet ferret.

“Now Sweetie Belle I must have a lovely photo of you on your birthday!” Rarity took the camera and used her hoof to adjust her sister’s mane slightly.

“Wait there’s something I need to wear!” Sweetie Belle quickly ran in to her room.

“Oh Sweetie no! I told you, you’re beautiful even without a dress, you don’t need – “ Rarity suddenly stopped as Sweetie Belle walked back in to the room.

“I think this item is pretty special though.” Sweetie Belle smiled as she wore the pink hat Rarity had made for her.

Rarity put her hoof to her mouth, smiling happily trying not to tear up again.

Meanwhile I was sat by the window. “Hey Fuzzy what’s up?” I asked the small ferret who was simply staring outside, upwards towards the sky. “Pal? Are you okay?”

Fuzzy simply stared, not moving a muscle, the blank expression could almost be one of fear.

“What’s out there Fuzzy?” I leaned out and stared up at the peaceful sky, I glanced down at the amulet on my neck, which now began to glow an unusual red. “What’s happening?” I panicked.

The light began to glow red and flash at a rapid rate, as if it was attempting to warn me about something, without thinking I took it off and threw it to the floor, at which point, the red glow quickly stopped, the centerpiece changed to it’s usual purple in an instant. “What is going on?” I looked down to the amulet and back to the sky. My panic was quickly interrupted by the loud cheers of everypony in the room. I hurriedly place the amulet back around my neck, pausing for a moment to ensure it didn't glow red.

“Three cheers for Sweetie Belle everypony!” Rainbow Dash hovered in the air, holding Sweetie Belle.

Everypony in the room cheered loudly.

I glanced back towards Fuzzy who had suddenly snapped out of his unusual state at the sound of the cheering, eagerly sniffing around before climbing up my hoof and on to my head. I decided to quickly join the others to ensure nopony suspected anything.

“Thank you all so much!” Sweetie Belle was almost shaking with happiness. “And thank you for the hat Rarity, you’re the best sister ever! I promise I’ll wear it every winter!”

“And I promise I’ll wear my green scarf every winter too.” I smiled, still nervously looking down at the amulet.

"You have something around your neck right now Flick, I've been noticing that all evening." Twilight squinted as she observed my amulet. "What is that? It looks like - "

"It's just a plain old necklace my friend Daisy Spring from Manehatten gave to me!" I grinned, trying to convince Twilight.

"It sure looks magical!" Twilight smiled playfully.

"It totally isn't!" I laughed, clearing my throat.

"Anyway birthday girl." Rarity stood up. “I think it’s time you saw how beautiful you really are.” Rarity looked lovingly down towards her sister.

“What do you mean?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Rarity scooped Sweetie Belle up in her hooves and lifted her up high, just enough so for the first time ever, Sweetie Belle could see herself in the mirror we had never once been able to gaze in to.

“Whoa…” Sweetie Belle admired her own reflection, the light reflecting off the jewels surrounding the giant mirror, making her mane and entire face sparkle, her white coat was gleaming she looked beautiful. “I look…"

“You’re beautiful.” Rarity smiled.

Sweetie Belle made eye contact with Rarity through the mirror, and returned the smile, glancing back at herself, her smile only growing wider, for a moment time seemed to stop, as both sisters stared in to the beautiful mirror.

“I’m proud of you all! You’ve really shown the true power of loyalty, to think a few months ago, you’d have probably all fallen out for days over this!” Rainbow Dash sighed contently. “I really taught you a good lesson!” She winked at me.

“We really are loyal to each other now Miss Rainbow Dash, we’ll always stay – “

"Again? Whoa I'm going to be doing this a lot..." Scootaloo muttered to herself.

YANK!

She had yanked my tail once more.

“GAH!” I cried in pain. “Scootaloo!”

“Every. Single. Time.” Scootaloo stared at me with determination.

I gulped, everypony else was too busy admiring Sweetie Belle to worry about my newfound dilemma with Scootaloo.

And so a while later, we did the usual birthday tradition.

“Rarity?” Sweetie Belle sat in front of her birthday cake, everypony had gathered around to watch.

“Yes Sweetie Belle?”

“Do you think I could be a model someday? For real?” She asked.

“You’re the prettiest pony in all of Equestria Sweetie Belle.” Rarity stroked her sister’s mane. “You can do anything you want.”

Sweetie Belle blew out the candles, her eyes tightly shut. “Maybe this wish will come true.” She smiled to herself.

The amulet around my neck began to glow purple once more, I quickly took it off my neck and cast it aside. "If I read Sweetie Belle's mind I'll know what her wish is and it wont come true." I spoke up to Fuzzy quietly so nopony else could hear me, I glanced back to my cousin who was now being hugged by Rarity. "And Sweetie Belle of all ponies deserves her dreams to come true."