Howdy ya'll, this here's Apple Bloom! I ain't never written in no journal before, but don't you be thinkin' I ain't as a good a writer as no other pony is. I'm a smart little filly, I promise! This'll be a burr under my sister's hyde, but Miss Cheerilee says I'm a better writer than she was when she was my age. Sorry, big sis! I reckon you got me now, but ain't for long and I'll be a better writer. I guess I owe it to AJ teaching me how to write so well. Maybe I'll get my cutie mark in writing! Eh, that'd be kinda boring come think of it, my mouth would be mighty plum tuckered. Anyway, I'm here to tell ya'll about the special mission my sis and her hubby AJ done assigned me.

"Remember to sell some apples, AB, just to make him think that's what yer there for in case he finds out," said my sister. She was standing right next her husband in the barn, who was sitting right there even though he's still taller than her sittin' there like that. I don't know about why their so uptight, I'd love to be a dragon. He's more fun than a barrel of monkeys to ride on, and with them teeth of his there ain't nothing to be afraid of. They're still the happiest pair I ever did see, just now when they give each other that lovey dovey stare they always give, he's a mite bit bigger and scalier. Though it would kinda bite the behind to be not talking, I gotta give them that one. I guess there's other stuff too I don't quite understand just yet, them being parents and all. But that ain't my concern. Nope, I'm just tryin' to help out my big sister and my big brother AJ. Uh, really big that is.

"I know sis, it was my idea remember?" I said. I am no baby. They gonna know it soon, too.

"I know, I know," she said with a sad face. That made me sad too. She may be super bossy sometimes, but she's a great sister. She loves me alright. The cute dragon put the bottom of his head right down on the top of hers. I reckon my sister talked you to death about him, but he sure is a nice feller, makes us all a mite happy bushel. He's fun to play with. I ain't never been too big a fan of their mushey, but my sister sure is happy around him. And he got the biggest crush on her, let me tell you.

"I'll be alright, Applejack. Ain't that right AJ?" I said as he turned and looked at me.

"Rawwrgg," he replied. I'm sorry but he sure is funny when he trys to talk, friendly as he is. I giggled. I was hoping he'd make some noise.

"Apple Bloom!" said my granny from behind me. She and Big Mac were standing right there, I was gettin' the sendoff from the whole family. I remembered it was a mighty big chore for me, and it wasn't no laughing matter. My big sister was counting on me, and so was her husband. The whole family was countin' me. So I threw my gigglin' away.

"Right, sorry," I said, while Big Macintosh hooked me up to the cart harness.

"It's a half hour past high noon, AB. You could take the three o'clock train, but you better go on hoof just be safe, 'cause ain't no one gonna see you if you walk. It's a long walk, sis. That'll put you in Canterlot come evenin'. Big Macintosh and I'll go to that town meeting tonight, we just gotta hide AJ until you tell Twilight. Can ya manage that honey? Can you stay in here the rest of the day?" she said to him. He shook his head up and down. She looked at me again, and took a big breath. She was a little bit scared. I don't blame her. I may have been the teenyist bit scared too.

"It ain't gonna be that bad sis," I said, throwing my hoof out at her.

"In truth, we don't know what yer gonna find out there. You may trot right on up to Twilight, or you may have to deal with spies, or you-know-who himself. Just don't be scared, sweetheart. AJ here's gonna take the punishment," she said, as they looked at each other sadly. I knew I couldn't disappoint them, and it was startin' to feel heavier, this whole journey of mine. I can't let my family down.

"Apple Bloom," said my sister, hugging her husband's head while they both looked at me. "Just know whether you succeed 'er fail, we're all a mite proud of you for tryin'."

"I won't let ya'll down, I promise," I said to them all.

"When you tell Twilight, don't tell her the name, describe who it is and make sure she doesn't say it neither, just to be careful," she added. I hadn't thought of that. It was smart though. I was mighty eager to get going. Those two have been on some adventures for the ages, best bedtime stories you ever did hear. But I ain't never been a part of 'em until now. Now this was my chance to have an adventure of my own and show them I ain't a filly no more. "Ya know sis, this ain't just us. This is all Equestria we're talkin'. You pull this off, and, well... I hope that ain't too much pressure."

"It ain't," I said. It did make me a bit scareder. C'mon Apple Bloom... don't let it get to ya now! Equestria... That ain't too much pressure. I still got this. My big sister gave me a sad smile.

"Look at you. Yer growin' up. You ain't the baby anymore," she said, while AJ nustled his neck over top of her and purred. She used to be lookin' over my shoulder all the time. I used to hate it too, treating me like a baby. But now I that I finally earned her respect, I almost miss her looking over me. I know she loves me alright. I guess she always will look over me in a way. But only when I really need her.

"I better get goin'," I said. I was all hitched up and ready to go.

She and AJ looked at each other all lovey dovey again, though even I can't say I don't think it's mighty cute sometimes. Sometimes. AJ especially sure is cute when he ain't in protective mode.

"Good luck youngin'," said my granny, who walked up and gave me a hug. Not long and I felt Big Macintosh on me too. It made me feel mighty good to know my family loves me so much. I just wish Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo could come with me. When it was AJ's turn, he stuck his big ol' blue eyes right in front of me. They were full of love, alright. I could see how weary they were too though, poor feller. He was coming weeks of mighty frustration. Though we sure had a lot of fun together in the sky. I wouldn't tell him this, but he might even be more fun to play with now than he was when he was a human. He let me pet the top of his head, he always likes that. But sometimes I gots to be careful not to treat him too much like Winona.

After AJ got his bit in, all that was left was my big sister. We didn't say even nothing. But we didn't have to. She walked up and gave me a great big hug, the longest of any of my family. I could tell she was proud of me and she loved me, but was just sad too. I ain't used to her bein' quiet like that. It just made me that much more ready to go out there and help them. She's taken care of me my whole life, now it was my turn to take care of her and AJ.

She went back to her husband and they comforted each other. They looked at Applejack's belly and thought about their new foal. I sure was excited to be an aunt. But I could see a tear or two in my sister's eyes as they looked back over at me. That Discord is just a big ninny. I'll make it up to my sister and AJ. It's kinda funny. Up until right then I had been mighty eager to get going, but now I felt like I wanted to stay there and be with them, let them take care of me. In my heart I knew I couldn't have none of that though. I waved 'em all goodbye and head out the barn doors. My first big adventure was rollin' on down.

For such an important day, it sure was a nice one. We had the leaves changing on the trees and our orchard was as bright as Rainbow Dash's tail, and to go with that we had a bright blue sky and little white clouds. I pulled that heavy cart of apples right out of Sweet Apple Acres gate, and guess who was standing there; my two best friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo! I was happy to see him, but I couldn't be tellin' them what I was up to. I felt bad but I knew I was gonna have to snub 'em. Aw, dag nabbit. It darn near killed me not bein' allowed to tell them about AJ. We'd have so much fun on his back together! Though I guess it wouldn't be good. My sister would say we're turnin' him into a kiddy ride or something.

"Howdy Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle!" I said. I kept walkin', and they followed along.

"Watcha' doing Apple Bloom?" said Sweetie Belle. She's a filly whiter than snow. She's Rarity's little sister.

"We told you we were coming over after school," said Scootaloo. She's a orangey filly with a pink-purply mane and tail.

"And I told ya'll I couldn't do nothin' today. I gots apples to sell," I said. I kept on pullin' down the road through the farm and they kept right on behind on either side.

"They're letting you sell apples all by yourself?" cried Scootaloo.

"They sure are," I said. I said it proud, though in the bottom of my heart I knew there was more to it, and it was a lot harder than that.

"Congratulations!" said Sweetie Belle.

"Thanks," I said. I really wish they could with me right then. I didn't wanna be alone no more, and they are some special friends they are. I thought about telling 'em. I wonder if I tell just them? That wouldn't hurt none, would it? Then I remembered my promise. I told my sister I'd do it alone, and give her husband a fighting chance at being what he was before again. Scootaloo especially, she ain't the best at keeping secrets. She'd wanna tell the ponies in our class. Then before I knew it, Discord would hear his name and that'd be it.

"We were gonna go maybe spy on the waterhole down where the dragon was, but maybe we'll just go later when you're done. Can we come?" said Scootaloo. I rolled my eyes. I knew that was comin'. They thought AJ was a bad dragon. But that ain't the real reason I rolled my eyes, that's on account of them asking to come with me.

"Uh, I don't think so girls, sorry," I said. Ughhh. I felt right sorry for them. Once this is all over I can tell them all about it! I could hardly wait. I knew I had to though. We started making our way down the big hill, the last part of our farm out front. I knew they was gonna ask why I wasn't going into town once we got to the bottom and I took the side road. I didn't hear nothing from them, I figured they was looking at each other behind my back. I just kept walking.

"Everything ok Apple Bloom?" said Sweetie Belle. Her pa named her well, she meant it. But she ain't getting in on this adventure.

"Eeyup," I said, just like my big brother.

"You hiding something from us?" said Scootaloo walking up in front of me and giving me the eyeball.

"Eenope," I replied. We reached the bottom of the hill, that was the last daggum part of the trip I'd be walking downhill. Sure as daylight they was all surprised.

"Where are you going?" asked Sweetie Belle.

"I'm goin' to Canterlot," I said. Sure as we grow apples, it was the truth! They didn't need to know the big reason why I was goin' there though. They couldn't believe their little pony ears.

"You're family is letting you go to Canterlot by yourself?" cried Scootaloo as they both stopped in front of me.  

"Eeyup," I said. I just walked right on through 'em, leaving them with their mouths open and dumb.

"Why don't you just take the train?" they asked.

They was starting to hurt me with all these questions. I didn't like these sorts of questions. I felt bad not being able to tell them. We've been crusadin', schoolin', and all sorts of stuff together. We're like three peas in a pod. But my sister and her hubby got priority. So does the rest of Equestria, for that matter. I knew this was better for 'em then they realized.

"Listen girls, I got lots of apples to be sellin', but I promise we'll go crusadin' when I get back," I said. I reckon they didn't much like that. They knew I wasn't myself. I'm sorry girls, but that's too daggone bad.

"Apple Bloom, what's wrong? Is everything alright back at the farm?" asked Scootaloo. She was right concerned now. Wouldn't expect my friend to be any less. But I just kept on walkin'. "You know, we didn't wanna say anything, but ponies in town are starting to wonder about you guys. Nobody's seen AJ in weeks. You and your family are being super mysterious. Where's AJ?"

I ain't sure why exactly, but that made me a mite ornery. I don't like hearing my family talked about like that. Ain't never do I get angry unless my family is involved. My sister ain't no bad guy, she's the best sister in the world, and I wanna be just like her. And she got a real sweet husband.

"AJ is back at the farm with my sis where he belongs. And with him is where she belongs," I said angrily, walking straight ahead. That cart was already gettin' a teeny bit heavier, but in my mood I couldn't tell no difference. I ain't sure how they reacted bein' they was still behind me, I reckon it was with concern bein' their my friends, but I was too focused to care. Up until right then, we'd been fine and dandy, me and them. We just play and do all kinds of fun stuff together, we don't normally talk about the fam and that kinda stuff. Though they were mighty curious about AJ when he first got here. They were used to him by now though.

"Apple Bloom, I'm just saying," I heard Scootaloo say from behind me, "if you don't want ponies to have the wrong idea about your sister, then -"

"You don't know NOTHIN about my sister, Scootaloo," I said. I hit the breaks and gave her the stare. "My sister and her hubby are the nicest folks in the whole world, and I don't give a cow's rear end what other ponies think."  

"FINE," she cried. She didn't much like that. "You don't wanna tell me? Fine. I mean it's not like we're best friends or anything. Come on Sweetie Belle."

Well, as my sister might say my heart took a trip down south. My best friend stormed off towards Ponyville leaving the both of us behind. I didn't mean to snap at her like that. I knew it wasn't her fault. I just hate hearin' bad stuff about my family. Especially my sister. For a second there I wanted to cry, but Sweetie Belle staying there helped. She looked like she wanted to cry too. She hates seein' us that way.

"I'm sorry Apple Bloom. I don't know what's got into her," she said sadly. The two of us stood there in the road together for a moment. I waited a bit before I talked again.

"I'm sorry too," I said. These are my best friends we're talkin'. It ain't easy putting them through anything, even if it's for the best. I thought long and hard. I knew I could trust my friends. Applejack always told me that my friends were the most important thing in the world, right after family. I could hear her voice up inside my head. Trust yer friends with all yer heart, sis. They got yer back in anything. I already wished they could go with me. I knew they couldn't come with me, but I couldn't send Sweetie away with nothin' either.

"Listen Sweetie Belle," I said, and she looked up right and ready. "Ya can't tell this to no one, but this here's a top secret mission I'm goin' on. I'm goin' to Canterlot to see Twilight. My family is dependin' on me with all they got. And Equestria may be too. And I know you wanna hear more, but ya can't right now. Not till it's done."

Well I knew that was gonna hit her like a brick outhouse. Poor Sweetie Belle, she had these big ol' eyes. She was mighty scared. I reckon she was thinkin' hard on what she just got. She also wasn't saying nothin'.

"Sorry Sweetie Belle, but I got to get goin'," I said. Finally she burst.

"Wait Apple Bloom! You can't just tell me that and leave!"

"I tell you any more and I risk the mission! I promise I'll tell ya'll all about it when I can. Ya'll are gonna love some of it! But I gotta do this for my sister, and I can't tell ya anymore. You gotta trust me Sweetie Belle! Tell Scootaloo I'm sorry," I said. I felt a bit better now that she knew at least somethin'. I hoped my sister wouldn't be mad at me for spillin' some of the beans. She told me to trust my best friends though. I still didn't feel good though. I had the whole mission in front of me, and I was all by myself.

"Are AJ and Applejack ok? Are they in trouble?" she said. She stood right smack in front of me and put her face right up close to mine. She was an eager one alright.

"Applejack is fine, it's mostly just AJ," I said.

"Aww no, he's so sweet!" she pleaded. I rolled my eyes a little bit.

"I think AJ's fine," I replied. I wish I was a dragon. Then again I ain't no pa, either. "He's... different, that's for sure, but mostly it's somethin' else that's kinda a big deal, and that's what I need to tell Twilight."

"Is this secret mission dangerous?" she asked.

"Well... probably not for me, but we don't really know, see. I just gotta go to Canterlot, sell some apples, and deliver a secret a message to Princess Twilight. The apples are more of a diversion."

"Diversion from what?"

I went to tell her the whole darn story, but thankfully I caught myself. I wasn't too happy, either. At least she didn't know about Discord or AJ bein' a dragon.

"Aw shoot Sweetie Belle, you done made me tell you more than I should have! I can't tell ya'll!"  

"Well why not let me and Scootaloo come with you? We'll help you! Please Apple Bloom!" she cried.

Hmmm... I thought for a second. It did sound kinda nice. I love being with my friends, and I ain't one to say no to help. I also wanted to impress my sister and the rest of the family. Plus, I'd have to make up with Scootaloo, and I was tryin' to get the hay outta Ponyville.

"That's sweet Sweetie Belle. But I think I gots to do this myself," I said. Poor filly, she just wanted to help. This was all hurting me a hay of lot more than I thought it would. I thought I was goin' to Canterlot with no trouble. Now I was hurting my friends. I didn't want none of this.

"But we can-"

"Don't tell nopony," I said, cutting her off. I had to get goin', I knew that much. "You can tell Scootaloo, but make sure she doesn't say nothin' either."  

Sweetie Belle looked mighty sadly at me. Water was coming up through her eyes like a well. She was a mite cut. Ohh! Apple Bloom you stupid ! I went to put my hoof around her, but she took off in a canter the other way.

"Sweetie Belle! I'm sorry!"  

It was too late. She ran away like a jackrabbit on a field of hot coals. Gosh darnit! I done managed to make both of my best friends upset. I didn't mean to! I felt worse than a basset hound on a rainy day. I ain't never felt lonlier than I did right then and there while I watched her run away. I wish I'd said yes, daggone it. I didn't help myself none. I just made myself mighty sad. But my big sis is still countin' on me. I breathed in a good bit of air and lifted my hooves on towards that big mountain where Canterlot is. That cart of apples sure was heavy.

It ain't no easy walk to Canterlot for a little mare like me. It's nearly all uphill, and that darn cart of apples was a load. For most of the walk, the sun was beatin' down on me like a bully and I was sweatin' like a prize pig in a sonna. Thank Celestia it at least moved more and more towards the west the further I got along. It wasn't even that hot, summertime's over. But I guess haulin' something heavy around for a long time doesn't it help it none. Finally I reached the bottom of that mountain about four or so, and walkin' forward got even harder as that cart got even heavier. I didn't think growing up would be so hard! Bein' an Apple, hard work is our family's bread and butter, so I wasn't no stranger to stuff like this. But this was a chore I ain't never been assigned. I'm strong, but I ain't as strong as Big Macintosh for Pete's sake. C'mon Apple Bloom, this is for Applejack and her hubby.

My sister was right at least. I didn't see hardly no pony on the road, seein' as how they all take the train into Canterlot. Maybe if I don't look at the mountain, it won't seem so big! I started thinking aboutwhat my classmates were doing. I thought if Pipsqueak could see me what he might say, that rascal of little palomino colt. He sure is a cutie though. Then I started to think about what it'd be like to be a dragon. He sure was fun to be around when he was a human. Now he's so much fun I can hardly stand it! I reckon it'd be right selfish of me though to not help him just cause he's a lot of fun in his new outfit. That's why I went on this here trip, to help him and to help Equestria. My big sister loves him so much that anythin' I do for him I do for her. But I love him too, he deserves my help just by himself.

I thought about this one time before she met AJ I took a delivery of pies to this group of ponies real far away. Applejack was driving me crazy how much she was babyin' me. I hated it! But she actually ended up savin' me when I was in trouble, and from then on she's been bushels better. I know she was just doin' that cause she loves me though. It almost makes me feel bad, seein' as how I was basically angry at her for lovin' me. But I don't have to be no baby for her to love me. I remember wishin' she'd been with me right before she did come that night I got myself into a real pickle delivering them pies. I wish she was right by my side now too, helpin' me up the mountain. I wished Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle were with me too. But I knew none of them was comin', and I was on my own.

When I was a little ways up the mountain, I looked back over yonder and saw Ponyville. It wasn't near as cool as when I saw it from AJ's back, but it was still somethin'. I hope AJ's alright. He's just gotta hold out a few more hours tops. He was mighty frustrated with Discord and not bein' able to go into town with my sister. I just hoped he wasn't too rowdy. Save maybe a couple times, I ain't never really seen him angry before. He ain't no easy sight when he's angry as a dragon. It's funny cause he's mighty cute all the other times. It made me feel right good knowing that he had total confidence in me. Even though I was dog tired, I still had confidence in myself going up that mountain. See now, usually Twilight lives in Ponyville. Only recently has she been spendin' her time in Canterlot, doin' planning stuff with the other princesses and what not. I know because she lets me, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle go over to her house! So if ya'll ever need any favors from the princess herself, I'm your pony.

I looked up, finally I was almost there! Good thing too, I was plum tuckered already. I'd been walking for hours, and it was into the early evening. But I still had the last stretch, it was no picknick. I just gotta sell some apples in the city and then I make my way up to Twilight. There wasn't no problems yet. I still wondered about Discord, though. I got an uneasy feeling walking up there. I reckoned if he knew I was there, I woulda known it. But I knew there was a big showdown a comin'. Even if I did tell Twilight, no problems, that was only half of it. Then the Princesses would have to take care of Discord. I had a feeling AJ was gonna be a big part in it too. And my sister. But none of that was possible if I didn't tell Twilight. I knew I had one humdinger of an important job. Lookin' over that valley and seeing all of Equestria was no help in the pressure neither. Don't give up now Apple Bloom! It always helps me to think of my sister, sitting there all happy with her husband.

When I finally made it to city, I entered on in through the gate. There was ponies of all sorts, mares and stallions, all kinds of different colors, but most of them were unicorns and all of them were wearing mighty fancy stuff. They sure look super uptight to be sellin' apples to. I'm gonna stand out like an orange in an apple tree! I looked around for any sign of Discord, but I didn't see nothin'. He's a scary one, that Discord. I was awful close to Twilight, but that made me all the more nervous. Deep breaths Apple Bloom. I got so nervous and I forgot how tired I was. I'd made it all that way with no trouble. Wait a second... I made it. I made it! I got a big ol' smile on my face. Applejack was gonna be a mite proud of me! Now I just gotta sell some apples just in case he's watchin' me.

It was late in the day, probably after dinner for some ponies, but I thought it'd be a nice time to sell some apples. Maybe make a little money for the family on the side. I walked in a little further, and I wasn't exactly gettin' the welcome wagon from everypony. I betcha these ponies had more money in their back pocket than we make in a month. Apparently that makes some of them think they don't deserve to look at little farmin' filly like me. Well I'm still gonna try. It's salespony time! I'm a good apple seller, I promise! Sometimes I just have off days in front of Applejack and then she bans me for a while. I can sell anything to anypony.

"Howdy!" I called to a pony couple walking the other way. Too late, but after I called out they looked like the most stuck up pair in the whole bushel. He was a poshy grey unicorn with a green shirt, and she was an earring-havin' pink dress-wearin' yellow unicorn with a streaky mane. They looked down at me like I was some kinda snake or somethin'. "Wanna buy some apples? Fresh from the farm, 100% country!"

"Country?  You, my dear, are in the wrong city to be selling that pig's feed," she said a super fancy accent. I couldn't believe my ears.

"Pig's feed? Why, I'll show you pig's feed!" Alright, maybe I can't sell anything to anypony. I was ready to wrestle them to kingdom come, but suddenly I heard a friendly, country voice behind me.

"Hey Apple Bloom! How ya doin'?"

I turned around, it was none other than my cousin Hayseed Turnip Truck! He's a mighty friendly stallion, white and wears a hat with a turnip on it. Mighty country too, just what I needed to see. He was an awful odd sight in Canterlot though.

"Howdy Hayseed? What ya'll doin' here?" I said, as he ran up to give me a hug, harness and all.

"I'm washin' some windows," he said. Even for me and Applejack, he's got a heavy accent alright. "Good to see ya'll! How's the family? I'll take some apples," he said. He started to pull some bits out, but we don't charge family nothin.

"No problem Hayseed! Don't worry about no money, we got ya covered," I said. We was gettin'  some dirty looks from some of those fancy ponies, I don't think he noticed it none to be honest. But I didn't care none, I was happy to be with own family. "Here ya go!"

I gave him half a peck of the best apples I could find. We talked a little bit, then he took to the train station to head on back home. He's just what I needed, a little family confidence. But when he left I was back on my own again. I tried selling more apples, and I only made thirty dollars in that there city. A lot of them ponies are some kinda snobby. It was getting close to sunset when I knew it was almost time to go on to the castle and tell Twilight. There was no sign of Discord or nothing. I was startin' to feel pretty good about it. There were only a few ponies left on the streets, most of them had gone home for the evening.

"Hey, you wanna buy some apples? Freshly bucked off the tree, get him right here!" I called to one young white mare. She gave me the stinkeye too, though. I stopped runnin' after her, and took a deep breath. I suddenly remembered how worn to shreds I was. That's when I turned around and saw three stallions standing right there in front of me. Each one of them had their eyes on me, and let me tell you somethin', they wasn't lookin' too friendly, even with them smiles. The middle stallion stood right smack in front of me. He was a little older than Big Macintosh I reckon. He was dark blue with yellowish eyes, and he was wearing a tux. The other two stallions on either side of him were both white, but the one on the right had a blonde mane and the one on the left had a black one. They was wearing tuxes too.

"Uh, buy some apples?" I said nervously. That middle stallion looked back at the two of his friends with a dirtly little smile, I reckoned he was the leader.

"Nah, we're not too hungry," he said with a sharky grin.

"Uh... then what can I do for ya'll?" I said. He smirked back at his boys. I was mighty uneasy. I wished my sister or my friends or my sister's husband especially was there with me right then. They didn't look like they was talkin' just to be nice.

"What can you do for us?" he asked, smilin' down at me. "Hmm. You're awfully young to be selling apples in Canterlot by yourself, don't you think?" he said. He was talking to me like I was a baby, and I didn't like it one bit.

"I'm plenty old enough, thank you! My family sent me," I said proudly. Well I wasn't too proud when all he did was look back and laugh at me with his stallions.

"Well, my boys here and I are a little interested in you. You see, you match a description that our boss said to be on the lookout for. Now little girl, we think it's sweet that you're family sent you here all by yourself, but we're afraid we can't let you stay in Canterlot any longer. See when you get older, you'll learn about getting paid, and my boss makes money in the palm of his claw. Maybe one day you'll learn why that's the best kind of boss there is!" he said, and the three of them laughed together.

Well, I was a mite scared now. I knew it'd been too good to be true. Discord ain't no dummy after all, paying these birdbrains to see that I or Big Mac or Granny Smith or my sister don't go nowhere near that castle. I was just happy it wasn't Discord himself. I felt awful small right then, but I couldn't let my sister down. I felt a crop of courage in me.

"Ya'll ain't so tough! If I wanna stay here a little longer, I will thank you very much," I said.

Those three ponies got some nasty laughter. They broke out again, and it cut me pretty deep. I noticed the number of townsponies around us was goin' down, and it was getting near sunset. Pretty soon, it was gonna be dark, and I knew getting by those castle guards was gonna be tough as soon as dark came around. But not as tough as these three.

"You better call the master, I don't think we can handle her," said the middle stallion. Those three cackled something awfully obnoxious. "You know what? We should just tell her the master's secret while we're at it!"

As those three laughed and I felt like a baby worm, I saw two more stallions in tuxes walk up on either side of them, looking at me with snubby smiles. Applejack! Scootaloo! Sweetie Belle... somepony help me! I felt so scared. I had no chance against five of them. I'm talking big, full grown stallions. Meaner than rattlesnakes to boot.

"You wouldn't wanna meet my sister's husband!" I cried. It was mighty desperate, the only I had. But I said it.

"Listen kid," said the middle stallion, as they all stopped laughing and suddenly got mighty serious. "We don't want hurt anypony, especially little fillies. Go home, and we won't have to. You understand?"

"Go somewhere other than home, kid. You don't wanna be in Ponyville tonight," said one of the stallions on the side, and they all chuckled.

"But-" I cried, but right as I said it, those two late stallions stepped up and made a wall in front of me with the other three, just as the middle one cut me off while I was talkin'.

"Go home little filly. I won't tell you again."

I felt worse than I ever had in my whole life. I knew I didn't have a chance against the five of them by myself. I felt my body turning on around all by itself and pulling that cart back towards the gate. I ... failed! Those mean stallions had ruined my whole day. I wanted to cry my eyes out. I came all this way and for nothin. I let Applejack down. I let AJ down. I let all of Equestria down. I looked back at them from the ground, my head was so low. There they stood, watching me all the way out with them smiles of theirs. I couldn't fight my tears none. I think their right. I am just a little baby filly. I ain't grown up at all.  

I knew I couldn't carry that cart all the way back. I wasn't sure I could make it to the train station, the way my legs were given out from underneath me. My heart was so sore in my stomach I thought I might die right then and there. The worst thought of all was goin' back and tellin' my sister. Seein' her look from me to her husband, broken hearted. Hugging each other for comfort in their tears. Giving me that look that it was ok cause I'm just a little filly. I thought I was gonna do it for her, for all of Equestria. I looked over the valley and saw that sun just about to set. There were even a couple stars out. Then I saw my sisters sad face again in my head and I fell down to the ground, harness and all, crying my eyes out.

"I'm sorry Applejack, I'm sorry AJ," I cried into the cold stone. That's when I heard it.

"Apple Bloom," said the voice of my sister.

"Applejack?"

I looked up, but I didn't see her nowhere. That's when I knew she was talking to me in the heart. Suddenly I felt like I was back in the barn. I could remember her looking at me with those kind eyes, her husband standing all cute beside her, loving me with his own blue eyes. "Just know whether you succeed 'er fail, we're all a mite proud of you for trying."

"But I failed! I can't get by those ponies! I can't tell Twilight! You've done so much for me Applejack, I just wanted to do something for you and AJ."

I don't know why I said that, seein' this was just me remembering it. It was a little different though, cause my sister talked back.

"It's not about succeeding or failing sweetheart! Love and friendship is about tryin'. An' you tried real hard! Ain't not a lot of ponies can say they've got a sister that tried as hard as you did for them. My beloved AJ is right proud of you too! What ya did for him, ya did for me!"  

As she and her husband looked at me, I don't know what happened, it was like I wasn't sad no more, and I felt kinda happy. Then I felt super happy! I could feel my sister's love in my heart, and her husband's too. I don't know why, but it was like I woke up from a real quick dream right then. I was back on the stone, still laying face flat. But I knew what I had to be doin'. I had one last thing to try hard at. I was weak and tired alright, but I was just stronger enough to get up and get that harness off me. I threw that thing off me and galloped back with just myself just as the sun went all the way down. I knew I ain't tried hard enough just yet for my sister and her hubby.

I galloped on back to those five stallions. They were standing in a circle talking to each other the same place they told me off. They turned and saw me and walked back into a wall, and they wasn't too happy, though they was amused by my comin' back. I ain't never been more scared in my life then I was right then. I knew I wasn't gonna get around them either. But I knew I loved my sister and my family, and I wasn't gonna turn around for nothing else. I was gonna give all I had.

That leader stallion smirked like a snake, and I felt my fear comin' up hard. I took a big gulp.

"You know there's no guards out at this part of the city? But, if you wanna go back to Ponyville in a locked trunk, then ok! Let's do this the hard way," he said.

Those guys stood up a little straighter as we stared each other down. I felt my heart sinking all the way down. I was my sister was here! That's when I heard it. Not my sis, but close enough.

"You won't lay a hoof on her, blowhard!"

It was the voice of my best friend! Er, one of them. It was Scootaloo! I whipped my head around faster than a whip in July. She ran up from behind me and came to stand right beside me.

"What are you doin' here?" I cried. Don't get me wrong though, I was more than happy to see her.

"Sweetie Belle told me what you said. I'm really sorry Apple Bloom," she said. She was a mite shamed of herself, but I was having none of it. I just wrapped myself all around her for a big ol' hug. It was a mighty good one too, until we heard a howlin' laughter from the five stallions. Scootaloo was not amused one bit.

"What do you know?" I asked her.

"Everything you told Sweetie Belle, but if all that's true then it's not important right now. You gotta get past these guys and get to Twilight. You can't take the road, the guards will never let you in at this time of night. Those cliffs over there aren't guarded though. You might have to climb up the mountain side to get to the towers. It's steep, but you can do it."

I turned around and remembered them. I was happy to have Scootaloo. And she's a tough cookie mind you. But she wasn't much against them five. I took a breath. I looked at her while she eyed those stallions like a chargin' bull. I love her to death, but she was a mite bit optomistic.

"You didn't have to come here ya know," I said.

"Come on Apple Bloom! You didn't think we'd leave you hanging?" said the orange pegasus with a smirk.

"We?"  Scootaloo gave me a smile bigger than, well I don't even know.

"Over here guys!" she said.

In the light one of them streetlamps, out of the dark came Sweetie Belle, followed by my friends from Miss Cheerilee's class; Pipsqueak, Twist, Featherweight, Sun Glimmer, Shady Daze, Piña Colada, and eight other members of her class came through.

"Pipsqueak at your service, Apple Bloom!" said Pipsqueak, and I may have blushed just a little bit. I looked over and saw somepony I couldn't believe who was one of the other eight.

"I'm only here because I heard AJ may be in trouble, and well, you know how I feel about him. But you're not lame either," said Diamond Tiara. She's a super rich, sometimes super-snobby purple filly in our class too. Up until recently, she'd been a big bully. I couldn't get her to be nice no matter what I tried. But AJ helped me one day, he gave her a bucket a compliments and ever since then she's a had a little crush on him all the while being nice to me! I'll take it.

The leader stallion growled at all my friends. He wasn't happy about it at all. He was a little scared, too, though he wouldn't dare admit it. The other stallions stood close together, they wasn't smiling either.

"Should we call the master?" said one of them.

"What, and tell him we can't handle a bunch of kids?" he snarled. "No, absolutely not."

"I'd say you better," said Scootaloo. She's the fearless one. Though of course if she knew who his master was she wouldn't be saying that.

"We have to fight them?" said Diamond Tiara.

"Is it true that Equestria could be in danger?" said Twist (she got a little lisp when she talks). She was definitely a little scared, I think we all were.

"I'm afraid so," I said.

"No more questions, guys. Apple Bloom's got a secret mission, and we don't need to know what it is, we just need to help her past these five jerks," said Scootaloo. She was crouched in battle mode.

Suddenly there was a silence. I'm talkin' dead silence. You could hear the hay drop from Applejack's mouth. Both sides watched each other. We were the only ones in the street. It was sixteen of us and five of them. It was looking a whole lot better for me than it just was, but this battle hadn't even started. We knew there was a heck of fight in front of us. I just hope they didn't hurt none of my friends. I couldn't believe they was all doing this just for me. They was mighty scared though. I reckon they knew from Sweetie Belle how important this here mission was.

"Come on!" cried Scootaloo. I couldn't believe my eyes. She ran out from our group by herself and charged the five stallions. It took us a second to go after her, but we did. The rest of us fifteen took off towards her too. Well, fourteen. Diamond Tiara stayed behind, she was too scared. We was running straight into our fear, but we was brave alright. I ain't never been more excited in my life. I knew Applejack was back in Ponyville, and I wasn't gonna disappoint her. I was gonna try my hardest.

"Don't let her get away!" said the leader stallion to his boys. He was pointing right at me.

Us fifteen slammed into those five stallions in a cloud of dust. I reckon we put two, three fillies or colts for each one of them. It wasn't no long battle. A couple of the stallions got dragged down, but a couple others knocked some of my friends right out. They wasn't too hurt though from what I could see. I gave the stallion on the right a good buck in his hindquarters, and he fell right on down. I saw the castle just up yonder from where we were. I took off running, but stepping right in front of me was that lead stallion, looking angrier than a wet hen and growling like a lion. He reached for me but I ran right under his legs and took off towards the castle.

I ran harder than a Saddlerabian stallion in a desert marethon. I was scared out of my mind. Applejack! Help me! The leader stallion was hard on my heels, and he was possessed by somethin'. I just ran on forward. I passed a dozen street lights or so before I turned the corner. There's the castle! It was outlined by the night sky and the stars. The most important ten minutes of my life so far were underway.

"Twilight!!!" I called. My voice doesn't do much to that castle unfortunately. I looked behind. The lead stallion was right there like a demon horse. He was close to catchin' me.