One day, while the Cutie Mark Crusaders were trying to find their very own cutie marks, they accidentally stumbled into the Everfree Forest. There they found three oddly shaped fruits, with swirly patterns all over them. Naturally, they took the fruits to the one pony, or rather zebra, who knew most about things outside Ponyville.
Zecora needed but one look at the "fruits" to know what they were: Devil Fruits! Looking through a book she had on the subject, she informed them of how the fruits could gift extraordinary abilities to whoever consumed them, although it's impossible to know what kind of abilities until you chow them down.
"But remember, this gift comes with a terrible cost,
Your ability to swim will forever be lost!"
But as Zecora turned back to face the three fillys, the fruits were gone, and only the three little ponies with crumbs around their mouths remained, looking rather shocked.
"What was that you said about swimming?" Applebloomsaid with an uneasy voice. But before Zecora could answer, the three ponies started to glow, and suddenly a bright flash bathed the hut in light. As the light faded, something had changed. The three "blank flanks" were blank no more.
"Would'ya look at that!", Applebloom exclaimed. "We finally got our Cutie marks!!"
But they soon found out they got more than mere Cutie marks. They each found out they had gained powers far beyond normal ponies, being able to control, manipulate and even transform into various elements of nature!
Sweetie Bell had gained control of ice, Scootaloo could control lava and magma, and Applebloom… Applebloom found herself being able to control light itself!
That was then. Now, our three ponies serve as leaders of the Equestrian army, second only to Princess Celestia herself.