Sparkle Dash Family: TMP Stories

Chapters

Second Summer Sun Celebration
Milkshakes
Bottom of the Barrel
Foal Troubles
Adoption Joy
Maybe
Cooking Mama
Uplifted
Meet the Parents (Part 1)
Discovery
Sleepy
Experiments
Relaxing
The Fall of the Crystal Empire
Apple Pie
Mini Matchmakers
The Talk
Wait, Who Made Dinner?!
Remembrance
One Year Too Late (Sparkle Army)
One Year Later (Rainbow Army)
One Year Later (The Battle of Town Hall)
Tomorrow is the Anniversary
Where We Were
A Year in the Life
A Year Older a Year Wiser
Bookends
Coin Toss
A Labor of Love
Tribute
Sparkle Dash Family: The Musical
Mare Do Well: Year One (Equestria 616 Universe)
Cutie Mark Crusaders: Warriors of Love (Mahou Shoujo Sweetie Belle Universe)
A Whole New World (Archmagus Universe)
First Job

Second Summer Sun Celebration

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt # 362: One year after they met, the mane six attend another Summer Sun Celebration.

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Ponyville was absolutely bustling with activity. The small town had been chosen once again to host Princess Celestia’s Summer Sun Celebration, due mainly to the fact that the festivities had been cut short last year by the appearance of Nightmare Moon. Everypony was doing their part; decorating the town, baking treats, or preparing the music that would play during the celebration.

Normally these tasks would have been accomplished with much more haste than they were. This was due to the fact that five of the ponies who would normally be at the forefront of these preparations had politely declined to participate, stating that they had a more pressing previous engagement. The ponies who heard this were more than a little confused. After all, what could be more important than setting up a festival for one of their Princesses?

“C’mon Rarity, we gotta hurry up and get these decorations set up before she comes back!” Applejack complained, watching as the snowy unicorn delicately levitated one end of a banner in place.

“Now now Applejack, you mustn’t rush a lady! Everything must be perfect after all!” Rarity said. She made minute adjustments to the banner, narrowing her eyes as she tried to make sure it was perfectly placed.

“Oh for the love of... Rarity stop sweatin the small stuff and help me finish settin’ up the rest of these decorations!” Applejack grunted, pointing a hoof to the box full of decorations that had yet to be used.

Rarity shot a glare at Applejack. The orange mare simply returned the look, not seeming to be fazed. A second passed in silence, before a smile slowly crossed both mares’ faces.

“Alright Applejack. Just don’t forget that sometimes ‘sweatin’ the small stuff’ is just what’s needed.” Rarity said as she finally hung the banner against the wall.

Applejack gave a laugh and slung a foreleg around Rarity’s neck. “Now how could I ever forget that? If we had more time you know I wouldn’t be harpin on ya sugarcube.”

Rarity rolled her eyes, still smiling good naturedly. “Oh I very much doubt that Applejack. I swear, sometimes I think it’s just in your very nature to drive me up a wall.”

“Awww, ya know I only do it cause I love ya!” Applejack joked. The two shared another small smile and begun to dig through the box of decorations.

SSC

In the kitchen, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were busy baking enough pastries to feed a company of the Royal Guard. Or at least one hungry Pinkie Pie.

Pinkie Pie was singing a song as she put the finishing touches on a small cake. It was divided into six colors; orange, white, yellow, blue, pink, and purple. Each side of the cake was adorned with her friend’s cutie marks.

A little ways down the counter Rainbow Dash grit her teeth as Pinkie Pie launched into another verse of her song. She had been singing non-stop ever since the two of them had entered the kitchen, and after over an hour of hearing the same lyrics over and over again Rainbow Dash was getting ready to snap.

Pinkie Pie hit the chorus again, and Rainbow Dash threw her hooves up in the air. “PINKIE!” She shouted, glaring at the pink mare.

“Yessiree Dashie?” Pinkie replied, immediately cutting off her song.

Rainbow Dash hung her head. “Ugh, you win! I just can’t take it anymore!” Rainbow shook her head, hoofing over a couple of bits.

Pinkie Pie took the bits and flipped them into the air. They landed on top of her mane before sinking into the pink curls. “Told you so Dashie! I can always make a couple bits by singing!”

“Only because ponies are trying to get you to stop...” Rainbow Dash mumbled under her breath.

“What was that Dashie? You want an encore?” Pinkie Pie asked innocently.

Rainbow Dash quickly waved her hooves in dissent. “Nonono that’s alright Pinkie... hear, how about you try one of these cupcakes I just finished?” Rainbow held a pink frosted cupcake out to her friend.

“Oh wow Dashie, those look absotively delicious!” Pinkie Pie said. She grabbed the cupcake and quickly stuffed it into her mouth. Rainbow Dash watched in anticipation as Pinkie Pie chewed the cupcake twice, before her face started to flash in a rainbow of colors. She opened her mouth and Rainbow quickly ducked as a jet of flame flew over her head.

“Heh, liquid rainbow, gets ‘em every time!” Rainbow Dash said, jiggling the vial of rainbow liquid in front of Pinkie Pie’s face.

Pinkie Pie’s smile just grew wider. “That was great Dashie!” She said, before narrowing her eyes and leaning closer to the cyan mare, “Of course I hope you realize... this means war!”

SSC

Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy were walking through Ponyville, watching as other ponies went about trying to get everything prepared for the upcoming festivities. Twilight looked quite distraught about not being part of the preparations.

“I still don’t see why the Princess didn’t want us to help with setting up for the celebration. Do you think I did something to make her mad?” Twilight asked in a near panicked voice.

“Oh... oh no, I don’t think that’s it at all Twilight.” Fluttershy said, “She said she had something else for us to do.” Fluttershy took a look at the setting sun, trying to judge the time. “In fact, I think Spike said she’d have our instructions at the library by now.”

“Really? Then what are we waiting for?” Twilight’s demeanor brightened visibly at the prospect of doing something to help the Princess, and she took off at a gallop towards the library. Fluttershy followed behind, glad that her part in this was finished. It was hard to try and keep Twilight cheerful when all she could think about was how she might have made Princess Celestia angry.

The two ponies approached the library when Twilight drew to a halt. She looked quizzically over the building. “What the... why are all the lights off?” She asked, noticing the lack of light coming from the windows.

“Ummm... maybe... maybe he’s taking a nap?” Fluttershy offered.

Twilight shook her head in resignation. “I kept telling him that he was going to tire himself out running around all day. I hope he wakes up in time for the celebration!” She opened the door with her magic and stepped inside the library. Fluttershy followed inside quickly, shutting the door behind her.

The library was enshrouded in darkness as Twilight began to channel her magic towards the lightswitch. She was startled out of using her magic when the lights suddenly flared to life.

“SURPRISE!” Twilight jumped in, well, surprise. There in the newly decorated library was all of her friends, sporting massive smiles at the reaction they had gained from the unicorn.

“G-girls? What’s going on?” Twilight asked after she got her breathing under control.

“Why isn’t it obvious Twilight?” Rarity said, pointing a hoof at a banner hanging over head. Twilight looked up and read the banner, her eyes moistening a little once she had.

Happy Anniversary Twilight Sparkle!

One year of being the greatest friend ever!

“Oh girls...” Twilight said in a choked voice. “This is... this is wonderful! Is this what you’ve all been doing all day?”

“Eyyup, sure is!” Applejack said, “We asked the Princess if we could stay outta the celebration today, since we had something else we felt needed to be celebrated.”

Pinkie Pie bounced forward, wrapping Twilight in a hug. “We just had to throw you a party Twilight! Cause ever since you came to town we’ve all been bestest friends and gone on super cool adventures and we even saved Princess Luna and so we made cakes and doughnuts and cookies and-”

“I think she gets it Pinkie.” Rainbow Dash said, covering Pinkie Pie’s muzzle with her hoof. “But like Pinkie said, life’s been way more awesome since you moved to Ponyville!”

“I have to agree darling. You and little Spikey-wikey coming to town has made all of our lives better. We couldn’t ask for a better friend, so we just had to show you how much you mean to us!” Rarity said.

“Girls that... that...” Twilight was overcome with happiness. A year ago she had dreaded the thought of having to deal with this town full of crazy ponies. Now she couldn’t imagine her life without them. She leapt forward, wrapping up Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash in a hug, which seemed to be a signal for her other friends to join in as well.

“You girls are the greatest. I love you all.” Twilight said as she nuzzled against her friends. Everypony was too busy to notice the flash of red that filled Rainbow Dash’s cheeks at Twilight’s words, or the look of confused happiness Rainbow Dash gave in return. The pegasus didn't say anything, simply held the unicorn tighter in her embrace.

“Ugh, are you guys going to be this mushy all night?” Spike asked as he walked from the kitchen, carrying the cake Pinkie Pie had made earlier.

“Oh get over here Spike!” Twilight said, holding a hoof up to the dragon. Spike gave a good natured grumble, before running over to join the group hug.

Twilight couldn’t help but revel in the happiness she felt. This past year had been amazing, and she couldn’t wait to see what the next one held.

Author's Note

So there we go. This prompt was a bit harder to fit in since it takes place a year after the first episode of MLP, but I decided I'd just go with a nice friendly story, and show the beginnings of Rainbow Dash's crush on Twilight. Sorry there was no Scootaloo in this once, but stay tuned!

Milkshakes

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt # Twidash Group: Milkshakes, the pathway to true love

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Twilight Sparkle had finally done it! She looked around the large chamber she had built, shelves lining each wall, going from floor to ceiling. She had, after many years of searching and collecting, finally managed to own a copy of every single book in Equestria! They were finally all hers!

“Now where to begin?” She asked herself, looking over her treasure, her life’s greatest work.

She felt something poke her in her side. She looked down, to see her faithful assistant Spike. He was dressed in a snazzy looking tuxedo with a red bow-tie. “Madam,” Spike said, his voice lightly accented, “Might I suggest the Pre-Discordian History texts?”

Twilight nodded, those did sound like quite the nice read. She began to walk towards the section, when she felt another poke in her side. She looked down, to see Spike standing next to her again.

“Yes?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

Spike said nothing as Twilight stared at him. Twilight was just about to ignore him and continue on with her search for suitable reading when he poked her in the side again. “Is something wrong Spike?” She asked.

Spike didn’t answer, but proceeded to poke her repeatedly in the side. Twilight watched in confusion and annoyance, before noticing something strange. The library, her perfect library, was starting to blur around her. The colors were draining, like somepony had pulled a plug on them.

Twilight stared in horror as her precious books started to fade away. “NOOOO!” She wailed, trying to run to the nearest shelves to save whatever she could. “No! It’s no fair! There was time now! There was finally time.” She cried, pounding her hooves against the ground.

Spike continued to poke her in the side. Couldn’t he see she was in the middle of a crisis here? “Twilight? C’mon Twi wake up already!” Spike said, though the voice that came out of his mouth was not his own. It was lighter, a bit more feminine than Spike’s own.

Twilight’s eyes fluttered open to stare into the reddish-pink eyes of her friend, Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash smiled at seeing Twilight finally wake up, withdrawing the hoof that had been incessantly poking the unicorn.

“Rainbow?” Twilight groaned, sitting up slightly and rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. “What are you doing here so early, is something wrong?”

Rainbow gave a bright smile. “Nah, nothin’s wrong Twi. Do I really need a reason to wanna see my marefriend?” She asked.

Twilight shook her head. Of course, why would Rainbow Dash need a reason to see her...

Twilight’s eyes snapped open, suddenly wide awake as her thoughts scrambled to make sense of what she just heard.

“Your... Rainbow, did you just call me your marefriend?!” Twilight asked, traces of panic starting to creep into her voice.

Rainbow Dash’s smile faltered a little, and she looked confused. “Uhhh yeah. You feeling alright there Twi?” She asked in concern.

Twilight stumbled over her words, not even sure where to begin. “Rainbow I... You... marefrie-” Finally, Twilight took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. “Rainbow, what do you mean by that? Since when am I your marefriend?”

Rainbow looked very confused now, the smile completely dropping off her face. “Uhh, since a couple weeks ago, when we started dating?” She said, not quite sure where Twilight was going with this.

“D-Dating?! What do you mean, we haven’t even been on a single date!” Twilight asked incredulously.

“Of course we have! Remember, I took you flying up to that hill outside Ponyville for some stargazing?” Rainbow Dash said.

Twilight did remember. Rainbow Dash had blocked the entire area around Twilight’s house with a thick cloud cover, preventing her from doing the stargazing she had planned for that night. After listening to her complaints, Rainbow Dash had finally scooped Twilight up with her forelegs, and flew her out to a hill outside Ponyville, where the stars were shining brightly.

“Rainbow, that wasn’t a date. That was just you helping me out after you messed up my plans to go stargazing.” Twilight said.

“What about last week then? We went out to dinner together like three times!” Rainbow Dash argued.

That was also true. They had gone out to eat a few times that week. But it hadn’t been anything special. Two of the times had just been simple take away from a hayfries stand. And Twilight had paid for both of them each time!

“Rainbow, we were just having dinner together. You never once did or said anything to make me think those were supposed to be dates.” Twilight said, wondering just how things had gotten so confusing.

Rainbow Dash seemed undeterred. “Well then, what about yesterday? We shared that milkshake!” She said, as though that solved everything.

“Shared a milkshake? What does that have to do with anything?” Twilight asked in confusion.

“What do you mean? That’s like the most romantic thing ever!” Rainbow Dash stated.

Twilight ran a hoof over her face, sighing in annoyance. How was a milkshake romantic? How had Rainbow Dash even begun to think they were dating? None of those things were even close to being dates. Sure, the stargazing could’ve been kind of romantic... it was actually rather nice.

The dinners hadn’t been bad either, Rainbow Dash had been pleasant enough company, and she had made sure to at least act interested in the things Twilight had to say during their conversations.

Perhaps even the milkshake could have been considered romantic. After all, they had been leaning towards each other, lips separated by a short distance between the two straws...

Twilight looked over at Rainbow Dash, who seemed a strange combination of defiant, confused, and even nervous. She’d be lying to herself if she said the prospect of going on a date with Rainbow Dash was unappealing. In fact, now that she had considered it, it seemed like a really good idea.

Twilight smiled, and shook her head slightly. “Alright Rainbow Dash, here’s the deal.” Twilight said, looking back at her pegasus friend. “I’m going to go get ready. You’re going to go back home and get ready as well, then you’re going to come back here and ask me out on a proper date.”

Rainbow Dash looked confused for a second, before a smile bloomed across her face. “Seriously?! Alright! I’ll be back in a flash!” Rainbow said, trotting down the stairs to the lower level of the library.

Twilight watched her leave, though definitely not because she was staring at Rainbow Dash’s flanks as she walked down the stairs. Her mind mused to the misunderstandings of the past week, her face burning with a blush as she recalled just how close her and Rainbow Dash had been to each other when sharing that milkshake.

Maybe she could convince Rainbow Dash to get another one tonight?

Author's Note

This came about as part of a conversation that was had earlier today in the TwiDash group Skype chat. It was shortly discovered that sharing milkshakes was the equivalent of proposing in pony culture. The more you know!

So yeah, after laughing about it for a good while, I figured, why not? Of course, this isn't the entire story of how Rainbow and Twilight got together, just a short little beginning. Hope you all enjoyed!

Bottom of the Barrel

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt # 354: Scaping the bottom of the barrell

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

It was official, hospitals sucked. There was absolutely nothing to do. She was confined to bed rest for an entire week. It hadn’t even been a full day, and she was already bored beyond belief. How could anypony stand sitting still for so long?

Scootaloo heaved a sigh, and then winced in pain as the motion of her body caused a twinge of pain to run up her legs. This was just so unfair! Why did she have to be stuck here?! Still, she supposed it was better than the alternative.

If only just, it was really boring.

Thankfully, the silence and boredom was broken as the door to her room was flung open. Two blurs rushed into the room, one yellow, one white. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were at her side before the door even hit the wall, tears in their eyes and each speaking in such a rush that it was impossible to tell what they were saying. Scootaloo tried to hide a wince as Sweetie Belle leaned a little too close to one of her hurt legs.

“Ah’msosorryScootsweshouldn’teverhavedonethatandnowyou’reallbustedupand-” Applebloom wailed. Her mane was a mess, the red bow that normally held it in place had been shredded earlier in the accident. Luckily that was all that had been shredded.

“ThatwassostupidofusandyoualmostdiedandIcan’tbelievewemadeitbackplease-” Sweetie Belle’s words were just a intelligible as Applebloom’s. She had a bruise on her rear left leg, but that was it. Heck, it could’ve been a lot worse.

Two more mares entered the room behind the crying crusaders, and Scootaloo felt her heart stop. She’d never seen Rainbow Dash look angry at her. Annoyed sure, but angry? Never. Yet here she was, Scootaloo’s idol, and she looked absolutely livid. Next to her stood Ponyville’s residential librarian and magical expert, Twilight Sparkle. Twilight’s face was a sharp contrast to Rainbow Dash’s. Where Dash looked angry, Twilight looked worried. Yet beyond the worry, there was a question working behind her eyes.

Scootaloo swallowed nervously. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle had stopped their stream of words, sensing the mood in the room as the two mares walked in.

“Uhhh... we’ll just be outside while you guys talk, kay Scoots?” Applebloom said.

Scootaloo didn’t say anything, only nodded. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle exchanged a look, and then walked back out into the hallway, being sure to give Rainbow Dash a wide berth to avoid drawing her ire.

“Uh...Hey Rainb-” Scootaloo began.

“WHAT THE HAY WERE YOU THINKING?!” Rainbow Dash yelled. She was breathing heavily, and her face was flushed with anger. “Cutie Mark Crusaders Manticore Trainers?! Even Fluttershy doesn’t go looking for manticores!”

Scootaloo wilted into herself. It had been a stupid idea, she realized that now. It was just... she and the other crusaders had been so frustrated. They’d tried everything! Everything and they still hadn’t gotten their cutie marks! It had been her suggestion. Maybe they needed to try something a little more extreme, she had thought. After all, they were practically out of ideas, starting to reuse some of their first “crusades” hoping that maybe this time they would work.

Rainbow began pacing around the room, snorting angrily at each turn. “And then, not only do you find a manticore, but then you do something stupid like jump in front of it when it starts chasing you!”

Scootaloo sat upright, pain flaring in her wings and legs as she did so. “I had to! It was going straight for Sweetie Belle, and she wasn’t moving!”

Rainbow Dash whirled around, and Scootaloo almost regretted speaking up. The pain and anger in her idol’s eyes hit her almost as hard as the manticore had earlier.

The two pegasi stared into each other’s eyes, Dash’s hard and angry, Scootaloo’s beginning to water. “You could have died Scootaloo.” Rainbow Dash said, her voice starting to level out.

Scootaloo looked away, tears finally spilling from her eyes. “It’s not like anypony would’ve cared if I had.”

Rainbow Dash flinched as though she’d been slapped. “Squirt...”

“Scootaloo,” Twilight interrupted, looking around the room, “Where are your parents?” She asked. There was a dreadful realization working in the back of her mind, and Scootaloo’s words had pretty much confirmed it.

“They... they’re probably just at work.” Scootaloo said lamely. Her wings were drooping even in the bandages, and she was sniffling as she tried fruitlessly to stop the tears.

“Scoots... I’d care.” Rainbow Dash said. Scootaloo looked up and almost gasped. Tears were falling from Rainbow Dash’s eyes. With a blur of color, Dash was at Scootaloo’s bedside, her forelegs gently wrapped around the filly, trying not to aggravate her injuries. “I was so worried squirt... I thought you’d... that you were...”

Scootaloo couldn’t hold it back anymore. The caring embrace of her idol broke the dam, and Scootaloo began bawling into Rainbow Dash’s chest. She knew she was babbling, just saying sorry over and over again, saying how scared she had been.

Rainbow Dash held the filly tighter, stroking her mane and whispering into her ear that everything was going to be alright. Twilight looked on at the scene, and felt something well up in her heart, even as her eyes grew a bit watery. Something was obviously going on, Scootaloo’s parents should be here, comforting their daughter after what had happened. Instead however, it was Rainbow Dash that Scootaloo was clinging to, and it looked... right.

Twilight tapped her marefriend on the shoulder and whispered that she’d be right back. She left the room, intending to find a doctor and get to the bottom of this mess. She’d find out what was going on with Scootaloo, and then she’d work with Rainbow Dash to make it right. Rainbow Dash was the most important thing in the world to her, and Scootaloo was important to Rainbow Dash. That meant that there was nothing in all of Equestria that would stop Twilight from keeping the orange filly safe.

Inside the hospital room, Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash continued to cry, holding each other tightly. In her mind, Rainbow Dash swore that she would do everything she could to protect this little filly.

And in Scootaloo’s mind, for one shining moment, she wondered if this was what having a mom felt like.

Author's Note

Not very happy with how this one turned out. I liked the general idea, but I don't think I really captured the dynamics I wanted to between Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash, and Rainbow Dash and Twilight. Still, it is what it is, and hopefully it wasn't too awful to read.

This obviously happened before Dash and Twilight adopted Scootaloo. In fact, as I hopefully hinted at, this event sparked the idea that not everything was as it seemed with the orange filly in Twilight's mind.

Hope you enjoyed!

Foal Troubles

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 366: Rainbow Dash obtains a baby...

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Rainbow Dash was not freaking out. Definitely not. How could she? She was the coolest pegasus in all of Equestria! She could take any challenge head on and come out on top. She had even won the affections of the coolest unicorn in Equestria! So no, she was definitely not freaking out.

“Rainbow, stop freaking out.” Twilight said. She was looking at her marefriend with a concerned expression.

“I-I can’t do this Twi!” Rainbow said. Her eyes were darting left and right as if she was looking for a way to escape, which was just silly since the two mares were simply sitting in the main room of the library.

“What’s wrong Rainbow? I thought you said that this was, and I quote, ‘The most radicawesome idea ever’. Remember? The way you butchered the Equish language?” Twilight said.

“I just... Twi I can’t be a mom! I’m not...” Rainbow Dash trailed off, bowing her head.

“Not what Rainbow?” Twilight was very perturbed to see the normally confident Rainbow Dash in such visible distress.

“I’m not good enough...” Rainbow Dash muttered.

Twilight raised an eyebrow in confusion. “What do you mean you’re not good enough Dashie? Seriously I think that’s the first time I’ve ever heard you say something like that.”

Rainbow Dash didn’t respond immediately. Then she looked at Twilight with watery eyes. “I don’t think I can take care of a filly Twi... what if I screw up?”

Twilight’s eyes softened, and she laid a foreleg over Rainbow Dash’s neck. “Dashie, you’ll be fine. You’re one of the kindest mares I know. Besides, you’ve never left me hanging right?”

Rainbow Dash did not seem to be reassured. “But Twi... I’ve already... I’ve already proven I’m not a good mother.”

Twilight gaped at that, her mouth moving but no sound coming out as her brain momentarily shut down. Rainbow Dash had... with who?! How could she have not known that Rainbow Dash had a foal?

Finally she regained control of her voice. “R-Rainbow Dash! What do you mean? When did you have a foal?”

Rainbow looked at Twilight in confusion, before her eyes widened. “Oh! No, not that. I mean, it wasn’t a real foal.”

“Oooookaaay... what does that even mean?” Twilight asked.

“Did you ever have to take a home-ec class in Celestia’s school?” Rainbow replied.

Twilight once again found herself trying to figure out where this conversation was going. What did a class have to do with Rainbow’s supposed foal? “Uh, no. My curriculum at Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns was a bit different than most ponies, since I was Princess Celestia’s protege and all.”

The rainbow-maned pegasus nodded. “Well, I’ve already told you how flight school was about more than just flying. We had to take home-ec as well, and one of the lessons in home-ec was how to take care of a foal.”

That sounded reasonable to Twilight. Perhaps that’s why she never had to attend a course like that. She had been taking care of Spike almost since the day he was hatched, so she was learning how to take care of foals (and baby dragons) during her everyday life.

“Well to do that, each pegasus got this little pegasus plushy, about the same size as a foal. It had some magic doohickey in it that would make it cry randomly, and you’d have to ‘feed’ it or ‘comfort’ it to get it to stop.” Rainbow said. She wasn’t looking at Twilight anymore, instead she seemed to be reliving her memories as she spoke about them.

“I, I didn’t do so hot.” Rainbow said, “I was too busy practicing my flying to care about some magic toy. Then when it started crying, I just stuck it in my bag, then stuck my bag in a cloud.” Rainbow’s head drooped in shame. “I went back to get it once I was done, but my bag was empty. I couldn’t find the plushie anywhere!”

“So what happened to it?” Twilight asked.

“Turns out the plushie ran away. I was such a bad parent that the plushie actually ran away back to the teacher!” Twilight would have laughed at the thought, had Rainbow Dash not looked so despondent. It was more likely that the doll was enchanted to return to the school if it wasn’t being cared for.

“Alright Dashie, I get it. But you have to remember, you were young and that was just a plushie.” Twilight said in an attempt to reassure her marefriend.

“But if I couldn’t even take care of a plushie Twi how can I take care of Scootaloo?” Rainbow Dash begged Twilight for an answer.

“Dashie...” Twilight’s mind was working at a furious pace, trying to figure out what she could say to make Rainbow Dash realize that she wouldn’t be a horrible mother. “Look Dashie. We all make mistakes when we’re kids, that’s part of what growing up is all about. The fact that you feel bad about what happened with the plushie shows that you’ve learned from it. Besides, it’s not like this is a new thing for you. You’re already a role model for Scootaloo, and you told me about how she asked you to be her sister during that camping trip. Honestly this is just a slightly bigger step. You’ll be a great mother.”

Rainbow Dash looked at Twilight, uncertainty written all over her face. “But how can you know that Twi?”

Twilight wrapped Rainbow Dash in a hug, giving her a comforting squeeze. “Because I know you Rainbow Dash. You’re flighty, sometimes egotistical, and you’re a little overbearing when it comes to any kind of challenge. You’re also caring, fun, spontaneous, and do I even need to mention loyal?” Twilight nuzzled her cheek against Rainbow’s. “You’ve never backed down from a challenge before. Why start now? Besides, you forgot one important thing.”

Rainbow Dash had been leaning into Twilight’s embrace, letting her get lost in the warmth the unicorn was offering. “What’s that?” Rainbow’s voice came out muffled against Twilight’s chest.

“You won’t be doing this alone. We’re in this together.” Twilight said, pulling back to smile at Rainbow Dash.

It took a moment, but Rainbow Dash slowly returned Twilight’s smile. “Thanks Twi. I guess I’m just being kind of silly huh?”

Twilight shook her head. “Not at all Dashie. This is a big step for both of us, it’s natural to have some worries. But we’ll work through them together alright?”

Rainbow nodded and leaned forward to give Twilight a quick kiss. “Together. So my lovely egghead, shouldn’t we be getting to the orphanage to fill out that paperwork?” Rainbow Dash said, her voice immediately regaining it’s usual bravado.

Twilight rolled her eyes. It seemed Rainbow Dash would be alright. “Sure thing featherbrain.” She said. The two mares walked out of the library, one taking to the air as soon as she cleared the door, though she flew low enough to still be near the unicorn.

They smiled at each other as they headed towards the orphanage. They would be able to handle anything that came their way. They just needed to handle it like they handled everything else life threw at them.

Together.

Author's Note

I'm really sorry about this folks. I'm currently sick off my flank, I wasn't even sure I would be able to get this one done. I'll try and keep up over the weekend, but I hope you an forgive me if I don't get a chapter up each day.

Thanks for reading!

Adoption Joy

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt # Skeeter the Lurker: Adoption Joy

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Scootaloo swore she’d never forgive Twilight Sparkle. She would curse Twilight until the end of her days for the torment that that was being inflicted even now to the orange filly. Scootaloo wasn’t sure exactly why Twilight hated her so much, but she would have her revenge!

An orphanage! She had been stuck in an orphanage! She wasn’t some little filly! She could take care of herself, she had been for years. Then stupid Twilight had to go and investigate Scootaloo’s life after the incident with the manticore, and find out that Scootaloo didn’t have any parents. It wasn’t like living on the streets had hurt her, and after she met Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, she had the Cutie Mark Crusader’s Clubhouse to stay in.

Then again, it wasn’t like the orphanage was horrible. Sure, the name was stupid (Princess Celestia of the Blessed Sun? What kind of name was that for an orphanage?), but the mare who ran the place, Penny Gwen, was nice enough. Except to those two blue colts who kept causing trouble (Scootaloo didn’t personally see what the big deal was, so they sang a lot and didn’t always follow the rules? What was the big deal?). Still, she had a warm place to sleep, and she didn’t have to worry about food. All in all, she figured she would have eventually been able to forgive Twilight for sticking her here... eventually.

Now though... everything was going wrong! Penny had found Scootaloo that morning to tell her that a couple had come into the orphanage interested in adopting her. They were coming back this afternoon to finish the paperwork apparently. And Scootaloo didn’t even get a say in any of it! Some stupid ponies were going to take her away, and they’d move her away from Ponyville and she’d never see Applebloom or Sweetie Belle again! She’d never get to see Rainbow Dash again... and it was all stupid Twilight’s fault!

Scootaloo narrowed her eyes, and kicked the metal frame of her bed, causing a ringing sound to reverberate around the room. It just wasn’t fair! She didn’t want to leave. She didn’t even need parents, she’d been taking care of herself ever since she could remember. Why did she have to go with two ponies that didn’t even know her?

Scootaloo tried to fight the tears threatening to leak from her eyes, but it was a losing battle. She probably wouldn’t even get a chance to say goodbye to her friends. They’d just be left wondering what had happened to the third crusader. But at least they’d have each other. Scootaloo was going to be all alone.

Maybe... maybe she could tell Penny Gwen that she didn’t want to be adopted! Or that she didn’t want to be adopted by these ponies at least. No, that wouldn’t work. Adults never listened, they always just assumed they knew best.

So there was only one option. She’d have to run away and find someplace to hide, at least until these ponies left. They couldn’t adopt her if she wasn’t here right?

Plan in mind, Scootaloo began sneaking through the halls of the orphanage. At least, she thought she was sneaking. To the other colts and fillies in the orphanage, it just looked like she was moving very slowly while humming some kind of music under her breath.

Finally, after a nerve-wracking few minutes, Scootaloo found herself at the homestretch. She’d just have to get past Penny Gwen’s office, and she’d be home free! Or, homeless in this case... that was a slightly sobering thought. Still though, there was no way she was going to be adopted by some strangers!

Sneaking by as quietly as she could, Scootaloo began to make her way past the door to Penny Gwen’s office. But it seemed that fate was against her today, as right as she was just starting to creep past the door when it opened up, with a surprised Penny looking down at Scootaloo.

“Scootaloo?” Penny said in surprise. Then she smiled. “Well, I guess you were more excited than you let on huh? Come on in, your new parents just finished signing the adoption papers.” She said, pulling Scootaloo into the room with a black furred hoof.

Scootaloo tried to fight it for a moment, but realized it was pointless. She had lost, and now everything was ruined. She felt tears begin to leak out of her eyes, and she didn’t even try to fight it this time. She felt utterly defeated, so what was the point?

“Heya Squirt!” Wait a second... she knew that voice! Scootaloo whipped her head up, looking at the two other ponies in the room. On the right, grinning from ear to ear, was her idol, the ever awesome Rainbow Dash. Standing next to Rainbow Dash, smiling softly at Scootaloo, was Twilight Sparkle.

“R-Rainbow Dash? What are you doing here?” Scootaloo asked. Was this some kind of cruel joke? Were they here to see her off to her new parents? One final goodbye?

“Isn’t it obvious Scoots?” Rainbow Dash asked, before wrapping a foreleg over Twilight’s shoulder and nodding between the two of them. “Me and Twi just adopted you, we’re your new parents!”

Scootaloo’s mouth fell open and she stared dumbly at the two mares before her. Rainbow Dash and Twilight exchanged a worried look, wondering what was wrong.

“Scootaloo? Is something wrong?” Twilight asked, “I’m sorry, if you don’t want us to adopt you we can just forget about the whole thing.” Twilight sounded nervous, like she was afraid she had somehow offended the orange filly.

Scootaloo moved her mouth up and down, but the words just wouldn’t come out. Finally, she shook her head, and stared with eyes full of tears at Twilight and Rainbow Dash. “I-It’s you? You two are the ones adopting me?” Scootaloo asked. She found it hard to talk, her throat felt all constricted, as various emotions flew through her head.

Rainbow Dash gave a reassuring smile and nodded. “Yeah, it was all Twilight’s idea. She said that we should take care of ya, since.. well ya know. But she said we had to make it all official and junk, so we had to go through the orphanage instead of just taking you home.”

Twilight poked Rainbow in the side and rolled her eyes. “For the last time Dashie, she’s not a pet. There are laws in place that we have to follow if we want to be able to really take care of her.”

Rainbow Dash stuck her tongue out at Twilight playfully, before turning back to look at Scootaloo. “So, whaddaya say Scoots? How’d you like to be the filly to the two coolest moms in all Equestria?”

Scootaloo tried to talk. Tried to scream her answer, but her throat was choking up with emotion. Instead, she flung herself at Rainbow Dash, tears of happiness spilling from her eyes as she wrapped her hooves around the rainbow maned pegasus.

“Yes!” Scootaloo finally said. “Yes yes yes! Oh my gosh! I’m being adopted by Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo was freaking out now, this was beyond anything she had ever imagined. It was a dream come true.

“And Twilight...” Rainbow said, playfully ruffling Scootaloo’s mane. If Twilight cared about being forgotten by the orange filly however, she didn’t show it. She was smiling happily at the sight before her.

“Well Ms. Sparkle, Ms. Dash, everything seems in order. I’ll run these papers over to Town Hall, and Scootaloo will officially be your daughter.” Penny Gwen said.

“Ya hear that Scootaloo? Welcome to the family!” Rainbow Dash said, wrapping her hooves around Scootaloo in a hug.

Family... the word ran around Scootaloo’s mind. She had a family. She had a family!

Still, she was going to have to get Twilight back for the whole orphanage thing.

Author's Note

So, this one was a little different. This wasn't a prompt from TMP, but a prompt request from Skeeter the Lurker. I don't know if I'll do very many of these, but I did want to tell this part of the story, so it all worked out.

I did twist the original prompt around a little. I wanted to show that Scootaloo wasn't just looking to be taken in by any old couple. She wasn't happy about being stuck in an orphanage, or about being adopted by what she thought was a couple of strangers.

In the end though, it all worked out. Of course, Scoots is going to be super excited about being adopted by her hero. Twilight isn't even really part of the picture to Scootaloo right now, which is hopefully understandable. But Twilight expects this, and knows that it will be some time and work before Scootaloo really views her as a parent.

Anyways, that's that. Hope you all enjoyed reading! We'll see what tomorrow's prompt brings.

Maybe

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 370: Maybe it’s better that way...

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

It was stupid. It was all just so stupid. Rainbow Dash was stupid. Twilight was stupid. Why was everypony being so stupid?

Scootaloo had thought that it would be the greatest thing ever when she found out that Rainbow Dash (and Twilight Sparkle) had adopted her. Hay, at the beginning things had been great. Sure, she had a curfew now, but it’s not like she had ever been one to stay up late anyways. Her friends all had similar curfews anyways, so it wasn’t like there was any reason for her to be out past the time her new parents had set.

But the curfew was just the beginning. Soon after she had moved into her room in the Golden Oaks Library, Twilight had given her a list of chores. Scootaloo had complained loudly about that. Why should she have to dust the library or help Spike with the dishes? She was supposed to be their daughter not a servant.

Even the chores weren’t that big of a deal though. It was when her new parents had received her report card from Miss Cheerilee that things had really gone sour. Twilight had stared at the paper that held Scootaloo’s grades as though she was afraid it might bite her. Even Rainbow Dash, the coolest pony in Equestria, had been upset that Scootaloo was doing so poorly in school.

Scootaloo had tried to defend herself to her idol-turned-parent. “School is just not cool, I need to focus on more awesome things!”

Neither Twilight or Rainbow Dash were willing to buy that excuse. So it had been decided that on school days Scootaloo would have to come straight home after class was over to be tutored by Twilight.

It was torture! She already had to sit through the lessons once! Twilight wouldn’t let it go either. She’d delve so deeply into each subject, making sure that Scootaloo “got it”, even if it took hours for the lesson to stick. Scootaloo had missed out on so much crusading because of it. How could she be a Cutie Mark Crusader if she never got to go crusading?

So today she had followed Sweetie Belle and Applebloom to the Crusader’s Clubhouse after school. She knew Twilight would be upset that she had skipped her after-school lessons, but trying to get her cutie mark was just more important.

She’d spent a fun afternoon going through various activities with her friends. They had tried Cutie Mark Crusader’s Novel Writers, which ended pretty quickly when none of them could come up with a story to write. Next had been Scootaloo’s favorite, Cutie Mark Crusader’s Disc Throwers. They had spent about an hour in the park tossing a frisbee back and forth, but no cutie mark came from it. Sweetie Belle had suggested they try Cutie Mark Crusader’s Zombie Hunters, but they had to nix that one before it started because Rarity had come to retrieve Sweetie Belle for the night.

Applebloom left shortly after that, so Scootaloo had trudged home. Each step she took towards her new home made her gut clench. She knew she was going to be in trouble for skipping out on her studies. The dreadful anticipation of what was going to happen was slowing her pace to a crawl.

When she had finally arrived back in the library, she was greeted not by an angry Twilight, but by Rainbow Dash. The cyan pegasus had stared at her with narrowed eyes. Her nostrils were flaring, and the feathers on her wings were fluffed up.

“Where the hay were you Scootaloo?!” Rainbow Dash hadn’t been yelling. She didn’t need to, the edge to her voice was more off putting than any screaming she could have done at the filly.

Scootaloo swallowed nervously. “I...I was with Sweetie Belle and Applebloom, we had some great ideas for crusading today and-”

“And you were supposed to be here studying with Twilight! Do you have any idea how worried she was when you didn’t come home? She’s been freaking out all afternoon! She just teleported over to Rarity’s to ask if Sweetie Belle had seen you after school!” Rainbow Dash was pacing, nervous energy almost bristling from her body.

The fear that Scootaloo had felt when she saw Rainbow Dash’s angry demeanor slowly morphed into a feeling of guilt. Maybe she should have told Twilight that she was going crusading today instead of studying? But she was sure that the unicorn would’ve stopped her from going.

“I was fine, I was with Sweetie Belle and Applebloom the entire time.” Scootaloo mumbled, avoiding the burning gaze of Rainbow Dash.

“That’s not the point Scootaloo! We told you that you had to come home and study until your grades improved!” Rainbow Dash’s voice rose an octave, and she took a deep breathe to try and control herself. “Not being able to go crusading was part of your punishment for having bad grades.”

Despite her earlier unease Scootaloo felt herself bristle at that. “Punishment? Why should I be punished for not having good grades?!” She leveled a glare of her own at Rainbow Dash, “Nopony ever cared what my grades were before!”

“You’re our daughter now Scootaloo, and you have to follow our rules. There’s no way I’m letting you flunk out of school just because you’re too busy playing with your friends!” This, coming from Rainbow Dash. The pony that she had always thought was the epitome of cool. Out of everypony, she expected Rainbow Dash to know just how lame studying was.

“Once Twilight gets back you’re going to apologize to her,” Rainbow said in a calm tone that belied her anger, “and for your little stunt today you’re going to be grounded until your grades improve. Either Twilight or I will pick you up and bring you home after school is over. Also, I’m taking away your scooter for a week.”

Scootaloo felt like wind had been knocked out of her. She worked her mouth but no sound came out, as she stared in shock that Rainbow Dash would do something so uncool. She felt tears burn her eyes, but she quickly brushed them away with her hoof. She wouldn’t let anypony see her crying.

“That’s not fair!” She complained, her voice coming out a bit nasally.

Rainbow Dash shrugged as if it didn’t matter. “Tough. If you’re going to break the rules, you’re going to be punished for it.”

It wasn’t fair. How could Rainbow Dash act like that? The rest of the night had passed in a blur to Scootaloo. She had muttered a half-hearted apology to Twilight, who had given her a hug and told her she was glad that she was okay. She had agreed that Scootaloo’s punishment seemed fair, but promised Scootaloo that they would work harder to bring up her grades so she could get back to crusading sooner.

Scootaloo had gone to bed shortly after dinner, which she had hardly touched. Once she was safely in her room she had jumped onto her bed and covered her face with a pillow, before letting out a scream of frustration. She had cried then, but nopony would ever see it.

It wasn’t fair. Not the fact that she had been grounded, but the fact that her image of Rainbow Dash had been shattered. Gone was the cool pony who could do anything, who she wanted to be just like. In her place was Rainbow Dash the parent, the pony who thought that grades were more important than chasing your dreams.

After a while she realized couldn’t take it anymore. If being Rainbow Dash’s daughter was going to make her feel that way, then she’d rather not be her daughter. She quickly packed some of her things into her saddlebags, then crept out the window of her room. She jumped from tree branch to tree branch, and once she had landed on the ground she ran. Ran away from her adoptive parents, from her new home, and from the feelings that were plaguing her.

She ran until she reached the Cutie Mark Crusader’s clubhouse. She had bunked here before when the weather had been bad. It would work for her to stay for the night, but she’d have to figure something else out for tomorrow.

But what could she do? Twilight and Rainbow Dash were legally her parents now. Once they found her they’d just drag her back home. Would she have to leave Ponyville? She couldn’t do that. Where would she even go?

Maybe, maybe she could go back to the orphanage? Tell them that she didn’t want Rainbow Dash and Twilight as her parents, that it just wasn’t working out. Sure, she’d have to stay in the orphanage again, but maybe... maybe things would be better that way.

A choking sound escaped her throat at the thought, and she could feel her eyes burning again. She curled in on herself even as her body began to shake. She slowly fell asleep to the soft pitter-patter of tears hitting the floor.

-SDF-

The sound of wood crashing against wood jolted Scootaloo from her uneasy sleep. Her body ached from the position she fell asleep in, but even that feeling was drowned out by the emptiness she felt. She whipped her head around to see that the door to the clubhouse had been shoved open, and there, standing in the doorway, was Rainbow Dash.

“Scootaloo?” Rainbow Dash called out when her eyes landed on the filly. Scootaloo blinked, her eyes still feeling raw from the combination of tears and sleep. Still, there was no mistaking what she saw.

Gone was Rainbow Dash’s angry posture. She was gasping and it looked like her legs were trembling. She slowly made her way over to where Scootaloo was lying, and as she got closer Scootaloo could make out the tear tracks that ran down Rainbow Dash’s face.

Once Rainbow Dash was next to Scootaloo she quickly swept the orange filly into her embrace. She squeezed Scootaloo close to her, as if making sure that she was really there.

“Don’t... don’t ever scare me like that squirt.” Rainbow Dash’s voice was shaky. Her whole body was trembling now, and she kept nuzzling the top of Scootaloo’s head.

“Ra-Rainbow Dash? What are you doing here?” Scootaloo asked.

“I came looking for you. I wanted to check on you after you went to bed. I... I thought I might’ve been a little too harsh on you. But you were gone. You were gone and it was my fault! I’m sorry Scootaloo. I should’ve taken it a little easier on you.” Rainbow Dash was breathing heavily, and she pulled away from Scootaloo to look the filly in the eyes. “I’m not sorry for grounding you. Just for the way I went about it. We should’ve talked about everything, instead of me just coming down on you like that.”

Scootaloo opened her mouth to reply but Rainbow Dash held up a hoof. “I know you don’t think it’s fair Scootaloo, but you have to understand Twilight and I only want what’s best for you. We’re not trying to stop you from getting your cutie mark, we’re not trying to take all the fun out of your life. We want to make sure you’re prepared for whatever it is you want to do in the future.” Rainbow kissed the top of Scootaloo’s head, shocking the filly with the affectionate gesture, “We love you Scootaloo, that’s why we’re going to do whatever we can to make sure you grow up to be at least 120% more awesome than either of us.”

Silence filled the room at that. Scootaloo could feel her body trembling again, even as her vision blurred with unshed tears. She threw her forelegs around Rainbow Dash’s neck and pulled her back into the hug, even as a sob escaped her throat.

Maybe it wasn’t fair, maybe she’d have to get used to Rainbow Dash being both cool, and being a parent when things were tough. But Scootaloo knew one thing for certain.

Things were definitely better this way, with her parents.

Author's Note

Two minutes over on this one, but it just kept going. You'll all forgive me right? :)

I've alluded to this fight in a couple other chapters. Now you finally get to see it for yourself! Hope it lived up to any expectations you may have had for it.

As always, thanks for reading!

Cooking Mama

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt # 341: Labour of Love- Cooking Mama

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

The tantalizing smell of freshly made pancakes filled the Golden Oaks Library as Scootaloo stumbled out of her bed. She yawned tiredly, letting the scent of fried dough fill her as she did. She could almost taste the wonderful morsels. Feeling more awake from the smell alone, Scootaloo hurried down the stairs.

She walked into the kitchen to see Twilight Sparkle sitting at the table nursing a cup of coffee. It was a sight Scootaloo had quickly gotten used to seeing in the first few days since Twilight and Rainbow Dash had adopted her. It seemed that despite Twilight’s insistence of waking up early every morning she was clearly not a morning pony.

The other sight that she had quickly gotten used to was that of Spike; standing on a stool near the stove and wearing a pink frilled apron as he cooked. Thinking back on it, Scootaloo had yet to see Twilight or Rainbow Dash cook a meal since Scootaloo had moved into the library/house. If they weren’t going out to eat at the local cafe’ or grabbing take-out somewhere, than the meals were made by Spike.

“Mornin’ Scoots, breakfast will be ready in just a second!” Spike called cheerfully from his post at the stove.

“Thanks Spike, it smells delicious!” Scootaloo said as she sat down at the table.

Nothing else was said, the sizzling sound of pancake batter in a hot pan was all that could be heard. Spike continued flipping pancakes, while Twilight seemed to be staring into her cup of coffee as though it may hold the answers to the universe.

Scootaloo watched Spike expertly flip another pancake from the frying pan onto a plate. It was a strange thing to watch, considering that Spike was (comparatively) just as old as Scootaloo. Shouldn’t Twilight or Rainbow Dash be the one taking care of the cooking?

“Something wrong Scoots?” Spike asked as he sat a plate of pancakes down before the orange filly.

Scootaloo shook her head. “No, nothing’s wrong it’s just...” She trailed off, not sure how to bring up what she was thinking.

“What’s up Scootaloo?” Twilight asked. She looked up at Scootaloo with eyes that seemed slightly more awake than when Scootaloo had first entered the kitchen.

“Well, I was just kinda wondering... why do you make Spike do all the cooking?” Scootaloo asked.

Twilight’s eyes widened as she and Spike exchanged a look, before the unicorn and dragon burst out laughing. Scootaloo watched in confusion as the two almost fell over, their laughter just short of cackling like mad ponies. Twilight wiped a tear from her eye, not noticing Scootaloo’s growing annoyance at their reaction.

“Th-that’s a good one Scoots!” Spike said, a few chuckle escaping from him as he settled down.

“What’s so funny? I was being serious!” Scootaloo asked.

Twilight and Spike exchanged another look, though this time they did not begin laughing like a couple of foals who’d heard a dirty word.

“I guess you wouldn’t know since living with us is still kind of new huh?” Twilight mused, “The thing is Scootaloo... uh, well, when it comes to me being in the kitchen” The mare trailed off awkwardly, trying to find a way to word her thoughts.

“Twilight can’t boil a pot of water without burning it.” Spike said teasingly.

Twilight opened her mouth to refute Spike’s claim, but simply hung her head. “He’s right. I can’t even seem to make a daisy sandwich without almost sending somepony to the hospital.” She said.

Spike nodded. “It’s true, I’m still not sure how you managed to make mayonnaise an explosive substance.” Spike said with a shudder.

Scootaloo looked between the dubiously. “Seriously? Nopony could be that bad at cooking.”

“Oh but she is!” Spike said, before leaning close to whisper conspiratorially in Scootaloo’s ear, “Remember that time Rainbow Dash was sick with the ‘feather flu’?”

“Yeah?” Scootaloo said, not sure where this was going.

Spike chuckled evily. “She didn’t have the feather flu at all. She just ate one of Twilight’s cooking attempts. We almost thought she’d need to go to the hospital!”

Scootaloo looked in shock at Twilight, who had heard the whole thing despite Spike’s attempt at subltety. Twilight glared at her draconic friend.

“Oh Ha hah Spike! I thought we promised not to talk about that ever again!”

Spike just laughed. “Oh c’mon Twi, you know I’m just teasing you!” He said, before patting the unicorn on the shoulder.

Scootaloo watched the two interact, still not satisfied with what she had discovered. “But... isn’t that a little unfair?” She asked.

“What do you mean Scootaloo?” Twilight was in the middle of ruffling Spike’s spines as she responded.

“I mean, that means Spike is stuck with all the cooking! How’s that fair to him?”

Spike waved off her concerns with a smile. “It’s not a big deal Scootaloo, I don’t mind cooking for everypony.”

“But that’s not fair!” Scootaloo repeated. Why should Spike, somepony who was her age, be stuck with that kind of responsibility?

Spike gave Scootaloo a smile, but not his normal joking smile. There was something about this smile that made him seem older, more like an adult than a child.

“Really Scootaloo, it’s alright. I love cooking for Twilight and Rainbow Dash... and you too now!” He waved his hand towards the kitchen, “This is something I can do for my family. It’s my own little way of showing that I care for all of you.”

Scootaloo simply stared at the dragon. That was it? He didn’t mind doing this because... because they were family?

“Awwww Spike, that’s so sweet!” Twilight said as she scooped the dragon up in a hug. Spike pretended to fight against the embrace, even as he let Twilight nuzzle up against him.

After Twilight set him down, Spike turned back to Scootaloo. “You see Scoots, Twilight’s done a lot for me. She’s basically my big sister! So if I can help her out by doing the cooking, I figure it’s the least I can do. Now that you and Rainbow Dash are here, it just means there’s more ponies that I can care for by cooking.”

Scootaloo was getting annoyed by how often she felt lumps forming in her throat since she’d been adopted. She was supposed to be cool and unshakeable like Rainbow Dash! Ever since that manticore attack it felt like she’d been constantly crying.

Spike sat at the table figuring that the conversation was over. “Now then, since that’s taken care of, let’s dig in!” He said, grabbing a plate of pancakes covered in gem dust.

“Ohhh man, did Spike make pancakes?” Rainbow Dash’s excited voice came from the main room of the library. The two ponies and dragon sitting at the table looked at the plates sitting before them. Spike sighed and rolled his eyes in exasperation.

“The things I do for love...” He muttered under his breath as he made his way back to the stove, grabbing his pink apron.

Author's Note

Almost forgot to get a second chapter done.

One thing I've always admired about Spike. No matter how crazy life with Twilight gets, he sticks with her through thick and thin. Honestly I'm surprised that the Element of Loyalty wouldn't work for him during the whole Discord thing. Guess it's cause he's not a pony huh? Stupid racist Elements of Harmony.

There'll be more of the little guy in future chapters. He won't always be around, but he is a part of the Sparkle Dash family, and I won't be forgetting that again.

Uplifted

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt # 355: One (or more) of the mane six’s pets is now a pony.

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

It was another average day in the town of Ponyville, which meant of course that six of its residents were currently out trying to stop the catastrophe of the day. Apparently somepony had disturbed a nest of harpies out in the Everfree Forest, and the angry bird-like creatures had come to Ponyville to get their revenge.

The crisis was mostly taken care, with the bearers of the Elements of Harmony escorting the last of the harpies back to their homes in the forest. This of course meant that Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle were not in the library.

This mean that Scootaloo had plenty of time to accomplish her goal.

Getting the basement door unlocked was easy enough. She’d seen Spike and Twilight remove the key from its hiding place often enough since she’d moved in, after being adopted by Twilight and Rainbow Dash.

It was one of the first rules Twilight had told her about, the first of what seemed to be a nearly endless list. Not a metaphorical list mind you, but an actual list that was kept in the back of a book Twilight had especially made for Scootaloo, that covered things like how to reshelve the library books if needed, to what foods were acceptable for a snack. Of course, Twilight had told her that it was mostly just guidelines, but that the rules were the important bit, as a lot of them were there for her safety.

Safety schmafety! How dangerous could a basement be? Anyways, it was just too perfect an opportunity to get some revenge. Scootaloo was still a little miffed at Twilight for sticking her in an orphanage, even if it did end up with Scootaloo being adopted by the coolest mare in town. And her marefriend of course.

So Scootaloo snuck down the stairs into the basement, her mind trying to work out a plan to prank the studious unicorn. Nothing major, Twilight had been really nice to her since the adoption, and she didn’t want to make Rainbow Dash mad. Just a little something like rearranging the labels on some of her vials or something.

She stopped at the bottom of the stairs and surveyed the room. It looked like something out of a mad-scientist’s dream. There were phials and beakers of strange liquid, test tubes and coils and all kinds of other things Scootaloo couldn’t name.

What exactly did Twilight do down here?

Undeterred, Scootaloo began inspecting some of the beakers and phials on the various work tables. Each one was labeled in Twilight’s neat hornwriting. She wasn’t sure what any of them were though. After all, she really hoped that the beaker of grayish sludge that said “Eye of Newt” wasn’t really made of eyes...

Scootaloo began to have second thoughts on her plan. Perhaps just sticking a whoopee cushion under Twilight’s chair would be good enough. She didn’t know what any of this stuff did, and if she switched around the labels, Twilight might get hurt if she mixed the wrong things together.

Giving her first idea up as a bad one, Scootaloo decided to run back upstairs to retrieve her whoopee cushion, when something caught her eye. It was a beaker full of some kind of glowing blue liquid. It was actually glowing enough to cast a bit of blue light on its surroundings. Curious, Scootaloo approached the table, hopping up on the nearby chair to get a better look at the strange liquid.

She leaned closer, trying to get a better look at what the label said in the dim lighting.

“Who?” The voice that sounded next to her startled Scootaloo so badly that she actually jumped, losing her footing on the chair. Scootaloo scrambled her hooves in the air, trying to find purchase on something to keep from falling. As she did, her hoof collided with the beaker of blue liquid, causing it to fly off the table and smash onto the ground, even as a small shape was seen diving after it.

Scootaloo fell to the ground with a “oomph”. She groaned, and rubbed her sore flank. Before she could wonder what had happened, she heard a coughing sound coming from nearby. She looked over towards where the potion had fallen, to see wisps of blue smoke fading into the air. Standing amidst the potion mess, was a brown coated pegasus stallion with a tawny colored mane.

“W-who are you?” Scootaloo asked nervously. She had never seen this stallion in Ponyville before, she’d have been sure to remember if she had. After all, how many full grown stallions were there without their cutie mark?

“Who?” The stallion responded in a very familiar voice. Scootaloo couldn’t quite place it though. Besides, if she’d never seen him before, how could his voice sound familiar?

“You! And what are you doing here anyways? The library is a public place but the basement is off limits!” Scootaloo said. She was already going to be in enough trouble when Twilight found out she had broken her experiment. She didn’t need some random stallion messing things up even more.

“It is indeed off limits little Scootaloo, as Twilight has told you for your own safety. So I cannot help but wonder what you are doing down here if you know that.” The stallion said.

“Wha? How do you know what Twilight told me? Who are you anyways?” Scootaloo asked in annoyance.

The stallion looked confused, and opened his mouth before quickly snapping it shut. His eyes crossed as he seemed to be trying to look down his muzzle, before turning his head and looking over his body. He raised one hoof up to his face and waved it, his eyes going wide.

“I see. It is no wonder you do not recognize me, I wouldn’t even recognize myself.” The stallion said, setting his hoof back down on the ground. “I suppose reintroductions are in order then. My name is Owlowiscious, Twilight Sparkle’s pet owl.”

The look of skepticism was clear on Scootaloo’s face. “Really? That’s the best you can come up with?” She asked, not sounding at all impressed.

“Ah, yes. I believe you are referring to the change in my appearance correct? I must confess that I am just as confused as you. I flew down here when I saw the door was open, and tried to gain your attention. I tried to save the potion you knocked off the table, but was a tad too late to catch it. I can only theorize that whatever that potion was, it is responsible for my current transformation.” The pony claiming to be Owlowiscious said.

“Oh yeah! Then tell me something only Owlowiscious would know!” Scootaloo challenged.

“Well, I say that is a difficult one. After all, we’ve only known each other for a short while since you’ve moved in. There isn’t very much that we would both know in any kind of confidence.” Owlowiscious seemed to think on the matter for a bit. Finally, he smiled in triumph before looking back at Scootaloo. “I know, how about the fact that you like to make a nest out of the blankets that Rainbow Dash sleeps with when nopony is home?”

Scootaloo’s eyes widened even as a blush crossed her face. Nopony could know that! She always made sure all the doors were locked and the blinds were drawn whenever she did that.

She chuckled weakly at that. Perhaps this story wasn’t so farfetched after all. “Heheh... yeah, so you’re Owlowiscious then...” Then Scootaloo’s face went blank, and her eyes widened with fear. “I.. I turned Twilight’s owl into a pony! I am sooooo doomed!” She said.

“Now now, no need to fret so much about it, Twilight will understand. And we don’t even know if this condition is permanent. Besides I must confess, I find it rather nice to be able to converse with you in a way that somepony can understand.” He gave Scootaloo a small grin, “As much fun as it is to say ‘Who’ all the time, it does make for some very one sided conversations.”

Scootaloo laughed weakly at Owlowiscious’ joke, not quite convinced that Twilight wasn’t going to concoct some horrible punishment for her.

“Well, since we have this chance to talk, I must ask, what exactly were you doing down here young Scootaloo?” Owlowiscious asked.

“I... I was thinking of setting up a prank... to get Twilight back for sticking me in the orphanage.” Scootaloo admitted. No sense in trying to hide it, she figured accidentally turning somepony’s pet into a pony was bad enough.

To her surprise, Owlowiscious didn’t glare at her or start reprimanding her. He brought a hoof up to his muzzle and stroked it, seemingly in thought. “Ah yes, I remember that. Twilight was quite distraught to find out you had been living on your own this entire time.” He said.

“I was fine on my own. She didn’t have to stick her nose into it!” Scootaloo said angrily.

Owlowiscious looked at Scootaloo, but if he was surprised at her tone he didn’t show it. “I see. May I tell you something in confidence?” He asked Scootaloo. Scootaloo just stared at him blankly in response, causing the owl turned stallion to sigh. “Can you keep a secret?” He asked again.

“Ohhh! Yeah, I can do that!” Scootaloo said, even as she wondered why he hadn’t simply asked that in the first place.

“The day that Twilight found out about your plight, that you had been living on your own for so long... she cried. She came back here and cried until Rainbow Dash came over, and even then she seemed quite upset.” Owlowiscious said. He was staring into Scootaloo’s eyes, trying to convey how serious he was, “She spent most of that night depressed, feeling she had somehow failed you for not noticing sooner.”

Owlowiscious sat on his haunches, before continuing his story. “She stayed like that the entire night. It wasn’t until the next morning, when she broached the subject of adopting you to Rainbow Dash, that she seemed to break out of her depression.”

Scootaloo was stunned. “You... you mean Twilight was the one who wanted to adopt me?”

Owlowiscious nodded his head. “She was the first one to bring up the subject yes. Rainbow Dash agreed to it almost immediately, but it was Twilight who had thought of it.” He smiled softly at the filly, as the memories of that day ran through his mind. “Both of them were quite happy at the thought of bringing you into the family. So, while I can understand your frustration with Twilight for having been put into the orphanage, I would ask that you try not to be too hard on her.”

Scootaloo felt tears forming in her eyes. How could she have been so stupid?! Even now, she could remember Rainbow Dash telling her that the adoption had actually been Twilight’s idea. She had been too excited to really pay attention before, but now...

And this was the pony that Scootaloo wanted petty revenge on? She hadn’t felt this bad since the day after the manticore incident.

Scootaloo closed her eyes and wiped the tears away. She’d have to apologize to Twilight. The mare had only been looking out for her after all. And besides...

Twilight was her mom too, wasn’t she?

Scootaloo felt a little warm at that thought. Sure, Twilight wasn’t as cool as Rainbow Dash, but it was thanks to her that Scootaloo had a home now. She could at least be respectful to her.

Scootaloo opened her eyes again, only to blink in surprise. The stallion, Owlowiscious, was gone.

“Owlowiscious?” Scootaloo called out. She felt a weight land softly on her back, talons resting gently near her wings.

“Who?” The familiar hoot of the owl came. She turned her head to see Owlowiscious standing on her back, staring at her with his wide eyes.

“Heheh, I guess you’re back to normal then?” She said in relief. She’d still tell Twilight what happened, but it was good to know that the owl hadn’t been permanently affected by her mistake. “Hey... I don’t suppose we could keep the whole ‘trying to prank Twilight’ thing between us could we?” She asked hopefully.

“Who?” Owlowiscious responded, before winking at Scootaloo. Scootaloo smiled, and began trotting up the stairs, even as she heard the front door to the library open.

“Scoots? We’re back!” Rainbow Dash’s voice called from the main room.

Scootaloo sighed. It was time to face the music.

Author's Note

Hmmm... I wonder what kind of pony Tank would've turned into. I can't help but want to imagine him as this super hyperactive pony that would give Pinkie Pie a run for her money.

I have to confess, finishing this one actually took me 36 minutes. I had so much I wanted to cover, so I kept going on. I hope you all can forgive me for that.

This one takes place shortly after Adoption Joy. Scootaloo is still settling in, and Twilight and Rainbow Dash are still getting used to the prospect of raising a filly. That is actually part of the story I really want to write, so I may forgo waiting for a prompt and just going with it.

Also, I wanted to say Thank You to everyone who has read this fic. I made the Featured Box today for the first time, and it was all thanks to awesome people like you. So thanks everyone! I hope you continue to enjoy this story.

Meet the Parents (Part 1)

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 371: Meeting the parents

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Scootaloo stared out the window at the landscape, watching it fly by as she tried to deal with her feelings. She felt itchy all over, and it had very little to do with the blue dress Rarity had made for her. She couldn’t seem to sit still, and she kept playing with the hem of her clothes as she tried to take her mind off of what was coming.

She was travelling with her family to Canterlot. They were on there way to meet with her adoptive mother’s parents. Twilight Sparkle had been eager to introduce Scootaloo to her parents. They had put it off while everypony got settled in to their new lives, but now there was no way to not go through with it without seeming rude.

So now Scootaloo found herself feeling like she was barrelling towards her destiny. Deep in the logical part of her mind she knew that was silly. She was just going to meet a couple of older ponies. But another part of her mind, the part that had always wanted to be part of a family, couldn’t help but panic at the upcoming meeting with her new grandparents.

Would they like her? Or would they hate her? They probably would. Twilight was their daughter, and she was a little young to already be a mother. Would they resent her for that? All she could imagine was disapproving glares and faces fixed in an angry snarl.

“You okay there Scootaloo?” Scootaloo jumped in her seat at the sound of Spike’s voice. She had been lost in thought, and hadn’t even noticed the dragon talking to her.

“Me?” Scootaloo laughed, hoping it didn’t sound as nervous as she thought it did, “I’m fine. I just... I don’t like trains! Yeah, they’re so... train-like?” She offered weakly.

Spike looked at her for a second before shrugging and turning back to the book he’d brought along. Scootaloo have an inward sigh of relief, glad that the dragon hadn’t pressed her on it. She knew that talking about things would only make her even more nervous.

She had been getting along pretty well with her new family. Things had been a little rocky at first, but now everything had seemed to work out. What if Twilight’s parents changed that? What if they hated Scootaloo so much that they made Twilight chose between her and them?

Her thoughts got progressively darker as the trip wore on. By the time the train had finally pulled into the Canterlot depot Scootaloo was quite convinced that meeting Twilight’s parents was going to cause a blood feud between unicorns and pegasi, casting Equestria into a horrible civil war that would last for hundred of years.

“Heya Squirt! You just gonna sit there all day?” Rainbow Dash’s voice broke Scootlaoo from the day-nightmare she was having. She looked around to see her family standing by the exit to the train.

“Hey! Wait for me!” She cried, scrambling off her seat and running to catch up with her family.

The ponies and dragon made there way through the crowds milling about the train station. Scootaloo kept shying away from the unicorns in the crowd, her violent visions of war still dancing in her mind.

She was so busy worrying about her upcoming meeting she couldn’t pay attention to Twilight as the unicorn have a short tour of her hometown. Scootaloo nodded along, not even quite half-listening as Twilight showed them her favorite bookstore.

They walked the streets of Canterlot for what seemed like hours to Scootaloo. Each step they took closer to their destination caused her stomach to twist into a tightening knot. When they finally approached a house and Twilight knocked on the door, Scootaloo wasn’t sure whether she should feel relieved that this was almost over, or if she should be running as fast as she could back to the train station.

The door opened, revealing a mare that could have easily passed as the mother to both Twilight and Rarity, even though the two weren’t related. She looked very similar to Twilight, except her fur was grey and her two-toned purple and white mane curled at the end. She smiled brightly as she took in the sight of Twilight and quickly grabbed her in a hug.

“Twilight! You’re finally here. We’ve been waiting all day for you, your father was starting to wonder if he should go down to the train station to wait for you.” The mare said.

Twilight laughed. “Oh come on mom, you know there’s only a few trains that go between Canterlot and Ponyville. We got here as soon as we could.”

The mare shared in Twilight’s laughter before looking over her shoulder. Scootaloo saw the mare’s eyes widen when she saw the rest of them standing behind Twilight. “Oh my! Where are my manners? Come in all of you.” The mare said, holding the door open and motioning them into the house.

Scootaloo lagged behind, letting Spike enter the house before her. With a nervous gulp, she finally crossed the threshold, shutting her eyes and waiting for the screaming to start.

When nothing happened she opened her eyes. The house was... homey. That was the only word she could think of to describe it. Twilight and Spike kept the library mostly clean and tidy, but this house had a sense of being lived in. There were papers on the stand by the door, and pictures hanging on the wall down the hallway. The coat rack next to the door held coats and scarves of various colors, and there was an umbrella lying on the ground next to it.

Twilight’s mom led them down the hallway and to the left, to what Scootaloo assumed was a family room. Sitting on a chair was a blue furred unicorn stallion, with a darker blue mane. He had a book hovering in front of him, which lowered quickly when he heard the sound of hoofsteps entering the room.

“Twiley!” The stallion said, dropping his book and leaping to his hooves. Twilight once again found herself pulled into a hug. “It’s about time you got here kiddo! You were starting to make your mother worried.”

Twilight’s mom rolled her eyes and gave a shake of her head. She sat down on the couch and motioned for everyone else to take a seat.

“So,” The stallion said as he let go of Twilight and took a step closer to Scootaloo, “is this our new granddaughter?”

Scootaloo was currently envying Tank’s ability to pull his head into his shell. It was going to start any second now. They were going to hate her and then Twilight would hate her and then Rainbow Dash would hate her and...

“Oh she is just adorable!” The stallion said, whisking Scootaloo off the ground and tossing her up into the air. Scootaloo gave a panicked shriek as her hooves left the ground, her wings buzzing uselessly as she tried to keep herself from falling. Her fall was cut short as she was suddenly back in the forehooves of the stallion, who laughed and ruffled her mane.

Twilight laughed at her father’s antics. “Mom, dad, this is Scootaloo. Scootaloo, these are my parents, Night Light,” She said, pointing at the stallion, “and Twilight Velvet.” She said, pointing at the mare.

“Night Light is right, you are just the cutest little filly ever!” Twilight Velvet said. She had hopped off the couch and was currently standing next to Scootaloo.

Scootaloo couldn’t believe. They weren’t mad at her? And...

“Hey!” She cried in indignation, “I’m not cute!”

Her outburst brought forth a wave of laughter from Night Light and Twilight Velvet. Night Light once again ruffled her mane, causing Scootaloo to step away from him and run a hoof through her mane.

“You were right Twiley, she’s a little firecracker!” Night Light said, chuckling at the glare Scootaloo was shooting at him.

“So Scootaloo, tell us a little bit about yourself. We’ve been waiting far too long to meet you since Twilight sent us the letter saying she was going to adopt you.” Twilight Velvet said.

“You... you both don’t hate me?” Scootaloo asked, her mind still trying to process the reality that was so much different from her expectations.

Night Light and Twilight Velvet exchanged a confused glance, one that was mirrored by Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Spike. “Hate you? How on earth could we hate such a precious little filly?” Twilight Velvet asked.

“Because I... Twilight is...” Scootaloo couldn’t finish her thought. Why exactly had she thought that Twilight’s parents would hate her? She was so busy being nervous about meeting her parents that she had just let her fears run wild. “Ummm... I, I guess I was just being a little silly.” Scootaloo said.

Night Light smiled at that, and for the third time in less than an hour Scootaloo found her mane being ruffled by the stallion. “Ah, so you’re already taking after Twilight I see. She always used to get worked up about the smallest things. Did she ever tell you about the first quiz she had to take after she got into Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns?”

Twilight gasped, her eyes going wide as she stared at her father. “Daaaaaad! You promised not to tell anypony about that.”

Twilight Velvet smirked at Twilight’s reaction. “Oh hush, we finally have a granddaughter to dote on, we can tell her silly stories about her mom.”

Twilight’s face burned with embarrassment. Rainbow Dash laughed at her expense, causing Twilight to glare at her.

“Just remember Dashie, we’re visiting your parents next week!” Twilight growled at the pegasus. Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened and she gave an audible gulp.

Scootaloo smiled as she finally started to relax. Night Light began to tell his tale, while Twilight Velvet went over the plans they had for the day with Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash. She couldn’t help but think that, having grandparents was actually pretty cool.

Author's Note

This is part 1 of what should end up as a four part chapter. Two parts for meeting Twilight's family, and two parts for meeting Rainbow Dash's.

No, this isn't the big chapter I have planned to release, this is second of the extra prompt vote winners.

I've got more prompts to get through, but this series of chapters will be continued.

Thanks for reading!

Discovery

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt # 356: The discovery

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Being the prince of the Crystal Empire came with many advantages. Unfortunately, one of those advantages was not short working hours. While Shining Armor did not mind putting in a full day’s work, he did sometimes wish that a full day did not actually constitute a 24 hour period of work.

Hard work aside however he couldn’t be happier. He was living happily married with his foalhood sweetheart, in a kingdom that was quickly becoming one of the top destinations for travelers all across Equestria. Yes, Shining Armor really couldn’t complain about his lot in life.

“Seriously, do the guards really need to check in with me every time a new pony comes into town and sneezes?” Shining asked his wife. Okay, maybe he almost didn’t have anything to complain about.

Princess Cadance watched as her husband paced around their bedroom. He wasn’t doing it out of annoyance. It was something he simply did at times, perhaps without even realizing it.

“Oh honey, they all just look up to you. You were Captain of the Royal Guard before you became their Prince. They just want to follow your example.” Princess Cadance replied. She smiled at the exasperated look her husband wore, knowing that it was more or less a show. Of course Shining didn’t really care about the guards pestering him. If anything, it would be the paperwork she had to deal with that would really get Shining’s armor in a bunch.

Shining Armor sighed, before smiling back at his wife. “I know, but sometimes the things they bring to me are just silly. Like I need to know that Rose Quartz walked around the market square twice today!”

Cadance laughed at that. It was a rather silly thing to report. Then again, with all these ponies had suffered at the hands of King Sombra, maybe being on guard was a good idea.

Still, she couldn’t let her husband just mope around all day. “Well Shining, maybe this will help improve your attitude!” She levitated two scrolls over from her desk. “We got mail from Twilight earlier, I was waiting for you to get back to read them.”

Shining’s eyes lit up at the mention of his little sister. He hadn’t seen Twilight since her and her friends had helped save the Crystal Empire by finding the Crystal Heart. Of course he had made sure to keep in touch with her through letters, not wanting a repeat of her tirade from when he forgot to tell her about his wedding.

“Really? Well what do they say?” Shining asked, happy to be able to hear from his L.S.B.F.F (that was Little Sister Best Friend Forever. Thankfully, Shining did not have a song to sing about his lovingly crafted acronym).

Cadance unrolled the first scroll, and cleared her throat. “Dear Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Prince Shining Armor,” She began reading, “You are cordially invited to the thirteenth birthday party of Scootaloo, to be held at the Golden Oaks Library. The party is of course casual; for friends and family only, so do not worry about having to make any public appearances. We hope to see you soon. Please R.S.V.P!” Cadance then read off the dates and times listed for the party.

Shining Armor’s look of confusion matched his wife’s as she lowered the scroll. “Why is Twilight inviting us to some filly’s birthday party?” He asked.

Princess Cadance simply shrugged in response. “I’m not sure... though I do believe that I remember a Scootaloo was one of the flower girls at our wedding. A pegasus filly if I remember correctly.” She tapped her chin in thought.

“Huh... oh I bet I know! Twilight is probably planning this filly’s party. She probably has a list a mile long of potential party guests, you know how over the top she can get when she’s planning stuff.” Shining Armor said with a good natured chuckle. He turned to face the window overlooking the Crystal Empire, reminiscing over his and Twilight’s foalhoods. He still remembered the tea party his little sister had thrown when she was a filly. Each of her stuffed animals had to receive a hornwritten invitation, and she would not hear about starting the party until they had all rsvped. He was pretty sure she only threw the party so she’d have an excuse to makes lists and plans.

Not hearing any agreement from his wife, he turned to see Cadance reading over the second scroll. Her eyes were wide, though a smile was tugging at the corner of her mouth.

“Ummm Shining, I think you were supposed to read this one first.” Cadance said, floating the scroll over to Shining Armor. “I’ll um... I’ll be right back, I need to go check on a thing.” She said, dropping the scroll into Shining’s magical aura before fleeing the room.

Shining Armor watched his wife almost dash out of the room, wondering what in Equestria had gotten into her. Was it something in Twilight’s letter? He held the letter before his eyes, hoping it would shed some light on the situation.

Dear Princess Cadance and Shining Armor,

How are the two of you? Is everything going well in the Crystal Empire. The last letter I received said that you were hoping the Crystal Empire might be a potential host for the Equestrian Games, has there been any word on that?

Life here in Ponyville is going very well. Spike is doing great and sends his regards. He would also like to apologize again for eating that banister in the castle last time we were there. He still feels really bad about it.

My friends all told me to tell you hello, and that Rarity may be stopping by sometime soon to study some Crystal Kingdom fashion for a new line she is designing. I’d hate to impose, but would you be able to give her a place to stay while she is there? I know she would really appreciate it.

My life has been rather hectic recently, which is the main reason I’m writing to you. You already know that Rainbow Dash and I have recently become a couple (and I don’t want to hear you giving her a hard time Shining Armor! Good natured or not!). Well, we’ve recently decided to take a rather big step in our lives together.

It’s a long story, one I’ll tell you in person the next time I see you. There is a small filly named Scootaloo here in Ponyville who we just recently discovered was actually an orphan. She had been living on her own this entire time.

Scootaloo is very important to Rainbow Dash, and I have found myself to be rather fond of her over the years since I moved to Ponyville. So...

Well, there’s no easy way to say this. Rainbow Dash and I have adopted Scootaloo. She is officially part of our family now, so congratulations Shiny, you’re an uncle!

I’ve also sent a invitation to Scootaloo’s upcoming Birthday Party. I hope you can both make it, I’d love to have the two of you meet her. She’s like a smaller version of Rainbow Dash, just as rambunctious, and just as loyal. I know the two of you are going to love her!

I hope to see you both soon!

Twilight Sparkle

P.S. Revenge Shiny, is a dish best served cold. Love you B.B.B.F.F.

Shining Armor didn’t even notice as his magic failed him. The letter fluttered to the ground without anything to hold it up as his mind whirled around in his head, trying to make sense of what he just read. He could just barely make out the sound of his wife laughing from the hallway, even as his mind finally put together the fact that his little sister was now a mother.

And she had just totally pranked him.

“TWILEY!!!” Shining Armor’s voice rang throughout the Crystal Empire, causing some ponies to stop and look around, wondering what had caused such an outburst from their prince.

Author's Note

You see Shining, this is exactly why you shouldn't leave important familial news to be told in letters.

Anyways, here is today's prompt. A little glimpse into the lives of the rest of Twilight's family as she gives them the news. I do have plans for Twilight's revelation to her parents, as well as both Shining and her parents actually meeting Scootaloo. Their reactions to the actual adoption will be displayed there.

I'm going to post a poll in my blog sometime tonight with choices for the extra prompts I write. I've taken them from the Master Prompt List of TMP, but I don't just want to chose one. So you guys get to pick!

Hope you enjoyed!

Sleepy

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt # 357: Falling asleep at really odd moments (Special rule: Luna is not allowed to be featured, mentioned, or alluded to today)

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

“ZzzzNo, the leyline matrices aren’t set up correctly...” Pinkie Pie watched in amusement as Twilight Sparkle walked past Sugarcube Corner, mumbling something about mattresses . The unicorn was walking slowly with her head down and her eyes closed. If Pinkie Pie hadn’t known better, she would have thought that Twilight Sparkle was sleeping. But that would just be silly! If she was sleeping, she’d be all snuggled up in bed, not wandering the streets of Ponyville.

Maybe Twilight was tired! That would explain why she would be talking about mattresses. Maybe her mattress was really lumpy and uncomfortable, so she was going to get a new one. Or-or maybe Twilight had accidently cast a spell that made her mattress come to life, and now she had to chase it down or she’d never be able to sleep again!

Worried over the future of her studious friend’s sleep schedule, Pinkie Pie was just about to volunteer to help Twilight find the rogue mattress. Before she had a chance to call out to Twilight however, the unicorn’s horn lit up with energy, and Twilight teleported away.

Well, she must’ve figured out where the mattress had gone! Crisis averted, Pinkie Pie bounced merrily back into Sugarcube Corner. She’d have to bake Twilight a “congratulation on stopping your evil mattress” cupcake.

---Sleepy---

A similar scene was playing out throughout the day in Ponyville. Ponies would see Twilight Sparkle wandering down the streets, head down and eyes closed. The unicorn would mumble something, and then teleport away.

In any other town this may have seemed odd. To the residents of Ponyville it was just another daily dose of crazy. Most ponies who lived in Ponyville had learned long ago not to question it when something strange happened

So the fact that Twilight Sparkle was randomly teleporting around Ponyville drew very minimal interest from its residents.

Her friends however were a different matter.

“Whaddaya think she’s doin?” Applejack asked Rarity. The two had been chatting pleasantly at Applejack’s stand when they had seen Twilight shuffle by. Once again her horn had flared, and Twilight teleported a little further down the road.

“I haven’t the faintest idea.” Rarity said. She watched Twilight teleport back the way she had come from. “Do you suppose she’s doing some kind of experiment?”

“How should I know? I just asked you!” Applejack said. Twilight walked past the stand again, mumbling something under her breath before teleporting away. Both Applejack and Rarity’s eyes widened as they saw Twilight teleport onto the roof of a nearby house. Twilight took a few steps forward, coming dangerously close to the edge, before her horn flared and she teleported somewhere out of sight.

“Do... do you think we should see if she needs help?” Rarity asked in a shaken voice.

Applejack nodded her head and flipped the sign on her stand to the side that said “closed”. “I reckon so. I don’t know what’s gotten into her, but that mare is going to hurt herself like that.”

“Applejack, Rarity!” The raspy voice of Rainbow Dash called down from the sky. The cerulean pegasus swooped down, landing in front of the two mares. “Have you guys seen Twilight?” She asked.

Rainbow Dash was looking panicky, her eyes wide and darting around. “Ya okay there sugarcube?” Applejack asked in concern.

“I’m fine! It’s Twilight we need to be worried about!” Rainbow Dash said, her volume rising.

“We just saw her darling. She was teleporting around the market before she teleported away.” Rarity said.

“Oh ponyfeathers, she’s teleporting now! No wonder I haven’t been able to find her!” Rainbow Dash threw her forelegs up in the air in exasperation.

“What’s going on Rainbow, why’s Twi teleporting with her eyes closed?” Applejack asked.

“She’s like...sleepwalking or something. Sleep teleporting I guess? She’s been working on some super secret project all week and hasn’t gotten any sleep. Spike finally had enough and forced her to get some sleep, then when I went to check up on her she was gone!” Rainbow Dash was hopping in place, her wings twitching with the need to move and find her missing marefriend.

“Oh... oh my. She could seriously hurt herself like that. I didn’t even know it was possible to teleport while you were asleep.” Rarity said.

“I know! That’s why we gotta find her quick!” Rainbow Dash said.

“Well then we need to stop gabbin here and go find her! Rainbow, you take the skies, see if you can find her from the air. Rares, you go towards the east end of town, I’ll go west. If we find her, we’ll bring her back to the library.” Applejack said.

Rainbow Dash and Rarity nodded, and the three mares moved into action; Rainbow flying into the air and Applejack and Rarity galloping in opposite directions.

---Sleepy---

Scootaloo watched as Applebloom and Sweetie Belle set up the gear for their latest cutie mark venture: Cutie Mark Crusaders Time Travelers! They had gotten the idea from hearing Twilight tell the story about how she traveled to the past to try and warn her past self not to worry about the future.

While they didn’t have the magical power to be able to cast a spell like that, Scootaloo had remembered one of the comic books she read that had the hero travel to the future by going really fast. So the Cutie Mark Crusaders had bought some fireworks and were currently trying to attach the various rockets to Scootaloo’s scooter. They figured that between Scootaloo’s wingpower and about twenty rockets, they should be able to go fast enough to travel through time.

“We’re almost done here Scoots, you about ready?” Applebloom asked as she finished tying another rocket to Scootaloo’s scooter.

“Yep! This is going to get us our cutie marks for su-” Scootaloo’s response died out as a flash of lavender light filled her vision. She blinked it away to see her adoptive mother, Twilight Sparkle, standing nearby.

The three Crusaders exchanged a curious look, as Twilight began walking by them. Her head was hanging down, and her eyes were closed. It also kind of sounded like she was snoring, but that couldn’t be... could it?

“Oh hey Twilight! Do ya think you could help us finish tying these rockets onto Scootaloo’s scooter? We’re gonna try and go back in time!” Applebloom asked.

Twilight didn’t respond. She just kept walking forward, as though she hadn’t even heard them. The three Crusaders exchanged another look, this one of confusion. Why would Twilight ignore them?

“Uh, Twilight? You okay?” Scootaloo asked.

Twilight’s ear twitched at the sound of Scootaloo’s voice. She turned and opened a bleary eye towards the orange filly. “Scootaloo?” She mumbled, taking slow steps towards her adoptive daughter.

Sweetie Belle and Applebloom had both stopped their work to watch as Twilight made her way over to Scootaloo, who simply stood her ground in confusion.

“Twilight? Uh, what’re you doing Twilight... Twilight! HEY WAIT A SEC! CUT THAT OUT”

---Sleepy---

It was a very worried and annoyed Rainbow Dash that was now following Rarity and Applejack towards Ponyville Park. Apparently Applejack had found Twilight, but that was all she would say. She said that Rainbow Dash had to see her for herself. She was smiling when she said it, so Twilight was obviously okay, but why all the secrecy?

As they drew closer to what she assumed was their destination she could hear the laughter of Sweetie Belle and Applebloom. There was something else too.. it sounded like Scootaloo was grumbling at her friends about something.

Then Rainbow Dash saw it, and her heart melted at the sight.

There, laying in the grass in the middle of the park, was the missing Twilight Sparkle. She had her forehooves wrapped around Scootaloo, and was currently cuddling her like a little orange teddy bear, nuzzling her cheek every now and again.

“Seriously guys! Help me out here!” Scootaloo whined in embarrassment. A blush was covering her face, as Twilight nuzzled her in her sleep again.

“Awww but Scootaloo, you both just look so cute!” Sweetie Belle said.

“Besides Scoots, if she didn’t wake up from all the racket you’ve been making, what makes you think we can wake her up?” Applebloom said, smirking at the trapped pegasus.

Rainbow Dash smiled happily to herself as she headed towards the three fillies. Twilight was okay, and the two most important girls in her life were being adorable together... even if she would never admit to that out loud. She really wished she had brought a camera with her. She’d love to have a picture of this.

“Heya Squirt, I see you found our missing egghead!” Rainbow said as she trotted up to her the trapped filly.

“Rainbow Dash! Quick, you gotta get her off me, she’s being all huggy and mushy and stuff! What’ll I do if any of the other kids see-” Once again Scootaloo found herself cut off, as a clicking sound echoed through the area and a flash came from nearby.

Scootaloo’s eyes widened in horror as she turned to see Shady Daze, the current photographer of the Foal Free Press, with a camera hanging around his neck. He gave Scootaloo a grin, before running off towards the schoolhouse.

“I’m doomed...” Scootaloo said in a voice devoid of emotion.

“Hey Kid! I’ll give you three bits for a copy of that picture!” Rainbow Dash called out to the retreating colt.

“Traitor” Scootaloo mumbled, causing her friends and Rainbow Dash to laugh. She then blushed again, as Twilight tightened her grip around her and gave a happy sigh.

“Come on squirt, let’s get you and sleepyhead here home.” Rainbow Dash said. She pulled Scootaloo out of Twilight’s embrace, grinning at the pout Twilight adopted in her sleep as she searched for her missing cuddles.

Scootaloo sighed as she was finally freed from her cuddly prison. That was so totally uncool! There was no way she was ever going to let that happen again!

Well.. at least not too often.

Author's Note

I actually ran out of time on this one. I wanted to cover more of how Scootaloo really felt about being used as Twilight's teddy bear, but that one minute warning came up and I had to wrap it up.

I had a heck of a time thinking of a way to work this prompt. Hopefully you enjoyed it, for the fluffiness if nothing else.

Lucky Scootaloo, I wish Twilight would randomly abduct me for cuddles!

Experiments

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 368: Twilight experiments on Pinkie.

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Most ponies don’t know that the Golden Oaks Library has a basement. Even the current caretaker, Twilight Sparkle, did not know the building had a basement for the first few weeks she lived there. Once she had discovered the underground room she had quickly transformed it, from a place of storage to a bastion of science. Now the basement held all kinds of experiments Twilight was running, and equipment she may need for future endeavors.

Twilight looked at a steady stream of papers being printed by one of the machines with a critical eye. Behind her strapped to a table was her friend, Pinkie Pie. She was bound to the point where she couldn’t move easily, with a bowl shaped device covered in blinking lights on her head. There were various wires attached to different parts on her body. She had complained to Twilight that they were tickling her when they were being attached but Twilight had paid it no mind.

“Alright Pinkie, let’s try this again.” Twilight said after taking the printouts she had finished reading and set them in a pile. There were three more such piles next to it, all just as tall.

Now, Pinkie Pie was generally an easy going mare. She loved making her friends happy, and when Twilight had asked her for a favor she had been all too happy to agree. However after being forcibly held in place for over three hours while Twilight asked her questions, Pinkie Pie was starting to get bored.

“Okie doki Twilight.” Pinkie said. It was a testament to Twilight’s distraction that she did not pick up on the monotone in Pinkie’s voice.

“Alright. Just like before I’ll press this button, and a water balloon will fall down after a random amount of time has passed. When you feel your ‘Pinkie Sense’ kick in, let me know.” Twilight said.

Pinkie nodded. They had been through this multiple times already. Twilight would press the button, a water balloon would fall down the chute above her, and she’d tell Twilight if her Pinkie Sense warned her about it. Then Twilight would cast a spell to dry Pinkie Pie and go check her readings and make notes.

In all honesty, Pinkie Pie was starting to wish that Twilight didn’t believe in her Pinkie Sense again.

Twilight pressed the button and Pinkie Pie waited. She waited and she waited and she got a little bored of waiting so she started thinking of a new cake recipe made with those awesome little candies that Twilight had given her that popped in her mouth and maybe she could sing a song about the yumminess that those cakes would bring and...

Oh! There was the twitchy tail.

“It’s coming Twilight!” Pinkie said. Sure enough a red water balloon fell from the chute. It landed against Pinkie’s muzzle and burst, drenching her mane and fur. A moment later she felt the warm tingly sensation of Twilight’s magic, and she was dry again.

Twilight was already busy checking the readouts, so Pinkie decided now was the perfect time to make her escape. She pulled her hooves straight out of the restraints, despite the fact that just a moment ago they had held her securely. She took off the strange helmet and set it on the table, then she began tip-hoofing towards the basement stairs.

Just when she thought freedom was in sight she felt the grasp of Twilight’s magic wrapping around her body. She heaved a sigh as she was levitated back towards the table.

“Sorry Pinkie, we just need to run the test a few more times. I have to be absolutely sure of the data.” Twilight said.

Pinkie struggled in Twilight’s telekinetic grip. “But Twiiiiiliiiiight! I don’t want to do this anymore! You just keep getting me wet over and over again!” Pinkie complained, even as Twilight began strapping her back to the table.

“Excuse me?!” A raspy voice called from the top of the stairs. Twilight whirled around, giving Pinkie Pie enough time to release herself from the restraints and look at the pony who had just saved her from boring science.

“R-Rainbow Dash! You’re home early.” Twilight said. She offered her marefriend a small embarrassed smile.

“Yeah, I finished up weather duty really fast, so I have the rest of the day off. What’s going on down here?” Rainbow Dash asked as she walked down the stairs. She suddenly found herself in the crushing embrace of Pinkie Pie.

“Dashieyoutotallysavedme!” Pinkie Pie’s voice flew by as fast as Rainbow typically did. “SoI’mgonnagonowbeforeTwilightgoesallmadscientistagainbye!” Rainbow Dash suddenly found herself sitting on the ground as Pinkie dropped her and then disappeared, leaving behind a cloud of dust that strangely held her shape before it dissipated.

“Ooookay... What exactly were you doing to Pinkie Pie, Twilight?” Rainbow asked as she picked herself up off the ground.

“Oh, I was just studying her Pinkie Sense...” Twilight said. She was trying to avoid Rainbow Dash’s gaze, busying herself by putting away the equipment that had been attached to Pinkie Pie.

“Why?” Rainbow Dash asked. She looked over the papers that had been piled around, but couldn’t make heads or tails of them. “I thought you already believed in her Pinkie Sense.”

“Oh I do! That’s why I wanted to know if...” Twilight gave a small gasp and quickly shut her mouth.

“If? If what Twi?” Rainbow Dash was starting to feel a bit apprehensive. Twilight wasn’t normally a very secretive pony after all.

Twilight gave a sigh and turned to face Rainbow Dash. “I was hoping that I’d be able to figure out the secret behind her Pinkie Sense, that way I could try and replicate it to let me know if Spike or Scootaloo are in danger.” She said, casting a guilty look at the ground.

“Wha? How would that even work?” Rainbow asked.

Twilight threw her hooves in the air in frustration. “I don’t know! The readings that I get from her Pinkie Sense are never the same twice. It doesn’t make any sense.”

“Okay... I don’t really get it, but why would you go through all this trouble.”

“Remember the other day when Scootaloo ran out and we couldn’t find her? I was really worried. What if she had gotten hurt? And then I started thinking about all the things that could happen to her and Spike when we’re not around. I just couldn’t take it, so I started trying to think of ways I could look out for them.” Twilight was rambling. It was something she often did when she knew she had gone a little overboard with something.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes even as she gave Twilight a loving smile. She should’ve known. “Listen Twi, I understand what you’re trying to do and where you’re coming from. But you can’t let it get to you like this.”

“What do you mean?” That didn’t make any sense to Twilight. How could she not let the possibility of danger to her children get to her?

“Look Twi, foals are going to do stupid things. They’re going to get scrapes and bruises, it’s all part of growing up. Hay, when I was a filly I hurt my wings like every couple months while pulling stunts.” Rainbow Dash said, wrapping one of said wings over Twilight and pulling her against Rainbow’s side. “My parent’s always freaked out about it of course, but they never tried to stop me.”

Twilight relaxed into Rainbow’s side. “So what do we do then?” She asked in a tired voice.

Rainbow gave a small shrug. “You just teach them, help them learn how to avoid things that could hurt them, and be there for them when they get hurt. Make sure they always know that you’re there for them, I think that’s the best thing you can do.”

Twilight smiled, and gave Rainbow Dash a small kiss on her cheek. “Thanks Rainbow, that actually sounds like good advice. When did you get so smart?”

Rainbow grinned back at Twilight. “I think it was when I decided to ask this librarian on a date. At least, that seemed pretty smart at the time. Now I’m starting to wonder...” She trailed off, her tone teasing.

Twilight playfully shoved Rainbow Dash away. “Very funny featherbrain. Come on, I should probably go apologize to Pinkie Pie for putting her through all that.” She said as she walked towards the stairs. Rainbow Dash followed closely behind, muttering about abusive librarians who doubled as mad scientists.

When the two mares exited the basement they were greeted by quite the sight. Standing in the center of the library were Scootaloo and Spike. Well, Spike was standing. Scootaloo had somehow gotten her back stuck to his. It was clear that they were both covered in tree sap, and various scratches running along their bodies.

Twilight just rolled her eyes. While Rainbow’s advice did make sense, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to take another look at her research on Pinkie Sense, just in case.

Author's Note

Really struggled with this one. I had a hard time coming up with an idea for what Twilight could be experimenting on Pinkie for, and then an even harder time trying to word Rainbow Dash's advice correctly. The first couple of times it came out really crass and careless. Like; "Oh kids get hurt it's no big deal" type of stuff. Wasn't what I was going for, but I don't think what I finally wrote really got it across either.

Well, that's the nature of these prompts right? To challenge and what not?

Thanks for reading!

Relaxing

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt # 352: My favorite way to unwind

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Twilight sighed in relief as she laid down in the cool grass of Ponyville Park. It was late afternoon, and the studious unicorn had just finished a rather trying experiment to determine the effect poison joke had on various potions. She had accidently added some to a simple mane color changing potion, and the results had been.. unexpected to say the least. So now she had to know what other differences the addition of poison joke could make. Could poison joke itself make a potion? Would the effects still be random?

It was in the midst of trying to brew such a potion that Rainbow Dash had burst into her lab. Her lovely wife looking ever so annoyed with the fact that Twilight had spent the majority of the day sequestered in her lab... again. Rainbow had insisted that Twilight put her experiments on hold, and join her and Scootaloo outside for a bit. That was when Scootaloo added her two bits, saying that she hadn’t seen her mom all day!

Of course, Twilight couldn’t say no to Rainbow Dash. Not when she gave her the wide-eyed pouty look that the pegasus just knew melted Twilight’s heart. Getting Scootaloo in on it was just playing dirty. The combined begging gazes of the two most important ponies in her life could get her to do just about anything, even set aside an experiment that had almost come to completion to hang out at the park.

Now that she was here though, she couldn’t really complain. It was far too nice of a day to spend cooped up inside. The sky was mostly clear, with just enough clouds floating around to keep the day from being unbearably hot. The park itself was mostly empty, with just a few ponies walking through it. She had brought a book on potion brewing she had borrowed from Zecora, and Dashie and Scootaloo were playing in the sky. All in all, it was a perfect way to relax.

“LOOK OUT BELOW!” A shrill voice called from the sky. Twilight didn’t even blink, just lit her horn with magic which surrounded the orange missile streaking towards her. Scootaloo grinned sheepishly at her, being held in the air by Twilight’s magic.

“Uhh... nice catch mom!” Scootaloo said, hoping her mom would ignore the fact that the filly had almost collided with her.

“Uh huh, be careful Scoots.” Twilight said. It was reflex by this point, to have to catch either Scootaloo or Rainbow Dash before they plowed into her from the sky. It was almost like the two did it on purpose.

Twilight released Scootaloo from her magic, and turned to the next page in her book. It really was interesting, what exactly could be done with potions. She’d never even known that there was a potion that would restore a unicorn’s magical ability to full, even if the side effect left them completely weakened the next day.

She felt a gust of wind pass over her coat, and her horn lit up with magic again, this time catching a bigger object that had almost ran into her. She floated the cyan pegasus in her magic before her. Rainbow Dash was smiling innocently, rubbing the back of her head in embarrassment.

“Eh heh heh... sorry Twi... you know how it is.” Rainbow Dash said.

“Mmmmhmmmm...” Twilight said, her eyes immediately returning to her book as she let Dash go from her telekinetic grip.

Perhaps she was overthinking the basic poison joke potion. The effects of just walking through poison joke were random enough, would ingesting it really change anything? But if she could control the effects, make a desired effect appear each time... why poison joke would basically become the basis for a “do-anything miracle potion”.

Twilight’s thoughts were suddenly interrupted, as a ball of what felt like mist hit her face, poofing away and leaving tiny droplets of water clinging to her muzzle. She wiped a hoof across her face and looked up into the sky. There, holding a small ball made out of clouds and looking far too innocent, was Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo hid behind her, trying hard to hide her snickers at the look of shock that had flashed across Twilight’s face.

Twilight narrowed her eyes at the pegasus. All this did was cause her to take another hit to the face from a cloud. She blinked in shock, before glaring at the pegasi who were rolling around in the sky and laughing.

Her horn lit up with magic, and she dragged the two down to the ground. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo instantly stopped laughing, both looking decidedly nervous at the glare Twilight was leveling their way as she held them in her magic.

Twilight stomped up to the two of them. She held them in her glare for a moment, before leaning forward and gave them both a grin that sent shivers down their spines.

“You both get a two second head start.” She said simply, dropping the two pegasi from her magic field. They both stared at her in shock, wasting the precious two seconds she had so graciously granted them.

“Time’s up!” Twilight said, smiling evily as her magic surrounded a cloud in the sky, breaking it up into smaller orbs. Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash swallowed nervously, before shooting into the sky as the cloudballs shot after them. Soon the two were laughing, being pelted with clouds and trying to find their own to return fire.

Twilight smiled as she chased the two through the sky with her cloudy weaponry. Soon enough she was out of ammo, and it was her running away from the aerial barrage from her wife and daughter. There laughter rang throughout the park, the book completely forgotten on the ground.

As the sun set, and Twilight leaned into Rainbow Dash, she couldn’t help but think that this had been the perfect way to relax. Just her, the love of her life, and their beloved daughter, having fun in the park. It couldn’t really get better than this.

“Hey Twi,” Rainbow Dash said, as Twilight’s magic set their worn out daughter on the pegasus’ back. Scootaloo had fallen asleep shortly after she landed, all the flying and dodging having tuckered the little filly out.

“Yes Dashie?” Twilight asked, smiling at the sight of Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo.

“Since Scoots is out for the night, after we put her to bed, what do you think about the two of us, a warm blanket, and the newest Daring Doo in front of the fireplace?” She asked.

Twilight smiled brightly, and nuzzled against the mare she loved. Okay, so maybe playing in the park wasn’t the best way she could think of to unwind, but it was a pretty close second.

Author's Note

This is actually Friday's prompt I believe, but I decided to go and and write it while I was waiting for today's. Had a bit of trouble with the beginning, but all in all I'm happy with it. Hope you enjoyed it.

I might go back and see what other prompts I want to write for this that I've missed. If there's one you'd like to see, let me know, and I'll see what I can do!

The Fall of the Crystal Empire

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt # 358: The Crystal Empire falls

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

It was a tense atmosphere that hung over the Crystal Empire. The streets were almost completely deserted. Most of the crystal ponies had already fled, the few who chose to remain behind were hiding in their homes. Loved ones huddled together in fear, waiting and watching the doors.

It was over. If anypony were to be honest with themselves it was over before it had ever truly started. The Crystal Empire and her ponies had fought bravely, but in the end bravery was not enough. They had been all but decimated and now they were just waiting for somepony to finish the job.

Inside the Crystal Palace, Princess Scootaloo worriedly cast her gaze to the horizon. She could already make out the fires of war. The battle had reached her home. Any second now the gryphons of Talonsgard or the dragons of Embris would be marching down her city streets, and there was nothing she could do to stop them. Not even the Crystal Heart could help her people now, as it had been stolen by a dragon she had once called her brother.

It was that betrayal that had precipitated the fall of her kingdom. With the Crystal Heart gone there was no way to keep the Empire safe. Soon spies and saboteurs had begun wreaking havoc amongst her populace. Their food stores were destroyed, their waters were poisoned. Starving and sickened, her soldiers never stood a chance.

She knew she should have never agreed to an alliance with the dragons of Embris. Even if it was her brother who had proposed the alliance. Of course everything went well at the beginning. The combined might of the Embris and Crystal Empire armies were more than enough to invade Equestria. The march upon Canterlot had gone on without a hitch, and Equestria’s Princess had been banished, and then imprisoned in the place she had been banished to.

It was only after Equestria had fallen and the Crystal Empire was embroiled in a war with the gryphons that Princess Scootaloo had discovered the dragons’ deception, and by then it had been far too late.

So now she simply waited. Waited for the end to come, waited for either her brother or her mother, whoever won the battle currently waging in her lands, to come and take her life. She would not go quietly, but she held no illusions over the reality of the situation. It was game over.

“Hah! Take that Scales! My Talon Guard unit destroyed your forward command base! I win!” Rainbow Dash cheered as she knocked Spike’s piece off the game board with a flourish.

“Darnit!” Spike groused, folding his arms over his chest. “I can’t believe I forgot that the Talon Guard got a +2 attack bonus if they moved more than 3 spaces! I was soooo close!”

Rainbow shook her head tauntingly. “Close, but no cider! Now it’s just you and me Scoots!” Rainbow looked over the board, grinning at the vast empty space on Scootaloo’s side. “Awww, but lookit that! You don’t have anypony left to guard you keep!”

Twilight rolled her eyes. She had been the first one defeated after the rest of her family had allied against her. “Come on Rainbow, you don’t need to taunt her. Just finish the game already.”

“Oh I will Twi, but I’m gonna do it in style!” Rainbow Dash picked up the figureher commander, Griselbrand the Gryphon King, and placed it in the Crystal Palace. “I believe that means I win!” Rainbow Dash cheered.

“Not so fast featherbrain, Scootaloo still gets a chance to play a card in response.” Twilight said. She gave Scootaloo a small smile laced with pity. “Do you have any cards to play Scootaloo?”

Scootaloo just sighed. “I guess.” She said, pulling a card out of her hoof. She looked around the table, pausing for dramatic effect. She then smiled menacingly at Rainbow Dash and slammed the card on the table. “I play “The Elements of Harmony Activate!”, I get to target one enemy piece in my palace and banish it to the moon!” Scootaloo then flicked the Griselbrand the Gryphon King figure, causing it to go flying until it bopped Rainbow Dash in the nose.

Rainbow Dash was staring in shock at the card Scootaloo had just played. “I... I lost? I lost?!” She gasped in disbelief. “But...but we even took out Twilight first! I thought I had this game in the bag!” Rainbow Dash slumped in her chair, before sitting back up and giving a good-natured smile to her family.

“Wow Scoots, that was an awesome play! How did you know to hold onto the Elements card?” Spike asked.

“I just know my moms. Rainbow Dash always likes to win in person, so I figured she’d just waltz into my Palace. I was actually worried that you might win that last battle Spike, I wasn’t sure if you would’ve risked sending your commander in.” Scootaloo said.

Twilight ruffled Scootaloo’s mane. “Well well well, look at that. My little Scootaloo, thinking ahead and using tactics! I think that deserves a reward.” Twilight used her magic to gather up all the pieces of the game, placing it back into its box. “How about we go to Sugarcube Corner and get some dessert to celebrate Scootaloo’s victory?”

Rainbow Dash’s perked up visibly at that and flew to Twilight’s side. “Oh! Can we get a milkshake Twi?” She asked, wiggling her eyebrows at her marefriend.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Sure thing Dashie,” She then leaned forward, placing her muzzle next to Rainbow Dash’s ear. “But only if we share it.” She whispered, before nipping playfully on Rainbow’s ear.

“Ugh, you two are gonna put me off milkshakes for the rest of my life!” Spike said, making hacking sounds.

“Seriously!” Scootaloo agreed, “Can’t you guys act all mushy after we’ve celebrated my win?”

“Oh? So we can be all mushy then huh?” Rainbow Dash said. She started making kissy faces at Twilight, who just giggled and pushed her away.

“Later Dashie, after the milkshake. Come on guys, let’s get going” Twilight said, opening the door and motioning for her family to head out.

Princess Scootaloo smiled as she led her defeated opponents out of the library. Victory was sweet, but she knew her reward was going to be much sweeter.

Author's Note

Oh family board game nights. I'm not sure how realistic this one seems. I mean, there were not temper tantrums thrown, and nopony's life was threatened. But hey, it's the fun that counts right?

If anyone was curious, the board game they were playing was just something similar to Risk. With some changes of course.

Also as a heads up, I'm going to be closing the prompt poll on Saturday at noon MST. So if you haven't voted yet and you want to, go check out my blog post.

Oh yeah, and credit to Wizards of the Coast... for y'now, stuff. Though they are owned by Hasbro... why the heck don't we have a Pony TCG yet?!

As always, thanks for reading!

Apple Pie

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 367: Apple Pie

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Three sets of eyes gazed upon the perfection of all that was pastry. The beautiful golden brown crust which was was firm enough to hold the delicious filling within, yet flaky enough to delectably fall apart once you began eating it. The filling was comprised of the finest apples Sweet Apple Acres had to offer, sliced into bite sized chunks that ensured each bite contained just the right amount of fruit with the wonderful sugary sauce. The sauce, which coated each piece of apple with a taste of vanilla and nutmeg, without overpowering the natural fragrance of the fruit, a perfect harmonious blend between flavours.

It was in short, the most delectable pie anypony had ever tasted. It had been one of six such pies baked in collaboration between Applejack and Pinkie Pie, the culmination of their culinary experiments. Each one of their friends had been invited to a party specifically unveiling the masterpiece that was The Pie, and each friend had left with a Pie of their own after having marveled together at the sumptuous confection.

The family who resided in the Golden Oaks Library had made quick work of their Pie. Whole slices of Pie were consumed in a manner more befitting a gryphon with their prey. Now it was down to the final piece. It was practically glowing in the light of the setting sun beaming through the windows. The three mares looked at it as though in a trance, each one imagining wrapping their taste buds around the heavenly sweet.

Spike watched from the side, happily munching on some emerald dust doughnuts Pinkie Pie had given him after he tried The Pie and found it not to his liking. The other ponies gathered had stared at him in shock and horror when he had announced he was in fact not a fan of The Pie. Now he couldn’t help but be glad that he preferred his doughnuts to The Pie, as the hold it currently held on his family was frightening.

The three mares eyed each other warily. Each knew the other two were going to try and take what was rightfully theirs. This standoff would not last forever though. Eventually one of them would break under the need for the exquisite taste of The Pie.

Unsurprisingly it was Rainbow Dash who broke first. She stared at Twilight Sparkle and Scootaloo challengingly as she reached out a hoof and pulled the plate towards her side of the table.

“You guys don’t mind if I take the last piece right? I had a pretty tough day at work after all.” Rainbow Dash said.

Twilight scoffed at that. “A hard day? Dash you went to work, pushed around a few clouds, then came home and took a nap until Pinkie’s party. If anypony had a hard day it was me.” Twilight’s horn lit up with magical energy which shortly enveloped the plate with the last slice of The Pie. The plate floated over the table before landing gently before Twilight. “I had to completely reorganize the entire library after we got that shipment of donated books in from Canterlot. That took me almost all day.”

“Hey! I helped too!” Spike protested from the side. Twilight smiled sheepishly, a red glow coloring her cheeks.

“Eheheh... yes, Spike helped too of course.” Twilight said. Rainbow Dash stared at Twilight challengingly, who returned the look with one of her own. The battle of will between the two ponies was so intense, so focused, that neither one noticed when and orange hoof had grabbed the plate, sliding it over to her side of the table.

The sound of a fork clanking against a plate caught both mares’ attention. As one they turned their heads to see a guilty looking Scootaloo about to spear into The Pie with her fork. She glanced up as she felt the stares being directed at her.

“Wh-what? I’m a growing filly you know!” Scootaloo tried to defend herself.

“Pfft, a growing filly who didn’t eat all her broccoli.” Rainbow Dash scoffed.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “You shouldn’t be talking Rainbow, you didn’t eat any of your broccoli.”

Rainbow’s face turned a bit green at the thought of eating the tree-looking vegetables. “Hey! I’m allergic to broccoli!” She said.

“You never seem to have a problem with Spike’s broccoli casserole!” Twilight retorted.

“That’s different!” Rainbow folded her hooves over her chest and glared at Twilight.

“Soooo...” Scootaloo said, bringing both mare’s attention to her, “Can I have The Pie then?”

Two hooves shot forward grabbing opposite sides of the plate; one blue, one purple. Scootaloo jumped at the sudden movement but quickly grabbed onto her side of the plate, unwilling to let somepony take it away from her.

“Alright, how are we gonna settle this?” Rainbow asked.

Spike finally decided to put in his two bits. “Why don’t you three just split the last piece?”

Twilight seemed strangely hesitant at that prospect. Normally she loved sharing with her friends and family, but this was The Pie. She had a hard time even considering splitting the beautiful pastry with anypony. For her family though...

Twilight looked over at Scootaloo. Could she really deny such tasty perfection to her daughter? Or her marefriend?

She sighed in resignation, but then gave a small smile. “That’s a great idea Spike. Are you two okay with that?”

Scootaloo seemed just as hesitant. But it was better to get some part of The Pie than none at all. “I’ve got no problem with that!” She said.

All eyes turned to Rainbow Dash, who just stared back defiantly. “Oh no! There ain’t no way I’m splittin’ this thing!” She declared.

Twilight and Scootaloo didn’t look surprised by Rainbow Dash’s reaction. Instead they shared a knowing look, before turning back to stare at Rainbow.

Rainbow Dash felt like somepony had just hit her in the soul. Both Twilight and Scootaloo stared at her with wide, glistening eyes. They’re bottom lips were pursed out in a pout, and they had their hooves wrapped together under their muzzles.

“Hnnnnng...” Rainbow Dash said, grabbing at her chest melodramatically. “Fine, fine! We’ll split The Pie, just stop with that look!”

Twilight gave a grin in victory and surrounded The Pie in her magic. She split it into three even pieces, setting one piece in front of Scootaloo and the other before Rainbow Dash.

The three mares quickly devoured their pieces of The Pie, groaning in appreciation of the taste. Spike just heaved a sigh in relief. He was glad that they had decided to take the easy route this time. He still shuddered at the memory of The Cupcake Battle of Golden Oaks that had taken place last time Pinkie Pie had unveiled a new creation.

Who knew baked goods were so dangerous?

Author's Note

Okay, so I know this prompt is actually supposed to be a shipping prompt for Applejack and Pinkie Pie, but that didn't really fit in with the Sparkle Dash Family story. So instead... apple pie! Sorry if this chapter isn't up to snuff, I'm just now getting over this crazy flu but I wanted to get something out for you guys.

There should be multiple updates the next couple of days to make up for the prompts I missed.

As always, thanks for reading!

Mini Matchmakers

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 383: One of the Cuite Mark Crusaders ships two of the others.

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Sweetie Belle could not take it any longer. She had to see her! She couldn’t spend another moment not being held in her love’s embrace.

She dashed out of the house, ignoring the cries of her parents as she made her way into the storm raging over Ponyville. Within seconds her mane was stuck to the sides of neck, her white coat slick with water. The winds roared around her as though nature itself was warning her to turn back.

But no wind or torrent of rain could stop her. Nothing could stop her. She would gallop to the ends of Equestria and back if it meant being with the pegasus she loved. Discord himself wouldn’t be able to change her mind.

The rain seemed to come down harder, as if it was punishing her for not relenting. Streams of water were running down her face, dropping to the ground like tears. The rain had gotten so heavy that it was hard to see. But Sweetie Belle didn’t need to see. She was guided by a force greater than her senses. Greater than even the Elements of Harmony.

She was being guided by true love.

She arrived at her destination. The tree-turned-library that now served as the home to the orange pegasus that had stolen her heart. A warm orange glow spilled onto the streets from the windows, an inviting warmth that stood in stark contrast to the turbulent weather.

Sweetie Belle stood before the home panting from her run and shivering from the cold and the rain. She took a deep breath to steel herself. This was it.

“SCOOTALOO!” She cried. Her voice cracked a little as she tried to make herself heard over the howling winds. “SCOOTALOO!”

She waited a moment almost afraid that her cries would simply die off in the night. Then, as though a gift from Celestia herself, a window opened in the tree-house. A purple maned head looked out over the storm, searching for the sound of the disturbance. Violet eyes met Sweetie Belle’s green ones, widening at the sight of the drenched mare.

“Sweetie Belle?!” Scootaloo said. She quickly retreated from the window and moments later the door to the library was thrown open. There she was. Her orange fur was almost glowing in the light spilling out from behind her. Her purple mane was the same messy style that it always was. She looked completely normal. To Sweetie Belle she looked absolutely breathtaking.

Scootaloo hesitantly trotted out into the rain, her mane and coat were immediately drenched by the downpour. “S-Sweetie Belle... what are you doing here?”

Without a word of warning Sweetie Belle flung herself at Scootaloo. She wrapped her forelegs around Scootaloo’s neck in a desperate embrace. She could feel the wet hairs of their coats sliding against each other even as she relished in the heat that was emanating from Scootaloo’s body.

“I-I couldn’t stay away Scootaloo! I just had to see you.” Sweetie Belle finally said. Her breath was still ragged from the running, panting hotly against Scootaloo’s ear.

“But Sweetie... what about our parents? You know they’ll never let us be together.” Scootaloo said. Her body was shivering from a combination of the cold and the feel of Sweetie Belle’s breath against her ear.

“I don’t care! I don’t care what anypony else says, or what anypony else thinks! I just want to be with you. I love you Scootaloo...” Sweetie Belle pulled back slightly, staring into Scootaloo’s eyes.

Scootaloo’s body trembled at the declaration and the soulful stare the unicorn was giving her. She quickly wrapped Sweetie Belle in an embrace, almost crushing her with the ferocity of the hug.

“I love you too Sweetie Belle! I’ve always loved you!” With that said Scootaloo smashed her lips against Sweetie Belle’s, kissing her with a pent up passion that both surprised and scared them both.

Sweetie Belle closed her eyes and gave a moan as she let herself drown in the feelings of Scootaloo’s lips against hers. Everything else ceased to matter. There was no storm, no meddling parents, nothing else in Equestria but Scootaloo and her.

Without breaking the embrace they slowly fell to the ground. Sweetie Belle let her hooves trail over Scootaloo’s toned body, coming to rest just above her cutie mark. Their hind legs were intertwined, and Scootaloo groaned into her mouth as-

“Dangit Babs! I told ya I don’t want to read another clopfic about my friends!” Applebloom said. She pushed the notebook away with a look of embarrassment.

Babs Seed rolled her eyes. Her cousin was such a little filly sometimes. “Fine, but what did you think about the rest of the story?”

“It was okay I guess. Though I don’t get why you keeping shippin’ Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo together.” It had seemed that ever since Babs had become a member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders the filly had developed an obsession with the supposed relationship between Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

“How could I not? I mean, they’re obviously meant for each other! They complement each other perfectly.” Babs said.

Applebloom still seemed dubious. “I dunno about that Babs. I think they’re just friends.”

“Of course they’re not ‘just friends’! Don’t ya remember when we first met? They got milkshakes together!”

Applebloom quirked an eyebrow at that. “Uhhh yeah, I remember. I was there too remember? The three of us got milkshakes together.”

Babs’ face quickly turned red even through her orange coat as a goofy smile spread across her face. Her eyes were slightly glazed over as her imagination began to take over.

Applebloom’s blanched as she realized what she had just said, and what was surely now going through her cousin’s head. “Babs... I swear if you start shippin’ the three of us together I’ll tell Applejack about all those AppleOrange fics you keep writing!”

That snapped Babs out of her daydream. She glared at her cousin, but gave a sigh and nodded her head. Some ponies just didn’t appreciate art. But it could’ve been worse. Applebloom could’ve found the AppleSeed fics she’d written...

Author's Note

Ficception!

More updates coming soon, I swear!

As strange as it sounds, this actually happened to some of my friends and me back in high school. Yeah, that was a thing.

Also, in my head cannon, Babs is now totally an otaku. Her favorite ship is actually SnipsSnapils, but don't tell anypony!

The Talk

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt # 194: “The Facts of Life”-Sitting down to have The Talk.

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

This could not be happening. She refused to believe it! How could she be stuck having to deal with this the one time Twilight had to be out of town to visit Princess Celestia. It wasn’t fair! She should just wait until Twilight came back and let her deal with the whole mess.

But that would be totally uncool. Besides, she was the one in charge here, she couldn’t just be shirking her responsibilities just because she didn’t like them.

She looked at the filly and dragon sitting down in front of her as she continued pacing nervously. Spike was twiddling his claws while Scootaloo was looking on in confusion. Rainbow Dash quickly averted her eyes from the orange filly’s wings in embarrassment. Scootaloo’s wings were still stuck upwards, refusing to fold against the filly’s sides ever since Rainbow Dash had walked in on her and Spike...

Rainbow Dash shook the thought out of her head and gave a sigh. Better to get this on with now, or she’d just keep stalling.

“Alright you two,” Rainbow Dash began, her voice sounding strained to her own ears, “I um... I guess we need to talk about a few things.” Rainbow Dash took a deep breath to steady herself.

“I wish Twilight was here cuz she could totally explain all this to you guys better than I can. But she won’t be home for a couple more days and well... we really need to talk about this.”

“Uhh Rainbow Dash, I-” Spike began, but trailed off as Rainbow Dash held a hoof up.

“Look Spike, you don’t have to explain anything to me. This is going to be hard enough as it is, so let me just get through it and then you guys can ask any questions afterwards.” Spike looked like he wanted to argue, but reluctantly nodded his head. “Good. First I just want to say, that there’s nothing wrong with what you guys were doing... I mean, you’re not technically related... hay you’re not even the same species, and you are getting to be that age.”

Scootaloo looked on in confusion. Surely Rainbow Dash wasn’t talking about what she thought she was talking about.

“So I guess we should go over the basics. Sorry Spike, but I don’t really know that much about dragons, so you’ll probably have to cover most of this with Twilight. I obviously know a thing or two about pegasi though, so we’ll just go over that and things that apply to both of you alright?” Rainbow Dash said, her cheeks growing redder as she progressed.

Both Spike and Scootaloo opened the mouths to speak, but Rainbow Dash plowed ahead with her discussion. “Now when a pegasus filly gets to be a certain age, she’ll start to notice some changes in her body and thoughts. She’ll start to notice her wings getting bigger and more... sensitive.” Rainbow Dash could feel the blush covering her entire body at this point. She was sure that her coat must match the color of Twilight’s with how hard she was blushing. “Umm... she’ll also might start thinking about migrating during the winters. Don’t do that, it’s really embarrassing.”

Spike slapped a claw against his face in annoyance as Rainbow Dash continued on her “explanation”. Scootaloo just looked on in ever growing horror.

“Now then like I said, as a pegasus grows up their wings become more sensitive. This can cause some uh... awkward situations if the pegasus is touched on their wings, or if they have... certain thoughts.” Rainbow Dash was totally committed to seeing this Talk through, so much so that she had resumed her pacing, and thus had completely missed it as Scootaloo began slamming her head against the floor.

“When a pegasus’ wings become um... overwhelmed I guess... they tend to stick straight up. I can’t remember what the scientific name for it is, but most ponies call it a...uh... a wingboner...”

“It’s called ‘wing tumescence’, or 'nocturnal wing tumescence' for when it happens when a pegasus wakes up.” Spike said in a deadpan voice.

“Oh yeah! That’s it, thanks Spike...” Rainbow Dash trailed off, staring at the young dragon in surprise. “Wait a sec, how’d you know about that Spike?”

“That’s what I was trying to tell you Rainbow Dash, Twilight gave me the Talk right after we moved to Ponyville.” Spike said in exasperation.

“Oh uh.. heheh, my bad. What about you Scoots?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Scootaloo gave Rainbow Dash and embarrassed glare. “Ms. Cheerilee had us go through all this in class already! I can’t believe you would put me through that again!”

Rainbow Dash returned Scootaloo’s glare with a defiant one of her own. “Well, after what I walked in on, I had to! I mean, I didn’t know the two of you already had the Talk, and I was worried that...”

Spike groaned in annoyance. “Rainbow Dash I tried to tell you, you didn’t walk in on anything. I was just rubbing Scootaloo’s back.”

“Then why does she have such a massive wingbo- er... you know, what’s up with her wings?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes in annoyance. “It has nothing to do with Spike! I asked him if he’d rub my back because my wings were already stuck like this after flight practice! I think I pulled something, and well, Spike’s claws are great at working out knots.”

Rainbow Dash’s face paled as she realized what exactly she’d done. She had just royally embarrassed herself in front of her two children. She was never going to live this down.

“Uhh, heheh.” Rainbow chuckled nervously, “Well looks like that’s all cleared up then. Why don’t you two take a few bits from my Daring Doo fund and go get something to eat huh? SoundsgoodokayI’mjustgonnagoliedownforabithavefun!” Rainbow Dash was gone, a rainbow colored streak tearing through the open window of the library.

Spike exchanged a bemused look with Scootaloo. “Seriously, haven’t I made it obvious that Rarity is the only mare for me?”

“Awww, you mean you don’t like me Spikey-wikey?” Scootaloo asked, fluttering her eyelashes at Spike.

“Yeaaaah, I don’t think there’s a right answer to that question. Wanna head to Sugarcube Corner?” He asked, heading over towards the sack of bits Rainbow kept for “Daring Doo Emergencies”.

“Hey, don’t go trying to change the topic mister!” Scootaloo called out in mock anger, flying after Spike as he fled the library.

Rainbow Dash watched the two head towards Sugarcube Corner as she flew through the air, rubbing her head as she went. She was going to need some therapy after this... or at least get Twilight to give her a massage when she got back home.

Deleted Scene (Why, because I can!):

Twilight’s laughter rang throughout Sugarcube Corner causing the other patrons to stare at her in confusion. The purple mare was currently doubled over, slamming her hoof against the table as Spike regaled her with the tale.

“And... and she seriously called it a wing boner?” Twilight gasped out.

“Oh yeah, you should’ve seen the look on her face!” Scootaloo said, laughing right along with Twilight.

Twilight wiped a tear from her eye, still chuckling. “Oh that is priceless. Thanks you two, I don’t think I’ve ever had a prank go off on Rainbow Dash that well.”

The three of them laughed again, enjoying their sugary treats, not noticing the figure that slunk past the table, despite her rainbow mane.

“Oh it is on!”

Author's Note

So there we go, the first of the winning prompts from the poll I held. I wasn't too surprised to see this one come out on top, but I hope that I wrote it to everybody's expectations.

I added the bit at the end just for fun. The image just popped into my head after I finished the chapter, and I figured you might enjoy it. I certainly hope you did, cause I got a laugh out of it.

Thanks for reading!

Wait, Who Made Dinner?!

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 417: “Spike didn’t make it.”

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo chatted happily on their way back to the Golden Oaks Library. The two pegasi had spent the majority of the day practicing stunts in the park. They had eventually turned it into a game of chicken, trying to get each other to match their stunts that were growing more outlandish as they went.

Normally Twilight would have joined them for such an outing, both to lend advice on how they could improve their tricks and to make sure neither of her girls got hurt. Today she had been stuck in the library researching something that she wouldn’t talk about but swore was of the utmost importance. She had made both of them promise not to do anything too dangerous today.

Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo had promised each other not to tell Twilight about their antics at the park.

By the time they arrived back at the library both of them were feeling that well-earned soreness one could only get from a good workout. The combined growls their stomachs were giving off could have easily been mistaken for a snoring dragon at this point. After all their hard work their bodies were crying out for sustenance.

The smells that buffeted them as soon as they opened the door to the library only caused the roars of their bellies to increase. Whatever Spike had made for dinner smelled simply heavenly! Mother and daughter found their mouths watering just imagining the tasty morsels that awaited them.

“Hey girls! How was your practice?” Twilight was finishing setting the table which was already ladened with various delectable delights. There was an asparagus pasta dish set in the center of the table giving off a delightful aroma of garlic, butter, and of course the unique smell of asparagus. Each plate set around the table was already fixed with a bit of salad drizzled in just a hint of oil.

Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo were instantly in their seats. Their eyes darted from the plates of salad to the pasta. They were both trying their hardest to keep from drooling while they waited for Twilight and Spike to finish setting the table and sit down for dinner.

Twilight cleared her throat, getting the attention of her marefriend and daughter.

“Oh!” Rainbow Dash finally realized she had never answered Twilight’s question. “Practice was awesome as always Twi! You shoulda seen Scoots in action. Our filly is going to be a Wonderbolt someday!”

Scootaloo grinned happily, temporarily forgetting the vacuum in her gut. “Thanks, but I still got a way to go. Especially if I want to beat all your records at the academy!”

“Well you’ll have to tell me all about what you girls did while we eat.” Twilight said, not noticing the grimace that Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo shared at the thought of telling Twilight about everything they did. Twilight did however notice the rather loud growl that came from Rainbow Dash’s stomach which was shortly echoed by Scootaloo’s. “Sheesh, you girls must’ve been working pretty hard if you’re that hungry. Let’s dig in, then you can tell me about it.”

Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo grabbed their forks even as Twilight levitated generous helpings of the pasta on to each of their plates. They were just about to start decimating the food in front of them when Rainbow Dash noticed something was missing.

“Uhhh Twi, shouldn’t we wait for Spike?” She asked, just now noticing the dragon’s absence.

“Oh! Spike’s been out helping Rarity look for gems all day. She told me she’d take care of his dinner, so it’s just us tonight.”

Rainbow Dash nodded and twirled some pasta around her fork. She brought it up to her mouth and was just about to take a bite when she realized something else.

“Wait... if Spike has been gone all day then how did he make dinner?” She was hoping beyond all hope that there was an explanation for how the dragon had somehow made the food despite his not being there. The alternative was too dreadful to think about with the fragrance of the food caressing her senses.

“Spike didn’t make it.” Twilight said. There was a clattering sound as a fork fell onto a plate, causing both mares to look at Scootaloo who was looking a bit green. Rainbow Dash noticed that the filly’s fork still had food on it, but she had obviously realized the same thing.

“B-But if Spike didn’t make dinner... then...” Scootaloo said weakly. She looked at the delicious smelling food like it had somehow betrayed her.

“Well... I did. That’s what I’ve been doing all day.” Twilight slouched a little in her chair. She knew why her family was reacting like this. Her cooking was legendary only for how awful it was. But she had worked really hard on this! “It took me a few tries to get it right, but I’ve tasted it and I don’t think it’s bad!”

She looked at Rainbow Dash. The pegasus tried to avert her gaze quickly, knowing what would happen if she got caught in Twilight’s stare. It was no use however. Those wide eyes, that lip set in a slight pout. The hooves clasped together in a begging motion.

Rainbow Dash gave a sigh of defeat. She could never say no to that face. She wouldn’t ever say it outloud but she was starting to think that it might be a spell Twilight had created to force others to do her will.

She once again brought the fork full of food up to her mouth. She gave it another sniff, noticing that it still smelled good. She gave another look at Twilight, who was looking on with a mixture of apprehension and hope. Scootaloo was staring at her, not sure whether she should stop her mom or not.

Rainbow Dash finally gathered her courage and took a bite. She closed her eyes as the food hit her tongue, before she began chewing. She braced herself, chewing a couple times before her eyes flew open with surprise.

“Itsh good!” Her exclamation came with bits of food flying from her mouth, but Twilight was too busy happily clapping her hooves together to notice.

Scootaloo stared skeptically at Rainbow Dash before slowly reaching for her fork. She didn’t think Rainbow Dash would lie about something like this, but...

She hesitantly took a bite. This time it was her eyes that widened in surprise, and she actually gave a small groan at the taste. There asparagus and pasta had been sauteed in butter and garlic, and she could just detect a hint of seasonings she couldn’t put a name to. The little bits of mozzarella cheese added a creamy contrast to the pasta and veggies. Simply put it was delicious.

Twilight watched happily as her family began devouring the food. It had taken a lot of work to learn even this simple recipe, and there had been countless failures. Still it was worth it to see them so happily eat the food she had made.

Still, they’d have to go to Sugarcube Corner for dessert. While she was there she could ask Pinkie exactly how one could get a pie (at least it was supposed to be a pie) unstuck from the ceiling, and the oven... and under the sink. She still wasn’t sure how that had happened.

That would be later though. Now was time to enjoy the dinner she’d worked so hard on.

“Can I have more?” Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash’s voices mixed together as they held their empty plates up towards the unicorn.

Twilight smiled and dished them up a second helping, idly noting that she’d better hurry up and eat if she actually wanted some of the food.

Author's Note

GASP! A chapter? An update?! What sorcery is this?

I'm so sorry guys. I kept meaning to write, but honestly I just haven't been feeling it lately. That coupled with helping to move my family from Florida to the west coast, and the FF14 beta, have kind of brought a halt to all my projects.

I'm going to try and get back to at least a semi-daily writing schedule for Sparkle Dash Family, but updates might be put off now and again for other projects I'm working on.

As always thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed!

Remembrance

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 373: For years, I clung to the memory of it. Then the memory of the memory. And then nothing. I look upon you and feel nothing. I remember nothing but you turning your back on me, along with all the others.

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

High above the town of Ponyville Discord floated along on a bed of iced tea. He normally did not particularly care for iced tea as a mode of transportation. It wasn’t nearly as sticky as say marshmallows, but it would suffice.

He looked down below for what had become a hobby for the draconequus after his rehabilitation; pony watching. It was normally dreadfully boring, though he sometimes gave things a little “push” to help make them less so. Still, it passed the time in a way that wouldn’t have Celestia or Luna breathing down his neck, or leave his friend Fluttershy looking at him with that air of disappointment.

Today he let his eyes rest on the family made up of Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, and Spike. Not that his eyes were actually resting on them. He currently kept his eyes in their sockets. It seemed that the Sparkle-Dash family had chosen today to enjoy a picnic in Ponyville Park.

Discord briefly considered causing some trouble for the family, but decided against it. Celestia had been allowing him a great deal more freedom recently, no reason to risk that by pranking her student.

Besides, he just didn’t really feel the urge to cause mischief. There was something about watching the family laugh together, watching them bond over a simple meal, that clawed at Discord’s mind.

It was watching Twilight lean in to lovingly nuzzle against Rainbow Dash’s neck that sparked the first memory. A memory from a time long ago, from before he had been imprisoned in stone. From before even his reign of chaos over Equestria. It was a time so long ago he had almost forgotten.

It was a memory from before he had ever become a draconequus.

A time from before he was called Discord, master of chaos.

When he had been renowned as the great mage, Starswirl the Bearded.

SDF:R

The beige furred unicorn grinned as he watched the results of his newest work. It was a simple revision of the basic telekinesis spell, but one that would allow all unicorns use of the spell, due to it’s more efficient use of magical energy. He had been working tirelessly on the research for the spell now, but it was well worth it.

After all, every time he completed a new spell, or furthered the advancement of arcane studies, he got to see her. And he’d do anything in order to spend time with the mare whose very presence left him feeling both powerless yet stronger than ever.

So as usual he galloped to the castle. The Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters, home of the beloved Princesses; Celestia and Luna. He was delayed briefly at the gates to show the soldiers that he did in fact have business with the Princesses but he eventually made his way to the throne room.

As always, Starswirl took a moment to compose himself before stepping into the throne room. And as always, he was struck by the beauty of the mare who sat upon the throne. Princess Celestia, oldest sister of the royal siblings. She sat upon her throne at the far end of the room, basking in the sunlight filtering through the windows. Her white coat never seemed to be colored by the light of the sun so much as it seemed to contain it, to glow with the power of the star that kept Equestria warm. Her pink mane waved gently in a breeze that Starswirl could not feel. Her wings, tucked neatly against her side, seemed to his eyes to be softer than any material he had ever seen.

She smiled when she saw him enter. “Already back Starswirl? I had thought that it would be at least another week before we’d be seeing you again.” Celestia said. Her eyes brimmed with mischief as she looked him over. “You are remembering to sleep right? I’d hate to have to ask one of the guards to make sure you’re getting to bed again.”

Starswirl shook his head, trying to clear the effect seeing the princess always had on him. His mind worked feverishly to try and remember what Celestia had just said, loathing looking like a fool in front of her. Luckily, his sharp mind came through for him, and he returned a smile to the princess.

“I’ll have to decline the offer Celestia. The last guard you sent to “check up on me” almost ruined two years of alchemical research when he stumbled into my work bench.” He teased back, approaching the throne with his spellbook floating along beside him.

Celestia laughed. It held the sound of Flutterponies dancing through flowers to Starswirl’s ears. “I think that Ponykind will be alright even if they have to wait a bit longer for your concoction Starswirl... what did you call it again?”

“Chocolate milk my lady.” He said.

“Ah yes. So what have you brought for me today my friend?” Celestia asked. She may try to hide it with her jokes or teasing manner but Starswirl knew her well enough to know that she was always excited to see the new things he’d discovered with magic.

Starswirl gave a joking bow as he floated the book over to the princess. If he had any luck he’d be able to spend the rest of the afternoon explaining his theories and formulae to Celestia. He had made them a bit complicated for that very reason. Anything to spend just a bit more time with her.

Anything for the mare who had stolen his heart.

SDF:R

Starswirl watched in a mixture of fear and awe as a rainbow vortex whirled through the air around the two Princesses. The rainbow was coming from the gems he had just brought before the sisters, the results of more than three years of research into the very nature of magic. Three years of study and trials to help prevent a great catastrophe. For his studies of the heavens had led him to believe that the sun was beginning to drift away from Equestria, little by little. It would eventually leave Equestria altogether, freezing the planet without its warmth.

He had never expected this however. When he had laid the gems, the Harmony Stones as he liked to call them, before the Princesses, something had sparked inside them. A rainbow beam had shot forth from the stones, wrapping around the princesses and cackling with magical energy.

Energy which was finally starting to die down. The whirlwind rainbow was starting to slow, collapsing upon itself. When it finally disappeared, Starswirl felt his jaw go slack. The two princesses were unharmed, but changed. Where two pegasi had once stood there was now two mares, taller than the average pony, with the wings of a pegasus and the horn of a unicorn.

Alicorns, that is what the tales had called them. Mythical ponies who carried the traits of all three pony tribes.

Somehow, the Harmony Stones had empowered the princesses. Even in his shock Starswirl noticed that both mares’ cutie marks had changed. Celestia now bore the mark of the sun, while Luna now had the mark of the moon. They would now be the caretakers of the sun and the moon.

Starswirl tore his eyes away from Celestia’s cutie mark when he heard somepony clear their throat. His face flushed in embarrassment as his eyes met Celestia’s, who was giving him that same teasing grin she always did.

“Well, that was unexpected.”

SDF:R

Over a decade had passed since Celestia and Luna had taken responsibility for moving the sun and moon. Starswirl had gained renown as the greatest mage all across Equestria, heralded as Starswirl the Bearded for the impressive beard he had began wearing as he grew older.

That was the crux of his current problem. He was growing older. His mane and beard were streaked with gray, though it had yet to reach his tail. Yet while he was growing older, Celestia remained as young and vibrant as ever.

His magic had confirmed it after casting a diagnostic spell on the princess. She was not growing older. Or if she was, it was at a rate so unbelievably slow to as to not even matter. No,his princess would live forever, but where did that leave him?

He had already felt like Celestia could never be his when she was simply a princess. Now she was an immortal alicorn, while he was simply a scholarly unicorn. How then, could he ever win her affections? How could he ever ask her to be with him, knowing that even if she accepted that he would one day leave her alone.

So he had begun researching anew. There had to be a way, any way at all, to make himself an alicorn like the princesses. If he was an alicorn, he’d be worthy of her. He’d finally be able to tell her how he felt, and they could live happily together as the counted out the eternities.

But the Elements of Harmony (as the princesses had taken to calling them) would not respond for him. Even if they could, there was no guarantee that they would affect him the same way. So he begun looking for other sources of magic. After all there had to be a balance in all things, was that not the very nature of harmony? So if there was magic powered by harmony, then surely there was magic powered by something else.

SDF:R

He had finally done it. His theories checked out, the chaotic energies he had tapped into were more than potent enough. He had his totems, small statues representing the various animals of Equestria, that would help embody him with the magics needed.

All that was left was to cast the spell. One of his greatest works even if he did say so himself. And after this... after this he would have all the time in Equestria. He might even be able to finish off that one spell that had eluded him for years.

So he lit his horn up with the chaotic magic he had discovered, letting it build and grow until he could barely contain it. Then, without a second thought, he let it consume him. He screamed as pain tore at his body. It felt like he was on fire from the inside out, like his fur was being pulled out strand by strand. He screamed until his voice gave out, and when the pain finally became too much, he collapsed and let unconsciousness wash over him.

He woke up later. How much later he could not tell. It could have been minutes, it could have been days. He had now way of truly knowing. Once the fog cleared from his mind however, he was ecstatic. He could feel the power within his body, the limitless power of chaotic energy coursing through his very being. He didn’t even have to channel it through his horn, just a snap of his paw and the diagnostic spell gave him the answer he wanted. He was now immortal.

Oh, and he had a paw! That was new. In fact, he seemed to have several new appendages. His body wasn’t even recognizable anymore. The only thing that remained of the pony Starswirl the Bearded was his head and beard. Even his horn had been replaced by a goat horn and a deer antler.

Still, his spell had worked. He was finally on the same level as Celestia. They were equals now even if fkcolekcos..

Starswirl shook his head. It felt like codkclt there was something bouncing around inside his skull. It was hard to think. It was like his mind was being pulled in a hundred different directions at once.

He took a deep breath and focused. It was probably just 42icilj his mind adjusting to his new power. That could wait though, he had to show Celestia!

He snapped the claws on his new talon and was instantly transported from his house to the throne room of the Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters. He was greeted with a brief moment of silence when he appeared, before all Tartarus seemed to break loose. It seemed Celestia had been holding court when he appeared, and ponies were now screaming and running out of the room. Unicorn guards had jumped forward, holding their spears aloft in the telekinetic magic Starswirl had developed all those years ago.

Starswirl felt a strange sense of satisfac2jd8c0ion at the chaos that gripped the room. He snapped his claw again and the unicorns surrounding him were turned into foals, who quickly began crying as the sound of their spears hitting the floor scared them.

Starswirl grinned, and looked towards the throne where his princess sat. “Celestia my dear, I-” The words died on his lips as he saw the look his beloved princess was directing at him. She didn’t recognize him. Not only that, but she looked repulsed by the sight of him, as if her entire being was screaming out against the wrongness that he was.

“I know not who you are vile creature, but I demand you return my guards to their normal state!” Celestia declared, her voice shaking the walls of the castle and pushing Starswirl back. He gaped at her, never before had she spoken to him in that voice.

“Oh come on Celestia, I was just having a little fun.” Starswirl said, getting ready to snap his claws to return the guards back to normal.

“Fun?! Foul creature I will not allow you to harm my subjects for your own amusement!” Celestia’s voice actually cracked one of the pillars and her mane was roiling around her head. She leaped from her throne and stared at Starswirl with eyes that were glowing bright with her power.

This was not how it was supposed to be at all! This was Starswirl’s moment of triumph! Why was everything spiralling out of control? This wouldn’t even be happening if it wasn’t for those foolish ponies!

He snapped his talons, fully intending to return the guards to normal. Instead the magic within him flared, and each of the ponies in the room gave a cry of surprise as the magic washed over them before the room fell silent. Playing cards fluttered gently to the ground, each one bearing the image of a terrified pony.

Starswirl stared in surprise. He hadn’t meant that to happen. Was there something wrong with his magic?

“Vile fiend!” Celestia cried, her horn cackling with energy, “You shall not harm my subjects!” Pure magical energy fueled by Celestia’s connection to the sun lanced out from her horn, striking Starswirl directly in the chest and blasting him through a wall. He flew through the air, relatively unharmed, at least physically.

Celestia’s blow struck him in a much deeper way, as did the hatred in her eyes. He had given up everything for her, did anything and everything he could to try and earn her affection. Now, now she was sickened by the very sight of him. It was more than that even... she hated him.

Starswirl couldn’t bear it, he let his momentum carry him far further than it should have, sailing over the lands of Equestria even as tears fell from his eyes. He eventually landed in a barren wasteland. When he did, the tears had stopped falling from his eyes. He couldn’t even remember why he had been crying, perhaps it was because he was out of chocolate milk? Only that was silly, he could make it rain chocolate milk if he wanted to! In fact, that seemed like a mighty fine idea right now.

SDF:R

Discord blinked his eyes blearily. Why had he been crying? Did he even have anything to cry about? It didn’t make any sense to him. Then again, he was the king of not making sense... even if this wasn’t funny.

He looked down below to see that the Sparkle-Dash family was packing up their picnic. The sun was beginning its descent, and the sight of the happy family brought a sense of longing to the draconequus’ chest.

He looked at the sun that was slowly setting, and decided that he would stop by Canterlot a little bit later. Perhaps he could talk Celestia into burying the hatchet, it had been a long time after all. Some small part of his mind basked in the idea of spending time with the solar monarch.

Before he went he cast another gaze at the Sparkle-Dash family. At the studious unicorn and her playful pegasus, and the children they were raising. That sense of longing was there again. So he did the only reasonable thing.

He snapped the digits on his lion’s paw, and then cackled in glee as cotton candy clouds began chasing the family, raining chocolate milk down on the ponies.

“DISCOOOOOOORD!” Ahhhh, music to his ears.

Author's Note

I'm sorry for the lack of updates guys, lots going on over here at the moment, but I won't bore you with the details.

The weird letters and numbers after Starswirl's transformation are intentional, I was trying to convey a sense that his mind was slipping from the chaotic energies, but I don't know if that worked very well. Might go back and remove it a little later.

This chapter was inspired by Celestiathegreatest's artwork: The Life Cycle of Starswirl the Bearded. Check it out on deviant art!

I know, there wasn't much about the Sparkle Dash family in this chapter, but this was the best I could come up with given the prompt.

Hope you enjoyed!

Also, this is not the big chapter I've been mentioning. Look forward to that on Friday! :D

One Year Too Late (Sparkle Army)

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 363: One year too late - Sparkle Army

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Deep beneath the Golden Oaks Library three ponies and a dragon sat around a table. The table was covered in diagrams and a map of Ponyville. There were markers placed across the map of Ponyville, some purple, most of them blue.

Twilight Sparkle eyed the blue markers with a displeased glare. She was currently dressed in her black bodysuit, though her mane was styled as normal. She did wear an eyepatch, a demand from Pinkie Pie for joining her side. Not that it had mattered however. Even with Pinkie Pie’s genius they were losing ground daily.

“And ya’ll are sure about that Spike?” Applejack asked. The farmer was wearing a green flak vest, each pocket filled with supplies.

“Sure as I can be about anything anymore Applejack. Fluttershy has finally chosen a side, and she’s siding with Rainbow Dash.” Spike said solemnly.

“Consarn it Twilight! I told ya that your last target was too close to Fluttershy’s critters. Now she’s gone an’ sided with the enemy!” Applejack was cross. They were already losing this war, and while Fluttershy wasn’t much of an antagonist, the fact that she could paralyze anypony with a look made her a dangerous adversary.

“It doesn’t matter Applejack. Fluttershy was always going to side with Rainbow Dash, it was just a matter of time.” Twilight said, her voice calm despite the dire news her assistant had just delivered.

“So what’re we gonna do General Sprinkles?” Pinkie Pie asked. Her attention didn’t seem to be on the group before them, but on a box she held in her hooves. Pinkie Pie had opted to wear a simple leather jacket and sunglasses, despite the low light of the room they were currently in.

“I told you Pinkie, it’s General Sparkle!” Twilight said.

Pinkie Pie shook her head. “I wasn’t talking to you General Sparkle! I was asking General Sprinkles!” She opened the box to reveal one donut, frosted and covered in sprinkles. For some reason it also had a set of plastic googly eyes stuck to the frosting, and a bubble pipe was poking out of the side.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Riiiiight. Anyways, we’re going to have to make a big move next. We’ve lost control of too many areas this last month. If Rainbow Dash is able to take Sugarcube Corner we’ll be completely cut-off from supplies.” Twilight said, pointing a hoof to the purple marker which showed Sugarcube Corner on the map.

Applejack let her eyes roam over the map, looking for a suitable target. “I don’ know Twi, Dash has got more ponies than we do. She’s keeping her territory guarded tighter than a lasso knot. Especially with what we did to her house. Hittin any of her bases ain’t gonna be easy.”

Twilight nodded. “You’re right Applejack, it won’t be easy. But I’ve got an ace up my sleeve.”

“Ohhh you do! I normally keep a couple jokers up my sleeves. And some balloons, and a spatula, some confetti-” Pinkie Pie rambled, pulling random objects from the sleeves of her jacket.

“It’s just an expression Pinkie Pie. I have a pony working on the inside of Dash’s group. She should be here any minute in fact.” Twilight sounded quite smug about that.

“Oh? Who’d ya get?” Applejack asked, “ I know it ain’t Rarity after she accidently got hit in that crossfire.”

“Yeah, she’s still pretty ticked at you guys for that.” A new voice said as a pony entered the hidden bunker. Applejack and Pinkie Pie both gasped in surprise at the sight of the newcomer, while Spike smiled knowingly.

“Scootaloo? You’re the spy?!” Applejack asked incredulously.

“Yep. I’ve been feeding mom information.. er... I’ve been giving Twilight-mom information on Dash-mom’s plans.” Scootaloo said, realizing the confusion that would spring from referring to both ponies as “mom”.

“She’s the reason we were able to retreat from that last skirmish and trick Dash’s group into that trap.” Twilight said proudly. She gave Scootaloo a quick hug, before pulling the filly closer to the table. “Alright Scootaloo, lets hear your report.”

“It’s just like you thought. Mom’s got most of her territory guarded pretty heavily after what you guys did to Tank. That was great by the way!” Scootaloo said, beaming happily at her mom.

“So it’s hopeless then?” Applejack asked.

“Nope. See, mom’s got a lot of ponies, but they’re spread thin now. She’s had to pull back all her scouts just to help cover her territory, but there’s still weak points.” Scootaloo pointed to a blue marker in the center of the map. “Right now they’ve stored most of their supplies in Town Hall. It’s guarded more heavily than most of the other targets, but here’s the thing: Mom promised Fluttershy that she’d have a group of ponies respond instantly to any attacks on Fluttershy’s home.”

“Of course!” Twilight smiled proudly at Scootaloo, “We send a small force to Fluttershy’s house as a diversion. While Rainbow is responding to that, the rest of us take Town Hall and claim Rainbow’s supplies as our own!”

“But Twi! Them ponies that ya’ll send to Fluttershy’s are basically goin’ on a suicide mission!” Applejack argued. She hated to send ponies to a battle there was no chance of winning.

“I know Applejack, but this could be our only chance. We have to halt Rainbow’s momentum somehow. Of course, I won’t order anypony on this mission. We’ll see if anypony wants to volunteer for it first.” Twilight said.

Pinkie Pie jumped forward at this. “Oh! I’ll do it General Sparkle!”

Twilight looked surprised at this. “Are you sure Pinkie Pie?”

Pinkie Pie nodded her head. “Sure do! This’ll be super fun! I’ve never gotten to go against Fluttershy before.”

Spike decided to speak up at this. “Oh come on girls, isn’t this enough? This has been going on forever now, can’t you just apologize and stop all this?” The dragon asked in exasperation.

“Sorry Spike, but-” Twilight began, only to be cut off by Pinkie Pie.

“It’s one year too late!” Pinkie Pie said, pulling a second pair of sunglasses out of her jacket and placing them atop the ones she was already wearing.

“YEEAAAAAAAAH!” Snowflake yelled, causing the rest of the ponies to blink at him. He nodded at each pony, before turning and flying out of the room on his tiny wings.

“Right... Well, let’s go over the plan then. It’s time to finish this!” Twilight said, as she began listing off both sides of the plan to her allies.

Rainbow Dash wouldn’t know what hit her.

Author's Note

What the? What the hay has been going on? Ponyville is caught up in some kind of civil war? The Mane Six are divided? Scootaloo is a double agent?!

I'm sure you all can guess what's happened, and what's going to happen. Still though, I'm having so much fun with this one I decided to write it three times! One for each side and one for the final battle.

I do this for you, since you all rock.

Stay tuned...

One Year Later (Rainbow Army)

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 363: One year too late - Rainbow Army

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Commander Rainbow Dash grinned from her cloud throne, looking over her assembled army. Earth ponies, pegasi and unicorns had all flocked under her banner. Some were simply seeking shelter from what they assumed was the winning side, like her newly recruited lieutenant Fluttershy. Some had been personally affected by the ongoing conflict and were eager for revenge, like her second-in-command Lieutenant Commander Rarity. Others joined simply for the fun of it, never truly knowing just what they were getting into.

Rainbow Dash shook her head in amusement. Those ponies would learn quickly. The rest of her army had. They had to, lest they be caught in Twilight’s devious “gorilla tactics”. Rainbow Dash was still disappointed that she hadn’t seen any actual gorilla’s, but now that she had Fluttershy on her team she was confident that even those wouldn’t pose any problem.

A horn was sounded as the doors to Rainbow Dash’s throne room were opened. Rarity walked inside, heading toward Dash’s throne. The ever fashion conscious unicorn was currently dressed in a body suit as white as her fur, with a white cloak over her back. She stopped in front of Rainbow Dash’s throne and nodded to the pegasus.

“I’ve just returned from the frontlines Commander Rainbow. Sweet Apple Acres is now ours, Granny Smith has given us her unconditional surrender.” Rarity said.

“Awesome! Were you able to capture Applejack?” Rainbow Dash asked, while trying not to drool at the thought of all the cider that was now under her control.

“I’m afraid not Commander. She had various traps set up around the farm, but none of the others in the Apple Family knows where she has gone. It is safe to assume she has already rendezvoused with the enemy.” Rarity said.

“Well, they won’t be able to keep hiding for much longer. We pretty much control the whole town!” Rainbow Dash said.

“Don’t get too complacent darling. We’re still dealing with a master tactician, a mare who could kick a tree in half, and the most unpredictable creature this side of Discord.” Rarity cautioned.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes lit up at that. “Oh! Discord! Do you think we could recruit him? He’d end this pretty quickly.”

“I don’t think that’s very wise. Discord would be just as likely to finish our forces as some kind of joke only he could get.” Rarity shook her head at the idea.

“Drats. Oh well. We’ve still got our secret weapon right?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Oh yes, in fact, I believe she should be here any minute.” Rarity said.

Rainbow Dash nodded her head. “Good. By the way, has Fluttershy made any progress with Tank?” Rainbow’s voice was tinged with worry at the mention of her beloved tortoise.

Rarity sighed and gave a sad shake of her head. “I’m afraid not. She’s still working on him, but she’s afraid it might be... permanent.”

Rainbow Dash closed her eyes and took a deep breath. It was exactly as she feared. “It is exactly as I feared..” She said, since the line just sounded so cool.

“Oh come now Rainbow, you’re being a little dramatic, and that’s saying something coming from me.” Rarity chided.

Rainbow Dash didn’t reply. She was too busy thinking over everything that had happened over the past year. The atrocity dealt to Rarity. The attack on her cloudiminum (even if she wasn’t living there anymore), and what had happened to Tank. How this had all escalated beyond anything Ponyville had ever seen. She still couldn’t believe that it had all started so simply. She wouldn’t take it back though. Twilight was going down, one way or another.

“Hello, Equestria to Rainbow Dash!” Rarity said, breaking Rainbow Dash out of her reverie. “You really shouldn’t drift off like that darling, someponies might think you’ve learned to sleep with your eyes open.”

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to retort, but snapped it shut as the doors to her throne room opened. She quickly donned the helmet of her Commander Hurricane outfit, getting ready to fight in case it was another one of Twilight’s agents. She relaxed when she saw it was simply the filly they’d been waiting for.

“Rarity!” Sweetie Belle gave a squeal of delight, rushing forward to hug her big sister.

“Hello Sweetie Belle. Were you able to get the information?” Rarity asked, returning her sister’s sign of affection.

“Yup! I told her about the guards for Fluttershy’s house, and she headed straight for Twilight’s bunker. She’s probably telling them all about it right now.” Sweetie Belle chirped happily, smiling even wider as gave her a nuzzle out of pride.

“Good work Sweetie Belle!” Rainbow said from her throne, “The egghead won’t be able to pass up an opportunity like this. She’ll go for a big target, try to get us in one go. Probably the Town Hall.”

“I’m still rather surprised that Scootaloo of all ponies would betray you.” Rarity said.

“Oh I knew she would. It was part of the deal, she’d help me at first, then go help Twilight later on. She didn’t want to have to pick between us.” Rainbow Dash said with a smile. “Besides if you think about it, she’s still helping us. The information she’s going to give Twilight is going to make her walk right into our trap!”

Rarity nodded. “Just remember, when the battle starts... Pinkie Pie is mine.” The fashionista gave an evil grin at the thought of her upcoming revenge.

“Whatever you say Rarity. You can handle Pinkie all on your own.” Rainbow Dash wasn’t surprised at the animosity Rarity held towards Pinkie Pie. There were some lines you just didn’t cross.

“So, tomorrow then.” Rarity said.

“Yup, it all ends tomorrow. I’ll finally have my revenge on Twilight, even if it is a year late.” Rainbow grinned at the thought.

It was almost finished. Twilight would go be defeated tomorrow, and this war would finally be over. She had everything in the bag.

Twilight wouldn’t know what hit her.

Author's Note

I'm sure you know what's going on, but I can't help but be delightfully vague about this. What exactly happened to Tank? What did Pinkie Pie do to Rarity?

What will happen when Rainbow Dash springs her trap?

Stay tuned...

One Year Later (The Battle of Town Hall)

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 363: One year too late - The Battle of Town Hall

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Gather round young ponies and listen well! This is a retelling of the final battle of the Prank War of Ponyville, which happened right here at Ponyville Town Hall just last year. It was a battle between the factions of Sparkle and Rainbow. Learn well from this colts and fillies, for those who do not learn from history are doomed to repe-

PHHHHHHBT!

Alright? Who stuck the whoopie cushion on my chair?!

/\TBoTH/\

A light fog hung in the air of Ponyville. Not quite enough to make visibility an issue, but enough to set the atmosphere. Twilight looked around approvingly. Rainbow Dash must’ve gotten up early to get this fog ready.

She turned back to the ponies gathered behind her. “Friends, Ponyvillians, countryponies, lend me your ears!” Twilight said. The ponies around her quickly grew silent, ready to hear the words of their valiant leader. “Today is the day we end this. It has been a long year for all of us. Many of us have lost loved ones to Rainbow Dash’s machinations, but today we put a stop to her. Today you fight, not for me, not for yourselves, but for freedom! Freedom from the fear of itching powder in your bed! Freedom from the fear of hot sauce in your apple juice! Freedom to live our lives as simple ponies! That’s what we’re fighting for today my friends. To just be ponies. FOR PONY!”

“FOR PONY!” Her army shouted back in reply. With that Twilight began to lead her troops towards the Town Hall. She was more than a little worried. If Rainbow Dash had set up this fog, then that meant she was expecting something to happen today. Did she already know about Twilight’s plans?

It was too late either way. They were committed to this battle now. They’d just have to make due. Luckily she already knew one thing that would turn the odds of the battle in her favor.

“Pinkie Pie, are you sure you’re ready for this?” Twilight asked her friend.

Pinkie Pie nodded, causing the second pair of sunglasses she was still wearing to almost slip off her face. “You betcha Twilight! I’m ready to play pranks and eat cupcakes, and I’m all outta cupcakes!”

Twilight grinned in response. “Good, because it looks like you’re diversion is going to be even more important than I thought.” She motioned for Applejack to come closer and then, after making sure the other ponies weren’t close enough to hear, whispered her fear to the two mares. “I’m pretty sure Rainbow Dash knows what we’re planning. There’s more than an eighty-five percent chance that we’re walking into a trap.”

Applejack nodded. “Figured as much, this fog’s got Rainbow Dash’s name written all over it.” She said.

“Really? I don’t see her name on any of the fog!” Pinkie Pie said, narrowing her eyes and staring intently at the fog.

Twilight ignored Pinkie Pie’s comment. “I’ve got a plan though. After we encounter Dash’s troops we need to find Rarity as fast as we can. Once we do, we’ll mention that Pinkie Pie is leading the attack on Fluttershy’s house. Rarity won’t be able to resist the chance to get Pinkie back.”

Applejack nodded. “I getcha. Once Rarity hears Pinkie is at Fluttershy’s, she’ll go chasing after Pinkie with her unit and leave Dash’s troops in a mess.”

“Exactly.” Twilight said, then turned to look at Pinkie Pie, “That means that you’re going to have to deal with Rarity and all her troops, as well as whatever guards are at Fluttershy’s house. I’m sorry Pinkie Pie, but I think it’s the only way we’ll have a chance.”

Pinkie Pie didn’t seem fazed. “Don’t get all frowny and downy Twilight! I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeves. And some balloons, those aces you were talking about yesterday, Vinyl Scratch’s new album and-”

“Alright Pinkie, I’ll leave it to you then.” Twilight interrupted. “This is where we split up. Good luck Pinkie, Celestia watch over you!” She said, giving the pink mare a salute.

Pinkie Pie laughed. “Why would I want Celestia watching me silly? This seems more like Discord’s game than the Princess’.”

Twilight shuddered at that thought. “Right. Good luck either way Pinkie.” She said.

Pinkie Pie nodded, before bouncing away into the fog. Twilight turned her head and nodded at Applejack. It was time to begin.

/\TBoTH/\

Rainbow Dash warily eyed the fog that had descended upon Ponyville. Had Twilight gotten a pegasus on her side to set this up? It seemed pretty gutsy of her marefriend to basically announce her intentions. Whoever had set up the fog had done a pretty sloppy job though. It was too thin to be any hindrance. If Twilight was hoping to provide concealment for her troops, she was going to be disappointed.

Rainbow Dash turned to face her army. Most of Ponyville had eventually joined together under the charismatic pegasus’ banner. Offers of protection from Twilight’s pranks had been enough, even if she hadn’t been able to always keep those promises. Besides, the more ponies that got pranked, the more that joined her hoping to end the whole thing.

“Alright troops, this is it!” Rainbow Dash barked as she hovered over her troops, “This is for all the apples! The Egghead Army is marching straight into our trap, and soon we’ll end Twilight Sparkle’s reign of terror. Stand proud my friends, for today we shall gain glory, as the victors of the Prank War!”

The ponies below her began cheering, chanting her name and shouting words like “glory” and “it’s almost over”. Rainbow Dash flew to the ground, and addressed her second-in-command. “Alright Rarity, you take the 501st and 908th legions. Go to the eastern side of the building and we’ll remain here, and once Twilight shows up we’ll catch her troops in between.”

“Whatever you say Rainbow Dash. Just remember, Pinkie Pie is mine.” Rarity said. Rainbow Dash nodded, and Rarity went to gather her troops and move into position.

Rainbow Dash turned to Fluttershy. “You’ll be on support Flutters. Help anypony who you can, but I really need you to try and get Twilight or Applejack in your Stare. If we can catch either of those two we’ll totally win this thing without breaking a sweat.”

“Oh, I don’t know Rainbow Dash. I mean.. maybe I should just stay behind and look after Tank?” Fluttershy said, nervously backing away from her friend.

“Nah, there’s nothing you can do for him Fluttershy. Twilight probably used some kind of magic to make the paint on him permanent. Until we beat her he’ll just have to stay.... pink.” Rainbow Dash said with a shudder.

“Um.. okay then, if you’re sure.” Fluttershy said. She still didn’t look enthused about it, but Rainbow Dash wasn’t surprised. Heck if Tank hadn’t complained to Fluttershy about getting covered in the paint, she probably never would have chosen a side to begin with.

Nodding, Rainbow Dash flew back into the air, looking into the distance. It was all just a matter of time now. “Your move Egghead.” She said with a smile.

/\TBoTH/\

Now then my little ponies, I’m sure you’re wondering exactly what led to the most intense Prank War in the history of Equestria?

Well, it all started after Twilight Sparkle had asked her children Spike and Scootaloo to help her play a prank on Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash was lead to believe she had walked in on Spike and Scootaloo in a “compromising position”, and proceeded to give the two of them the Dreaded Talk. She had already resigned herself to her fate when Spike and Scootaloo had mentioned that they already had heard the Dreaded Talk. Rainbow Dash, embarrassed beyond belief, quickly fled, only to discover later that the whole thing had been a prank devised by Twilight.

Now Rainbow Dash could not let such a challenge go unanswered. So she had bribed Spike with a gem to deliver a letter from “Princess Celestia”, that urgently requested Twilight’s presence in Canterlot. Of course Twilight left that morning, only to return that night having discovered Rainbow’s treachery when Princess Celestia told her that she had sent no such letter.

Normally Twilight would have simply let the whole thing go. The problem was that Twilight had embarrassed herself not just in front of Princess Celestia, but in front of the ponies that Celestia had been holding court with when Twilight rushed into the throne room asking what was wrong. Obviously Twilight needed revenge.

So Twilight pranked Rainbow Dash, who would return in kind, neither backing down. Twilight however soon ran out of ideas for pranks and sought out the help of a master. One Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie had been more than happy to help her friend, and the next day Rainbow Dash woke up with her fur painted in rainbow colors and her mane and tail dyed blue.

After Rainbow Dash learned that Twilight had recruited help from her pranking rival, Rainbow Dash began recruiting ponies of her own to help her. Suddenly wherever Pinkie or Twilight went, a cloud of random weather would hover over them. Sometimes snowing, sometimes raining, sometimes hanging around their head like a blanket of fog.

Unfortunately for Rainbow Dash one of those clouds floated a little too close to Applejack one day, striking the apples at her stand with lightning before dumping an entire winter’s worth of snow on the orange mare. When Twilight told Applejack who had caused her plight, Applejack was only too happy to join Twilight in getting revenge.

And so the Prank War began. Soon the ponies of ponyville were getting caught up in the pranks. Clouds of itching powder floating through the air, food that was always tricked with some sort of gimmick. It got to the point where large scale prank battles were waged in the streets of the town, whoopee cushions and water balloons flying.

It was in one of these battles that the scale truly tipped in Rainbow Dash’s favor. It was that day that Pinkie Pie had launched a barrage of mane-dye filled water balloons at Rainbow’s forces, and caught Rarity and many other uninvolved ponies in the crossfire.

Rarity, whose coat and mane had been dyed an assortment of colors, was incensed. She quickly took up arms on Rainbow Dash’s side, after being promised a chance for revenge on Pinkie Pie. Other ponies, hearing that they’d have a chance at getting back at the Pink Pranking Mistress of Ponyville, joined Rainbow Dash as well. Thus, the elite 501st and 908th legions were born, with the sole purpose of getting revenge on Pinkie Pie.

Things only escalated further from there. One day Twilight came home to discover that all her book had been glued shut. Rainbow Dash found her wings bound to her side until Rarity was able to look up the counter-curse. Applejack found trees in her orchards that had the apples replaced with oranges. Rarity had her many dresses replaced with burlap sacks and fashion so old that in a couple years it would surely make a comeback as “retro”.

So while for the most part everypony went on with their daily lives, there was always the fear of another Prank Battle breaking out at anytime.

For that reason alone everypony was glad to have the end in sight.

/\TBoTH/\

The battle at Town Hall was already underway. Twilight’s troops had surged forward as soon as the building was in sight, giving a might cry as they charged.

Rainbow Dash’s troops had responded in kind, and at first everything looked like it was going her way. Until a scream of “PINKIE PIE!” pierced the air, and suddenly half her army was rushing away from the battle.

With the odds now evened, the two forces began in earnest. Dye-filled balloons were lobbed, pies were thrown. Itching powder filled the air, and whoopee cushions littered the ground. Kick Me signs were placed on whatever ponies they could be, and many doorbells were rung only for their resident’s to discover there was nopony there.

In short, it was chaos.

/\TBoTH/\

At Fluttershy’s cottage, one pink mare found herself surrounded by ponies. Rarity stalked forward, motioning for her troops to remain where they were.

“It’s over Pinkie Pie! Surrender, and I promise I’ll only humiliate you a little.” Rarity called out to the pink pony.

Pinkie Pie just looked around her, giving a smile to the ponies who were gathered around her. She looked back at Rarity, the smile never leaving her face. “Oh Rarity. I’d rather prank the whole world than have the whole world prank me.” She then spread her forelegs out from her body. “Come then ponies of Ponyville! Prank me if you dare!”

The ponies around her surged forward, despite Rarity’s cry for them to stop. The area around Fluttershy’s cottage was filled with noise, as pies were launched from hidden traps, ponies fell into holes filled with pudding, and other were incapacitated with a large amount of itching powder. When the commotion ended only two ponies remained standing.

“Wow! That was a doozy huh Rarity?” Pinkie Pie said as she examined her hoofwork.

Rarity felt her eye twitch. “OH IT IS ON!” She yelled. The white mare charged towards Pinkie Pie, expertly side stepping traps that hadn’t been set off yet.

“Uh oh...” Pinkie muttered after seeing the fire in Rarity’s eyes. She quickly reached into her sleeve, and pulled out a pair of rubber chickens that were tied together at one end by a string. She held the chickens in both her hooves, before she began whirling them around her body. “Stay back Rarity, or you’ll get a hoof-lickin’ taste of my nunchuckens!”

Rarity didn’t respond to Pinkie’s attempt at humor, merely leapt at the mare with a bolt of fabric held in her telekinetic grip. She swung the bolt, only to have it intercepted by Pinkie’s nunchuckens.

The two mares stared into each other’s eyes, before jumping away from each other at some unseen signal. Their battle was just beginning.

/\TBoTH/\

At the Town Hall the battle found itself at a standstill. Applejack had been captured by Fluttershy’s stare, but that meant both ponies were out. Most of the ponies on both side had been incapacitated by various pranks. Some were literally glued to the ground.

Twilight and Rainbow Dash stared each other down, neither one willing to back down. Rainbow as breathing heavily from Twilight’s latest attack, tickling her hooves with her own feathers! Speaking of feathers, Twilight was currently having a hard time seeing past the feathers that had been stuck all over her body.

“Give it up Twilight! You know you can’t beat me!” Rainbow Dash taunted as she tried to catch her breath.

“Whatever you say Dashie. When last we met I was the prankee. Now I am the pranker!” Twilight called back, after spitting out a mouthful of feathers.

The two glared at each other. They were each trying to think of something, any kind of prank that would end this once and for all. Unfortunately they had already unleashed the best they had.

Twilight watched as Rainbow Dash’s eyes went wide. “T-Twi! What’s that behind you?” Rainbow Dash said, pointing a hoof past Twilight’s head.

Twilight rolled her eyes. “Oh really Dash? You really think I’m going to fall for that one?” She said. Rainbow Dash’s eyes only widened further, but Twilight resisted the urge to look behind her. That is, until she heard it. The sound of something liquid rushing towards them. She finally gave in to her curiosity and looked behind her, only to have her eyes widen.

A tidal wave of some kind of green liquid was rushing towards them, covering the entirety of Ponyville in its wake. Twilight tried to teleport out of the way, but found she was too tired after all the spells and pranks she had pulled.

Rainbow Dash found herself in a similar situation, and the wave washed over both of them. They quickly swam up to the top, breaching the surface of the green liquid and looking around. There troops were also floating atop the liquid, which had actually risen above the houses of Ponyville.

“What the?! What’s going on?” Rainbow Dash asked in confusion as she felt the liquid around her start to congeal. Within a matter of seconds the liquid had become solid, and springy.

“Is this... is this gelatin?” Twilight asked incredulously.

“Yep!” A happy and familiar voice said from nearby.

Rainbow Dash and Twilight whipped their heads around to see Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Applebloom, and Spike bouncing on top of the gelatin.

“What the. Girls, what’s going on here?” Twilight asked.

“Isn’t it obvious Twilight?” Spike responded, a smug grin on his face, “The Prank War is over, and we won!” He said, motioning to the Cutie Mark Crusaders and himself.

“Wait... you won? You mean...” Rainbow Dash trailed off as her eyes widened in realization.

“That’s right! We were just waiting for you guys to tire yourselves out so we could catch both sides at once.” Scootaloo said.

“B-but..but how? I mean, no offense girls, but I don’t think you could’ve made this much gelatin, or caused it to stay in place long enough to solidify.” Twilight asked.

“Oh, we got help!” Applebloom responded, pointing up the air. Rainbow Dash and Twilight looked up, to see the serpentine form of Discord flying over Ponyville, laughing his tail off... literally, he was laughing so hard his tail kept falling off.

“You... You got help from Discord?” Rainbow Dash said. “Darnit! I knew I should’ve asked him for help!”

“Yep. He was pretty peeved when he found out there was a prank war going on and he hadn’t been invited.” Sweetie Belle said, “So when we asked him to help he was more than happy to!”

Twilight and Rainbow Dash just stared at each other. It was over, and neither one of them had won. Slowly, they both began to snicker, then chuckle, before breaking out into full blown laughter. Their laughter was joined by the rest of Ponyville, as the entire town laughed at the absurdity of it all.

“Alright alright, you win!” Twilight said, giving a smile to Spike and the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

“I can’t believe we just got outpranked after all that work!” Rainbow Dash groaned good naturedly. “Alright Twi, I guess we’re even now.”

“I guess so Dashie. I’m just glad we got this over with before the wedding.” Twilight said, her eyes sparkling at the mention of the wedding.

“Heh yeah, that would’ve been super awkward if we kept pranking each other while we were exchanging our vows.” Even though she agreed with Twilight’s sentiment, Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but grin at the thought of it.

“Alright Discord, you can get rid of the gelatin now.” Twilight said. Nothing happened. “Discord? You can get rid of the gelatin now... Discord?” Twilight looked up in the sky, but the draconequus was nowhere to be found. “DISSSSSCOOOOOOOORD!” Twilight yelled to the heavens.

/\TBoTH/\

Standing atop the gelatin that had covered Fluttershy’s cottage, Rarity smiled as she looked down at the defeated Pinkie Pie. Revenge was finally hers.

“Rarity.. what did you do to me?” Pinkie Pie asked in confusion.

“See for yourself darling.” Rarity teased. She hoofed Pinkie Pie a small pocket mirror, causing Pinkie Pie to gasp when she saw her reflection.

“You... you bleached my coat and dyed my mane blonde!” Pinkie Pie cried out in indignation.

“Surprise darling!”

/\TBoTH/\

And so the Prank War of Ponyville ended, with neither side victorious. That honor went to those who realized the first rule in the art of prank wars.

Always invite the draconequus.

Author's Note

Okay, in my defense, I've written over 60k pony words without using the FOR PONY joke once. I just had to! You'll forgive me someday right?

Believe it or not, parts of this actually came from an idea I'm using in Friendship is Missing: Twilight's Journey. Yes, that's right, there will be a prank war in Twilight's Journey... assuming I ever actually get to that part.

So, this obviously took me more than 30 minutes to write. Sitting at 49 minutes total. I know a lot of you don't care about the whole thirty minute rule, and since I wrote two other chapters of the same prompt today, I don't feel too bad for going over.

I actually wanted to use more Romance of the Three Kingdoms quotes in this, but I honestly can't remember very many of them. So you get a Star Wars one instead!

Anyways, there you have it. Hope you liked it, but I need to go pass out now.

Tomorrow is the Anniversary

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 364: Tomorrow is the Anniversary

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle snuggled closely together in the bed they shared. Their manes were still wet from a recent shower, having to get clean after Rainbow Dash’s latest prank had backfired, covering both of the mares in ink. Despite the failed prank both mares were smiling happily at each other.

“So, tomorrow it’ll already have been a whole year huh?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I know, it seems like time has just flown by.” Twilight responded as she snuggled deeper into Rainbow Dash’s embrace.

Rainbow Dash felt her body relax as a feeling of bliss stole over her. She always felt that warm fluttery feeling in her chest whenever she just got to cuddle with Twilight. She didn’t even try to hide the fact anymore. She might have denied it a year ago, but now there were very few things she found to be as cool as being nuzzled up against Twilight, their fur intermingling and providing warmth that was at least 20% better than Celestia’s sun.

Twilight tilted her head to look into Rainbow’s eyes, being sure to avoid jabbing the pegasus with her horn as she did. That was something they had learned to avoid early on in their relationship. Nothing quite killed a romantic mood like being poked in the snout by a unicorn horn.

The two were lost in each other’s eyes, both smiling that small content smile that showed everything was right in the world. It was always like this during the nights they could spend together. The hectic pace of the day just melted away as they found time to just spend relaxing with each other.

“So I was thinking...” Rainbow Dash said, still staring at Twilight with eyes full of adoration, “Since it’ll have been a year tomorrow, we should do something special to celebrate!”

“What did you have in mind?” Twilight asked.

“I was thinking we could take Spike and Scootaloo to the Crystal Empire. Maybe catch a jousting match, and we can eat at that restaurant Cadance was telling us about.”

Twilight nodded. “I bet they’d both love that. Especially once Scootaloo hears that you’re still the jousting champion there.” Twilight giggled at the thought. Scootaloo was always impressed with Rainbow’s accomplishments. She’d probably try to convince her friends to attempt “Cutie Mark Crusaders Jousters” afterwards.

Rainbow gave Twilight a roguish grin that never failed to bring a blush to the unicorn’s cheeks. “Let’s keep that a secret. I was going to see if Cadance could arrange for me to joust during one of the matches.”

Twilight rolled her eyes, though the smile remained on her face. “Of course. I’ll have Spike send her a letter tomorrow morning before we go to the train station.”

Rainbow gave Twilight a peck on her lips. “Thanks Twi. Oh, we should totally get a cake from Pinkie Pie too!”

“I don’t know Dashie. Don’t you think Pinkie Pie might be upset if we don’t let her throw a party for this?” Twilight asked.

Rainbow Dash chuckled. “Nah, she’ll probably still throw a party. Besides, what kind of celebration would it be without a cake?”

Twilight just smiled. She didn’t think Scootaloo would mind one way or another really, but it was no use trying to talk Rainbow out of things like this.

“Alright,” She said, “But we’ll have to wake up early if we want to give Pinkie Pie enough time to bake a cake before we’ll need to leave for the Crystal Empire.”

A frown tugged at Rainbow Dash’s face at the thought of waking up early. “Awww man. I hate waking up early. You’re lucky I love you guys Twi.”

Twilight just shook her head before giving Rainbow Dash a kiss. It lasted for a few moments, nothing intense or lustful, just a loving kiss. “I know Dashie. I feel like the luckiest mare in the world having you in my life. I feel lucky that we have such a wonderful daughter. I feel lucky that we have a wonderful friend like Spike. I’ve never been happier in my entire life.”

Rainbow’s face was a red as the streak in her mane. Only Twilight. She was the only pony who could ever get these reactions from her, and that just made Rainbow Dash love her even more. “Pfft, I’m the lucky one Twi. You have to put up with me, when I get to be around your awesomeness all the time!”

Twilight felt heat rush up her cheeks. Just like she did whenever Rainbow Dash called her “awesome”. She still felt the word was a little vague, but she knew what it meant to Rainbow Dash. “Well then, how about we just both say we’re lucky?” She offered.

Rainbow Dash leaned forward and pressed her lips against Twilight’s. She tightened the embrace she had on the mare, causing Twilight to close her eyes and moan happily.

“Sounds good Twi. Now, let’s get some sleep. If I’m going to have to wake up early then I’ll need all the sleep I can get.” Rainbow said after pulling away from the kiss.

Twilight opened her eyes, and the way they sparkled as she looked at Rainbow Dash almost made the pegasus completely forget about sleep. The purple mare leaned forward and gave a quick kiss on the tip of Rainbow Dash’s nose, before laying back down and snuggling into the pegasus again.

“Sounds good. Good night Dashie. I love you.” Twilight said as she yawned sleepily.

“I love you too Twi...” Rainbow Dash said, wrapping one wing around the unicorn. Her wing would feel all prickly after being stuck like that all night, but she knew Twilight enjoyed it, so it was worth it.

Just like everything she’d done ever since she and Twilight got together. It seemed like having the unicorn in her life just made everything better. She had no doubt that celebrating the anniversary of Scootaloo’s adoption tomorrow.

And maybe, while they were visiting the Crystal Empire, Rainbow Dash could make a stop at that jewelry store Cadance had also told her about. After all, she had enough bits saved up, she had the plan. Now she just needed the ring.

Author's Note

That was kind of sappy huh? Oh well. This one is a little tricky to place in the timeline. It occurs during the prank war but also shortly before the events of "A Year in the Life" and "A Year Older a Year Wiser". Extra prompt will be written a little bit later.

Hope you enjoyed!

Where We Were

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 365: The circumstances leading to, following, or surrounding someone beginning a speech with, “One year ago, on this day…”

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

“Good morning Cheerilee!” Twilight Sparkle said as she entered the Ponyville Academy for Rambunctious TYkes.

The magenta furred mare gave a small start in surprise, turning around and smiling when she noticed it was the local librarian. “Oh! Good morning Twilight!” She said in embarrassment. “Please excuse my jumpiness, I normally don’t have visitors this early.”

Twilight waved a hoof. “That’s no problem Cheerilee, sorry if I scared you. I just wanted to stop by to let you know Scootaloo won’t be coming to class today.”

“Oh? Is everything alright?” Cheerilee asked in concern.

“Everything is fine! It’s just that today is the anniversary of Scootaloo’s adoption, so Rainbow Dash and I are taking the kids to the Crystal Empire for the day to celebrate.” Twilight said.

Cheerilee smiled, not at all put out by the news that one of her students was skipping class. “That’s wonderful Twilight, I’m sure you’ll all have a wonderful time. Scootaloo has always been a wonderful little filly, but she’s seemed so much more filled with life ever since you and Rainbow Dash adopted her.”

Twilight smiled happily at that. “I know we’ve all loved having her around. That’s why we wanted to go celebrate today.”

Cheerilee nodded, but her eyes had a far away look to them, as though she was thinking about something else. Her eyes widened in realization, and she trotted over to her desk. “Do you have a second Twilight? There’s something I want to show you.”

Knowing that she had a few minutes before she had to start heading back to the library, Twilight nodded her head. “Sure thing Cheerilee.”

Cheerilee absently nodded as she continued to sift through the papers on her desk. She gave a smile as she found the one she was looking for and pushed it towards Twilight. “Here, I think you take a look at this.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow but levitated the sheet of paper over to read. She was hoping Scootaloo hadn’t turned in another assignment that was actually just Cutie Mark Crusader’s plans. She had been trying to get Scootaloo more focused on her homework, but it was definitely a work in progress. She could see a few red marks where Cheerilee had marked spelling mistakes. It looked like Scootaloo had done quite well on this assignment.

Scootaloo
Yesterday’s Date
Equish Assignment

What I’m Proud Of

One year ago, on this day (okay, it’ll actually be tomorrow, but still), my life changed forever. One year ago I did something very stupid, that almost hurt me and my friends. We where attacked by a Manticore and I ended up in the hospital. While I was there my biggest secret was discovered, that I didn’t have parents.

At first I was really really mad becuz I got stuck in some crummy orphanage! I couldn’t believe that after years of taking care of myself, somepony had the nerv to do that to me. Then I was told that somepony was going to adopt me, without even asking!

I was scared. I didn’t wanna leave Ponyville, so I tried to run away. Of course I got caught, and Ms. Penny Gwen pulled me into the office to meet my new adopted parents. I couldn’t beleve my eyes! It was Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle, they were the ponies who had adopted me!

I was so excited because Rainbow Dash is just the coolest pony ever! That’s what I thought at least, until I got to know Twilight better. But that’s skipping ahead.

So they took me to Twilight’s home in the library and my new life began. At first things were really hard. Rainbow Dash wasn’t being her normal cool self, instead she was acting all responsible and junk.

Twilight was always trying so hard to get me to like her, like it was really important or something. I didn’t really get it back then. I actually thought it was kind of annoying. I even started to think that maybe I didn’t need a couple of adults trying to tell me how to live my life. I had gotten this far on my own right!

One day I even ran away from home. But when I got to my friend’s clubhouse, I realized I was pretty miserable. I didn’t like being alone. I hated it. That’s where Rainbow Dash found me, and she yelled at me for being so irresponsible and running off like that. Then she gave me this really big hug and cried. Rainbow Dash cried! Don’t tell her I wrote that though.

So I realized that maybe having somepony to look out for you wasn’t a bad thing. I tried to be at least a half-way decent daughter for Rainbow Dash and Twilight.

I noticed something a few weeks after I moved in with my new family. Twilight always seemed to be tired for some reason. One day she was even sleep teleporting all over town! I was able to stop her though. (Twilight chuckled a bit at that. Of course Scootaloo wouldn’t write that Twilight had only stopped when she had cuddled up to the orange filly.)

Nopony would tell me what was going on, but I could tell Spike and Rainbow Dash were both starting to get worried. Twilight always just said she was okay, and went back to whatever it was she was doing.

Then one day she showed me what she had been working on. See, I guess that living on my own had a bad effect on my health. My wings weren’t growing properly because I was malnorished. The doctor at the hospital had told Twilight I probably wouldn’t ever be able to fly, or if I could, it wouldn’t be very well.

Twilight had worked for months trying to find something to help me. She studied pegasus anatomy, and potions and magic. She would take care of Spike and me during the day, then study way late.

She had found a cure. A bunch of gross tasting potions led by some of her magic, and my wings were starting to heal.

I didn’t even know what to say. I still don’t honestly. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to tell Twilight just what she did for me. What it really means to me. It felt just like the day Rainbow Dash had agreed to be my big sister (before she adopted me and became my mom).

I guess what I’m trying to say is, that the thing I’m most proud of in all the world, is my family. A year ago I wouldn’t have even known what I was missing. Now I wouldn’t trade it for anything, not even being able to fly.

I’m proud of my Moms, Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle. And someday, I hope to make them proud of me.

The paper fell from Twilight’s telekinetic hold as tears dripped from her muzzle. Cheerilee looked on with a small smile.

Twilight gave a sniffle, before returning Cheerilee’s smile. “If you’ll excuse me Cheerilee, I really need to be on my way.”

“Of course Twilight, tell Scootaloo I said hello and that I hope she has fun today.” Cheerilee said.

Twilight nodded, and with a flash of purple light disappeared. Cheerilee smiled, picking up the paper in her mouth and setting it back on her desk. She looked over it again, and felt her own eyes grow misty from reading the contents.

=-=WWW=-=

“Moooooom!” Scootaloo whined, trying in vain to escape Twilight’s embrace. Twilight had appeared in a flash of light at the train station, and without a word had grabbed the filly in a hug and hadn’t let go. She had whispered something to Rainbow Dash when the pegasus had asked her marefriend what was wrong, and now both of them were currently cuddling the little orange pegasus.

Scootaloo heard a snicker and threw a glare at the purple dragon sitting nearby. Then she grinned maliciously as she turned back to her parents. “Mom! Spike is feeling left out! Shouldn’t he get a hug too?” Scootaloo said, faking the same whine she heard Sweetie Belle use on Rarity multiple times.

“Oh I’m so sorry Spike! Come here.” Twilight said.

“Uhh That’s okay Twilight, I’m fine over here-” Spike didn’t get a choice in the matter, as a purple aura surrounded him and pulled him into the waiting hug of his family.

“I hate you...” Spike muttered as he found himself caught between Scootaloo and Twilight.

Scootaloo just smiled. Life was good.

Author's Note

Ack, sorry for the late posting! Work was heck, and I ended up napping once I got home. Anyways, hope you all enjoyed this. Keep in mind any of the spelling errors in Scootaloo's assignment were intentional, so no need to point those out to me. Anything not in italics is fair game of course :)

Thanks for reading!

A Year in the Life

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt # 360: A year in the life

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

A year. One whole year. That’s how long it had been since Twilight and Rainbow Dash had adopted Scootaloo. Since that day many things had happened to the newly forming family. Rules were set, boundaries were pushed, feelings were hurt and love was shared. They had adventures as grand as trying to reform Discord, to the smaller ones like nursing each other while sick. Much had changed for the family that had formed around Scootaloo.

The year had seen the family grow in love and understanding. There had been fights and trials just as often as there had been hugs and laughter. It was not easy being in such a diverse family, especially not one filled with such vibrant personalities.

Celestia couldn’t help but wonder at what point this had all started. At what point had the plans she had for her faithful student taken such a sharp turn away from their original path? Not that she was disappointed in the least with the way things had turned out.

She had hoped back when she first saw Twilight Sparkle’s potential as a filly that someday the studious unicorn would stand by her side, a princess in her own right. Twilight had passed every test and overcome every obstacle, some that would have even given Celestia pause. She had all the makings of a princess already. She only needed that one final push.

Then Twilight showed Celestia that even though Celestia was the teacher Twilight had surpassed her in one area.

Twilight had fallen in love.

Not only had Twilight fallen in love but it was a deep, resounding love. It was a love so strong that even Celestia felt its magic, not needing her niece to confirm it. When she had first read Twilight’s letter announcing her newly formed relationship with Rainbow Dash she had seen the beginning of the end of her plans. Still, she had hoped that Twilight would be willing to go through with the final phase of her training.

A few months later Celestia had received another letter. This one was tear stained and she had immediately feared the worst. When she had read the letter however, all she felt was shock. Her student was begging her to pull some strings on her behalf, to allow her and Rainbow Dash to adopt an orphaned filly that they knew.

Of course no such thing needed to be done, but Twilight had been worried that the fact that her and Rainbow Dash were not married would halt their plans to adopt the filly. Celestia had of course spoken to the matron of the orphanage on her student’s behalf, but there had been no need. Celestia had received another letter the next week, stating that Twilight was now the proud mother of a young filly named Scootaloo. She could practically feel Twilight’s smile beaming from the letter.

That had been the true end of her plans even if she hadn’t seen it back then. Each new letter, no longer talking about friendship but of the joys of family, was another growing sign that when the time came Twilight would not be willing to accept what was clearly her destiny.

There were letters of hardship. Letters that told of young Scootaloo’s hesitance at accepting Twilight as a mother. There was pain in those letters, as Twilight tried to do all she could to become the mother she felt the filly deserved. There were letters that told of fights; fights between each of the family members that left them all hurting until their reconciliation. There had been one particular letter where Twilight was certain that she was going to lose two of her loved ones to the feather flu.

Celestia had also been given a glimpse into the happier aspects of her student’s familial life. Birthday parties for both Scootaloo and Spike thrown by Pinkie Pie. The day Scootaloo’s flight lessons had begun. Hearts and Hooves Day being spent embraced by a cyan wing.

Then came perhaps the happiest letter of all. It was the shortest, containing only four words.

She called me mom!

The power of the happiness that letter held could have easily defeated Discord himself had he chosen to be a problem. That particular letter still sat nearby on Celestia’s desk, a quick reminder of the good the world held.

Even after that Celestia had not seen that her plan had failed. Perhaps she had been blinded by the prospect of having her student by her side throughout the eons. So she had finally sent Twilight the book, with the unfinished spell of Starswirl the Bearded. Twilight had done just as Celestia had anticipated and had eventually finished the spell, proving she was ready.

So Celestia had met her in that magical subspace of harmony. She had sang of Twilight’s accomplishments and had told Twilight that her destiny was upon her.

And Twilight had declined.

Celestia had been shocked at the time. The lavender mare hadn’t even given it a second thought. She had apologized and thanked Celestia for the opportunity and the chance of a lifetime but had explained that she could not be a princess. She had far too many things she cared about that required her attention. She might not have been the Element of Loyalty but there was no way she would leave her family for anything. Even for the chance to become an alicorn.

Celestia had been stunned but understanding of Twilight’s decision. When she returned her student to her home she was greeted with the sight of a pony dogpile, as Twilight instantly found herself buried beneath orange and blue feathers and purple scales.

Celestia had seen then what she had been missing from the letters. The eternal bond that held these four together, one that would not be broken for anything.

So Celestia’s plans changed. She did not regret her student’s decision, only waited to put her new plans into action. A year had passed since Twilight and Rainbow Dash had adopted Scootaloo and Celestia was still waiting.

Until today.

The letter appeared in its customary spiral of green smoke. She quickly caught it in her magic and unrolled it, reading it in anticipation.

Rainbow Dash asked me to marry her and I said yes!

Your student and friend,

Twilight Sparkle

So the time had finally come for Celestia’s new plans to be put into action. After all a wedding between ponies such as this deserved the royal treatment did it not?

Celestia rolled the scroll back up and set it on her desk next to the other one Twilight had sent her months ago. One year had passed for the wonderful family she loved. She knew that many more still lie ahead.

Author's Note

This prompt actually took me a while to figure out how I wanted to work it. At first it was going to be a year from Scootaloo's perspective but then I realized I wanted to actually show those events through prompts.

The poll for the prompts has closed. In the next few days, I'll write up a chapter for each of the winning prompts along with the daily TMP prompt. Thanks to everyone who voted!

And as always, thanks for reading!

A Year Older a Year Wiser

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt # 361: A year older and a year wiser

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

How quickly time had flown. Rainbow Dash could still hardly believe that this time last year, both Twilight and her had made the commitment to adopt Scootaloo. It had been a fun year. It had been a trying year. It had all been totally worth it.

It had seemed like an awfully big jump in their relationship at the time. Twilight and Rainbow Dash had only been dating for about half a year when Twilight had discovered that Scootaloo was in fact living on her own. That was six of the most awesome months Rainbow Dash had experienced in her entire life!

Sure there was a bit of a hiccup right at the beginning. She thought she had been clear as the skies she kept about how she felt towards Twilight. Of course she couldn’t do all the mushy romantic stuff that Rarity was always going on about. Candlelit dinners? Reading poetry? What kind of pony actually did that junk?

No siree, she had been plenty upfront about her feelings. She just had to be cool about them too. She had figured that taking the purple mare stargazing would have been enough to really show how she felt. Really, why else would Rainbow Dash willingly sit down for three hours to stare at the sky? Well.. she hadn’t really stared at the sky as much as she had stared at the mare lying in the grass next to her, but still!

Did she even need to mention the milkshake again? Someponies were just oblivious.

Eventually though she had gotten through to Twilight. They had officially become each other’s very special somepony, and she couldn’t have been happier.

That statement would be proven wrong many times over the coming year.

It started as she and Twilight continued their dates. As time had passed, Rainbow Dash found herself not minding the occasional candlelit dinner. Or just walking around Ponyville with her marefriend. Heck, even the stargazing became better when, after one colder night, Twilight had snuggled against Rainbow Dash for warmth.

Every second she spent with Twilight seemed to be better than the last, and that was saying something given how awesome those other seconds had been.

Then had come that awful day when she’d found out Scootaloo had been hospitalized after being attacked by a manticore. Rainbow Dash had been torn between anger and relief at the filly when she’d seen her laid out in that hospital bed. Relief eventually won out, and she had spent the remainder of the day with Scootaloo, trying to reassure herself that the filly was still there. While she had been doing that, Twilight had been investigating the mystery that Rainbow Dash had missed. Why weren’t Scootaloo’s parents there? Rainbow Dash had felt pretty awful when she’d found out. She had never really taken that much of an interest in Scootaloo’s personal life.

The memory of Twilight breaking down as she delivered the news to Rainbow Dash was still fresh in her mind. Rainbow herself felt bad, but Twilight was practically inconsolable about the whole situation. How long had they all not seen the plight of such a vibrant filly? If they had missed this, what else could they have possibly missed? Twilight spent the better part of that night berating herself for something that nopony else had noticed.

With that determined look she got in her eyes whenever something important came up, Twilight had whirled on Rainbow Dash in mid-rant. She was smiling, as if the answer was clear. “Rainbow! What if we adopt Scootaloo?” Twilight had asked.

What had really gotten Rainbow Dash was how Twilight had immediately stated it as “we”. She would’ve have given Twilight her wings right then and there had she asked for them after that. It might have not meant a big deal to most ponies, but Rainbow Dash knew what that really meant. Twilight was meticulous in just about everything she did. When she had said “we”, it was because in her mind there was no separation.

Of course there was no way Rainbow Dash would disagree with getting Scootaloo into a good home. So they had talked with the matron of the orphanage and begun the rather lengthy process of adopting a foal.

The look on Scootaloo’s face when she found out who had adopted her had been priceless. She never took Penny Gwen as a pranskter.

Time had seemed to fly by as the family got settled together. Scootaloo had slowly gotten used to having Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle as her mothers. There had been a few issues at first. Scootaloo thinking that Rainbow Dash wasn’t cool when Rainbow Dash backed Twilight up on rules. The way Twilight tried to reach out to the little filly, who only begrudgingly accepted that Twilight held a role in her life. Even Spike had some issues with the arrangement at first, and she had always thought he was pretty relaxed about most things.

Things got better with time though. Scootaloo settled with the fact that she had a family that cared about her, and that she wasn’t on her own anymore. Rainbow Dash herself had to accept the fact that she was a mother now and had the responsibilities that came with that. Spike accepted that his family was simply growing larger, and Twilight, she came to accept the fact that the ponies she loved just couldn’t be constrained to her lists and schedules.

Time moved on, and the family grew more accustomed to each other’s behaviors. There were so many memories that Rainbow Dash knew she’d cherish for the rest of her life.

The biggest one had come the night after the whole “switched Cutie Mark fiasco”. She had been beside herself with worry when the Elements of Harmony had caused Twilight to just disappear. When she returned later with a flash of light standing beside Princess Celestia, Rainbow Dash had been so relieved that she hadn’t even noticed the slight look of disappointment on the Princess’ face. She had simply launched herself at Twilight, with Spike and Scootaloo following closely behind.

Twilight had told their friends what had happened, and the offer she had declined. Rarity had swooned and then fainted when she heard that Twilight had given up on being a Princess herself. Pinkie Pie had lamented the lost opportunity to throw an “Alicorn Party”. It had been good old Applejack who had asked the question that was on everypony’s mind.

“But Twi, why would ya give up a chance like that?”

Twilight had looked at the ponies and dragon who still held her in a strong embrace. She had locked her eyes with Rainbow Dash, and given her that little smile that still made Rainbow’s heart flutter.

“I have everything I need right here Applejack.” She had said as if that explained everything.

And it did. Twilight had her family, and there was no way she’d give that up for anything.

Twilight simple declaration had finally spurred Rainbow Dash to finalize a decision she had been contemplating for the last month. She had to take a few extra shifts for the weather patrol to save up the money, but she knew it would be worth it.

So now, kneeling down in the cool grass on the hill that she’d first taken Twilight to go stargazing, Rainbow Dash looked up at the love of her life while holding Twilight’s hoof.

“Twilight, this last year has been amazing. More than amazing, but I’m not good with words like you are. And I know that there’s just a whole bunch more amazing years ahead of us. I can’t think of anything better than spending them by your side.” Twilight’s eyes became visibly moist at Rainbow Dash’s uncharacteristic show of feelings.

Rainbow Dash pulled a small box out from where she’d tucked it under her wing. She opened it up, and the gasp Twilight gave was music to her ears.

“Twilight Sparkle, will you marry me?”

Author's Note

Apologies for the late posting on this one. I actually had a wedding to attend today, and it ate up most of my time. Still though, better late than never right?

It seems like TMP is doing a theme this week, with each prompt having something to do with a year. This prompt felt close enough to the last prompt that I went ahead and wrote how Rainbow Dash had viewed the previous year. If the next few prompts are like this, then we may get to see Spike's, Twilight's, and Scootaloo's perspectives as well.

And yes, there will be a chapter for the wedding.

Hope you enjoyed this one, as always thanks for reading!

Bookends

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 377: The day before and the day after

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

The anything-but sleepy town of Ponyville was literally buzzing with excitement. This was due to the honey bees that were currently “rampaging” around town, the latest in a long line of crises. As it turned out Cutie Mark Crusader’s Honey Collectors (YAY!) was a very bad idea.

Of course as was ever the case, Ponyville’s resident protectors were on the job. After a few seconds of being informed of the day’s catastrophe, Twilight Sparkle had come up with a plan to save the town from the stinging terror.

Rainbow Dash had gathered some pegasi to move some water laden clouds around Ponyville, starting a light rain that the bees quickly retreated from.

Afterwards Fluttershy, with much encouragement from her friends, went to talk with the queen of the hive. Soon a deal was struck between bees and ponies, and with Applejack’s help, a new tree was chosen in the Everfree forest for the bees to rebuild their destroyed hive.

It was, according to Mayor Mare, a new record in resolving a Ponyville problem. Which was good, because everypony was still buzzing about the big event that was going to take place the next day. There were still many preparations to make, and even the little bit of time it had taken to deal with the bees had put things behind schedule.

Rainbow Dash landed on the ground next to Twilight Sparkle, who was tending to the various stings Scootaloo had suffered. “How is she, Twi?” Rainbow asked, looking at the small inflamed bumps on Scootaloo’s legs.

“She’ll be fine,” Twilight said, “She’ll be a tender where she was stung for a day or so, but luckily she’s not allergic to bee stings.”

Scootaloo hissed in pain as Twilight rubbed some calamine lotion over yet another bee sting. Her body tensed up and then quickly relaxed, as she felt the soothing sensation of the lotion numbing the pain of the sting.

Rainbow Dash shook her head in exasperation. “Seriously Scoots, what were you girls thinking?”

The orange pegasus avoided her mother’s gaze, her cheeks red and her legs drawing in on herself. “We... we heard Pinkie Pie saying she needed more honey for some of the pastries for tomorrow. We just wanted to help out...” Scootaloo looked up at her parents with watery eyes.

“Oh Scootaloo!” Twilight said, her voice choking up. She quickly grabbed the filly in a hug. “That’s so sweet of you girls, but you should know we wouldn’t be happy if you got hurt.”

Scootaloo nodded against her mother’s shoulder, while she flashed a victory grin at her other mom. Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. Scootaloo was a master at getting out of trouble with Twilight now. She’d have to ask the younger pegasus for lessons at some point, even she had trouble getting Twilight to forgive her that quickly.

Twilight pulled away and looked Scootaloo over. “Well, you should be fine now, but why don’t you go rest up in the library for a while? We wouldn’t want you to be tired out for tomorrow now would we?”

Scootaloo shook her head. There was no way she would miss out on tomorrow, it was way too important! She gave Twilight a quick hug, wincing slightly at the pressure that put on her bee stings. She ran over and gave Rainbow Dash a hug as well, before running into the library for some rest and relaxation.

Rainbow Dash grinned at Twilight as Scootaloo scampered into the library. She quickly wrapped her forelegs around the unicorn and then wrapped her wings around her. “Sooo...” Rainbow Dash purred into Twilight’s ear, “You excited about tomorrow?”

Twilight’s ear flicked back at the feeling of warm breath caressing it. She giggled and nuzzled deeper into Rainbow Dash’s embrace. “How could I not be. How about you? You nervous?”

Twilight could feel Rainbow’s breath catch before her chest rumbled with a chuckle. “Me? Nervous? Did you forget who you’re talking to egghead?”

The unicorn didn’t respond immediately. After a moment she pulled her head away from Rainbow’s chest, and kissed her. It was a soft kiss, nothing steamy or sensual, but it was always enough to take Rainbow’s breath away. The pegasus stared back with a glassy look as Twilight pulled away.

“How could I featherbrain?” She asked, pulling away and flicking Rainbow in the nose with her tail as she sauntered back towards the library.

Rainbow stared at the retreating form of her marefriend, a dopey grin on her face as she noticed the extra sway in Twilight’s movements. She couldn’t wait for tomorrow!

/SDF\

Twilight sighed as she relaxed in the tub of hot water. The suite they’d been given in the Crystal Palace was a little too luxurious for her tastes, but she absolutely loved this bathtub. She’d have to see if they could order something similar for the library back in Ponyville.

Rainbow Dash grinned as Twilight’s body went completely slack in the water. She pulled the unicorn against her. A whole day had passed, yet she still couldn’t get over the blissful feeling that permeated her being. It was better than performing a Sonic Rainboom in front of the Wonderbolts. Better than getting the newest Daring Doo before the release date. It was like her whole life before yesterday had been just getting her ready for the awesomeness that was her life now.

The purple mare in her embrace gave a groan of appreciation as the steamy water soothed her body. She looked up at Rainbow Dash with one lavender eye, the other still closed in relaxation. She tilted her head back and gave Rainbow a quick peck on the lips.

“So, any regrets Mrs. Twilight Sparkle?” Twilight said, scooting back till she was reclining in Rainbow Dash’s lap.

“Mrs. Twilight Sparkle? I thought we agreed you’d be Mrs. Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow teased back, nuzzling against the wet strands of Twilight’s mane.

Twilight laughed, that same small laugh that always filled Rainbow Dash with the need to do something stupid just to hear it again. “I love you Mrs. Twilight Sparkle”. She said, her voice sounded utterly content.

“I love you too, Twi. Always and forever.”

Author's Note

Gasp! What's this? What super mysterious event took place? Did I really make you guys miss out on the wedding?

Nah, we'll be getting back to the wedding soon enough. Still lots more to cover, though I have to say this week's prompts have been an utter pain. The next step beyond alicorn? All along, the Mane Six were never really the heroes? Pinkie's special somepony being bullied by the Cake Twins?!

I will find a way to make them work! Or my name is Owloysisus... and it's not!

Hope you enjoyed, thanks for reading!

Coin Toss

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 369: Let’s decide with a coin toss
Optional: Try deciding the results of your fictional coin toss by flipping a coin for real! (Came up heads)

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Hearts and Hooves Day had become one of Scootaloo’s favorite holidays over the past year or so. Not because she had a special somepony herself. She didn’t even have her eye on anypony. No, the reason why she looked forward to the holiday was because it tormented her brother so.

It seemed that the younger mares had finally begun to take notice of the young dragon. It didn’t help that since he had been raised by Twilight, and had always wanted to impress Rarity, Spike always acted like a well mannered gentlecolt. Soon most of the fillies in Scootaloo’s class had started taking a shine to Spike. It had freaked Scootaloo out the first day when Diamond Tiara of all ponies, had approached her and politely asked if Spike had a special somepony.

Scootaloo had of course said no, and that had opened the floodgates. Suddenly the Golden Oaks Library was one of the most popular places for fillies to hang out. It had almost driven Twilight mad to have so many ponies in the library who weren’t interested in checking out a book, rather, they were interested in checking out a dragon.

Last year for Hearts and Hooves Day things had been pretty tame. Spike had gotten a lot of cards, some chocolates, and more than a couple of date requests which he had politely turned down. After all, Spike still had his heart set on his foalhood crush, Rarity.

This year was different though. Rarity had a special somepony now, and Spike realized that his crush had been just that, a crush. It had taken him time to get over it, but he genuinely wished Rarity the best.

Of course word quickly spread through the various Ponyville rumor mills. Now the fillies all knew that Spike was available, and no longer crushing on Rarity. Rumble suddenly found him bumped out of the top spot for most eligible coltfriend for most fillies.

Spike had already complained about being chased by fillies throughout town. He had even began refusing to go to the market for Twilight, fearing (rightfully so) that the fillies were simply waiting for him. That was partially Scootaloo’s fault. She had jokingly offered to sell Spike’s schedule in class one day. She went home fifty bits richer and wondering what Silver Spoon planned to do with the piece of paper. Spike soon found himself constantly running into the grey furred filly.

This year more than one filly had vowed that Spike would be their special somepony for Hearts and Hooves Day. Spike was dodging fillies everywhere he went. Which led Scootaloo to her current predicament.

“You want me to what now?” Scootaloo asked. Moments ago Spike had burst into her room and slammed the door shut. He looked around the room with wide, nervous eyes, making sure that there was nopony else, before begging for Scootaloo’s help.

“Please Scoots! You have to help me, they’re relentless! I can’t go anywhere without being hounded by fillies for a date on Hearts and Hooves Day!” Spike’s breathing was still heavy from the running he had been doing. His eyes kept darting around the room as though he expected a filly to leap out from the shadows and tackle him.

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow at her adoptive brother. “So? Why don’t you just agree to go on a date with one of them?” She asked. “If you already have a date the others will all back off.”

Spike shook his head. “No way! They’re all crazy, I think I even saw one of them pulling one of my molted scales out of the trash yesterday. C’mon Scoots, can’t you hide me or something?”

“Where exactly would I hide you? Besides that wouldn’t work. I heard Diamond Tiara stuck a deal with Pinkie Pie to find you if you went into hiding.” Scootaloo was trying very hard not to laugh at the panicked look on her brother’s face.

“Th-That traitor!” Spike growled. “Please Scoots, I’ll do anything! I just want all this craziness to end.”

Scootaloo rubbed her chin, closing her eyes and looking deep in thought. At least outwardly. Inwardly she was grinning like a loon. This was just too perfect.

“Well... if you don’t want to ask any of those fillies out, why don’t you ask one of my friends? I know Applebloom would agree to help you out.” Scootaloo tried to keep the grin from forming on her face.

“Wha? Why would I... Applebloom?” Spike sputtered. He was completely thrown off kilter by that suggestion. “How would that help?” He finally managed to ask.

Scootaloo just waved her foreleg as though the answer was the most obvious thing in the world. “Because, Applebloom isn’t crazy like the rest of your fanclub. She’ll agree to go out with you on Hearts and Hooves Day, the rest of the fillies will back off, and you can spend time hanging out with a friend.”

Spike rubbed the back of his head thoughtfully. He was leaning back and forth on the balls of his clawed feet as he thought over the situation. “I dunno Scoots...” He said.

Scootaloo shrugged. “Okay, how about we flip a coin for it? If I win, you go ask Applebloom out for Hearts and Hooves Day. If you win I’ll find some other way to get the other fillies to back off.”

Spike thought over the proposition. It was kind of win-win for him. He didn’t have too much of a problem asking Applebloom out, but if Scootaloo could come up with a different solution then that would be even better. “Deal!” He said.

Scootaloo dug a coin out of her bit pouch and balanced it on the edge of her hoof. “Okay, heads I win, tails you win, sound fair?” She asked. Spike nodded, and with his agreement Scootaloo quickly flicked the coin into the air with her other hoof.

The bit flipped end over end as it sailed into the air. It reached the peak of its ascent and almost seemed to hang in the air in defiance to gravity as Spike and Scootaloo watched it with anxious eyes. The bit fell to the ground, landing on it’s edge and rolling across the floor. It rolled until it hit the foot of Scootaloo’s bed, where it began spinning on the edge, teetering back and forth.

It seemed needlessly dramatic for a simple coin flip, but finally it fell to one side, coming up heads.

Spike sighed, but shrugged his shoulders. “Alright then. You’re sure Applebloom will be okay with this?” He asked Scootaloo.

Scootaloo nodded. “Of course, she’s your friend too isn’t she? She’ll be glad to help you out.”

Spike nodded and turned to head out of the room. “Okay, I guess I’ll go ask her now then, and hopefully put an end to all this. Thanks for your help Scootaloo, I really appreciate it.”

Scootaloo waved him off. “It’s no problem Spike, glad to help and all that.”

Spike gave her a smile and opened the door, walking out of the room. Scootaloo waited until she heard his footsteps going down the stairs, before she did a little victory dance on her bed. Applebloom was going to owe her so big after this! She might even be able to convince Applebloom to sneak her some cider, after all the filly had been crushing on Spike for quite a while.

Her impromptu dance was cut short when she heard Spike calling for her from downstairs. “Hey Scootaloo! Sweetie Belle is here to talk to you!”

Scootaloo jumped off her bed and headed downstairs, wondering what her friend needed. She reached the bottom of the stairs just in time to hear Spike wish Sweetie Belle “good luck” with something, before the dragon headed out the door, presumably towards Sweet Apple Acres.

“What’s up Sweetie Belle?” Scootaloo asked.

“Oh! Um... I just.. Hey Scootaloo!” Sweetie Belle sounded really nervous, her voice squeaking adorably as she seemed to flounder for something to say. “I was uhhh.. I mean, I just wanted to know if...” Sweetie Belle’s face was turning more and more red as she stumbled over her words.

Finally the unicorn filly seemed to get fed up with her inability to complete a sentence. She reached into her saddlebag and pulled out a envelope, holding it in her mouth. Scootaloo could just make out her name written on the front, causing her cheeks to burn red as she realized what was going on.

It looked like Hearts and Hooves Day was going to be even more interesting this year.

Author's Note

Heh, I really want to write more chapters about Spike and Scootaloo. Explore more of the newly formed brother/sister dynamic and all that.

In case you were curious, I did flip an actual coin to determine the results of the fictional coin toss. It came up heads, so Scoots won. Had it come up tails, Scootaloo was going to convince Spike to hide out in the CMC clubhouse, saying she'd bribe Pinkie Pie to keep the others off track. She was then going to let Applebloom know where Spike would be on H&H Day, that little filly is devious!

Also, I have one more prompt to go before I hit today's prompt. Now, after reading today's prompt I decided to write a chapter I'd been wanting to write for a while. This chapter is actually going to be really important to me, so while I'm using the prompt, I won't be sticking to the 30 minute time limit. This will be the only time I willfully do this, but I think the chapter deserves all the time it needs.

The prompt, in case you were curious, is this: Write a story about the sentence that destroys and/or heals Twilight Sparkle.

Thanks for reading!

A Labor of Love

The Sparkle Dash Family

Final Prompt: All good things must come to an end (A Labor of Love).
Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Twilight didn’t know if she could actually do it. Oh sure, she had told everypony that she could handle it. But now, standing in front of the door and knowing what she was going to find on the other side…

Maybe it wasn’t too late. Maybe she could go back and ask Applejack and Rarity to help her! At least the presence of her friends might make what needed to happen a little more bearable.

But she couldn’t. Because for all that she loved her friends, this was something she had to do on her own. It didn’t matter that she could already feel tears welling up behind her eyes, or that her stomach felt so twisted around it probably looked like a pretzel.

She paused, took a deep breath, and opened the door.

The room seemed so much bigger now. The walls, once covered with pictures and posters, were stripped bare. The cabinet that had once held multiple awards and various knick-knacks was gone, as was the bed, the dresser, and even the small book shelf that she had housed almost nothing but Daring Doo books.

There was no more Wonderbolts uniforms tossed haphazardly on the ground. No gramophone blasting the latest hits from DJ Pon3. All that remained were a stack of boxes, waiting patiently for their owner to fetch them.

The emptiness of the room almost made Twilight turn and flee, feeling as though she might be chased by the ghosts of the happy memories this room once contained. She shouldered through however, feeling the increasing weight in her stomach with each step she took in the room.

It seemed like it had been just yesterday that the house had been filled with laughter, with three ponies and a dragon just enjoying the companionship they offered each other. The memory of those happy times made the silence that hung over the library even more oppressing.

A silence that was broken by the creak of wood, caused by somepony coming up the stairs.

Twilight turned to see Rainbow Dash enter the room, looking around wistfully. She felt a irrational stab of irritation at the pegasus, and her laid back attitude.

“Hey Twi, what’s taking so long? I thought you said you’d have these boxes down in a jiff?”

Twilight looked back at the boxes and sighed. She had volunteered to gather the last of them, knowing it would be an easy feat with her magic. But being in the room, seeing it empty… it really drove the point home.

“Oh Rainbow Dash!” Twilight cried as she flung her arms around her wife. “I just can’t believe she’s gone!”

Rainbow looked at Twilight with a disbelieving grin on her face. “That was a foreboding and easily misunderstood way of saying it. What’s the deal Twi? Scootaloo is just moving out.”

“Just moving out?!” Twilight couldn’t believe how relaxed Rainbow Dash was being. “She’s leaving Rainbow! She’s going to move on and we’ll hardly ever see her!”

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth, likely in an attempt to stop the oncoming storm of panic she could sense was brewing in her love’s mind. It was too late however. Twilight hadn’t had a panic attack like this since she had been summoned to Canterlot for the test that turned out to be the saving the Crystal Empire.

Twilight could feel the words spilling out of her in a rush. “Oh sure! She’ll visit at first, but then she’ll get caught up in her own life! Then she’ll promise to write, but she’ll forget one letter then the next until all we get is the occasional letter, and then she’ll be too busy for even that! Pretty soon we’ll only see her for holidays, but then she’ll start her own family and she’ll be they’ll want to celebrate on their own!”

She took a breath to continue her raving. Instead, she gave a squeak of surprise as she felt a pair of warm lips pressed against hers. She tried to pull back, wanted to admonish Rainbow Dash for interrupting her, but Rainbow Dash had wrapped her arms around Twilight’s neck, holding her in place as she continued kissing her. The kiss wasn’t sensual, wasn’t full of Rainbow’s typical lusty abandon. It was soft and gentle, a kiss that wanted nothing more of Twilight than to simply be against her. It was her favorite kind of kiss from the mare she loved, full of the love they shared for each other, and more than enough to banish the panic and depression from her mind.

Rainbow let her forehooves fall back to the ground and pulled away from Twilight with a grin that told her she knew exactly what that kiss did to her. “Feel better now?” It was a question that they both knew didn’t need to be answered.

Twilight gave a sigh, and smiled at Rainbow Dash. “Sorry, I guess I was overreacting a bit.”

“A bit?” Rainbow Dash jokingly nudged Twilight in the side, making her laugh. She nuzzled against Twilight, sighing as she looked around the room. “I know how you feel Twi, but it’s not like we’re never going to see her again.

Twilight nodded, burying her muzzle into Rainbow’s colorful mane. “I know Dash. I mean, logically I know. It just feels like the time we had together was so short. The years just passed by so fast. One minute she’s a little filly trying desperately to get her cutie mark, the next she’s all grown up and wanting getting ready to start her own life.”

Sighing, Twilight pulled away from Rainbow Dash, gazing out the window. “I mean, I know this isn’t really the end. It’s the beginning of something new and wonderful. I guess I’m just being a little selfish. I love the way things have been. We’ve had so much fun together, shared so much with each other, I guess I’m just worried that now we might lose that special connection we had.”

“Oh come on, Twi!” Rainbow said, her smile belying her exasperated tone. “You know that’s never gonna happen. Scootaloo is always going to be there for us, just like we’ll always be there for her right? We’ll still have the memories of all those awesome times, and we’ll always share that special connection, even if we don’t get to see her every day.”

Rainbow’s words rang true to Twilight. She could feel that dreadful weight in her stomach disappearing. “You’re right Dash. This should be a happy occasion. Our little girl is starting her own life. She’s moving on, just like everypony does, but that doesn’t have to be a sad thing.”

“Besides,” Rainbow Dash said, “She’s just moving into the house Sweetie Belle rented down by the marketplace. She’s like a five minute walk from the library.”

Twilight blushed at that, feeling utterly ridiculous. Not wanting to give Rainbow Dash the satisfaction of seeing her embarrassed, she wrapped her magic around the boxes, levitating them off the floor. “Come on Dashie, I’m sure Scootaloo’s wondering what’s taking us so long.”

“Whatever you say, egghead.” The laughter in Rainbow’s voice told her that the pegasus knew exactly what was going on. It didn’t stop her from nuzzling back though, when Rainbow slid up next to her as they walked out of Scootaloo’s room.

=-=SDF=-=

Twilight and Rainbow Dash stumbled back into the library later that evening. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle’s housewarming party had just ended, and Twilight was still trying to work out how Pinkie Pie had fit that many ponies into the small two bedroom house.

Spike had volunteered to walk Apple Bloom home when Rarity had asked Applejack to accompany her back to the Boutique, so now it was just the two of them in the library.

The silence almost made Twilight’s mind rush back to the panic and loneliness she had felt earlier that day. Thankfully, it was broken by Rainbow’s voice.

“Hey, Twi, come look at this!” Rainbow was looking at something on the table. Twilight trotted over to find a square shaped package, roughly the size of a book, with an envelope addressed to Rainbow Dash and her on top. She felt something squeeze her heart at the familiar messy writing. With barely a thought she grabbed the envelope in her magic and tore it open, pulling out the letter inside.

To Equestria’s Awesomest Moms,

Yes mom, I know “awesomest” isn’t a word. Though I think mom might argue with you on that!

I know I’ve probably already said it about a million times, but you’re both the best moms a filly could have ever asked for. I know it couldn’t things haven’t always been easy, and I know I’ve caused my fair share of problems. But we always made it through right?

I guess I just really wanted you both to know, the greatest day of my life was the day you adopted me. Even better than the day I learned to fly. Because I finally got a family, ponies who loved me no matter how many times I almost set the library on fire.

I made you guys a little gift, I hope you like it.

Also, can I still come over for dinner sometimes? Sweetie said she wanted to do the cooking for us….

I don’t want to die until after I’ve joined the Wonderbolts!

Lots of love (and all that other mushy stuff),

Your daughter, Scootaloo

Twilight blinked away the tears in her eyes, a steady stream of them running down her muzzle. She looked over her shoulder where Rainbow Dash had been reading. It didn’t shock her to see the wetness in Dash’s eyes. As tough as the pegasus tried to act, there was no getting passed the fact that she loved their daughter.

Twilight set the letter down, and used her magic to lift the package off the table. She carefully pulled off the simple brown wrapping paper, to see that it was indeed a book inside. There were no words on the cover, just four pictures. Three cutie marks, and a purple dragon’s claw.

She flipped the book open, and found Scootaloo smiling back at her. It was a picture of the day she learned to fly, the excitement and joy the filly felt almost lighting up the room. She turned to the next page, and then the next, each one filled with pictures of all of them, of their family. Even the pictures that Scootaloo had declared “too mushy” to show anypony were there.

Feathers settled over her back as Rainbow Dash sat next to her, pulling the two of them together with her wing. The two of mares flipped through the pages of memories, both happy and sad. Though they didn’t know it, they shared the same thought.

All good things must come to an end, but they wouldn’t have wanted it to end any other way.

Author's Note

So, for those who don't know, Thirty Minute Ponies ended its run on February 14th. This was the final prompt, and I have to admit it made me a little sad to see the site close up shop. It was always fun to see the prompt for the day, even if I didn't have any idea what to write for it.

So I just wanted to give a big Thank You to the folks who ran Thirty Minute Pony Stories. This story would not even existed if it wasn't for them.

Now, what does TMP ending mean for Sparkle-Dash Family?

Honestly, not much. There's over 500 prompts on the master list I still haven't tackled, not to mention prompts that have been suggested by readers. Not to mention the second parts to previous prompts I've written (Mahou Shoujo Sweetie Belle and Meeting the Parents).

Thank you, as always, for taking the time to read my stories. And thank you once again, Thirty Minute Pony team.

~ssjgokillo

Tribute

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt # 353: This is not the Greatest Fanfic in the World, no, this is just a tribute.

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Scootaloo stretched her wings behind the curtain of the stage. Any moment now her name would be called, and it would be time to show her stuff. She had to be prepared, in top form. She couldn’t mess this up, she wouldn’t let herself mess this up!

She gave her wings another once over, making sure each feather was in place and looking good. No mistakes, not before, during, or after the show. Her mom had drilled that concept into her head relentlessly. Simple things could cause horrible things to happen in the air, especially when flying at the high speeds Scootaloo preferred. Always better to be safe then sorry, her mom would say during their flight training. It never ceased to seem strange to hear those words come from her mouth.

Everything looked to be in order. She was rested, her wings were stretched, and she had finished going through her mental preflight checklist. Her mom had made her recite it every time Scootaloo went flying, until she could almost do it in her sleep. If her mom’s jokes were to be believed, sometimes she did recite it in her sleep! Of course, she could have just been trying to embarrass the orange pegasus. Her mom was like that.

Finally, she went over her routine in her head. She’d been practicing for weeks, tweaking turns and different ascent and descent vectors until everything was perfect. She had crashed more than a few times in the course of perfecting this routine. Every night she would come home, bruised and tired from a day flying and crashing, and feeling exhilarated as each time she came closer and closer to what she wanted. Everything had to be perfect, she wouldn’t accept anything less. That was another thing she had picked up from her mom.

From both of them.

Finally, she heard her name announced. This was it, time to show her stuff.

She flew through the curtains, hovering in place before them for a second so the crowd could see her. Her mom had told her she looked “awesome” in her custom flight suit, a gift from her Aunt Rarity. The gasp she got from the crowd seemed to prove her mom right. The purple fabric clung to her body, but the multicolored streak running down the sides was unmistakable to any fans of flying.

There was no time to waste basking in the crowds admiration for her figure and outfit however. She only had a little bit of time to pull this routine off if she wanted it to go off without a hitch. And she had to, she just had to! It had to be perfect!

She took off at speeds so blazing, she left a trail of purple fire in her wake. Her mom had taught her how to do that, how to channel the innate magic pegasi had to cause an effect similar to that the Wonderbolts used. She had been surprised at first that her mother had worked it out, not being a pegasus herself. But she shouldn’t have been, in all honesty. After all, there wasn’t a more magical unicorn in all of Equestria than her mom.

She flew straight towards a set of cloud posts she had set up beforehand. She began weaving between them, never slowing her speed, leaving her trail of purple flames floating in the air in her wake. Her mom had warned her how hard this part was, that she had to tilt her body just enough to get around the posts without losing speed, while at the same time tilting far enough away to keep from clipping any of the posts.

It had taken her almost a month of practice to do it. Now it felt second nature to her. Weaving amongst the pillars was almost relaxing at this point. At least in practice. Now it was nerve wracking, like the first day she had attempted the stunt. She was almost waiting for her inevitable slip up, to not tilt her body far enough, and go spiraling off to the side.

But she didn’t. She cleared the last post, to the cheers of the crowd. But she wasn’t done yet. She flew towards another set of clouds, and gave herself a brief second to check the sun. It was beginning its descent, she was right on time.

She flew to the first cloud, and began to fly around it in an ever tightening circle. She kept going faster and faster, until the cloud was spinning and covered in her violet flames. It looked like a mini-purple star, spinning across the darkening sky. She sped to the next cloud, and repeated the process. Faster and faster, remembering her mom’s story about how she had lost control trying to perform a trick very similar to this one. Her mom had laughed at the memory, but Scootaloo didn’t have that luxury. She had promised herself, this would be perfect! Finally, the cloud was covered, a smaller fast spinning orb of purple flames. She flew over to the third and final cloud, and although she was starting to get dizzy, began to fly around it. She glanced over at the sun as she did so. It was setting faster than she had anticipated. She’d have to hurry.

With a burst of speed, she flew faster and faster around the cloud. Finally, it was covered and spinning just like its brethren. The crowd gasped in amazement as the clouds spun near each other, sometimes almost seeming to crash before spinning off and around each other. They were going wild.

The sun was setting now, casting it’s orange and violet colors across the sky. This was it, time for the grand finale.

Scootaloo flew up higher and higher, until the Cloudesium below looked like a child’s model. This was it, she had practiced and practiced, and never pulled the trick off. But she was going to do it. Right now.

She dove, folding her wings in to reduce drag as she shot down like a hawk. She kept gaining speed, going faster and faster as she got closer and closer to the Cloudesium. She could feel it, the cone of energy forming around her. It was a barrier, one she had never been able to break before. It would always cause her to bounce off, snapping back and to go tumbling through the air.

Scootaloo grit her teeth Not Today! She kept going faster and faster, her will itself seeming to drag her forward. The cone around her began crackling with intense energy.

And then, it happened.

She broke through the barrier, and a massive boom echoed throughout the area, knocking some ponies clear out of their seats. From the point where she had passed the barrier, a ring of colors expanded, blending and moving into the twilight sky. Behind her, a rainbow trail had replaced her purple flames, and she flew it over the Cloudesium, doing some loops for good measure.

Finally, she landed, and looked at her handy work. The sky was filled with both the colors of the setting sun, and the colors of that she had produced with her trick. The clouds she had spun captured the light, reflecting colors upon the ponies below.

The crowd was silent for all of a moment, before erupting in thunderous cheer. Had she not known what it was, Scootaloo would have thought someone else had just pulled off a Sonic Rainboom.

But that wasn’t her trick. It was her mom’s trick. This, this was something special, a combination of the things she learned from both her moms.

This, this was the Aurora Boom.

And as the crowd shouted her name, thudding their hooves against the clouds in applause, her eyes sought out the two who this had been for. Her parents, Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash, were staring at the sky in awe, tears of happiness and love falling from their eyes. They got the message. Everything had been perfect.

It had to be, after all, this was all simply a tribute to the best parents in the world.

Author's Note

So there we go. A look into the future of the Sparkle Dash family!

This is set years after Twilight and Rainbow have adopted Scootaloo. Scootaloo has grown up, and is looking to follow Dash's hoofsteps as one of Equestria's premier flyers. Today, during a flying competition, she wanted to do something special. Something to show her parents just what they mean to her, and how much they've taught her.

Of course, we might see some of this in the future, so I won't go any further into it.

Hope you liked it! Once again, this was not proofread, so let me know if you catch any mistakes.

Sparkle Dash Family: The Musical

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 371: Once upon a rhyme

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Warning: In case it wasn’t clear by the title, this chapter is being written mostly in lyrical format. This chapter will be going over previous events in Sparkle Dash Family, so if you chose to skip it you won’t be missing out on anything other than musical shenanigans.

Also, there are links to the song being used before the lyrics start, enjoy!

Act I

Twilight groggily sat up, pulling herself away from the comfort of her bed. She blinked her eyes, trying to clear the sleep from them, as she focused on the source of the sound that had awoken her.

“Ra-yaaaawn-Rainbow Dash? What’re you doing here so early, is something wrong?” She asked.

Rainbow just returned a smile. “Heh, nothing’s wrong Twi. Do I really need a reason to wanna see my marefriend?”

Twilight just nodded, still trying to fight the siren song of her bed. After a few moments of silence, Rainbow Dash’s words finally hit her. Twilight’s eyes flew open and she looked at Rainbow Dash in confusion.

“Rainbow Dash... did you just call me your marefriend?” Twilight asked.

“Uhhh yeah. You feelin’ alright Twi?”

Twilight shook her head. She got off her bed, and stood to face Rainbow Dash.

Twilight

I think there’s some confusion

Over what’s been happening here.

Rainbow Dash

But what about the Milkshakes?

Twilight

You can’t really think that those were dates!

Both

Well at least that explains what’s been going on.

Yes

There’s been some confusion

For you see this pony is:

Twilight

Completely impossible and

And altogether full of herself

Rainbow Dash

An Egghead

Twilight

What is this feeling,

So sudden and new?

Rainbow Dash

I felt the moment

I laid eyes on you

Twilight

My pulse is rushing

Rainbow Dash

My wings are extending

Twilight

My face is flushing

Both

What is this feeling?

Friendship’s not the same

Does it have a name?

Yeeeeeeeeees!

Loving

Unadulterated loving

Twilight

For your drive

Rainbow Dash

Your smarts

Twilight

Your flying

Both

Let’s just say - I love it all

Every little trait, however small

Sings to me like a siren’s call

With complete and utter loving

There’s a strange sense of longing

With a love that is just dawning

It’s so pure, so strong

Thought I do admit it came on fast

Still I do believe that it can last

And I will be loving

Loving you

My whole life long

Spike

Twilight Sparkle have you lost your mind

How can you date her, are you in a bind?

She’s a rascal! She’s a slacker!

She spends all her time napping

Twilight I think you’re off your rocker

Twilight

Well, sometimes she is quite dapper

Spike

Poor Twilight so totally blind

While Rainbow Dash stares at her behind

Honestly I think, they’re both out of their minds

How are they so

Twilight & Rainbow Dash

What is this feeling (Loving)

So sudden and new (Unadulterated loving)

I felt the moment I laid eyes on you (For her face, her voice,

My pulse is rushing (Let’s just say)

My head is reeling (They love it all!)

Oh what is this feeling (Every little trait however small)

Does it have a name (Draws them in like a siren’s call)

Yes

Loving (Loving)

There’s a strange sense of longing (Loving)

For this love which is just dawning (Loving)

It’s so pure, so strong (So strong)

Though I do admit it came on fast

Still I do believe that it can last

And I will be... (Loving)

Loving

For forever...(Loving)

Loving

Truly deeply loving you (Loving you)

My whole life long!

Spike

Loving

Unadulterated Loving!

Twilight and Rainbow Dash smiled at each other, and trotted out of the library into the Ponyville morning, nuzzling each other as they went.

Act II

Scootaloo huffed in annoyance as she surveyed the room she shared with the other colts and fillies in the orphanage. She still couldn’t believe that she had been betrayed like that! Not even an hour out of the hospital, and she had been shoved into some stupid orphanage!

It wasn’t fair! Scootaloo had been taking care of herself ever since she could remember! She never needed anypony to look out for her, so why did she now?

She sighed, and stared out the window at the setting sun. She’d have to figure a way out of this soon...

Scootaloo

I am a filly of the world

No parents that I’ve ever heard

Never had anyone to hold me in their arms

And what do you think you’d ever say?

I won’t listen away

You don’t know me

And I’ll never be who you want me to be

Scootaloo

And why do you think that I should care?

I’m a filly, no, I’m a mare!

You can’t take me and send me away

And how does it feel to be all alone

I’ve always been on my own

Nopony knows me ‘cause I’m not here

Scootaloo

And I want a moment to be real

Wanna touch things I don’t feel

Wanna hold on and feel I belong

And how can Equestria want me to change

They’re the ones that stay the same

They don’t know me

‘Cause I’m not here

“What do you mean somepony is adopting me?!” Scootaloo cried in indignation. The matron of the orphanage, Penny Gwen, didn’t bat an eye at Scootaloo’s outburst.

“Just what it sounds like Scootaloo. In fact, they just finished signing the papers and are ready to take you home.” Penny Gwen said, ushering Scootaloo into her office.

Scootaloo was prepared to protest, perhaps violently if need be. Upon entering the office however, she froze on the spot. There were only two ponies in the room, but surely they couldn’t be the ones adopting her. There was no way she would be lucky enough to get Rainbow Dash as her mother!

“Heya Squirt! Ready to go home?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Scootaloo

And you see the things nopony sees

All you wanted, I could be

Now you know me, and I’m not afraid

And I wanna tell you that I care

Can you help me be a mare?

They can’t break me

As long as we’re flying up there

Scootaloo

And I want a moment to be real

Wanna touch things I don’t feel

Wanna hold on, and feel I belong

And how can Equestria want me to change

They’re the ones that stay the same

They can’t see me

But I’m still here

Scootaloo glared angrily at Rainbow Dash. How could her idol, the coolest pony in all of Equestria, think studying was more important than trying to get her cutie mark?

Without a word, Scootaloo dashed out of the library, hopping on her scooter and buzzing away as fast as she could. Soon she came upon the familiar sight of the Cutie Mark Crusader’s Clubhouse. She’d stay there for the night, and figure out what to do in the morning. She was tired, both physically and mentally. Her fight with Rainbow Dash had drained her, and it was just now starting to dawn on her that she would be alone again.

Scootaloo

You can’t tell me who to be!

Studying is not important to me

And my friends are out crusading

While you’re forcing me to study

And your words are just stupid

And uncool things that I’ll never agree

Scootaloo

And I want a moment to be real

Wanna touch things I don’t feel

Wanna hold on and feel I belong

And why should I be the one to change

You’re the ones that stay the same

I’m alone again

Cause I’m not there

As Scootaloo cried to herself on the floor of the clubhouse, the door was flung open. Inside walked a worried looking Rainbow Dash, whose body visibly sagged in relief once her eyes landed on Scootaloo. She rushed over to the filly, wrapping her up in her forehooves and squeezing her tight.

Rainbow Dash

You’re not alone!

Cause I’m right here

I’m right here

Act III

Twilight and Scootaloo stood in the center of Twilight’s basement laboratory. Rainbow Dash and Spike were standing off to the side, trying hard to stay out of the way.

“Don’t be scared Scootaloo. I promise you, I will make it so you can fly!” Twilight said, giving her daughter a reassuring smile.

“But Twilight, the doctor said it was impossible...” Scootaloo shuffled around nervously, still unsure about this.

Twilight just smiled as her magic lit up her horn, surrounding various objects in the lab with her purple aura. “Well, the doctor was wrong. I’m positive this will work. Would you like to know why?”

Despite the music that began playing in the background, Scootaloo rose to Twilight’s bait. “Why?”

Twilight

You remind me of the foal

Scootaloo

What foal?

Twilight

Foal with the power

Scootaloo

What power?

Twilight

Power of voodoo

Scootaloo

Who do?

Twilight

You do

Scootaloo

Do what?

Twilight

Remind me of the foal

I saw my filly, crying hard as filly could cry

What could I do

My filly couldn’t fly

That left my filly blue

Nopony knew

Twilight

What kind of magic spell to use

Spike

Snips and Snails

Suggested puppy dogs’ tails

Rainbow Dash

Thunder or lightning

Twilight

Then filly said

Dance magic, dance magic

Put that filly spell on me

Jump magic, jump magic

Put that magic jump on me

Drink that potion, set her free

I saw my filly, trying hard as a filly could try

What could I do

My filly’s wings weren’t strong

That left my filly blue

Nopony knew

What kind of magic spell to use

Spike

Snips and Snails

Suggest puppy dogs’ tails

Rainbow Dash

Thunder or lightning

Twilight

Then my filly said

Dance magic, dance magic

Put that filly’s spell on me

Jump magic, jump magic

Put that magic jump on me

Cast this spell, set my filly free

The stage descends into chaos, as ponies from all over Ponyville dance along to the catchy tune.

SDF:TM

Twilight tried very hard not to visibly wince as she finished reading the script. She looked over the papers she held in her magic to the three fillies who were eagerly awaiting her response.

“Well girls, this certainly is... creative?” Twilight said, trying to be as diplomatic as possible.

“Yes! See girls, I told you we could totally make it as Cutie Mark Crusaders: Musical Writers!” Scootaloo cheered, giving a high-hoof to Applebloom.

“Thanks Twilight! We’re going to go start working on costumes and stuff right away! This’ll be so great, I bet we’ll even make it on Broadhay!” Sweetie Belle squee’d at the thought.

The papers were quickly ripped from Twilight’s magic by Scootaloo, and the three fillies ran out of the library to further pursue their theatrical careers, not hearing Twilight’s calls in their excitement.

Twilight watched the three fillies run away with a growing sense of dread. What had she just unleashed upon Ponyville?

Author's Note

This... this should not exist. If you're reading this, I can only offer my sincerest apologies. After reading the prompt, this was all I could think of. It also turns out I cannot rhyme with a darn, so this is what you're stuck with.

This weeks prompts were pretty tough. I'm going to work through them tomorrow hopefully and then I'll get the big chapter up, hopefully on Monday but it might be Tuesday.

I am almost ashamed of how much fun I had doing this, even though the majority of it was just parodying music.

Extra Disclaimer!: I do not own "What is This Feeling", "I'm Still Here", or "Magic Dance". I know, it shouldn't have to be said, but why take chances right?

Thanks for reading!

Mare Do Well: Year One (Equestria 616 Universe)

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt # 359: Mare Do Well: Year One

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Note: This story does not take place in the regular Sparkle Dash Family continuity, but rather in the Equestria 616 Universe that plays host to Mare Do Well vs Professor Nightshade. That's right folks, I went there!

It had been a bad idea. Rainbow Dash had been sure of that almost from the very beginning. But ponies needed her, Twilight had convinced her of that fact. Twilight said she had things under control. Rainbow Dash had believed her. She had believed Twilight because she wanted to believe her, because she never wanted to even think that Twilight might not have things under control.

So she had donned the cape and cowl once again, becoming the protector of Ponyville. The villains this time were much more serious than what Mare Do Well had dealt with last time. Ponies were being hurt, strange items were being taken, and it all seemed to be connected somehow.

And just as Mare Do Well thought she was starting to get a handle on things, just as she thought that she’d be getting some answers...

Twilight had disappeared.

There had been no cryptic note, no sign of a struggle. Her marefriend was just gone, and neither Spike nor their young ward Scootaloo knew where the unicorn had disappeared to. But Mare Do Well was sure she knew what had happened. After all, hadn’t she seen that glint in Twilight’s eyes before? Hadn’t Twilight’s sleepless nights been a big enough clue?

Professor Nightshade was back.

That left Mare Do Well in quite the predicament. Did she continue investigating the seemingly random crimes happening from Ponyville to Canterlot and try to unmask whoever the mastermind behind them was? Or did she chase after her greatest foe, who was also her true love?

It was a no win situation. She didn’t know what the right choice was, and it was tearing her apart. It was times like this that she really needed somepony... that she really needed Twilight.

“Mare Do Well?” A voice called out hesitantly from behind the Masked Mare of Mystery. Mare Do Well turned to see Ponyville’s newest superhero, The Chicken, standing on the rooftop behind her.

“Scram Squirt, shouldn’t you be home in bed by now?” Mare Do Well asked in her gruff voice.

The Chicken shook her head. “Nope. I’m here to help. You’re looking for Twilight Sparkle right?”

Mare Do Well shook her head and groaned in exasperation. “That’s just it Squirt, I don’t know what to do!” Her voice sounded lost, even to herself. “Twilight hasn’t just gone missing, there’s more to it than that. And at the same time I’ve heard that the Lyrezard is stalking the sewers in Canterlot, and Doctor Octapony is supposedly getting ready to attack with another one of her deadly orchestral arrangements. I don’t even know where to begin, and now Professor Nightshade is back-”

“PROFESSOR NIGHTSHADE IS BACK?!” The Chicken scream, her wings ruffling and her hooves pawing at the roof tiles. She looked quite like her namesake for a moment. “But... but she hasn’t been seen for almost a year now! Why would she show back up now?”

“...” Mare Do Well didn’t respond. How could she? She couldn’t tell anypony the truth behind Professor Nightshade. They’d lock Twilight up! She couldn’t let that happen. It was all her fault anyways. If she just would’ve never put the stupid costume back on, both Twilight and Rainbow Dash would be sitting at home playing games with Spike and Scootaloo right now.

The Chicken cocked her head at Mare Do Well’s silence. “Er... well, I can take care of The Lyrezard. I’ve fought her before, so I know how to handle her. If Doc Oct hasn’t started anything yet, then that should give you time to go after Professor Nightshade.”

Could it be that simple? Allow this young filly to take one foe while she searched for Professor Nightshade? No, she’d never forgive herself if something happened to The Chicken while she was off being selfish.

“I got a better idea Squirt,” Mare Do Well said, “We’ll both go after The Lyrezard together. With the two of us we should be able to take her down quickly, then we can go looking for Professor Nightshade.”

The Chicken’s wings fluttered happily at the suggestion, causing her to hover off the ground for a few moments. “You mean like a team up! Oh my gosh this is going to be so cool!” She chirped excitedly.

Despite herself Mare Do Well felt a grin forming on her face. Whoever this filly was, she had spirit! “Alright then, get over here. I can fly us to Canterlot in ten seconds flat.” Mare Do Well said.

The Chicken happily walked over and jumped on Mare Do Well’s back. She wrapped her forelegs around her neck, being sure to hold on for what was sure to be a fast flight. It was just as she felt Mare Do Well’s wings unfurl that the phrase the caped crusader had used registered in her mind. “Wait a second, what did you just sa-”

Her words were cut off as Mare Do Well flapped her wings, launching the two heroes into the sky.

MDW:Y1

It had been a grueling fight. Mare Do Well would’ve never thought that Doctor Octapony would have teamed up with The Lyrezard. Between the Lyrezard’s crazy claw like appendages and Doc Oct’s Orchestra of Doom it had taken everything both The Chicken and she had to stop the two villains. They were finally down though, thanks primarily to The Chicken’s crazy power. She had laughed at first when she heard about it, but apparently having a chicken army come to your aid after being hit too often was a power to be feared.

The Chicken was currently doubled over trying to catch her breath. She had taken quite a beating from The Lyrezard before her chicken allies had shown up. Still though, the filly was a tough one.

Before either hero could truly recuperate they saw something strange. A book was floating in the sewage. Who flushed a book down the toilet? Before they could ponder that question further the book glowed with a bright light and exploded, knocking both ponies to the ground. They stood up on shaky legs, which trembled even more when they heard crazed laughter echoing down the tunnels.

“Oh Marey Marey Marey, it’s been far too long. I can’t believe you fell for the old “exploding book in the sewer” trick.” Mare Do Well felt her heart drop at the sound of that manic voice. The last time she had heard it, she’d almost lost the mare she loved.

Professor Nightshade stepped out of the shadows. The look on her face was a cross between a grin and a sneer, and her eyes held that same crazed spark she remembered.

Mare Do Well heard a cough from the filly next to her. “Chicken, you need to get out of here, she’s too dangero-” Mare Do Well’s voice caught in her throat. As she had turned to address The Chicken, she had noticed that the filly’s costume had been torn apart by the explosion. That wasn’t the only thing she had noticed of course. The purple mane and orange fur, the determined look to not quit. They could belong to only one pony.

“SCOOTALOO!” Scootaloo jumped in shock, as the sound of her name had not come from just Mare Do Well. Professor Nightshade was also looking at her with wide, surprised eyes.

“What the hay are you doing here Scootaloo?!” Rainbow Dash asked, all traces of Mare Do Well gone from her voice. Scootaloo’s eyes widened in fear as she recognized the voice of one of her moms.

“R-Rainbow Dash?” She said in bewilderment. She had her suspicions after Mare Do Well’s comment back in Ponyville, but had forgotten them after the fight started.

“Hey! Wait a second,” Professor Nightshade’s voice called from her end of the tunnel. Both Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo turned their heads to look at the malicious mare of misery. Professor Nightshade was shaking her head, closing her eyes and muttering things to herself. “That’s not fair! You’re not playing by the rules, I call foul on account of you being a big cheater!” She ranted, even as her voice lost it’s crazed tone. "I don't care you stupid figment, that's my daughter!" She said, her voice starting to sound more and more familiar.

Professor Nightshade thrashed around a bit, before finally settling down. When she did, a purple aura surrounded her body, and with a flash of light Professor Nightshade was gone. In her place, and looking twice as scary as Nightshade could ever look, stood Twilight Sparkle. The unicorn’s eyes were narrowed, her nostrils were flaring.

“T-Twilight?” Scootaloo said, totally confused with what was happening. Twilight didn’t respond, instead focusing on Rainbow Dash.

“RAINBOW DAAAASH!” She yelled, causing the aforementioned mare to flinch away, “WHAT IN THE HAY IS SCOOTALOO DOING DOWN HERE FIGHTING CRIME?!”

“Oh ponyfeathers...” Rainbow Dash mumbled out in fear. This True Believers, this was certain to be her greatest challenge yet!

Author's Note

Okay, so at some point this weekend once I'm done with the next chapter of Twilight's Journey, I'm totally going to go back through and write up a proper fight scene for Mare Do Well/The Chicken vs Doc Oct and The Lyrezard. I knew I wasn't going to have enough time for this prompt, but when I saw what it was I just had to. I think I'll also write out a better finale as well.

I regret nothing!

Cutie Mark Crusaders: Warriors of Love (Mahou Shoujo Sweetie Belle Universe)

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 439: Reimagine My Little Pony as a Magical Girl series.

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

(Warning: This is an AU chapter, it does not follow the continuity of Sparkle Dash Family. If that doesn't sound like fun to you, feel free to skip this.)

The class of room 2-B of Ponyville Middle School sat in varying degrees of attentiveness as their teacher Ms. Cheerilee went over the lesson. Students that were lucky enough to sit by the window found their attention drawn to the outside, where the tall skyscrapers of Ponyville shone in the afternoon sun. Colorful automated carriages could be seen blazing down the road that passed the school, filled with busy ponies on their way to work.

The students found their attention wavering mostly due to the subject matter; cutie marks and their origins. After all by the time they reached middle school most ponies had already received their cutie marks. What was the point of knowing where the mysterious tattoos came from? Ponies had them since anypony could remember. They appeared when you found your special talent. It was as simple as that.

“For a long time ponykind has assumed that we’ve always had cutie marks. However recent archeological findings such as artwork and writings have indicated that cutie marks may not have appeared on ponies until sometime after the fall of the Crystal Empire.” Ms. Cheerilee clicked the button on the control she was holding, and a picture of shattered pottery appeared on the board. It depicted many ponies, all without cutie marks.

“Archaeologists having even theorized that the first cutie marks may not have appeared until after the fall of Everfree, which as I’m sure you all remember happened after the mysterious disappearance of Princess Luna.” Ms. Cheerilee took a moment to look over her students, spotting a yellow hoof raised near the back row. She just barely resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Yes Applebloom?”

Applebloom, a yellow furred filly with a red mane and tail, fiddled nervously with the pink bow that kept her mane tied before she asked her question. “Ms. Cheerilee, if cutie marks haven’t always been around, then how did everypony know their hidden talent?”

“Nopony really knows Applebloom. That was almost a thousand years ago after all. There is a lot about that time that we don’t know. There’s still arguments within the scientific community about whether or not unicorns were capable of doing magic other than simple levitation they can do today.” Ms. Cheerilee said.

Another hoof went up, drawing Cheerilee’s eyes to a white furred filly whose mane was two-toned pink and purple. “Do you have a question Sweetie Belle?”

“Yes ma'am!” Sweetie Belle said, “I was just wondering… if we haven’t always had cutie marks, then does anypony know where they come from?”

“Why? You looking for hints on finding your’s blank flank?” A taunting voice said, causing the rest of the class to laugh. It was no mystery as to who had said the spiteful thing. It was the same filly who always harassed both Applebloom and Sweetie Belle for not yet having their cutie marks, Diamond Tiara.

Sweetie Belle felt her face heating up in embarrassment. It was rather unusual to be a filly as old as she was and not to have found her special talent. A fact that Diamond Tiara and her friend Silver Spoon were always quick to reminder her of.

Ms. Cheerilee cleared her throat, grabbing everypony’s attention. “That is quite enough of that thank you. And Ms. Tiara, please keep your comments to yourself. Unless you wish for me to speak with you father… again.”

Diamond Tiara shot the teacher a glare and sunk into her seat. Sweetie Belle turned and gave Applebloom a small smile. It was always nice to see Diamond Tiara put in her place. Even if it never really stopped the abuse from the rich filly.

A few minutes later the school bell chimed, signalling the end of the day. Ms. Cheerilee dispersed the images displaying on the board and stepped behind her desk. The students of class 2-B were are visibly excited at the prospect of being released for the day. “Alright students, that’s all for today. Don’t forget that your papers on the Buffalo-Pony Wars of 1763 are due tomorrow.” She gave the students a moment to gather their belongings before turning to Dinky Doo, the current class president.

Dinky stood and faced the rest of the class. “Please stand.” She waited for all the students to scramble to their hooves, quickly putting away last minute items. “Bow.” She said, before she turned and bowed to Ms. Cheerilee with the rest of the class.

Cheerilee nodded in response. “Dismissed.” She said simply, and the students began filing out of the classroom.

The two fillies walked out of the school building. Applebloom had spent the entire walk from the classroom complaining about Diamond Tiara.

“Can ya believe the nerve of her? Calling us blank flanks! And in front of Ms. Cheerilee too!” Applebloom blew a lock of hair that had escaped from her bow out of her face.

Sweetie Belle nodded along, knowing it was best to let simply let Applebloom rant without adding any fuel to the fire. It was business as usual really. A similar scene had played out practically every day after school since the two had met at Diamond Tiara’s cute-cenera two years ago. They’d been inseparable since then. Banding together and trying their best to find their special talents. It hadn’t just been the two of them however. There had been a third filly in their little group.

“Oh look, there’s Scootaloo…” Applebloom said, snapping Sweetie Belle out of her reminiscing just in time to see the orange pegasus filly look at them, before turning around and taking off on her scooter. “Grrrr! Why that little… who does she think she is? Ignoring us like that! I have half a mind to go teach that chicken a-”

“Just leave her alone Applebloom. And stop calling her a chicken!” Sweetie Belle said.

Applebloom had the grace to look sheepish at Sweetie Belle’s reprimand. “Sorry Sweetie Belle. Hows about we stop by that new Sugarcube Corner that just opened up and I’ll buy ya a milkshake?”

Sweetie Belle smiled at the thought. She did love Sugarcube Corner’s milkshakes. “Wait a minute… another Sugarcube Corner? That’s like the fifth one in town now! Are they trying to open one up on every corner?” She asked in disbelief.

The two friends made their way towards the sweet shop, chatting happily and moods brightened by the prospect of sugary sweets.

Sweetie Belle sighed in relief as she flopped onto her bed. She had spent most of the afternoon with Applebloom, heading home only once her friend had to go home to help with the chores around the farm. It still surprised Sweetie Belle that there was still a farm right on the outskirts of the metropolis that was Ponyville, even after being friends with Applebloom all these years.

She sighed again. Thinking of Sweet Apple Acres (the farm that Applebloom called home) always made her think of the time she spent on the farm. The time spent with both of her friends, before Scootaloo changed.

The orange pegasus filly had always been the most gung-ho member of their little group. Always ready to try whatever she crazy stunt she could think of in order to get their cutie marks. Her reckless behavior often got them into trouble, but was also one of the reasons they had so much fun.

It had all changed so suddenly. One day Scootaloo stopped coming to their clubhouse after school. Then she stopped hanging out with them at school. When Sweetie Belle and Applebloom had asked her about it, Scootaloo had just said she was too old to play their little foal’s games anymore. Applebloom had been quite upset at that, and the two fillies had fought right in the middle of the school courtyard. After everything was over Scootaloo just avoided the two of them, and Sweetie Belle still wasn’t entirely sure what they had done wrong.

Sweetie Belle turned her head and looked out the window. Night had fallen and the stars that could be seen over the city’s lights were twinkling in the sky. The image of the “mare in the moon” was really visible, as if the black shapes stood in stark contrast to the pure light of the moon.

In fact Sweetie Belle could almost swear that the moon was glowing brighter that night. It could have just been a trick of the light, as it also looked like four stars were slowly closing in on the moon, as if they were about to crash into it.

Sweetie Belle watched in fascination as the stars (which she still wasn’t sure weren’t just tricks her eyes were playing on her) moved closer to the moon. They inched closer and closer until finally they came in contact with the celestial body. Suddenly the light of the moon intensified, lighting up the sky like a pale sun.

She wasn’t sure why she did it. Maybe some foalish thought that this was like a shooting star. But when Sweetie Belle saw the moon light up the sky, she made a wish.

She wished that her friends would be friends again.

And she wished for her cutie mark.

When she opened her eyes again, she regretted not making a third wish, which would have been for something to protect her from the bright glowing object that was falling from the sky straight towards her window.

“AHHHHHHH!” Sweetie Belle rolled off her bed and quickly scrambled under it hoping it would protect her from the incoming impact. She waited and trembled under the bed, wondering whether or not she would survive, and whether this would destroy her sister’s shop.

As the seconds ticked by and no explosion came Sweetie Belle became curious. She peeked her head out from under the box spring and looked around to see her room completely intact. In fact the only thing different about her room was that it looked like the sun was streaming through her window.

She crawled out from under her bed and stood back up on her hooves, before she froze at what she saw. It was immediately apparent why it was so bright in her room; there was a glowing orb floating in the center of the it.

Sweetie Belle watched in shock as the orb flew around her room, knocking pictures of her and her friends off the wall and some of her books from their shelves. The orb seemed almost curious as it flew around her room. It would stop at random items as if considering them before moving on.

Finally the orb of light hovered over one of Sweetie Belle’s stuffed animals. It was of a dark alicorn filly that she had been given when she was younger, a plushie that was designed to look like the storybook pictures of Princess Luna. The orb flew a couple circles around the plushie, before slowly lowering towards it. Sweetie Belle watched in amazement as the orb sunk into the fabric as if it were water, before it was finally submerged within the plushie.

With the light from the orb gone her room fell back into its normal brightness. Sweetie Belle hardly noticed however, as she was stared at the Luna plushie and tried to figure out what had just happened.

“Ah yes! This will do just nicely!” Sweetie Belle felt her entire body freeze up as a filly-like voice came from the Luna plushie. After a moment the plushie stood on its little cloth hooves and turned to face her.

“Hewwo! My name is Woona, and I’m here to…”

Sweetie Belle didn’t catch the rest of what the possessed plushie was saying, as she had promptly fainted.

While Sweetie Belle was always grateful that her older sister, Rarity, allowed her to stay in her house, she was not so grateful for her sister’s cat. Not that the cat, Opalescence, was that bad of a cat. She just had a bad habit of pawing at Sweetie Belle’s mane when she was asleep.

“Opal… cut that out…” Sweetie Belle mumbled, pushing away at the paw that was pressing against her muzzle.

“Opal? Did we not just say our name is Woona?” Sweetie Belle’s eyes flew open at the sound of the voice. She quickly sat up, her eyes instantly flying to the alicorn plushie that was standing next to her. She half-hoped that she was still asleep.

“Who...Who are you?” Sweetie Belle asked as she scooted away from the fabric alicorn.

The plushie actually rolled its eyes and crossed its forelegs over its chest. “How many times must we repeat oursewves? Our name is Woona!”

Sweetie Belle nodded, not wanting to make whatever this was angry. “Right, sorry uh… ‘Woona’.”

Woona waved a hoof. “Tis awright young one. We take no offense, we understand this must be surprising for you.”

That was the understatement of the century. “So uh… it’s nice to meet you and everything but… what are you? And what are you doing in my room?” Sweetie Belle looked past Woona towards the door of her room, trying to figure out if she could make it past the plushie and out the door.

Woona looked surprised at Sweetie Belle’s question. “Oh! That is right! we didn’t get to finish our introduction earwier! As we said, we are Woona, and we are here as your spirit guide to help you wearn how to use your powers in your fight against Nightmare Moon.”

Sweetie Belle stopped inching her way around Woona and stared at her. “Holiday whoobi what now?”

Woona sighed and sat on her haunches. “Awwow me to expwain.” She said.

And explain she did.

She told Sweetie Belle of a princess that once safeguarded the dreams of ponies all across Equestria. How through the princess's careful guidance of the dreams, ponies were able to realize the true potential, their “destinies” as it were. But the princess had a second job, that of guarding the ponies against the many denizens of the dream world that wished to harm them. The Nightmares. And while she did her job with pride, there was one flaw. There was nopony to protect the princess’s dreams. When the Nightmares realized this they struck, and infected the princess with their darkness. She was transformed from a beautiful princess into the wicked mare of darkness; Nightmare Moon. Thankfully, the princess’s sister was able to stop Nightmare Moon and banish her to the moon, where she remained imprisoned for one thousand years. There was a prophecy however, that foretold Nightmare Moon’s release one thousand years after her defeat.

Now Nightmare Moon was free, but she was still weak. Much of her power came from the dreams of ponies, which she had not had access to for a thousand years. But Nightmare Moon had a plan. She planned to use ancient magic to drain a pony of their hope and inspiration: their cutie marks.

“However there is another wegend. One that says a group of fiwwies who have not yet reawized their destinies will call upon the power of dreams and defeat Nightmare Moon.” Woona finished her story and sat down.

Sweetie Belle politely clapped her hooves together as the story ended, before realizing the implications of what Woona had said. “Wait a second. You mean I’m part of this group that’s supposed to use dreams to defeat Nightmare Moon?!”

Woona nodded. “You may not reawize it, but you have a great power sweeping within you. You just need to be abew to unwock it!”

“And how do I do that?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Woona smiled and held out one of her forehooves. “With this!” She said. There was a flash of light, then a crystal with a pink hue appeared above Woona’s hoof.

The crystal floated from Woona, coming to a stop before Sweetie Belle. “Wha-What is this?” The filly asked as she cupped the crystal in her hooves. It felt warm, and vibrant. For some reason it reminded her of bright lights and cheering, and something else she couldn’t quite place.

“That is your Cutie Crystaw! With it you can transform from a pwain fiwwy to a Cutie Mark Crusader, protector of justice!

“How does it work?” Sweetie Belle turned the crystal over in her hooves, still marveling at the feeling it produced.

“You have to focus on it and think about something you care about. Something you wouwd fight for, then you say ‘Cutie Crystaw Energize!’ Woona twirled around as she said the last part.

Sweetie Belle looked at the crystal, then back to the plushie that only an hour ago had sat lifeless on her bed. Was this all a dream? Was any of it real? She didn’t know, but there was one way to find out.

She held the crystal against her barrel. She already knew what she was going to think of. It was something she should have been fighting for all this time. Her friendship with Scootaloo and Applebloom.

“CUTIE CRYSTAL ENERGIZE!” Sweetie Belle shouted.

A black alicorn mare sat atop a cobalt throne within the realm of dreams. Her nebulous mane hung weakly against her neck, a testament to her lack of power after her freedom.

She felt a pulse in the dreamscape. Somepony had just called upon a heavy dose of dream magic. It seemed that meddling Woona had already begun her preparations.

The mare smiled, her fanged maw gleaming in the blue light of the torches of her throne room. Let the little sprite play her games. It mattered little. Soon she would have all the dream energy she would need, and then she would rule over all of Equestria.

And then the true nightmares would begin.

=-=SDF=-=

“So, what do you think?” Bab asked once her cousin was done with the last page. She had been eagerly waiting for Applebloom to finish to see what she thought of her manga.

“The drawings were really good Babs! But how could ya just leave the story like that? I mean, what happens with Sweetie Belle? And me? Do I become one of them Crusaders?”

“Of course you do Cuz! And that’s just the first chapter. I got a whole bunch more planned, but they take a while to draw.” Babs said. She was happy that her cousin enjoyed the story. She had worked hard on it after all.

“That sounds swell Babs. I’m just glad you gave up writin those boat-fics of yours.” Applebloom said. She picked up the pages of Bab’s manga and began flipping through them again, missing the guilty look that flashed across Babs face.

“It’s ship-fics Bloom…” Babs muttered, but decided to let the matter rest. She wondered if Applebloom would still like her manga as much later on, when she introduced Sweetie’s love interest.

The Twilight Knight.

Author's Note

Man, once I sat down to write this one it just flew from me. I have so many ideas for this universe, so many that I may actually make it into its own story (you know, once I finish my other projects ^_^)

So Otaku Babs strikes again, this time making manga based off her friends. What's next Babs? Doujin? Dakimakuras? CMC the visual novel?

Actually, I could kind of imagine Babs giving Scootaloo a Sweetie Belle hug pillow now...

Also if any parts in the beginning weren't quite how things are in Japanese culture, I do apologize. I've never attended a Japanese school, so I only had quick internet research to go off.

Thanks for reading!

A Whole New World (Archmagus Universe)

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 512: Shining, Shimmering, Splendid (A Whole New World music video)

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

Princess Twilight Sparkle sighed contentedly as she cut the magic she was using to hold her quill, before closing the book before her with a hoof. She yawned, and stretched tiredly, grimacing at the popping sounds her body made. She didn’t need to glance out the window to know how late it was. Or how early it was, given that she was sure that the sun would be rising in only a couple more hours.

Still, she felt like she had made some real headway in working through Starswirl’s spells. The spells contained in the book she had received from Princess Celestia had been every bit as complicated and advanced as she had dreamed. And to her delight, there were many theories and spells that the wizened unicorn had never gotten to finish. A challenge that Twilight was more than happy to undertake.

But continued work on Starswirl’s spells would have to wait. The sweet song of slumber called to her, and she could no longer deny it. Even alicorns needed their sleep, no matter how studious they may be.

So Twilight sleepily slid under the covers of her bed, relishing in the soft feeling of the down comforter and pillows. She yawned sleepily, and closed her eyes, her tired mind still whirling with thoughts and ideas about spells and magics, even as she drifted off to sleep.

=-=SDF=-=

Something was wrong. She knew this because the light from the sun was streaming through her window. Spike knew to keep the shades closed in her room, especially after a night spent studying. This wasn’t the only thing that was bothering Twilight enough to wake her from her sleep. For the past few minutes she had felt an incessant itching on her back and sides, like she was being tickled by a multitude of feathers.

Unable to take the annoying prickling sensation any longer, Twilight bolted up. She was immediately assaulted with a sense of displacement. She had awoken, not in her cozy quarters in Canterlot Castle, but in (if her memory served her well, which she knew it did) the library of Ponyville, where she had stayed that one fateful night.

Why had she gone back to Ponyville? And what was with that aggravating sensation on her…

Wings.

She had wings.

She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly in a practiced motion taught to her by Empress Cadenza. She slowly reached a hoof towards her head, until it made contact with her horn.

So, she had wing and a horn.

“CELESTIA!” Twilight’s bellowing voice shook the very foundation, not just of the Golden Oaks Library, but of the town of Ponyville. Spike found himself rudely awakened as the force of the shout sent both him and his basket flying into a wall.

“BWAH! What the hay Twilight? What’s wrong?” Spike asked, looking around for whatever had set his friend off.

“Nothing you need to concern yourself with Spike, I’m just going to go have a very violent discussion with our esteemed monarch about what happens to overbearing princesses who change their subject’s species in their sleep!” Twilight said, before disappearing in a flash of purple light.

Spike stared for a few moments at the place his surrogate sister had vanished from. His brain was still trying to catch up from his sudden awakening, trying to make sense of whatever just happened. In just a few moments he caught up, the words “violent” and “princess” springing forth to his mind. He quickly ran out the door, knowing that whatever was going on, he would need his friends.

=-=SDF=-=

Princess Celestia’s lovely morning tea was suddenly and unceremoniously interrupted by an explosive blast of lavender light, knocking the tea set and the breakfast pastries she had ordered to the ground. Immediately on high alert, Celestia lit her horn to prepare for whatever trouble may be approaching. The magic faded from her horn almost instantly, as a fond smile formed on her muzzle.

“Well, Princess Twilight Sparkle, I have to say that is one way to make an entrance. Perhaps next time you could simply take the train or fly over though? I’m afraid I won’t have many tea sets left if you make a habit of this.”

Her tone had been jovial, slightly teasing of her former student. Celestia had expected for Twilight to stumble over her words, apologizing for her abrupt appearance and forgetting in her worry that she too was a princess of Equestria. Celestia was therefore unprepared for the look of pure venom that Twilight gave her.

“Princess!” Twilight spat, glaring at the Princess of the Sun. “I’ll show you princess you old sow! I can’t believe the nerve of you! Even after I told you I had no want to ascend… how long have you been planning this? To turn me in my sleep? Did you think I wouldn’t notice when I woke up that I was suddenly an alicorn?”

Celestia stared at her former student in complete confusion. “Turned you in your sleep? Twilight whatever do you mean?”

“Oh! So it wasn’t you then?” Twilight gave a sarcastic laugh, “It must’ve been another quasi-deity who transformed me then! Perhaps Luna came back from the centauran battlefields early to play a little trick on me? Or was it Discord? I know how much you love to blame everypony’s problems on him.”

Celestia’s look hardened at that. She had never been so basely accused of such things in her long life. Something was quite obviously amiss here, and it involved the mare she had, in many ways, come to think of as a daughter.

“Twilight, I don’t know what has gotten into you, but you-”

Celestia was cut off as Twilight rounded on her, purple wings spread wide as she growled, actually growled, at Celestia. “That is Archmage Sparkle to you, Princess! I won’t be called so familiarly by somepony who would betray me as you have.”

Before Celestia could make another retort, the throne room doors burst open. Five mares and a baby dragon rushed inside, short of breath and looking around with wide, nervous eyes.

“We got here as fast as we could Twilight!” Applejack said, still surveying the room looking for what could have caused such an emergency. “What’s goin’ on? Spike didn’t really explain the situation before draggin us to the train station.”

Twilight did not give any indication that she even heard Applejack’s question. Her gaze was locked firmly on the cerulean pegasus flying above the other mares. She smirked, as her horn lit up and a purple aura surrounded Rainbow Dash, zipping her through the air with a cry of protest, until she arrived before Twilight.

“Hello Commander. I must say I’m surprised to see you, but not disappointed.” With that, Twilight wrapped her forehooves around Rainbow Dash’s neck, bringing her in for a kiss. Rainbow Dash’s eyes flew open in surprise, and she gave a weak attempt to pull away, before closing her eyes and groaning into Twilight’s mouth.

Celestia and the other’s stared in complete shock as Twilight continued kissing Rainbow Dash. After what seemed like minutes (yet was, in reality, a few seconds) the two pulled away, Rainbow Dash finding herself sitting dazed on the ground.

Twilight held a slightly smug look on her face, as she turned to Applejack. “I’m sorry Applejewel, I was distracted by my betrothed. What was your question?”

Had Applejack’s mind been working at the time, she would have found she suddenly had a lot more questions.

=-=SDF=-=

Twilight awoke feeling absolutely wonderful, and she had no idea why! She knew she should be dead on her hooves after her night of studying, but instead she felt warm and full of energy. Maybe it was thanks to the pony that was currently nuzzling against her chest.

…

Twilight bolted out of bed, falling to the floor in a tangle of sheets that were much too soft to be her own. She looked around the room wildly, feeling panic start to set in at the unfamiliar location. The room was much darker than her own, probably due to the heavy fabric blocking the windows.

“Twilight?! What the hay, are you alright?” She felt a pair of strong hooves pull her free from the tangle of sheets. Her worry bled away at the familiar sound of the voice.

“Oh Rainbow Dash! Thank heavens it’s just you.” Twilight said, smiling gratefully at the mare that was pulling her to her hooves.

“What do you mean by just me, huh?” Rainbow Dash said, though the smile on her face belied any offense. “Still, I knew you’d be surprised that I was back early, but I didn’t think you’d be this surprised.”

“Well of course I’m surprised. And what do you mean by “back early”? Where did you go? For that matter, where are we? Why aren’t we in Pony-” Twilight’s stream of questions would have continued, except her mouth was suddenly covered by the warm presence of Rainbow’s lips, pressing against hers as the other mare moaned happily.

For perhaps the first time in her life, Twilight found her mind blissfully blank. Something Rainbow Dash was grateful for. She wanted to enjoy the peace of just being with her fiance for just a little bit, before breaking the news that they were both needed to quell the gryphon rebellions.

After all, every species on the planet knew to flee at the combined might of Archmagus Twilight Sparkle, and Commander Rainbow Dash.

Author's Note

Wha? An update? Yeah, that happened.

So I've had this prompt kicking around in my head for a while now. Of course the first thing I thought of was the actual A Whole New World sequence, but as cute as it could've been, I thought it may be a bit cliche. So then I started thinking of what would happen if Twilight switched places with another Twilight from another universe.

In the Archmagus Universe, Twilight still went to Ponyville, made friends, and defeated Nightmare Moon. However, she did not stay in Ponyville, returning to Canterlot to further her magical studies, while keeping in touch with her friends (who were all busy with their own various pursuits).

Applejewel (yes, I switched the name after watching the episode), is a version of Applejack who stayed in Manehattan with her aunt and unlce, eventually becoming a savvy business-mare who returned to Ponyville and took control of Sweet Apple Acres, eventually turning it into Sweet Apple Inc, one of Equestria's largest corporations.

Rainbow Dash, was drafted by the Wonderbolts after her first Sonic Rainboom. She quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the youngest commander after her brilliant defeat of the Talonblade's special forces, led by Gilda.

Fluttershy is the local beastmaster. She built her cottage in the middle of the Everfree Forest, where she lives taming the various beasts to follow her commands. She typically rides around on a Timberwolf she raised from a sapling.

Rarity is both Applejewel's assistant, and in charge of Sweet Apple Inc's fashion lines. She is also the mare in charge of SAI's armor division, making battlefield chic an actual thing.

I still haven't quite figured out where Pinkie Pie fits in with all this. But I'll figure something out for her at some point.

First Job

The Sparkle Dash Family

Prompt 419: Scootaloo gets a job

Disclaimer: I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

“So you’re sure about this?”

Scootaloo rolled her eyes, having counted that as the 103rd time her mom had asked her the same question. It was almost like her mom didn’t think she knew what she was getting into. She was already a teenager, practically a grown up!

“I’ll be fine, mom!” Scootaloo replied, rolling her eyes also for the 103rd time. “I’m just going to be pushing around some rain clouds, how hard could it be?”

Twilight pursed her lips, not sure how to respond. She’d been worried ever since Scootaloo had told her that she’d gotten her first part-time job, working with the Ponyville Weather Patrol. Scootaloo was obviously excited at her first step towards independence, and one part of Twilight couldn’t blame her. She’d been much the same when she’d been made Celestia’s protege. The other part though, the part that Rainbow Dash teasingly called her “mother brain”, couldn’t help but think of all the things that could potentially go wrong.

Still, she knew she couldn’t keep Scootaloo safe from the world forever. So with more than a bit of trepidation she sighed, and gave the orange filly a smile. “Alright Scootaloo. Just promise me you’ll be careful.” She narrowed her eyes when Scootaloo rolled hers. “I’m being serious! I know Rainbow Dash made work on the weather patrol look easy, but it’s still dangerous. Listen to everything your supervisors tell you, and don’t try to do more than you can handle.”

“Alright, alright. Can I go now?” Scootaloo asked impatiently.

Twilight sighed, but gave her a resigned smile. “Sure thing. Say hi to your mom for me, and remember to come straight home after you’re done. Spike is making hayburgers for dinner….” She trailed off, noticing that Scootaloo was no longer in front of her. She turned just in time to see her gallop out the door.

“Surethingmomloveyabye!” Scootaloo managed to shout before the door closed behind her, leaving a slightly bemused Twilight behind.

Twilight just shook her head, before heading off to find a book. She just hoped that everything went okay at Scootaloo’s first day.

=-=SDF=-=

Everything was not okay, Scootaloo decided. How could rain clouds possibly be so heavy? And why didn’t Cloudsdale deliver them closer to where they needed to go? Did they not realize how much work it took for a pegasus pony to fly these things from one place to the next? Or how cold they were? Scootaloo shivered again at the touch of the cloud she pushed along. Her hooves were soggy, and she felt like they’d never be warm again.

How many of these stupid things had she moved already? A dozen? Two dozen? She wasn’t even sure anymore. But the collection of clouds she’d left behind didn’t seem to be getting any smaller. Weren’t any of the other pegasi helping? It felt like she was the only one doing any actual work.

She sighed in relief once she had positioned the cloud, bringing it together with others she’d already placed over Sweet Apple Acres.

“Stupid heavy cold rainclouds…” She mumbled to herself, blowing on her hooves and rubbing them together to try and stave off what she was sure was the first stage of frostbite. She worked her tired wings back to the cloud delivery point, and her eyes began to twitch in irritation. The pile seemed even bigger than before!

She flew over and to let the collection of clouds know exactly how she felt about them, giving one a swift kick as she pulled up beside it. She smiled, feeling better after her little outburst. The smile quickly faded however, when the cloud began to shake, a rumbling sound emanating from it.

Scootaloo’s eyes widened in shock when she realized what was about to happen. She had just enough time to fly out of the way as the lightning began to shoot from the cloud. She sighed in relief, before she saw one of the wild lightning bolts hit another cloud in the collection, which also began to shake and rumble, before lightning exploded from it.

High above the electrical spectacle, Scootaloo simply hovered in place as she stared at the clouds, which were pouring their contents all over the middle of the field below, and throwing lightning around like they were in a scary story.

The sound of somepony coughing got her attention, and her face drained of color as she turned and saw her supervisor, and her mother, Rainbow Dash, both with scowls on their faces.

“Eh heh… I can explain?” Scootaloo tried lamely, barely being heard over the sound of thunder coming from the clouds below.

=-=SDF=-=

Twilight was pacing anxiously around the foyer of the library. Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash were supposed to have been home hours before. The sun was due to set any moment now, and the hayburgers Spike had prepared had cooled on the table. “Ohhhh, I hope nothing happened to them.” Twilight muttered as she continued to wear a groove in the floor.

“Calm down, Twilight.” Spike said, trying to be the voice of reason even though he was worried as well. “They probably just got caught up with work or something. I’m sure they’ll be back…”

The door opened, and the two pegasi in question trudged through just in time for Spike to say, “...any second now.”

Twilight smiled at them, though it quickly morphed into a frown when she saw the condition Scootaloo was in. The orange filly’s wings were hanging limply at her side, almost dragging on the ground. Her mane was disheveled, and standing up on end, and Twilight was almost sure she could smell ozone wafting around her.

Scootaloo didn’t say anything, she simply trudged over to the couch and unceremoniously flopped onto it, getting Twilight to look at her in concern.

Rainbow Dash slid up to Twilight, giving her a tired smile and nuzzling her neck. “Don’t worry, Twi. Scoots is alright, she just…”

“Don’t you dare!” Scootaloo mumbled from where her face was planted in the couch cushion.

Rainbow Dash ignored her, a grin on her face as she finished. “...had a shocking first day at work.”

Scootaloo was too tired to respond, simply laying on the couch as a terrible thought occurred to her.

She had to do the same thing tomorrow!

Author's Note

I'm just going to go ahead and apologize now for this. I haven't honestly written anything in what feels like a year now, so I decided to go back and do a prompt I had on my list but never got around to writing. It's kind of dull, I realize, but it's mainly an exercise to get back in the practice.

As always, thanks for reading!