Their Final Crusade

by wayward_pony

Rating: mature
Tags: Gore, Apple Bloom, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Scootaloo, Tragedy, Babs Seed, Dark, Sad, Main 6
Length: 103224

The CMC get their Cutie Marks, but at what cost?

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle... these are the Cutie Mark Cruasiders.

Members of the CMC finally get their Cutie Marks. Each victory should mark an instance of joy, but growing can be hard sometimes. Life is unfair -- between the small turing points and unexpected tragities, it's hard to naturally stay pure.

Multi-part dark. Contains blood and descriptions of death.

Cover Art by Smudge Proof.

Published 2013-05-22 12:20:02 UTC
Last updated 2015-03-07 01:22:47 UTC

Part 1, 2 -- "Muted Notes"

"Muted Notes"
2

Sounds were distant and distorted as things came back to Scootaloo.

"Rarity! It hurts so bad!" Cried a familiar high-pitched voice.

"Don't try to stand up, Sweetie Belle." Commanded a deeper voice.

"This is bad..." Commented a deeper southern voice. "Real bad!"

Scootaloo opened her eyes.

She was laying on her stomach in front of a big tree, face right on top of the roots. She hauled herself up to her hooves and shook the stars from her eyes... only to have her helmet disintegrate into three pieces and fall to the ground.

"Woah," she said, barely able to stand.

The filly looked to her left to see her prized Scooter broken in two pieces. This normally would have bummed her out royally, but she was happy to be on all four hooves.

"Ya alright, Sugarcube?" Said Apple Jack's voice from behind her.

"Yeah... I think so. What happened?"

"Ya got into an accident... Sweetie Belle's been hurt."

"What?" She turned to face the farm pony, who had a very somber look to her face. "What do you mean Sweetie Belle's been hurt?"

Apple Jack move to the side and motioned behind herself to the road, lowering her eyes.

Scootaloo could see that Sweetie Belle was laying sideways on the side of the road completely still, but couldn't make much of her out on account of Apple Bloom, Fluttershy, Twilight, and Rarity being in the way. She could, however, make out their faces... they all looked as pale and as grave as Apple Jack.

"Sweetie Belle!" Shouted Scootaloo, going full speed to her friend with wings buzzing. "Are you okay?"

Apple Bloom glanced back briefly then stepped aside, allowing Scootaloo a clear view of what had happened... what she had done.

Sweetie Belle looked up at her friend with big green eyes, her face bloodied, particularly around the mouth and nose... and yet she still smiled at the familiar sight of her friend standing above her. The injured Unicorn took in deep, labored breaths, wincing in pain after each inhale. Tears where in her eyes due to the sharp pain of the seemingly superfical wounds, but it wasn't all cosmetic despite it's initial appearance; the young Pegasus noticed that her friend's right side seemed to be slightly caved in, and when she breathed in deep it was even more obvious. Sweetie Belle let out a sharp cough, blood pouring from her mouth.

And if that wasn't grim enough a sight, Twilight had noticed when Sweetie first tried to stand... only her front half was working.

"Hi Scootaloo," Sweetie Belle said weakly, wincing as she breathed. "You made it."

Scootaloo's eyes darted from Rarity to Twilight, to Fluttershy.

"We sent Rainbow Dash to get help," Twilight said, comfortingly. "It should be here in ten minutes."

Scootaloo's breathing had been labored since she realized she hurt Sweetie Belle, but it became even more so upon seeing her and hearing this news.

"Ten minutes! She's going to be okay, isn't she?" Scootaloo asked.

"Yes." Rarity said, tears in her eyes, unable to look directly at Sweetie Belle or Scootaloo. "She's going to be... just... fine."

Fluttershy looked back at Rarity and put a hoof around her. The Unicorn suddenly burst into tears, burying her head into her friend's shoulders. Twilight shot a telling look at Scootaloo, brutally cutting through Rarity's wistful denial... she didn't have to say anything. Scootaloo knew what was going to happen. She glanced back at Apple Bloom and it looked as though she knew it, too.

Sweetie Belle lay there now growing cold, but she still smiled warmly at the ponies above.

"Rarity, why are you crying?" She asked in an unsettlingly calm voice. "It doesn't hurt as much anymore. I'm okay... Really!"

This simply caused Rarity to cry even more.

"Sweetie Belle," answered Fluttershy, still comforting her friend. "She's crying because she loves you."

Apple Jack added, with a smile:

"Don't worry, Sweetie Belle... They're gonna come real soon and patch you up. You'll be back to your Crusading by next week!"

Sweetie Belle grinned ear-to-ear with a warm, but weak smile:

"That sounds like fun..."

The little Unicorn had grown noticeably even more pale in the short time her friend had been up. She turned to her Pegasus pal, eyes going wide:

"Scootaloo..." She lifted up her hoof, now barely able to point at the Pegasus' side. "You- you got your Cutie Mark!"

Though she would rather have received that news under better circumstances, Scootaloo reluctantly glimpsed down at her side to see a bright blue scooter emblazoned on her flank.

"Wow," she said, looking back up at her Unicorn friend. "I'm still going to help you find yours..." She thought hard for a second. There was only one thing she could think to say, and hearing it made everypony smile. "I remember when I tried singing at that talent show? I totally should've given that job to you. You're such an awesome singer, Sweetie Belle. I don't know any pony more talented."

The Unicorn smiled:

"Yeah.. I like singing, too." Weakly, she attempted to sing the opening bars of their theme song, but ended up coughing blood on the first few notes. She sighed, in spite of it all. "Would be nice if that was my special talent. I bet it could be, if I wanted it to..."

"Sweetie Belle," whimpered Apple Bloom, with tears in her eyes. "Please save your strength! Ya know they're coming fer ya real soon."

Sweetie Belle didn't answer her friend. Instead she closed her eyes as everything for her began to slow down... she opened them again to look down at her flank just in time to see it shine:

"Yeah... music..." she sighed deep, like she were being pampered in a sauna.

As her vision blurred and color faded, she saw two connected 8th notes materialized on her flank. She paused, attempting to take in air with no avail. Even in her current state, she would have yipped for joy if she could as this was something she looked forward to, day in and day out, for all her life. Instead of rejoicing, she felt herself spacing out... only for a moment, of course. She grinned all the same at the thought of finally having her cutie mark. That was the last thought she would ever have.

* * *

Twilight lowered her eyes as a lone tear fell to the earth. Apple Jack removed her hat and bowed her head in silence. Rarity continued to cry in Fluttershy's shoulder... she didn't need to look to know. Fluttershy lowered her head as Apple Bloom looked away and the tears began to pour. The only pony who continued to look on was Scootaloo... wanting to cry but finding herself unable to.

Sweetie's eyes were open, but the life had left them. Her pale body finally relaxed. She wore a thin smile, which was as much a grimace as it was a sign of joy. She was dead.

Twilight looked up after a moment and put a hoof to the little Unicorn's face, closing her eyes. She then looked to Scootaloo and shook her head as she stifled her sadness:

"It's not your fault."

With that, Scootaloo took off in the other direction screaming.

Part 1, 3 -- "Boomerang"

"Boomerang"
3

"Wait Scootaloo!"

They tried to call as she ran off, but she didn't respond. This was all just too much for her. She moved way too fast to be caught, even without her scooter. Rainbow Dash probably would have caught her if she were there, but she was on her way back with help 8 minutes too late.

Hours were spent trying to find the young Pegasus, searching high and low. All ponies immediately started looking except for Rarity, who stayed behind by Sweetie Belle's remains with her head lowered, shooing the flies until her little body was finally taken away... she then took a long walk to her shop feeling barren on the inside. There'd be no creating today. She just wanted to go to sleep forever. Seeing everypony out, however, -- not just her friends, but other ponies as well -- hearing them shouting the name of Sweetie's dear friend... she knew the right thing to do. Despite her strong desire to do nothing, she joined them in their search. Doing nothing, afterall, would be selfish... she was the Element of Generosity, and Scootaloo needed help. Besides... if it were Apple Bloom who'd been struck instead... perhaps Apple Jack or Big Mac would have already been out searching to comfort the tiny filly. Not that they'd be the first two she'd run to in that case.

The search went on. It began to get dark and cold, but no pony gave up hope. Apple Jack called out to Scootaloo in the darkness, telling her to come have a sleepover with Apple Bloom... after all, it was not a good idea for either filly to be by themselves that night. The little Pegasus did not answer and Apple Bloom had no choice but to sleep alone that night. Rarity, along side Apple Jack, called out into the night with her to get no answer. She thought maybe her presence was just jinxing the search at that point.

She wasn't found in any place the Crusaders frequented in town; she wasn't in the club house, either, and they prayed to Celestia she wasn't going to be found in the Everfree forest. When Twilight Sparkle finally found a trace of her -- her saddle bag on the outskirts of town ripped wide open, her cape torn to ribbons -- she became especially disheartened for the little filly. But even as it was approaching midnight, the parties did not give up. They'd broken into groups of two and were searching literally everywhere.

Rainbow Dash hadn't eaten. She hadn't taken her afternoon nap either. In fact, Dash was even ready to miss her midnight shift at work it if meant finding Scootaloo in one piece. Fluttershy was along side her, both supporting each other for the long haul. They had been at it for 7 hours straight when they finally decided to take a break by the Ponyville bridge. Both were beyond exhausted.

"Oh, I feel just awful for poor Scootaloo," said Fluttershy, stretching her hind legs. "All alone out there... in the dark. She must be scared to death!"

"We're not giving up yet," said a determined Rainbow Dash, also stretching her legs and wings. "If I know Scoots as well as I think I do, she's hiding in town. I don't think she took off. She's knows that'd be a foalish thing to do."

"Oh, I hope you're right. Maybe she feels she's got nowhere to go because of what happened."

Rainbow Dash heard something very faint that sounded like a small pony sniffling near by. Rather than hushing her friend out loud, she paused and put her hoof to her own mouth, the other to her ear. Fluttershy listened in closely, too.

Sniff.

There it was again. It was so quiet neither pony was entirely sure they weren't imagining it.

Both ponies looked to their left and then to their right. As far as they were concerned, they were alone. And then they heard it again:

Sniff.

This time they heard an additional property to the sound they hadn't before -- reverb. They knew exactly where it was coming from.

Dash silently beat her wings, picking herself up a foot from the ground. Fluttershy followed suit. Dash gave some silent instructions with her hooves and each Pegasus took one side of the span under the bridge.

Rainbow Dash spoke into the darkness:

"Um... Scoots?" There was no immediate answer. "We know you're there."

"Go away!" Cried the scared filly.

"We just wanna talk to you... come out or I'm coming in."

There was, again, no answer.

"Suit yourself Scoots."

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy let themselves drop to the ground at the same time. They both approached their respective entrance, Rainbow opening her wings just enough to expand the width of the entrance all while preparing to dash. She then heard Scoot's tiny hooves take off... only to hear the sound of a loud impact, followed by Fluttershy gasping sharply in both surprise and pain.

"Fluttershy..." Dash barreled over the underpass. "What happened?"

Rainbow saw in the moonlit darkness both Fluttershy and Scootaloo on the ground by the side of the bridge, their heads wobbling with dizziness. Judging by their position, Dash would have guessed the two bumped noggins. She would have been right.

"You both alright?" She asked, looking down at her friends.

Only Fluttershy rose to her hooves.

"Scootaloo! We are so happy we found you," the yellow Pegasus exclaimed, offering a hoof to the little filly. "You gave us all quite a scare taking off like that."

Scootaloo looked up at Fluttershy, taking her hoof:

"Is Sweetie Belle okay?"

Both adult ponies looked to each other and did not answer.

"Scootaloo, just come with us." Said Rainbow Dash. "We can talk about that later... we've got to get you some place warm where you can sleep."

"I can take her," offered Fluttershy. "I know you have work very soon, Dash. Don't worry about it." She turned to the little filly. "Do you want to come with me, Scootaloo?"

She fell silent for a moment, kicking a rock with her hoof:

"I... guess so."

Fluttershy smiled, opening her wing to the tiny Pegasus, ready to wrap her up in a warm embrace:

"Come on... let's get you inside."

The little Pegasus took the invitation.

Part 1, 4 -- "Flickering Light"

"Flickering Light"
4

While Rainbow Dash left a trail in the night sky, excitedly flying off to tell her friends the good news, Fluttershy led Scootaloo to her cottage. Everypony was relieved.

The two were mostly silent on their late night walk. Scootaloo had one question on her mind:

"Fluttershy... am I in trouble?"

The yellow mare replied, hugging the orange filly tight:

"No, Scootaloo... you are safe."

It would have been easy just to drop the young Pegasus off with her parents. They'd be worried about her, and with good cause, but unfortunately the reality of Scootaloo's situation made that impossible. Her parents had abandoned her early in life. Once she could walk, Ponyville took it upon itself to raise her, as most smaller areas in Equestria did with their orphans. It was just how things were done. Everypony always opened their door to her when she needed a place to sleep, and she was universally welcome, and always kept warm and safe at night. Scootaloo had thought she'd be universally hated after what happened... that was only one fraction of what had caused her to run.

Fluttershy, though unaccustomed to having unexpectedly fillies, was happy to see Scootaloo safe. This was what she needed anyway -- some understanding pony who was there to show her she was still loved and still just a filly. The idea of death was not something foreign to the young Pegasus, but she couldn't remember the last time it effected her... this went deeper than anything she'd ever experienced. Deeper than she knew things could go.

Once safely in the cottage, the lights came on and Fluttershy saw Scootaloo's face clearly. Her eyes were red and puffy, lined with miserable dark circles around them. She was filthy and her knees were scrapped, her legs bruised all over indicating that she had taken many a spill and tumble while running away.

The yellow mare's maternal instincts kicked in right away and she flew to the bathroom to get a washcloth. During that time, Scootaloo found her couch and sat on it. By the time Fluttershy was back in the room with facecloth in hoof, the little Pegasus was curled up and fading fast. The yellow mare didn't have the heart to ask her to sit up while she cleaned her face. Instead she simply grabbed a blanket, draped it over Scootaloo's tired body, and let her fall asleep. Fluttershy stayed awake that night, just in case, reading a book sitting on her stairs... keeping her eyes and ears open.

* * *

In the early morning Fluttershy checked on her guest before she went out to feed her animals. Still asleep, looking like an innocent (albeit grimy) angel.

Speaking of Angel, her pet bunny was wide awake and wanted breakfast... even though he could see she was in no mood, he only thought of himself. Fluttershy threw together a quick and careless breakfast, and when he received it he stared up at her... but not in his usual indignant manner following this type of treatment. This exhausted, impatient creature leaving the house wasn't the usual Fluttershy who gave him his meal. He was, for once, concerned about something other than his own comfort.

By the time Fluttershy got back from feeding her animals, Scootaloo was just getting up. The mare flew right to the bathroom and got another face cloth. As Scootaloo sat up, she wiped her off.

"How are you? She asked the little filly. "I bet you're hungry."

Scootaloo mumbled something in response under her breath but Fluttershy couldn't make out. She was cleaned up in minutes, but her eyes still looked tired and hungry. Fluttershy prepared to head to the kitchen next, but first...

"Do you want to see Apple Bloom today?"

"No." She said. "I want to see Sweetie Belle."

"Oh dear..." Fluttershy sat on the couch by Scootaloo. "Come here..."

Scootaloo rested her head in Fluttershy's lap as Fluttershy rubbed her wings.

"We can do whatever you want today, Scootaloo." She said. "How about we see Apple Bloom?"

"No!"

"Alright..." Fluttershy continued to stroke Scootaloo's mane. "I'll think of a fun game. Right now I'm going to go make breakfast. Is there anything you'd really like to eat?"

Scootaloo paused for a moment, rubbing her jaw with her hoof:

"A Daisy and Daffodil sandwich sounds nice."

"White or yellow Daffodil? I've got both!"

"Yellow, please."

"Alright!" Fluttershy got up. "Be back soon."

Scootaloo was then left alone in the big room. She would have been completely alone if it weren't for Angel bunny coming up beside her, curiously looking up into her eyes. She looked back.

"What're you looking at?" She asked him, playfully.

He jumped up on the couch and nuzzled her with his cheek. She opened up a space beside her and he dove in, snuggling up tight. Angel knew she was sad from her body language and had only one response. Snuggling could make Fluttershy feel good sometimes and it always made him feel good, so that's what he did. He knew it was working for him. Scootaloo laughed and Fluttershy heard it, smiling in the next room.

* * *

Breakfast was over with pretty quickly. Scootaloo ate her sandwich in just a couple of bites. Normally that would be considered a lot for the little filly, especially at breakfast time, but she didn't have any dinner the previous night. She was actually offered seconds by Fluttershy, something she'd been told by some older ponies to never, ever take (let alone ask for), but she took it anyways because it was offered. By the end she was smiling.

"So, what do you want to do today?" Asked Fluttershy, still cheery as the first time asking.

"I just... kinda want to stay in, if that's okay."

"Oh, it's fine! We can play games and tell stories, and I can show you how to fluff Angel's tail!"

"You know, Fluttershy... that actually sounds kind of fun."

"I'm glad! Just take it easy today, Scootaloo, and if there's anything you want to talk about remember I'm right here."

"Okay."

* * *

The day went on and, as days tend to do. Morning slowly turned day, then to dusk, then to twilight. The purple sky above gave the land by Fluttershy's cottage a mellow hue as her animal friends turned in for the night.

Together the two talked, played games, and had a couple very nice meals. Fluttershy was a surprisingly good cook and an equally good listener. Even though Scootaloo said nothing about Sweetie Belle at this point, Fluttershy could still tell it was on the forefront of her mind. She did her best to show the little filly kindness and even got her laughing for two minutes straight while Angel believed himself to be getting his tail fluffed.. in reality they were actually braiding it and, once he realized this, he became quite indignant.

Periodically Fluttershy noticed Scootaloo eying her new Cutie Mark with a sad look on her face. She wanted to say something encouraging, because no pony should be unhappy because of her own mark, but there was little she could actually do. It was completely understandable why she was unhappy. The yellow Pegasus could only think of one thing to say:

"When things get back to the way they used to be we'll talk about a Cutesinera. Doesn't that sound like fun?"

Scootaloo nodded weakly while Fluttershy kicked herself realizing what she had just said all too late... things would never go back to the way they used to be.

That night the two were going to sleep in the same room. It was her upstairs bedroom... there was plenty of space for them both. It was the same bed the Cutie Mark Crusaders all slept in the few times they were babysat at the cottage. If Scootaloo had a bad dream, Fluttershy would be be right there for her.

As the little Pegasus was tucked in and shut her eyes, Fluttershy got in beside her and hugged her. Given the nature of all that had happened over the past couple days, the older mare was determined to give Scootaloo a good night's sleep and began to sing a lullaby:

Hush now, quiet now

It's time to lay your sleepy head

Hush now, quiet now

It's time to go to bed

Months before Sweetie Belle thought it would be cute to sing this melody in a more... lively fashion, as Fluttershy attempted to put the Crusaders to sleep for the night. All Scootaloo could picture was Sweetie Belle as she was laying there in the road. The life slowly leaving her body, the light that once sparkled so brightly going away. Tear welled up in her eyes.

Fluttershy knew what mistake she had made and simply held the filly tight while she cried.

"I'm here, Scootaloo."

* * *

The next morning Scootaloo was in for a big surprise. Fluttershy had invited her out to show her all the bird houses lining her property when she heard a familiar voice from up above:

"Hey Squirt!"

She turned around to see Rainbow Dash descending from a small cloud.

"Hi Rainbow!" Scootaloo exclamed. "How are ya?"

"I'm fine. I was going to ask you the same thing."

"I'm okay."

"Yeah. I can kind of imagine." Dash smiled sincerely. "Do you wanna spend the day with me?"

She turned to the mare who had welcomed her in the past two days:

"Is that okay Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy was happily nodding before she even finished the question:

"Of course, Scootaloo! I know how much fun you have with Rainbow Dash."

"Alright!" The little orange Pegasus raced towards her idol. "What do you want to do first?"

"I was thinkin'... how 'bout we do a little flying?"

"Yeah!"

* * *

Rainbow Dash started by opening her hooves up to the little filly and taking her up into the air while holding her close to her body. All of Equestria looked so tiny and they weren't even up to the height of the clouds yet. Up in the air Scootaloo felt weightless and powerful. She couldn't wait until she was old enough to do this on her own.

Unlike Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash didn't ask Scootaloo what she wanted to do or how she was feeling. She knew the pony who idolized her better than Scootaloo knew herself, and her take charge attitude was exactly what Scootaloo needed at the time. She wouldn't have to think about anything other than just being happy. It started with a simple fun trip into the air, and ended right in front of the Sugar Cube Corner. Dash didn't even have to say why they were there -- she simply opened the door and welcomed Scootaloo inside where they both enjoyed some milk shakes. Rainbow and chocolate, this was turning into quite the day!

The fun wasn't over yet. Far from. After the treat Dash took her young protégé out to the flat lands right outside of Ponyville where she announced:

"Okay Scoots! Today I'm gunna give you a flying lesson!"

"Really!?"

"Yup. You wanna be able to take yourself up into the air with me some day, right?"

"Yeah!"

"Well, then pay attention to this!"

Scootaloo was unaware of it, but Dash knew she wasn't going to be able to fly. What she was showing her that afternoon, however, could be used later in life when her wings developed more. It would be painfully obvious to any adult pony who knew the situation what Rainbow Dash was really doing, but the end result was all that mattered -- Scootaloo was grinning ear to ear, determined to get in the air. She was working towards something, as opposed to away from it. Twilight's idea, Rainbow's twist.

After about the 50th attempt to run and take off Scootaloo was showing signs of fatigue. Yet like a dog running after a tennis ball, she was not ready to call it quits until she was told it was time to leave.

"Okay, that's enough!" Rainbow approached the little sweaty filly and put her hoof on her shoulder. "You really did a great job today!"

Scootaloo huffed:

"Why can't I get into the air?"

"You just need practice! Keep trying and it'll happen. I promise you'll be flying with me before you know it."

Scootaloo smiled.

"What're we gunna do now?"

"I have a few errands to run before dark... but once those are out of the way it'll be nothing but you and me time!"

"Okay!"

* * *

Dash took Scootaloo into town again, but this time they went to the library. Confused by Dash's desire to go where there were books, she followed. She knew Dash's love for Daring Doo, so it must've been either that or Twilight wanted something. She was surprised to find she was expected:

"Scootaloo, Rainbow... Come in!" Exclaimed Twilight Sparkle. "Spike! Put some tea on for our guests please."

Spike busied himself in the kitchen while Twilight sat at a table and motioned the two over to her.

"Scootaloo," began the Unicorn. "How was your day?"

"Really good! Rainbow Dash took me up flying and then we went for ice cream, and then she gave me a flying lesson."

"And the day's not over yet, Squirt," commended Rainbow, giving Scootaloo a noogie.

"That's good, that's good." Twilight turned to Rainbow. "Do you want to just take it now or talk about it here?"

"Talk about what, Twilight?" Asked Scootaloo.

Again, Rainbow noogied her.

"I think it would be better if we talked about it here." Rainbow left the room then, up the stairs into Twilight's living quarters.

Within seconds of her leaving Scootaloo started feeling vulnerable. There was something these ponies were not telling here and even Rainbow Dash was in on it.

"What's going on?"

By the time she had asked that, Rainbow was half way down the stairs with a zip-up case, which apparently housed a suit, and a small envelope. When she got to the bottom of the stairs she passed the envelope to Twilight, who then passed it to the little Pegasus.

"This is for you," she said. "You don't have to go, but we've got everything ready for you if you do."

Scootaloo looked confused:

"What do you--"

Rainbow cut her off:

"Just open it, Squirt. "

She opened up the envelope and peered inside at the papers within. She only saw part of the first sentence. That was enough to make her start crying:

"Funderal services for Sweetie Belle will be held on..."

Even though it was written in fancy letters, it didn't matter. She shut the envelope and stared up at Twilight.

"It's tomorrow, Scootaloo," said Twilight. "I'm sorry it couldn't take a little longer... it's what her family wants. I know how tough this must be for you."

Underneath Scootaloo's frail exterior a tiny flame began to simmer. You have no idea how tough this is Twilight! She was seconds from telling the Unicorn just that when the aproned Spike entered the room with a tea pot and 4 cups on a tray. He took one look at Scootaloo and had an immediate reaction:

"Woah! I was expecting sad, not scary."

That momentary diversion was enough to defuse Scootaloo's temper flare.

"Yeah. Hi, Spike..." the orange Pegasus said with her head lowered. "How're you?"

"Good, good!" He held out the tray. "Tea?"

Scootaloo took the cup and began nursing it. Both Twilight and Rainbow Dash shot each other a concerned look.

"Hey, Scootaloo. Are you okay?" Asked Rainbow.

"Yeah."

"Are you going to go?" Asked Twilight.

Scootaloo nodded in reply, not making eye-contact.

Rainbow heard a familiar sound.... the same sniffling she'd heard a couple nights before. Twilight heard it, too. They watched as tears fell from the little Pegasus. Rainbow Dash tried to put her hoof on Scootaloo's shoulder, only to have the orange filly jerk her body in the other direction.

All the cyan Pegasus could do was look up at Twilight, and mouth:

"What do I do?"

* * *

The two were on the road again. The suit stayed in the library, to be picked up and worn tomorrow. Dash kept her eye on the little Pegasus, waiting for her to ask what they were going to do now... she said nothing as she walked silently.

"Hey, Scoots... I'm sorry I didn't tell you why we were going there." Rainbow put her hoof to the back of her head. "See, Twilight..."

Scootaloo turned to Rainbow Dash with anger in her eye:

"Apple Jack told Sweetie Belle everything was going to be okay when everypony knew she was going to die! Do grown-ups really lie when they think what they have to say is going to make us scared or hurt our feelings?"

"Well," again, Rainbow had her hoof to the back of her head. "Yeah. I mean, if she told Sweetie Belle that she probably would have died scared and crying. We just don't want to see you hurt..."

"Apple Jack's the Element of Honesty!"

Rainbow Dash shrugged uncomfortably:

"And I'm the Element of Loyalty. She did was she thought was right, Squirt."

Scootaloo turned back around and lowered her head:

"I'm sorry Rainbow. I... couldn't tell her either." She looked back at her idol. "I'm gettin' all mad for no reason... I don't know if I should be with anypony right now."

"Well, we're not leaving you alone, kid." Dash successfully put a hoof on Scootaloo's shoulder. "And you haven't asked me what else I have planned."

"What?"

Dash's eyes lit up:

"It's going to be a warm night tonight, kiddo. The fireflies are going to be out and I've got a few jars stored away for just the occasion. Then I was thinking we could go camping under the stars after dinner. I've got canned beans and soydogs at my house in Cloudsdale, and we can have pancakes with syrup for breakfast."

"Cool!"

"Thought you'd like it."

* * *

That evening the sky turned purple once again, giving the land a mellow hue. Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash had fun together for hours, catching fireflies and playing hide-and-seek after they ate by a roaring campfire. Scootaloo got dirty, but that's okay, it's just part of the great outdoors. They camped out under the stars, looking up into the sky at the constellations in wonder. Scootaloo, of course, asked Dash for their names... and, of course, she didn't know. It was fun for both of them, however, to point up at the say "hey, doesn't that one look like a snake?" or "that one looks a little like Soarin'!" Everything waiting for them the next day didn't bother them at all... it would be there, but they'd have an entire morning together first before the actual mourning took place.

Scootaloo fell asleep snuggling Rainbow Dash tightly. Dash stroked her mane wishing she could undo what had happened. She looked up and wished upon a shooting star, it's brilliant colors reminding her of Sweetie Belle. She hoped to wake up with everything okay again, knowing in her heart that was only kid's stuff.

Author's Note

I did first saw the idea of Scootaloo being raised by the villiage in "Breaking Babs" but it was an idea I've have before... not for this particular character, however. Would be wonderful if orphans could be cared for that way, but there's too much good in the institution and too much evil in trusting other people with that type of responsibility. Pity.

Part 1, 5 -- "Black Rubber"

Black Rubber
5

As Celestia brought out the sun over Ponyville, Scootaloo opened her eyes. She was nestled in beside the great-but-snoring Rainbow Dash, hugged close. It took her a moment to recall why she had fallen asleep outside next to her cyan idol, but then the memories came flooding back in all at once.

She hugged Dash super, duper tight as a result. The sleeping Pegasus opened her eyes and smiled.

"Hey Sport." She brushed the filly's mane. "Sleep well?"

Scootaloo nodded.

Dash stretched:

"Breakfast?"

Scootaloo silently nodded again.

The filly remained silent until breakfast was in her stomach, her thoughts on the upcoming event. Rainbow knew it was going to be a long day, and just focused on cooking the food. She made the filly's pancake into the shape of a teddy bear, the filly giggling in surprise once it was presented to her. Dash still knew what she needed and told some awesome tales and jokes to keep the filly's mind occupied during breakfast, but with their full stomachs and the care-free morning behind them, they'd had their fun... now it was time for Scootaloo to do something she didn't want to, but knew she needed to.

Together they headed back to the library, both in a somber state. Twilight was there to welcome them, already dressed. Spike was too. Twenty minutes later the two Pegasus emerged in the appropriate attire and the three black ponies, along with one black dragon, took a reluctant trip.

Scootaloo felt funny concealed behind a veil in the black funeral dress, but at least Rainbow Dash matched. Noticing RD didn't have her veil down, Scootaloo pulled it back over her hat.

They took a silent walk to the cemetery. The only sounds in the air were birds chirping and hooves in the grass. Both Twilight and Rainbow Dash were waiting for Scootaloo to say something, but she didn't... so they just let her be.

* * *

Scootaloo and her party showed up early. The outdoor location resembled an auditorium, surrounded by pews and pillars -- a hill where in the middle stood a large pillar on which rested a small purple urn. That marble container was all that was left of Sweetie Belle.

They were welcomed to sit by a well-dressed mare to the left who got up from her pew and motioned for them to come closer once they entered. A veil obscured her face so Scootaloo had no idea who it was, but prayed it wasn't who she thought it might be. The little Pegasus followed Twilight and Rainbow, hoping maybe to find Fluttershy. It was, of course, Rarity.

The orange filly opened her mouth wide to say something as Rarity lifted her veil. She wore no make-up and her mane was unstyled for once, but she still winked all the same, placing her hoof on Scootaloo.

"Rarity! I'm so sorry," whimpered Scootaloo, beginning to cry. "I-"

Rarity cut her short:

"Thank you for coming, Scootaloo." Her voice sounded happy in spite of the very recent tragedy. "It means a lot to me, and would certainly mean a lot to Sweetie Belle to know she has a friend as good as you. It was an accident, darling. As you may recall, I saw it happen. We want this behind us."

The tears continued to flow all the same.

"You- you don't hate me?"

Rarity smiled again:

"Scootaloo, I'm beyond devastated. I miss her so very much... but there's nothing to forgive. Unless you did it on purpose."

Scootaloo shook her head.

"I thought so. Besides, I'm sure you've been torturing yourself enough. Please don't do that. Sweetie Belle wouldn't want you to."

Staring at the mare before her, Scootaloo fell speechless and continued to cry. Rarity got up and placed both her forelegs around the young filly, patting her back. They hugged tightly for more than a minute, until Scootaloo's little body finally started to relax.

As they hugged, the two mares in black sat down in front of Rarity, leaving a small section of pew between themselves for a tiny body to sit on. Spike was planned to sit there -- the idea was to subtly invite Scootaloo to sit alongside Rarity... which would be logical since there was very little space on the other side of Dash given how she chose to lean. She always could have chosen to sit by Twilight, but Rainbow had wagered Scootaloo would ask her where she wanted her to sit and she'd offer by Rarity as one of the suggestions. Scootaloo would then ask if that was alright, and boom.

The dragon saw out of the corner of his eye a few collapsible chairs near the alter which needed straightening... typical Spike. He tidied it up, doing what he does at the Library. He did it without thinking. By the time he got back the hug was over with and Scootaloo was diving in his seat, her wings buzzing and her face looking much perkier. Twilight gave him a look, motioning to the empty space and no pony said a thing. He was tempted to sit with Rarity himself, but he knew that Twilight would not be pleased. This was not the time for that.

Rarity understood why Scootaloo might not want to sit with her, and instead looked forward to having both her parents on either side of her for support. It was just too bad they could only be there a day.

* * *

30 more ponies gathered outside that day, maybe more. All dressed in black, the isles filled quick with a sea of darkness. The more Technicolor the pony, the drabbed he or she ended up looking in the suit. It was not the type of attire any sane pony would want to spend any length of time in, but a perfect contrast with the light ivory and purple picture set next to the urn by Rarity's mother.

Fluttershy ended up alongside Spike. Pinkie Pie sat more towards the middle of the circle with Big Mac and Cherilee, whereas Apple Jack and Apple Bloom sat even further away along the right side of the pillar with Granny Smith. Babs Seed had an express ticket to visit her cousin the moment she heard the news and was sitting beside her, supporting Apple Bloom with a reassuring hoof and a concerned look. AB kept her wet eyes on her dead friend's remains and picture -- not on her cousin, not on her sister, and not on her live friend. This made sense as it was still very hard to think about... Sweetie Belle was gone.

Before the service began and ponies were still speaking lively, Scootaloo looked up at her friend across the way, hoping to catch Apple Bloom's eye. It had been a couple days, after all. The Earth pony kept her head low, hidden behind her veil, her were eyes invisible. The little Pegasus tried to wave, but there was no response... so she tried again. Apple Bloom finally lifted her mask. The farm filly was scowling at her friend... with hatred. Scootaloo wasn't the only pony to notice this.

"Just give her some space, Scoots," Rainbow Dash said, patting the little filly's shoulder. "She'll come around."

"I hope so," said Scootaloo.

Scootaloo felt the weight of an adult pony's hoof on her other shoulder. She turned to Rarity and felt her still smiling down at her. It could barely be seen that beneath her veil... she was indeed.

"Would you like me to talk to her?"

"Nah, I'll see her afterwards."

Scootaloo turned back to face her dead friend and the silence of the live one. The service was soon to begin.

* * *

To Scootaloo, the funeral was a blur... to Apple Bloom it was, too. Babs remembered Sweetie Belle fondly and started crying, even though she'd only spent a handful of days around the young Unicorn at most. They were all too young for this, but they realized one thing -- it didn't matter what the big ponies had to say there. Whether uplifting or not, their friend was dead.

Rarity and Apple Jack both got up with words to say. They spoke last and their words were the only comfort to actually cut through the desolation:

Rarity spoke of innocence and the love she felt for Sweetie Belle and her friends, and how the little Unicorn still sung in their hearts if they kept her alive and remembered her fondly.

Apple Jack spoke right afterwards of compassion and understanding during these dark times, looking over at her silent sister and her Pegasus friend. All that did was cause Scootaloo to break down again, as Apple Bloom did not look up. It was starting to seem like it was more than just being sad, but Apple Jack's words still weighed on Scootaloo's mind.

Scootaloo hoped quietly to herself... better to try and fail than to never try at all.

* * *

The funeral was over with in what seemed like ages, but for the right reasons. All ponies who knew the late filly sat there reflecting on what the times with Sweetie Belle meant. It was now time to leave and find closure in their own way.

The little Pegasus again had ponies calling after her:

"Wait Scootaloo!"

She had a goal in mind. Wings buzzing loudly, she managed to gallop right up to Apple Bloom and Babs, stopping them both:

"Hey Apple Bloom! Hey Babs!" Scootaloo exclaimed, out of breath.

The little Earth Pony raised her veil and looked her friend directly in the eyes for the first time in days:

"What?"

Scootaloo took in a breath.

"You wanna hang out?"

Apple Bloom was silent at first. Babs looked over, ready to put a hoof on her shoulder and take her away. Scootaloo noticed a blank expression on her friend's face and that Apple Bloom didn't even seem to be blinking.

"My cousin just got here... I want to spend some time with her right now. Just the two of us."

"Okay! Um... maybe tomorrow?"

"Ah don't think so..."

"Next week?"

"I'll get back to you, Scootaloo."

Scootaloo's little heart deflated like a balloon when she heard that:

"Okay Apple Bloom..."

She began to walk off, looking back briefly at her friend walking away with her cousin. Apple Bloom did not look back. Babs did, but only a glance...

Rainbow finally found Scootaloo. Too late, again.

Part 1, Coda

Coda

It was 5 days later. Scootaloo was back in school, and surprisingly wasn't being bothered by Diamond Tiara or Silver Spoon (she thought they probably felt sorry for her). Apple Bloom suddenly was sitting on the otherside of the room, though... the only blank flank in her class yet again, and suddenly very busy with chores.

The little Pegasus had been spending the nights in Twilight Sparkle's library, geting help with her studies for a math test which, despite not beleiving in herself... she Aced it. Today she was going to be rewarded by spending another fun-filled day with her favorite rainbow-maned Pegasus. They had an errand to stop for first, however:

"Why are we going to Rarity's boutique?" Scootaloo nervously asked both Rainbow and Twilight.

"She says she has something for you," said Twilight. "She told me a couple days ago that she'd have it ready today."

"Okay... I'm not sure if I want this."

"You don't have to take it if you don't want to," said Dash. "Just say no thanks!"

"I don't know if it's going to be that easy, RD," said Twilight, chuckling nervously. "I'm not sure what the gift's going to be. She wouldn't tell me! She was acting okay, but... that's kind of why I want us both going."

Scootaloo gulped as they approached the shop. The place was, surprisingly, open for business. She could hear Rarity's sewing machine from all the way outside doing it's magic.

Twilight used her magic to open the door... and the bell dinged. Before the door was even open all the way the machine stopped:

"Welcome to the Carousel Boutique! My name is Rarity! I am the proprietor of this quaint shop. Please let me know how I may assist you!"

Scootaloo saw the speaking mare before she even saw the group. Rarity's mane was a bit less kempt that it usually was and she had on minimal make-up, but no less than the average mare. She was so perky and pleasant it was as if nothing had ever happened.

"Hi Rarity," said Twilight. "How are you?"

Rarity laughed hardly... a little too hardly. It sounded as though she were losing her mind, which would be understandable given what happened:

"Not sleeping the best lately, dear, but that's what they make Darjeeling for! I've plenty of deadlines that won't wait whilst I grieve!" She turned to Scootaloo. "You must be wondering why you are here."

"You can say that again," the filly said, uncomfortably looking around. "Honestly, I don't want to be here. It reminds me of where I used to meet up with Sweetie Belle."

"Oh, you won't be here for long," Rarity assured the little Pegasus, going behind her counter. "Here you are!"

She set Scootaloo's saddle bag and folded Cutie Mark Crusader cape on the counter... both nearly unblemished from the stomping session Scootaloo had put them through, save a few new seams on the cape. She just looked up at the mare in wonder.

"These are yours," said Rarity. "I fixed them for you. Your bag's on its last legs, so be very careful not to over stuff it. As for the cape," Rarity got very close to the filly. "It's surprisingly resilient. There are a few marks where I had to stitch it on the inside, but they can't be seen from far away. You can see why I was so frantic when Sweetie Belle took my supplies! Oh, it's so light and strong, why, I'd imagine if somepony laced all three of your capes together the Crusaders could use them to scale my shop!"

"Thanks, Rarity..." Scootaloo said slowly, taking her bag and cape. "You didn't have to..."

"Oh, it wasn't a problem at all!, deary!" Rarity turned back to Twilight. "Now, if you three don't mind I've got a lot of work to do. Ta-ta for now!"

"Okay then, Rarity..." Twilight said, shooting an uneasy look at Rainbow Dash. "We'll see you later."

* * *

The three left the shop. Twilight and Rainbow wanted to say something, but they didn't want to upset Scootaloo. Instead, Scootaloo said it:

"Was Rarity acting kind of crazy back there?"

"Yeah," replied Rainbow, thinking carefully about what she wanted to say next. "About that..."

Twilight took over:

"Rarity said she hasn't been sleeping well! She just needs time to get back to herself. We all do."

Scootaloo nodded in agreement as the two groups parted ways. There was nothing more to be said, but all ponies thought about it. It would have to be put on hold, at least for Scootaloo as it was time for her to spend the day with Rainbow Dash, something she'd been looking forward to all week.

She walked alongside Rainbow and gave her a hug:

"I'm glad I have you, Rainbow."

"Me too, Squirt... me too."

Part 2, 1 -- "Eternity"

"Eternity"
Part 2, 1

Winona yipped and barked as Sweetie Belle joyously chased after her through the apple fields in the early afternoon sunshine. Mere feet away four adult ponies were having a picnic, while Apple Bloom attempted to climb a nearby tree:

"Maybe I shouldn't have let her have those extra cupcakes with lunch..." Rarity chuckled, as she watched the little filly zip across the road. "She's showing no sign of slowing down and we finished over half an hour ago!"

"What she doesn't get out of her system with Winona, Crusadin' will certainly get the rest out," replied Apple Jack.

Rarity laughed:

"She has big plans for today! She'll probably be quite dirty by the time the day is through."

"Hey, if she's dirty that means she had lots of fun!" Interjected Rainbow Dash.

"How true."

The posh Unicorn looked up at her small sister. The blaring sun was at its highest and brightest, making it difficult to see as well as she would like... Rarity did, however, know that Sweetie Belle was having the most wonderful time.

"I simply must get my sunglasses!" Rarity groused in frustration, going through her stylish saddlebag. "Don't tell me I forgot to pack them... ah, yes! There they are."

She pulled them out of her bag and set them neatly on her face, only to have one of the lenses pop out. She attempted to put it back in... only to have it fall out again. Rarity tried again and again, and ultimately sighed in frustration, ready to give up. Why was she only good using her hooves on fabrics and gems?

"Hey, I can fix that for you, Rarity," offered Rainbow Dash. "Happens to me all the time! Pairs are good as trashed if I lose one up high, though."

Knowing Rainbow's less than... fastidious methods of fixing things, Rarity reluctantly handed over her glasses:

"Alright. Do your worst, Rainbow Dash. I can't look!"

Rainbow looked at her for a second... she was frozen in an overly dramatic pose, as always. She opened her eyes and winked at the puzzled Pegasus. They both laughed as Rainbow went to work.

Distant buzzing could be heard... Barely perceptible, it sounded like nothing more than a small engine. With it's volume steadily increasing, it was still far off... and irrelevant.

Fluttershy tapped Rarity's shoulder:

"Uh, Rarity... Scootaloo's coming. Really fast!"

"Wonderful darling," Rarity said, distracted. "Dash, I think you might be doing that too ha-"

"Rarity, Sweetie Belle's too close to where she's going to stop. She's coming much too quickly!"

Annoyed by Fluttershy's instance, Rarity turned her head to first look at Sweetie Belle, and she could see she was still playing with Winona. Sweetie was on one side of the road, Winona on the other. She then saw Scootaloo's approach and was taken aback. She was moving unbelievably quickly, all the while being propelled by bumps to speeds fast as a two pony carriage. She saw that Sweetie had stopped safely out of the way and assumed she had seen or heard the rapid approach.

"See? She's fine!" Said Rarity reassuringly.

Just then... Rarity saw Sweetie take two steps into the road, just as Scootaloo hit a very large bump. She couldn't believe what she had just seen happen but had the focus to shout:

"Sweetie Bel-!!!"

An audible snap resonated through the orchard as the scooter crashed into Sweetie Belle, causing her to fall like a sack of potatoes. The rider was ejected across the way into a tree. The tiny scooter tumbled twenty feet against the grass and rocks of the field, until finally it snapped in twain and lay motionless by its rider. Rarity's jaw was agape -- she was positive the crash had killed both fillies instantly.

Everypony lay still for a moment. It was so quiet that even the gentle breeze was an unwelcome distraction.

"Sweetie Belle?" Finally said Rarity.

There was no response.

She got up from the blanket, her heart skipping a beat:

"Sweetie?"

Again... nothing. She approached the silent, tiny body of her sister.

Please be just unconscious, please just be unconscious, please just be unconscious...

She was feet from her sister now and could see the blood on the road.

"Sweetie Belle? ... Sweetie?"

The tiny unicorn stirred, turning slowly over to Rarity. Sickening wet crackles and crunches reached the older Unicorn's ears. Sweetie Belle, face bloody and eyes wide, looked Rarity directly in the eye:

"I'm going to die, aren't I?"

* * *

Rarity woke up screaming. When she realized where she was, it did little to calm her nerves. She glanced over at her alarm clock... it was nearing the time she'd normally be up anyway. She disabled the buzzer and slowly ambled out of bed.

It had been 5 months since Sweetie Belle died. Even after all this time, she still couldn't sleep and whenever she did manage to catch a few winks she had dreams about her dead little sister. Sometimes they were happy, but more often than not they weren't... and no matter how wonderful they were, when she woke up that's all they were... dreams.

She made her way to her bathroom and stared at the mare in the mirror. To her, she didn't look all that much different... maybe in need of a little sleep, but that could always be remedied by applying a dab of make-up in the right places. To her friends, however, she was definitely showing external signs of grief, and they were showing no signs of receding.

"Boy... you're lookin' awful skinny, Rarity!" Apple Jack once commented.

"Why thin is in, darling!" Rarity replied, deflecting her friends concerns completely.

"Rarity, I'm worried about you," said Twilight Sparkle more directly. "We haven't seen you out in town in ages!"

"Why, I've got far too many projects to keep me occupied lately, Twilight."

Rarity didn't see what she was doing as bad for her. She simply pulled from what she knew and distorted it to fit her needs. She did that with fabric all the time, and it made her happy. Or so she thought.

The Unicorn turned on her shower... ready to wash away the dreams and start a new, as she had done a hundred of times before.

Part 2, 2 -- "Hope and Love"

"Hope and Love"
2

Scootaloo had every reason to be excited. Just around the bend was a big day. It wasn't her Cutesinera... that the 6 had let rest. Instead it was her birthday! She was ready to turn 9, a respectable age for a young filly no longer a Blank Flank.

Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle were put in charge of planning. Pinkie went to work envisioning the perfect party for Scootaloo while Twilight passed out invitations and coordinated with other ponies. It was going smoothly, and all welcomed that.

Much to the purple Unicorn's surprise, Apple Bloom checked Yes on her RSVP. She asked her farm pony friend if she'd coerced AB someway into coming. Apple Jack had a quick response:

"It took a little doin' and a lot of discussion, but Ah managed to get her to change her mind. She's still got a lotta resentment towards Scootaloo, though. A lot."

"Are you sure this is such a good idea then?"

"Well, I want to see 'em together again as the next pony, but if it's not meant to be there's not a whole lot Ah reckon we can do. Seeing how we're be gonna be having Babs during that time, if the two don't get along they can always head for the Acres together without ruining the party."

"Smart planning, AJ."

There was one pony Twilight passed an invitation to who had been too busy to do much of anything social, yet had still checked a resounding Maybe on her RSVP. This Unicorn in particular had endured a recent tragedy:

"Uh, Rarity... the party's in a few days. Are you going to be able to make it?"

"I'm not entirely sure, Twilight," the seamstress replied, not taking her eyes off her sewing machine. "I'm just now putting the finishing touches on an ensemble I've been working on for Hoity-toity due tomorrow evening; then there's the family heirloom Cherilee wants me to recondition; oh, and then Peachy Pie's sister's getting married next month and I have a large order for 5 custom Bride's Maid dresses."

"It's okay, Rarity," Twilight said, placing her hoof on her friend's shoulder. "I guess we can save you some cake, if you'd like."

"But I have to watch my figure!"

Twilight took a good, hard look at her friend. She wasn't a skinny pony when the two first met, but she wasn't exactly a plump one either. During the past 5 months Rarity had lost over 20 lbs. Twilight noted that she was not eating often in front of others, so she couldn't gauge her habits. The purple Unicorn could see that, if she continued to lose weight, she'd start looking like she had a serious problem. 5 of Rarity's best friends already felt one developing... yet there was no way to prove it and get her help.

Just at that time, Opalescence rubbed up against Rarity's hoof by the floor, softly purring. Twilight looked down to see that at least the cat looked well-fed, reassuring her that perhaps Rarity was just stressed from overwork and the loss of her sister.

"Okay, Rarity." She said, preparing to leave. "We'd love to have you. It's been so long since we all were together."

The ivory Unicorn did not answer, but instead focused on the flashy design in front of her. Twilight walked away, looking back briefly as the door opened to see Rarity still intently focused.

There'd been a pattern over the past few months Twilight wanted to see if she could break -- she'd say good-bye first, and then Rarity would reply. This time she waited... and waited... and waited. When she realized there wasn't going to be a good-bye, she slammed the door in frustration. Though it felt good at the time, she felt pretty bad about doing that later on.

Part 2, 4 -- "Time Out"

"Time Out"
4

Both ponies stood silently outside the Sugar Cube Corner, Apple Bloom having taken yet another sudden interest in her hooves.

"Do you want to go home?" Apple Jack asked calmly. "Ah took a big chance bringing you here today, but if all you can do is think about hurtin' Scootaloo... I hate to say it, Apple Bloom, but maybe y'all shouldn't be friends."

"Ah don't know what I want, sis..." Apple Bloom said, not making eye-contact. "Ah still kinda like her, but I just get so mad..."

"There shouldn't be a but, Apple Bloom!" Snapped AJ. "What you're feeling is completely justified, but it's still not Scootaloo's fault. We talked about this...."

"I know, but --"

Apple Jack sighed:

"Apple Bloom... you remember the Cutie Mark Crusaders Sky Divers?"

"Yeah."

"That could have ended just just awful for any of you, but it didn't... what about the CMC Splunkers? Remember them?"

"... yeah."

"Any one of you or, heck, even all of you could've fallen off and it'd all over just like that!" AJ stamped her hoof on the ground, signifying how quickly it could have ended. She sighed. "If you're going to hold anypony accountable for what happened to Sweetie Belle, hold us big ponies."

Apple Bloom finally looked up, revealing she had been on the verges of tears:

"What? Why?"

Apple Jack smiled and hugged her little sister:

"Because somepony had to buy that scooter for Scootaloo... we do these things hoping that you'll use your time with 'em to find out what you're good at. Scootaloo just happens to be unusually good at using her scooter. Usually younger Pegasai can't reach the speeds it'd take to kill another pony, let alone a filly, but Scootaloo's got some seriously strong wings, and... she's still growing. Yer still growing, too; you've got your whole life ahead of you... why not just let bygones be bygones and have fun? Y'all don't have to forget about Sweetie Belle to do that."

The tears were now pouring from Apple Bloom's eyes:

"Apple Jack... I'm sorry. I-I'm a bad filly!"

The farm filly hugged her big sister so tight that if she weren't so upset... Apple Jack would have asked her to loosen it up a notch.

"There there, it's okay." AJ hugged back. "Hey. Shhh.... You're not a bad filly. Yer just upset over what happened."

"I miss her."

"Me too... we all do."

A lone tear fell from Apple Jack's eye as she hugged her sister. Apple Bloom looked up to see the first tear shed by her sister over this event, the bravest pony she knew, and realized... even strong grown-ups feel pain like fillies do. Both Apples were happy for this moment, but unfortunately... it came to an end all too soon.

* * *

A well-dressed mare -- who knew a thing or two about what was going on at the Corner that day -- trotted giddy towards the bakery with a huge package for the birthday filly on a small red cart. This mare saw both Apple Jack and Apple Bloom standing together in the doorway, huddled in a warm embrace. She softly smiled before they even turned to acknowledged her. Once they did, she announced herself in her usual sing-songy tone:

"I'm here! Fashionably late as always, darlings!"

It was Rarity, of course; dressed up as if going to a very special occasion... far too formal for a filly's 9th birthday party. With a spring in her step, she was smiling and looking wide awake, a bright contrast to what Twilight had seen days before. To those who knew her, she still looked as though she could stand to put on a few pounds, but her outfit and make-up hid that well enough.

"Well, hot dog, Rarity... good to see ya," said Apple Jack, stepping aside. "That's a mighty fine package ya got there. It's almost big as you are! Hope ya didn't go over the 20 bit limit... it's gunna be mighty awkward."

Rarity smiled:

"Oh, that silly thing? I thought that was just a formality! Not to worry, I got just this morning second-hoof from the best thrift store in town! I only paid 25 bits for it. I took one look and thought it was perfect!"

"What's in it?"

"Na-uh-uh! I can't tell you that... It'll spoil the surprise!" She approached the entrance to the Corner. "Would you kindly open the door for me please, Apple Jack?"

"Uh... okay." AJ and AB both stepped out of the way and held the door. "Need any help?"

Rarity rolled it in on her own:

"No, darling. I'm fine, completely fine!"

The door slammed shut, leaving Apple Jack and Apple Bloom in the silence again. Apple Bloom spoke up:

"Did Rarity seem kinda... funny to you, Apple Jack?

AJ nodded:

"A bit. This is giving me butterflies in ma stomach. Let's get in there and don't say anything for now, okay?"

The little filly nodded as Apple Jack opened the door yet again and stepped inside with her sister.

Part 2, 5 -- "True, True Friends"

" True, True Friends"
5

The atmosphere in the Sugar Cube Corner had been rocky, vacillating from being off in one way, to now being off in another. Rarity's unexpected "fashionably late" arrival had clearly sparked mixed feelings amongst the party guests. For the most part, everypony was happy to see her, but confused all the same since they'd all invited her to events before this... yet she was always too busy to attend. Fluttershy was, surprisingly, the first one to attempt to break the ice:

"Rarity... it's been so long. I haven't seen you at the spa lately."

"Oh, you know how things are, Fluttershy dear." Rarity replied.

Fluttershy waited a moment for her to complete that thought...

"No, I don't know how things are, Rarity," the yellow Pegasus finally replied. "Especially with you."

"Things couldn't be better!"

Taking a step back, Fluttershy did her best not to look unsettled:

"It's good to see you..."

"Likewise!"

On the other side of the room, Apple Jack quietly approached Twilight and Pinkie, whispering:

"Have y'all been able to figure out what's going on with our mare friend?"

"I've been sensing there's something wrong for months, but I can't put my hoof on it..." Twilight replied. "Let's watch her for now. She's our friend, but if she says or does anything inappropriate we're going to have to pull her aside and have a talk." Twilight looked at Apple Jack. "As much as we want to see her, we can't have a guest making the party uncomfortable..."

"Yeah, I know, Twilight..." AJ then turned to her pink friend, who's body shook for half a second. "Pinkie. Thoughts?"

"My Pinkie sense is acting up, but I don't know why," the twitching mare replied. "Somethings about to happen... and I think she might've gone gone loco-in-the-coco. Not the fun kind of loco but the creepy kind."

Apple Jack braced herself for the possible ensuing argument:

"I'm sorry, Twilight... I'm kind of agreeing with Pinkie Pie."

"Let's not judge her too rashly, girls..." the Unicorn softly replied. "It's been months since we've seen her, her little sister died, and she's been buried in work. Perhaps what we're seeing is just a combination of grief, sleep deprivation, and cabin fever?"

"Well, Twi..." Apple Jack put a hoof to her face. "You're right. Let's give her a chance."

Twilight turned to face Rarity, who was now approaching Scootaloo:

"Good afternoon! I hope your birthday is going just wonderfully!"

"It is, Rarity," replied the little filly. "I'm glad to see you're here."

"And I'm quite glad to be here!" Rarity giggled, walking up to and setting a hoof on the giant wrapped box. "I brought you a present. Where should I put it?"

Scootaloo's eyes went wide when she saw it and realized that it wasn't just another project of Rarity's:

"Wow, that's huge!"

"Nothing is too extravagant when it comes to birthdays."

"Put it with the other gifts, Rarity," said Twilight. "We're going to have some cake now."

Rarity did as Twilight instructed, adding "Splendid!"

Twilight and her friends kept an eye on the ivory mare as the party continued...

* * *

They all sat at a giant circular table, adults on one side, little fillies on the other... Scootaloo sat next to both Apple Bloom and Rainbow Dash. A cake was presented with 9 candles lit and they sang to the filly as she blew them out, unsure of what to wish for. It was the happiest she'd been in a long time. They chatted while they ate cake; Rainbow Dash joked with the small fillies... keeping them happy and busy.

Rarity and Twilight talked at the other end of the table. Aside from being over dressed, Rarity had been acting a bit too over-the-top even for her... it was the tiniest bit creepy to Twilight and her friends, mostly because it wasn't what they'd grown to associate with their friend. Still they continued to look at the Unicorn as a dear friend who was welcome.

Pinkie's Pinkie Sense continued to alert her to the fact that something wasn't right while Fluttershy stayed away from her good friend. It was the first time she felt uncomfortable around Rarity, and being unable to put her hoof on why made her feel like a terrible pony. Having Apple Jack between the two helped put her mind at ease... not that Rarity was super strong or known to have bursts of anger.

"So, what is in the box, Rarity?" Twilight asked, taking a bit of cake.

"I can't tell you that, Twilight," Rarity replied, taking oh-so-dainty bites of her cake. "But I assure you Scootaloo will think it's simply marvelous!"

"Well, we're opening presents next... she's going to want to after you showed up with that."

Again, Rarity giggled:

"I look forward to seeing the look on her face. Even though I only just got it I was thinking about this for quite a while..."

"Here's hoping she thinks it's something nice," said Apple Jack, keeping her eyes fixed on her ivory friend.

* * *

The cake was devoured by all the guests in less than 15 minutes. Rarity ate only a few tiny bits of her modest piece. Then it was time for presents. Scootaloo grinned ear-to-ear when the first of the gifts was presented to her. Not having a set house to live in meant she was used to receiving smaller practical gifts... it was because of that she never felt gipped or looked a gift horse in the mouth.

Apple Bloom's package came first; Scootaloo opened it with a smile -- she found an orange scarf, complimenting her fur color nicely. Apple Jack's and Babs's were next -- a huge down comforter and a new checker board respectively. Now that the Apples were done, Scootaloo got a present that Twilight and Spike put together -- a claw-written book on learning to fly assembled extensively of notes taken from research into the Canterlot Archives... it had concepts that even Rainbow Dash didn't know, Dash being a pony who was used to doing everything in the air by feel as opposed to theory. Scootaloo thanked them profusely, looking over the notes and not grasping it entirely, but moving on to Rainbow Dash's gift all the same. Dash got her the same thing she got Spike on his birthday -- a lightweight dumbbell. Pinkie Pie gave her a small package containing a jump rope and Fluttershy got her a bird call. All in all a pretty good haul, but there was one gift left... one package waiting and begging to be unwrapped.

"Rarity," Twilight said quietly while picking up the package with Apple Jack. It was more awkward than heavy. "If this is something weird you and I are going to have to have a talk..."

"Weird? Don't make me laugh. It's practical, Twilight!"

"Alright..."

Scootaloo was presented with the gift. Eagerly all of her friends watched as she slowly unwrapped it. The fancy yet plain papers stripped away in layers, revealing a brown cardboard box. The gift had previously been on wheels, Sweetie Belle's old red wagon... it barely fit it was that big. Scootaloo was eager, unpacking the item at a quick but polite pace. Once the box was open, the gift spilled out on the floor:

It was a red scooter, almost identical to the one broken 5 months before... only far more sturdy and a different color.

Scootaloo looked down at her gift, then up at the Rarity. The Unicorn beamed a smile down at the little filly:

"Do you like it?" She asked.

Scootaloo didn't answer... she kept her head low. A million thoughts rushed through her mind as to what this gift meant. It was hitting her as deeply as deeply as losing her first scooter...

"Rarity," said Twilight softly. "I can't decide if that's extremely thoughtful... or not a good choice."

"Well, Twilight, I-"

Rarity was cut short. Little Scootaloo had taken a giant step towards her and wrapped her front legs around the posh Unicorn's side. Tears were pouring down the little Filly's cheeks.

"Thank you," she said, quietly. "I love it."

"I'm so glad you do, Sweetie... I mean, Scootaloo."

Twilight and Apple Jack shot each other an uncomfortable look as the other fillies gathered around to take a look at the new gift. No pony caught that except for them. Had Rarity not corrected herself, no pony would have given it a second thought.

"Where's the helmet?" Asked Twilight, as the little filly was straightening the handlebars.

"Helmet...?" Rarity thought for a moment. "Oh, yes... it didn't come with one."

"Scootaloo," said Apple Jack firmly. "Don't ride your new scooter until we get ya a helmet for it, 'kay?"

The orange filly nodded. That didn't matter... it could wait. She was grinning ear-to-ear, for she had a new scooter... it felt so much like the first time she got one, but with all the memories and knowledge, and love of going so fast. From Rarity this meant so much. All the little filly could to was look up at the tired mare, grinning ear-to-ear. This meant Rarity truly didn't hate her... but loved her. Even though she was young, Scootaloo could see that. It was the first time she understood what older ponies meant when they said "actions speak louder than words." This made all Scootaloo's fears go away. This was her talent and the most perfect present.

The two other fillies had mixed feelings... Babs and Apple Bloom could, naturally, see the excitement beaming off Scootaloo's face. It was electric. Babs was overjoyed for the little Pegasus, while Apple Bloom on the other hoof... saw what happened to Sweetie Belle. Two conflicting images presented themselves in her mind, but the one that was alive won out... She could see why Scootaloo was so happy and genuinely smiled with her.

Apple Jack noticed the smile and stopped worrying about Rarity... she had, after all, done something quite right. The farm pony walked up to her posh friend, putting a hoof on her side:

"I misjudged you," she said. "With all the goin's on in your life, I thought you'd cracked... I can see it's wearing ya down, though. Remember ya got friends you can talk to."

Fluttershy confidently approached, putting a hoof on Rarity's other shoulder:

"I'm here for you, too."

"We all are," said Twilight Sparkle, leading in a hug, which everypony joined.

They had proven that, even under strain, they were all true friends.

Part 2, 6 -- "Timeless Again"

"Timeless Again"
6

The party went on, as parties tend to do. It was evening by the end, and the fillies all got along superbly... to the point that, once everything was taken care of, the adult ponies joined in the games too. There was dancing around the jukebox, another round of games, as well as lots (and lots) of laughter. It echoed outside of the Corner into the dusk sky. Even Pinkie's Pinkie sense finally faded...

Unfourtnately, Rarity didn't have the energy for any of the festivities. Having given her gift, she left the party quietly... going home to collapse on her sofa, drifting off while musing to Opal about the good deed she'd done. No pony noticed she was gone, it felt so natural to have her there that no pony notied she wasn't. She'd even walked right passed Rainbow Dash while on her way out the door... then again, Rainbow was scratching her head curiously looking over the greek Twilight and Spike had given to Scootaloo.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo danced and played together, with Babs in the background smiling because she could see AB was finally happy to be with her old friend. The farm filly grimaced only once that night when she looked down at Scootaloo's cutie mark... but, it was her thing. She had to respect it. Scootaloo's wings, buzzing as they tended to do, still bothered her... but Apple Jack was there to reassuringly put a hoof on her shoulder when it got to be too much, looking down with so much love and understanding. That was going to be a sound that would haunt her forever.

It was late now... the party was ending. All ponies were together, tired. Pinkie Pie blew into a party horn, still having party in her... just lacking the energy to let it out.

"Who would you like to go with tonight, Scootaloo?" Twilight asked the sleepy little filly. "We're all able to take you."

"No hard feelings if you don't choose me, Squirt," Rainbow playfully jibbed.

Scootaloo laughed and thought... they were all such wonderful ponies. She was still leaning towards RD...

Apple Bloom tugged at her sister's side:

"Can she stay with us tonight?"

Apple Jack's eyes widened in surprise:

"Is that what you want?"

"Yeah," Apple Bloom nodded. "I really want her to!"

"What'd ya say, Scootaloo?"

Looking into the two fillies' eyes, having been alone for so long... it wasn't hard for Scootaloo to make up her mind:

"Sure!" She yipped, wings buzzing.

Apple Bloom flinched at the wings, but welcomed her friend all the same.

* * *

The party had dispersed, ponies going their separate ways. AJ, AB, Scootaloo, and Babs all took their walk to Sweet Apple Acres.

Rainbow Dash held on to Scootaloo's presents, all but the comforter and the scooter... the rest would be waiting skyward in her house for the following afternoon, along with a surprise. Dash would have to get up nice and early to get it before work, while the shop was still open... but it would be totally worth it to see Scootaloo being able to use her new Scooter safely. Right now the little filly pushed it up hill with the big blanket draped on it. Not her idea of a good time, but better than carrying it. She wanted that soft comforter tonight.

When they got there, Scootaloo's new scooter was stored in the barn... the one out of the way place where she'd know where it was, but it would stay safe from the elements. Then the fillies were taken into the house...

In the den, the three sleepy fillies enjoyed a shortened sleepover. Though it was late, this was a special occasion -- Big Mac brought a log in and lit a fire, allowing the fillies to enjoy marshmallows on a stick and smores galmore. It was over too soon, but at the same time it was so much fun.

Once it was time for bed, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Babs Seed all nestled under the Pegasus's new giant comforter. They snuggled in as they drifted off... listening to the natural rhythms. The three little fillies, all breathing together, felt so familiar. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom both thought, just for a moment, that Sweetie Belle was there with them both.

Part 2, 7 -- "Morning After"

"Morning After"
7

The three fillies woke up in the early morning feeling rested. Celestia had just brought out the sun, the sky was a light orange and purple, almost matching Scootaloo's fur and mane. Up with the sun were the two leading adults of the house -- Apple Jack and Big Mac -- as is the Sweet Apple Acres tradition. Apple Bloom could hear Big Mac pulling something heavy outside. She knew right away she'd overslept, it normally didn't matter even if she had guests... but something told her today that would be okay. All ponies on the farm were ready to greet the new day.

Together the girls went sleepily into the kitchen, expecting to have to make themselves some oatmeal, only to find breakfast surprisingly being made for them by Apple Jack herself:

"How did y'all sleep? What're your plans for today? Must be nice to be back here, huh, Scootaloo?"

Apple Jack had a lot of questions, naturally, and Scootaloo was more than happy to answer them all. It was nice to just be able to talk to AJ again, outside of the passing moments spent with their friends. Sure the filly was sometimes there, too, but this was different. This was one-on-one time, like she had with Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and even Fluttershy (which happened more often only because she was so shy). Being a farm pony, Apple Jack was always busy and with precious little time that wasn't scheduled. Inside her own house, it was a bit different.

Scootaloo answered all but one question, and once conversation was exhausted, breakfast was set before them and Apple Bloom filled in the blank:

"We're gunna go to the club house." She said. "Even though it's been a while... just wanna see it again."

Apple Jack smiled on hearing that:

"Well, that's good girls! Have lots of fun."

The three fillies giggled as they dug into their oatmeal with apples and cinnamon:

"We will."

* * *

All three fillies were quiet as the door swung open...

The clubhouse had clearly been neglected for many months. The items inside were dusty, in the same disarray they'd been left last time the Crusaders held their weekly meeting. It had never been cleaned up -- both Scootaloo and Apple Bloom remembered that was a priority at one time, but it had long faded from their minds. Sweetie Belle had left a doll on the floor, and when they all saw it, neither filly said a thing. Recognizing its more... festive attire Babs respectfully picked it up and set it on a chair in the corner.

"You got your cutie mark, Scootaloo," said Apple Bloom. "I don't know why I'm showing you this..."

"It's fun to think back," said Scootaloo, going through some pictures she found on the floor of all the CMC together. "It's not just a club house for the CMC, remember? This was where we went to have fun."

"You're right."

Scootaloo went through her bag, getting her CMC cape:

"I think this might be better left here," she said, approaching a rack in the corner.

"That's very profound," said Babs, watching her hang it up. "That cape's gotta mean a lot to ya."

Profound... That was a word Sweetie Belle might've used.

Scootaloo didn't answer, but instead looked around.

"Let's renovate... make this place look new," Apple Bloom suggested.

"That sounds kind of nice."

Without a word, the two fillies went to work. Keeping a respectful distance as the two went through their old things, Babs helped with what she could, which amounted to a little at first but grew over time.

* * *

Two hours later, the room was nearly clean. It took a lot of elbow grease, but the fillies were proud of the job they had done. It was just a matter of moving a few more things and the CMC Clubhouse would be good as new... there weren't enough fillies for it to be a CMC Clubhouse anymore, but Apple Bloom imagined all the fun things that could happen once it was new again.

The last thing to be moved was a large desk. Babs and Scootaloo moved it together, laughing as they went along. Babs was much stronger than Scootaloo, and could move it with ease. Scootaloo, on the other hoof, was having trouble... Her wings buzzed furiously as she tried, hard as she could, to lift it up.

Apple Bloom was behind Scootaloo, inspecting the floors and walls carefully one last time for signs of dust and dirt, when she was startled by the loud buzzing. The abrasive sound made her mind flit back to an event five months before. Tears formed in her eyes...

"Stop it!" She shouted, jerking her body in Scootaloo's direction while placing both hooves on her wings.

The little Pegasus dropped the table on her hoof... and had an immediate reaction:

"Hey, get off me me!" She growled, slapping away Apple Bloom's hooves as hard as she could while bouncing in pain on her hind leg. "Ow, ow, ow..."

Apple Bloom didn't notice that Scootaloo had dropped the table on her hoof... she had noticed, however, that Scootaloo had slapped her with enough energy to make it sting. She didn't think twice about what happened next...

Slap!

She reflexively struck Scootaloo hard across the face. The little Pegasus paused for a moment, stunned by what had just happened... then reacted as expected, tackling Apple Bloom hard.

The two rolled around on the floor for a good, solid minute. Apple Bloom's stunned cousin set the table on the floor and slowly backed away.

"Chicken!" Shouted Apple Bloom.

"Blank Flank!" Cried Scootaloo.

Thinking of this as just a harmless scrap, Babs nearly laughed at first, but then realized the fillies' frenzy was continuing to grow to the point where it might be a good idea to get Apple Jack... she stood there debating, unsure of what to do.

Apple Bloom was on top at first, then Scootaloo, wings buzzing... they rolled back and forth hurling a torrent of insults at each other. It ended with Apple Bloom getting the advantage by pulling on one of Scootaloo's wings.

Looking down at her friend, suddenly... Apple Bloom realized she was fighting Scootaloo. That felt wrong. This was her best and only friend.

She let up, ready to get off her friend and apologize when Scootaloo rolled to her side and Apple Bloom heard the distinctive buzzing yet again. A surge of rage as hit her all at once as she threw her hoof back and attempted to hit Scootaloo in the face... a little too hard. Scootaloo's speed won out, and she missed and struck the boards... but the aggression she used made her feelings known.

"Stop it!" Cried Babs, now realizing this little tuffle might have turned into a real fight.

"Hey!" Shouted Scootaloo, managing to push Apple Bloom on her side.

The Pegasus got on top of her friend yet again and, even though she was out of reach, Apple Bloom still threw punches wildly. The anger behind the punches disturbed both Babs and Scootaloo.

Scootaloo had gradually grown to become angry as Apple Bloom during their fight. She wound up, finally ready to throw a punch back... when she felt a sudden heavy force crash into her body:

"Enough!" Babs shouted, finally breaking the fight up with the sheer force of her own body weight.

* * *

The three fillies on the floor all looked at each other... and sighed. Scootaloo got up with Babs, shaking the stars from her eyes.

"Sorry, Scootaloo," Babs said, dusting herself off. "That was gettin' really out of hoof!" She laughed. "I dun wanna see ya both tear each other apart, now."

Babs was surprised to learn that, despite being broken up, neither filly had gotten the fight entirely out of their system:

"Stay out of this," growled Apple Bloom, attempting to rise to her hooves.

"Yeah!" Scootaloo agreed, still seeing red.

If the young Pegasus were calmer, she would have been grateful to be broken up from her best friend. Fighting was icky, she'd been taught that since day one. She was pumped, however, from having AB take shots at her face. Used to buzzing, not fighting, she was not accustomed to this type of adrenaline and could not just turn it off. Instead of thanking Babs for intervening, she ended up throwing a poorly aimed punch at Babs's shoulder... a blow which she didn't even intend to connect, but was thrown just to get the anger out.

Babs surprised them both. Gracefully swinging a hoof by her face, as though she were brushing her own mane, she knocked away Scootaloo's hoof without even flinching. Unbeknownst to any of them, the filly from the east was using her martial arts training -- it felt natural and had surprised her at the same time... but she had ground to keep:

"Cut it out, Scootaloo!" Babs exclaimed. "I didn't do anything to you!"

Despite being speechless, Scootaloo's frustration simply grew. She threw another punch, this time more serious. It was seen coming a mile away, however, and deflected just as easily. Apple Bloom was no longer interested in fighting her friend anymore, but rather in seeing how this was going to turn out. She didn't expect either filly to get hurt, but rather just expected to see a big show. She'd never actually seen martial arts for real before, and only knew how to pretend with her own stuff.

"Stop it, Scootaloo," Babs said calmly. "You're gunna hurt somepony. Let's just talk about this, huh?"

Scootaloo was getting madder by the second. Who was this filly to step between her and Apple Bloom, and tell her to calm down?

Scootaloo threw one final punch, this time putting all of her weight into it.

Babs instinctively seized the hoof and pulled her in hard, throwing the little Pegasus completely off balance. Without meaning to, Babs slammed Scootaloo nearly full force in the face with her elbow. She realized all too late what had happened and felt awful... especially after she felt the warm spray of blood against her foreleg. Scootaloo was, however, trying to hit her... and if she didn't respond in just that way she could have been hit or knocked over. Babs backed up, releasing the smaller Pegasus, who fell to the floor with a new black eye and bloody nose. She looked up at Babs with a blank expression on her face, feeling pretty humiliated:

"I'm so sorry, Scootaloo!" Babs cried, offering a hoof. "You shouldn'ta done that, though..."

Scootaloo, ready to accept the city filly's hoof, now paused... withdrawing into a fine point. That last half made her blood boil... why did Babs have to keep doing that to her? She glared up at her friend's cousin, feeling nothing but sheer, unbridled resentment:

"I'm so... outta here!" she hissed, knocking away Babs' hoof.

As she picked herself up and headed for the door, Apple Bloom cried out:

"Scootaloo, wait!"

The Pegasus didn't respond. Her wings helped carry her much more quickly than Babs or Apple Boom could have run. She was out of the club house before either could react, and out of sight before they were even outside. The only trace of her, a fading buzzing off towards the thick apple orchard... Too late, yet again.

Part 2, 8 -- "Freedom Reigns"

"Freedom Reigns"
8

Scootaloo was halfway across the orchard when she was hit with the desire to just turn around and talk to her friends. She was getting close to coming to a stop and resting by some bushes when she felt a sneeze coming on. Pain emanated throughout her entire face as it came and went, blood splattering on a nearby apple tree. Seeing all the blood just reminded her of what had happened, filling her with humiliation and in turn anger, so she zipped to the one place where she was sure she would be alone... the barn.

Inside was dark, dulling the aches she still felt throughout her face. Scootaloo groused for a bit... about Apple Bloom, about Babs, and about the way things used to be. It was natural and felt good... good, but empty. She sighed. It would never go back to the way it used to be, but at least she had something now. Apple Bloom was her best friend and she was running away from her.

She heard the voices of the two outside looking for her... calling her name and talking about getting Apple Jack at this point. Again, she considered going out there and making herself known... but all those thoughts vanished once a gleam caught her eye.

It was her new Scooter. That's all she saw. Apple Jack had told her not to use it without a helmet, but she was a filly and she was mad, and all she saw was her new scooter. She wanted to be out of the acres fast right now... and this was a way out. Even though the acres were huge, she just wanted to be alone. This was a way out, yes. Maybe just for a little bit... just to find Rainbow Dash, and tell her what happened.

Scootaloo got on her scooter and imagined taking off... how good it would feel. Without hesitation or thought, she then did so.

She was officially running away. She hadn't done it to make anypony angry. She hadn't done it to get attention. It had been so long since she was on her scooter that, after the fight with Babs and Apple Bloom... it just felt good. That's good enough reason for a filly to do anything, right or wrong. Though the last accident she got into hadn't landed her in any trouble, if she got into another one... or even if she didn't... she was going to be in big trouble all the same. That was future Scootaloo's problem, though. She felt free now and that's all that mattered.

By now AB and Babs were off telling Apple Jack what had happened. They would be out looking for her... she decided she was going to return, but not before having some fun.

She was already in the outskirts of town, on the final stretch to Ponyville. If she made a few turns things would get a bit more... hilly. Not mountainous, just hilly. That was where RD had taken her on the extreme hike and it was where she wanted to be. She rode up and down the hills, mostly down... having a total blast. It was loads of fun to be out there, alone... on her scooter. She was surprised by how fun it was to be alone, as long as she wasn't lonely... Apple Jack, Apple Bloom, Big Mac, and Babs were all out looking for her. That made her smile, knowing they cared... but at the same time she felt really bad.

She hadn't noticed the sky darkening. It began to rain, heavily and without warning. Scootaloo found shelter under a fallen log. She was going to head back soon... after cooling off on her scooter, she felt really bad about disobeying Apple Jack and running away. She knew AJ was going to be very angry, but she knew there was no way to escape that. The rain began to lighten up and, as suddenly as it had started, it stopped. She studied her surroundings -- she was beside a good sized hill. There were a few hills she'd ride over, beneath the last one was rolling flat ground all the way back. It was time to go back and get yelled at.

Scootaloo went straight up and down each set of hills. She then made it to the top of each, cautiously, then went down at a reasonable speed. This was the last hill... she could see the ground below. One more sharp turn and it was nothing but a clear path. She took it no faster than the others, but the earth was less gravel than the other paths, wet and slippery. She lost traction on the steep decline as she took the curve. The filly lost control of her scooter for only a second and went straight off the side of the hill, where there was a sheer 20 foot drop onto the rocks below.

Though Scootaloo's wings were buzzing and she had some control over the direction she was headed in, once she left the hill... it all happened much too quickly. Despite the fact that everything seemed to be happening in super slow motion, she could not stop the inevitable. She braced herself, holding onto the scooter tight as she saw a tree coming closer, and closer... she veered at the last minute, sharply to the left.

She hit the tree with a force greater than she ever could have imagined. The metal handlebars twisted, digging into her stomach, scrapping her flesh as she was thrown away from her scooter yet again. The right side of her body ricocheted off the trunk, her limbs flailing around without restraint. She collided with the ground, a sickening crack filled the air as the hard rocks twisted into her gut. There she lay, looking skyward below the tree. It didn't hurt... at first.

She was awake, but in steadily growing pain... it all felt superficial at least. She tried to get up but found that if she moved every part of her body set ablaze in pure agony... sitting still she simply throbbed and felt okay. She didn't know it, but she'd broken several bones and was in shock. Whether or not she was wearing a helmet wouldn't have made much of a difference... however, the veering is what had saved her brains. She didn't know that. She didn't care. She was frightened now, but too out of it to realize the severity of what she had done to herself this time.

The sky turned black yet again and it began to pour down rain even harder than before. It covered up any traces of her joyride within the hour, and covered her in mud. She fought to stay on her side, anything to keep from drowning... but even that kept her in agony. She wanted it all to just go away.

* * *

When Rainbow Dash got the news that, once again, Scootaloo had gone missing... she left work in the middle of a project, delegating her managerial responsibilities to Thunderlane, who resented it but understood the emergency. There was supposed to be a big rain that day -- she'd had ponies all over Ponyville putting up black storm clouds into the skies of the town. She left in a hurry and didn't even bother grabbing her bags. She still had the helmet in her saddlebag... she was going to give it to Scootaloo in hours. She knew the Scooter was missing, too, and prayed to Celestia that she would find the little filly in one piece.

She searched everywhere and searched for hours, shouting the young filly's name into the dark sky. The only place they knew for sure Scootaloo was not was the Clubhouse, and even then Apple Bloom and Babs waited there for her... in the rain. Just in case she was to come back. Even though their work made it look new, it felt so meaningless without her there. Apple Bloom was in tears once more over one of her friends... and even though Babs did her best to comfort her, there was simply nothing she could do. Apple Bloom felt truly alone.

Rainbow Dash checked the bridge she'd originally found Scootaloo under 5 months earlier, then she ventured to the Sugar Cube Corner. She then checked the theaters, and finally she checked the outskirts of town. She kicked herself for not looking there earlier -- Scootaloo had been in awe over the view when she had taken her there only a day earlier.

She went one way, scanning the grounds in the rain. It didn't matter that it was raining. It didn't matter that Dash felt chilled and stuffed up. She looked without slowing down... she wanted to hug Scootaloo as much as she wanted to throttle her, but she had to find her to do either. The sun came out as she finally turned back, truly frustrated. That was when she saw a faint glint beneath a tree by the side of short a cliff. She went to investigate... and found it to be a red scooter. She felt sick, but still drew closer.

* * *

"Squirt?" Dash called out into the muck beneath the tree. There was no answer. "Uh, Scootaloo?"

A weak moan, barely perceptible, came out of the rocks below. With it, a strained little voice whimpered:

"Rainbow...?"

Dash knew that voice:

"Scootaloo!" She zipped to the bottom of the tree. "I'm here, Scoots... talk to me."

Dash felt things were not right well before she saw Scootaloo's twisted body at the bottom of the tree. All desire to punish faded:

The impact and fall had done horrible things to her body. The limbs on her right side were now bent off in unnatural directions, a bit of smashed bone protruding above her knee. Dash knew what compound fractures looked like all too well, and did her best to keep a straight face in spite of the grotesque twists in Scootaloo's leg and shoulder. The sharp rocks lining the earth below had dug into the filly's stomach and side, embedding themselves in deep, flaying her gut open. Rainbow shuttered, doing everything she could to keep from gagging once she realized small bits of Scootaloo's intestine had been exposed to the grime beneath her for Celestia knows how long. Dash had to hide her feelings... this was Scootaloo. She was alive and needed help right now. Rainbow had to remain focused on that.

Dash looked into her little face and saw the Scootaloo she knew and loved... a few teeth missing, blood coming from her nose and mouth, a black eye, but it was still Scootaloo. Pale, yes, but she didn't seem to have punctured any internal organs... or she'd probably be she be dead by now. Even so, this felt all too familiar to Rainbow Dash...

"Rainbow Dash?" Scootaloo muttered, through the pain and uncontrollable shaking. "I'm really scared, Rainbow. It hurts so much..."

Rainbow had to be calm, Rainbow had to be in control... Rainbow wanted to throw up:

"I know it does, Scoots." She said, soothingly. "I'm gunna go get you help. I know where you are and I'll be back before you know it..."

Rainbow spread her wings, forcing herself to turn her back on the scared little filly.

The filly's voice went hoarse as she cried out in an unintelligible, desperate plea causing Rainbow Dash to halt seconds before taking off.

"Please stay with me, Rainbow Dash." She said, weakly, once she saw the Pegasus wasn't leaving. "I don't want to be alone here."

For once happy to have her back to her favorite filly, tears welled up quickly in Dash's eyes. She had been around injured fillies before -- whether the injury was big or small, they always begged to go home. Always. Scootaloo hadn't begged to go anywhere... only that Dash not go anywhere. Rainbow Dash then realized she was the closest thing the little had to a home... the most regular Pegasus in Scootaloo's small life.

She couldn't just take off like she wanted to, but she had to. For pity's sake, she could only spare a moment at most:

"Scootaloo, if I stay here with you... you can't get better. I have to go get you help."

"I just wanna be with you... please... just for a little bit."

The tough Pegasus turned to the filly, getting down on her level. Their eyes met as she spoke softly, but firmly:

"Like it or not, Scoots, I'm goings... this isn't up for negotiation. I'll be back with Doctors. They;'e gunna take you away from here and put you to sleep. When you wake up... everything will be okay."

Scootaloo didn't have the energy to rationally argue. She would have cried at the thought of her idol going away and being taken some place strange, but Rainbow's confidence was surprisingly comforting. She just wanted the pain to stop, and she was already ready to go far away:

"Promise?"

Rainbow Dash's eye lit up with the same magic they had when describing camping outdoors months earlier:

"Scootaloo, I would never, ever lie to you... I promise. Before you know it, this will all seem like a bad dream. But you have to be strong for it to work. Just promise me you'll be strong and try to stay awake."

The little filly looked up at her idol with a weak smile on her face. That was all the answer Rainbow needed... she had faith.

Without another word, Rainbow Dash took off as fast as she could, leaving a rainbow trail and Scootaloo's broken body at the bottom of the steep hill. She prayed to Celestia on her way there that she'd still be alive when she got back with help... but if she did die... Rainbow hoped that it would just be like going to sleep. Dash already had seen enough pain in her little eyes to haunt her for the rest of her life. She wanted to stay probably as much as Scootaloo had wanted her to, holding her... this way the only way to see to it that everything was going to be okay.

"Rainbow...?" Scootaloo coughed quietly, unaware she was now alone. "Where are you... Rainbow?"

She was answered with nothing but birds chirping in the tree above, a gentle breeze... and, of course, silence.

Part 3, 2 -- "Tourniquets and Novocaine"

"Tourniquets and Novocaine"
2

Dash, Twilight, and Fluttershy had been huddled together on the Emergency Room bench for hours. There was nothing for them to do except wait... which was torture. The ponies hardly spoke to each other, their minds elsewhere... on what was happening behind the double doors; the place where none of them were allowed to go.

Rainbow Dash had finally run out of steam, too exhausted to do anything except sit there. Fluttershy tried to comfort her tired friend by placing a foreleg on her shoulder... but she could see it did little to actually help. The cyan Pegasus shook uncontrollably, partially out of distress and partially because she was still freezing. Many ponies in the ER had naturally assumed the three mares were there because Dash was sick, yet despite having a low-grade fever, Dash had repeatedly turned down Nurse Redheart's suggestion to see a Doctor. The blanket she had on over her shoulders helped to keep her warm, while the few pills she'd been given would probably alleviate some of her symptoms... at least for the time being. It was quite possible that her time spent in the downpour would end her up in the ward, too, but that didn't matter now. Single-minded as always when presented with a tough problem, Scootaloo's well-being was her only concern.

"I'm sure we'll know once they have something more they can tell us," Fluttershy said, breaking the half hour long silence.

Dash gave no answer.

"They've been telling us a lot of things, Fluttershy," said Twilight firmly. "That's the problem."

It was true. Any reports they'd been given they could do nothing with. So there they sat, waiting for the longest time...

* * *

Sitting in silence, Dash could remember much of the past few hours with disturbing lucidity. She played the events in her mind again and again, even recalling her last words to Scootaloo right before they took her away:

"I'm so proud of you."

Scootaloo had done exactly as she was told and stayed awake. She did not, however, answer her cyan idol back.

The Pegasus remembered looking into Scoot's eyes as she was hoisted up... the look returned by the filly was unmistakably morbid. Dash's heart sank when she realized a nasty truth -- Scootaloo might very well die before even making it to the hospital. It didn't matter that, this time, Equestria's fastest flier had beaten the cart to the scene since it could only go so fast. Turning to the adults around her, Rainbow begged the Nurses and Pegasus drivers just to let her ride with them... or even drive, despite knowing full well it takes a special kind of license she didn't have to operate the ER carts. Locking the doors up tight, they answered her coldly:

"We know you two aren't related. You can't come with us."

She then turned to Apple Jack, the one friend whom she'd found on the road while hurrying back to the scene. The Element of Honesty would certainly be able to help her out. The farm pony fell silent, putting a hoof to the back her head:

"Ah don't know what to say, RD..."

Dash realized this was up to her, so she answered without hesitation... finally in tears:

"Please! I'll give each of you a hundred bits and just hang back... I just don't want her to die alone."

Getting on their cart they answered her back without even looking:

"You're in no shape to ride with us."

They left Rainbow standing by the ditch. After a moment she glared up at Apple Jack... who immediately looked away in shame. As much as she wanted to, RD didn't waste time giving AJ the third degree. Instead she took off like a shot... quickly gaining on the cart almost in the clouds.

Since tearing through the skies above Ponyville felt much better than idling behind the cart, Rainbow once again beat the cart to its destination by several minutes. It was during this time that she went to get Twilight and Fluttershy at the closest place to the hospital... the library.

One moment they were enjoying a fine brunch, the next they were on their way... leaving Spike to tidy the mess. Though Dash had the time to get more than just two, she found Rarity wasn't in her shop and Pinkie Pie was out on an errand. Leaving the Cakes with the news was quite devastating to them both, so much that Mr. Cake had taken off his hat fearing the worst... not that Rainbow had time to notice.

Dash wasn't the only one rushing around over Scootaloo's health:

Twilight had given Spike the unfortunate task of tracking down the others... his little legs carrying him from place-to-place as fast as he could go. He'd been told afterwards he could either make the trek home or come to the hospital. Twilight eventually received a note from a grey Mailmare stating that he'd informed everypony. His absence suggested that he'd gone home since... which was understandable to Twilight. Spike didn't want to sit around at the hospital, as it would be no different than bringing AB or Babs... it would just upset him. The purple Unicorn pictured her assistant curled up in bed, crying. She wanted to go to him... but it would have to wait. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy needed her, too. She wasn't about to leave her cyan friend in this state... and there was more to it than just that:

Rainbow wasn't the only one feeling as though she could have done better... both Twilight and Fluttershy felt like terrible ponies for a very good reason:

They'd known full well that Scootaloo was missing again, but were not alarmed as before since they knew it was due to a simple hoof fight with her old bully. Twilight dismissively rolled her eyes at AJ as she told her the story, stating afterwards that she had brunch to help prepare. Fluttershy suggested, because it was starting to rain, that Scootaloo would probably be turning up back at the Acres pretty soon. Had they actually helped, instead of brushing their friend off and leaving it all to Dash -- who just had a "bad feeling about all this" -- maybe Scootaloo would have been found sooner... maybe even unharmed. It didn't matter now. They all knew that Apple Jack had made the long walk home in the rain and wondered how angry she was with them for not taking her seriously.

The ponies really suffering from this were Babs Seed and Apple Bloom. This was especially true since, as they sat in the darkness of the club house waiting for Scootaloo's return... Babs had time to think about what had happened:

She thought about how easy and natural it was for her to defend herself in the ways she had been trained... and how she never once actually meant to hurt Scootaloo. She thought about how, with just a little more practice, that would never, ever happen again... but she would have to devote herself to studying the arts as her teacher had said. She asked herself if she was willing to do that... and she didn't have to answer to know for sure. It was then that she noticed a peculiar mark forming on her flank: an apple shaped ying-yang, dotted with seeds of the opposing color. She quietly covered it up and carried on trying to lift her cousin's spirits as she had been, but... eventually it would be noticed by Apple Bloom. AB would, once again, be the last blank flank she knew.

It was then that Apple Jack showed up, soaking wet and bearing the bad news...

* * *

Evening was approaching fast. The three mares wanted to know whether or not Scootaloo was even going to make it through the night. Unfortunately she was not in a state yet where they could be told for sure. The unknown, however, was only part of their torture.

It wasn't as easy as Rainbow Dash had said. Scootaloo wasn't put to sleep in the back, going to wake up sore but in one piece again. It took about half an hour for them to hear it, yet every sound they heard ruminating through the almost sound-proof doors reminded Dash of how empty and confusing her promises must've been to the poor filly. It weighed on her mind every second with the magnitude of a thousand suns, making her sick to her stomach. Right now it was silent, but they knew that wouldn't last. As the door opened, they heard a barely precipitable whimper:

"Please... no more scrubbing."

Scootaloo was brave, but the next time they heard the sound of her moans and cries as rock and debris were picked and abraded away from her sensitive young skin... the exhausted older Pegasus bolted up and vomited into the nearest trashcan.

Fluttershy continued to try to comfort Rainbow Dash as Twilight tried to make sense of it all. Even though they each took care of Scootaloo, no pony present had the right to decide her treatment. As she was a Ward of the State, that decision was left up to Mayor Mare... who in Canterlot at the time on official business. Rushed reports by magic, the same reports shared with Twilight and her friends, the Mayor made a quick and decisive choice... which the three could not. She was going to the leave the decisions to the doctors... the filly's injuries being above her medical knowledge.

Unfortunately, given the nature of some of Scootaloo's injuries -- a partially collapsed lung being among them -- she had to be kept awake during a lot of her treatments. Being a priority, her lung was taken care of first, followed by the setting of bones into temporary splints. Only then could the doctors take pity on her... reaching for Novocaine and other mild pain killers they had on hoof. She needed something to dull the pain as they cleaned out her cuts, particularly the longer one by her stomach exposing her gut...

After only a mild dose her heart rate sped up, her breathing quickened, and she began to sweat profusely. This suggested to the Doctors that she was allergic to the anesthetic, but fortunately it was applied in a small enough amount that they still managed to get that part of her clean and wrapped without complication. They tested another with a different makeup on her hoof, missing a common allergen... less effective a nerve block, but still something. It yielded a similar result. Even after testing a small amount of morphine, her vitals sharply dipped and she blacked out. The filly flat-lined fast, and they were reaching for the defibrillator paddles when she suddenly came to. It was frightening for the doctor to see, having only read about a few isolated cases like this. They then had to give her both antihistamine and adrenaline... the later of which wasn't going to help matters.

Scootaloo was still in a state which required more work, yet they didn't want to risk giving her any new painkillers without a proper allergy test, seeing how sensitive she was to them. Despite that, the nurse held up everything needed for an epidural only to have the doctor woefully shake his head. There were more pressing matters to attend to -- injuries that could get infected and cause serious complications without treatment. She would have to be awake for now and, despite being mostly out of it from the shock of everything, more aware than she would ever have liked to have been.

The best they could do was give her some topical and an amnesiac, the later of which would only help afterwards. For now they would have to set aside their feelings and work towards saving her life.

* * *

"I can't take it anymore, Twilight," Dash said, after being silent for nearly four hours. "I can't do anything for her except sit here!"

"That's really all any of us can do," Twilight responded. "It's an awful place to be in."

Again Fluttershy tried to hug Rainbow Dash... only to have her shrug it off:

"Yeah, thanks Fluttershy, but I don't want it right now." The yellow Pegasus quietly backed off as Dash continued. "I wanna be in there, holding her hoof through all this... I can hear her calling my name and it's driving my crazy!"

"It's not allowed..." Fluttershy said meekly.

Looking over at Fluttershy... for a brief moment Dash lost herself in a flash of rage. She drew back a hoof preparing to strike her yellow friend; the timid Pegasus cowered and shut her eyes, mentally preparing to be hit. Rainbow took one look at what she was doing and sighed, releasing the tension in her foreleg:

"I'm sorry, Fluttershy... you're right. I can't go back there, I'll be thrown out... but there's gotta be something I can do."

Twilight smiled:

"Eventually they're going to come through those doors and tell us Scootaloo's stable... we can go from there."

Dash spat:

"Yeah, and for the time being she can feel like we all abandoned her."

Despite Dash's stubborn bitterness, Twilight stressed the obvious:

"Rainbow, you know there's nothing we can do!"

Rainbow Dash didn't have a logical response and she knew it... too exhausted to argue, she instead stared at her purple friend friend for a good, hard moment, then turned away. The Pegasus pulled the blanket over her head like a cloak and groused to herself quietly.

The two mares looked at each other not knowing what to do. Fluttershy went to put a hoof on Dash's shoulder again, but Twilight stopped her:

"Just leave her be, Fluttershy."

Hesitantly, they turned away from their cyan friend... for now.

Part 3, 3 "Gloves Off"

"Gloves Off"
3

Exhausted and taken out of their elements, Fluttershy and Twilight had nothing to say as night fell and the waiting room began to empty. Dash remained isolated, keeping her back to them. At first they figured she was ignoring them, stewing in her own juices... but in fact she had withdrawn into a fine point. Their cyan friend had finally reached a place where her mind was blank and she felt somewhat at rest. No pony bothered asking Rainbow how she was feeling, and it would have been surprising to each if they had since everypony felt similarly enough.

Scootaloo's cries, once resonating throughout the ward, eventually fell silent. It wasn't certain if her silence was a good or bad thing, so they sat and waited. Despite the room's relaxing vibe, no pony wondered. Thinking agitated them all.

Dr. Stable finally came through the doors. His face was serious, but not grim:

"Scootaloo's caretakers?" He asked them, already knowing who they were... it was more a formality.

Rainbow Dash snapped back into awareness and pulled the cloak-blanket down, ready to bolt to her hooves:

"How is she, doc?"

Dr. Stable smiled reassuringly:

"She is unconscious at the moment, but stable. It was a terrible, terrible accident, but fortunately we need to do no more work on her for the time being. We've given her a dose of antibiotics, though infection could still severely complicate her healing. We'll know for sure within the next few days if she'll be okay."

Hearing this, Twilight and Fluttershy heaved a well-needed sigh of relief. Dash remained unmoving and unblinking, however:

"When can we see her now?"

"I'm afraid not. Even though she's out, she needs her rest. Visiting hours start at 9 AM. She should be better by then but," he looked at Rainbow Dash very firmly. "You are not getting in until your fever breaks."

"We have all the information we need," said Twilight. "And all the information you can give us... come on, Rainbow Dash. Me or Fluttershy will happily put you up for the night."

Rainbow didn't look back as Fluttershy nodded reassuringly.

"I don't want to leave this place," she said. "Not until I know Scootaloo's talking and smiling like she used to, and not dying of some weird infection."

"Thankfully the filly sustained no brain damage so she should be alright in that respect," replied Dr. Stable. "And infection is unlikely, but of concern. Rainbow Dash, your concern for her well-being is admirable, but there is nothing you can do. Do as your friends suggest and go home. Don't allow your body to get run down and sick... then you won't be able to visit her. I can assure you if you do end up in the ward, too, we will certainly not be putting you both in the same room. Your feelings for her are very strong, yet being solely focused on one thing when you should be resting will adversely affect your healing!"

If Rainbow were in better physical shape, she would have challenged the Doctor... only to be promptly removed by security. She sighed:

"Fine."

Dash, Twilight, and Fluttershy all got up, preparing to walk off.

"Go to bed as soon as you can, but first have some hot soup and drink lots of fluids!" Exclaimed the Doctor. "Hopefully, I'll see you all bright and early."

"We'll take good care of her," Twilight reassured the Dr. Stable as she used her magic to fix the cyan blanket Dash was still wrapped in. "I have an assistant at home who makes the best soup to have when I've got the sniffles!"

Dr. Stable smiled and waved them off:

"Wonderful!"

* * *

The walk back to the library from the hospital was fairly short. Dash remained silent while Fluttershy and Twilight spoke quietly about Scootaloo and when they could visit her the next day. They approached a bouncing Pinkie Pie, who looked to be headed in the direction of the hospital. She had a bulging saddlebag which screamed portable pink party pack.

She approached, looking through both Twilight and Fluttershy at their cyan companion:

"Oh, Dashie, you look terrible!"

Dash sniffled, drawing the blanket over her shoulders:

"Yeah, well I saved her."

Pinkie Pie smiled in response:

"I just got back and was going to pay her a visit! How is she?"

"It was touch and go for a while, Pinkie," said Twilight. "But she's okay. No visitors until tomorrow after 9 AM."

"Bummer." The pink mare dragged a hoof across the ground. "I brought all these goodies for her..."

"She's in no shape for your goodies, Pinkie," Rainbow Dash replied, sneezing.

"Oh... okee!" She turned towards Twilight, a nervous look in her eye. "That bad, huh?"

"I'm afraid so..."

"Well..." The pink pony thought for a moment, then promptly turned around, bouncing away. "See you gals tomorrow after 9 then!"

"See you later Pinkie!" Both Fluttershy and Twilight shouted.

Again, Dash remained silent.

They continued on for a bit until they ended up in front of the library. Off in the distance they heard what sounded like Rarity's voice calling into the night air. They could tell whoever it was, was definitely outside and shouting at the top of her lungs:

"Sweetie Belle!"

Both Fluttershy and Twilight froze dead in their tracks. They all were all sure that's what she was calling, even Rainbow... who's eyes went wide.

"Did I just hear what I thought I heard?" Asked Fluttershy.

"I... uh, think so," Twilight replied, opening her door with her magic. "Spike! Come put Rainbow Dash in our guest bed. She needs some of your special soup and some warm chamomile tea!"

Spike came to the door right away, extending a claw to his new charge:

"Gah! You look sick!" He exclaimed, looking up at the Unicorn and cocking his head. "This going to make me sick, too?"

"She is sick, Spike... plus she's distraught over Scootaloo. Just be sure to take your vitamins if you're afraid of catching something."

"Okay, Twilight..." He welcomed her in slowly. "Come on, Rainbow... the guest bed is really comfy!"

Once the door closed, Twilight turned to Fluttershy:

"Let's go investigate that shouting."

Fluttershy didn't even have to nod. In the direction of Rarity's shop they both went.

* * *

It was dark out, but the lights were lit on both stories. From a distance it looked as though the place was open for business, yet the sign on the door distinctly said closed.

Twilight walked up to the boutique and hesitantly knocked on the door... waiting a few moments in silence. While the crickets chirped, each passed the other an uneasy glance. There had to be something wrong for the lights to be on after dark, plus... had they really heard Rarity calling out for Sweetie Belle?

The door slowly creaked open. Out stepped Rarity in a purple bathrobe with no make-up on.

"Twilight! Fluttershy!" She exclaimed in surprise. "I was just about to have a shower and turn in for the night.... what in Equestria are you two doing here at this hour?"

"We wanted to see how you're doing," said Twilight, ignoring the fact that it was barely after 7.

"We heard a voice shouting Swee-" Fluttershy began to say, but Twilight put a hoof to her lips.

"What she means to say is we were wondering if you heard any shouting?"

Rarity looked at them both for a moment as though she were confused... then suddenly threw her head up towards the sky. Starlight hit her eyes as she giggled, looking down at her purple friend as though she was being silly:

"Twilight, I have no idea what you're taking about! I certainly would have heard somepony shouting if there were any shouting to be heard. As you know, darling, the walls on my boutique are almost paper thin. It can be quite irritating at times."

"You're right, Rarity," replied Twilight, remembering how many times outside noises had disturbed their conversations in there. "We're mostly just worried."

"Don't be!"

"But Rarity," said Fluttershy. "Aren't you a little concerned about Scootaloo?"

Rarity yawned:

"Why yes, darling. Dreadfully so! How is she?"

"Stable." Twilight said, with clinical detachment. "Hospital visiting hours are 9 to 5... will you be able to make it tomorrow?"

"I'm afraid not," replied the ivory Unicorn, looking over her shoulder at a pile of fabrics on her counter. "Unless they can bend the rules, I simply have too much work to do..."

"Do you know how Scootaloo got injured?"

Rarity hesitated for a second, then nodded quietly:

"Yes... I'd prefer not to talk about it."

Twilight smiled warmly:

"Don't worry! It's not your-"

Rarit cut her short by stamping her hoof on the floor, causing Fluttershy to wince:

"Twilight, are your ears stopped up?"

The purple mare began to answer:

"No, I just thought -"

Rarity cut her off again, causing Fluttershy to take a couple steps back and cover her ears:

"What you thought, Twilight, is you could lay your anxieties concerning Sweetie Belle on me when I clearly stated that I do not wish to discuss it! 'You do know how Scootaloo was injured?' Yes, Twilight, I do know how she was injured!"

"Rarity, that's not what I-"

"Twilight, I feel just awful... and yes, I do wish to see her, but I simply don't have the time! Now that we've established that you shan't need to ask me again. Truth is, I am far too exhausted by my work load and simply can't afford to pour anymore of my emotions into her than I already have. To think of all the ponies I know who I'd expect to understand that... you and Fluttershy come to mind first. Yet adding insult to injury, rather than just acting like a true friend and showing legitimate concern... you come to my door in the middle of the night and try to play therapist, asking me such a loaded question... how dare you, Twilight Sparkle!?"

Rarity's eyes glowed blue with anger under the starlight. Twilight firmly stood her ground, staring back into Rarity's gaze.

"Come on, Twilight," meekly said Fluttershy, trying to push her friend into turning around. "Let's go home..."

"Okay, Rarity," said the purple Unicorn, turning around. "I just hope you can make it to see Scootaloo soon."

Twilight kept her eyes on Rarity as she and Fluttershy walked off. The ivory mare did not reply, much less even look up. Instead she turned around and shut her door with her magic.

"You've done everything you can for her," said Fluttershy as the two walked back to the library. "Just give her time..."

"The more time we give her, the weirder she gets," Twilight replied with a sigh. "I'm actually getting really worried at this point."

Fluttershy shrugged her shoulders in response. All the purple Unicorn could do was roll her eyes in annoyance...

Twilight had distinctly heard what Rarity had called Scootaloo, and that's what had "really worried" her... It was the second time she could recall this having happened, yet Fluttershy was too busy anticipating the sheer volume and surprise of Rarity's temper flare to apparently have noticed. The purple unicorn waited to hear her yellow friend bring it up on their walk home, yet if she had heard it she kept quiet about it.

* * *

Wishing Fluttershy a safe trip back to her cottage, Twilight entered her home:

"Spike?" She whispered into the silent library.

There was no answer. She looked around a bit and found Owlowiscious staring at her from a book case:

"Hoo!" He exclaimed, flying towards her to perch on an even closer shelf. He seemed to almost have an air of sympathy about him.

She smiled:

"I wonder if you can understand what's going on... they say pets are pretty smart."

He hoo'd again as she walked past him, keeping his eyes on her.

Twilight thought Spike was probably with Rainbow Dash, so she then climbed the stairs to the bedroom. The library was very quiet... only the sound of her hoofsteps could be heard through the building.

Once she reached the top of the stairs she saw Spike standing on a step stool in front of the guest bed, a steaming cup of tea on the nightstand and a bowl in his claws. Her jaw nearly hit the floor when she realized what he was doing: he was spoon-feeding a half-asleep Rainbow Dash very gently. She shuffled her hoof as he noticed her standing behind him.

"She is sick," he said, as he held the spoon to her mouth. "She collapsed once she made it up here... I only barely got her into the bed by myself. She's a lot heavier than she looks."

"I'm glad you were able to get her in bed, Spike," Twilight replied reassuringly as she approached. "She searched for Scootaloo in that rainstorm this afternoon."

The dragon's eyes went wide:

"She was out in that!?!"

"Yeah... and so was Scootaloo. The rainfall was almost six inches where she was found... Dr. Stable was surprised she hadn't drown in it. Maybe tomorrow morning Rainbow will be better and we'll all go see Scootaloo... maybe she'll be worse. Let's just be there for her right now. She's always there for us."

"You're right, Twilight. If she's not better tomorrow I'll watch her."

"You're a good assistant, Spike, but you don't have to if you'd rather see Scootaloo... I can always stay."

"Nah, it's alright."

Dash looked up at the two of them as they spoke, smiling weakly. Normally, when she was sick (unless she was really sick) she'd cover it up and hide it out... suddenly "too busy" to do anything, like a certain Unicorn they all knew. For the first time ever as an adult she had reached her limits and become worn out. Though Spike hadn't thought enough to take her temperature before giving her the soup, it certainly would have broken 100 degrees. Dash was now sedentary and it surprised her that she didn't mind being taken care of... just shutting off her brain and eating the soup this fine dragon a third her age was offering her. It felt nice.

The soup was gradually consumed as Twilight and Spike talked about the next day. Spike set up the tea with a crazy straw as he spoke intensely. The tea was relaxing and Rainbow did her best to listen in. Naturally Scootaloo's name was brought up a lot, and so was Rainbow's. Spike asked Twilight if she really thought Scootaloo was going to be okay... her answer:

"Earlier, Spike, I would have said I don't know for sure... but something tells me she's going to walk out of that hospital a very different filly."

Dash fell asleep shortly after that, those words on her mind... so tired, the words sunk in but neither comforted nor bothered her.

Part 3, 4 -- "Fragile Little Things"

"Fragile Little Things"
4

Both Twilight and Spike were awake in the wee hours of the morning... well before Celestia was even due to bring out the sun. Everyone there had turned in fairly early early the night before and, as a result, they were all feeling pretty rested. All except for Rainbow Dash... who laid still in Library's guest bed, quietly snoring.

Even though dawn was well off, Twilight was already thinking about when to leave and who was going to be with her as she ate breakfast. She took a stroll afterwards as the sun rose, trying to clear her mind. She was walking for hours with no aim and lost track of time for once. The solitude felt vaugely familiar and surprisingly pleasant. By the time she got back it was a little after 8.

The Unicorn approached her sleeping Pegasus friend:

"Rainbow?"

Her eyes remained shut tight. She didn't even stir.

"Rainbow Dash?"

Twilight put a hoof to Rainbow's head. She didn't appear to have a fever anymore and looked okay... but was out cold all the same.

Spike stood by the purple Unicorn's side, clutching his tail... awaiting instructions:

"You sure you're okay with staying home today?" She asked him.

He nodded hesitantly while playing with his tail. Twilight turned up to the little dragon and gave him a hug.

"If she still looked bad and felt feverish I'd be here, too, but... don't hesitate to send me a note again if things go wrong."

"I won't."

* * *

After a quick shower Twilight left the library with a spring in her step. Spike stayed behind with Rainbow Dash, though he was downstairs doing his chores rather than upstairs looking after her. At this point she looked like Rainbow Dash usually did when asleep... neither Twilight nor her assistant were too terribly concerned.

Twilight first met up with Pinkie Pie, just as expected. Again, she had the bulging party pack.

"Scootaloo's been pretty badly hurt," Twilight said, eying the pink mare's bag. "I don't know if that's appropriate..."

"Hey, I can always try... can't I?"

The Unicorn did her best to fake a smile:

"I guess so, Pinkie..."

"Okee-dokie lokie!"

Twilight fought the urge to roll her eyes as they continued on their merry way.

By the entrance they saw Apple Jack, who had both AB and Babs with her. The farm pony was bent over talking to the fillies when she noticed their approach by the reflection on the door. Twilight waited paitently for Apple Jack to finish, passing a glance between herself and the two fillies. Twilight saw both little ponies looked dejected, Apple Bloom more so than Babs, but then she saw an unusual reason for it... a reason surprisingly difficult to look at. Babs had a cutie mark now, a very stunning cutie mark at that, pertaining to martial arts. Twilight knew that Babs had used her Eastern training to defend herself against Scootaloo... and could simply go from there.

"Hey Twilight!" Exclaimed Appple Bloom, trying to sound as happy as possible. "Are you here to see Scootaloo, too?"

"Oh, yeah." She turned to AJ. "Rainbow's passed out at the library. She might be by later."

"Figures," replied Apple Jack. "I was just gettin' them ready incase Scootaloo's in bad shape. Ah don't know what I'm gunna see, but Fluttershy was kind enough to at least stop by an' keep me in the loop."

"I'm sorry, AJ." Twilight said. "This has been quite the crisis."

"Ah reckon."

The five entered the hospital and went right up to the reception desk. Pinkie Pie entertained Babs and Apple Bloom with a few balloon animals while Twilight talked to the secretary, trying to find out what room Scootaloo was in. It took a few minutes, but soon enough they had the number and were on their way.

This was another instance where no pony spoke. Pinkie Pie had tried to tell a few jokes, but no pony laughed. AJ scowled after letting the first two slide:

"That ain't appropriate right now," she said sternly.

Pinkie's mane went a tiny bit straight after that. She was, afterall, just being Pinkie Pie... dealing with this crisis in the way that seemed best to her.

They approached the door with Twilight leading. Just outside, they could hear a respirator. Twilight turned to face the group:

"I don't think we should go in all at once," she said. "We don't want to overload Scootaloo."

"I'll go in with these two after you gals," said Apple Jack, putting a foreleg around Apple Bloom and Babs.

"Good plan." The purple mare turned to face her pink friend. "Ready?"

Pinkie saluted.

Once Twilight motioned towards the doorway both she and Pinkie stepped inside....

* * *

Twilight entered leading with Pinkie close behind. She was surprised by what she found, and she'd yet to even see Scootaloo:

Rarity was there... sitting aside the bed in a chair. She was dressed up in a somewhat wrinkled sporty ensemble, complete with hat and red-rimmed glasses. She looked up at Twilight and Pinkie, and... noticing that Pinkie had her hoof on a release for her bulging bag, she shook her head. Twilight glanced back and put a hoof on Pinkie's foreleg:

"Okay, Twilight," Pinkie said, sadly.

The two approached and finally got a look at Scootaloo:

She had an oxygen mask over her face and nearly her entire body was bandaged over. Two of her legs were shot outward in casts, suspended from pulleys on the ceiling. Her torso was wrapped tightly in gauze and bandages, her unwrapped parts were either scabbed over or bruised. Even though the filly little was badly hurt, she still looked like Scootaloo.

The tiny Pegasus looked over at Twilight and Pinkie Pie grinning ear-to-ear beneath the mask... instantly making the pink mare's mane regain its lost frizz.

Twilight looked behind herself at Apple Jack, who was still in the doorway looking unsure of what to do. She motioned her inside with the two fillies. Apple Jack slowly entered and the two little ponies saw their friend:

Apple Bloom took one look and fell completely mute. Babs looked as though she could cry, especially seeing how where she'd struck Scootaloo on the nose was bad enough to be bandaged along with the rest of her... however, she managed to hold it in.

"Don't ya have anything ya wanna say to your friend?" Apple Jack asked the two little fillies. "This is scary for her, too."

Though well-meaning as always, Twilight shot AJ a disapproving look.

"Uh... hey Scootaloo," said Babs, taking a step closer while blowing the lock of mane out of her eyes. "How ya doin'?"

Again, Scootaloo smiled:

"I'm happy to see you," she weakly replied.

Apple Bloom's eyes immediately lit up:

"Scootaloo! You can talk?"

"Yeah," replied the little filly. "It hurts a little bit, but I'm alright."

She looked hard at Babs and, raising her unencumbered foreleg like Sweetie Belle had, pointed out the obvious:

"You got your Cutie Mark, Babs. It looks really cool."

Babs lowered her eyes and felt nearly devastated as Scootaloo had when Sweetie Belle had pointed out her Cutie Mark. She covered it with her tail and she hid her feelings well. Apple Jack reassuringly put a foreleg around her as she swallowed:

"Yeah, well... it really ain't all that impressive. I'm more happy you're doin' so well!"

"I don't remember anything," replied the little filly. "Rainbow Dash was right. She said I'd go to sleep and everything would be okay..."

"She'll be happy to hear that," said Twilight, smiling down at Scootaloo.

Scootaloo smiled back. She really didn't remember a thing.

The ponies visited with their injured little friend for over an hour. Rarity sat in the corner and said nothing... Twilight caught her glancing her way every now and again, but it seemed she was mostly there for the sake of seeing how Scootaloo was doing. Eventually, the posh mare in the wrinkly grab got up and left without a word. Even though Scootaloo was capable of having a conversation with both Babs and Apple Bloom, her voice began to get hoarse after a while... and Twilight knew soon enough she would probably be eating lunch.

"I think it's a good idea we let Scootaloo get her rest," Twilight said. "What do you think AJ?"

"I'm with you, Twi," replied the farm pony. "We're gonna leave in about five minutes... wrap it up, fillies."

There were several awws coming out of the two fillies... even Scootaloo looked disappointed, but it was true... without them there to stimulate her she probably would have fallen asleep from her body being so tired. They visited for a while more, though.

In the end the two groups left the hospital. Twilight and Pinkie went one way, Apple Jack and the fillies another.

* * *

Apple Jack's walk home was full of questions. Questions about Scootaloo, questions about Sweetie Belle. Questions about how one filly survived a really bad injury and the other had died from something that didn't look all that bad. Apple Jack could answer very few questions satisfactorily, but she tried:

"It has to do with how Sweetie Belle got hit," she said, thinking about what Twilight had told her months before.

"Ah don't understand." Said Apple Bloom. "She looked a lot better than Scootaloo!"

Apple Jack sighed:

"Well, Apple Bloom... this ain't gunna bring her back, but if it'll help you to know Sweetie Belle ex-sometihng'd... I don't remember the exact word. She ex-... dagnabbit! I can't remember that dag-blasted fancy word for the life of me, but I can say Twilight says she bled to death... which ain't too bad when you think about it."

"What? That's a terrible thing to say, Apple Jack!"

"Now hear me out first... I was told she woulda drown in her own blood, 'cause both her lungs got punctured by her ribs... so I'd imagine that was might more merciful." AJ shook her head regretfully. "If she had survived all that her spine was severed, meaning her back legs woulda never worked again. She'd have been in a wheel chair all her life."

"That's awful," said Babs, looking down at the ground.

"Yeah, it is... Scootaloo was badly hurt, too, but other than her legs and stomach it mostly happened to her skin and muscles. She'll probably be okay in a few months, maybe a bit stiff and she'll have scars... but she'll walk and you three will be able to have fun again like you used to. Sweetie Belle's gone now and we can't do nothing about that, but Scootaloo's gunna survive."

"I'm kinda happy and sad at the same time..." Said Apple Bloom.

Babs put a foreleg around the little Earth Pony:

"You know, that seems pretty natural, cuz!"

Apple Jack smiled hearing this. Apple Bloom and Babs started talking on the way home, and soon enough the two fillies were laughing. It was nice to see them benefiting like this from talking to each other. Apple Jack stood back and let 'em talk... choosing to take the long way home.

The long way home amounted to them passing where Scootaloo had gone over the edge of the cliff... something AJ forgot to account for, but still pointed it out. Apple Bloom and Babs saw the rocks and slush she'd landed in, from the height she'd fallen. The blood on the rocks was long washed away, but there was still a brown patch on the tree where she'd hit... the only bit of blood left.

"She survived that?" Apple Bloom asked, rhetorically.

"Ee-yup." Apple Jack replied.

Babs noticed a glint alongside the tree... half buried in the mud she saw Scootaloo's scooter.

"Should I leave it?" She asked AJ.

Apple Jack paused for a moment:

"I say take it."

Together, Apple Bloom and Babs pulled the scooter out of the mud. They wiped it off and found it still to be in pretty good shape. The only part of it actually broken was the front wheel -- literally crushed into a narrow oval.

"What should we do with it?"

Apple Jack thought back to all the ideas tossed out by her friends when Scootaloo was distraught over Sweetie Belle... then it hit her:

"Why not fix it up for her?"

Both fillies faces lit up:

"You mean it? After all that you're just gunna give it right back to her?"

"Well, yeah," replied Apple Jack, thinking hard to make sure she was doing the right thing. "Ah mean, it was kinda a freak accident. Fix it up and when she gets out, give it back to her. If you dun wanna fix it up, I will."

Babs turned to Apple Bloom:

"Ah think with the right tools we can probably fix this."

Apple Bloom lifted up her side of the Scooter and, together, she and Babs carried it to the house while AJ watched to make sure they were being safe. She'd given them both something to to work towards, now... rather than away from. She found it actually did feel pretty good to do that, like Twilight had said.

Part 3, 5 -- "Black Light"

"Black Light"
5

Apple Jack smiled as the warm breeze washed over her... she coudn't have asked for more. Being out on a walk with her little sister and young cousin in the outskirts, the warm sun and blue sky above them, the fillies working as a team to carry the scooter... everything was perfect and the day had only just begun.

Once they got to the Acres, per AJ's instruction, the scooter was loaded right into the barn. She then went to find her older brother and grand mother to update them on Scootaloo... but instead found something quiet unexpected.

She had found the remaining adults in her family all right, but she'd also found two other ponies in black business attire. Granny Smith did not look happy to see them and Big Mac looked equally displeased in his own, more subdued way.

"I want you offa my lot!" Granny Smith shouted. "And take yer papers with you!"

Apple Jack approached:

"What's going on?"

"Ahh," the suited pony closest to Granny Smith turned to AJ and took a few steps in her direction. The way he slunk towards her was almost unreal, snake-like... to the point he hardly seemed to be moving at all. "You must be Apple Jack! You and your brother here are sole heirs to this estate, is that correct?"

"Don't tell 'em anything!" Shouted Granny Smith.

Big Mac looked at his little sister with a look of frustration in his eyes:

"You gotta tell 'em the truth, AJ," he said, sadly. "It's against the law to lie to 'em."

Granny Smith winced:

"Dagnabbit, he's right..."

"Indeed he is!" Said the other suited pony. "Please listen carefully. We only wish to ask you a few questions."

Apple Jack sighed:

"Yes, I am the heir of this estate along with my brother. What is it?"

"Miss Apple Jack! We wish to discuss the health of Ponyville's local Walker Scootaloo... it is our understanding she was recently injured near here. Is that correct?"

"Yes."

"And this happened during the time you had opened your door to her, is that also correct? Do not lie to us -- your friend Fluttershy has corroborated this, but we need specifically your testimony."

Apple Jack could already see where this was going...

"Yes, that is true."

The other suited pony spoke:

"Then we have much to discuss! May we come in and discuss what's going to happen over a cup of tea?"

Apple Jack motioned to the farm house. Both ponies strode silently up the hill while the filly's laughter could be heard in the distance.

"I aughta poison 'em both," spat Granny Smith.

"Then we'd really be in trouble... me and Big Mac will try our best, but this ain't lookin' too good."

Beside her, Big Mac stared up the hill with hatred in his eye:

"Ee-yup."

* * *

On the other side of Ponyville Twilight had been home for a good 30 minutes. Rainbow Dash was still upstairs and Spike was just finishing up his chores.

So, how is she?" Spike asked.

"She's pretty beat-up, but she's talking and had fun with Apple Bloom and Babs."

"I think I might go later today then," the dragon replied.

"Feel free, Spike. Don't worry about Rainbow Dash."

A voice was heard from the top of the stairs:

"Why would he worry about me?"

Twilight looked up just as Rainbow flew down towards her.

"Hey Rainbow!" Said Spike. "How ya feeling?"

"Fantastic," replied the cyan Pegasus, stretching her legs. "Twilight, would you mind if I got myself a little grub then split? I kinda wanna see Scootaloo now."

"Oh, that's fine, Rainbow!" Replied Twilight. "Would it be alright if Spike tagged along?"

"Sure, sure... I won't mind the company."

"Alright!" Shouted the dragon, no longer dreading visiting Scootaloo alone.

Once his cleaning was done, Spike threw together a quick salad for Rainbow Dash and a gem salad for himself. Before Dash ate he took her temperature, and... it was fine. They left the library together leaving Twilight alone.

* * *

Twilight was happy to be alone for the second time that morning... she needed space to unwind.

The purple mare laid back in a chair and thought about what to do with her unscheduled idle time... read a book, take a bubble bath, maybe even a nap. She couldn't decide -- it all sounded just perfect!

Then she heard it, off in the distance:

"Sweetie Belle!"

The sound made her blood freeze. That was definitely Rarity's voice.

The Unicorn quietly left the library and followed in the direction of the calling. She only heard the call one time, but that was enough for her to be sure.

She slowly crept up the street... She peered in the direction of Rarity's shop and saw her standing right outside, still dressed in the wrinkly sports attire. There was an almost glazed over look in her eye, as if she'd been zoning out. Fortunately the streets were empty, otherwise more ponies probably would have heard and been just as curious and disturbed as Twilight was. The stealthy Unicorn watched as Rarity tapped her foot repetitively on the ground... drew in some air, then called out again:

"Sweetie Belle!"

This time Twilight made her presence known... walking right up to her wrinkly mare friend:

"Hi, Rarity," she said, forcing a smile. "You seem really upset... Is there anything I can do to help you?"

The posh mare fixed her gaze on her purple friend. She paused for a moment, looking almost afraid... then tears began to form in her eyes as she finally answered:

"Twilight, have you seen my sister? She's late for brunch and I'm starting to get really worried..."

The purple Unicorn's eyes went wide as she did what she could to keep from throwing up. As much as she didn't want to admit it, being face-to-face with Rarity in this state was truly more unsettling than she could have imagined. The once sophisticated mare actually appeared to be going crazy.

With her hooves on the ground, Twilight responded gently... doing her best to conceal her feelings with a smile:

"Uh... Rarity? How about you come the library with me and have some tea? We can talk about this over there."

The disconnected mare's eyes went wide once more as she replied:

"Twilight, I've simply got too much to do! I don't have time to sip tea at the library with you!"

Twilight had to think fast and decided a little nudge was in order:

"Rarity... it's been so long since you and I talked! I'm sure you'd love to see the new section on crafts I just got in. Come with me and we can talk all about this. I'm your friend. Heck, I bet you have some nice, juicy gossip to share with me..."

"Well," the ivory mare shifted uncomfortably, her eyes darting to and fro Twilight's gaze. "Alright, Twilight. I'll humor you, if only for a bit."

The calm mare used her magic to switch the sign on Rarity's shop to closed. The two then slowly cantered to the library, Twilight insisting Rarity lead:

"Now why would I want to do that?"

"Um... uh..." The purple mare thought to herself quickly. "To show off your pristine attire?"

The Unicorn smiled, taking a few steps forward:

"Twilight, that's a marvlous idea!"

The rumpled mare mumbled to herself along the way, occasionally veering off slightly to the left or right. She jerked her head to the side periodically, as if looking at some urgent happening off in the distance.

"You alright, Rarity?" Asked Twilight.

The mare answered rather matter of factly:

"My... the colors out here are bothering me today! I'm getting such a headache..."

"It's okay," she assured her friend. "I can get you some medicine after we get in..."

"I'm fine, Twilight! Really!"

Twilight decided to keep quiet and observed her the whole way... not sure quite of what to make of all this yet.

* * *

When they got to the library, Owlicious bolted awake once he heard Rarity's voice... it sounded unusually loud and shaky to him. Twilight asked her friend as she shut the door:

"May I take your coat? I think Spike might be able to get those wrinkles out."

The purple Unicorn immediately kicked herself... she already knew full well that her friend wasn't seeing things in the same way she was.

Rarity scowled, and spoke sharply as if offended by the mere suggestion of her having unkempt attire:

"There are no wrinkles in my suit, Twilight! Quit trying to upset me more than I already am!"

Again Twilight faked a smile:

"My mistake, Rarity. Please sit." Rarity stayed in her rumpled attire as she sat in a nearby chair. Twilight was already making mental notes. "So tell me, Rarity... when was the last time you saw Sweetie Belle?"

"Why, just this morning before she went off to school!"

Again, Twilight wanted to be sick:

"Rarity, it's Saturday. Plus it's also two week's vacation for the fillies."

"Yes, so it is..." Rarity chuckled nervously, looking off to the side while placing her fore hooves around her body as she sighed. "You know, Twilight... I remember hugging her and I telling I love her so very much. It seems like it was so long ago!"

"Okay," Twilight nodded her head, heading for the stairs. "Stay right there for me, all right?"

"Sure, Twilight." Rarity smiled.

Twilight ran upstairs and grabbed some parchment. She needed to act like she was at work and observe Rarity's behavior until Spike got back... then message the Princess for help. She knew she couldn't leave the library long enough to send Spike a note, so she had to rough it out.

Then Owlicious flew by, saying hello in his usual way. He looked up at Twilight with wide eyes and she got an idea.

"Will you carry a message to Spike for me?"

His reply was quick:

"Hoo!"

The Unicorn smiled, then quickly scribbled her note down using her magic. She rolled it up and gave it to Owlicious, who grasped it in his talons.

"He's at the Ponyville Hospital with Rainbow Dash. Please hurry!"

She quickly opened the window and out he flew into the morning skies.

Twilight then turned towards the stairs and shouted:

"If it's okay with you, I'm going to do some work while our tea is warming, Rarity! You keep talking! Tell me about how business is doing, Sweetie Belle's escapades with the Cutie Mark Crusaders... anything you like."

Twilight then rapidly descended the stairs with parchment, ink, and quill suspended in the air. She went into the kitchen and started filling a kettle... she had four things flying through the air, all while keeping her eye on her good friend.

"Well, I really should be getting back, Twilight," Rarity said. "But last week Sweetie Belle had the most wonderful adventure with her friends!"

"She did?" Twilight asked, quill ready to take notes as the kettle overflowed in the sink.

Rarity looked off to the side and mumbled to herself for a second, as if trying to recall something from long before:

"Yes, she did... now, how did it go again?"

Twilight came out with all four items suspended before her, the overfilled tea kettle spilling its contents as it floated there:

"Tell me!"

Rarity paused, shifting in her seat. She started to get up:

"Well... Twilight, I really think I should be going. Thank you kindly for inviting me in!"

Hearing this, Twilight actually heaved a sighed of relief. It didn't seem her friend was delusional at least, otherwise she'd probably be very eager to share... it was still a good idea for Rarity to stay. It didn't take Degree in Psychology to know that calling out in broad daylight for a dead family member suggested something serious was going on!

"P-please stay a bit longer, Rarity," Twilight said, doing her best to imitate Fluttershy's bashful mannerisms. "I'm just asking for ten minutes of your time, if that's okay."

"Well..."

As Rarity considered the proposal, Twilight levitated the tea pot on a path back into the kitchen... because of where she was standing, however, it needed to go past Rarity's chair. Because she had four things she was keeping track of at the same time, the kettle accidentally bumped Rarity's back rest. Water spilled out onto the sitting Unicorn's attire, soaking her through.

"Twilight!" Rarity erupted in anger and surprise. "I'm soaking wet now! You should know this is truly unacceptable behavior for a hostess!"

"I'm so sorry Rarity!" Twilight exclaimed, setting everything down and focusing her magic on Rarity's garb. "Just let me use a spell to dry your dress and you'll be good as new!"

Rarity protested, holding on to her clothes with magic and hoof:

"No, thank you, Twilight. I'm quite fine... Twilight!"

It was too late... the librarian's magic pulled too hard, causing Rarity to spill out of her chair, thus spilling her out of her dress all together. In just a split second Twilight learned her friend has been hiding something under her clothes for Celestia knows how long.

It wasn't just that she was skinny, that was the least of Twilight's concerns now. Rarity's sides were bound tightly with bandages, stained with fresh drops of blood all over one side of her body.

"Rarity!" Exclaimed the purple mare. "What happened to you?"

Nervously, Rarity got up and chuckled:

"Well, Twilight... it happened last week..."

"This blood's from today, Rarity!" Twilight again exclaimed. "I'm going to repeat myself: what happened to your side?"

"Well, you see, Twilight... I wanted to touch it up and-"

There was a knock at the door. It was faint but rapid... and irritating. Twilight wanted to hurl her kettle in the direction of the entrance, yet somehow she managed to keep her composure:

"I'm really busy right now! Please come back later."

"T-t-t Twilight?" Fluttershy whimpered from behind the door. "Please let me in! It's an emergency... I think I did something really awful."

Had the roles been reversed, if Rarity were on the other side of the door and Fluttershy was acting koo-koo, Twilight probably would have barred the door. Despite being timid and having the tenancy to blow every danger she encountered way out of proportion, Fluttershy never came to Twilight's door being overly dramatic. The Unicorn sighed, opening the door:

"Fluttershy, this better be important...."

Part 3, 6 -- "Pushing Loyalty"

"Pushing Loyalty"
6

Owlicious flew high above Ponyville square, a single destination in mind. He breezed past the local Mail Mare and descended, weaving around busy carts and several ponies on the street. He was certainly proving to be faster than an emergency telegram, having no more than one place to be. The hospital was relatively close to the Library, and both Spike and Rainbow were easy to spot... he was confident he'd deliver his message in a timely manner. Using his keen eyesight, he zoomed right in on the pair who were mere feet from the door. He sped up...

"Hoo! Hoo!" He shouted, trying to get the attention of either.

All of his initial efforts fell on deaf ears... but still he tried, hooting as loud as he could:

"Hoo! Hoo!"

The door to the hospital opened wide and, as that happened, Owlicious sped up and closed his eyes...

He hit neither Spike nor RD, nor did he make it past them. He smashed into the door, hard. It had closed right before he reached them. The pain was sharp and he blacked out, but he would wake up pretty soon... the note having blown away in the breeze. He didn't know what it contained, and he wouldn't be able to find it soon enough.

* * *

Rainbow Dash and Spike entered the hospital. Dash belched loudly, covering up the sound of a loud thumb behind her:

"You know, Spike... that was a pretty good salad!"

"Thanks! Twilight says my citrus salads are the best, especially after a cold."

Together they walked up to the secretary's desk.

"Hey, do you know where Scootaloo's room is?"

Having located the filly's room twice that day it was easier for her this time around. She told them the number and they were on their merry way, blissfully unaware of everything going on outside the hospital.

"Are you nervous at all, Spike?" Rainbow Dash asked her dragon companion. "I mean, that Scootaloo's going to be in bad shape? I know she is, but... well, you're not worried she's gonna look bad, are you?"

"Twilight says she's seen better days... I guess we'll just have to see for ourselves."

"Yeah, I guess."

They approached her door, seeing the number the secretary had given them and her name.

"Alright, Spike," said Rainbow Dash. "This is it..."

* * *

Together they walked into the room. They found a nurse standing by the bed spoon feeding its occupant what appeared to be orange gelatin. Taking a few more steps they saw Scootaloo, her oxygen mask off. Her eyes drifted to the right, focusing on her approaching two friends:

"Rainbow Dash! Spike!" She weakly exclaimed, as the nurse shoveled in the last few bits of goop. "I'm so happy you came..."

"I'm happy to be here, Squirt," replied Rainbow, eying the devices and pulley systems. "This is quite an interesting room... kinda reminds me of an old video arcade."

Spike got close to a machine and examined it, but didn't touch it:

"Yeah, it kinda does!" He exclaimed.

Scootaloo laughed as the nurse took away the spoon and put the mask back on her.

"So, how are ya feelin', Scoots?" Spike asked, rocking back and forth on his feet.

Scootaloo answered the question while looking directly at her idol:

"I was brave just like you and me talked about." The filly chuckled. "I don't remember anything!"

Rainbow Dash unexpectedly lost her composure and turned away for a moment, grimacing. The nightmarish sounds of the day before were still fresh in her mind. Despite the fact that she was almost in tears, her voice sounded normal:

"You- you really don't remember anything, Squirt?"

Again, the filly chuckled:

"Nope! Not a thing."

Dash sighed, approaching the bed:

"That's good news." She reached down and ruffled her protégées' mane. "You look a lot better than you did yesterday... to be honest with you, Scoots, it was pretty intense. But that's all behind us now. You're gonna get better and things will go back to the way they used to be. Promise."

Scootaloo smiled up at Rainbow, knowing she could believe her cyan idol... if Rainbow Dash said something was going to be so, then it was going to be so. No ifs, ands, or buts about it! However, Scootaloo was still only a filly... a bit scared in spite of her trust.

"Hey, Rainbow Dash?"

The Pegasus chuckled:

"Yeah Scoots?"

"When I get outta here... can we do something fun?"

Dash smiled, ruffling the tiny Pegasus's mane again:

"Of course! Why wouldn't I want to spend time with my favorite filly?"

Once again, Scootaloo giggled... then there was a moment of silence.

"Hey Rainbow Dash?"

Again, Dash chuckled... fighting the urge to put a hoof to her face:

"Yes Squirt?"

The little Pegasus paused for a moment, gaining Dash's full attention. She looked down at the filly and smiled... yet remained ready to get out of the nurse's way if Scootaloo's silence was because there was a problem. The filly seemed to be hesitating, and Dash couldn't fathom why:

"Rainbow... I- I really like you."

The cyan Pegasus smiled:

"I really like you, too, Squirt. More than you can imagine."

"Rainbow Dash?"

"Yeah?"

"Since we spend time together a lot and all..."

"Yeah we do, Scoots..." The Pegasus laughed. "And I wouldn't have it any other way! You won't have to worry about that changing anytime soon."

The filly took a deep breath under her oxygen mask, smiling nervously at her idol. She spoke quickly, blurting out her thoughts before she turned chicken. Her voice grew thin and strained by the end:

"Rainbow... can I call you mom? I'll be like everypony else in school... but I'll only have cool stuff to say about you. I really like you, Rainbow Dash, I really do... and I've wanted this for a really long time. Please say yes... I wanna be with you forever."

Taken aback by everything she'd just been hit with, the older Pegasus turned away and froze. Scootaloo had no idea what the word mom even meant, and neither did Dash, really. Trying to remain stone-faced, Rainbow looked over to her right at the nurse who suddenly became very, very focused on her paper work. She then looked over to the left at Spike, who was looking her way until she focused directly on him. Then he suddenly took an interest in humming a tune while looking at the pulley systems.

The orange filly took in a few deep breaths and asked, somewhat frantically:

"Rainbow, did I ask a bad question? Was it stupid? ... Are you mad at me?"

Dash sighed heavily:

"No, Squirt... you didn't ask a stupid question. You're fine." Again, she ruffled the filly's mane. "I like the idea and all, but... I don't know about the whole 'mom' thing. Makes me sound kinda old, don't ya think? How 'bout I be... your big sister? That way you still get to call me Rainbow and we can still go on adventures without me having to worry so much about you eating your lima beans or nagging you to do your homework. What'd ya say?"

"I'd like that."

Rainbow felt herself grinning ear-to-ear:

"I'd like that, too, Squirt." The Pegasus quietly kissed the filly on the forehead, checking to make sure nopony was looking.

Dash found herself blushing and wanting to leave, but she stayed all the same... she had a filly who looked up to her that needed some company, after all.

* * *

Spike, happy to see the filly was okay, remained quiet and out of the way... nearly falling asleep in the corner while Rainbow spent the next 90 minutes visiting with Scootaloo. They talked about everything they'd be doing after she got out. Dash was ready to take her to the movies, on a hike in the outskirts, on jet skies over the pond... and even flying over Ponyville. The older Pegasus was saying anything and everything she could think of to get Scootaloo excited and smiling... anything to see that look of joy in her eyes again. The only reason her visit ended so soon was because the filly needed her rest, per Dr. Stable's instructions. Rainbow said she'd be back the next day as early as she could.

The dragon and Pegasus were silent as they walked towards the exit. Rainbow Dash thought hard along the way.... about what it would be like to have Scoots every day. The filly couldn't fly yet, making getting up to her house in Cloudsdale pretty much impossible... but that would eventually change. Dash wasn't ready for motherhood yet by a long shot, but she was certainly ready to see Scootaloo a little more often, especially after that accident. In just a few short years things might be different, though, and she might actually feel a little stronger about adopting her protégé. Dash was definitely over thinking the filly's question, and putting herself first for once...

Rainbow and Spike were ready to enjoy a walk back to the library. She could've flown there she was so excited to know Scootaloo was going to be okay. Both of them were unaware that Owlicious was trailing them... having finally found the note.

"Hoo! Hoo!" He cried, finally catching up.

Rainbow perked an ear:

"Hey, Spike... did you just hear something?"

Owlicious flew over the two, dropping the note by Spike's feet. He picked it up, unwrinkled it, and read it aloud:

"Spike. Please come back to the library ASAP. Something's going on with Rarity. Twilight."

"That's kind of unsettling," commented Rainbow Dash.

Spike looked spooked:

"Yeah, I know! Twilight never sends me notes like this. Let's get back there!"

Climbing on to Rainbow's back and holding on to her mane, Spike rode Dash for all of 1200 feet. It was a spectacular ride, but over almost before it began, as they were there in all of 8 seconds.

Author's Note

This whole sequence of Scootaloo wanting to call Rainbow Dash mom... felt really corny when I was first writing it. It's the first time I've ever ran into that problem while writing fanfiction. It still does a little, just not as bad. It's an idea I had beating around my head for a while, so it's nothing new... but it didn't help that origonally Dash said "yes" and "I love you" without much reaction... those things seem really out of character for Rainbow Dash, unless under certain circumstances I haven't set up. I edited the bajeebus out of that scene, and it's coming off less rediclious now. Lol.

Maybe I'm taking this all too seriously ^^

Part 3, 7 -- "Pikes in the Road"

"Pikes in the Road"
7

With Spike now on the ground beside Rainbow Dash, the two approached the library and noticed the door had been left wide open. They heard at least two mares speaking inside, one sounded calm while the other sounded frantic. They looked to each other, then cautiously... they approached.

"Hello... uh, Twilight?" Said Dash, knocking. "We just got your note. Everything alright?"

Twilight came to the door:

"It's a pandemonium, you guys! Rarity's gone off the deep end and Fluttershy thinks she betrayed Apple Jack!"

Spike and Dash looked over at the two ponies sitting at the table. Rarity had her side bound in bandages and looked disconnected, while Fluttershy was just plain in tears.

"What happened?" Asked Spike.

Twilight took a deep breath and told them both what happened, starting with Rarity.

It was a given that the purple Unicorn felt her friend had gone batty from grief and too much work. That's all she would have said, if it weren't for what Rarity had done to herself:

"Rarity," Twilight said, turning to her friend. "Do you want to show them what you have under there or shall I?"

"Well," Rarity shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "Since it seems I'm on trial here, I might as well show them myself!"

As the mare pulled back her bandages, she winced in pain... whatever it was under there was clearly not healing right.

Beneath the bandages the group saw that Rarity had cut back her own fur. He skin was raw and swollen, stained in purple and pink that would eventually change the color of her fur in the area. Rarity had given herself a tattoo near her heart using a needle and special ink she'd bought. In fancy script it said the name "Sweetie Belle". Showing it off, Rarity seemed almost proud of it:

"It goes to show how special she is to me, darling," the mare answered, though the group asked no question. "I do only have one sister, after all..."

Twilight sighed:

"She's got many cuts from removing her fur and, while she did a good job... the tattoo looks infected. We're going to need to take her to the doctor to get it treated or she could get really sick."

"And Fluttershy?"

"Fluttershy," Twilight said, looking over at the crying yellow mare. "She's been manipulated into telling --"

As if on cue, Twilight heard the distant voice of Apple Jack shouting outside the library... the second time she'd been interrupted within the hour, but this time she welcomed it.

"Twilight!" AJ called out, the rhythmic sound of her hooves drawing closer. "Twilight!"

All four ponies, plus one dragon, turned towards the door. Fluttershy hid her eyes in shame as Apple Jack approached in tears:

"Twi, ya gotta help me... Ah don't know what to do. I'm gunna lose my farm!"

* * *

With Spike and Rainbow's help, Twilight kept everypony organized. She spoke to Apple Jack privately and got an idea of what was going on...

Unbeknownst to them all, Twilight included, Equestrian law had some very unusual rules about Walkers in small towns:

The Unicorn verified in her books the law states that if a Walker is injured while in the care of a resident, that resident is held accountable for the medical bills out of pocket or subject to 1 year in jail. The Unicorn wasn't worried as she knew it was easy enough for the Apples to pay the 30,000 Bits Scootaloo's treatment was currently costing... while losing 30k was certainly going to hurt business, they would recover. However, because Scootaloo ran away, Apple Jack was being held as negligent for not anticipating the problem and arranging with some other pony to watch her. The fine for her degree of negligence totaled 200,000 Bits or 4 years in jail. Though the cost would be considered a death sentence for the business, Granny Smith had made it perfectly clear they would all rather starve than allow AJ to go to jail (foolishly her Grandson nodded). Adding to that, Scootaloo's bill was expected to climb the longer she was hospitalized... Big Mac already knew by the end the bills were going to get too high for even their family to help with... for once the mellow farm pony had adopted a fatalistic attitude. This was it for them.

These laws effected more than just the Apples. Because of the nature of Scootaloo's injuries, and Apple Jack's "carelessness", the town would no longer considered a place fit for Walkers for one year's time... when Ponyville would be subject for review. If the filly wasn't adopted in 3 months, she would be shipped away to an orphanage in the city of Fillydelphia.

The whole time Rainbow Dash sat and listened to this she wanted to be sick. Everything was so close to working out, yet like a sandcastle at the beach... it just waited for the tide or some brat foal to come by and destroy it. Rainbow had to do something, and was ready to toss out ideas when Fluttershy suddenly upchucked her breakfast on the library floor... causing her to lose her thread completely. Spike got a mop and began cleaning up the puke as Dash tried to get back on track. She was too upset to do so successfully.

Seeing how shaken Fluttershy was, Twilight had to give their yellow friend something else to keep her busy:

"Take Rarity to the hospital, Fluttershy. They'll treat her infection, plus they might give you something to help calm your nerves..."

"Okay, Twilight," Said Fluttershy, turning to her seated friend. "I really think we should go, Rarity."

"Oh, I'm fine..." replied the ivory mare, not budging. "It just needs a few days."

Twilight finally lost her patience:

"Rarity, if you don't go to the doctor's with Fluttershy right now we'll all drag you there by your tail if we have to!"

Everypony in the room -- Spike included -- fixed their eyes on the tattooed mare. She shrunk back and nervously chuckled:

"Alright, you silly ponies...." She got up and walked behind Fluttershy. "I'm doing this only to humor each of you. I assure you, I'm perfectly fine!"

As the two left, Spike put the mop away and busied himself going through every section they had concerning Equestrian law. Twilight sighed, knowing it was no good:

"Spike, take a letter..."

The Unicorn's letter to her mentor was brief and to the point. She got got a speedy reply, which was promising. While Spike opened the letter, Rainbow Dash put a hoof on Apple Jack's shoulders and sighed:

Dearest Student Twilight Sparkle,

It troubles me greatly that your friend Apple Jack has run into this problem with Equestria's Law. It plagues me to think that I established this law almost a hundred years ago in good fairness. While I cannot bend the law, not even for you, I will study the documents over the next week to see if I can exploit any loopholes in her favor. While it may be too little too late, this event has given me cause to review the law this coming year with all the Town Mayors of Equestria. I will do everything I can in the meantime.

Please be optimistic.

Sincerely,
Princess Celestia

They at least had the Princess on their side... not that it seemed she'd be much good.

Right now, no pony knew what to do.

Part 4, 1 -- "Fixin' Thangs"

"Fixin' Thangs"
1

It was past noon, Celestia's sun beginning its descent. Though it was Springtime, the day had been unusually hot and humid... to the point that most of Ponyville had stayed in doors.

At the Acres, Apple Bloom and Babs were excited to finally be outside. As evening approached it began to cool off. Fireflies were out, lighting up the estate... yet, surprisingly, neither filly wanted to play.

As they ran from the farm house, laughing and shouting, the voice of Big Macintosh bellowed their names from across the orchard. They took off in his direction, marveling at the incandescent glow above the trees. Their speed changed to a gallop after they noticed the gray mailmare taking off from his side into the skies above. It became a race to get to him first... a race which Apple Bloom won. They stopped in front of him and caught their breath, looking up to the red farm pony who was smiling down at them both. He passed Apple Bloom a package no larger than her own hoof, along with a saddle bag full of tools. He then nodded his head:

"Ee-yup!"

The fillies knew what this package was about. Both thanked him quickly, then trotted towards the barn with a single goal in mind... one they'd been looking forward to for days.

* * *

"Ah can't believe it took us all week just to get one stinking wheel!" Exclaimed Apple Bloom at the lead.

"I know, Cuz," Babs replied, blowing the lock of mane out of her eyes. "But look on the bright side... at least we got it before I go back, right?"

The yellow filly sighed:

"I know... but now we only got a few hours if we wanna do it together!"

"Heh. Don't remind me." Babs smiled awkwardly. "Besides, I think they ordered it a couple days late on account of something might be goin' on around here..."

Apple Bloom opened the door, motioning her cousin inside:

"What makes you say that?"

The filly simply shrugged as she entered:

"I dunno, Apple Bloom. I just got a feeling... think I saw Apple Jack cryin' a couple of days ago while hugging Granny Smith. I'm not too sure what I saw, though, 'cause she was all sniffly... Granny Smith said hay fever's gettin' the better of her."

"That's funny... Apple Jack doesn't have allergies. Babs, Ah don't know what you're talkin' about!"

As Apple Bloom entered and shut the door, her cousin's answer echoed throughout the barn:

"Dunno what to tell you!"

* * *

Once inside, the two fillies looked at their project. Gleaming in the faint light was the red scooter. Apple Bloom approached, taking out the new wheel and a few tools. She turned on her brother's flashlight and set it on nearby a bench, focusing its beam on their project:

"First thing's first. We gotta get this old wheel off..."

Babs stood a few yards away, feeling a tad uneasy remembering all that had happened a week earlier on account of her and that darn scooter. Even at a distance she felt too close and tried to look away. As she looked towards the exit, her eyes passed over her flank. The new cutie mark she'd gotten from (as far as she was concerned) beating the tar out of Scootaloo shone brightly even in the dim light. The city filly took a deep breath, knowing it would do little good... she couldn't help feeling sick. Turning back to AB, she faked a smile.

Apple Bloom was attempting to unscrew the bolt on the wheel, but found in to be frozen up. She tried with all her might, yet it wouldn't budge. She looked back at Babs:

"Say, you're strong! Can I get some help?"

"Sure Cuz!" Feigning confidence to the best of her ability, Babs approached.

"'kay..." Apple Bloom said, handing over the wrench. "Just turn this to the left, while I hold here, and it should come right out!"

Babs crouched, looking over at the wheel and up at Apple Bloom... The farm filly had to stand awfully close to help.

"Mind standing back a bit, Cuz? You're making me nervous!"

"Uh... okay. Ah don't think you're gunna be able to unscrew that without using both hooves, though..."

As her cousin backed up, Babs grabbed hold of the scooter's frame with one hoof and the wrench with the other. Because the wheel was so badly crushed, it could no longer turn. Apple Bloom watched as, with a tiny bit of effort, Babs managed to turn the bolt and remove it with just a few twists.

"Wow, you are strong!"

The city filly blew the lock of mane out of her eyes:

"Ain't nothin' to it."

"Ya wanna let me in there so Ah can take a look now?"

Babs smiled up at her cousin:

"Nah. You tell me what to do. This is kinda fun!"

"Uh, okay. Well, first we gotta..."

* * *

Babs and Apple Bloom went to work fixing up the scooter. It wasn't too terribly difficult a task, and with Big Mac's high quality tools, it was going to be a breeze... or so it seemed.

The yellow filly watched as Babs wrestled with the bent wheel, attempting to pry it off the frame:

"Babs, you're not pushing that the right way! It's not gunna come off unless you first-"

"Let me figure it out, Cuz," replied the city filly without looking up. "Ain't gunna see what I'm doing wrong if you keep talkin' to me."

"But Babs, Ah-"

Babs looked up and narrowed her eyes:

"I said lemme figure it out..."

Apple Bloom put up her hooves and sighed. She watched as her cousin continued to struggle with broken the scooter, getting increasingly annoyed by the second:

"Gahh... Do it yer own way."

AB sat with her forelegs crossed as her cousin looked over the scooter again and again, attempting to turn the bent wheel every which way. As if being stuck in the role of bystander wasn't enough, the next step was so easy it was driving the farm filly crazy... but her understanding nature got the better of her. She could see Babs was new to this and just not very good at it yet. Babs had strength on her side, though... quite a bit of strength. The wheel came free eventually, but not because Babs did anything right... it happened because of her strength. While trying to pry the wheel off, she torqued it from the frame and popped one of the rings holding its ball bearings clean out. Since the ring was warped in the crash, the bearings spilled to the ground. With nothing holding the wheel in place anymore... it fell right off.

"Wow! Did I just break it?" She asked.

"Naw, you're fine." Apple Bloom said, approaching. "Here. Lemme help you-"

The city filly shot AB a familiar look which caused her blood to freeze. It was the same cruel look Babs had back when she was hanging around with Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon almost a year before. Apple Bloom knew to back off:

"I'll just stay over here then..."

Babs chuckled:

"Heh. You're finally learning to keep outta my mane... aren't ya, Cuz?"

Apple Bloom said nothing.

* * *

Everything the city filly needed was right next to her as she occasionally asked for some of Apple Bloom's vague and disinterested instructions. The farm filly stayed at least 6 feet away while her cousin worked, only giving hints was asked... peering when she saw a lot of straining or heard a frustrated grunt.

"We're set for the wheel now, aren't we?" Babs asked, grabbing it before her cousin even answered.

"Well, yeah... but there's one thing you gotta know about the axle."

"I'll figure it out... I just need that wrench." Babs motioned towards Big Mac's utility bag which had gradually been pushed further and further over because of all the moving they'd been doing.

"Babs, if you'd just..."

"It's just a wheel, Apple Bloom. I think I know what I'm doin'. Now give me that wrench!"

"If you'd just listen, Ah could..."

Babs finally turned towards her cousin, her eyes wide as they'd been during the worst of her bullying:

"Blah, blah, blah... you're a regular chatter box, you know? I don't wanna hear it, Cuz, I want that wrench!"

"Okay," Apple Bloom slowly walked forward a few feet, picked up the wrench from the bag in her teeth and tossed it to her cousin. "Here."

"Thanks."

Apple Bloom didn't hear her cousin at this point. A tiny, white hot flame was burning at the base of her pony skull... she wanted to slug Babs very badly, but knew better. The city filly could easily tear her apart, and the only martial arts she knew were from the movies. She was wondering if she should tell Apple Jack what was going on, when suddenly Babs exclaimed, with a huge smile:

"I did it! I did it all by myself, wouldn't you know?"

She held up Scootaloo's ride with both hooves, like fixing it was some great accomplishment... a task which would have taken Apple Bloom ten minutes or less took over an hour. Babs had actually managed to figure the axle out herself, too... not that Apple Bloom cared. The yellow filly did her best to force a smile, but wanted more than anything to be out of the barn by this point:

"That's wonderful, Babs. Now how 'bout we try it out?"

The city filly smiled at her cousin and set the scooter on the ground, putting together the loose materials and tools:

"That's a great idea!" She ran up to her cousin and gave her a hug. "Thanks much for your help, Cuz!"

"Don't mention it..." Apple Bloom said, through her teeth.

Coda

Babs and Apple Bloom went to work picking up the rest of the mess they'd made in the barn. At first Apple Bloom kept her head down, avoiding eye-contact with her cousin... but her anger subsided after just a few short minutes.

By the time the fillies were out of the barn, playfully fighting over the scooter, they were talking about what they were going to after their joy ride. Babs was back to herself again at the drop of a hat, and Apple Bloom just wanted to let it go. The farm filly was aware something had happened in their barn, but... she'd grown to realize from her time not talking to Scootaloo that holding grudges was a waste of energy. Babs never realized she'd been acting like a bully again... and was quick to forget about the entire hour once she was on the scooter, with AB holding on behind her, laughing.

The fillies were happy again.

Author's Note

I profess little to no knowledge of how to fix a vintage-esque scooter. The problem of a wheel being crushed into an oval is more likely to happen with a bicycle.

That said, I spent a long time editing this particular chapter. Origionally, this was all just a couple of paragraphs. I hope I made it pretty clear without having to explicitly say why Babs went back to the dark side for a bit.

Part 4, 2 -- "Conundrum"

"Conundrum"
2

After a hard day's apple bucking in the unseasonable heat, Apple Jack slowly cantered up the orchard alongside Twilight Sparkle. Having been out twice as long as usual, the farm pony was beyond exhausted... but hid it well.

In the distance, the barn doors creaked open. The two ponies turned and watched as Apple Bloom and Babs peeled out on Scootaloo's newly fixed scooter. The sound of their laughter echoed through the orchard as they picked up speed, going along the dirt stretch at a blistering 8 miles per hour. It seemed so fast to the fillies... but Apple Jack and Twilight could see otherwise.

Apple Jack looked over at her friend and chuckled weakly:

"Least they're having fun, right?"

The Unicorn smiled back, nodding compassionately as they walked towards the farm house. The sun was beginning to set behind them, the sky turning a deep shade of purple. Apple Jack shook her head:

"Ah frankly don't know what to do, Twi... the bills keep piling up on account of Scootaloo, much more than they originally thought. I can take care of those just fine, but these charges are gunna ruin me. Two months isn't long enough to get those kind of Bits together..."

Again, Twilight nodded:

"I wish I could get Princess Celestia involved. AJ, I've tried..."

"You keep tellin' me she can't play favorites and I'm fine with that, Twilight. No need to go begging 'er on ma account."

"What're you going to do if... you can't pay?"

Apple Jack put on her usual smug grin, stopping in her tracks:

"Deal with everything as it comes. Live each day as if it were the last, like the fillies."

Twilight looked hard at her friend for a moment... both sighed, then continued on their way.

"That's not going to work, AJ. You need a plan..."

"I know that, Twilight. It's nice to think that way sometimes, though..."

The Unicorn put a hoof on her friends shoulder as they finished climbing up the hill towards the house.

Apple Jack thought to herself as she opened the door:

I do have a plan, Twilight... it just ain't pretty.

Twilight was oblivious to Apple Jack's thoughts. She was there for support, and to help the family go over the books... see what they could cut or change to increase profits. Every little bit would help, even if it were just a matter of saving face. The few donations from the town and the distant kin helped, but they weren't nearly enough.

The farm pony let Twilight in knowing it did not look good and there probably wasn't much either of them could do to turn this ugly situation around. Much like Rainbow Dash, though... Apple Jack didn't believe in giving up. She would fight to the end, and all her friends knew that... her plan was solid, too:

Apple Jack hadn't told anypony that she was thinking about going to jail... and it was looking more and more appealing to her as time went on. They wanted her and only her, after all, and it would certainly solve a lot of her family's problems. Granny Smith had forbidden her from even considering that as option... they'd be angry for sure, but at least they could keep the farm, and she'd be out before her little sister was older than 15. Apple Bloom would have her own place to grow up in and her own business to grow into... not some other family member's. It was Apple Jack's dream to see that, even it meant losing a little time to do it.

"Why are you smiling, Apple Jack?" Asked Twilight, as they headed into the den.

"Oh, it's nothing, Twilight...," replied the farm pony. "Just imaginin' happier times for the family."

Part 4, 3 -- "Waning Generosity"

"Waning Generosity"
3

A week had passed with two ponies in the hospital. Each rested comfortably in bed, drifting off throughout Celestia's days into peaceful slumber... waking usually to find a sterile, empty room. One felt content with the good and the warmth, knowing that other ponies had been there for her... while the other drifted further into dream. Loneliness was not uncommon, nor was longing for better times. Despite their friends being tied up with growing problems, nopony was too busy to stop in and say hello...

Everypony visited Scootaloo. The fillies came again twice with Apple Jack, relaxing a little more each time. Twilight and Pinkie stopped by a few times as well, sometimes together with AJ and the fillies. After an approving nod from her friends, Pinkie finally got a chance to use her Portable Party Pack... with a single tug on the rip chord, she burst through the doorway with pocket-sized games and a shower of confetti, finally feeling as though she'd done something to make things better. Rainbow Dash had gone almost every day, mostly alone, but a few times with Fluttershy trailing behind her. The young filly's face always lit up, especially when she saw her idol coming in just to see her... and Rainbow Dash was always cool and collected.

Scootaloo's health had drastically improved in a short amount of time. Many of her scrapes and bruises had healed over, leaving just a few band-aids and the abdominal bandage protecting her stitches. Her nose was still in a brace and breathing made her sore, but that would heal with time. She was breathing freely now, no longer requiring the oxygen mask... but without it, it became quite apparent to her friends that she was missing some teeth. Except for a few scars and the missing teeth, she would remain the same... perhaps even leave in a few weeks if somepony was able to set enough time aside to properly care for her. If not, she would have to remain until her legs healed (costing the Apples a mint), but... once the casts could come off, she would walk again. With no metal rods or wires binding bones... she would someday learn to fly. Perhaps her next destination would be the orphanage in Fillydelphia, only time would tell...

One week earlier, Rarity had been admitted to the hospital after being brought in by Fluttershy. She had only seen her friends twice since that time, and Twilight came in once on her own. Despite being the prima donna of the group, Rarity was by no means weak, and was in for something that her friends hoped would pass. It didn't help matters that over the past few months she had become increasingly hard to talk to, but her friends hoped her time spent resting would fix that. Everypony was optimistic... after all, the Doctors were able to get her infections under control, yet... they kept her for a different reason.

* * *

One week earlier...

Fluttershy had one place she wanted to be, but with a sedative in her system she was going to have a lot of trouble getting there. Dr. Stable recommended she rest for an hour. They could easily send another pony for her... a Pony Scout in the lobby volunteered overhearing them, but she wasn't about to do that:

"No, no, no..." she said, shaking her head. "This is my friend. I have to share the news myself."

"Okay, Fluttershy," Dr. Stable replied. "I can respect that, but if you feel you can't make it please come back. The nurse will help you out."

He motioned towards nurse Cold Heart, who outstretched a foreleg to her and smiled. Fluttershy walked past the nurse and just left. She stumbled down the streets of Ponyville, looking forward in the direction of the library... the world swayed and wiggled around her. The mare shook her head and carried on.

The ponies in the street noticed Fluttershy's newly impaired coordination and made way, staring as her legs wobbled and knees buckled. She said nothing to the gawkers and simply trudged on... not one pony stopped the Pegasus and she never once rested or crashed into anything.

When she finally got there, Fluttershy just about collapsed in front of the tree. No pony inside knew she was coming, or else they would have lifted her up and brought her in. She fell against the door, causing it to swing open, gaining her friends' undivided attentions. She slowly rose to her hooves and looked up... Apple Jack and Twilight were there, a look of concern in their eye. They said nothing at first, waiting to hear what their friend had to say. When Fluttershy tried to speak, only slurred sounds came out. Both ponies noticed the bandage on her foreleg, and knew right away why their friend was acting like this.

"Fluttershy, it's okay..." Twilight said, gently. "You're with friends now. Take a deep breath... can you tell us what happened?"

The yellow mare responded slowly, balancing herself against the door frame:

"Oh, Twilight... it's awful. Just terrible."

Apple Jack, being closer, helped her friend to a chair:

"What's going on, Sugarcube?"

"Rarity wasn't making much sense while Dr. Stable was looking at her, so they gave her a few tests. While I was waiting with her for the results, I tried to comfort her and tell her everything was going to be okay when she fell right into me. She started gurgling and shaking, and snapping her teeth... I couldn't help it, Twilight. I screamed so loud."

"It's okay, Fluttershy. I would have, too."

"Seconded. Then what happened?"

"Well, Nurse Redheart came in and pulled Rarity to the ground. She said she was having a seizure. When she finally stopped shaking the nurse went to get Dr. Stable... while I was waiting for him Rarity got up before I knew it and started talking to me about Sweetie Belle like she was just in the next room... oh, it was so scary. I tried to tell her to stay laying down, but she didn't seem to hear me. She looked right into my eyes and didn't look like Rarity or any pony I know. The doctor looked her over again and later told me she's suffering from exhaustion, malnourishment, and neurological problems due to what he thinks might be heavy metal poisoning. Rarity had told him he could tell me what was going on... she wanted to prove me wrong so she could come back and gloat, but now she's getting a MRI to rule other things out... oh, Twilight, I'm so scared for her. I know mercury can do awful things to a pony..."

Twilight's eyes had gone wide:

"What? Why in the wide, wide world of Equestria would they even think... oh..." Twilight suddenly got it. "Oh no..."

Apple Jack turned to her:

"What is it, Twilight?"

"The tattoo.... Rarity must've poisoned herself."

Fluttershy nodded:

"That's what Dr. Stable thought, too, when she told him about it. He was able to talk to her after about an hour... she started looking like Rarity again and I thought everything was going to be okay. He had me wait in another room while they talked... when he came out he told me he's concerned because he's never heard of the ink she used. He told me she says she got it from a pony selling discount dyes on a cart near Canterlot a few weeks ago. Even though they took a sample from her, Dr. Stable wants to test the bottles to be sure. Rarity gave me her key so I can feed Opal... oh, I'm going to go try to find it and give it to them tonight. Hopefully they can help her... but that's only if she was telling the truth and not just still out of it."

Twilight smiled reassuringly:

"Well, Fluttershy... I can assure you you're not looking for it alone. Right now you need to rest." The Unicorn turned to her assistant and smiled. "Spike?"

"Already on on it, Twilight," he responded, faking a smile despite the news of his crush's health. "How's a cup of tea and a daffodil sandwich sound, Fluttershy?"

"Just wonderful..." the yellow Pegasus replied, finally sitting back and spacing out.

Apple Jack took a few steps towards the door:

"Much as I wanna stay and help, Ah just can't... I have to go back to the Acres and talk all this over with the family. I'm sorry, girls."

"I understand..." Fluttershy said, weakly. "And Apple Jack? ...I'm so sorry this happened."

"Oh, it's not your fault." The farm pony grimaced. "It's what they're paid to do... gettin' information any which-way they can."

Fluttershy stared off into the distance and smiled:

"They started out so nice..."

Apple Jack was already halfway out the door:

"It's just how it is."

Tipping her hat to her sedate friend and purple pal, AJ left the building. The library was silent yet again.

* * *

Spike dropped a metal tray on the table in front of Fluttershy. It clanged loudly, the tea spilled... yet she sat without looking at him or the food.

"Here ya go, Fluttershy..."

The mare nodded faintly in response. As the dragon walked off, he glanced over his shoulder to see if she'd started eating yet... and let out a deep sigh. Something told him she was going to be there for a while...

Fluttershy sat in the chair for half an hour without even touching her food. She had no more thoughts about Rarity or anypony else... even her animal friends were absent from her mind.

Owlicious, exhausted from his errand earlier that day, flew in close and perched upon a nearby bookcase:

"Hoo! Hoo!" He cried, directly at the sedate Pegasus.

Despite his best effort to gain her attention, Fluttershy barely had the presence to even look up at him. He sat there for a while, staring at her... understanding that, but not entirely grasping why, it would be a good idea for her to leave as soon as possible. Owlicious fell asleep on the book case after about ten minutes... he hooted at her a second time in his dreams well after she was gone.

As the sun set the yellow mare started to drift back into reality. Her eyes began to focus and she felt pangs in her gut which she knew were caused by skipping lunch. Knowing that the food would be fuel for later on, Fluttershy scarfed down her sandwich with newly found resolve... she still felt spacey, but that feeling was leaving her body pretty fast. The tea would help with that... at least, what wasn't spilled.

Upstairs Twilight and Spike had been arguing during that half hour. Spike, naturally, wanted Twilight to leave right away, but she insisted on waiting for Fluttershy. Their yellow friend had been in Rarity's shop the most, after all... particularly where Rarity kept her supplies. Spike stamped his foot, mad with frustration. Twilight felt a surge of frustration as well, and found herself shouting in his face before she even realized it:

"Well, you are welcome to go alone, Spike!"

The purple mare put both hooves to her mouth... but it was too late. She looked over at her dragon assistant, who already had tears welling up in his eyes. She put a hoof around him, sighing:

"Spike... so many horrible things have been happening to my friends lately. I didn't mean to take it out on you. I'm sor-"

"It's okay, Twilight," The dragon replied, faintly returning the hug. "Just... go see if Fluttershy's ready."

"Alright Spike."

Twilight slowly broke away from the weak hug and headed towards the stairs. She glanced back to see if Spike was really okay and saw him staring dejectedly at the floor. The Unicorn kicked herself as she headed downstairs. She knew better than that. He was just a baby dragon, and needed her to be strong... not yelling at him. Shouting at him for his frustrations about Rarity was not all that different from Apple Jack shouting at Apple Bloom for asking hard questions about Scootaloo... sure, it made her feel better, but it made him feel helpless.

Before Twilight could get carried away with beating herself up, she saw that Fluttershy was just getting out of the chair and stretching. The once sedate mare looked her way with a warm, focused look in her eye. Twilight then knew they'd be leaving soon...

Spike stayed upstairs. He could hear the two mares voices on the floor below and while they talked he crept silently into bed. The drake pulled the covers up over his head and thought about what Twilight had said... he couldn't go alone. Rarity's shop was just a mess of girly things to him and he knew it. Thinking about how useless he would be in all this made him feel worse than ever.

Twilight shouted up before the door closed:

"Bye Spike! Don't wait up!"

He did not respond.

Once the door shut securely and the voices faded... Spike knew he didn't have to hold it in anymore. The baby dragon held himself tightly in his arms, and began to rock and cry. He knew there was nothing to do except wait, which was torture. He fell asleep crying that night, skipping dinner... but he didn't care. All he could think about was Rarity and how he hadn't really talked to her in so long...

* * *

The dimly lit streets of Ponyville were vacant that evening. The two ponies walked up to Rarity's shop and unlocked the entrance. As the door creaked open, Twilight used her magic to turn on the lights. They were greeted by Opalescence... who groused indignantly as they ventured inside.

"I know that type of cry," said Fluttershy, sympathetically. "The poor thing is starving!"

As Fluttershy took off for Opal's food, Twilight looked around.

The ground level still looked pretty much the same. She went into Rarity's Inspiration Room, expecting to find a mess, yet... it was surprisingly pristine and had very few supplies out.

"Everything's on the second story now," Fluttershy said from the doorway, meekly adding, "w-would you be okay leading, Twilight? It's really dark up there!"

The purple Unicorn rolled her eyes, but proceeded all the same to climb the stairs and use her magic to flick on yet another set of lights once she got close enough. Fluttershy immediately joined her.

Fluttershy had only been on the second floor a handful of time since Sweetie Belle's death, so they both explored it curiously. It was composed of only two bedrooms and a bath, but it was apparent from the start that everything had changed. They started in Rarity's room, and except for one teddy bear they found on her bed (which very well could have been her own), there was no sign of a filly ever having been there.

"It's so barren..." said Twilight, looking at the white walls of Rarity's room.

They distinctly remembered at one time seeing toys and filly's clothes even when Sweetie wasn't staying in the shop... now they couldn't even find a picture on the wall. At one time Rarity would have been yelling at Sweetie Belle for leaving her CMC cape in her room. The place felt so much more quiet and vacant than it used to...

The bathroom, except for a few opened jars of make-up and containers of pink and purple clothing dye on the vanity, proved to be pristine as expected... so they went to the guest bedroom, which was Sweetie Belle's at one time.

Twilight flicked on the light and found the bedroom to be almost full to the brim with supplies. Except for a few sections designated to orders, the area was a disorganized disaster. Items were stacked every which way, but it wasn't even close to Rarity's system of Organized Chaos. Even though there was plenty of art in the room, all of Sweetie's pictures and music were nowhere to be found.

Fluttershy sighed:

"Rarity said, if it's not in the bathroom, it's in here..."

Twilight levitated a box and brought it towards the two:

"Well, we checked the bathroom... this is the only place it can be. Let's start looking."

The two spent nearly five hours going through all of Rarity's supplies. Gems, dyes, threads, clothes, designs, prints, commissions, machines, prototypes... it was hard to tell where one pile ended and the other started. The mares knew the name on the bottle, however -- "Faux Magnifique" -- and they looked intently for it. Eventually Twilight's keen eye found it laying atop a table with some industrial dyes organized by color, hidden by a portable closet near the door.

Though exhausted by their long search, the two mares were very much ecstatic. Though it was two in the morning, together they hoofed it to the hospital. Out of breath they burst through the doors and gave the bottle to the staff at the desk.

At first the receptionist didn't know what she was looking at... Were these mares trying to sell her something? All Twilight had to do was get out three words between her hyperventilations:

"Rarity... poison... tattoo..."

She then knew where to send it.

Now all they had to do was wait... weeks maybe. Twilight and Fluttershy looked at each other, smiled, then sighed... they'd done all they could. The receptionist was telling them how long it would take, but both already knew that. She was also praising them for their help... but neither listened, nor heard. They just looked at each other, out of breath, and smiled. Not surprisingly, both ponies wanted to be alone. They didn't have to say anything... rather, they parted at the door and went their separate ways. Wrought with worry over their friend's health, neither pony slept a wink that night, and each handled it in her own way.

Part 4, 4 -- "Hope?"

"Hope?"
4

As dawn approached, Twilight found herself walking the empty streets of Ponyville. Except for her hoof steps, her surroundings were completely silent.

She wasn't focused on where she was going... just one hoof in front of the other. Clip-clop, clip-clop! Even in the cold she hoped to find some peace of mind or perhaps distract herself with memories of better times... yet, despite her mental silence, she just couldn't think straight.

Normally the mare's mind would be focused on solving problems, moving from one step to the next, and -- when all else failed -- to an entirely new plan. Yet the unknowns were increasing each time something bad happened. Scootaloo, Apple Jack, and now Rarity all needed her help. Twilight looked up to the horizon and sighed... determined she would beat this.

On the other end of Ponyville, Fluttershy was awake, too... but she wasn't out wandering. The yellow mare stuck by her cottage with her nocturnal animal friends. She chatted with owls about the best ways to catch mice, then refereed a few races to keep her bats and snakes sharp and in shape. There was always something to do at Fluttershy's cottage, and it was because of that the yellow Pegasus always had something to work towards.

At 4:30 in the morning Twilight Sparkle had just herself... and her currently non-working, empirical ways of thinking. She was growing frustrated fast. Perhaps Rarity would still be at home had she acted on the signs she'd seen. Maybe Twilight should have pulled Rarity aside, sat her down, and said:

"Rarity, you're working too hard... I know you're just using it as a way not to deal with Sweetie Belle's death! You need help!"

Her thoughts came all but too little, too late. Frustrated, the Unicorn shouted what she should have done into the dawn air:

"Why couldn't I just talk to you!?!"

Her voice echoed throughout Ponyville, traveling upwards to the clouds where it woke a sleeping Pegasus...

* * *

"Twilight..." Rainbow Dash said, as she drifted from her cloud. She yawned hardily, scratching her chest with a hoof. "What in Equestria are you doing out here at this hour?"

Looking up at her friend, Twilight took in a breath:

"Rarity's in the hospital. I'm hoping she's just overstressed from everything that's been going on... and it's not something a lot worse."

Twilight bit her tongue before she said too much. Though Dash was her friend, she had enough to worry about.

Fortunately Dash didn't bite... or maybe she chose not to. Instead the cyan Pegasus yawned a second time:

"I was wondering what was going on. I've been kind of focused on Scootaloo lately... it's kind of hard to be there for everypony at once, even when Loyalty's practically your middle name. Along with what's been going on with Apple Jack, this is turning really ugly."

The purple mare looked up at her rainbow-maned friend, trying not to cry.

"Twilight, hey..." Dash said, extending a hoof to her friend. "Come on... It'll be okay! Things always have a way of working out for us, huh? ...right?"

Twilight opened her forelegs to Dash and embraced her in a warm hug. For a brief moment, all was silent and okay... Twilight had some pony to talk to that was going to tell her not to give up. That's just what she needed! ... then Dash showed her true feelings.

The Pegasus sighed deeply and squeezed in tight, breathing in a staccato-like fashion... as if holding back tears of her own she'd been trying to keep to herself. Twilight then did what she should have done hours before for Spike... she patted Dash on the back, whispering reassuringly into her ear what she needed to hear:

"You know, Rainbow... we've dealt with so much worse and gotten out in one piece. Maybe we can get through this, but we have to work together and to do everything we can."

Dash's face lit right up with a smile as she pulled away from Twilight and looked her into the eyes:

"Now that's the Twilight I know!"

Twilight genuinely smiled for the first time in nearly an entire day. They hugged again, just as tight as before. It was suddenly all so very clear to Twilight -- it was time to get the ball rolling again, even if that's all she could do:

"Rainbow Dash?"

Dash giggled:

"...uh, yeah, Twilight Sparkle?"

The two broke apart, looking each other in the eyes once again. The hope one saw in the other's eyes was stronger than ever, each feeding the other:

"Rainbow. can you get everypony together at the library in a few hours?"

"No problem, Twilight."

* * *

The purple mare drifted back home as the sun came up. She was there to check on Spike... heading upstairs, she found him snoring peacefully in bed.

Seeing her assistant laying there, all tangled up in his blankets, the Unicorn shook her head. Using her magic, Twilight was able to straighten his bed without actually waking him. Once finished, she gave him a tiny peck on the cheek:

"Sorry I yelled at you, Spike... I'm going to do everything I can for our friends. I won't rest until they're safe."

The drake turned over in his sleep and continued to snore, oblivious to Twilight's presence. He began to suckle his claw and grin... clearly he wasn't that upset anymore.

Satisfied with her assistant's current state, the Unicorn quietly crept back down stairs. She found a chair and sat in it. After a long day, she was finally relaxed...

"Hoo! Hoo!" A voice cried above the chair.

Twilight nearly jumped out of her fur. It was Owlicious... she knew that. She looked up at him and saw his eyes glowing in the faint light.

"Oh, Owlicious..." Twilight sighed. "Could you please get me my lantern, some parchment and a quill?"

The owl flew off without making a sound, coming back moments later with all she had asked.

Using her magic, she lit the lantern and grasped the parchment and quill:

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today I learned a lesson about hope.

Hope is something that a pony should always have, even when things look their darkest. It's a very powerful feeling and it can inspire your friends to do their best. Without hope, we get closer to allowing the worst to happen, and that benefits nopony.

You faithful student,
Twilight Sparkle

Part 4, 5 "For Her"

"For Her"
5

Spike's voice echoed as though he were calling through a cavern:

"Uh... Twilight? Everypony's at the door. Like, literally."

Twilight slowly opened her eyes. She'd fallen asleep in the chair. It was still early morning, her unsent letter laid beside her. It took a moment for the memories to come flooding back.

"Oh... uh, of course, let them in," she said, getting up and stretching.

He opened the door wide. In came Apple Jack with the shy Pegasus trailing right behind her. Pinkie and Dash were next. Twilight took one look at Fluttershy and smiled weakly... the yellow mare looked almost as groggy as she felt. AJ looked tired as well... dark rings had formed around her eyes overnight. Twilight wondered if she had slept either.

Looking at her friends, the Unicorn waited for them to speak... ask her questions. They all looked back, eagerly... hopefully. When she realized they were waiting for her to start (which made sense since Twilight had invited them), she shut her eyes and took a deep breath... then spoke slowly and clearly:

"By now you all probably know Rarity's in the hospital. I really think we should pay her a visit, girls. I don't know what's wrong, but it makes sense that seeing her friends would be the best thing right now. She's been alone working so long that, well... I'm hoping she just needs a break and somepony to talk to."

"I'm down with that!" Said Dash, cracking her neck as though she was about to take on an obstacle course.

"Me too!" Piped in Pinkie. "If Rarity's not feeling well, I'm just gonna have to cheer her up!"

Twilight smiled at her merry pink friend as Apple Jack now spoke:

"Alright then, Twilight... Ah saw this coming. Think I can spare an hour or two. Celestia knows ma hooves need a rest."

The Unicorn turned to her dragon assistant:

"You probably wanna come, too... Spike?

The drake looked off to the side, firmly grasping his tail. He answered slowly:

"Think I'd rather stay here. I'm not feeling that well, Twilight... upset stomach, ya know?"

"Aww, you sure about that, Sugarcube?" Apple Jack asked. "I'm sure Rarity would be awful happy to see you. I'd imagine Twilight can whip ya up somethin' that'll take the edge off... just for a few hours." She looked over to her purple friend. "Isn't that right, Twilight?"

Though sleepy, Twilight smiled and nodded:

"The 'Belly Aches, Breaks' potion Zecora taught me will work well for this occasion."

Spike nodded:

"I'm sure, girls. I'm just not feeling it today... okay?"

Twilight was already going through her books:

"Spike, I'm sure once you have the potion in you, you'll be singing a different tune. It's not that hard to put together. I can have it ready in a-"

"I said I'm not going!" Spike snapped.

Twilight blinked her eyes in surprise:

"Spike! Wh- what's come over you?"

He just stood there, rocking on his little feet, grumbling:

"I said I'm not feeling well... just want to stay home."

Apple Jack looked to her purple friend:

"Let 'em rest, Twilight." She said. "This whole ordeal's taken a whole lot out of us."

"Alright then, Spike," said Twilight, trying to look the dragon in the eye. His gaze was half to the side, half to the floor. "If you're really not feeling well, then... take the day off. Rest up all you need. Okay?"

He nodded slowly, not bothering to look up.

"Alright, girls," said Apple Jack, firmly. "There ain't no reason for us to be here any longer... Ah only got so much time I can give Rarity, so let's get goin'!"

Twilight looked back at Spike, as she was being pushed to the door by Apple Jack:

"Spike, if you could just sent that one letter to the Princess I'd be really hap-"

The door was slammed shut. Fluttershy and Rainbow were already outside, and Apple Jack was still pushing.

* * *

Twilight wanted to bump AJ on the head for being so impatient, but instead sighed... they all started walking on their own. Apple Jack was soon at the lead, impatient but at least loyal. The hospital was close by, yet the farm pony cantered in double-time.

No pony knew what they would find. Twilight and Fluttershy were very sleepy, to the point that neither wanted to be bothered, but... they were the closest to actually being in the loop. Twilight knew a bit and Fluttershy knew more, so both were grilled by their friends walking beside them:

"Do you think she'll know who she is?" Dash asked Fluttershy, with a touch of concern in her voice that caused the meek Pegasus to take a step back. "You were with her last... so, uh, maybe you know."

"Do you think she really sees Sweetie Belle?" Pinkie asked Twilight. "Like a ghost? That sounds scary! I wouldn't want to see ghosts, especially real ones. I don't know if I could giggle real ghosts away!"

"I don't know girls," replied Twilight, answering both questions. "I hope she knows who she is, and I doubt she's really seeing Sweetie Belle. Fluttershy doesn't know either... we'll just have to see for ourselves."

The questions didn't stop. Neither pony could answer them, so they didn't try. Their friends were concerned, but they couldn't answer what wasn't already covered by AJ or Fluttershy on the way to the library.

Twilight found solace looking to the front of the group at Apple Jack, the only pony who hasn't spoken at all. All she saw was her tail end, cantering at a brisk pace. Not that Twilight could see, but Apple Jack remained stone-faced as she marched on.

* * *

Checking in was as easy as it had been visiting Scootaloo. The mares were told a number and, while it was on a different floor, they were able to find it easily enough.

Once there, each took a breath before going in. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie hesitated, while the other two stepped right inside...

Their ivory friend appeared to be laying as any other pony would be in bed... reclined, relaxed, alone. She was even wearing a bathrobe, and had a matching purple sleeping mask beside her. Twilight smiled to see that she appeared to be resting, yet it was obvious from her demeanor that she had been sedated. Rarity's smile seemed too happy, her eyes too spacey for it to be natural, yet at least there were no machines hooked up to her... just a small, drippy IV. Though the ivory mare lacked the energy to get out of bed, she was wide awake. Twilight was the first to approach and speak. Rarity did not blink or acknowledge her at first.

"Hey Rarity," said Twilight. "How are you feeling?"

Rarity slowly turned her head, her gaze fixed and unblinking:

"Couldn't be better, darling."

Apple Jack spoke up, pulling herself beside the bed:

"You look like you've got something on your mind... why don't ya share it? It's the only way you're gonna feel better."

Rarity paused for a moment... then turned her head to look at all her friends:

"I'm so sorry I had to leave like that, Twilight. You must think it awfully rude of me."

Twilight smiled in response, glad to hear her friend was acknowledging things that actually happened:

"It's okay, Rarity... You're here to get better. Think of this as a vacation!"

A smile spread itself across Rarity's face:

"I like that, Twilight... I like that."

Other than the washed out expression on her face, Rarity seemed to be acting normally. The mares all sighed in relief, and spent nearly an hour visiting their friend. They found she didn't have a whole lot to say... which is natural, since Rarity isn't the type of pony who likes to be cooped up, but Fluttershy was able to get her talking about fashion and the spa:

"I'm going to treat you to a mud bath once you get out of here, Rarity," said the yellow Pegasus. "You really deserve it!"

"That would be wonderful darling!" Replied the unblinking mare. "It would be nice to see the twins again."

Twilight felt Rarity was being herself again and relaxed all the more.

Once that conversation was worn out (which didn't take long), Dash mused about possibility commissioning Rarity to make her and Scootaloo sleek, matching outfits for exercise... something Twilight rolled her eyes over since Rarity was there to rest, but... the ivory mare was clearly making out plans in her head, another good sign. Apple Jack was planning to tip her hat soon, but enjoyed being able to kick back against the wall all too much. She thought maybe a few more minutes might be in order.

Rarity started talking about her family:

"Mother and Father are coming tomorrow," she said, still unblinking. "Why it's been so long I can hardly wait to see them! They sent me a letter and say they're going to keep the Carousel Boutique open for business while I'm in here! I just hope Sweetie Belle hasn't made too much of a mess making me a card... why, won't you please bring her next time?"

Just about everypony's blood froze. AJ, who was falling asleep against the wall, nearly fell over.

"Sweetie-what?" She yipped.

Fluttershy spoke up, approaching her ivory friend, attempting to look her in the eye:

"Rarity, Sweetie Belle's gone..."

The mare's response sounded surprised and irritated:

"Where? Back home? Why, I must have a talk with her if mother and father haven't already... She knows she's not old enough to ride the train by herself!"

A tear ran down Pinkie Pie's cheek as she spoke:

"Rarity, Sweetie's dead... a really long time."

Rarity smiled, making eye-contact with the pink mare... her pupils were large, dark voids:

"Don't be silly, Pinkie..."

Twilight approached, tenderly putting a hoof on Pinkie's shoulder as her hair fell straight. This was Pinkie's first exposure to this, and just by looking into Rarity's unfocused gaze she knew there was nothing any of them could say to convince her otherwise.

"No parties, no presents, no amount of giggling is ever gunna make this nasty thing go away..." Pinkie grumbled irritably, walking away.

"Come on, girls," said Apple Jack, pushing herself from the wall. "I'm gunna let Rarity rest for now and I suggest we all do the same. We can talk about this with her tomorrow."

"You will bring my sister then?" Rarity asked, turning to Apple Jack.

"Ah would if I could," responded the farm pony, walking towards the exit. "See ya tomorrow, Rarity, if Ah can find the time."

Twilight looked at Apple Jack as she exited and bowed her head in silence... she looked up at her two friends -- Fluttershy was exhausted and Pinkie now looked like she needed cheering up herself.

"Come on, girls... we can come back tomorrow."

"Yeah, you think I want to?" Grumbled Pinkie Pie, also walking towards the exit.

Rainbow Dash patted her on the back as she passed:

"I'm going to stay a bit longer, Twilight... you've got Spike to worry about, I can keep Rarity company. Besides, Scootaloo's here, too, and she's probably going to want an early morning visitor, too."

Twilight smiled at the cyan Pegasus:

"You really are a good friend, Rainbow." She turned to the bed as she took a step towards the door. "See you tomorrow, Rarity."

"Ta-ta for now, Twilight. I do hope you all feel better... you're ever so grouchy all of the sudden. Is there something I did wrong?"

"No, Rarity. We're all just stressed. Please understand."

"Pity."

Sad and frustrated, only twenty-percent of the group stayed behind... the rest left with their heads down. They hoped this would all fade in time, but no pony knew for sure... the real tragedy is only Twilight came back the next day.

Coda

The ponies went their separate ways... Apple Jack to the farm, Twilight to Spike, Fluttershy to her animals, and Pinkie to the bakery... Mrs. Cake told Pinkie to take the day off the moment she saw her, as she didn't quite look right. Pinkie ended up on her bed, staring up at the ceiling for many hours.

Pinkie's frizz returned later in that day after she heard the Cake's foals crying in the other room and went to entertain them. It took only moments of impersonating a train while playing to cheer the pink mare right up. She didn't forget, she just had having fun with the foals to focus on now.

When Twilight went into the library, Spike was nowhere to be found. She looked all over and found him in the most logical place... his bed. He was awake, she could hear him groaning under his covers. She approached and he opened them up. She didn't have to say anything... they both hugged. They spent the day playing board games and ate out for all three meals. Spike didn't have to lift a claw and for the first time in a very long time... Twilight blew the whole day off.

With all that had happened, Apple Jack was quite busy. It was her first day of bucking for 14 hours instead of 8. She couldn't sleep that night and neither could Rainbow Dash. Dash spent another hour visiting with Rarity, but found herself mostly talking about herself... conversations with the ivory mare quickly became one-sided with no other pony around, but as long as Dash was talking she felt okay. Eventually she got tired of it and left for Scootaloo... a pony she found much less difficult to talk to.

Fluttershy went through the motions of caring for her animals, upsetting Angel Bunny yet again, but he was always easy to offend in some way so she paid no attention... upsetting him all the more.

That night Twilight spent studying, looking up the potential consequences of exhaustion and heavy metal poisoning for a pony... it didn't look good. In fact, it looked so bad... she chose not to let her friends know. Hallucinations and odd behavior were only one aspect of it.

The next afternoon Rarity's parents arrived. They went to see her first thing and naturally thought she was just exhausted, but acting normally... until they got on the subject of Sweetie Belle, something the Nurses and Doctors had all warned them about. Hearing their living, breathing daughter talking about their late filly like she was still alive made Rarity's Mother cry and unsettled her Father... but he kept a straight-face for his two favorite mares. He threw up afterwards, though, when he was all alone.

Despite being disturbed, they had a job to do:

Rarity's Mother ran the shop, selling her hoof-crafted merchandise with very little knowledge of what she was actually selling. Her Father would be balancing the books and canceling all unfinished orders. He found himself reluctantly handing out refunds once he realized his daughter sometimes made almost more than he did in a week on a single order. They were both very proud of her... and very concerned for her well-being. As evening approached each day they paid her a visit... the hospital being known to bend the rules sometimes for family. Her parents were happy to be allowed in... and were the only ponies to know the results of their daughter's evaluation, which caused them to visit her even more.

Part 4, 6 -- "Love and Sacrifice"

"Love and Sacrifice"
6

The week passed, as they tend to do...

Rainbow Dash seemed completely fine on the outside. She still flew, she still worked, and whether her friends needed an extra hoof or a pair of wings... she was there in a flash.

Twilight had noticed Dash stopped taking her afternoon naps. She was always on the go, always offering help. The reality of Dash's situation was that, like many of her friends, she wasn't sleeping that much... and when she did manage to catch a wink or two she had nightmares about going back to the crash site to find Scootaloo dead. Scootaloo laid there in her dreams, looking like a little puppet... a little toy. Everything she loved about the little filly was gone... she was just a thing that was going to decay just like every other thing does. As a result of her insomnia, she found it very hard to remain focused at work. After a few days there was a minor mishap... RD jumped on a black cloud and accidentally shocked a few earth ponies while out on weather patrol. It was nothing terrible, but they sent her home for the blunder. Following that she took a couple days off to clear her head. Of course she didn't rest much during that time... she used her new found free time to visit Scootaloo, but not Rarity.

When Dash was with Scootaloo, everything outside their little world didn't matter anymore. The older Pegasus would muse to the little filly during each visit about spending more time together once she got out... which sounded good to them both.

Scootaloo was scheduled to be taken from Ponyville in just a couple months. Rainbow didn't know whether it would be a good idea to tell her. Part of her said "live in the now!" while the other half shouted "prepare for the future!" She couldn't make her mind up, even if it meant her life... so she discussed the matter with her friends. The reality was disheartening, as they didn't know what was right either... some said tell her and some of them said don't:

"Both ideas are right." Said Twilight.

Dash had Spike write Princess Celestia a letter asking for her for advice. The Princess's response was quick, and Dash's smile faded as Spike read it aloud. Celestia couldn't tell Rainbow Dash what to do either, but would offer support in any way she could. The response said more or less "I understand your predicament" and pointed out the advantages and disadvantages of both. Rainbow knew she didn't want to let anything happen to Scootaloo, so she had to do something... even if her friends couldn't help.

Dash wasn't ready to be a mother. That was true. Pinkie Pie didn't have the space or maturity to have a filly of her own around all the time. Twilight was too obligated to her studies. Fluttershy took care of animals and that had to come first. Apple Jack didn't know what her living conditions would be in a couple months, and Rarity was indefinitely unavailable.

It took three things to adopt in Ponyville -- a clean criminal record, a clean place to live that would not endanger the filly, and an income which could support two. RD had two of those things, seeing how the filly couldn't fly... she also had a strong urge to do right. At least the five had criteria with which to search...

They asked all the ponies they knew who would make good candidates -- Cherilee, the Cakes, Berry Punch, Lyra and Bonbon, Cherry Berry, Octavia, even the more aloof mares Derpy Hooves and Vinyl Scratch. All these ponies had taken her in before, if only for a couple of days. They were very hopeful, but no pony could say yes. They all had their own dreams and obligations, all of which were not compatible with having a filly (or another filly, in the case of the Cakes and Derpy) at the time. It was back to square one...

"What about a joint adoption?" Fluttershy suggested one day while having brunch at the library with Dash. "Between you and me, and Twilight? Certainly we could juggle her until she got old enough..."

"It wouldn't work," said Twilight. "We'd need to be in the same household... unless we got married to each other."

"Yeah, that ain't happening," said Dash, laughing despite her frustration. "I like you girls, but not like that."

It was an idea, though.. not marriage, but joint adoption. It showed the girls were really trying despite how bleak things were looking. Rainbow Dash was the element of Loyalty, and she felt sick enough leaving so many ponies she cared so much about in these hopeless situations. Scootaloo's approaching fate devastated her; the unknowns with Rarity's condition disturbed her, and the idea of Apple Jack losing her farm destroyed her. She was in a state where she didn't know much of anything for sure anymore... but she did know that she was sick of feeling helpless. Too many late nights with thoughts on her mind which would wither her to nothing if she didn't do something soon.

That was when she got inspired.

* * *

It was early morning, before the sun even rose. Rainbow Dash flew to Celestia's castle in Canterlot. The princess was not up yet, and it would be another hour for her to bring the sun out... the guards were vehement about keeping RD out of her chamber, lest the Celestia be late. They barred her path with crossed pikes.

"Please let me see Celestia," Dash pleaded. "I have to ask her for advice face-to-face. It's important... I've been up for days!"

"You can wait just like any other pony!" Snapped the guard on the left.

She looked to both guards on either side of the door and remembered the cold stare she got from the staff by the emergency vehicle... this was no different. They weren't going to let her in and she knew it, and trying to force her way in could get her badly injured or killed. She lowered her eyes and began to drift away:

"Okay... I'll be waiting over here until she's ready."

The guards smirked to each other, happy to have enforced their precious rules.

"Let her in," echoed a booming voice from behind the door. "The moon is at rest, and if Celestia can not speak to her yet, Luna will!"

The guards uncrossed their weapons as the door opened, lowering their heads in submission to the Princess's will.

"Step inside, Rainbow Dash..." said the gentle voice of Luna. "Tell Luna your troubles, and perhaps I shall help thou come up with a working plan... My time is yours."

Smiling, Dash accepted the invention. The door closed behind her.

* * *

A few days passed...

At dusk, Apple Jack looked out over her apple orchards. At this point she was showing signs of fatigue and depression that rivaled Rarity's, constantly having the black suited ponies' visits on her mind. Yet she still worked like there was a tomorrow, as was the Apple way. Rainbow Dash rested beside her on a stump, listening to her as the breeze blew by them. Rainbow, for the first time in weeks, was smiling... though looking almost exhausted as her friend. AJ thought perhaps she had finally lost her mind, but naturally didn't share it.

"I'm really gunna lose it all, Rainbow," Apple Jack said, sighing dejectedly.

Dash clearly wasn't out of ideas yet:

"I wouldn't say that, AJ. Have you thought about having a promotion... something to get business moving? Maybe early cider sales?"

"Yeah. I have, RD." Apple Jack laughed. "Even if it were feasible, that'd just be a drop in the bucket. There ain't nothing Ah can do."

"Nothing? So you're giving up?"

"'Afraid it's coming to that..."

Rainbow Dash looked her friend in the eyes:

"So you're just giving up? We all have our problems, AJ... heck, I'm gunna lose Scootaloo soon and you think I'm not thinking about things I can still do?"

"Yeah, well you can always adopt her before that, you know." The farm pony laughed. "Wanna adopt my farm while you're at it?"

Rainbow looked at her hooves dejectedly:

"Yeah, I know I can just adopt her." She paused, gritting her teeth and sighing "You know what, AJ... I can't let this happen."

Again, Apple Jack laughed:

"What do you mean? You gunna save Scootaloo?"

The Pegasus smiled wide:

"I don't know. What if I were to tell you I could at least make your problems go away...?"

Apple Jack did not look amused:

"Oh, come off it RD... How are you fixing to do that? It'd take a fortune! Not even ma whole family can help... not the whole town can help, not even Celestia!"

The Pegasus spread her wings and turned towards the sky:

"Trust me, AJ. I have an idea."

"Fine.... grateful as I am, though, I think you're just cloud talkin', RD... and I'll thank you not to do no more of it."

Rainbow looked back and grinned smugly:

"You'll see who's head's in the clouds..."

The Pegasus took off before her friend even had a chance to reply. Apple Jack just shook her head... even she knew things always fought the hardest before they give up and die.

* * *

A week later...

Rainbow Dash passed awe-struck ponies on her way through Ponyville. She'd come all the way from Canterlot pulling a cart she insisted on pulling herself, two armed guards on either side. The journey took half a day, but it was worth it. The populace of Ponyville had never seen so many boxes stacked on one cart -- stacked thick, wooden chests with metal trim -- filled the cart literally to the brim.

Surprisingly, although she garnered quite a bit of attention, few ponies actually followed her to her destination outside of Ponyville. The guards were off-putting enough to deter that, boredom got the better of the rest. She continued on, passing apple trees, until she saw the two haggard Apple heirs working in the field.

"Apple Jack!" She shouted, once she was in ear shot. "Big Mac!"

The farm ponies turned their heads and looked at the distant Pegasus with the large cart and entourage.

"What'd ya want, RD?" Apple Jack shouted. "Me and my brother are very, very busy here!"

"Ee-yup!" Shouted Big Mac in agreement, his voice hoarser sounding than usual.

"Come here!" Shouted RD.

"Ah don't have time for your foolishness right now!" Replied the farm pony.

"Come here!" She shouted again.

"Why don't you come here!" Hollered Big Mac.

"Fine..." Grumbled the cyan mare, climbing the steep hill before her.

As she climbed the hill and cursed Apple Jack, she took a breath... this would all be explained in seconds.

She was nearly there when she her hoof buckled... the guards with her attempted to grab hold of the cart, but it weighed far too much and they could not keep their grip. The cart went down the hill with RD attached... down, down, down until it finally slammed into a tree, wrecking the cart and sending the cyan pony flying into the dirt. That got Apple Jack and Big Mac to come running.

"Rainbow, Rainbow!" Shouted Apple Jack at the downed Pegasus. "Are you okay?"

"Gah...." Dash attempted to stand and seemed fine, until her foreleg buckled again, this time with a snap. She fell over to her side, crying. Rainbow looked up at her friends around her, biting her lip in agony with tears streaming down her face. "AJ... I think I broke my shoulder. It really hurts!"

Apple Jack helped her up into a seated position, taking the weight off her front legs.

"You're going to be okay, Sugarcube," the farm pony said tenderly. "You just took a nasty spill. Maybe ya broke something, we can't worry about that now.."

"Just make sure nothing happens to that cart," Rainbow said, motioning over to the wrecked wagon. "Promise me you won't let anything happen to it. The guards can't be here forever, AJ."

"I promise, I promise... What's in it that's so important?"

"Bits... tons of bits. Too much for me to have carried on my own, I'm starting to think. It'll make your problems go away."

Apple Jack's eyes went with both fear and surprise:

"Rainbow Dash! How in Equestria did you-"

"Don't ask, AJ! Don't. All that matters is I could help you. I don't want to see you lose your farm."

Getting up, Apple Jack turned to Big Mac:

"Stay with her... I'm faster than you. I gotta hoof it to Fluttershy's pronto to get help!"

"Ee-yup."

Apple Jack was gone in a flash, leaving the guards and Big Mac surrounding the cart. Big Mac curiously peered at the wreckage, only to have one of the guards step in his way with his pike held out:

"Let him look," said Rainbow. "It's for the Apples, and he's an Apple."

The guard lowered his eyes in the same way he had for Luna, making way for the larger farm pony.

The cart contained many chests, and the crash had cracked a few. Big Mac could clearly see through the cracks the chests were full of golden bits. More than he'd ever seen.

"Ah don't know what you did, RD," he said, looking back at her. "But I'm forever in your debt."

Rainbow Dash was in too much pain to appreciate what he was saying:

"Just... give me a barrel of cider or something and we'll call it even, 'kay?"

"Can do."

Coda

Rainbow Dash was taken to the hospital by the same drivers who had taken Scootaloo... the trip seemed to go even slower as the passenger. She was treated by Dr. Stable for a fractured shoulder and kept overnight, on the same floor as her favorite filly... but not in the same room, of course.

Her friends visited her that night. Big Mac and Apple Bloom were there, too, the adults having napped a few winks following Rainbow's delivery. They all thanked her, except for Apple Bloom, who just gave her a hug and said was glad she was alright. This made Dash smile.

She'd be out in a day, only to come right back in and see Scootaloo. What she'd done to get those Bits had no effect on the problem with her favorite filly, but at least she'd made a difference.

Apple Jack stayed after once the ponies went their separate ways. The time was a blur... She just talked to Dash, and expressed her gratitude... Rainbow remained quiet as she confessed her own plans about going to jail. Neither had to say anything, they just hugged... Rainbow had truly averted a crisis for Apple Jack. She truly was the most wonderful, most loyal pony AJ had ever met.

But she'd done nothing for Scootaloo or Rarity. That kept her up after AJ left and she was all alone once again...

Part 4, 7 -- "Together Again"

"Together Again"
7

Twilight visited Rarity after seeing Dash, a small filly trailing behind her in the shadows. Rarity's room was dark but she seemed the same... neither good nor bad, which brought a smile to Twilight's face. At least the mare was resting well. News got shared all the same, as it seemed right to keep Rarity in the loop:

"Rainbow Dash was hurt while making a delivery, but she's okay. She's in the hospital, too... with a broken shoulder, but she's still Rainbow Dash. That makes, uh, three of us in here now."

"Wonderful." Replied the still mare.

"Yes... well," Twilight blinked her eyes. "Aren't you at least a little curious as to how it happened?"

Rarity chuckled:

"I figure it's just Rainbow Dash being Rainbow Dash. She's been here before, after all."

Twilight laughed in response:

"Actually, you're not far off... from what I can tell Rainbow just wanted to be the hero, all the way, of course... typical Rainbow Dash. Apple Jack's doing better now, too, by the way... looks like she might not lose her farm after all, and it's because of Rainbow. I don't know what she did, but it worked..."

"Splendid."

"Yes, well, uh... Apple Bloom's here, too, if you want to say hi. We kind of wanted to keep her away from the hospital and out having fun... I'm sure you understand."

"Yes, Twilight, I do understand. And no... no, thank you. I don't care to have Apple Bloom or Pinkie Pie, or any other nosiey pony in here right now. I'm here to rest... remember Twilight? You said that... what, maybe a week ago?"

"Yes, but... Apple Bloom would be really excited to see you. She fixed the scooter you gave Scootaloo with her cousin, and I'd imagine has a lot of interesting things to tell you... some of which might make you laugh. Laughter is the best medicine, you know."

Rarity faked a laugh, but ended up coughing:

"I'm just plain not in the mood tonight... I'm very tired, and I'm sure you understand. Good bye for now, Twilight?"

Twilight walked up to the bed and gave her resting friend a hug.

"Okay Rarity... rest up. I'll be back tomorrow."

Twilight was already on her way out when she heard Rarity chuckle:

"I've heard that before."

Twilight lowered her head:

"I mean it this time, Rarity. Really! We've just been so busy trying to help Scootaloo, who could be taken away, and Apple Jack... who could have been displaced, we haven't had much time or energy! I'm sorry..."

"And I believe you, Twilight. But a mare takes a long time to fall into my current state... longer than a mere couple of weeks, wouldn't you say?"

Twilight sighed:

"The fact that you're aware of this makes me really happy and... I promise I'll give you more time. We all will. Good night for now?"

Rarity did not respond.

"Uh... Rarity? Please say something."

"Twilight..." Rarity put a hoof to her face, not in annoyance but rather rub a sense of discomfort away. "Good bye."

Twilight walked out of her room, past the filly standing right outside the door, and looked back. Rarity had shut her eyes and pulled her sleeping blind over her face. Perhaps all she did need was a little rest and quiet that night.

"AJ was right..." echoed Twilight's words, as she walked down the hall. "I shouldn't have brought Apple Bloom. Glad I didn't."

* * *

Having withdrawn into a fine point, Rarity felt at ease... at least as much as she could. Her side itched intensely where she had drawn the tattoo, but it was nothing she wasn't tough enough to bear. Adding to the discomfort, however, her fur was coming back in (she had successfully managed to color the follicles). She was plagued all the time by horrible headaches and brilliant lights flashing in her head as she tried to sleep each night... the mask did little to help with that, but still she tried to sleep. Even a little rest was better than nothing.

Rarity yawned loudly in an almost unladylike-like way, stretching. She giggled, scratching her side. It didn't take her long to lapse into this very relaxed, crude behavior... having most everything done for her felt wonderful, though she felt quite empty without her friends to talk to. It seemed hours passed, and the mare finally felt like she was drifting off...

A small, high-pitched voice caused Rarity to jump:

"Uh, hi Rarity!"

The ivory mare pulled off her sleeping mask in an instant and looked to the side. Standing right next to her bed was none other than Sweetie Belle, smiling anxiously up at her big sister.

"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity looked around herself, trying to find the clock on the wall. The room was too dark to see and it sounded as though the clock had stopped. Rarity still went into big sister mode. "Do you have any idea what time it is? ... not that I mind seeing you."

"I dunno what time it is, sis... time doesn't really seem to matter much anymore where I've been. I heard you telling Twilight you didn't want visitors right now. Do you want me to go away again, Rarity?

"No!" Rarity sharply cried, motioning towards her little sister with both hooves." Again, she rubbed her face with a hoof and slowed down. "What I mean to say, dear, is I think I'll make an exception for you..."

"Great!" With a leap, Sweetie Belle jumped into the hospital bed beside her big and snuggled up tight.

Rarity shut her eyes, embraced her sister, and took in a breath... tears instantly streaming down her face. Oddly she didn't feel wet, but she knew they were there. Rarity could smell her little sister Sweetie Belle, just as she remembered... and hugging tightly took her back almost a year. This was her smell, her touch, her long missed embrace... the mare kissed the filly on the cheek and sighed.

Opening her eyes, Rarity had one thing to say:

"Sweetie Belle... I've missed you so much." She looked down at the filly's flank, and could see the her little Cutie Mark of 8th notes even in the dim light. "Oh, my, that is a lovely Cutie Mark!"

"You were there when I got it, silly!" Sweetie replied, laughing. "I've been singing a lot lately, too! Apple Jack's parents listen sometimes and tell me I'm really good."

"Apple Jack's parents?" Parroted Rarity. "I've never met them... she doesn't like to talk much about them. I always assumed they'd passed on."

"They're really nice and they make the best apple pie I've ever had!"

Sweetie Belle began to jump on the side of the bed, which surprisingly didn't irritate her big sister or hurt her side (which no longer itched, either)... a smile spread itself over Rarity's face. For once in a very long time, she was having fun.

"When I get out of here, I must meet them," the Unicorn said, watching her sister bounce. "I'd simply love to try their pie sometime."

"You can go meet them any time you want to, Rarity," replied Sweetie Belle, cheerfully. "All you have to do is get up and I'll show you where they are."

"You... know where they are?"

"Duh, yeah!" Sweetie Belle giggled, continuing to bounce. "They're in the most wonderful meadow. We're all there together. It's bigger than Sweet Apple Acres and has all kinds of animals and plants, and plenty of fillies and colts for me to play with! Some are Blank Flanks, but that's okay... they don't get made fun of. There's grown-up ponies that are a lot like you, too. They talk about fashion and work together to make things for everypony because it makes them feel good. There're all kinds of ponies there and they're all really nice! Even Princess Celestia and Luna come there sometimes, too, but I think they're going to be mad at me because that was supposed to be a secret. Oh, I really want to show you this meadow... but, the Princesses say you have to be ready! They sent me to ask you if you're ready or not." Sweetie Belle stopped jumping and looked down at her sister. "Are you?"

"Oh, Sweetie," said a wide-eyed Rarity. "That sounds wonderful! I'd love to see it, but I'm not sure that I'm ready. I'm here to rest, you see... perhaps another time?"

The filly looked up at her big sister and smiled:

"Oh, okay... but can I ask you something before I have to go, Rarity?"

"Of course, Sweetie Belle! You can ask anything."

"Do you feel tired now?"

Rarity paused, scanning her body... she noted right away that no part of her hurt, itched, or felt tired any longer. It was odd, but welcome relief at the same time. In fact, she would have ventured to say to (if Dr. Stable had asked) that she felt as energetic as one of her sister's filly friends.

Rarity smiled at her sister.

"You don't feel tired, do you, Rarity?"

"No, I don't... not one bit." The mare sighed. "Sweetie Belle, I do wish you didn't have to leave so soon... no pony's really visited me. Between the headaches and the loneliness, I really haven't been very happy here. Sometimes I see you and we get close enough to hug, but then I wake up in the strangest places... on the floor of my shop, on the street, even talking to my friends. It can be very frightening! The Doctors tell me I'm also having seizures!"

"It doesn't have to be that way, Rarity." Sweetie hugged her sister, looking up at her with piercing green eyes. "They tell me if you stay here you're just going to get really tired, and you're going to have worse head aches and more seizures... it won't get any better."

"Celestia and Luna say this?"

Sweetie Belle nodded:

"They don't want you to suffer. Princess Celestia says you've put so much of yourself into making others happy, she and Princess Luna just want you to have peace... but, you here can stay as long as you want. They'll send me back when you're ready."

Rarity stroked the filly's mane as she cuddled up again and thought on the proposition she was just given:

"What do you want me to do, Sweetie Belle?"

Sweetie Belle smiled, shuffling her hooves nervously over the floor:

"I want to stay here with you, Rarity. That way we can be together forever!"

"But it doesn't work that way... does it?"

Sweetie Belle shook her head, looking as if she was going to cry. Rarity gently patted her eye with the sheet, even though no liquid came. Rarity turned her little sister's head so they were face-to-face:

"Sweetie, we can't stay here in this... limbo. It's much too dark! It sounds to me like this meadow's a lot happier of a place than my icky hospital room. Would you please show it to me? I'm ready to see it."

Sweetie Belle's face instantly lit up. She gently jumped off the bed, her hooves making no sound as they came in contact with the hard floor:

"Come on, Rarity!"

"Coming," Rarity said, as she slowly got up. "Easy does it, Rarity... you haven't been on your hooves in over a week."

Despite her hesitation, Rarity soon found herself standing with ease, feeling completely unencumbered by her state. She looked back in her bed and saw herself laying there... mouth open, mask still on her face. She didn't appear to be asleep... or breathing.

I'm dead. She thought, explicitly. Or dying. I can't let this happen yet...

Rarity turned to her sister, getting second thoughts. Sweetie Belle was in the door, looking at her with a joyous smile. She took two step towards her sister with the intention of opening her mouth and expressing her hesitation, and her reservations completely melted away. Those two steps brought a sense of warmth to her being that felt familiar and natural, as if from some distant, far off dream. This... where she was headed... was where she was always meant to be.

"I'm not afraid," she said, aloud, taking another step towards her sister.

"Come on!" Exclaimed Sweetie Belle, turning the corner to the right. "It's this way!"

Rarity turned the corner in the same direction as her sister. Before her was Sweetie Belle, and behind that filly a brilliant light, bathing both ponies in its transcendent glow. So far off, and yet so close... there it was. Sweetie Belle was turned to her sister. She laughed, her voice echoing in the great hall. She turned, and Rarity followed... heading off to a place where there would be no more pain and they would be together forever.

Part 4, 8 -- "Too Early, Too Late"

"Too Early, Too Late"
8

It was early afternoon. Celestia's sun shone high above, casting down new rays of promise...

The festive sounds of a party echoed from the Sugarcube Corner. Inside was a big celebration and, as always, everypony pony was welcome. This party was for a special occasion and Pinkie Pie had invited a special group this time... she was excited to see Big Mac and Granny Smith show up, crossing their names off the list. Even Gummy joined in, rolling around on his little pink ball, looking at all the ponies having fun, not entirely understanding what the party was for, but glad another one was being thrown.

Though Bits had yet to exchange hooves, the Apple family would be keeping their farm; even Apple Bloom knew this since the night before. Telling her was bad judgment on AJ's part, but her family supported the decision after the words left her mouth... after all, she had to say something to explain all that was going on, especially with RD injured and a fortune on their lawn. The truth was difficult for the filly to swallow and then put behind herself, especially seeing how she had no clue anything was going on to begin with. The shock almost brought her to tears and kept her up half the night worrying about what could have been... but wasn't. The comforting words of an adult pony, even all three of her family members together, meant nothing since they'd been keeping the truth from her... what else could they be hiding? Thoughts of the unknown racked her mind, but she slept soundly once she did drift off... for fewer hours than a young filly such as herself, with school and chores, should have been sleeping. She would get over it... she'd learned not to hold grudges.

Pinkie Pie was having the time of her life being Pinkie Pie and serving her friends at the party. Playful music, bright lights, games, candy and sweet buns were set out for both lunch and desert. This entire escapade was on her, as they usually were when she threw a party (though working at the Sugar cube Corner usually landed her a good discount). Pinkie even went so far as to put together three small take-out bags for Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash, and, Rarity... this way all her friends could be included in the fun. This was everyone's victory, after all.

Apple Bloom and Spike were enjoying a game of Pin the Tail on the Pony. Spike thought of Rarity while Apple Bloom thought of Scootaloo. Both enjoyed the game, even the older, posh mare. Spike was going to see her later that day and tell her how much he missed her, that things hadn't been the same without her. She'd look rested, make sense, and be happy to see him... he hoped, at least. With a grand new day as it was, he felt pumped.

The adult ponies were excited, too, but for reasons other than Apple Jack's victory. Rainbow Dash was getting out of the hospital that day. She'd have her right foreleg in a sling and have to limp for a couple weeks, but her friends would be there for her. They'd embarrass her, of course... each knew the cyan Pegasus well enough to know the whole dependency-thing really wasn't her cup of tea. A lesser injury had her in the hospital for mere days on the verges of a nervous breakdown. Dash needed to be in the fresh air, so they'd keep her busy... it was the least they could do. She'd helped them all before, time and time again... especially Apple Jack.

With a little ding-a-ling of the door bell, Pinkie became suddenly aware of two other ponies in the Corner. Though she was partying with her friends, she was still at work, and serving her guests came first. She ran up to the door with a huge smile on her face and saw the two ponies waiting face-to-face. They were Rarity's parents. Out of their usual attire and with sombre eyes, they looked as though they could use some cheering up. As always, Pinkie Pie was on the job:

"Pearl! Magnum! Come in!" Pinkie laughed. "Join the party!"

"Pinkie..." said Magnum softly, glancing at his wife. "We're not here to party... Pearl, I think we should come back in a few hours. Let them have their fun."

"No, they need to know this, Magnum" replied the older mare, tears welling up in her eyes. "And we need to tell them..."

Magnum sympathetically put his foreleg around his wife as Apple Jack and Fluttershy gathered around.

"Somethin' the matter?" Asked AJ.

"These two have something to say," said Pinkie. "I don't know what it could be, but Pearl's crying!" Pinkie walked up and gave her a loving hug. "Don't cry, Pearl! Rarity wouldn't want you to ruin your make-up! We're all going to see her in just a little bit!"

That didn't help one bit. Pearl went from crying to flat-out bawling. She wasn't wearing any make-up to ruin... she hadn't cared to put any on, but Pinkie was oblivious to that. By this point Pearl had Twilight's attention, as well as the attention of Granny Smith and Big Mac.

The music seemed to fade away, though it was still playing in a fun little loop far off. It didn't matter anymore to anypony drawn to the door. Apple Bloom and Spike were too lost in their game on the other side of the room to have noticed at first, if it weren't for the fact that no pony was watching them anymore... noticed once Spike removed the blindfold having hit his mark square.

"What's wrong?" Pinkie asked Pearl, now genuinely concerned.

She felt a hoof gently and slowly touching her shoulder. She looked back to see Granny Smith. The elderly mare shook her head and motioned for Pinkie to take a few steps back.

Magnum sighed, looking at the floor. He stomped his hoof once in frustration, gritting his teeth. Now they had everypony's attention.

"Rarity died last night in her sleep," he said.

The entire room heard this. Spike and Apple Bloom were most quickly affected -- the former withdrew into a tiny little ball, while the filly's jaw dropped in horror. Twilight didn't bat an eye, let alone blink, while Apple Jack removed her hat, looking at the floor. Tears formed in Fluttershy's eyes while Pinkie's fluffy hair instantly deflated as though she'd been hit by a big wall of ice cold water. Granny Smith and Big Mac remained stone-faced, but were devastated all the same.

Magnum continued:

"We knew this might happen. What was going on was a lot worse than we told you... she was very sick but we held out hope. I guess it was for nothing. I just want my little girl back."

A long peircing silence silence passed over them. No pony knew what to say, but everypony was compelled to say something. At last everypony, even Spike and Granny Smith, looked to Twilight... who's lip was quivering:

"Is there anything we can do for you?" She finally asked, her voice breaking slightly at the grim news.

"You were all very good friends to her. She spoke fondly of you all." Again, Magnum let out a heavy sigh. "There's nothing you can do for us. Thanks for asking, though."

The mustachio'd Unicorn put a foreleg around his wife, hugging her tightly. The two ponies then turned away and left the building, leaving their daughter's friends to soak in the bad news... they weren't there to comfort, but share and find comfort in their own release.

* * *

That afternoon, only Apple Jack and her family would be leaving for the hospital. Pinkie and Fluttershy were too disturbed, and Twilight needed to comfort Spike... the dragon remained silent. She tried to get him to talk on the way back to the library, but he said nothing. Not even at the offering of gems did he even twitch. The drake sat through dinner, his meal undisturbed, and didn't cry until later... when he was snuggled up against Twilight in her bed and she was fast asleep. Even then it would have been barely precipitable to anypony, except for Spike. It was a sleepless, agonizing night for the poor baby dragon.

Apple Jack went into Rainbow's room a bit before her discharge. She was already in a sling and Nurses were taking her vitals when the farm pony stepped in. RD knew from the way AJ removed her hat that something bad had happened. Seeing how the family was right behind her, her first guess was Scootaloo. AJ shook her head and replied one word:

"Rarity."

With that word, tears welled up in Rainbow's eyes.

"Dead?"

Apple Jack nodded. Though AJ's approach had been a big tip off, somehow the Pegasus just knew...

Half an hour later out in the long hall of the hospital, having gone right back in, still in her wheel chair... Rainbow Dash and Apple Jack argued.

"I don't think we should tell Scootaloo yet, AJ," said RD. "She's been through enough."

"Yeah, and you remember what happened last time we weren't honest with her about one of her friends dying."

"This is totally different! She's here to rest and get healthy and strong! Imagine if somepony laid on Apple Bloom that Scootaloo had died just when she knew she was about to lose her home..."

Apple Jack sighed:

"Ya know... yer makin' a good point for once."

"For once?" Rainbow grinned. "AJ sometimes... the truth can be... what's that word Twilight uses? Counter-productive, I think?"

"Reckon I know what ya mean." Apple Jack put her hat back on and sighed. "To think I brought ma family along to help soften the blow... ya wanna come back to the Acres with me then?"

"Nah," Rainbow Dash got out of the chair and limped towards her friend. "Even though Scootaloo would be better off not knowing... she probably would still like a surprise visit from everypony."

"Well, Apple Bloom can't keep her mouth shut in this shape," said Apple Jack, thinking. "And Ah need to comfort her together with the rest of the family. Y'all can catch up if ya like. Gunna be a while until you're able to make it up to Cloudsdale again, ain't it?"

"Tell me about it," Rainbow replied, staring at her sling. "I'll be alright, AJ... it's just going to take me longer than usual. I'll be with you tonight, maybe Twilight tomorrow... 'kay?"

"Works for me. You're always welcome at The Acres."

Rainbow Dash and Apple Jack parted ways. The former went to visit Scootaloo's room empty hooved... the packages made by Pinkie rotted in the Corner.

Part 4, 9 -- "Masks No More"

"Masks No More"
9

The funeral was a mere two days later. Rarity's ashes, like Sweetie Belle's, were set on a pillar for her friends to quietly meditate over...

Ponies gathered in black once more, even some business associates that loved her dearly. Hoity Toity came unmade-up, for once, and without servants. The vain Earth Pony looked remarkably average outside of his glamorous comfort zone. Sapphire Shores sat opposite from him, though no pony knew it was her, and she looked plain. Photo Finish came out of her disguise, another unrecognized pop icon, blending in and looking ordinary like everypony else. All that cared for Rarity, even in the most professional capacity, were there, together just as ponies... to celebrate her life. All but Scootaloo... No pony told the young Pegasus what happened, and they wouldn't for a long while.

It was a very gray day, hazy and cold. Rainbow Dash had made it of her own power, among the last to arrive because of the cold and her inability to fly, but that would take mere weeks for her to get back to normal. The Elements welcomed her... she noticed a place left for a sixth pony and said nothing. She saw the oversight and knew what it meant... or maybe it wasn't an oversight. She didn't know and didn't want to press her friends. She sat silently next to Spike, in his little pitch black suit, comforting him with a hoof... he didn't look up or didn't speak the entire time. Nor did Applebloom, hiding behind her veil once more, on the otherside of him.

Each Element took a turn at the podium saying something meaningful about their dearly departed friend. They shared memories of triumpths and togetherness, stories of her generosity, and the love they all felt for their lost ivory friend... it did nothing to bring her back. Rarity was gone, just like her sister. Both her parents spoke about their daughter, but focused more on her friends... how they had helped her become a more well-rounded, caring individual. How they had taken a pony who could have gone in one direction and balanced her out so that she was the best she could be. They thanked each of them for that. With memories of Rarity acting her most childish during a storm that stranded them both, Apple Jack lost it.

The funeral was over soon enough and the ponies dispersed, off to their own lives. The ashes were taken and each pony felt a bareness in their heart which could never truly heal over.

* * *

A week later Rainbow Dash's shoulder was healing nicely. She was resting in a hammock at Sweet Apple Acres, drinking sweet cider from the family's own supply when the Suited Ponies showed up, silently slinking across the ground. They didn't slink confidently for very long. She watched as they practically retreated at the sight of Big Mac bringing out barrel after barrel of her own bits. They looked to each other, both baffled and displeased as they were presented the bits and a tally. Perhaps that was because they'd have to call on others for help and stand around... in their black suits... soaking up the hot sun. AJ still offered them a drink all the same. Rainbow laughed at them... they clearly had no clue how they were going to get it back to where they came from since this bills was designed to be nearly impossible for AJ to pay without destroying herself.

It took hours and another cart, with three strong ponies to pull what RD had once pulled by herself. Rainbow drank a few more ciders, which she was naturally able to get herself. Then she played dumb and innocent, walking up to the ponies and asking what was going on with crossed eyes. She asked if she could help... with her bad shoulder in a sling. They were polite but clearly not in the mood to chat... so she talked about the weather, and how she helps with the weather, and all the types of clouds there are, different storm patterns, and, of course, the winter wrap-up procedures... since they looked like pretty "corporate-type ponies," as she observed, they must be interested in all that. Being harassed by a cyan crossed-eyed Pegasus, with the entire Apple family looking over their shoulder periodically, they were in no position to get cross... and Rainbow Dash just ate that up. Even Apple Jack cracked up behind a few of the barrels.

Once the Suited Ponies were gone, Apple Jack felt a HUGE weight off her shoulders. She turned to Rainbow and opened her mouth:

"Thank you again, RD! I don't know how you did that, but you-"

"And thank you for the cider, AJ," Rainbow Dash smiled. "I'm not telling you how I did it, even if you ask me a million times."

"Well, alright then..."

Rainbow turned to the road... thinking about taking a walk at this point to clear her head when, off in the distance, she saw a certain Grey Pegasus making her descent towards the farm, with a blue saddlebag.

"Right on cue, Derpy," Apple Jack chuckled. "Any bills she's got for me'll be a welcome change from what I just had to deal with."

She came down from the skies with surprising grace, stopping in front of AJ and smiling:

"Lemme see..." She said, going through her bag. "Ah! Here Apple Jack! You have just one letter today. I've passed out quite a few of these type of letters earlier! Oh! You have one too, Rainbow Dash."

Derpy passed the two ponies a a couple of unusual, identical letters. With fancy writing, a purple envelope, and lacy trim... it looked almost like Rarity had sent it.

"Bye-bye now!"

Derpy then flew back up into the sky, but neither pony looked up. Apple Jack opened the letter and read just a few words. That was enough...

"Rainbow," she said, looking up at her friend. "In 'bout 5 days we gotta go to Canterlot... to discuss Rarity's Will."

Rainbow didn't have to open her own to know it contained an identical message. She sighed, turning to the road which lead towards the spot she took Scootaloo.

"I'm taking a walk, AJ... I'll see you for dinner."

"Alright Rainbow," replied Apple Jack, hanging her head.

Despite their reason for joy, they both felt empty once more.

Part 4, 10 -- "Even in Death..."

10
"Even in Death..."

The week passed by in a haze.

Seven ponies were summoned to Canterlot by their copy of a fancy note. High above the city in one of the great Celestial towers, usually reserved only for Equestrian Business, they gathered together... all brought by one cart.

The cart had arrived at the Library. They were welcome to find their way under their own power, though to do Rarity's memory justice they'd abide by her request within the note and "arrive in style". It was one of Celestia's carts, most regal, which she had no trouble lending out for this venture, completely free... not per Rarity's request this time, but to honor her generous nature. Celestia was inspired... Celestia, who could transcend life to the next at will, could see Rarity and Sweetie Belle any time she'd like... but still felt very sad and empty for their dear friends, especially since she could not tell them of the joys and wonders that awaited them... lest even one of them bring about her death in haste. Such was the way things must be.

Despite the fact that Rainbow Dash was barely able to get into the air... she took the cart, too. It was a given that she still could not work yet, and yet she worked at her wing power long and hard when not visiting Scootaloo. The mare saw results for her diligence within days of starting. She only hoped she could show her idol the same joy soon enough.

The ponies all knew why they were there. Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Apple Jack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and even Mr. and Mrs. Cake were together, sitting at a long, rectangular shaped table. Celestia and Luna sat off to the side, overlooking the meeting. Rarity's parents were absent, as this act, as wonderful as it was, would inadvertently disperse the memory of their daughter within her hometown... something they couldn't bring to do to either of their daughters' ashes.

* * *

It was mid-day. One lone Unicorn stallion, dressed in garbs similar to Hoity Toity, approached the head of the table with a golden scroll levitated high next to him. His sunglasses, black and round, reflected back the images of Rarity's friends... each pony saw the same mixture of sadness and excitement on their own faces they also saw in each other. The only stone-faced figures were Celestia and Luna, attentively watching over the meeting...

The impressive stallion cleared his throat, opening the scroll:

"I represent the last Will and Testament of the pony known as Rarity. Though she passed on at a mere 24 years old, she leaves behind a legacy of joy and wonder affecting so many ponies... great and small... all over Equestria." He looked up at the faces of her friends through his glasses. In their reflection they saw no more excitement on their faces. "I've gone through a list of deeds complied by the Princesses and I can say, from an outsider's perspective, that she was the embodiment of Inspiration and Generosity. Even after placing myself in the most cynical of mindsets, I cannot ascribe even one iota of doubt to contradict that everything she did for others she did purely from an altruistic nature. Many have morned her loss, yet even in death... she wishes to give everything that made her special to those that helped make her special."

The Unicorn, despite his festive attire, was emotionally cold in his reading... yet he said so many wonderful things about Rarity. The words were devastating, it was as if she had just died once more. Even Twilight and Apple Jack shed a few tears, comforting the ponies which lost it even more beside themselves. Pinkie's hair had only just regained its frizz.

The Unicorn went on, still cold in his delivery:

"Apple Jack, the most dependable of ponies, I give to you all of my industrial tools that you might find them useful. I was never too terribly good with my hooves, but not as afraid to get them dirty as I let on. I hope you find uses for them, as they were seldom used."

Apple Jack smiled as the Unicorn still went on:

"Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy, I leave to you all my books and blue prints. I wish for Fluttershy to ultimately keep the blue prints, but I believe that Twilight would find it interesting to examine and perhaps copy them for her library. I have plenty of copies of the same book that my parents got me for past birthdays... one cannot help not knowing what a pony already has without making it terribly obvious. Fluttershy, if you have any interest, please keep the duplicates and keep up with your crafts."

Fluttershy and Twilight smiled and let each other go, as the Unicorn still went on, with an almost inappropriate chuckle:

"Rainbow Dash, my most loyal and... she describes you as 'flashy of friends'. I leave to you my dyes. If you follow the instructions well, you can make your mane and tail tie-dye, and dye your bedsheets rainbow as well!"

Dash, not comforting any particular pony, cracked a smile. The next pony who's name got called instantly stopped crying in Mrs. Cake's forelegs and listened... her mane still limp and lifeless:

"Last but not least, Pinkie Pie, my youngest of friends. You were a mere 17 when we first met. As far as I was concerned you were just a filly, but you showed me that one can have fun and yet still be a lady by playing an innocent game of Pin the Tail on the Pony with me. You are quite honestly the most innocent pony I've ever met and it's been wonderful watching you grow over the past four years. Your carefree attitude makes me laugh, yet I know that you are more than capable of taking on responsibility. I hope you have not taken my death too hard. I was in a lot of pain."

Despite the somewhat unsettling nature of that last line which made most of the party's blood freeze, a bit of the Pinkie's frizz got restored.

"The reason I have called the Cakes here, too, is so that they may discuss a proposition with you and provide guidance. With their blessing, I'm giving you my shop with hopes that you might use it to open your own business. If it's not practical for you to have your own store right now, I throughly understand, and trust them with the deed and knowledge that I like to pay my mortgage a year in advance. You have time to decide with them what will become of my shop..."

Instantly, Pinkie's frizz was restored. She turned to the Unicorn, who looked at her through his dark glasses. With side eyes she turned to the Cakes, the closest thing she had to parents in Ponyville. The Unicorn at least knew to pause while Pinkie reacted to what she had just been told:

"Well Pinkie," said Mr. Cake, looking to his wife. "We're going to have to think about it... Owning your own business is a really large responsibility..."

"Oh, it sounds promising!" Said Mrs. Cake, with joy in her voice. "But instead of opening your own business, instead you start by open a branch of ours... that way if things don't work out, we can more easily help bail you out."

Pinkie almost took off like a rocket, but one motion from Mrs. Cake made her simmer down... the reading wasn't over yet. The Unicorn went on to close Rarity's wishes:

"Everything else I own, machines and attire, I want my friends to look through... there are plenty of unfinished projects I left with particular ponies in mind. The rest -- dresses, suits, and jewels -- I wish to have donated around Equestria to non-profit shops, both thrift and higher-end, so that everypony may enjoy my work. There is one amendum to this I request -- that Spike be given what Twilght thinks is a reasonable amount of gems from my collection, along with the heart-shaped fire ruby if collectively you girls feel he's old enough not to eat it. Though I am very fond of him, I did not summon him with the rest of you in the case he should become greedy again knowing that I have enough gems to easily cover a queen-sized bed. This shall be my gift to Spike, and please tell him that he'll always be my Spikey-wikey, even after I leave this world. The girls shall each walk away with part of my savings... remaining Bits not used on my final expenses I wish to have broken up into 6 groups, given to: Fluttershy for her animals, Twilight for the library, Apple Jack for her farm, Pinkie Pie and the Cakes for the businesses, Rainbow Dash for her athletic hobbies, and the rest to charity. You have all been wonderful friends and I am sorry to have left you like this. You will all truly be missed. Take comfort that I am no longer in pain and live your lives knowing that I love you all deeply... That is all it says."

The reading was over. The Unicorn took off his glasses, his cold blue eyes looking about Rarity's friends as they took in her final wishes. He then got up, leaving the scroll on the table, and walked out.

* * *

The meeting quickly dispersed, a mixture of sadness and excitement on the faces of those who had attended. Most of the ponies left, except for Twilight Sparkle, Apple Jack, and Rainbow Dash. Twilight and AJ approached Celestia on one side of the room, who began to walk beside them towards the exit, while Rainbow approached Luna on the other where they both stayed put... waiting for the rest to leave. Twilight had questions and Celestia had answers. Apple Jack just came to listen.

"Princess..." said Twilight. "Listening to Rarity's Will was quite unsettling. It sounds like she knew she was going to die and she wrote it just before she passed away..."

"That's an astute observation, Twilight," replied the Princess tenderly, "I had the same feeling reading over it after she passed on, though its been dated over a month ago. My feelings are that Rarity was considering committing suicide... but ultimately did not. From what you've told me in your notes a lot has happened and I know she was very sad since the death of her sister... hopefully they're now together on the other side."

"Ya mean y'all don't know nothin' about the other side?" Asked Apple Jack.

"All things in this world are forbidden from crossing over before their time," answered Celestia. "I will never know death, nor will my sister."

Twilight lowered her head in sadness.

"Twilight, this world is full of so many great and wonderful things. Even the most terrible of injuries heal in time, and the pain fades. Rainbow Dash is healing nicely and, from the reports I've been getting on her... Scootaloo is, too."

"Yeah, well... we still need to find a place for her," said Apple Jack. "Can't you send just one pony to take care of her? Even for a few months? Ah can't take her now but I would... especially considerin' what's going to happen if somepony doesn't step up."

Celestia sighed, looking down at the farm pony sympathetically:

"If I did that for her, Apple Jack, I would have to do that for all orphans in her position. It pains me deeply to know that a filly, especially one you each care so much about, is in trouble... but the last thing she needs is for you to give up hope. It will be a while yet until she is taken, please keep up hope and keep looking. There has to be one pony in all of Ponyville you haven't tried who can take her."

"We won't give up," said Twilight, stopping near the entrance. She saw the waiting cart. She turned to AJ and sighed. "Apple Jack, Rainbow's still back with Luna. I'm going to see if she still wants to come to the library after all this."

"Alright Twilight," Apple Jack said, stepping towards the cart. "See you in a bit."

As Apple Jack made it into the cart, Twilight smiled up at the Princess.

"You've been a good friend to all of them, Twilight Sparkle. You embody a little of each of their traits... friendships can sometimes rubs off and make us stronger. It seems that's happening with more than one of your friends lately. Faithful student, I'm proud of you for keeping them together through all this and remaining hopeful. You didn't let your emotions get the better of you, yet you accepted that both you and your friends have them... that's sometihng you should be very proud of, Twilight Sparkle."

Twilight smiled up at her mentor, who nodded approvingly. Celestia dropped a wing down and Twilight walked into its warm embrace. For a few brief moments she stood there, being hugged by her teacher's majestic wing. The feathered appendage was then drawn back to where it belonged and purple Unicorn walked into the tower alone.

* * *

The truth was, Twilight was taking this walk for a chance to be alone with her thoughts before getting into the cart with everypony else. Rainbow Dash was a big mare, she could decide who she wanted to go with, or if she wanted to try to make it back up to Cloudsdale this time. Twilight knew the tower well, having been in it many times before, and took the longer way to the chamber, through the entrance the Will Reader had come through. Neither Rainbow Dash nor Luna seemed to hear her coming, and she would have said something announcing her presence, had she not heard a snatch of the conversation they were having first:

"Princess, I've been hurt. It's not really that bad of an injury, but I can't do it that quickly. I gave her everything that I had and more!"

Twilight saw Luna frown sympathetically, yet her words were stern:

"Luna will give you two extra weeks then, but no more. You must keep up your end of the bargain, Rainbow Dash. It is not my wish to completely displace you, but should word be spread through Equestria that Luna makes unreasonable allowances, ponies will be coming day and night making petty wishes of their own expecting no trade or contrition! You may have done a good deed, but do not think of me as one of Pinkie's candy machines!"

"I'm sorry, Luna!" Exclaimed Rainbow Dash, bowing before the majestic Alicorn as she seemed to cause the light in the room to distort and fade. "And thanks for the extra time!"

"It is Luna's wish for this to happen with ease, and she would regret it well past your lifetime, should... I have to act despite your poor judgment. Your are quite welcome, Rainbow Dash, and please turn to your friends for help if the agreement has become too difficult for even the most loyalist of ponies to honor. I trust you to do the right thing."

Still low on the floor Dash did not move:

"Luna,.. I can't tell my friends. I don't want them to know about what I did for a couple months at least."

Again, Luna's face was quite sympathetic. Though she turned her back to the cyan Pegasus, she still spoke softly and on a more common level, attempting now to give sage advice:

"I will not tell them, Rainbow Dash. I advise you, however, if you must, to swallow your pride and do so yourse... Oh-"

The younger Princess glanced back and saw Twilight Sparkle looking over at them from the distant door. She paused, grinning, as Dash rose to her hooves and turned around... looking now in the same direction as Luna. The Pegasus took off like a shot in Twilight's direction.

"How much did you hear?" Rainbow asked frantically, flying weakly in her friend's direction.

"Just enough to know that you're in some kind of trouble with Luna," replied Twilight. "Rainbow Dash! What did you do?"

She looked as much to Dash as she did to Luna. Luna, bowing her head, left the room.

Rainbow Dash, with her head low once more, grumbled to herself:

"Fine. I'll tell you..." She looked up. "Just don't tell Apple Jack, 'kay?"

"Well, I can't promise that," firmly replied the purple mare. "Especially if this is something we have to act on."

Dash sighed, rolling her eyes... She stood up and began her story, starting with many the sleepless nights and ending at the final deed of visiting Luna to discuss her options...

* * *

"You sold your home and property to Luna!?" Twilight's voice echoed throughout the room.

"... at three times the market value," Dash made sure to add, nervously putting a hoof to the back of her head. "I thought it would make a great place for a Solar Shrine, but Luna told me it would make for an even better Lunar Observatory. I don't have any Bits left, Twilight, and I haven't been working in over a week. I kind of just wanted to move to the ground and think about adopting Scootaloo, but that takes a lot more money than I thought it would."

"Rainbow Dash... we can easily house you for a few weeks. Why didn't you just tell us?"

The Pegasus smiled nervously:

"Because I didn't want Apple Jack knowing what I did... the farm pony would be more than 'plum grateful' for the rest of my life. It could hurt our friendship! She's going to know something if I'm on the ground but I can fly... I'd hide it, but need to fly to work, and there's no hiding that."

Twilight drew in air to speak, ready to give her friend the third-degree, but instead paused for a moment... surprised to hear that not only did Rainbow Dash know Apple Jack pretty well, but she was ready to be humble for the sake of something greater than herself. The Unicorn smiled, then sighed deeply:

"We'll have to think of something, Rainbow... you're going to be without a home in a few weeks. We can discuss it as a group without Apple Jack present but I really don't want to do that." Frustrated, she shrugged. "But it's not like I have a choice if I want to get anything done about this..."

The Pegasus smiled at her purple friend.

"Thanks, Twilight..."

Twilight didn't reply. Turning her back, she rolled her eyes, but still motioned for her friend to tag along.

Side-by-side, the two ponies left the room... Dash still limped a little as they went down the hall and to the exit, where the cart waited. They boarded it silently, see everypony on board was busy chatting... all but one farm pony, who looked at them as they buckled themselves in:

"What kept ya?" AJ asked her purple, and cyan friends.

"Oh, just chatting with Luna!" Replied Twilight nervously. "You know how that can go..."

"Do I ever," replied AJ, shutting at her fond memories of the Royal Voice. "Does she still talk like that?"

"Sometimes," Dash said, chuckling. "Especially when she's annoyed."

Apple Jack grinned:

"Gettin' on her bad side, huh?"

The Pegasus replied quickly:

"I , uh... don't want to talk about it."

Apple Jack continued to smile as the doors were shut and the cart prepared to take off.

They left the castle, seeing if off in the distance... going further and further away. Everypony soon fell silent, exhausted... it was going to be a long ride home. Rainbow Dash was so worn out by what she had experienced in the tower that she fell asleep, which most of her friends thought was just typical of Rainbow Dash. No pony knew yet but Twilight... and the two Alicorns back at the tower.

Part 4, 11 -- "Grief?"

"Grief?"
11

With Rarity's passing still fresh in everypony's mind, life in Ponyville felt quite empty. They would all gradually drift in new directions... away from the loss. Though the ivory mare's ultimate act of generosity was poor consolation to her friends, life in Ponyville had at least become predictable enough to distract most everypony with their daily lives. Those who were not distracted, however... reacted.

Pinkie Pie's reaction was by far the biggest... and Mr. and Mrs. Cake knew her well enough to at least see that coming. With everything new on the horizon Pinkie had a bittersweet decision to make... and at times mulled it over with a furrowed brow. Yet, despite the deeper meaning of what it meant to completely replace Rarity's shop with her own, Pinkie was ecstatic. She had already made plans for just a few short weeks in the future and spoke about them in great detail... usually much faster than anypony could ever hope to keep up with. Whether she was talking to the Cakes, out with her friends, or just plain with Gummy, it didn't matter... Pinkie's voice held the same joy as a filly who had just discovered her own Cutie Mark.

Pinkie's mood... however good as it was, wasn't to last. Sure as she was happy, she would be sad. In what often seemed like a flash, Pinkie's sunny disposition turned tired and moody. During this time she kept her head low, face obscured by a limp mane:

"Please don't bother me," she'd grumble, whenever the Cakes or her friends came to talk to her and she wasn't feeling very happy.

While Pinkie's downs were known to be bad, they were also known to be brief... and the Cakes already knew that she'd have more than just a couple "Cranky Pie" episodes in the coming weeks given her friend's death. At worst, Pinkie would simply stare from her window, down the street and across the way... to where Rarity's shop stood quietly. All day long she'd be upstairs, alone... where she would sit in the dark and cry to herself, but shed no tears. The Cakes were understanding at first, to the point that they'd given her an entire week off to grieve right after the reading... but when even Gummy got ignored, they became more than just a little concerned.

Two whole days passed... and a couple of gator droppings were discovered by Mr. Cake the hard way. Knowing Pinkie's ability to swiftly clean up even the most disastrous of messes (messes she usually made herself), Mrs. Cake was ready to have a stern talk with her about responsibility. The older mare had been watching Mr. Cake feed Pinkie's pet twice over the past days... and now he was even ready to walk him so he wouldn't leave even more droppings on their floor.

That's enough! She thought, walking by her husband and putting up a hoof.

Though he still got the leash, Mr. Cake gulped. Mrs. Cake's infinite patience for their little pink boarder had finally run out.

She was just a few steps away from their stairs when Pinkie came to her:

"Hello Mrs. Cake!"

Pinkie bounded down the stairs, eyes bright and mane fluffy. The older mare got out of the way and watched as the pink mare picked up Gummy, snuggled him tightly, and said:

"Hmm, you look like you might wanna go for a nice, long walk! Hey! While we're at it, why don't we go to see what Twilight's up to? If Spike lets me this time, I'll even make you a book fort with last month's magazines. Fort Gummy, here we come!"

Mrs. Cake smiled, getting an immediate change of heart... she couldn't be cross after seeing that kind of love coming from Pinkie.

"You two have fun," she said, calmly. "And Pinkie? ... no more Gummy presents by the stairs, okay dear?"

At first Pinkie looked embarrassed, glancing down at her tiny, toothless alligator... but she ultimately looked up and saluted Mrs. Cake, like a member of the Royal Canterlot Guard. The pink mare then bounded towards the door, with Gummy on her back and left... just as Mr. Cake showed up with the leash:

"So, where is the little scaly scamp?"

"With Pinkie," replied Mrs. Cake, with a smile. "She's back to herself."

Mrs. Cake knew it would happen again... but hopefully not for as long, and not nearly as bad. Both Cakes knew at least Pinkie's mood would get better with time. She was normal at least for now. and probably going to be normal for the rest of the day... well, normal for Pinkie Pie, that is.

Out with her friends, Pinkie remained cheery and spent the afternoon having fun in Twilight's library. Everypony was there and had something exciting to share, distracting Pinkie's mind a tiny bit. She needed that time as much as she needed the break, and she was she couldn't see Rarity's shop from the first floor of the Library, so she was fine with that. Yet despite her ups and downs, part of Pinkie always remained focused... and that was the problem:

Pinkie's mind still rapidly flipped through ideas for her branch of the bakery... a place where she could have her own menu, her own choice of decor and furnishings, and her own schedule. "Pinkie's Corner" is what she'd call it. Simple, and to the point... much like Rarity would have wanted. Being just a stone's throw away from the Cakes' shop, they could easily lend a hoof if it became too much for her. Not that she was worried about that... not one bit.

After she came home, late from Twilight's Library, and retired for the night... Pinkie looked out at the Carousel Boutique, as she had many times before, and sighed. The sleepy pink mare couldn't wait... for this all to be over with.

On top of the Cakes, she also had friends to talk to... but knew they wouldn't be much help to her with this problem. The worst of her moodiness they saw that day was just a lowered head in the corner for a few minutes... because it only happened once, and she bounced away right after, they just thought she was being Pinkie Pie. She was focused on them mostly, anyway... and was especially happy to see Apple Jack so relaxed after all that had happened.

* * *

Apple Jack slowly sauntered back into farmwork work without a care in the world. She was now bucking apples alongside her brother... who had also become mellow again knowing that there was no chance of his family losing their livelihood any time soon. Life was simple once more for the Apples, and even with two friends gone... both ponies welcomed the rest.

Apple Bloom went back to trying to find her special talent, but with no other blank flanks around as into the idea of finding out what they were good at as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo... she found herself feeling a tiny bit lonely. She turned to her old pal Twist first thing, but on top of her Cutie Mark... Twist had other new things about her, interests and ideas, that put Apple Bloom to sleep. It had been over a year, afterall, and hearing words that should have been coming out of Twilight's mouth, coming out of her 9 year old friend's... disturbed the little pony. Despite Twist's great personality and the wonderful taste of her great cooking... another special talent she'd discovered ON TOP of her mint-flavored deserts (why that wasn't her Cutie Mark, AB couldn't fathom)... Apple Bloom just knew her old friend wasn't the same. Or maybe she wasn't anymore. With her head down, she focused on Scootaloo... but knew what was probably going to happen to her, thanks to her own sister, and didn't know what to think. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were sure to keep her company, though less than they had been known to... even they felt sorry for the little blank flank without any friends.

For once in Apple Bloom's life it didn't feel as though things were just going to magically fall into place anymore. It seemed as though she had to make them happen by herself now. When asked by Apple Bloom why she felt this way all of the sudden, AJ simply smiled and replied:

"It's just a part of growin' up, Sugarcube. It's a lot like your Crusadin', just on a bigger scale now!"

Less than satisfied with her big sister's answer, Apple Bloom drifted to the library... If anypony was smart enough to help make this funny feeling go away, Twilight Sparkle would be! The purple Unicorn instead patted the tired filly's head and said:

"I know it's confusing and it hurts, Apple Bloom, but AJ's right... you're just becoming a big filly."

This made Apple Bloom tear-up a bit. All Twilight could do in response was smile, hug, and remind the filly that her grown-up friends would always be there for her... and that even adult ponies feel this pain sometimes, too. That was at least... something, wasn't it? Even Twilight knew it wasn't much.

Whatever was needed to make Apple Bloom feel the way she used to again... it wouldn't be found there.

Twilight in the meantime kept herself busy organizing the Library with her assistant. Spike, wearing the heart-shaped ruby around his neck, remained ever helpful to Twilight... tireless, vigilant and always there when she needed him. The two got so much done in just a few short days, and had good reason to enjoy their tea together at the end of the day with their remaining friends. Twilight wasn't entirely sure, but Spike seemed a tad more sluggish than usual, like he wasn't sleeping well... which was odd, because he was always out like a light when it was time for bed, clutching that gem. Still, periodically she would catch him spacing out:

"Spike, Spike!" She'd call, startling him out of a daze. Perhaps it was tiredness, perhaps it was Rarity... Spike wasn't always there. "Wake up, Spike!"

Twilight couldn't think about it. Life had to go on, and when Spike wanted to talk... she would be there for him.

Looking at her worn-out assistant late at night while writing a letter to the Princess, Twilight envied Fluttershy... animals were usually a lot easier to comfort than smart, sentient baby dragons.

Even though it wasn't stated explicitly in the Will, Fluttershy took Opalescence... and Angel was none too pleased about that. There was an occasional scrap between the two. Opal was simple asserting her dominance, something Rarity had no problem understanding... but Angel was always far more clever. He knew it was better to knock a vase of water onto the sleeping cat than to take her head on. Before she woke up, he was always gone, and if he had the head start, he would always win. He remained the ever-proud King of the Cottage, always ahead of the queen and her claws.

Fluttershy had dozens of animals to care for and as a result... Opal grew less pristine as the days went on. The cat was displeased about this, and always wondered when Rarity was coming to take her home. She couldn't understand, this was going to be her life now... but at least she would always remain Opal.

High above them all Rainbow Dash finally returned to work. At half her normal speed and a quarter the bravado, she still worked to the extreme. The mare's shoulder was quite weak and technically still broken, but it would mend in time, like most everything else.

Dash should have been happy at least... she'd done a good thing and helped her friends out so much. Even though she hardly had enough for herself, she still thought of the one filly who she couldn't help.

Rainbow visited Scootaloo daily, acting as though everything was great and the world outside was something to look forward to seeing again... out there was green grass to set her hooves on, Apple Bloom, the school with all her friends, the Club House... all would be hers again in a very short amount of time, not changed at all. Scootaloo's eyes lit up each time they'd get to talking and Rainbow didn't see herself as doing anything wrong. With no pony there to stop her, she kept up these encouraging words and promises... seeing her little protégé smile was worth the world to her... even if Dash got carried away from time to time, at least she gave her something to look forward to.

When it came to Scootaloo, RD's mindset was one of determination. She didn't know what to do, but she wanted to do something. Dash had no money, no ponies willing to take in Scoots, and no hopes of getting a place in time of her own to have the filly in herself... not that she even knew she could even do that. Rainbow Dash had nothing and was ready to work with that... even if it meant going nowhere, she'd at least try.

"It sounds to me, Rainbow Dash," Twilight said, one bright afternoon while discussing this all with her. "That Scootaloo's probably going to be going to an orphanage, and we have to prepare her for that. We're her family...and though it may sound cold, it's our responsibility to tell her that she's leaving."

"No," Rainbow sharply replied, looking up to the skies. "Not until we know for sure that we've got no choice."

"Okay..." replied the purple Unicorn. "Just so you know, we're doing our best out there and still looking... but it's not promising."

Rainbow also did her best, up above as well as down below. Even in work Dash couldn't find comfort.

Much too weak to buck clouds or fly fast enough to obliterate them in air, and far too fragile to jump atop a little black rain cloud in perpetration to squeeze the rain out... she was stuck giving instructions for half a day to clueless newcomer Pegasai who once picked on her years before, back in school, because of the colors of her mane and her (at the time) still developing flying skills. Even though they'd seen otherwise before time and time again, they thought she hadn't changed one bit in 15 years, they were that clueless... truth was she had, but they hadn't:

"Those who can't do, teach, Rainbow Crash!" One of the Pegasai shouted during her instructions, which she had repeated twice already but no pony got it.

At the end of the day Rainbow was more than happy to come down to Equestria and pay all her friends a visit. Everything else was a headache... well, not Scootaloo.

* * *

There was to be talk without a certain farm pony present. Quietly Twilight spread this around the group... with a whisper here and a whisper there:

"You mustn't tell AJ."

Pinkie Pie even made everypony else Pinkie Promise not to tell... and they did, even Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash.

Apple Jack was sucessfully kept in the dark... she didn't know what was going on, let alone that it involved Rainbow Dash needing a long-term place to live. The farm pony was just happy to see RD showing up now and again, just to ask her how things were going.

The group first considered meeting at the Library, but there was always the chance of AJ showing up unexpectedly. Then they considered Fluttershy's cottage, but they scrapped that idea pretty quickly as it was a place AJ might stop by with Winona seeking advice. Pinkie had a thought while brainstorming along with the rest... perhaps her room might be best. Pinkie's room was so high up that Apple Jack would have to be a Pegasus to actually see inside, and as long as no pony said that's where they were going to be... it was not likely AJ would even come looking there.

Twilight agreed, and so did everypony else. It was settled. Pinkie was happy now... and distracted, as she was going to be throwing a mini party!

No pony, except for Rainbow Dash and Twilight, had a clue what the meeting was even about...

Author's Note

Part of me goes "blah, blah, blah" when I reread this particular segment, as it rehashes a lot of older ideas and themes which have already been made pretty clear while introducing only a few new ones, and it ends on a point which the story was already headed in, but it's nessessary. It sets up a few points.

Hopefully nobody's gunna see where this is headed before it gets there ;)

:: edited :: paragraph spacing, pacing, a little dialogue... better, me thinks ^^ Was too detached before.

Edited YET AGAIN, heh

Part 4, 12 -- "Unconditional"

"Unconditional"
12

It was late afternoon. The door to the Sugarcube Corner swung open with a tiny ding-a-ling of the bell. Three ponies stepped inside, one of them completely clueless. Pinkie Pie was waiting by the nearest table with a warm smile.

"Pinkie... what's all this about?" Asked Fluttershy. "And why didn't anypony want me telling Apple Jack?"

Rainbow and Twilight shot each other a nervous look as Pinkie answered:

"I have no clue why, silly!" She giggled loudly. "But it can't be bad, can it?"

"Eey-nope," answered Rainbow Dash in the vain of Big Mac, stretching her right foreleg casually. "Something tells me this is going to make a lot more sense once we get up stairs..."

As Fluttershy raised an eyebrow to Dash, Pinkie answered, bouncing towards the stairs:

"Okie-dokie-lokie! Come on, everypony! Up we all go!"

There was no time to respond. Fluttershy, at the front of the group, had to move with Twilight and Rainbow Dash... who weren't exactly dilly-dallying by the entrance. The yellow Pegasus was gently pushed along.

The three passed Mrs. Cake, who nodded and shouted "I have cookies in the oven for you girls!" as they ascended the stairs.

At the top they found fresh hot chocolate waiting. At the library it would be tea, but this was Pinkie Pie's place and Pinkie Pie was set to do things with her own flair. Pinkie didn't have a clue why they were going to be there, but Twilight had told her they'd be a while, so she had to accommodate her guests. The happy way she welcomed them in perked up even Rainbow Dash's spirits. The welcoming way she acted as a host was reminiscent of Rarity, and just sensing that made each mare smile.

They all sat around the pink mare's bed in bean bag chairs. She sat atop of it, kicking her legs off the edge like a little foal.

Twilight looked to Rainbow to start the conversation... her lips remained sealed, her face contorted into an uncomfortable expression. Normally outgoing, the cyan mare just couldn't speak. Even after a few days and Twilight's reassurance, this was difficult!

"So," Pinkie finally said, breaking the silence. "Why no Apple Jack?"

Twilight smiled:

"We need to keep this a secret from her... at least for now."

"More like forever!" Exclaimed Dash, with a nervous chuckle.

Twilight narrowed her eyes:

"Why don't you tell everypony why then?"

Looking about her friends, Rainbow Dash sighed. They didn't appear to be judging her, yet... though even Twilight snapped at her back at the palace. She cracked her neck, and set down her hot chocolate:

"Girls, in about 3 weeks... I'm not going to have a place to live."

Nearly everypony in the room immediately gasped, following suit with Dash and no longer having any interest in their beverage.

"Why, Rainbow?" Asked Fluttershy.

"I kinda... sold my house to Luna for way over the market value so I could help pay for Apple Jack's farm. Then I kinda gave AJ every Bit I had. I really didn't want her to lose her farm, but I have nothing now and I can barely work to get anything back with my shoulder still cracked."

Setting down her mug, Pinkie got off the bed... approached her good friend with a stern look in her eye. Dash was expecting to be given the third-degree by, of all ponies, Pinkie Pie. She braced herself for it as the pink mare got closer, appearing angrier... instead, she found herself being hugged.

"That's so beautiful, Dashie!" Pinkie exclaimed, sniffling as if on the verges of tears.

Dash hesitantly hugged her back as Fluttershy added:

"That's so noble of you, Rainbow Dash... but why not tell us sooner?"

As the hug finished up and Pinkie pulled back, her eyes wet but not yet crying, Dash sighed...

"Well, you see..."

Dash told them everything she had told Twilight. The how, the why, what she went through, and why she had told no pony. Everypony listened and Pinkie finally started to cry, making Dash feel awful, but she still continued to the end. Though everypony looked sad, at the same time they were smiling. Then, they were interrupted.

* * *

"Hello, girls?" Mrs. Cake said quietly, knocking on the door, which slowly swung open. "Cookies are ready!"

She had a basket in a hoof and a smile on her face, but once she saw the troubled look on everypony's face -- and the tears in Pinkie's eyes -- it soon faded.

"What in the wide, wide world of Equestria is the matter?"

Dash turned to her, her mouth working faster than her intellect. Twilight easily could have explained all this away.

"Oh, Mrs. Cake! I was just explaining that I, uh..."

Mrs. Cake smiled warmly:

"You're moving away, aren't you?"

Dash almost started to cry, but with a sniff held it in.

"Something like that..."

Setting the basket on top of Pinkie's dresser, right next to Gummy (who immediately helped himself to one by swallowing it whole), Mrs. Cake approached the cyan Pegasus.

"Rainbow Dash," she said, soothingly. "I don't mean to pry, but I know you didn't want to have Apple Jack here today. Twilight told me that a few days ago..."

Rainbow shot Twilight a quick glance as Mrs. Cake continued:

"Does this have something to do with all the Bits you gave her? Are you in some kind of trouble? Me and Mr. Cake might be able to help you..."

Again, holding back tears, Rainbow Dash shut her eyes and sighed... opening them again to appear stone-faced:

"I'm fine, Mrs. Cake," she said, cooly but not coldly. "Thanks for your concern."

"You're not fine, Dashie," said Pinkie, before she even realized what she was saying.

Though Rainbow glared at her pink friend, Twilight backed her up:

"She's right... you're not fine."

"No, you're not," said Fluttershy, adding the final nail the cyan Pegasus's confidence coffin.

Though she felt betrayed enough to fly away the at very instance, and looked back at her friends with pure disdain in her eyes, she swallowed it... there had been enough pain over the past few weeks. Again, she shut her eyes and looked at her friends with a stone face, then turned back to Mrs. Cake:

"I don't have to tell you what's going on now, do I?"

"Oh, of course not!" Exclaimed the middle-aged pastry chef with a smile. "Just remember I'm old enough to know how to keep a secret and I'm on your side, should you change your mind."

Dash looked back at her friends. They all nodded, as if motioning her to tell Mrs. Cake was was going on.

"Oh, all right!" Exclaimed the cyan Pegasus, stomping her hoof on the ground. She winced, as that hoof was attached to her broken shoulder, but still looked up at Mrs. Cake. "Don't tell Apple Jack..."

"I'd never!" Exclaimed Mrs. Cake with a smile.

* * *

Rainbow Dash told Mrs. Cake everything that was going on. She remained quiet, listening... nodding and smiling in sympathy as Dash described sleepless nights and torments about what was going to happen to her good friends, and how she felt like she couldn't help everypony. For some reason, perhaps because Mrs. Cake was old enough to be her mom, Dash was more able to discuss the more emotional side of all this... showing her friends a more sensitive side. The Pegasus was crying by the end, and Mrs. Cake was still smiling sympathetically. She even gave Rainbow a hug, focusing on the good thing she did for her friend.

"Your friends can shuffle you around for a few weeks until you can rent a place?"

"At this point it's going to be a few months!" Exclaimed Dash. "I'm working not even half the hours, and I'm doing nothing I'm good at anymore. I just tell Pegasai what to do and explain to them why what they're doing doesn't work, but I can't show them for at least a month or my shoulder could break again even worse this time!"

"Oh, dear, that is a problem... Perhaps if you told Apple Jack, she could--"

"No!" Dash exclaimed, now crying. "I don't want Apple Jack knowing I gave up everything for her! Ever!"

"I read that loud and clear, Rainbow," said Mrs. Cake, patting the cyan Pegasus on the back. "Tell you girls what... why don't you meet me down stairs in a couple of minutes. We can go from there..."

"What did you have in mind, Mrs. Ca-" began Twilight, but Mrs. Cake managed to stop her mid-sentence just by looking at her.

"I don't know yet, dear," she said, with a sigh. "Just help yourselves to a couple fresh cookies while I think about everything that's going on."

Twilight smiled, a huge weight lifted off her shoulders, as for once... she didn't have to do the thinking anymore.

"Alright," she said, looking at her friends. "I think we can accomidate that request..."

Mrs. Cake smiled, turning towards the exit.

"See you girls in a jiff!"

She then left the four ponies alone in the room. They looked at each other, then looked to the basket. By this time, Gummy had swallowed two small cookies and was intent on swallowing another smaller one he'd selected... if they didn't act soon, he might swallow more than his fair share. Sufficing to say, everypony got up and grabbed 3 cookies, still leaving the last one for Gummy so they could all have three. Pinkie petted him and gave it to him with a smile. Even though his face was unreadable to everypony, she knew her little gator would be sad if everypony got three and he only got two.

* * *

The ponies went downstairs together. Mrs. Cake and Mr. Cake were standing by their counters, the later looking a bit uptight and the former looking like she was trying to appear relaxed. Twilight knew right away that whatever they were going to be discussing was going to be big.

"Here," said Mr. Cake, setting a few Bits on the top of the counter. "We want you girls to see a movie on us... Pinkie, we both want you to stay here."

"Aww, but I wanna go--" Pinkie began.

"When the movies over," explained Mrs. Cake, talking over the pink mare. "Come back and hopefully we'll have decided what we can do to help you, Rainbow. We really want to do something, especially after all you did for your friend..."

Dash smiled as Twilight collected the few Bits.

"We'll do just that!" Exclaimed the purple mare with a smile. "Thank you so much!"

"Yes, thank you!" Exclaimed Dash.

The ponies turned tail and exited through the front of the shop. Business was slow that day, as it usually was on a Wednesday, giving the Cakes plenty of time to discuss whatever it was they were going to do. Dash, Twilight, and Fluttershy were all blown away by the family's generosity... then again, they took in Pinkie Pie when they found her sleeping outside after hiring her at 17.

* * *

The ponies went straight to the theater, plunking down the Bits on the counter. Distracted, they hadn't even checked to see what was playing. Instead, Dash asked the bored-looking attendant what was good for a comedy, since they could all use a good laugh, and he actually has an enthusiastic recommendation which surprised all three of them:

"Alone and Together." He said.

The title rang a bell in Fluttershy's head as a good comedy, but neither of the two other ponies had heard about this film a bit under two hours, so they went inside with tickets held high.

"Okay, then," Twilight said as the theater darkened. "Just try to clear your heads, girls... we've been through a lot."

Much like telling a pony not to think of a pink elephant, the first thing that each of the friends did (even Twilight) was flash through in their minds everything they'd been through, as the credits rolled.

The film began and after just twenty minutes the mares thought they had made a mistake. The premise was clear -- three fillies accidentally left at home by their large family a couple of days before a two-day Hearth's Warming Eve trip to a celebration. Without neighbors, no pony would check and naturally, the little ponies had fun with no adults around. That made everypony in the theater laugh. They jumped on beds, ate junk food; the tomboyish one ran around the house with a rubber sword trying to vanquish imaginary monsters, while the more sophisticated one styled their manes afterwards (much to the tomboyish one's chagrin). The sensitive intellectual was not completely bothered by either, and kept them together when they got too rowdy. Each comforted the other in the place of their parents, and they all reminded the Elements of those they knew... or had known. Even when the power went out in the movie, the little fillies grabbed flash lights and told ghost stories... the steam from their breath adding to the atmosphere of their cheesy tail. For the most part, the girls no longer felt they'd made a mistake.

Had she come, Pinkie definitely would have enjoyed watching the fillies the most. Dash felt sad watching them have fun... especially with what followed.

Snow piled up outside their home and by the time their parents realized they were missing and turned around, their front yard was completely covered in snow "twice the height of a stallion" as the father said. Almost up to the roof, the family worked to dig them out early in the morning as Celestia brought out the sun, which hardened the snow. It was clearly colder than the wastelands surrounding the Crystal Empire, and yet the family still worked hard for its fillies, going so far as to enlist the help of the nearby townsfolk. Everypony helped, and in no time they had the front door open.

Going inside, the theater was quiet. This wacky, zanny movie showing what would happen if three fillies were to their own devices for a couple days with enough food to not starve took a very sudden, dark tone. The family found the fillies huddled together in their bed for warmth, every eye closed, not moving... and not appearing to be breathing. Three little fillies, flanks still blank, appearing to have been frozen to death in the night... without the knowledge and judgment an adult pony possessed, that could easily happen to any filly they cared about. There wasn't a dry eye in the theater. The Elements were all crying, believing the fillies dead. The parents on screen naturally cried, too, until an eye fluttered and one filly awoke... then the other two followed. They were very cold, but alive.

The movie ended, leaving the three ponies with mixed feelings as they left the theater. It was funny and a comedy, but it played with their emotions. It was, at least, able to make them laugh and the bad parts were in the past. They had one place to be now, and because they'd all gone together the first time and were hopeful for the best, they all went back together.

* * *

The mares went back to the Cakes' Bakery and pushed open the door. By this point it was later in the day and they were ready to close up shop. They saw Pinkie, and Mr. and Mrs. Cake, sitting at a table. Pinkie looked quite excited.

"How was the movie?" Asked Mrs. Cake.

"Fun," replied Twilight.

"A bit up and down," added Fluttershy.

"It was good." Said Dash.

"Good to know!"

The girls sat on the other side of the table, looking at the proprietors of the business and their adopted daughter. Pinkie looked ready to say something, but Mrs. Cake put a hoof on her shoulder.

"We've been thinking about what we can do for you, Dash," said Mrs. Cake calmly. "With your shoulder being as bad as it is now, are you any good with your hooves?"

"Kinda," replied the Pegasus. "I mean, I can do most stuff, I just can't fly around really quickly or buck clouds right now. Doctor Stable says it'll be okay in a month."

"Very well," said Mr. Cake. "Are you able to, say... cook breakfast without a problem? Your injury hasn't slowed you down, has it?"

"I'm quick as ever!" Replied the cyan Pegasus confidently.

"You're okay to lift things, also?" Asked Mrs. Cake. "Say a bag of groceries or trash?"

"As long as I don't use the shoulder, I'm fine." Replied Dash. "It'd have to be a pretty heavy bag to cause a problem, and Doctor Stable says I'd probably drop it before it did anything bad to me."

Mr. and Mrs. Cake looked at each other, smiling, then over at Pinkie. Mrs. Cake spoke:

"I'll tell her your idea, if that's alright with you."

Pinkie nodded rapidly, with a huge smile on her face.

"Rainbow Dash," said Mrs. Cake, slowly. "Pinkie's willing to rent you the spare bedroom above Rarity's shop, right next to hers at no charge until you're able to work."

"We're also willing to give you a little work," added Mr. Cake. "And pay you reasonably for it. We just want Pinkie to have an assistant if we can't always spare ourselves. It would just be a couple hours a week, but if you don't feel you can do it... well, we understand. Can you do that?"

Dash's face lit up:

"Can I?" Dash beamed a smile at her pink friend. "Heck, I'll do it for a few hours a day if that's all you want. You guys are the greatest!"

Pinkie went off like a rocket as Dash got up to give the Cakes a hug. The friends were all quite touched, but when everything settled, Pinkie took Dash gently by the sides of the head and looked her in the eye:

"Oh, Dashie! I'd never let anything happen to you, but Apple Jack is still going to know what you did because there's no reason for you to be on the ground now."

Rainbow Dash froze, then lowered her eyes. Pinkie was right.

"Pinkie," said Mr. Cake, cautiously. "Don't you think you're hitting her with a little too much?"

"Better she come out with it now, then wait," replied Mrs. Cake. "Dash... Pinkie had an idea. A condition you don't have to do, but it would take the focus off you being on the ground, and Apple Jack probably won't ask any questions if you do it."

Hesistantly, Dash looked back into Pinkie's eyes and asked:

"What's that?"

Pinkie's face beamed a huge smile as she replied:

"When you're back in shape I was thinking you could adopt Scootaloo! You'd be on the ground, so she'll be safe, you'd have a job, and you've never even littered, let alone committed a crime! She loves you and you love her. You're perfect for each other!"

Dash felt the blood immediately rush away from her face. She put up both hooves and Pinkie backed off right away. She felt dizzy, swaying... looking at the Cakes and her pink friend. She shook her head in an effort to regain focus.

"I don't know if I'm mother material, Pinkie..." Dash replied, woozily. "That's a great idea, but... Pinkie, I don't know..."

"That's the thing!" Replied Pinkie. "Being in town she'll have me, the Cakes, Twilight, and even Apple Jack and Fluttershy pretty close. The Cakes tell me I'm not quite ready for a filly and as much as I want one I have to agree! Twilight could be called out at any time by the Princess for weeks at a time, Fluttershy's got animals to care for, and Apple Jack can't adopt for a really long time because of what happened! You're her only, stable hope. Please think about it, Dashie?"

Dash sighed, looking away. What started out as one sigh turned into a series... each of the ponies present heard that turn into crying fairly quickly.

"I'm already thinking about it," said Dash through her teeth.

"Well, what's the hesitation?" Asked Mrs. Cake.

"What's your hesitation?" Retorted Dash, beaming a look of hostility in Mrs. Cake's direction.

"A business to run, two foals to raise, and a young mare to mentor," replied Mr. Cake, finally losing his patience. "Plus we're being extremely generous here, not putting any pressure on you, just asking that you contribute what you can. Heck, my wife Cup Cake didn't even ask you to explain yourself until you led her into it."

Dash lowered her head, reminded a few days before of her experience with Luna.

"I'm sorry," she said, weakly.

"You don't have to, dear," said Mrs. Cake tenderly. "I can tell you're having issues thinking about this..."

"It's not that," said Dash, finally. "It's just having a filly around all the time... having to take care of her, make sure she's eating well and wearing her coat properly at winter, going to bed at a reasonable time-"

"Are all things I've seen you do in the times I've seen you with Scootaloo," replied Mr. Cake, cutting her off.

"Yeah, but that's different!"

Mr. Cake smiled at the cyan mare:

"How?"

"She's not around all the time," Dash said, lowering her head once more. "When it gets to be enough, I can just arrainge with somepony else to take her."

"You could still do that, Dash," said Twilight. "Any one of us would be happy to take her off your hooves for a few hours when you need to have a break."

"Yeah, but for a few days?"

Twilight remained silent.

"That's what I thought."

"Well, Rainbow," Mrs. Cake said, clearly thinking about how she was going to put together her next few words. "I can respect your reasoning and there's still plenty of time to find another suitable pony... it was just an idea of Pinkie's. I have to say, though, of all her friends you are the best match other than Twilight..."

Dash looked at Twilight:

"I could be called away back to Canterlot then sent back to Ponyville, sent to Saddle Arabia, or the Crystal Empire for days at a time. It hasn't happened in a while, but its all part of learning about other cultures. The Princess would approve and probably stop sending me places quite as much, but... she would probably also nudge me in the direction of settling down if I had a filly."

"Grrr.... That's a good reason!" Dash hung her head. "Fine... I was thinking about doing it anyway."

"Rainbow... what exactly does that mean?" Asked Twilight.

"It means... I don't know, but I'm closer to making up my mind."

Dash looked up at her friends around her. They all looked back, non-judgmentally... even the Cakes. Every pony present would just have to be happy with her answer for now. They knew it, she was ashamed of it, but... At least Dash had a place to stay. She felt like Pinkie was being more loyal than she was.

Author's Note

I don't think of Pinkie Pie as bipolar, she's just dealing in this chapter with the death of her friend and moving on in her life.

A story within a story. I debated not including the story of the film, but decided to anyway. I'm kinda happy I did -- giving it a couple months break and going back, it doesn't seem forced or corny like it did before.

Part 4, 13 -- "Dashed Priorities"

"Dashed Priorities"
13

Celestia's sun rose on yet another new day in Ponyville. Today would be different, and yet so much like other days... so much promise, so much love to be shared.

Rarity's Carousel Boutique stood silently before the seven ponies and their dragon assistant. For a place that was once so full of life, and would soon be filled with life again, it seemed surprisingly vacant.

Each held a saddlebag full of random things belonging to Pinkie Pie. Pinkie carried two. Apple Jack pulled a cart full of appliances alongside Rainbow Dash... her understanding of what was going on was far removed from reality, and for as long as she was able to Rainbow wanted to keep it that way.

"I guess this is it," Pinkie said quietly, approaching the door to her new home. She drew a key, turning back to look at her friends. "Thanks for keeping me company, Dashie."

"Heh, don't mention it." Rainbow Dash replied with a smile as Mr. and Mrs. Cake passed her, making eye-contact and nodding, before heading into the home with the rest of the ponies.

"Sure is kind of you, Dash," Apple Jack said, dismounting from the cart and heading in. "You let me know if you need anything."

"I will," said the Pegasus, as she was left outside with her thoughts. "I will..."

She stood there a moment before finally heading in. They had a big day ahead of them. Though her shoulder still ached it was time to be productive... more productive than she had been in a long while.

* * *

Setting up and arranging took hours. It was morning when they started and approaching night when it was finally over. Almost nothing of Rarity's was left by her parents, save the wall paper, and even that would eventually be replaced. They hadn't even begun to set up the kitchen, their time was spent making the space livable.

Pinkie Pie took Rarity's old room. It wasn't quite as big as her loft with the Cakes, but she still had the Carousel's Inspiration room for her parties. That room would continue to Inspire, just like Rarity had. Rainbow Dash took Sweetie Belle's room. It wasn't a large room, but it was big enough for her. She spent time in it, making sure it was just right for her. It was obvious two ponies would be cramped in there with all their stuff. That was sad, but true, and Rainbow Dash was sure of it.

Neither mare had a bed yet, but there were a couple of inflatable mattresses in the Cake's saddlebags, each big enough for one pony. They'd do for now.

The setup took a while, but when it was finally over Apple Jack left for home with the Cakes by her side, and Spike trailing behind until he broke off to head for the library. Twilight and Fluttershy stayed behind. Fluttershy said she had business in the area and Twilight's ability to organize everything would still come in handy... especially now that things were coming to a head. Half of that was true, and it was all told to Apple Jack. Fluttershy stayed behind to help Dash move. They would meet two other Pegasai high above, away from it all and already there... with another pony.

* * *

Luna faced Rainbow Dash with a compassionate smile. The two Pegasus had joined them in the clouds -- Derpy Hooves and Thunderlane. They had not lost faith in Rainbow Dash yet, they had come and were smiling. Dash smiled back. Luna was pleased to see three friends so eager to help.

"It is time, Rainbow Dash," said Luna quietly. "I've have stopped here to say we thank thee for your property and hope you shall take all that you need by tonight. Anything left over by the morrow shall be considered a donation to Our Sanctuary. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I do," replied Rainbow Dash, looking with detached eyes at what was hers for only a few hours more. "We'll have this done before then, don't worry. I know how close I'm cutting it."

Luna nodded and stepped aside, allowing the four to get to work.

Dash didn't have much that actually needed moving. She had some clothes -- autumn, winter, summer, spring ensembles (many made by Rarity) -- and she had some mementos. They filled boxes and saddlebag, brought down to Ponyville bit by bit. She had a small weight set, a few dumbbells, that were no trouble for Thunderlane. The only collections she owned were in the form of Daring Do novels and autographed pictures of the Wonderbolts, not even filling up an entire box. Moving took a few hours at best... it was surprising how little she had, and with Twilight on the ground overseeing it all, moving was done in a flash.

Twilight Sparkle yawned on the grass beside the Boutique, instructing Thunderlane and Derpy were they should put the last few boxes. Pinkie rubbed her eyes, helping the two along into the Boutique. There was still daylight, but they were both ready to turn in. Above them, Dash inspected her old home one final time.

It still looked like her house. She went inside and looked at the neo-gothic pillars lining her den, touching each. By her window she stretched out and laid atop a squat pedestal. This was her great chair she would look out at the world on, the world so full of adventure and excitement... and on cloudy days, just clouds.

The trio of Pegasai gave her space. Luna respected her need for quiet and nostalgia, so uncharacteristic of Rainbow Dash. Luna even stopped the three from going to Dash at first. She spent a while in that room, looking out at the golden sky and purple clouds. The Princess would soon need to take care of the moon... perhaps she could stay in peace until the moon was up and the sky was dark?

"Rainbow?" Fluttershy finally called out from outside the main entrance. "Are we done?"

Rainbow scowled at the interruption, but knew her friends were there to help her.

"Yeah, Fluttershy," she said, sighing, rising to her hooves and stretching. "I think we're done now-" she looked at the pillar she was laying on. "One second thought, Fluttershy... there might be one more thing I want to bring down."

* * *

Dash and Luna spoke over one final piece of property. Twilight had only a vague idea of what it was, that it was "something big from Dash's house." Dash hadn't even told her herself, Thunderlane was asked to. Once it was safely on the ground they could all finally get some rest.

"Of all the great things that you own Rainbow Dash," began Princess Luna, "if you could keep just one grand memento... this decoration would be it? Are you sure this is what you want, of all things?"

Beside the Princess sat the squat, neo-gothic slab. The diminishing sunlight revealed it to be larger than Miss Cherilee's desk. Heavy and thick, but not unwieldy -- Dash had proven that by being able to push it outside by herself. She glanced over at it and nodded confidently.

"I'm not sure if all four of us can even lift that," said Fluttershy, meekly.

"Then take care, Rainbow Dash," Luna said firmly. "We shall observe, but first we shall ask: do you trust the ponies you are working with now?"

Rainbow looked over at her friends. The yellow Pegasus smiled nervously while the gray mailmare nodded. Thunderlane came up beside them with his eyes alert and ears poised, ready for the next task. The cyan Pegasus nodded, completely sure of their abilities:

"They'll tell me if we can't lift it."

"Then do as you must. I stay for the moon."

Dash fetched a great white sheet from her house -- a common tool for weather patrols and moving Pegasai -- neigh indestructible and designed for this very purpose. Like pallbearers they planned to carry it down. The light clouds made it easy for the material to be slipped beneath the heavy platform. It weighed as much as six ponies, yet four healthy Pegasai could easily lift that much. Each looked ready and sure, save Fluttershy... and Dash, who rubbed her achy shoulder. Glancing back at Luna, they lifted off.

They were in the air with reasonable ease, suspended above the clouds, looking as though what they were carrying had no weight at all.

"We're doing it, we're doing it!" Dash yipped in excitement.

Her plan was working. Each pony held a corner in two hooves, except Dash who held in one. They descended downwards almost in perfect sync with Celestia's sun, all the while under the watchful eye of Luna and Twilight. The large ivory object would fit through the exceptionally large window Dash now owned; Twilight had opened it with her magic per Thunderlane's request. Her eyes went wide when she saw the size, being unable to tell for sure what it even was. The pillar was a bit larger than the entire CMC, and was the one grand thing Dash had chosen to keep from her life in Cloudsdale. Dash had wrapped the edges of the fabric around her hoof tightly, seeing to it that she would not let go.

It was a given that the going was slow and the wind was strong. Dash held tight, Derpy held tight. Both Fluttershy and Thunderlane held strong. They moved in rhythm with the breeze. It was memorizingly slow. Rainbow Dash was not used to moving... this... slowly... but she did. She had to.

One strong gust out of sync and the fabric began to slip through Derpy's hooves, wobbling the marble fixture. The offset in force caused control to slip from Fluttershy and Thunderlane. With one pony holding the fabric -- surely with just one hoof -- it was not possible to control. With Dash still attached, the pillar fell fast.

She tried desperately to free herself as her friends zoomed in from behind in seemingly vain efforts to save her. The sheet was now wrapped tightly enough to cut off circulation, and with her bad shoulder Dash did not have the strength to free herself in time. The fabric whipped her in the face, stinging, causing blood to spew from her nose and a black eye to form. Through it all she was still awake, however. The Pegasus stared at the approaching pavement and shut her eyes. This pillar would be the end of her... this meaningless chunk of sky marble she had impulsively chosen to keep was going to end her in less than ten seconds flat.

Impact seemed to come sooner than Dash expected, yet she was surprised to find herself still conscious. She was sore now, but alive.

A hundred feet above Ponyville the pillar floated in air. The other Pegasai surrounded it and stared in awe at the cyan Pegasus resting on top, completely unscathed. The marble decoration glowed blue, having been too far and fast for Twilight, but not for Luna's magical grasp. It descended slowly with Rainbow Dash still bound to it.

Gently the object came in contact with the earth. Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and all the others surrounded it. They stared at the Pegasus on top of the short pedestal, who was squinting and shaking her head.

"Dashie..." Said Pinkie, with tears in her eyes. "I'm so glad you're okay!"

Derpy and Thunderlane nodded, each looking at Dash with relief in their eyes.

Twilight stood there looking at the pillar, then at the Window, then at Rainbow Dash. She breathed in slowly, her eyes wide.

"Rainbow Dash!" She finally snapped. "What in the wide world of Equestria were you thinking!? You don't need this!"

"Hey," Rainbow said, finally taking a deep breath. "I can decide what I want to keep and what I don't. You don't get to decide what's important to me."

Twilight's pupils contracted into fine points. She put a hoof to her face.

"This must be really important to you then? I can think of much better things that could be taking up the space this thing is going to occupy. I can't believe you tied us up an extra half hour... for this!"

Thunderlane and Derpy slowly began to back away, smiling nervously while looking at each other, then at the two arguing ponies. They were not going to get drawn into this because they had decided to help one of the few ponies on the weather team they each truly respected. With a subtle motion of his hoof, Thunderlane left... with Derpy following him. Their heads were down and they did not feel good about what they were leaving. Fluttershy stood there with her head down... forcing herself to listen to this, as a true, true friend would.

Rainbow Dash looked Twilight in the eye while unwrapping her strong hoof.

"Hey, I didn't force you to help me, you offered!"

Twilight shut her eyes and shouted back:

"That's just because I'm a good frie-"

A thundering voice from above cut her off:

"RAINBOW DASH!"

* * *

Luna descended slowly from the clouds. Rainbow didn't look up, keeping her eyes low. Twilight looked blankly up at the Princess. Her face was stern, but not angry.

"Princess Luna," said Twilight quietly. "I think maybe we should-"

The Princess up put her hoof as she gently came in contact with the ground.

"Rainbow Dash." She said again, plainly. "Do you have anything to say for yourself? To Justify your actions in someway?"

Rainbow stood looking at the ground silently.

Luna spoke again:

"You've given up everything for your friends and in turn they have given up so much for you. Why risk your life on something so frivolous? ... so unnecessary?"

Dash shrugged. Luna approached her, leaning over to now whisper in her ear:

"I know why you do this, Rainbow Dash. When you fail now, you only fail yourself." Rainbow looked up into her eyes as she continued to whisper. "You can live with that and do, by holding on to the past... but given this opportunity can you wager higher stakes than just yourself?"

"Yes!" Rainbow snapped in anger, causing Fluttershy and Pinkie to jump.

Princess Luna and Twilight remained stone-faced.

"Can you?"

Dash scowled.

Luna smiled down at the smaller angry Pegasus who stood before her. Rainbow Dash continued to stare at the Princess above her, unflinching. Her silence made more sense of her situation than her mouth ever could.

"Do you really want this thing?"

Dash nodded, weakly.

"In your room? Once it's up there, it will will be far too awkward to remove by force. It will take magic -- a combined, collective effort. Are you sure, Rainbow Dash? What I describe will be quite the task, even for the remaining Elements. Do not ask me for help again. I will not assist and neither will Celestia in removing this. With that knowledge, why not sell it since it is now here? I will take it."

"You're not getting it because I'm sure I want it, Princess," Dash said through her teeth, not backing down or looking away, even for the Princess. "I know what I want."

Luna smiled lovingly. Using her magic, she slowly levitated the pillar high up with ease, manipulating it as it flew through the air as though it were a mere toy. Staring into Rainbow's angry, bruised magenta eyes the whole time, the Alicorn guided the marble pillar into Rainbow's room, where it was heard being gently set onto the floor of her empty bedroom... taking up one-forth of her space before the addition of a bed and dresser.

"It is done." The Princess spread her wings. "Thank you again for your generosity, Rainbow Dash. Your property in the clouds will bring together Pegasai to better understand Equestria's history and makings. You have made Cloudsdale a better place, and I shall remember this gesture forever... and ever. All of it, and everything that it means."

The Princess took off into the clouds, leaving the two upset Pegasai, Earth pony, and the exhausted Unicorn to themselves. All that could be heard was the gentle breeze as the dusk began to turn to night and the moon came out.

Twilight turned to Pinkie and sighed.

"Wow... just wow." She rubbed her eyes. "Pinkie, do you think you'll need anymore help today?"

Pinkie smiled as she spoke:

"Nope! We're all set for now."

Fluttershy looked at Twilight and smiled weakly.

"If it's alright with you then, Twilight, I think I'm going to home and get some rest."

"I'm right behind you," said Twilight, smiling at Pinkie. "Pinkie, you let us know if you need anymore help. We'll be right here to help you again, Pinkie. Alright?"

"D'aww, that's so sweet! I think next week we'll be setting up the appliances! We're kinda playing it by ear, which is always fun. We'll have the Cakes again, but your electrical expertise will really come in handy!"

"Then I'll have to help you , Pinkie." Twilight looked blankly over at Rainbow Dash. "Good night, Rainbow. You better put something on that eye."

"I think we still have that cooler with some leftover ice from lunch!" Pinkie said, beginning to turn around.

Twilight was already gone. She was walking off in the direction of the library, leaving Fluttershy staring at the two ponies who were already moving on and hadn't even said good-bye to her. Meekly, she turned around and began to walk the path to her home. As she was about to turn the corner, she glanced back at Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. Pinkie was just about to head inside and seemed unphased by everything that had just happened now that it was over, whereas Rainbow continued to stare at her still opened window, blood dripping from her nose to the pavement beneath her. Fluttershy shook her head, then continued on her way home. It got dark fast.

Rainbow Dash was left outside, all by herself, yet again, as the moon shone down on her.

Part 4, 14 -- "Last Lil Orchid"

"Last Lil Orchid"
14

Five days passed, quickly for some and slowly for others.

Pinkie manically darted around her new home. She gushed over the plans she had for the place:

"And the super-deep fryer will go here. And the cotton candy machine there! Oh, and the freezer will go over here, and it will be loaded with ice cream and chocolate, and ooey-gooey treats of all colors and sizes!"

They hadn't even started setting all this stuff up yet. Never mind that she was talking about Rarity's old counter and work room; Pinkie Pie was about moving forward and being excited now. She saw only her own inspiration and wonderful potential... it would have made Rarity smile.

Rainbow Dash trailed behind her, nodding her head and agreeing that the place would look good when it was finally over. Her nose was still bruised and red, her right eye a bit swollen. The injury helped hide how awful she felt, much worse than she appeared.

Rainbow lay awake each night, hardly sleeping a wink. Her room was cramped and very hot; the marble slab by her window didn't help matters. The bed was uncomfortable, bouncy and low, but that would soon change. She wasn't used to sleeping inside away from the clouds... and seldom did sleep inside at all. Though she didn't like her new room, she could still fall asleep in it. What kept her awake were her nightmares:

As Dash slept, images of Scootaloo's fate still rolled through her mind... but at least this time she was alive.

The filly was in a couple of casts, holding herself up on crutches. There was a crowd around her, she was saying good-bye to everyone in Ponyville while standing in front of a train. There was smoke everywhere. Rainbow wanted to hug her, but there were too many ponies in the way. When she finally got close enough for Scootaloo to see her, she wished she hadn't.

Over and over Dash woke up sweating. Three words echoed through her skull, the last words she would ever hear Scootaloo say before leaving with a social worker on a train bound for Fillydelphia. The tiny filly glared right into her eyes as she said them:

"I hate you."

It seemed real. The older Pegasus had spent so much time lying to her... it was only right. Rainbow hated herself, too. More than she hated anything she could think of.

As Dash drifted off each night, those words would creep into her mind and not leave until dawn... when Luna's power receded. Rainbow started sleeping late, and had even snuck back to the clouds, but it did little good and she could only sleep for so long. She still had a job to do. Not to mention Pinkie needed her help, and Scootaloo still loved her visits. Through hard work she had become a bit leaner... but not thin enough for her friends to get concerned yet.

She watched in five days her old house change bit-by-bit. Where there were rainbow waterfalls, telescopes emerged... a big one at the top. From the ground it wasn't visible, but Dash saw it all. The colors changed to a darker hue as Luna's magical presence enveloped the old home and new coats of paint were applied by her seemingly tireless workers. The shape and architecture, and meaning, of the building changed as old pillars were removed or reinforced, walls were knocked down, and machines were added. Rainbow's house in Cloudsdale had already ceased to be.

* * *

Early morning Rainbow came back from the clouds and flew in through her window, creeping quietly to the bathroom. Another sleepless night. She prepared to turn on the shower, hoping the cold water might be enough of a shock to at least make her look awake.

Suddenly the bathroom door opened.

"Oh, sorry Dashie!" Pinkie yipped. "I'm not used to sharing my bathroom with somepony else. I'll use the one downstairs."

Rainbow looked over at her and smiled.

"It's okay... I don't honestly know if I even feel like taking a shower. You can have it."

"Oh, you don't have to do that, Dashie!" Pinkie returned the smile, preparing to duck out the door. "If you need time to decide, I totally understand. There are times I feel like taking a shower, but I end up painting the walls polka dot instead!"

Again, Dash smiled, but this time she couldn't be seen.

The door began to close. Dash let out a sigh... welcoming the silence. It wasn't to last.

Pinkie threw the door open:

"Oh, one more thing, Rainbow!"

The Pegasus rolled her eyes.

"What is it, Pinkie Pie?"

"Mr. Cake and Big Mac are going to be by later today with furniture for us. Granny Smith's even going to donate Apple Bloom's old bed! They want to know if you think a filly bed will even fit in your room with that big marble thing in the way! If not, she could always sleep with me."

"Wait... Pinkie what are you talking about? What bed?"

"The one for Scootaloo, silly!"

With those words, Dash felt the room begin to sway. She turned a lovely shade of green, slowly taking her hoof off the knob and holding her gut. This was not what she needed this early in the morning.

"Pinkie Pie," Rainbow dash said, trying to sound as calm as possible. "I thought I made it clear I hadn't made my mind up about that yet."

"Well, duh, silly! I want to have everything together so we don't have to keep asking our friends. They're being so nice and you wouldn't want to have them have to spend two afternoons getting beds out of the Apple's cellar just because you finally made your mind up a month from now!"

Rainbow opened her mouth ready to say something, but her mind couldn't even form an argument. Pinkie was right.

Come on, Rainbow! Just say you're not going to adopt Scootaloo... that'll shut her up!

Dash took a breath, preparing to say just that. She fell silent again.

"Dashie?"

Rainbow took another breath. This time words left her mouth:

"Pinkie, I uh... I..."

"Yes?" The pink mare's eyelashes fluttered, though Dash couldn't see it.

The tiny bathtub continued to sway with Dash still in it, her stomach making muffled gurgling sounds.

"Oh, boy," she grumbled. "Pinkie, I..."

Rainbow didn't get to finish her thoughts. Instead she upchucked her last meal.

* * *

Pinkie cleaned up what wouldn't easily go down the drain while Rainbow Dash sat at the edge of the tub with her head in her hooves. "Anything for her friend," Pinkie had said, though this event had put her mane slightly straight. Rainbow was looking really weird lately, even worse than usual considering the bruises on her face, and Pinkie couldn't put her hoof on why.

"Are you sick?" She asked, as she stood up. "Do you need some medicine to make you feel better? I can go talk to Twilight and-"

"I'm not sick, Pinkie," Dash replied with a burp. "I've just got a lot on my mind."

"Why?" Pinkie looked into her friend's hallow eyes. "You've made everypony happy and should be really proud of yourself!"

Rainbow's lower lip quivered as she nodded.

"I think," Dash began, taking a deep breath, trying not to tear up. "I think I need to take a day off and just go for a walk."

Pinkie smiled, the frizz returning to her hair.

"Okay, Dashie. If that's what you need."

Rainbow Dash got up slowly and cantered towards the exit. She turned back to look at Pinkie, who held a bucket full of green slop in her hoof. She smiled at the pink mare... and Pinkie smiled back. Both nodded warmly, Dash walking off without a word. She left the building.

"Anything for a friend," Pinkie thought aloud while she disposed of the bucket's contents down the toilet.

* * *

After going up to the skies to tell the weather ponies she would not be able to work today (which they had no problem giving her the day off just looking into crusty, swollen her eyes) Rainbow began her descent back to town. She glanced up at the purple tower in place of her old home and sighed.

Rainbow Dash walked through Ponyville with her head down. If there wasn't a black cloud above her head she certainly felt like their was.

Ponyville's roads were simple and few, and they made a big loop. Rainbow didn't have to look where she was going to keep on familiar ground (though she did check to make sure she wasn't going to get squashed by a cart). She spent a few hours hoofing it around town; the dawn turned to morning and then to early afternoon. Rainbow's stomach gurgled again, this time with hunger as it grew hotter outside. Rainbow paid no attention. She must've passed the Corner, the Boutique, and the library a dozen of times. She didn't know for sure... her time was spent scanning the pavement for cracks.

"Hey Rainbow Dash!" A familiar, high-pitched voice shouted in the distance. "Rainbow!" She now heard its deeper resonance.

She looked up and saw Spike waving at her from the library. He looked friendly, unlike Twilight the last time they talked. The Pegasus's hooves padded off in his direction, her head still down, but looking... her eyes locked on the baby dragon. She got to him.

"Rainbow, you look terrible!" He exclaimed.

She smiled back.

"Yeah, well, Spike, I feel terrible. Don't ask."

The drake had a look of sympathy in his eyes. She noticed the fire ruby pendant around his neck and smiled.

"How 'bout you come inside and I can make you some tea? We can talk about the Wonderbolts or the weather. Whatever you want!"

"Twilight isn't there, is she?"

"Well, no," Spike began to twiddle his claws nervously. "Don't think I'm just bored! I really want to talk to you, Rainbow."

Dash rolled her eyes.

"Yeah. Sure, Spike."

He turned around and swung the door to the library wide open, welcoming her in like a tiny butler:

"Alright! After you, Rainbow!"

She stepped inside without looking back at the empty streets she was leaving behind. Spike followed her closely.

* * *

The tired Pegasus found a big, comfy seat in the main room while Spike's voice echoed throughout the tree:

"Twilight's been really busy lately, Rainbow," he began. "She hasn't been here often. She's been helping you and Pinkie get setup, and trying to find a home for Scootaloo."

"I know," Dash muttered, rubbing her eyes.

"It's been hard without her around, but both Fluttershy and Apple Jack have come here to keep me company! I just thought it would be nice to have you for a change."

"How thoughtful."

Rainbow could easily translate what he was saying in her head: both Fluttershy and Apple Jack were too busy today. He saw her, so he grabbed her.

"Look, Spike," she began. "This is really nice of you and all, but I think maybe after I have the tea I'm going to just jet. I don't mean to be rude or anything, but I just need time to myself."

The drake heard her, but he didn't listen. He came out with cakes and a tea pot:

"Oh, are you going to see Scootaloo?"

Dash facehoofed.

"Probably later," she said, through gritted teeth.

"Can I come?" Spike asked with wide-eyes, setting a full mug in front of his best-ever rainbow-maned friend, then one in front of himself.

"Spike," Dash said firmly, picking up the tea and sipping it so she could buy herself a moment to think. It was actually good. "I don't know what I'm doing yet, so no."

"Oh," Spike's perky demeanor changed. "Okay."

Rainbow Dash smiled down at the baby dragon, now feeling bad. She sighed.

"I'll say hi for you. Okay?"

Spike smiled, setting down his mug.

"Rainbow... can I ask you something?"

"Sure Spike."

He looked nervously at the table as he spoke:

"Have you ever... thought about adopting Scootaloo? You two are a lot a like, like me and Twilight, and I think you'd be really happy together!"

The Pegasus shut her eyes and grimaced. A lone tear ran down her cheek the moment he finished that sentence, unnoticed by Spike, who was still looking down. She opened her eyes just in time to see him looking back up.

He peered at the trembling mare, unsure of how to read her blank face.

"Did I, uh... ask a bad question, Rainbow?"

She responded by shaking her head slowly. Scootaloo had once asked her a similar question.

Spike winced, still detecting tension in the air.

"So, uh... maybe you're mad at me for asking that?"

Again, Dash shook her head... her face still unreadable.

Spike felt relieved knowing that she wasn't mad at him.

"So, are you going to adopt Scootaloo?"

For the third time, Dash shook her head, not exactly hearing Spike's words this time around, as he had earlier not heard hers. She was far off.

"Oh." Spike looked at the table again and sighed. "Awkward..."

The tired Pegasus took one final sip of her tea, finishing it off. She then got up, walking out of the library without another word, leaving the door open and the baby dragon standing in front of the coffee table with an empty expression. Spike was left confused and sad... what had he done wrong?

Rainbow Dash had just one more place she could go that wouldn't remind her of her own misery, the place where sick ponies went to get better. In the thick of it she could make up anything she wanted there and it would all go away. This is where she headed.

* * *

The hospital smelled sterile. It burned Dash's eyes and nose each time she went since her injury, but this time less. She walked passed the nurse at the desk. They smiled at each other as she cantered down the hall and assented the stairs, knowing Scootaloo's room number by heart.

Despite the fact that the filly's physical appearance had remained the same, she was getting peppier each visit. Knowing this made Dash smile sincerely for the first time in almost two days. To top it off, Scootaloo had never commented on Dash's face, she just stared at the damage... and Dash explained that it had "happened while working." That was all she needed to say.

She entered the room and saw her little protégé in bed, this time noticing a wheel chair by her side. No machines this time, no IVs. Again, she smiled and got an idea. The nurse was just in the next room. The older Pegasus called to her:

"Hey, if I were to keep just on this floor, could I take Scootaloo for a walk?"

The nurse's poked her head in briefly to get a look at Dash. Her lyrical voice rang out like a bell:

"Certainly."

The two ponies smiled at each other. Scootaloo was going on an adventure now, and Rainbow Dash was at the helm

Soon enough Rainbow was pushing the little filly down the halls... it was quieter and darker than her room, but there were still ponies around. She was hoping to be alone. Faster and faster they went, to the point were Dash was thinking about using her wings.

"This is so much like my scooter!" Scootaloo exclaimed. "Faster Rainbow! Please go faster!"

Rainbow grinned, pushing her a bit longer. The filly shut her eyes and enjoyed the gentle, air-conditioned breeze flowing through her mane. Eventually they got to a secluded spot by a water fountain and rested. Scootaloo motioned for a drink and Dash gently helped her out of the chair. Scootaloo hobbled even in Dash's strong hooves, unable to support her own weight for a drink. As the filly enjoyed her water, Rainbow sighed... remembering the conversations from earlier that day.

Feeling a knot in her gut, she knew she couldn't keep this going forever.

"Scootaloo, there's something I gotta talk to you about."

No more lies. I have to prepare her for it.

Scootaloo looked up at her cyan idol as she was set back down in the chair.

"Yeah?"

Rainbow crouched all the way down to Scootaloo's level. She took a deep breath... followed by another, staring into Scootaloo's gentle, purple eyes. All she could see was the anger from her dream. Tears started to form in the older pony's eyes.

Stop it, Rainbow. Come on!

She couldn't. She tried hard, but she couldn't. She really couldn't. Tears fell as she crouched there, breathing heavily. Scootaloo just stared and stared, not knowing what to make of this.

"Why are you crying, Rainbow?" She asked innocently. "Did... did I do something wrong?"

"Scootaloo..."Began Dash slowly, still breathing heavily. "You need a real place to live. It's not right for a filly to go door-to-door, hoping somepony'll let her in."

"But I've been doing that all my life," Scootaloo replied. "I've only had to sleep outside once and it was summer!"

"Well..." Dash rubbed the tears and snot from her face and chuckled. She just couldn't to it.

Scootaloo's confusion started to change to annoyance as she stared up at her cyan idol, who now had the strangest grimace on her face.

"Well what? You're getting really sappy on me, Rainbow!"

"Well, I was thinking, Scoots..." Dash took a big gulp, looking into her protégé's scowling eyes. She spoke fast and from the heart. "How would you like to come live with me?"

Rainbow couldn't believe what she had just said. The moment the words had escaped her lips, her breathing began to slow.

The little filly paused for moment, processing all that she had just been asked. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her face lit up like the sun:

"Seriously!?!"

Dash nodded... hesitantly at first.

"Seriously, Scoots. Come live with me. You- you don't have any other choice."

In the vain of her idol, Scootaloo practically exploded in joy... nearly causing her chair to fall backwards:

"Omygosh, omygosh, omygosh, omygosh!"

Seeing the tiny filly so happy, Rainbow forced a wink. She spoke with a smile:

"I'll take that as a yes."

Scootaloo hugged her. Rainbow stared at the wall with her eyes open. Though her gaze was far off and her eyes were still blood-shot, she bent over and hugged the little filly with all her might. Rainbow Dash just couldn't abandon her. If she really meant what she was saying, though... she had a lot more to tell her.

"Scootaloo," began the older Pegasus. "Do you know were we're going to be living?"

The filly broke away, looking her idol now face-to-face.

"In your house in Cloudsdale, right?"

Again, Rainbow Dash smiled.

"Well... No, not exactly."

"Then where?"

"In Rarity's Boutique."

"Oh, cool!" Scootaloo stopped for a minute. "In Sweetie Belle's old room...?"

"Yeah."

"And Rarity's really okay with that?"

Dash nodded.

"Scootaloo, Rarity's done something really wonderful. She gave Pinkie her Boutique."

Scootaloo furrowed her brow as she thought about what she was being told. She had more questions:

"So... where's Rarity staying?"

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath, hugging her tiny protégé a second time.

"I'm afraid I've got some bad news, Squirt..."

* * *

The words were not difficult to say. There were only three of them:

"Rarity passed away."

It was the plethora of emotion and questions that followed. Rainbow did her best to deal with them... but had come poorly prepared. She left Scootaloo in the hallway mid-explaination, to "use the bathroom" ... she really went to throw up again (it must've been just tea this time, as it came up red). Her stomach felt empty at least, but sore.

Scootaloo's initial reaction was understandable:

"No," she said with tear-filled eyes. "No..."

All she did was repeat that one word, shaking her head. Rainbow Dash held her tightly and explained as bed she could.

"Why? What happened?"

Dash explained. Scootaloo soon knew how Rarity had poisoned herself. Rainbow made sure to stress that she had gone painlessly in her sleep... though she had suffered, no need to tell a filly all that.

"Why didn't anypony tell me?"

Dash explained again... Scootaloo's health came first.

She had more questions, things that needed to be explained away. Rainbow had her first taste of what it meant to be an adult -- having to be gentle while explaining the cruel ins-and-outs of Equestria to a tiny filly. She couldn't explain everything away, and the most devastating to Scootaloo she just couldn't break to her:

You could be gone, too, kiddo.

Her stomach was in knots as she processed, while talking to Scootaloo, what she had said about living with her. Talking, however... made her feel a whole lot better.

They talked about Rarity for a long time. They talked about Pinkie Pie and the new bakery even longer. They both started with such sour faces, but by the end Scootaloo was laughing and Rainbow had a familiar cocky grin on her face. They started talking about Pinkie's dreams, and how wonderful she felt, then they started talking about what they were going to do when Scootaloo finally got out, but this time... Rainbow really meant it. Everything she said about it -- about hide-n-seek, about camp-outs, about extreme hiking, and flying -- they were really going to do this time.

Rainbow didn't feel guilty anymore. She had made-up a happy future for Scootaloo weeks before only to feel good about herself, but it was all gone now, and the Pegasus was effortlessly walking on air. She felt like she could do anything -- live anywhere, sleep anywhere. And the best part about it was that it was all real. Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo, and Pinkie Pie, had found true happiness and it was all just beginning. By the time Rainbow left the hall pushing Scootaloo, her withered face looked so much more alive.

They passed the same new nurse Rainbow had spoken to earlier. She hadn't gotten a good look, but she knew her from her voice.

"Can I take this little parasprite to the cafeteria for lunch?" Rainbow Dash asked.

She wore such a friendly smile as she spoke. Her voice rang out again:

"Certainly."

Rainbow darted off with Scootaloo to the elevator where they took it down to the cafeteria. There they had lunch together.

The elevator doors opened with a ding. The room was almost empty, Scootaloo's laughter echoed throughout the white walls. The few staff members looked at each and smiled when they heard from Scootaloo's mouth, as the two approached, that this nice cyan weather pony, who had been visiting her anywhere from four to six times a week, was going to adopt her. They knew about what would happen if nopony adopted her, though Scootaloo was still clueless. The workers respectfully nodded at the tired Pegasus while getting them their food, recognizing her exhaustion, and going so far as to give her a bit extra. They knew what she had done for Apple Jack, also... by now most of Ponyville did. So much for privacy, but that's what happens when one of the most flashy ponies in Ponyville carries a giant cart full of Bits through town.

Eventually the orange filly wore herself out talking and just smiled up at her idol. In their silence Dash took a breath and looked down at her in the little wheel chair.

Scootaloo was going to be safe again... like she always had been. That was a load off Rainbow's mind.

* * *

It was mid-afternoon. Rainbow Dash trotted in the direction of town with new-found enthusiasm. She was high on her words to Scootaloo, and wouldn't come crashing back down.

She went to the first pony she could think of to tell. Not Pinkie; Apple Jack and Fluttershy lived too far away to make it right now without flying. Maybe she wouldn't be there, maybe she would. Dash just needed to tell the one pony who's intelligence she respected the good news.

The Pegasus didn't bother knocking. Though it was Twilight's home, the library was there for everypony to use. She opened the door and stepped inside.

Of all things she saw Matilda and Cranky Doodle Donkey sitting at a table facing Twilight. Spike was by their side serving them tea. The four smiled when they saw Rainbow Dash coming.

"Rainbow Dash, I have the most wonderful new!" Exclaimed Twilight Sparkle.

"So do I!" Replied Rainbow. "I've decided I want to adopt Scootaloo!"

The smile instantly left Twilight's face. She forced it back up. It was now clearly faked, but Rainbow didn't notice.

"Oh... um, great!" She turned to Matilda and Cranky. "Isn't that good news?"

The two donkeys nodded slowly but surely.

"Just wonderful," said Matilda. "Are you sure you want to do this? Twilight's said you've been on the fence about this for quite some time. Maybe some others could take her if you're not positive you want to do this?"

The last statement was phrased more like a question, though Dash didn't hear it. She had her own stuff to share.

"Oh, I'm surer than sure!" Rainbow replied, blinking her eyes... now looking at the two donkeys and processing that this was out of the ordinary. "Um... so what's your good news?"

"That me and Matilda here are finally out of retirement," said Cranky. "And we're looking to help make Ponyville a better place now that we've gotten the chance to know each other a little better."

"Well, Apple Jack always needs help on the farm," Rainbow said with a smile. "And Pinkie's just starting a new bakery... there's so much to do, and I feel so pumped to do it!"

"We know all about the stuff going on with your friends," said Matilda with a laugh, giving a slight nod to Twilight. "And we're very happy for you. What're you going to do to celebrate?"

"Celebrate? I hadn't thought of that." A smile slowly formed on Dash's lips. "I have to go tell Pinkie!"

The cyan mare turned around and zipped through the opened door without another word, leaving a rainbow trail. Spike went to close it as Twilight spoke directly to the two donkeys in front of her.

"Well, that was... awkward," she began hesitantly. "Sorry. I, uh, didn't expect that. Would you like me to go-"

"Oh, don't worry about it, Twilight," said Matilda.

"We're always looking to help," added Cranky. "We're just glad that she's going to be with someone you think is going to make her happy."

Twilight nodded her head slowly.

"We'll just have to see about that. Rainbow's... got a lot to work out."

Coda

That night, Rainbow Dash slept like a baby in a new bed... a welcome change. It felt cool and soft as she drifted away, reminiscent of a cloud. Luna smiled down on her from the moon as she peacefully snored. The Princess was proud, not because Rainbow Dash was planning to adopt Scootaloo, but because she was finally being honest with herself and the filly, and she was up to the challenge. Rainbow was proving to be the most loyal and generous of ponies, and she had learned much about herself in this short time-- about sacrifice and love, and about friendship. She truly was a better pony now.

It seemed as though everypony now had a chance. It was a night of peace throughout all of Ponyville. There would soon be a party thrown to celebrate this occasion, but first... the new bakery had to be complete. Dash already had a second bed in her room, pushed up against the wall by the window. The marble fixture would someday need to be removed, but not for a while. It would remain... reminding Dash of how silly she had been in keeping it for a very long time.

Part 4, 15 -- "Metamorphosis Boutique"

"Metamorphosis Boutique"
15

Three whole days had been spent setting up. The mares now had beds, mostly unpacked things, and in a few minutes a mostly working bakery.

Twilight Sparkle, Big Macintosh, and Mr. Cake were checking to make sure the massive refrigerator was securely in place, and the old stove was perfectly flush. This was the most boring part, but everypony was still around for it. They were mostly Mr. and Mrs. Cakes' old machines, a few of the Apples, and even a couple from Rarity's old kitchen donated back by her parents... Rarity always had a thing for gourmet foods. All hand-me-downs, but still completely functional.

Pinkie stood by Mrs. Cake... watching and waiting. The older mare put a hoof on her excited protégé's shoulder:

"It's all yours, Pinkie," she said, calmly. "Every last bit of it."

Wringing her hooves, the pink mare was near tears from excitement. Rainbow Dash, who was on her other side, smiled at her. She gave a teary grin back.

"Okay, I think we're all set!" Yipped Twilight Sparkle, turning in the direction of her pink friend. "Pinkie, is there anything you want to say to christen your new bakery?"

Pinkie stood silently and stone-faced as everypony turned towards her and gathered around. Seven sets of pony eyes (and one baby dragon's) were on her. She opened her forelegs up and beamed a wide smile:

"Only that I couldn't have done any of this without my friends help!"

All ponies (and drakes) present grinned, then went in for the hug. It lasted a good long while.

* * *

Sentiments were shared about the new bakery over a small batch of cupcakes Mrs. Cake had baked, along with some Darjeeling to celebrate the life of the old owner of the building, a ninth cup and cake left out untouched. There wasn't one pony around who wasn't excited to see it in its finished glory... even in spirit.

Pinkie had a agenda now that she had a working bakery, a promise made a few days earlier she intended to keep. Turning towards her newly installed counter tops, Pinkie sprang forward with newfound enthusiasm:

"Now let's throw you and Scoots a party, Dashie! It's my way of saying thank-you for staying with me and welcome to the new bakery!"

Rainbow Dash grinned ear-to-ear. Even she had forgotten about Pinkie's party promise a few days before. Dash had been distracted, after all, but Pinkie remembered.... Pinkie never forgets a promise, and this wasn't even a Pinkie Promise.

Their work had gone from setting up the bakery to using it. Pinkie had a plan in mind, but having so many ponies around, she couldn't help but invite them to join in the fun:

"Apple Jack, I'd like to make some apple fritters to help celebrate!"

"Apple fritters, huh?" Apple Jack and Big Mac looked at each other, grinning. "If it's alright with you, Pinkie... me and Big Mac'll help you to speed things along. Ah think we've got the time now."

"Ee-yup," the stallion replied with a warm smile.

"Aww, that's so sweet! You don't have to..."

"We're happy to oblige, Pinkie." Apple Jack replied as her brother nodded in agreement. "We wanna make this gathering as big as you do. Big Mac, you mind makin' another trip?"

"Ee-nope. Ah could use the time to stretch ma legs. Haven't been out apple bucking in almost two days!"

"Then it's settled!"

Pinkie was touched. She and Big Macintosh hardly spoke, yet he was willing to help her even after the job was done.

Soon enough Big Mac was headed for the Acres on a mission -- a quick trip to get some of their best apples and his other little sister. He wouldn't be gone for longer than an hour at the most. In the mean time Apple Jack stepped in to provide Pinkie an extra set of hooves, able to help with more than just fritters.

Pinkie soon had all three mixers running along with her stove, microwave, cotton candy machine, and her "super-deep fryer." Mr. and Mrs. Cake looked at each other and nodded. Their young, pink protégé was having no trouble keeping up with all this organized chaos... and Apple Jack had no problem stepping in. The older Earth Ponies sighed in relief... Pinkie was going to be fine. Her hooves moved at lightening speed, perpetuated by own her mania, four years of practice, and desire to make her first meal in her own bakery. Soon they started helping, too, but... just with the mixing. This was Pinkie's moment, after all. Pinkie looked over and smiled at them, glad to have even more hooves to help.

Pinkie didn't have to ask her other friends to join in. Twilight found herself rationing out ingredients for cupcakes, brownies, donuts, éclairs, mousse and even a mini Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness. Pinkie knew it would take hours, but it would be worth it in the end. She wanted all of Ponyville to enjoy this party, too; that idea made her smile.

The Cakes now looked at each other with concern that Pinkie Pie might be going overboard. The pink mare turned towards them both and requested even more ingredients, giving them a long list written out on parchment paper neither of them had even seen her or any other pony write. Rather than saying something and risking bursting Pinkie's bubble, both of the the Cakes looked at each other and sighed. Mr. Cake left with Spike, who held the parchment high.

Fluttershy soon joined the others, taking out pots and pans. She knew exactly where everything was, naturally, as she had filled the cabinets just a day before. Rainbow Dash rushed in to catch a few eggs that nearly rolled off the counter, and Twilight was grateful for that. After just twenty-five minutes of mixing all this from scratch, most of it was almost ready for cooking. Pinkie still needed to make the icing and mix a few ingredients together... the later of which would be brought shortly.

She turned on one final mixer as she added the sugary goodness to the bowl and her entire bakery went pitch black.

* * *

In the darkness, a high-pitched voice rang out:

"Umm.... what just happened?"

"You just blew a fuse, dear," replied Mrs. Cake, in a comforting tone. "We'll get this place up and running again in no time!"

Twilight lit up her horn like a candle and sighed. At least the ponies could see now... well, not really, but at least it saved Fluttershy from banging her head on the.counter.

"We were almost done!" Grumbled Rainbow Dash, accidentally dropping an egg to the floor now that she couldn't see very well from her side.

"That's not true, Rainbow..." Mrs. Cake said in a motherly tone. "Cooking takes time and careful planning... We were about done with the prep work, though."

Dash glared at the older mare for making her feel foalish, but it was too dark for it to be appreciated by any pony other than herself.

Twilight spoke up:

"I'm going to go try to replace the fuse. It's in the cellar, right?"

Mrs. Cake answered, opening the blinds to let the sunshine in:

"Yes, that's right. You're going to be okay just by yourself?"

"I'll be fine," replied the Unicorn, leaving Rarity's old Inspiration room to go to the main entrance, then to the basement.

"Well, at least we can at least see now!" Mrs. Cake exclaimed, looking out at the sunlight beaming in.

The rest of the room, including Pinkie, murmured in agreement. They hoped power would be back on soon... this was not the way any of them wanted to spend their afternoon.

* * *

Everypony heard the sound of shuffling outside the room. It was too early for Twilight to be back up, she'd hardly been gone thirty seconds. The knob at the front entrance turned, and the door opened.

"Um... hello?" Mr. Cake's voice echoed through the dark establishment. "Cupcake? The lights are out."

"I know that," grumbled Mrs. Cake as both Carrot and Spike drifted inside.

"What happened?" Asked Spike, as they both followed the only source of light to the old Inspiration Room.

"Um... I blew a fuse!" Pinkie exclaimed, blushing.

The two entered the room, Spike setting an armload of small boxes down on the counter.

"It's good to know this, Pinkie," said Mr. Cake. "Just remember not to have too many things running at once, and you should be fine."

"Aww... but we can do all this back at your bakery with no problem!"

"Not quite," Mrs. Cake said hesitantly. "We're careful not to have four mixers, the stove, and our fryers running all at the same time. I let you go too far, dear."

Hearing this, Mr. Cake cast his wife a disapproving glare, much more intimidating in the faint light. Mr. Cake seldom got angry, but when he did it could get ugly. The older mare blushed in response and his face softened... he couldn't stay mad at her.

"Oh... Oops!" Said Pinkie.

Apple Jack had about heard enough of this:

"I'm gunna go play look out for Twilight... tell her when the lights come back on."

Everypony made way as Apple Jack came through, mildly annoyed by the banter and lack of communication (normally the Cakes were pretty square on that). She was a bit amused at the same time... but she made sure to smile after she was past both the Cakes, so she wouldn't offend them. The farm pony walked into the main room, then to the door where the cellar stairs stretched downwards into the unknown.

"Y'all right, Twi?" Her voice echoed down the stairs. "Need an extra hoof?"

At first it was quiet in the basement... Apple Jack tried to look deep and saw the reflected light emanating off Twilight's horn against the wall and that was it. The Unicorn finally spoke:

"Uh, Apple Jack? Could you come down here please?"

"Sure thing," Apple Jack said, descending the stairs. She expected this to be over with quick... it was not.

The mares were left to pass the time in the kitchen. A few minutes later Big Macintosh showed up with the apples and supplies, and his little sister on the cart who had enjoyed the late afternoon ride courtesy of chauffeur Big Mac. The stallion was greeted by the same darkness when he opened the door that Mr. Cake had come into, but rather than shouting into it that the lights were out, he and his little sister followed the sound and faint light to the Inspiration Room where everything was explained to them by the waiting ponies.

Apple Bloom couldn't help getting ahead of herself, once she saw the crowd:

"Why're the lights out? Are we gunna throw another surprise party for Scootaloo?" He face lit up. "Is she finally coming home?"

"Not exactly." Said Mrs. Cake, taking a deep breath to explain what had happened.

* * *

It had been almost thirty minutes since Twilight went downstairs. Mr. Cake shouted down into the dark cellar:

"Is everything alright girls?"

"We're having trouble finding the right fuse!" Twilight exclaimed in a frustrated tone. "It's almost like there's no power at all in the whole building."

Mr. Cake looked at the group of gathered ponies standing by the door frame. He noticed Big Mac's taller silhouette standing out among the group.

"Big Mac... you and Apple Jack know a thing or two about electricity, right?"

"Ee-yup." Replied the stallion confidently.

"So do me and Cupcake." Mr. Cake chuckled hesitantly. "Since there are two down there already, I think it might be best we go together. I'm also thinking it might be the breaker at this point... this little problem has them both scratching their heads, after all. It shouldn't be too hard if it's just a matter of finding the right panel and set of switches... right?"

"Ee-yup."

Big Macintosh was already walking in the direction of the cellar door. Mr. Cake leaned against the wall. He would have said he was thinking out loud:

"Well, I do remember reading about the breaker being an older model... Maybe it'll just take a little extra TLC?"

"Ee-yup," replied the farm pony, now rolling his eyes before disappearing down into the basement.

Mr. Cake wasn't far behind him. They both followed the light down the stairs.

* * *

The stallions were gone for another ten minutes. Even Fluttershy started to get bored. Apple Bloom rolled some eggs by the edge of the counter, but fortunately none of them dropped. Dash's eyes started to close by themselves as she lay on top the massive refrigerator curled up like Opalescence, while Mrs. Cake comforted Pinkie.

"Everything is going to be just fine," she whispered confidently, patting her older protégé on the back. "This is just... oh, a minor setback."

Pinkie looked up at her and smiled.

When the group finally came trudging back upstairs, most of them looked quite frustrated. Twilight was the last one up, rubbing her temples as her horn dimmed. The ponies in the kitchen came to greet them the moment the first one came up.

"Were you able to fix it?" Asked Mrs. Cake.

"Ee-nope," replied Big Mac, shaking his head.

"It's not the fuse box or the breaker," said Mr. Cake, emerging from the cellar. "We tried every single one... it's not getting power at all."

"I'm not sure what it is." Twilight sighed. "I think it's something electrical."

"Are we sure the power's just not out in all of Ponyville?" Apple Jack asked. "We're gunna feel mighty silly if that's all that's been goin' on."

"Aww, all that food will go to waste..." Pinkie grumbled, her mane falling limp as she slowly cantered through the door back into her new kitchen. "Please, please have power," she quietly wished to herself as she looked out the window to see Lyra across the street. The green Unicorn was playing her harp, reading music in her home by the electric light, not candle. The pink mare's mane immediately perked back up. "Hey! Lyra's got power!"

"Then it's got to be something here," said Mr. Cake, solemnly. "And that means we need an electrician. That's going to take a day or two. Sorry, Pinkie... I know you were excited."

Pinkie's mane deflated again on those words, this time not to go right back up. Her lower lip quivered as she looked around at the semi-visible mess she would have to clean up. At least she had her friends here, but she couldn't ask them to help again. They'd already helped more than she ever could ever have asked, and she was super-duper grateful for that.

"Okay," Pinkie said quietly, forcing a smile at the ponies around her. "Guess I'll have this all cleaned up a bit after dark. It's not going to be a whole lot of fun, so I guess I'll see you girls tommo-"

"Oh, nonesense, Pinkie!" Mrs. Cake exclaimed, putting a foreleg around the sad mare's shoulders. The older pony looked at her protégé's friends, who were all looking at Pinkie with compassion in their eyes. She knew how to answer for them. "We're going to help you clean up. After all, it's our mess, too, when you think about it."

Nopony objected. Instead they all surrounded Pinkie and smiled. She looked up and smiled back as her mane regained some of its frizz.

"Thank you." She whispered quietly, the mare's blue eyes shining in the faint light.

A number of ponies throughout Ponyville would have tried to guilt-trip their friends into helping the same way, just by looking around the room with a sad expression. That wasn't how Pinkie Pie rolled and they all knew that... which is why they stayed to help.

* * *

Clean up took a bit longer than expected, especially without indoor lights. They all knew what they were getting into. Twilight lit up her horn again, though it added little extra light. The ponies went to work in the semi-darkness.

It took over an hour to clean up. The Cakes set aside what batter was still good and helped stack the dishes. Twilight and the Cakes then designated jobs, and for the most part each job fit each pony. Rainbow Dash quickly got frustrated with mopping in the dim light and tried to sneak back up on the refrigerator to catch some quick Zs. Not that she'd tell any pony this, but her shoulder still ached, and so did her tummy now... she'd had enough stress for one week, that was for sure. All it took was one look from Mrs. Cake, who just mouthed the word please in her direction, and Rainbow Dash stayed on the floor. There wasn't much for a fast mare like herself to do, but in the end they would still have some fun.

It was approaching dusk outside when the last pot was put away, but Celestia's sun was still high above the treetops. There were at least couple hours of daylight left to enjoy.

The front doors of the Boutique opened and everypony stepped out into the late afternoon sun. As a group they walked through the streets of Ponyville, chatting and laughing, as the first of the fireflies came out above their heads. They were happy to be outside, no longer standing around in the dark bakery. Their voices rang out in joy as they spoke of good things, each having something special to work towards now. Though they were feeling a bit tired and a tad restless, Mr. and Ms. Cake were determined to see that they would still be able to enjoy the day... if cooking was still even in the cards:

"Let's go bake little a cake at our place," said Mr. Cake tenderly. "Entirely on us."

Those words were all it took to restore Pinkie's frizz. A little promise of cake and her head went up, then she was bouncing around the ponies with newly found zest. As ponies passing through town raised their eyebrows in wonder, the older bakers and her friends grinned at each other, happy to see that Pinkie Pie was back to her normal self again... well, normal for Pinkie Pie, that is.

They headed towards the Sugar Cube Corner, not far off from the old Boutique. It was clear that this cake was going to be a much smaller, much quicker cake to make... but that didn't matter. They had enough time during their stroll to come up with a plan along the way. This plan included everypony, and even though it was small, it kept growing bigger and bigger... everypony had an idea to make it better, even Big Mac, who suggested an apple cinnamon sweetener to add an extra layer of goodness.

When the group finally got to their destination, each pony went to work, having a solid idea of what he or she was doing. Their plans were elaborate, not one moment was wasted... the only ponies to sit back were the Cakes themselves. Even Spike helped by pulling out some hard to reach packets of seasoning, at the back of the shelf. Though it was much less than Pinkie Pie had first planned, one thing didn't change -- they all really enjoyed making that cake. They each took turns mixing, pouring, and checking on it. Apple Bloom and Pinkie enjoyed the spatula and bowl, but not before both the Master Bakers each got a taste:

"This is going to be perfect!" Declared Mrs. Cake, as Mr. Cake nodded in agreement beside her.

This cake was going to one special filly. After it was out of the oven, they let Pinkie look at it closely as it cooled. She pondered all the possibilities now that it was cooked, rubbing her chin...

"How are we going to decorate it?" Asked Twilight Sparkle. "Should we use Scootaloo's favorite color?" She turned to Rainbow Dash, who was leaning up against the wall. "What is her favorite color?"

Rainbow smiled, tapping her mane... she liked purple, the same as her own mane, but that gesture was misinterpreted by more than just Twilight.

Pinkie stood isolated for a moment. She remained quiet, focused on the cake. The mare had been asked a question, but she didn't answer it at first... instead she nodded and smiled, furrowing her brow. The pink Earth Pony suddenly turned to her friends, still grinning as she spoke:

"I've got it!"

"What?" Apple Jack asked.

"I can't decide!" Replied Pinkie Pie with a smile, "and that's what makes my idea so totally fantastic. I can't believe I didn't think of it earlier!"

All ponies -- the Cakes and Spike included -- cocked their heads... that was, until they saw Pinkie turn around and go into a cabinet, coming back not with a single tube of food coloring, but an entire case of eight colors. She required all the colors and suddenly it made sense.

Half an hour later, after the cake was through steaming, they made sure to decorate it so she would know it was from them all. Like before, they each took a turn, but Pinkie added the final touches... moving at a snail's pace, so she could get it just right. No pony had been around to see her working quite like this, except for the Cakes. In the end it looked so perfect and everypony was smiling over the job they'd done. It was too good to put in a box.

The sun had begun to set as they set off cantering towards the hospital. Their pace was brisk, their mood was light, and even Big Macintosh giggled like a colt along the way. It was just a shame they'd be so late, but might as well make the best of the time they had.

Pinkie was at the head of the group, holding the cake high. Even without her new bakery up and running, she was still grinning ear-to-ear. She had the magic in her to always bounce back from the ugliest of situations, and make the best of her surroundings. She could change anything, brighten up anypony's day. Mr. Cake had once joked about it being a curse when they first adopted her, but now he understood her. It was Pinkie Pie that had made the new bakery what it was; her family and friends simply provided the tools and horsepower to do so. She filled something that was dead with so much life and promise. They were so very proud of her for it, and even on the way with her mood so high, the Cakes and all of Pinkie's friends knew in their hearts that what she'd learned about friendship today she would hold dear for a long time. She was Pinkie Pie, after all, and they loved her for it.

Author's Note

This particular segment gave me a lot of trouble, so I'm pleased to finally be able to release it.

I almost cut it completely. I was going to open with the next chapter, but decided to include it. . It underwent a good amount of editing, but ultimately I'm happy with it... a lot happier than when I started :twilightblush:

If anybody has any critique or thoughts, as always I'm open to suggestions. While I write for myself primarily, I also write to make the best stories I can, so I very much enjoy feedback.

Hope you enjoyed this section as much as I enjoyed bringing it to you.

Peace :eeyup:

Part 4, 16 -- "Bright and Happy"

"Bright and Happy"
16

Scootaloo lay stretched out in bed, staring out of her hospital room window with a blank expression. She was bored out of her skull... but at least she was comfortable. A few weeks earlier it had hurt to breath, but the pain slowly went away. She was starting to feel herself again... and also starting to feel quite restless.

No pony had come to visit her today. Rainbow Dash said they'd be too busy helping Pinkie Pie finish moving in, but there was always the chance that Apple Bloom might stop by if she didn't have too much homework.

"Guess she had too much homework," Scootaloo said dejectedly, looking at the clock on the wall, realizing it was almost time for visiting hours to be over.

When Scootaloo was bored, she found she could always do one of two things: read a book or sleep. Though the filly was only comfortable sitting up to read for just a couple weeks, she'd already gone through all hospital's comics twice and even manged to read Daring Do and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone in one sitting... which only made her think of Rainbow Dash. That's what happens when a filly has nothing else to do, especially one with so much energy, like her idol. Now all she could do is sit quietly, in the dim light, waiting for somepony to come spend time with her.

Maybe Rainbow Dash would come by for a surprise visit? Scootaloo always held out hope, especially since Rainbow could show up anytime when she least expected it. Lately Dash didn't look too good, though... even a foal could see that, but she still kept coming all the time and they were even going to live together, so Scootaloo was happy. She'd never ask her to bring her anything, though. She didn't want Rainbow to start thinking she was being ungrateful... or maybe even stop liking her because of it.

Too bad Twilight Sparkle hadn't come in a while. She could talk about something new and fun, a pull a book from the hospital cart, and Scootaloo could read about it for hours on end. Right now the filly didn't have the energy to look for new things, but she was still excited for the new, wonderful things coming up in just a little while.

* * *

Scootaloo was about to turn a little knob by her side, cutting the lights so she could shut her eyes and just sleep. She noticed something small emerging into her still room by the door and paused... focusing on it:

It appeared to be a rainbow-colored floating rock, about the size of a stallion's head. It hovered inches above the latch, laying motionless on what appeared to be a small flying saucer. Scootaloo wasn't being given anything for the pain, she was unfortunately quite allergic to most painkillers outside of headache medicine, so she had the presence of mind to realize she couldn't make heads or tails of what she was looking at. The filly cocked her head sideways, blinking as it moved lower and lower, then higher... almost teasing her.

Pinkie Pie then stepped in holding this "rock" high with a smile on her face. Scootaloo realized this wasn't a rock at all, but a cake. Then friends began to pour in: five Elements of Harmony, plus the Cakes and Spike, Big Mac and, of course, Apple Bloom at the very end.

"Surprise, Scootaloo!" They all shouted, the last one being Fluttershy, who just exclaimed "Yay!" in a tone much meeker than the rest.

They were all there. All of Scootaloo's friends had come to see her in the last hour of visiting hours. She smiled ear-to-ear as they surrounded her bed.

"What're you all doing here?" She couldn't help but ask.

"We're here to celebrate my new bakery and your new home, silly!" Pinkie exclaimed, placing a hoofful of candles into the cake and lighting them up. "I know it's not your birthday, but make a wish and blow them out anyway. Hope it comes true!"

Taking a deep breath, Scootaloo did just that. Pinkie led everypony on in a cheer as the candles went out. The filly looked at her friends; they all smiled down on her.

She noticed Rainbow Dash in the back. The Pegasus wasn't cheering, but at least she was smiling. Her eyes looked tired as she stared at the bed, nodding with a slight grin. Rainbow approached the front of the group, looking out the window.

In the midst of the cheers, Scootaloo scratched her casts while Dash watched the sunset. The filly didn't want to embarrass Rainbow in front of all her friends. She wasn't all sappy like Fluttershy or sentimental like Apple Jack, but she'd never properly thanked her in all the times she'd come back... she was just too excited about what was going to happen. This time, however, Dash was mellow, and because of that so was Scootaloo.

Apple Bloom approached before either pony could say anything. The yellow filly was wide-eyed, talking in an excited voice about how she and Scootaloo would go off on an adventure once she was out... a lot like Dash had been doing for weeks. Scootaloo couldn't help thinking of Sweetie Belle as her friend spoke, hearing Apple Bloom's rapid, high-pitched voice occasionally squeak in delight. This was the opposite of how it had been for so long. The farm filly went on to describe where in vivid detail, but Scootaloo wasn't listening anymore. She was half-looking up at her idol, who finally turned towards her and stuck out a hoof... they hoof bumped. Apple Bloom fell silent and put a hoof to the back of her head (realizing she probably hadn't been listened to) as Apple Jack gave her a noogie to make things less awkward.

"You're all kinds of awesome, Scoots." Rainbow said, with an awkward smile. "I can't imagine not having you around."

"Thanks." Scootaloo replied, trying to look as cool and composed as possible.

Not that either noticed this, but Mrs. Cake and Twilight shot each other a nervous glance. They prayed to Celestia Rainbow wasn't about to say something silly now that it was all over with and she could finally get some rest.

Fortunately, nopony had time to process much of anything. Blissfully unaware, Pinkie gave both Rainbow and Scootaloo each a plate with a large chunk of cake on it. As Pinkie passed out the rest, they all chuckled at her antics and crazy faces before digging in.

The cake started out the size of Big Mac's head. Everypony got a big piece, some got two, and soon it was half that... then just crumbs, having been enjoyed by all.

* * *

Scootaloo started to yawn about forty-five minutes into their visit. Having ten ponies in her small room was exhausting, even if they were trying to keep it light. Considering all that she had been through, her excitement was starting to wear down and her eyes began to close on their own... at least she had gotten the stimulation she'd needed. The Cakes, Twilight, and Fluttershy all noticed this, and started to feel that maybe it was a mistake coming so late.

"I think we'd better let our little patient get some sleep," said Mr. Cake, yawning as he stopped Pinkie in the middle of opening her saddlebags to get party favors. "She's had a rough few weeks, and it's rather nice to finally be able to give her a place to stay after having this big scary unknown looming over our heads and-"

"Carrot," Mrs. Cake said in a low voice, glancing at Scootaloo with a sharp jerk of her neck. "Everypony here knows Scootaloo needs her rest. How 'bout we just take our leave and ixnay the boring old explanation... okay, dear?"

Glancing back, Mr. Cake gulped and nodded, realizing what he almost did.

Fortunately, Scootaloo was half out of it and not hearing anything being said. Everypony heaved a sigh of relief as one by one they quietly exited the room, leaving Rainbow Dash the last one in there. Twilight stood in the doorway, silently watching Rainbow approach the filly's bed. She heard a sound:

Click.

The room was dark. All that could be heard was Scootaloo's breathing. It sounded almost like snoring.

"Good night, squirt." Rainbow Dash whispered.

Twilight heard the soft sound of hooves tip-toeing in her direction on the hard linoleum floor. Clip-clop, clip-clop! She saw her friend's silhouette approaching and turned around, walking into the carpeted hall. The two walked down the hall with their heads down.

They descended the stairs together, their echo reverberating against the metal steps. Without a word, they emerged onto the main floor. Twilight waved at the nurse on her way out, who nodded politely then looked past her at Rainbow Dash, smiling and waving enthusiastically. The Pegasus had come by a lot... and she knew of the plans from Scootaloo. Twilight glanced back at her friend and grinned. Rainbow appeared off in a fog as expected, but she smiled back when she noticed Twilight was looking at her.

Once they were outside, the evening air hit them. The sky was dark, crimson over the western horizon as Celestia retired the sun for the night.

"Rainbow Dash," Twilight finally said, as they watched their friends go their separate ways off in the distance. "What you're doing for her is truly wonderful."

Rainbow lowered her head, then looked up at the sky and sighed:

"Hey, Twilight... can I tell you something?"

"Of course, Rainbow. You can tell me anything."

The Pegasus bit her lip:

"I wasn't really sure at first if I wanted to do this."

Twilight put her hoof on Dash's shoulder and smiled reassuringly.

"I know that, Rainbow. It's okay... I can still help if you're having-"

Dash closed her eyes and put up a hoof. Twilight went quiet as Rainbow spoke:

"When Scootaloo was laying at the bottom of that cliff, um... I realized something. She- she's really special to me. Like super special, I can't even begin to put it into words. It's different than just being a filly. I- I don't want anything bad to happen to her. I'd feel really awful, plus Ponyville would be minus one awesome filly. Knowing how easily Sweetie Belle died and all, then seeing her so beat-up firsthoof... I just don't know what I'd do if she went away or died."

Twilight smiled. She had never seen this side of Rainbow Dash before. She took a breath, thinking carefully of what to say next:

"Rainbow, please know I'm here for you both. Believe me, I'm not about to let anything happen to her either. I've been working hard and might even have plans if things don't work out."

Dash smiled in response, hearing the sympathy in Twilight's voice... but not hearing everything she was saying. Rainbow was goal-minded (and stone-faced) when presented with a problem, as always:

"I'm doing this because everypony keeps telling me Scootaloo will be really happy with me... and she probably will be. I'm Rainbow Dash, after all; the most awesome Pegasus pony around. I'm also doing this because it's the right thing to do... it's the loyal thing to do. Know what I mean?"

Rolling her eyes, the Unicorn let out a small sigh, but still kept her composure so well it would have impressed Celestia:

"How 'bout we just talk about this in the morning? You need to get some rest and so do I."

"Okay, Twi," Dash yawned and stretched. "I'm not normally one to admit it, but I am pretty tuckered out."

"Believe me, I can tell." Twilight chuckled. "Night Dash."

"Night."

The two went their separate ways, feeling good about what was going to happen and what was going to be said. Twilight Sparkle had options and Rainbow Dash had purpose. Each was happy and going to sleep well that night. They were home before they knew it.

Rainbow looked up at the familiar, yet alien building before her. She trotted inside.

The ex-Carousel Boutique was dark. It had been so the last half of the day, but now that it was night, Pinkie needed a candle to see what she was doing. They hadn't even left the sales room when she lit one up.

"You going to be okay tonight, Dashie?" She said, usually meekly for Pinkie Pie. "I'm so sorry this had to happen!"

"It's alright, Pinkie," Replied Rainbow, yawning and scratching her barrel. "Besides, how would you know? Live and learn... this is your bakery now, and your mistakes to make. Hey, can I get another candle? I might wanna do a lil light reading before hitting the hay."

"Sure!" As if by magic, Pinkie produced another lit candle, complete with stick. She set it on the counter. "G'night, Dashie?"

Rainbow grabbed the candle, her tired eyes shining in the darkness:

"Night, Pinks."

* * *

Rainbow Dash lay on her stone pillar, her candle nearby, surrounded on all sides by blackness.

It'll be okay in the morning. She thought while stretching out her back. Here's hoping Mr. Cake and Big Mac'll come back with the right tools and we'll have power back. So what if it does take an electrician?

In the darkness, Rainbow's senses were extra sharp, not that it hadn't been that dark in her room before. With nothing more to think about, her mind wandered as her senses painted a picture. Aside from the burning, warm wax, she could still smell Rarity's perfume in the air, even though the mare's possessions had long been cleared out. She also could smell Sweetie Belle's shampoo, strongest in her room despite the filly being gone for over half a year... it seemed to emanate from the window pane by Dash's head. Perhaps some had been spilled during an unlady-like sisterly brawl. It wouldn't surprise Dash if Rarity had gotten angry enough to throw things with her magic, even without thinking about the consequences of staining her walls.

Dash turned on her back.

This was once their house, she thought to herself. Two ponies, two friends... they're dead.

She looked over at the boxes she had stacked in the corner by her bed, sat up and began going through the top one. She was going to find her Daring Do books, even if she couldn't remember which box it was in. If Twilight had had wings, she would have surely helped with organization. Though she could manage, Dash wasn't about having her little knick-knacks all organized... she was about doing, but that would have helped.

The Pegasus found Scootaloo's helmet first thing. That wouldn't have helped the filly when she crashed. She set it down and then found the weights set and jump rope Scootaloo had gotten for her birthday in the same box. She then found Tank's helmet and propeller next -- like Opalescence, Fluttershy had him and was taking good care of the little guy. Rainbow smiled at the thought of her tortoise being right back where he started, in good hooves. Dash dug deeper, reaching for rectangular-shaped books. She found one and pulled it out.

It was a photo album.

Under the faint light of the candle, she opened it up. She saw pictures of herself and her friends first thing. Her friends from Cloudsdale years ago, her friends from Ponyville... Rarity and Sweetie Belle were in there with them. She turned the page and saw a picture of herself with her favorite filly.

Soon. She thought. You won't have anything to worry about anymore. You'll always have a place to turn to when things go bad.

The Pegasus smiled, turning another page.

She saw a picture that Apple Bloom had a copy of in her own album -- a picture of the three fillies posed together on the farm in their capes. She remembered it was taken just a week before Sweetie Belle got killed. This was a picture of their final crusade.

She turned the page quickly, only to find pictures of Apple Jack and Big Mac hard at work on the farm -- another painful memory jogged, since they were both nearly crushed with work weeks before. Though they were smiling in this picture, bad things in the past were all Dash could think about. She shut the album.

It's time to focus on the future.

She dug around in the box and finally found another book. She pulled it up:

"The Mechanics of flying as compiled by Twilight Sparkle, dictated by Spike."

She laughed, setting the book down. Another birthday present Scootaloo had left with her. It might cheer the little filly up to be left with a book about flying before going off with Dash... even if she didn't understand it, it would at least get her thinking about good things, right?

She rummaged around in the box again and finally pulled out a book labeled Daring Do & The SOMETHING-OR-OTHER. The title didn't really matter. Dash had read all of them at least five times. She was just happy to just have something fun to read, to go on a big adventure with no real consequences to herself or anypony she cared about. That was grande, as Rarity might say.

Rainbow stretched out on her back, setting the candle on the window sill. Looking up at her book like a young filly, she opened it up and began to read:

"As Daring Do crept through the dark and desolate swamps..."

The Pegasus grinned happily as she drifted into the story, hearing the character's voices in her head. It had been over a month since she enjoyed a good book. Everything was going to be just fine and she couldn't be happier. She didn't dream of bad things that night, but adventure. It had been too long. So long...

Part 4, 17 -- "Orange and Black"

"Orange and Black"
17

Rainbow Dash was happily resting. She felt warm, cozy... like she was drifting weightless on a cloud. She wanted to curl up into a ball, but for some reason she couldn't. It took more effort to figure out why, and she didn't especially care at the moment, so she just lay there asleep, not even snoring. Sleep... was... paramount, as Rarity would say.

She heard a far off voice:

"Dashie, wake up!"

She groaned in response.

It's not happening.

The voice grew louder, with it a relaxing warm breeze roared in her ears.

"Rainbow Dash, please! Wake up!"

Rainbow heard coughing. It wasn't loud, but it felt nearer than the voice had been.

The Pegasus turned over and opened her eyes.

All around her was this orange glow, relaxing and yellow at the ends. Above her was a shadow with big blue eyes, on its shoulder a tinier shadow with purple eyes. She tried to focus on these two beings above her, and they became more defined. A curly mane, a dainty face... she was sure she looking at Pinkie, but this Pinkie was black.

"Wha... wha?" Was all Rainbow could muster before being hit with a strong urge to cough. She coughed like she'd been smoking for ten years.

"Rainbow Dash!" Exclaimed the black mare above her, giving her a strong hug. "Thank goodness you're okay!"

Even though she was coughing, she hugged the mare back.

"What... happened?"

The black Pinkie pulled away.

"I... saved you, Dashie." A lone tear fell to the ground as Pinkie limply flailed around her left foreleg. "You and Gummy. I jumped out the window with you two and now my leg won't work. It doesn't even hurt!"

Before Dash could ask another question, the pony before her limped out of the way to reveal what had happened. Rainbow Dash was outside in the warm grass about thirty feet away from Pinkie's bakery, the top floor of which was entirely engulfed in bright orange flames. It was the middle of the night, yet all of Ponyville was close enough to see the disaster looked bright as day.

"Oh, no," Dash's face was blank, devastated. "No..."

Rainbow looked up at the burning building. She could only think of Pinkie watching her dreams melt. Pegasai zipped by through the air, many carrying heavy buckets of water. Both mares knew it wasn't going to do any good. It would take something bigger. Ponies bellowed "FIRE!" off in the distance, even though by now most of Ponyville knew what was happening and where it was.

Dash stood up, feeling the dull ache of her wounds previously unnoticed. She looked down at her hooves -- her hair was blackened, singed just like Pinkie's, but her burns seemed superficial at least. Raw to the touch, but superficial.

I could have died. She thought, her mind eerily at peace.

The Pegasus coughed up some more, hacking deeply, clear soupy liquid falling from her mouth. Rainbow felt like she could throw up, but thankfully she didn't... she didn't know whether or not that was more physical or emotional. She felt as though she had done a couple laps around Equestria without a break... she had no energy left to fight the fire with the rest. Dash barely had the energy to stand.

Stiffly and sorely, Dash walked in front of Pinkie and saw the orange reflection in her wide eyes. How odd that she was smiling.

"Pinkie..." Rainbow said, weakly. "I..."

"It's okay, Dashie," Pinkie said, calmly. "Things like Bakeries can be rebuilt. You and Gummy can't. I'd much rather have you forever than this dumb, ol' bakery."

Rainbow reached out with her hooves and placed them gently around Pinkie's shoulders. The mare winced, but accepted the comfort and continued to watch the blaze, too exhausted and pulverized from saving her friends to do much more than keep her head up. She didn't even grimmace as she heard Dash's breath take on a more staccato-like rhythm, feeling the warm sting of tears against her shoulder. Pinkie patted Dash's back... she should have been the one crying, but she was too sad for it to happen.

* * *

"Pinkie, is that you?" A familiar voice called out. Both Rainbow and Pinkie looked over. "Pinkie?"

"Yeah, it's me, Twilight," Pinkie said, flatly, motioning with her good hoof. "This is a bit much even for me to know what to do."

Rainbow looked up in time to see Fluttershy flying overhead with a red bucket in her mouth. Word traveled fast.

"I just wrote Celestia," Twilight began as she approached. Spike right behind her. "She says in about eight minutes the weather Pegasai will have a storm together that should be big enough to knock this fire out."

"Good," said Rainbow Dash, coughing twice.

"I'm so sorry, girls," Twilight sat in front of Pinkie.

"There's got to be something you can do," Rainbow said to Twilight. "Pull the water tower down with your magic just like you did a year ago when that Ursa Minor came through town."

"Mayor Mare wasn't happy when I did that," Twilight responded, hesitantly. "And the amount of water in one of those things could easily do a lot of collateral damage, plus stamp the bakery flat."

"It won't make a difference if you stamped the bakery flat," said Pinkie while looking at the dirt, her black mane straight.

"Pinkie Pie!" A far-off voice shouted. "Pinkie!"

Pinkie's ears perked up as she looked off down the way with the rest. It was Mr. Cake, the Mrs. right behind him.

She stood up slowly, wincing as she did so. Carrot knew she was hurt first thing, as did Mrs. Cake, and they both went running as she limped in their direction, stumbling along the way.

"We're so glad you're in one piece," said Mrs. Cake. "We thought you had..."

"Don't say it, Cup Cake." Said Mr. Cake, soothingly. "She's going to be fine." He turned to Rainbow Dash. "We're glad to see you're okay, too. Did you save Pinkie, Rainbow?"

"More like she saved me," Dash replied, coughing. "Her forelegs are hurt. She jumped through a window with me and Gummy."

"More like your window," Pinkie added as Mr. Cake examined her foreleg carefully.

"Oh, dear," Mrs. Cake looked up at the burning bakery as Pegasai piled on bucket after bucket of water, hardly making a difference in the flame's height. "At least it's only on the second floor... maybe it'll be easier to rebuild if they can put it out soon."

"We can only hope..." Said Mr. Cake. "Thank goodness for insurance. They'll put you and this place back together again, just like in that old foal's rhyme about the Egg Stallion living in the Egg House."

Pinkie's mane was no longer limp as she looked up at her two mentors with hope in her eye. They looked back with love.

"The Princess has weather Pegasai on the way," Twilight said confidently. "By now it should just be five minutes at the very-"

"Look!" Spike pointed with a claw at the left side of the building.

Beside the bakery, about twenty feet to the left, were other buildings; some under a guise to look like tents, others cloth-covered pillars and small shops. The flames wafted in their direction under the seemingly soft night breeze, magnified into a torrent when it hit the flames. It got closer and closer with each gust, until it was a mere five feet away

"No, no, no!" Twilight shouted, as Spike pulled a quill and piece of parchment from her saddle bags. "Spike, we have to tell the Princess NOW!"

"Already on it!" Spike said, rolling up the paper with a note on it, ready to blow it all the way to the Princess.

Spike blew his green flame on to the paper and the note disintegrated, on its way to rematerialize in the Princess's domain. He looked up anxiously at the fire as Rainbow Dash rose to her hooves yet again.

"I can't let this happen," she said weakly, stretching her wings.

Twilight was the first to object:

"Rainbow, you're no no shape to-"

It was too late. In a sooty, black rainbow blur she was gone.

* * *

Rainbow Dash, though wheezing and flying slower than normal through the air, surprisingly had all her facilities. She looked around at the Pegasai flying everywhere for organization -- where were they going to get their buckets? She saw off in the distance where they were coming from and where they were headed. Also off in the distance, she saw a dark cloud becoming more and more dense and thundery as it moved closer and closer to Ponyville. Though she saw flashes she did not hear accompanying the bangs. Rushing at her fastest, she knew it wouldn't make a difference if she helped bring the dark cloud here... like the hospital carts, it could only move so fast, but this time even if she helped it. Too much speed would cause it to fly apart and become a lesser, less effective rainclouds. She decided to help instead with the buckets of water.

She flew in the direction they were all coming from, towards the well, passing many Pegasai along the way -- Derpy, Fluttershy, and Thunderlane were all left in a dark blur as Dash wobbled past them, almost as fast as though she were healthy. No pony knew who this black speedster was, but the pony at the end refilling and handing out the buckets didn't argue when he looked into her magenta eyes as she shouted: "Gimme, gimme, gimme!" in an endless loop.

Dash flew up to the fire, threw the water on it, then returned for another. She went back and forth, her bones and burns aching, her wings felt like they could fly apart, but she never gave up, never rested for a moment. These were Pinkie's dream she was fighting for... and even her own, though she knew it was probably too late for that seeing how her room and everything she owned was blackened embers by now.

Yet the flames stayed dangerously close to catching the nearby buildings on fire.

On the ground, Spike clutched his gut. With a single belch a new scroll appeared. He held it high and read it aloud:

Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash,

The fire is out of control! Forgive me for what I must do, but it is imperative that I act swiftly. For your own safety, please move at least three building widths away from the bakery. Incoming are instructions I want Spike to give to the leader of the Ponyville Fire Brigade. They will keep everypony safe.

-Princess Celestia

Twilight looked at the Cakes and they looked back, then at each other. All three ponies lowered their heads... they knew whatever was coming wasn't going to be good. Spike belched up another scroll and padded away with Twilight in the direction all the Pegasai had been going as Mrs. Cake hugged Pinkie and petted Gummy on her shoulder. They all waited... one big, happy family, looking to the skies. Pinkie was loaded on Mr. Cake's back as they took her to rest an additional twenty feet away, her listless hooves dangling off his back.

Rainbow Dash had not given up. Back and forth... back and forth. Ever inch of her seared and abraded, that did not stop her. The last bucket she had to get herself, the pony would not give it to her. Something about danger... of course there was danger. Voices shouted, some familiar. "Wait! Stop! Please!" Earth ponies and a couple donkeys tried to slow her down, but she knocked them all aside... a few of them falling on their flanks, an older donkey howled in pain. Dash didn't study any of them, she had a job to do. On her way back, close enough to feel the flames, she was grabbed by two Pegasai:

"Stop!" Shouted Derpy, as she and Thunderlane held Dash back.

"I have to get through!" Snarled Dash as Thunderlane's hooves dug into her raw flesh. "Let me go!"

"You have to keep clear!"Thunderlane shouted back as they forced Dash towards the ground. "You'll be killed!"

They both knew something she did not. The entire Fire Brigade did. Rainbow shouted and objected, dropping the bucket and finally collapsing as they got her to the grass. Thunderlane pulled his hooves away from her body and noticed bits of cyan coat and rainbow mane mixed in with the charred black covering.

"Rainbow Dash?" He asked, already knowing the answer.

She nodded, breathing heavily.

"Yeah. It's me."

There was the sound of a lower rumble coming from behind the burning bakery. It grew fast into a roar. Rainbow and the rest of the spectators looked up as a large blue bulging sphere appeared in the sky above the bakery, looking still at first... only for them to realize it was moving at an incredible rate of speed. Four Wonderbolt athletes held a sheet aloft with a quantity of water roughly roughly one quarter that of Ponyville's water supply. In less than ten seconds, they were above the bakery with their giant blue sheet. They released it, but the water did not fall into the flames just yet.

The four athletes began to rapidly fly in a circle, causing the water to remain still in the air as they generated a cyclone, partially smothering the flames below. The water rose higher and higher until it was almost thirty feet above the building, then it began to wane... even the Wonderbolts had their limits. The flames were twenty percent violent than before the Wonderbolts showed up, and now threatening only what was directly above the building (a mere ten feet from roasting Spitfire's barrel). At once the four Pegasus ponies brought their formation to a stop and the water came crashing violently back down; pieces of burnt wood flew from the smoldering bakery, embedding themselves in roofs and crashing through windows. Collateral damage had been done, but it was less than the water tower would have left in its wake. The bottom half of the bakery remained intact; the top half, all that remained were a few beams and Rainbow's precious pillar, now jet black.

* * *

Pinkie silently stared at the wreckage with the Cakes as the Wonderbolts flew off. Everypony helping now lowered their heads, happy that it was over with, but unhappy for all the destruction.

Rainbow limped in Pinkie's direction.

"What'd ya say, Pinkie?" The Pegasus said, trying to sound less destroyed than she felt. "Hospital?"

"I think you both could benefit from a trip there, if not just to get checked out," said Mrs. Cake, brushing Pinkie's frizzy mane, seeing a bit of color appearing beneath the black.

Pinkie nodded in reply.

"I hurt all over now," she said. "Major owies."

"Yeah, me too."

Dash looked up at the blackened bakery and sighed:

"I'm so sorry, Pinkie."

"I think they'll be able to rebuild it in about six to eight months," said Mr. Cake. "I'm no expert, but we've had a couple fires in our early days before we took Pinkie in... they're no fun, but since everypony's alive, it'll just take time. I'll look everything over once the damage is assessed and our machines have been cleared out. Hopefully most of it will still work."

"That's optimistic," said Twilight, looking at her two friends with concern. "I'll visit you both tomorrow afternoon if you're still there... along with Scootaloo."

"I think I just need a shower," said Rainbow, looking at her coat as she chucked.

"And I think a shower might take some of your skin off!" Laughed Twilight. "Please... I don't want to have to worry about you."

"You won't need to." Dash said, kneeling in the grass. "I just need a moment. Twilight, could you get me and Pinkie an emergency cart?"

"Sure thing, Rainbow."

Twilight walked off to get the attention of some ponies in white uniforms who were talking to ponies in orange unicorns (presumably some Ponyville Emergency Cart Operators talking with the Fire Brigade) as the rest continued to look at the bakery. Earlier it had been roaring, huge flames spiraling out from its top and windows. Now it was silent, small and black. Rainbow shook her head.

They heard a sound coming from the building -- a long, sort of deep creak one might associate with a new building just settling in. They paused, waiting to hear it finally stop. Though it only lasted five seconds, those five seconds were very telling.

Now it was silent again.

There was a loud, sudden crash at the top of the bakery, causing all ponies nearby to jump or shriek. No pony knew what had happened, but Dash did. She saw her pillar disappear into the bottom floor. It wasn't over yet.

Following the crash there came a louder, greater pop, piercing the air. Another fiery explosion erupted as her pillar crashed through to the basement, this one at least was contained and suffocated by the tight quarters and cooking supplies in the air. The remaining bakery collapsed in on itself as, of all things, popcorn rained down from the heavens above to the ground all around. The walls remained, but Mr. Cake knew from the sound and the flash there was no more bakery inside. He looked at Pinkie and smiled grimly.

"Is it going to catch fire again?" She asked innocently, leaning against Mrs. Cake for support as the Emergency Cart operators approached.

"No, Pinkie," he said, calmly as Mrs. Cake took Gummy from her back. "Everything's going to be just fine. I promise."

"Oh, goodie."

Pinkie looked up into the sky as she was laid out on a gurney. Her hair was blackened and sooty, but her eyes were still blue and pure. She closed them as she was picked up... she was in worse shape than Dash, but they'd both survive. She wanted this all to be a dream very badly; she was too upset to fall asleep, and even though she was all about having fun... Pinkie Pie only seldomly diluted herself. This was bad, but everything would be okay. Mr. Cake had promised her, after all.

Rainbow Dash was loaded on a gurney next. She had earned her rest, but she knew half of that was her fault. Her eyes were wide, she wanted to cry... but she was too tired to. Sleep came for her a bit after she was loaded into the cart, well before she made it to the hospital. It was going to be a long night for both ponies all the same.

* * *

The Egg Stallion who lived in the Egg House,
was easily hurt,
even by a mouse.

One day a rock fell from the skies,
scrambling his Egg,
so everypony came to say their good-byes.

Celestia flew down and said,
"My dearest friend, you cannot be dead!
You cannot help being weak in this way,
I shall have my subjects rebuild you, better for all, to live
another day."

The Deity called on her greatest experts to make a new home,
and piece together parts for which they had to roam, requesting only
a hooffull of Bits in return for their craft.
Everypony, big and small, sacrificed for his life raft.
One Bit for their friend,
just one Bit, and he would go on... not end,
enforced from that which stamped him flat before,
living now on the thick forest floor.

Celestia nodded and said,
"We've all insured for the greater good,
and insure for the future we shall!
The Magic of Friendship is what's kept this stallion
alive, and through community effort
you will all be well and continue to survive!"

So that ponies of all sizes could go on living,
insurance was born that day,
appreciating their time and enjoying life's simple hay.

These word's echoed through the pony's minds.

Under local anesthesia, Pinkie shut her eyes and allowed the doctors to work on her. It was a nightmare she tuned out, as she did many unpleasant experiences. She had quite a few first and second-degree burns on her side, particularly her left flank, but they were cleaned with ease. It required some scrubbing, but she didn't feel a thing. Her shoulder had been dislocated in the fall, not as badly as Rainbow Dash's had been after her accident just a couple weeks before, so it was easily popped back into place. All in all, after she was cleaned, Pinkie just needed a mane cut.

Pinkie Pie imagined herself outside of the bakery in the soft grass, unharmed with just her gator Gummy by her side. She could practically smell the burning horse hair that was Rainbow Dash. She could have -- and would have -- escaped unharmed if it weren't for Rainbow. It was Rainbow Dash's window she had broken out with Scootaloo's helmet, Rainbow Dash's window she had used to escape. She couldn't imagine leaving Dash to burn, though... finding her skull the next morning in the rubble, if it even still existed. After all Rainbow Dash had done for her and her friends, she owed it to her... since Dash was asleep, it wouldn't have hurt, but that's not why she saved her. She had no regrets as she laid there, at four in the morning, having her skin picked free of debris.

Rainbow Dash laid down on the table, shaking with both anxiety and pain. Dr. Stable came in and opened up a drawer full of tools:

"Now, I'm going to give you a couple shots of Lidocaine," he said calmly, yet matter-of-factly. "That should dull the pain while we clean your burns and cuts."

He held up the needle and flicked it a few times, turning to the Pegasus.

"No." She replied, almost in a whisper, not looking up.

"Rainbow Dash," Dr. Stable said, firmly. "This is really going to hurt without some type of pain-killer. You have both ash and wood chips embedded in your burns. You are burned all over both sides of your body. We need to scrub and sanitize them or else you could develop an infection!"

Rainbow looked up at him. Even through her blackened fur he could still see her bruised, tired eyes:

"Do what you gotta do, Doc, but don't give me any of that numby-novacaine stuff."

Dr. Stable looked at his assistant, Nurse Redheart. She returned a look as flabbergasted as he felt.

"May I ask why?"

"Simple," Dash replied. "You didn't give Scootaloo any."

"Rainbow..." Dr. Stable sighed. "We didn't have a choice."

"Don't give me any, doc. If she had to go through it, so do I."

For one brief instance, Dr. Stable was taken out of his professional composure. He was brought back into it fairly quickly, shaking his head.

"A-hem. Alright, if that's what you wish. You may change your mind at any time." He turned to Nurse Redheart. "Nurse? Please get a sanitary stick for Rainbow Dash to bite down on. I almost can't... in good conscience do this."

"I'll be okay."

The nurse still left for a few minutes as Doctor Stable got out a few anti-septic chemicals and tools -- gauze, medical tweezers, nylon scrubbies, and rubbing alcohol. She returned with a white, dense plastic stick. Rainbow Dash took one look and shook her head.

For the second time in just a few short weeks, Doctor Stable again had to detach himself while treating a pony. This one he knew from the few times he'd seen her that she was made of sterner stuff. He focused on cleaning her wounds, gently, pulling larger splinters and ash from her nastier burns, covering them up with protective bandages after gently cleaning them his gauze. He seldom had to use the scrubby, and it hurt more than she imagined, but Rainbow Dash only gritted her teeth and pounded the table. She shut her eyes and tried to imagine herself in the air, but all she felt was the raw sting of her burns being treated.

It was over before the sun rose. Both ponies were wheeled to separate rooms, bandaged up but not in awful shape. Their prognosis was good.

Doctor Stable's work was far from over with, however. Other patients needed treatment -- everything from minor burns to a broken leg. Many had arrived from the fire as well. One had a nasty injury inflicted by a hysterical black mare barging through over a bucket. No pony had seen this mare before or since in Ponyville, except a handful that never stepped forth... little did they know who that pony was. In the chaos and calamity Dash had dodged a bullet. Derpy Hooves, Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Thunderlane, Pinkie Pie, and the Cakes could have easily destroyed her... but they kept silent.

In hours everything was settled and everypony was resting. Most ponies would be discharged in a few days at the very most. However, it was far from over.

Part 4, 18 -- "Uncertainties Unknown"

Part 4, 18 -- "Uncertainties Unknown"

"Uncertainties Unknown"
18

The fire had been out for almost nine hours. The embers still smoldered, despite the colossal force which had quenched them.

Twilight was face-to-face with Scootaloo. She did her best to look composed and confident... as Celestia had trained her to be in times of emergency.

Coming to Scootaloo first was only right. She was bound to have some questions. Seeing the filly alone, without Spike or Apple Bloom, meant two things -- anything Dash didn't want her to know about wasn't likely to slip out, and Twilight could keep the conversation more focused on what the filly was actually thinking.

Scootaloo looked tired. Twilight thought maybe she'd been up half the night worrying, but she didn't know for sure what she normally looked like since she only now realized how seldom she came to see her. The Unicorn saw her own face reflected back in Scootaloo's trusting eyes. The more Twilight smiled and maintained her soft tone, the more relaxed the filly appeared... and the more relaxed she herself became.

"Rainbow Dash was staying with Pinkie?" Scootaloo asked, after hearing Twilight's recount of the fire which turned both her friends black with soot and ash.

"She was there at the time of the fire," Twilight answered carefully. "Both mares are in one piece. They're just here to get looked at."

"I bet she saved Pinkie!" Scootaloo giggled, relishing the thought. Her smile was cut short once her breathing picked up and she started to cough. Still, she continued to fantasize. "Flew right out of the window carrying her over her shoulders."

Twilight bit her lip.

"Something like that, Scootaloo."

"So..." The filly took in some air. "Rainbow Dash is okay?"

Coming here first meant Twilight could only guess. She wasn't privy to updates -- being an honorary family member and fellow Element of Harmony wasn't enough without their approval (which at the time of arrival both were too exhausted to give). The Unicorn said what she thought, though... almost contradicting something she had said moments earlier:

"Both she and Pinkie need a little rest, but they'll be back on their hooves in a couple of days." Twilight made sure to wink. "Everything is going to be just fine."

Scootaloo looked out of the window and smiled.

"That's great." She shook her head, glancing back at the Unicorn. "So, can I go see Rainbow with you?"

"I can imagine if she can make it down here, she's probably going to want to come see you." Twilight smiled sympathetically. "Let her come to you... if she doesn't come that means she really needs her rest. You know Rainbow would do anything for you, Scootaloo."

The filly nodded stiffly.

Again, Twilight smiled.

"I thought you'd like to know what happened. I'd imagine you're already hearing all sorts of nasty things outside this room about the big, crazy inferno."

Scootaloo nodded again, this time much slower.

"I know a filly my age was brought in with broken glass stuck all in her flank because of what the Wonder Bolts did. I heard her parents visiting... she's right next door."

"Oh, that wouldn't surprise me. A number of ponies were hurt, but thankfully none died." Twilight chuckled nervously, hoping to talk about something a little lighter. "So, before I go... Do you have any more questions you'd like to ask me?"

"Just one... Do you know if can I still live with Rainbow Dash?"

* * *

"Oh, things have a way of working themselves out."

Those were the last words Twilight had said to Scootaloo, outside of a farewell. She left the filly smiling, and was hopeful, because... even without Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo would still have a place to stay. Twilight had seen to that herself.

The Unicorn headed up to Pinkie's room next. She was a bit too tired to skip, but knowing things could be a lot worse made her almost giddy... though part of that was her own exhaustion. The conversation she'd just had was a bit awkward, but she managed to have it without saying too much. While she didn't know exactly how much Scootaloo knew, she certainly didn't want to tell the little filly that Dash's new home was now gone... she had enough on her mind. Twilight kicked herself for not visiting Scootaloo later, but it was too late for that now. Even she had to admit... after a night like last night, she wasn't exactly thinking straight.

"Oh, things have a way of working themselves out," the Unicorn reminded herself as she got off the elevator and approached Pinkie's room down the narrow hall. She tapped gently on the doorway. "Hey, Pinkie Pie? ...are you awake?"

There was no response.

Twilight perked an ear and could hear sounds coming from inside the room -- beeping and a low whoosh with a sharp pause, almost resembling rain when it was at its loudest. Twilight lowered her head and let out a sigh, debating about knocking again. She considered coming back later might be best.

"I'm up, Twilight..." Pinkie finally replied, her voice calm, but gravelly. "You can come in, if you want to."

Twilight cantered right in, her head held high. She had come to see how Pinkie was doing, and felt good about visiting her friends now that she actually had some time. However, once she was inside the Unicorn had to consciously keep herself from frowning.

The shutters were closed and the room was dark, except for a single panel of florescent lights over Pinkie's bed. Pinkie was sprawled out on her back, motionless and without blankets, an IV in her foreleg. Her flanks were bandaged up tight, as was her back and barrel, but at least she was the proper color now... though a bit darker than normal. Twilight also noted that her mane was no longer curly, but straight. Cut short and so very straight. She knew what this meant -- she'd known Pinkie for a while, and knew her depression when she saw it.

Pinkie Pie, despite lying still, was moving her hooves at a phenomenal rate of speed. Twilight had to squint to see that Pinkie had a deck of cards by her side and was rapidly shuffling through them, cutting them into the most intricate patterns without looking. Though mesmerizing to watch and hear -- the staccato-like rhythm, coupled with the suitless, dark blur -- Pinkie's face remained detached, almost unreadable... even as her good friend smiled up at her.

Twilight shook her head, letting out a tiny sigh.

"How are you, Pinkie?"

Pinkie Pie didn't even blink as her hooves continued to move. With a swallow, she answered quietly:

"I'm okay, Twilight."

Smiling, Twilight thought about what to say next. Pinkie didn't seem especially phased by the long gap of silence, keeping to herself the whole time.

"Have you... eaten breakfast yet?" She asked softly. "I'd imagine you must be pretty hungry after a crazy thing like last night."

"Uh-huh," Pinkie replied, her voice breaking. "Hay and oatmeal."

Twilight nodded reassuringly.

"Was it any good?"

Pinkie nodded weakly.

The Unicorn paused for another moment, listening to the shuffling, now growing in volume. She shook her head a second time and let out another sigh.

"I'm glad you're okay, Pinkie."

Pinkie Pie finally stopped shuffling. Looking up, she blinked once.

"Me too."

She went back to her cards. Twilight continued to speak in a soft voice:

"Mr. and Mrs. Cake think you might have your bakery rebuilt within the year." Pinkie's shuffling continued to grow louder. It was Twilight's turn to swallow, she did so... nervously. "Thank goodness for insurance, am I right or what? ...it's just gonna take a while. That's okay, though! ... you- you've still got each other and no pony got hurt, right?"

Pinkie stopped again for a second and winced as though in pain, then went right back to it.

"It won't be the same, Twilight." She whispered. "I don't mind the waiting so much."

The Unicorn approached, trying to think of something meaningful to comfort her friend with. Her inquisitive mind was drawing a blank, so she said the first thing that came to it:

"What won't be the same, Pinkie?"

Pinkie stopped shuffling all together and set the cards down. She looked up at her friend, her lower lip quivering:

"There's no more Rarity there, Twilight. She's all gone now."

Twilight gave Pinkie a gentle hug. It was hard not to accidentally bump her bandages, but she managed to avoid them altogether and responded with sympathy:

"Pinkie, she's been gone for a very long time now. Trust me, Rarity would be really happy to know her old space is still being used up. She always hated wasting things when she knew other ponies could use them."

Twilight pulled away just in time to see Pinkie smile. It was weak, but it was there.

"I guess you're right."

Twilight giggled.

"Pinkie, you know I am!" She turned towards Pinkie's blinds and found the cord, slowly tugging on it with her magic. "Let's get some sun in here."

The Unicorn looked back. Pinkie was wincing as the sun hit her face, shielding her eyes. When she finally lowered her hoof, Twilight could see a sparkle in her eye as her pupils refocused.

The pink mare picked up her cards again. She started shuffling through them a bit quicker than before.

"Wanna see a quick card trick, Twilight?" She asked, her voice pitching up slightly.

"That's the Pinkie I know," replied the Unicorn, a genuine grin stretching the folds of her tired cheeks. She winked. "What're you gunna do?"

Pinkie made the cards into a fan and held them out, covering her eyes theatrically.

"Pick a card, Twilight, any card! I won't look..."

The visit had taken a sudden, very playful turn. Looking up at the mare's covered eyes (to make sure she wasn't peeking), Twilight randomly selected a card. Pinkie continued to look away as her friend identified the card, grinning...the odds were so low she'd get this, Pinkie would never guess. It had a picture of Discord on it, marked with a sharp J for The Joker. She instinctively made sure to cover it.

"Okay, now, Twilight... I'm going to guess your card." Pinkie shut her eyes, squinting as she thought about it while mixing up the incomplete deck. "I see a long, slender body. Slithering, sneaky, and super manipulative. I hear a deep, charming voice... one that loves to play pranks! Is it by any chance... Discord, the Joker?"

Twilight's eyes went wide as she returned the card.

"Pinkie..." She shook her head in disbelief. "How in Equestria did you do that?"

"It's magic, Twilight," bandaged mare replied, continuing to shuffle as her mane grew frizzy. "I only just got these cards, too! A nice nurse gave them to me along with breakfast, saying I always make other ponies smile. Now just get me my turban, and we'll have loads of fun!" Pinkie held out her forelegs, the cards cascading from one hoof to the other in smooth legato. "I, the Great and Powerful Pinkie, can predict the future!"

"Pinkie Pie!" Twilight brought a hoof to her face, now barely able to control her billowing laughter. "Please don't make me think of The Great and Powerful Trixie if you can help it! I've got enough on my plate as it is!"

Pinkie started laughing, and so did Twilight. The simultaneous high-pitched laughter of the two mares could be heard down the hall, causing a few miserable patients and overworked nurses out and about to forget about their troubles and smile ear-to-ear.

* * *

Twilight continued her visit with Pinkie for a solid ten minutes. It didn't take long for the pink mare to start yawning, but it may have been in part because of (what Twilight could only guess were) the painkillers coursing through her veins. Before she left, they talked about what Pinkie had to look forward to in the meantime, not needing turbans or cards to tell them that. Everything was going to be okay -- Pinkie Pie would have her home back, she'd have her dreams back, and she still had her family. Though cheering her up was easy now that she was smiling... Twilight hadn't actually been told anything new by the Cakes yet. She knew enough about engineering to know that it could take as much as a year to get everything back, and everything would be brand new. Twilight smiled at the end, leaving Pinkie with something nice to think about:

"Even though your bakery is gone and ponies have been hurt, Ponyville is still an active, happy little town!"

That made Pinkie smile, knowing that others were still happy. Though it might have also meant most of them didn't care, Pinkie hated to think of other ponies as unhappy or sad, regardless of why... deep down she wanted to know that Ponyville was still happy, and it was.

Twilight had seen Carrot Top out watering her garden, humming a happy tune with the black Boutique in plain sight. Lyra had been working with Bon Bon and Noteworthy on a ladder, pulling debris off her home while gossiping and laughing with her two friends about Vinyl Scratch's latest on stage blunder. By the end of Twilight's visit, Pinkie was genuinely smiling, her frizz being almost completely restored. It would take just a month for her mane to look like it used to... all things would pass with time.

Next on the agenda was Rainbow Dash. After that, Twilight had more plans, meaning quite a busy day ahead of her, but for now... she'd just see her friends.

Rainbow Dash was in a different room way down the hall. She passed a few ponies on the way there, some bandaged on a walk with nurses or loved ones, talking of burns and splinters she could only assume they got from fighting the fire or debris crashing into them or through their homes. The damage hadn't looked that bad, but ponies lived in those homes that stuff crashed into. Twilight could scarcely imagine the horror of waking up to the sound of shattering glass, sharp pain shooting all over her flank as she looked down to see tiny shards piercing her side in the faint orange glow... assuming it was bright enough to see even see that. Twilight imagined how different things could be if Scootaloo's new neighbor had decided to sleep with her head on the other side of the bed last night.

About ten feet from Rainbow's room, Twilight heard an argument taking place. She knew Dash's voice quite well, and could hear the annoyance in it:

"I don't need a wheel chair or an escort!" Rainbow Dash growled. "And I can see her just fine all by myself, thank you!"

"At least take the crutch!" Replied the concerned voice of what Twilight could only assume was a nurse. "You need to take it easy. Maybe rest for now and see her after lunch? You hardly slept at all."

"Hey, I'm free to go if I want to, aren't I?" She heard Rainbow laugh. "My injuries aren't that bad!"

"Actually, you've sustained a number of fairly serious first and second-degree bur-"

Twilight was about to take a few steps forward to round the corner when she saw Rainbow Dash emerge from her room, wearing a white bathrobe, which even covered her wings. She still looked like Rainbow Dash: cool, radical... but no more sullen or exhausted than she had been looking for the past couple weeks. She had singed ears and tail tip, but that was hardly noticeable. Twilight smiled when she saw her standing there.

"Twilight Sparkle!" Rainbow said, a smile spreading itself across her face. "Am I glad to see you."

"Likewise Rainbow." Twilight saw a young nurse emerge from Dash's room with a look of apprehension in her eyes. "How are you?"

Dash closed her eyes and flicked her mane, trying to look cooler and more energetic than she actually felt. Twilight mouthed "I'll watch her," to the nurse before she opened them again.

"I've seen better days, Twilight," Rainbow said, limping in the direction of her friend. "They wanted me to wait 'til tomorrow to see Scootaloo... I'm gunna go surprise her now."

"I'd imagine she'd really like that," said Twilight with a wink, as the two walked side by side.

The hospital was quickly becoming a busy place. Ponies passed by them now, with Twilight occasionally glancing back to make sure her friend could keep up. She noticed Rainbow Dash was walking much slower than usual, leaning up against the wall from time to time. Dash winced more than once, gritting her teeth in discomfort.... the passing ponies gave her space at least.

"You okay?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah. I'm totally fine," Dash replied, straightening herself upright. "Don't worry about me. Let's just go if you're coming, okay?"

"Alright, Rainbow." Twilight said, rolling her eyes. "I'm right here if you need help."

The Pegasus laughed, taking a few steps forward with ease... appearing light as air now.

"See?"

They continued to walk the halls. Scootaloo was one floor down. It was slow going, but when they finally made it to the elevator, Twilight found herself holding the door. Though a bit lighter on her hooves, Rainbow Dash still moved like she had a bad sunburn under her robe.

When the door closed it was just the two of them. Silence, save the elevator music. It didn't last longer than a couple seconds:

"Twilight, I seriously don't know what I'm going to do about Scootaloo anymore," Dash whispered, facing the doors. "Please don't ask me about it right now."

"I had no intention, Rainbow," Twilight replied, smiling. "Actually, I've found a couple donkeys who might be able to take her in. They're even willing to hold her while you get situated with a permanent home. This is a brand new development, I was going to talk to you about it last night, but I thought it'd be better to wait 'til morning. Cranky and Matilda are the most wonderful donkeys I've ever met!"

"Wait- wha?" Rainbow's tired eyes perked up towards her friend, looking bright and intense. '"Twilight, are you serious?"

"Oh yeah," replied the purple mare. "We can talk about this later, though. Right now we're going to go see Scootaloo, and let her know you're okay."

The door opened. The foal's ward was practically empty compared to the adult pony burn ward.

"She's worried about me, huh?"

Twilight held the door.

"Oh yeah, Rainbow. She loves you! You know that."

Rainbow limped off the elevator, smiling as she passed Twilight.

Fortunately, Scootaloo's room was fairly close to the doors. Twilight let Rainbow lead this time, watching her limp and occasionally list towards the wall. The closer they got to her door, the more upright and confident Rainbow's steps became, until she was finally almost trotting. Dash cantered up to Scootaloo's door and Twilight saw she was grinning ear-to-ear.

"Squirt?" Rainbow asked, in the direction of Scootaloo's open door. "Scootaloo?"

"Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo's voice responded.

Twilight watched as Rainbow slowly walked into the room, keeping a few steps behind her. She looked past the opened door, watching Dash approach the bed. She got within a few steps of it.

"How are you, kiddo?"

Scootaloo didn't answer. Instead she looked up at her idol and giggled... opening her forelegs to invite the robed Pegasus in for a hug. Dash's eyes went wide.

"Hey, hey now... what's with all this affection?" Rainbow chuckled weakly. "I'm okay, really! No near-death experiences here, kid."

Scootaloo's face drooped. She blushed, putting a hoof to the back of her head, putting her other hoof up for Dash to bump it. Dash took one look and sighed quietly.

"Oh, alright!" She opened her forelegs up and bent over. "Come here, you!"

Scootaloo happily pulled herself towards Rainbow Dash as Rainbow slowly bent down .The two hugged... very tightly. Twilight put a hoof to her mouth when she saw Dash's eyes go wide in pain as she gritted her teeth, almost hard enough to make them crack.

"Easy, now! Easy!" Dash grunted stiffly, tears in her eyes. "You're gunna break me in half, kid!"

Scootaloo giggled, releasing Rainbow from her tight grasp.

Rubbing her face and squinting her eyes, Rainbow Dash smiled at Scootaloo. Scootaloo smiled back... waiting to hear her idol begin talking, like always. Twilight went into observation mode as Rainbow started by leaning up against the wall. the Pegasus then glanced out the window and sighed.The Unicorn could see Dash's face light up the moment Scootaloo's did... it made her happy just to have helped her along the way. The more they looked at each other, the happier both appeared.

Twilight kept a respectable distance while the two visited. It started with a light conversation about the weather and the Wonderbolts, and Rainbow seemed alright. She was able to stand up tall, sit down, and look relaxed against the wall. Twilight knew when Dash got excited she really liked to talk with her hooves. Dash wasn't doing that... even when they were talking about things that should have really excited her.

The Unicorn began to feel tired as it came to Scootaloo's turn. She was thinking of waiting outside when the little Pegasus came to a thought which she knew had been on her mind:

"So, will I still be able to live with you, Rainbow?" Scootaloo asked, startling even Twilight out of her momentary haze... though she saw it coming.

The Unicorn looked over at Rainbow. She gritted her teeth... again, looking out the window. Even after all Twilight had told her, Dash was still dreading this conversation.

"Scoots," Rainbow said, popping her neck as she stared out at the tree line. "That's been my goal for a long time now." She glanced back, smiling. "You don't think a little fire's going to stop me, do you?"

The filly smiled big. Seeing her reflection in the glass, Dash grinned. Scootaloo's silence along with that cute grin said enough... she still believed in Rainbow Dash, and Rainbow still believed in herself.

During the quiet moment, Scootaloo noticed Twilight by the door and waved.

"Did you bring Rainbow here to see me?" She asked.

Dash smirked, turning around as Twilight answered.

"She came here on her own, Scoots. Took ya that long to notice her, huh?"

"Then..." Scootaloo looked away, looking almost ashamed of what she was about to ask. "What're you doing here?"

* * *

The visit had taken a sudden, very sour turn.

"Hey, that's plain rude," Rainbow Dash said, gruffly. "Especially after last night's party. We were visiting and she decided to tag along, okay?"

"I'm used to seeing just you, Rainbow." Scootaloo replied as she looked up at Twilight, her eyes welling up, but not yet crying. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to be rude or anything."

Twilight had read about this in some of the library's psychology books. Scootaloo was probably feeling insecure, for a very good reason, so she was just trying to find a pattern to make her feel better. Twilight grinned, knowing even some adult ponies do that. She debated for a second what to say as Dash stood there stunned. Rainbow opened her mouth to speak:

"Hey, if you're not going to be like that, I can just-"

"Scootaloo," Twilight said, calmly but firmly. The filly looked over and even her idol fell silent. "It's been really crazy over the past few days and I'm just here to make sure all my friends are okay. I'm glad you and Rainbow are safe, and I'm perfectly fine with waiting outside if you want some one-on-one Rainbow-time. I know I'd probably want it with the Princess if I were in your place. Me and Rainbow still have much to talk about, and I don't expect your visit to be very short... so I don't want either of you to think about me getting bored out there because I'm perfectly capable of entertaining myself. I came here just to make sure that you're both okay and if that's what it takes to make you feel better... well, that really isn't asking all that much."

Rainbow's jaw dropped. Scootaloo's looked up at Twilight, smiling at her understanding of what was going on in her head better than she could ever possibly put into words.

"I'll take that as a hint to wait outside..." Twilight began to turn around, taking a step towards the door.

"Wait!" Scootaloo called out.

The Unicorn looked back:

"Yes?"

The filly smiled, meekly:

"You can stay.... I- I don't want you to go."

"Very well."

Twilight used her magic to pull up a chair near the door and sat in it. She noticed a comic on the dresser -- something Spike would probably have enjoyed better -- and picked it up, pretending to be absorbed in the juvenile material as not to appear intrusive. She kept an ear turned in their direction, however.

"Good save there, Squirt." Rainbow said, giving her protégé a noogie. She glanced back at Twilight. "It's a lot nicer in here than out in that hall, anyway... even if you went to the waiting room, I'd have to come looking for you and that'd be so boring because this hospital is so big, and-"

"Rainbow," Twilight said, again very sharply, but still smiling. "I'm not leaving this room. You don't have to explain anything to me, just enjoy Scootaloo's company."

Dash nodded, turning back to Scootaloo. Scootaloo smiled at Twilight again before turning to Rainbow. They resumed talking like nothing had ever happened.

Once the focus was off her, Twilight quietly sighed... her eyes blurring as she stared at the detailed drawings in the book. Her tears were hidden by just a handful of pages.

Why couldn't I have done that while Rarity was still here?

* * *

The visit went on for at least a half hour, maybe more. Twilight listened while Rainbow and Scootaloo interacted, nodding and smiling whenever she felt either of them looking her way. They tried to include her in their conversations, possibly just to be polite, but it was mostly about them and their own interests, and what they were going to do once everything was all over. Rainbow had always been about the moment, but she was focused on the future now. Twilight couldn't help but smile from behind the comic, feeling the love Rainbow was sharing with Scootaloo. She didn't once tell a tall tale or give her false hope... all would be okay in time, and that's all that mattered.

It came time to leave eventually. Rainbow smiled and nodded, saying Scootaloo would see her again soon, but for the time being:

"I have to get my shut-eye, Squirt. Gotta nap at least once a day, know what I mean?"

Scootaloo just nodded, accepting what Dash had to say without question. The workings of grown-up ponies -- especially Rainbow Dash -- were still a mystery to her, but that's part of what made Rainbow Dash so awesome.

Now Twilight and Rainbow were right outside the room, walking towards the elevator. Twilight glanced back occasionally to see where Dash was. After the Pegasus had taken a few steps she slowed way down. Within twenty feet of the elevator, she stopped completely.

"You okay, Rainbow?" Twilight asked.

Dash slowly undid the tie on her robe, and looked up at Twilight... biting her lip.

"Twilight... check my bandages, 'kay? Make sure I'm not bleeding or oozing, or anything gross."

The Unicorn approached with a smile, though felt a bit nervous about what she might find, her magic helped gently pull the disguise off yet another friend's wounds.

Rainbow's barrel and left flank were covered in bandages, in an area a much larger than Pinkie Pie's. Twilight could barely see the tips of Rainbow's cutie mark. Both her wings were blackened... up tight against her body, they looked small. The Unicorn inspected the injury carefully, not touching or moving any of the carefully placed bandages. She saw some specks of blood coming through the middle by Dash's stomach. It looked fresh.

"Yup. I see blood." Twilight declared, "but only just a bit."

"Just great." Dash groaned in frustration, stamping her hoof. "It kinda hurts when they change the bandages... I was hoping it would at least last until tonight. Hopefully it'll be okay."

Twilight helped Dash put her bathrobe back on and neatened it up.

"Scootaloo hugged you a little too hard, didn't she?"

Rainbow nodded.

"It really, really hurt."

"It just means she loves you. If you're going to go around covering yourself up like that, you can't expect her to even possibly understand what happened."

"Wait... you're saying I should show her this?"

Twilight stopped, thinking for a second.

"Part of me says yes, part of me says no. I think you should be honest with her... tell her that you were hurt, but you're okay now. Then if she asks, show her. But I don't think you should do it today."

"I think I can do that."

The two started back towards the elevator. Twilight let Rainbow Dash go in first. Again, it was empty.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about, Twilight?" Asked Dash as the door closed.

"I just wanted to assure you that Scootaloo's going to be safe," replied the Unicorn, confidently. "Everything is under control."

"That's just what I wanted to hear."

"I know, Rainbow." Twilight giggled. "I know you've been losing sleep over this... and now that it's all taken care of, you don't have to worry about anything anymore. I don't want to see you hurting."

Rainbow smiled as the door opened.

"It's nice to know that even though I lost everything, I still have something, and that's pretty good." She walked passed her friend, who exited the elevator with her. "Thanks, Twilight."

"It's no problem."

Twilight and Rainbow walked the halls again. In the past half hour it had emptied some. There were still a few nurses walking back and forth and the odd patient in a wheel chair or on crutches.

"This is a full ward," commented Twilight as they made it to Dash's room. "Is there anything else you need before I go?"

"What?" Dash smiled cockily, backing up into her room . "Leaving already?"

"I've got a big day ahead of me, Rainbow."

"Yeah, yeah... lots of egg-head stuff." The Pegasus yawned, leaning against her bed. "I'm just giving you a hard time. Thanks for coming and all."

"You're welcome." Twilight smiled. "Rest up, Rainbow. I'll see you tomorrow."

The two looked at each other as Twilight approached the door. Dash smiled.

"Yeah, yeah. See you when I see you."

Twilight exited the room, heading down the hall towards the elevator. Pushing the button, the door flew right open, empty as it had been. Twilight stepped right inside. The door closed up tight.

Rubbing her temples, the purple Unicorn finally let out a huge sigh. It felt divine.

Now that that's over with, it's time to see Cranky.

The door dinged open and standing there was none other than the aging donkey himself, wearing his blonde toupée.

* * *

Twilight was almost enough in her own world to not have seen him. Their eyes met. He smiled slightly... happy to see a familiar face.

"Hello there Twilight," Cranky said, somewhat quietly, yet with warm affection. "Come from seeing Pinkie?"

"And Rainbow Dash," Twilight replied as the donkey stepped in and she stepped out. "Come to see her as well?"

"Of course," the donkey replied, as the door began to close. "Both Pinkie and Matilda."

Twilight's rear hoof shot straight out, barely catching the door in time.

"Wait, what?"

Cranky sighed... knowing this might take a while.

"Matilda got hurt last night, Twilight. We were helping fill the buckets to put out that fire when some idiotic, black mare knocked us over and Matilda landed the wrong way. Now her hind leg's been fractured. Dr. Stable told me it's probably going to mean a few months in bed. She's no a Spring chicken, that's for sure... well, not that she ever was a chicken to begin with, but you know what I mean." He put a hoof to the back of his neck. "Guess Pinkie's kind of rubbing off on me. Helps sometimes to joke when you're really worried."

"I- I was going to talk to you about Scootaloo later today," Twilight barely stammered out. "I guess I figured when you came back down, but now I don't know."

"Matilda and I would still love to take Scootaloo in someday, but we can't commit ourselves right now. I've no idea what all this is going to entail, and Matilda's really the only one with experience watching fillies. While I can make her food and provide the roof, I know I couldn't possibly keep up with her. We can't in good conscience take on something we're not prepared for. I'm sorry Twilight, but I don't want to end up like Apple Jack almost did."

A beat of sweat ran down the Unicorn's cheek. Her brow twitched.

"I'm sorry if this comes off as pushy, Cranky," Twilight began, her face blank, "but does that mean definite no? If you can't answer now, I understand. No pressure."

"Until Matilda's better, unfortunately it does mean no. I can't acclimate myself to Scootaloo and care for Matilda at the same time. I hope you'll understand."

The Unicorn lowered her head, walking slowly away from the elevator.

"It's okay, Cranky... I just have to think up a new plan now."

"I'll let you know if things change!"

Twilight left the donkey where he stood, her head down and nodding slightly. Cranky watched her walk off with a look of concern in his eye, up to when the doors shut and all he could hear was elevator music as he was sped up towards the adult ward. He sighed and shook his head, not that it would do anypony any good.

Part 4, 19 -- "Loyalty and Infinity"

"Loyalty and Infinity"
19

Twilight walked out into Ponyville. The sun was high, she wasn't sure of the time... maybe two'ish.

I could always take her in... she thought.

"I'm so proud of you, Twilight Sparkle," the Princess would say. "Giving up so much so that Scootaloo can continue living in the place she's grown to love, with the ponies she's always known as her family and friends."

Twilight shook her head.

"Write me when you learn a new lesson about the joys of motherhood. I'll be here, always listening to the new experiences you have and the new challenges you are facing. You are shaping and guiding new life, a most noble cause. You must be there for her, always, and lead by example... as I have with you. I believe in you, Twilight Sparkle."

The Princess would get a new protégé and would always feel fond of Twilight... but she would have to move on. Twilight would have to move on as well and give up everything she'd spent her life working towards.

No.

Twilight continued to walk the streets, running different ideas through her head as her hooves padded down random paths:

"She could always stay at Cranky's to sleep, but me and my friends could watch her instead."

That's a form of fraud. The Princess wouldn't allow it, even for you.

"Fluttershy and I could juggle her."

You'd have to be married to Fluttershy for that to work.

"We could always raise funds for Rainbow Dash to get a home."

That might work... but without AJ we're likely to just get enough Bits for Dash to get a one-room apartment. That lacks a kitchen, a place for laundry, and possibly it's own bathroom. That's too barebones for an adoption. As if an orphanage would be much better? Yes, it would!

"What about Apple Jack? I could tell her what's going on."

And betray Rainbow Dash's confidence? You're better off letting Dash go to her by herself. It's all you can do.

"As if that will ever happen."

"I'm so proud of you Twiligh-"

"Knock it off!" A bead of sweat ran down Twilight's cheek. "Gah, I can't think straight!"

She was in the middle of a Ponyville street, not far from the old Boutique. Ponies were staring at her. She giggled to herself, her eyes going wide.

"Sorry folks," she said as she walked past Lrya's property, trying to keep her voice from cracking. "Really major problem no pony seems to want to help me with! Nothing I can't figure out, though." She made sure to wink.

"What is it?" Asked a concerned Noteworthy. He had been enjoying daffodil sandwiches with his two friends in the lime green Unicorn's front yard. "Maybe we can help?"

"Oh, I don't think any of you can help with this," Twilight responded, walking past the three without making eye-contact.

"Burdens are smaller when you share them," said the blue stallion, comfortingly. "Normally you're very calm, Twilight. Surely it can't be that bad?"

The Unicorn stopped dead in her tracks and turned to the confused Earth Pony.

"Do you feel like adopting a little Pegasus filly?" She asked him directly, her pupils contracting. "You look fit enough to keep up with her... how 'bout it?"

"Well, I-" Note Worthy began hesitantly. "I couldn't possible do that, Twilight. I'm got a career to worry about, songs to write and perform. I'm not home often enough to-"

"I should have figured," Twilight responded, gnashing her teeth. "But I've asked you before..." she turned to his two friends, who were seated. "I've asked all of you before and I got pretty much the same answer. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to head this way," Twilight pointed past the burnt boutique, "to the library, so I can think up a new plan of action. One that will actually work!"

As Twilight cantered off, all three ponies lowered their heads, having lost their appetite... despite the hard work they'd each put in for almost four hours.

Twilight continued on her way to the library, muttering and sputtering the whole way there. Ponies that didn't stare made way. At least the library was a familiar place... a place Twilight could retreat to, a place Twilight knew, where she could come up with a new plan. It was in plain sight.

Twilight opened the door with her magic, sighing:

"Home sweet home."

The library was silent, cool. Owlowiscious could be seen off in the corner, snoring. Not even Spike was up and about, it would seem.

"That's funny..." Twilight called out into the old oak tree. "Anypony here?"

It was then that Twilight heard the sound of little feet above her head padding across the floor, then down the stairs. The little dragon was holding a royal scroll.

What is it now?

"Twilight!" Spike exclaimed, half excited and happy to see her, half frantically. "The Princess wants to see you in Canterlot!"

The Unicorn let out a sigh.

"Seriously? ... right now? As in right now, right now?"

Spike's smile drooped when he saw the face of his tired mistress.

"Twilight? What's wrong? .You look, well.. awful."

Again, Twilight let out a deep sigh:

"I'll tell you later, Spike. Now focus... tell me what the note says, or just give it to me."

"It says you can come at your leisure," the dragon replied, opening it up and looking at it. "But please come as soon as you can. Preferably no later than tomorrow or the next day."

"Write her back, Spike," Twilight said, walking past the dragon to a chair. "Tell her, if she can get me there, I'll go tonight... normally the Princess asks for me like this when something important is going on. It has to be better than sitting around here in the dark. Plus it'll probably help to talk to her face-to-face about Scootaloo."

Spike raised an eyebrow:

"Don't tell me, Twilight, Scootalo-"

"I don't want to talk about it right now, Spike," Twilight said, cutting him off abruptly. "Please just do as I ask. Hopefully after a few minutes of sitting here in peace my brain will slow down enough so I can bring you up to date."

Spike saluted, running to his quill and parchment upstairs.

Twilight sat, at first not a thought on her mind. She didn't feel as peaceful as she'd hoped, but numb. So very numb and empty.

"I can't tell Rainbow Dash what just happened." She thought out loud. "Not now at least."

She sat there in silence. Many minutes passed without so much as a sound. The library was so quiet she could hear Owlowiscious's snoring and the floor shifting under Spike's weight. She let out a deep sigh, finally starting to relax.

"It's done, Twilight!" Spike shouted from the top of the steps. The Unicorn heard his approach. When he was face-to-face with her, he asked "now what's going on with Scootaloo?"

Rubbing her temples, Twilight looked at him.

"Cranky can't take her anymore," she said, bracing herself for the inevitable slew of questions to follow. "Matilda broke her leg... it's all he can focus on. It could take months and months for Rainbow Dash to get settled... it doesn't seem realistic for anypony to give her a long-term home anymore."

Spike stood twisting his tail, looking at the floor.

"Oh... that's really sad."

They both fell silent. Surprisingly, no questions came out of Spike... except:

"Hey Twilight?"

She looked over at him again.

"Yeah Spike?"

In the blink of an eye he was on her, both little arms wrapped snugly around her barrel. She paused for a moment, her body ridged... she then relaxed and returned the hug. She found herself smiling.

"Thanks, bud."

The dragon didn't answer, instead hugging her even tighter.

The hug lasted for a good, long while, until Spike finally broke away, feeling indigestion normally brought on by one of the Princess's incoming scrolls.

With a belch, another message materialized, forming right in his claw.

"That was fast," Twilight said, watching her dragon assistant open the scroll.

"A flying chariot will be here in three hours," said Spike, looking up at Twilight. "Is that going to be enough time?"

Twilight nodded.

"Oh, yeah... today's been shot to Tartarus and back. Any studying I had planned for later this evening can wait another day." She smiled, yawning. "Spike, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind making me a daffodil sandwich and some strong tea to go with it? I'm kind of, well... for lack of a better word, starving."

"All ready on it, Twilight," Spike said with a smile. "Would you like sugar with that?"

"Normally I'm not one for sweets," the Unicorn winked, "but today I think I'll make an exception."

"You got it."

The drake padded off into the kitchen, leaving Twilight alone with her fragmented thoughts.

* * *

The Unicorn sat and ate her sandwich in peace, sipping her tea slowly afterwards. The strong smell of Darjeeling reminded her of Rarity. Spike knew enough to leave her alone for now. He didn't know how long the Princess wanted her or even what this meeting was about. He had more questions on his mind for the Princess... waiting for a meeting he hoped he wouldn't have to attend. He would go if Twilight asked him to, but he wouldn't assume he got invited along. He rubbed his heart-shaped pendant thinking about it.

After her sandwich and tea were gone, Twilight got up and went to the bathroom. There she looked into the mirror and saw her haggard face and somewhat messy mane.

"A little stress goes a long way," she said, levitating a comb to neaten herself up with. It was straight within a few brushes. "N'bad if I do say so myself!"

She then turned on the sink and washed up thoroughly. Within five minutes, she looked five years younger... and felt about two times more refreshed. She exited the bathroom and sat in a chair with Spike nearby collecting the dishes. Looking over at her wall-to-wall books, she picked a dusty one off the shelf with her magic, something hum-drum to pass the time... a light and fun thing to read. Ancient stuff she knew well, but... not too well. This was stuff she could forget about all this while reading. It didn't take long for her to withdraw into a fine point. With the tea coursing through her veins she was well into it, and excited to have her brain pumping axons and neurons over something she almost knew... something she knew well enough to at least predict.

Twilight sat there waiting for the full three hours it took for the royal chariot to arrive. Spike barfed up another note during that time, this one from Princess Luna, written on black parchment paper with bright yellow ink:

"It's a matter of Equestria's Security that they want to see you over," said the drake, shuttering. "Not urgent... but they don't want to talk about it in note form. They don't want anypony else coming either. Not even the rest of the Elements!"

Spike felt relieved saying the last two sentences out loud. He dodged a bullet there.

Twilight nodded, "um-hmm." She still had questions, but she was trying to deactivate her brain for the time being. They wouldn't be answered now anyways, even if she asked.

Spike resumed busing himself in the kitchen and upstairs, Twilight busied herself with books. Neither talked for the rest of the time, up until the arrival of the chariot and the knock of the royal guard.

* * *

.

While Twilight boarded the Royal Chariot, saying good bye to Spike for the time being, a few blocks away a Pegasus Pony rose from her bed and stretched, ready to take a short walk down the hall to visit her friend.

Rainbow Dash had napped well, feeling quite rested when she finally got up... but her eyes still looked tired. The last thing she remembered before waking up on the hot lawn in front of Pinkie Pie was the glow of the candle she had brought for reading. Her room was a mess with papers and cardboard strewn everywhere, perfect for starting a fire. While Rainbow Dash was a Weather Pegasus and not on the Fire Brigade, she still respected fire... knowing full-well what even one poorly placed lightening bolt could do to a whole forest. The idea that she might've caused the blaze had been on her mind most of the day... but it was only now that she'd worked up the courage to see Pinkie, not that she'd easily admit it.

She took the walk to Pinkie's room slowly, feeling sore and achy all over. Without a friend to show off around Rainbow was more inclined to take her time... and express the pain she really felt. She whimpered as she rested against the wall; those who saw her got out of the way... even motioning to her once the way was clear.

"Just... gimme a second," Dash grumbled, with a grimace. "I'm alright."

Shrugging at each other, most of the ponies continued about their business. A few nurses continued to look intently, just to be sure. For those ponies on staff, Rainbow stood up tall, slowly making her way down the hall. Since she had an audience now, Rainbow Dash wanted to look strong. Her trip across the hall looked effortless.

I don't feel so hot.

Even though she felt terrible, she made it to Pinkie's door and tightened up her bathrobe. She was surprised by what she saw inside -- not only was Pinkie standing on her own, the Cakes were visiting and she had a giant card house on her bureau.

"Hey everybody," Dash said, leaning against the door, trying to play it cool with a coy smile. "Is this a party or what?"

"Dashie!" The Cakes made way as Pinkie trotted up to her friend, holding her forelegs up high for a hug. "I'm so glad to see you!"

Rainbow instinctively took a step back, putting both her hooves up defensively while clearing her throat:

"Uh, how 'bout we take a raincheck on that, Pinkie?"

The mare's face instantly drooped.

"Oh... um, okay!"

She walked back to the Cakes, still facing Dash... looking puzzled and a bit hurt.

"Look, I'm really sore. Okay?"

Mr. and Mrs. Cake looked at each other as Pinkie smiled weakly.

"I understand."

"Well, despite that, you're looking pretty good, Dash," said Mr. Cake. "Did you sleep well?"

"Like a log." She limped towards both of the older ponies and they looked at each other again. "Under this, I don't look so good."

Mrs. Cake nodded with a sympathetic smile. Dash smiled back, slowly opening up her bathrobe... being honest with her friends about how hurt she was. Rainbow couldn't explain it, but it felt easier (and made her feel better) to show this Cakes first, especially Mrs. Cake... it was like they weren't connected like friends, but they were at the same time.

Mrs. Cake remained stone-faced, while Mr. Cake had a natural response:

"Oh, Rainbow..."

"It'll heal just fine," she said, turning to Pinkie, who looked saddened by the sheer amount of bandages Dash had on. "Won't even leave a scar." She refastened the robe tight. "Just came by to see how Pinkie was doing. Thinking maybe the hospital has a few board games I could snag to play later with Scootaloo."

"You really like spending time with her, Dash," said Mr. Cake. "You'll make an excellent mother to her someday."

Rainbow visibly winced, not from physical pain. Pinkie bit her lip and Mrs. Cake comforted Pinkie by rubbing her shoulders.

"I'll just go by Rainbow," she said, hiding her tears with a fake smile. "It's going to take a while for that to work out... a long while."

"There's still plenty of time," said Mrs. Cake comfortingly, "and you've got many, many friends who care so much about her and you... so it's unlikely bad things will ever happen."

"They're not going to," said Rainbow, matter-of-factly.

All ponies in the room smiled, except for Pinkie, who looked at the floor, her mane deflating slightly.

"So what were we talking about before I came in here?" Dash asked, leaning against the bed. "If it's private, I'm just about to jet anyway so don't worry about it."

"We were talking about what might've caused the fire," said Mrs. Cake.

Dash's blood froze.

"Y- you don't say... sure you want me around for this?"

"Of course, Rainbow," said Mr. Cake. "You were there and it almost killed you! You have a right to know, and Pinkie wants to know now."

Dash smiled over at Pinkie Pie. She smiled right back, weakly... guiltily.

"It'll help me to know what it was, Dashie," she said, quietly. "And if something bad happened, you'd always want to know, right?"

Rainbow nodded at Pinkie, causing her head to sink even further. She was too preoccupied to notice.

"Well, then..." the Pegasus gulped, turning to the Cakes. "What do they think caused it?"

"The theory is it was electrical," said Mr. Cake, clinically. "That's why the power went out... they know it started on the opposite end of the house from your room. Had started on your side, Rainbow, Pinkie... well, she wouldn't have been able to get to you in time."

Rainbow Dash smiled ear-to-ear... this news was dizzying to her. Had it been her fault, she'd be dead, and she could live with that. This was one less horrible thing to think about, plus she was about to go play with Scootaloo. Now if only Pinkie could feel the same way... she looked down-trodden, but Dash was too stoked to notice. In fact, everypony knew more than they were letting on, except for Rainbow. Rainbow Dash just knew what she was planning next. She felt so excited, had she been feeling better, she would have taken off through the window, but instead... Rainbow gave Pinkie a hug. A gentle hug... a warm hug. As the Pegasus was stretched over her friend, Mr. and Mrs. Cake cautiously mouthed "gently" at Pinkie, who barely tapped her on the back in response.

"I think I'm gunna jet," Rainbow finally said, breaking the hug and slowly limping towards the door. "Let me know if things develop on that, okay? I'm glad it's nothing neither of us did."

"Me too," Pinkie said, as Mrs. Cake rubbed her shoulders.

Rainbow turned back and smiled, looking directly at her pink pal:

"Maybe later me and you can play a game or two with Scootaloo?"

Pinkie nodded slowly, forcing herself to smile:

"Sounds nice, Dashie."

"Yeah, it does..." Rainbow's face lit up. "Later!"

Just like that she was gone.

They waited a minute... then a minute longer. Pinkie lowered her head:

"Oh, Dashie..."

The Cakes looked both at her and sighed:

"If she knew what's going on right now, Pinkie she would just get withered with worry," Mrs. Cake said, in a soothing voice. "She doesn't need it right now... you've got a lot of friends who want to help her, too."

"She's right, Pinkie," said Mr. Cake. "Rainbow needs her rest and so do you... a new development can happen before you two even leave this building."

"But AJ's being left out of the loop and I can't-"

"Pinkie," Mrs. Cake said, firmly, hugging her non-bandaged side so tightly it hurt. "Worrying about what you can't do won't do anypony any good right now... all you need to worry about is getting better. Okay deary?"

Pinkie again looked at the floor, her mane deflating entirely.

"Okay Mrs. Cake..."

The Cakes looked at each other, Mr. Cake sighing. They tried to comfort Pinkie again with another, much longer hug, but it didn't do any good. She was sad for a good reason, and nothing would pull her out of it except knowing her friends would all be okay.

Miles away Twilight Sparkle was pretty unsure as well.

* * *

High above it all Twilight was cold and alone. The trip to Canterlot was only forty-five minutes long, so she sat back and tried to enjoy the ride. At least the sights were pretty.

Soon she was approaching the spires and landing pads. She looked at the familiar castle with hope... she hoped talking to the Princess face-to-face would at least cheer her up. Hearing what she could to to make her mentor happy always filled her with a simple joy that she just could not explain.

The chariot landed silently as it was approaching dusk. Both Princesses were out, smiling to see Celestia's protégé dismount and approach. The deities took one look and both knew something was wrong, though Twilight was hiding it well. It was more than just her not knowing what this meeting was about... she looked almost in a fog.

"Come with me, Twilight Sparkle," said Princess Celestia, motioning to the spire which housed her own personal throne room. "We have much to discuss. I am glad you could make it here tonight."

Twilight looked over at the Princess of the Night and nodded respectfully.

Princess Luna's really here too... this is something serious.

Once the three ponies entered the castle, Celestia began to speak. Twilight noticed were no guards as they approached the throne room. Her voice echoed:

"Twilight, one of the Elements of Harmony has morphed to a neutral shape."

"What does that mean?"

"It no longer resembles its bearer's Cutie Mark," said Luna.

The three entered the giant throne room.

"I'm going to show them all to you," Celestia said, approaching the case which held them under lock and key. "Keep in mind I have not given you all the information yet... there is more than just change to this one Element. I want to see if you can see it, too. You are the one who first felt the power in each of your friends, and helped solidify the friendship between each of you."

As Celestia stuck her horn into the wall, Twilight gulped. Whatever was different, this was probably going to require a lot of work to fix...

The wall opened revealing a glass case containing the Elements. Twilight counted each of the six... stopping at the one that looked different. It was a stone. She could see Magic, Kindness, Loyalty, Laughter, Honesty... Generosity was just a stone pendant of many colors, not even any particular color.

"What happened to Rarity's element!?!" Twilight's breathing and heart rate picked up.

"Her element is there, Twilight," Luna said, motioning to the case. "Or, should I say it was, and yet it is. Look again... look hard."

Twilight again peered at each Element closely. Honesty was in the \shape of Apple Jack's mark, Kindness and Laughter in the shape of those ponies marks... Loyalty was gone, and Generosity...

Generosity was Rainbow-colored, and shaped into something else. Looking twice revealed that what looked like Rarity's mark was actually Rainbow Dash's.

"It takes two looks to see the real difference," said Luna, watching Twilight's eyes go wide. "The energy is still there, it's just different, and you must see it knowing who they are now. What you are looking at is the Element of the pony who best embodies it -- Rainbow Dash's Loyalty has coincided with Rarity's Generosity. Your friend Rainbow is willing to give up her hopes and dreams for Scootaloo, her energy and comfort to make all her friends happy, and her security for the Apple family's future. There is no more element of Loyalty for now because Rainbow Dash's Loyalty has transcended her through her Loyalty to others. She is the same as she always was, she's merely grown to embody a different trait more closely. In time she may become Loyalty again, but for now she bears a different Element."

Twilight was flabbergasted:

"But- but... What happened to her element? It makes sense she should have both then!"

Celestia placed a wing comfortingly on Twilight's shoulder:

"It waits here for a new form to take it... a new energy to pick it up and wield it. The Bearer must hold it effortlessly for it to work, as it is an aspect of who that pony is. For the time being Equestria is quite vulnerable, but Luna and I both sense a long-lasting peace coming over the land. I hope with all my being that our prediction is true, as that will buy our world time, but unfortunately we are fallible... no less than any other pony. It is, in actuality, just be our hopes."

"Do not involve your friends," said Luna, lapsing into her old accent. "The Element must come naturally to the pony... three of the Elements now are prone to look for traits as opposed to find them. All but one will, in their minds, make the match as opposed to find it... to them it will become a task, not a journey. Kindness we would share this with first, but should you tell one, you must tell them all. This is gravely important, Twilight Sparkle. We are trusting you solely because of Celestia's relationship with you."

"But..."

"There is nothing we can do, Twilight." Celestia sighed. "The Magic of Friendship is as alive as you or I. Your Element is inside you, it is you; driving your actions to express your love for all living things in its purest, most physical form. Rarity may have died and yet her energy kept her Element alive until a pony honed in on it... it just happened to be Rainbow Dash. A new pony will come in time for the missing Element. I predict somepony you might know. Somepony young and vulnerable, full of life and possibility, with strong ties to at lest one of you."

"Scootaloo..." Twilight almost whispered.

"Anything is possible." Celestia smiled. "This is also, perhaps, just wishful thinking on my part. Time will tell, Twilight Sparkle, though I know she wishes to emulate Rainbow Dash's best qualities. While she's only recently got her cutie mark, it is possible her Crusade for who she really is, is not over quite yet. You must allow the next Element to step forth, as you did with the others."

Twilight's eyes went wide with excitement for a split second, then dull when reality hit her. It hit her hard.

"I can't find a suitable place for her to live. The Boutique's a hoofful of ash, and Cranky can't take her anymore, and Rainbow Dash is far from situated."

The Princesses sat at their thrones.

"Then we have much to discuss." Celestia turned to Luna and smiled. "After I retire the sun, you must take out the moon. All three of us shall come up with a plan before the sun rises on Equestria again."

* * *

Twilight and the two deities spent hours speaking. Celestia had to leave for a while, yet they still continued to speak; Luna had to go as it got dark, yet they still continued to speak. The Princesses were shaping Twilight's thoughts and plans, giving her thoughts foundation and direction, though she still did much of her own speaking by herself. Twilight's voice was hoarse after the first couple hours... she wasn't yelling, but the conversation had been emotional for her. She was given a choice:

"We cannot interfere in your affairs directly," said Luna. "We cannot be responsible for the first move. We can only assist, even in matters this grave."

"It can all stop, Twilight," Celestia said, soothingly, cutting to the chase. "This can all be resolved should you adopt her and take a chance. A ten year investment."

Twilight took a sudden interest in the hard marble floor.

"But... I-I'm your student. You'll get have to get another."

"Yes, I will, Twilight," Celestia began, beaming a smile at her pupil. "Yet your sacrifice will be remembered for generations upon generations. I will not think less of you for putting your own future first. Giving up one's dreams is no easy task." She looked over at Luna and nodded. "I've seen what hopes and desires can do when it comes to wishes that will never be met... ponies must choose the best time to sleep and the best time to wake." She turned back. "You have, Twilight, a choice to make. Neither answer is truly selfish and neither answer is truly selfless. You must choose the most practical for yourself. What is the worst that might happen, should you choose my tutelage?"

"Scootaloo could get taken away... put in some strange place, full of ponies she doesn't know."

"And yet she would be well cared for, would she not?"

"Well, yes, but... if we find somepony to adopt her while she's in there and some other pony gets to her first, the orphanage won't tell us where she went. She'll be gone... Celestia, I don't know what to do."

Tears hit the floor. Luna and Celesta saw this and sat back.

"You wish not to hurt Rainbow Dash most of all," said Luna quietly. "Is that not what's really motivating you? To be loyal to your close friends? Be honest with thyself, Twilight. You have nothing to fear from us."

Silence filled the room. Twilight slowly nodded her head and cried quietly. She gave no more answers. Her silence spoke better than any words possible could.

Luna spoke for her sister:

"If this is your decision, we understand. We can help you hone your craft and knowledge. Even Scootaloo's sacrifice is not that great... in ten years time she may come back to see a most powerful Unicorn, or she may move on with life and find new possibilities which are not available to her where she is now. The possibilities are infinite."

Twilight continued to cry, now sobbing right there before her idol, who sat and looked upon her exhausted student with a loving smile. Celestia looked at Luna, and Luna looked right back.

"Would you be willing to risk anything else to save Scootaloo?" Asked the Princess of the Night. "Even if it was most dear?"

Twilight looked up. She answered with an unblinking scowl:

"Yes! Anything!"

"There is an option we have yet to consider..." Luna and Celestia turned to each other. Celestia nodded, indicating that Luna should continue. "It could damage your relationships for a very long time. Perhaps forever, one might say... though we doubt that. Do we not, dear sister?"

Celestia nodded as the word forever echoed in Twilight's mind. She shuttered.

"Luna, you are far too intense at times," Celestia said, beaming a warm smile at Twilight, "but yes, there is a chance one of your friends might be too blinded by her own pride to appreciate how this could help. Through destruction, however, you might create opportunity. We would gladly do this for you, but that would be direct interference in your interpersonal lives."

"Something tells me I'm really going to regret this," replied the weakened Unicorn. "But I'll hear it out."

"Very well," said Luna. "Stop us at any time, should you feel upset by what we have to say."

Twilight looked up and remained still while the two Deities spoke. They asked no questions and gave no orders. Twilight remained silent and stone-faced while they dictated to her their ideas. What came was simple and to the point -- it was only a few ideas that would be on Twilight's mind for days.

At the end of the meeting, Twilight nodded and left... not staying any longer than she needed to. Upon descending the halls and getting into the chariot she played the whole meeting through her mind. There was nothing she could do for the Princesses, nothing except understand, and... act upon what had been shared. She sighed. The Unicorn was hardly a creature of impulse, and it would take much thought before she would do anything. Contemplation, at least, had always been her best friend. She saw, this time consciously, a reminder in the skies that Rainbow Dash could never go back to her home in Cloudsdale... it was hardly recognizable, now dark colors in place of bright rainbows.

At the Library, Spike was found in a chair fast asleep by the door. He had been waiting for her to come home. Using her magic, Twilight pulled down a blanket from his upstairs basket and draped it over his body. She then sat in the chair beside him and stared blankly at the wall all night.

There was no way to fix this problem.

Author's Note

I was looking forward to this chapter, as well as the one where the new bakery burns down, almost since I started this section. It's been a long, arduous section to write and it's finally coming to an end. I've loved every minute of it, and I've done my best to keep up the mystery despite the temptation to give up some of these twists earlier on.\

I hope you guys enjoy this story as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you.

Peace :eeyup:

Part 4, 20 -- "Best of the Worst"

"Best of the Worst"
20

It was late afternoon. The Ponyville sky was blue and clear.

Applejack looked into the sky as she pulled a cart towards the library. She hadn't seen Twilight in almost a week... she knew Rainbow Dash and Pinkie hadn't seen her either. The farm pony had a little something in her saddlebags for her librarian friend -- a coupon for a free apple pie along with the purchase of one small keg of cider. If that didn't excite the unicorn... she didn't know what would. In reality, she just wanted a chance to talk to Twilight, see how she was doing. She'd even come a bit out of her way for this.

Dismounting her cart, Applejack heard laughter in the distance. Activity had resumed in Ponyville fairly quick since the fire -- the day was warm, the streets were clean, yet she felt a cool breeze wafting past her. She approached the tree and gave a light knock at the door. It took a moment, but the knob finally turned...

Standing there was Twilight's dragon assistant, still wearing his heart-shaped pendant. Applejack noticed right off the bat the library was darker than normal, even for after hours, but paid it no mind...

"Well, howdy Spike!" the farm pony joyfully exclaimed, tipping her hat. "Is Twilight around? Been passin' out vouchers this mornin' with Big Mac to get a free pie along with a keg... thought she might be interested. Ya know, with Summer Cider Sales just 'round the corner, and all."

The drake licked his lips:

"She's upstairs." Spike putt up his hands, signifying the orange pony should stay put, as he turned away from the doorway. He started to run off. "I'll go get her for you!"

Spike quickly ran up the stairs, leaving the farm pony standing alone by the doorway. Applejack leaned in against the frame and sighed. It seemed odd that she wouldn't be invited in, but she wasn't there to stay more than a few minutes anyway, plus she didn't know what Twilight had planned for the rest of the day, so... she didn't want to intrude. Spike had once told her accidentally getting hit by a wall of books during Re-shelving Day one time was, well... one time too many.

Upstairs, Spike stood firmly at the edge of the top step and smiled.

Twilight sat at her desk in the dark, reading by the light from her window. From other conversations he'd already had with her about seeing her friends throughout the week... the dragon knew how this was already going to end.

"Hey Twilight?" Spike said quietly in her direction. He spoke a bit louder. "Um... Twilight?"

He waited a moment... then another. No response.

"A-hem.Twilight?" The drake chuckled nervously. "Applejack's here."

The unicorn glanced over at him, exhaling loudly:

"Tell her I'm busy!"

Twilight's loud, yet groggy response echoed throughout the library, waking up even Owlicious. Her grumpy nature nearly made the farm pony's jaw hit the floor. Taking a couple steps forward, Applejack removed her hat, calling out in the sweetest voice she could muster (despite the fact that she wanted to walk out the door having heard that):

"Hey, Twi... y'all right? It's been a while since we've seen ya around Ponyville."

"I'm fine, Applejack," Twilight replied in a hoarse voice, shutting her book and turning to Spike. "Just need to get a few things under control around here."

"Ah see..." The farm pony bit her lip. She wasn't nearly as good at breaking the ice as she wanted to think. "Come on down, Twilight, n' maybe I can help you with 'em! Heck, I've got a voucher for some free pie if you get some cider... figured you might be interested, seeing how good the farm is doin' now. Ya interested Twi? ... uh, Twilight? How 'bout it?"

A moment of silence passed. Applejack heard steps coming down the stairs... too light to be pony.

"Could you leave them with Spike? I'm busy right now."

Applejack shook her head as Spike came down the stairs. She didn't realize it, but she'd began idly looking around Twilight's home to make sure things still looked right. The farm pony let out a sigh... at least the downstairs was clean and well-organized... as always. She shook her head as the baby dragon approached:

"Oh, uh... sure thing Twilight!" Applejack went into her saddle bag and pulled out a small pink ticket. "Here ya go Spike!" The dragon took the voucher. "Me 'n Apple Bloom are gunna go give Pinkie and Rainbow one in a couple-a-hours. Heck, we might even give Rainbow two on account of Scootaloo 'n all... if'n that'll even work out with no Boutique. Anywho, AB's pretty excited, as Pinkie's gettin' out in about three days. If Twi's cool with it, maybe ya might wanna come along? Maybe she can come, too, if she likes."

Applejack still spoke loud enough to be heard by Twilight... but there was no response.

"Sure!" Spike said, rocking in his feet. "I'll talk to her again... she's probably still going to be too busy, though."

"It's worth a try, right?" Applejack smiled at the dragon, then spoke more quietly. "Look, Spike, Ah wasn't born yesterday. We've all been through a lot... so if Twilight needs some time to herself, that's fine by me." She put her hat back on. "Well, Ah've got plenty more vouchers to pass out, an' a delivery to make a few blocks away... when I'm out with Apple Bloom, I'll be sure to spin by."

"Thanks a bunch Applejack!"

Tipping her hat, the farm pony made for the exit, whipping around one final time before leaving Spike by himself in the library:

"No problem, Spike."

Applejack left, shutting the door behind herself. Outside she sighed again, shaking her head in the open air... knowing she could do nothing more than be there for her friend once she decided to come around.

Spike ran up stairs to see what Twilight was up to... and to make sure she was alright. She had spent most of the week upstairs, save running the library. He saw her, sitting alone in her room, in the dark... drawing the shades closed with magic. There was nothing on her desk now.

"Twilight... is there any thing I can do to help you?"

The unicorn looked up at Spike, her eyes shining in the darkness:

"No Spike... there's nothing you can help me with. I just need to sleep. Go with Applejack when she comes back... tell her I'm just too tired."

The dragon approached, wrapping both arms around the unicorn's barrel:

"Okay, Twilight."

She gave him light a kiss on the forehead.

"I'm glad I have you, bud."

"Me too, Twilight..." Spike let out a sigh. "Me too..."

* * *

A couple more days passed with Twilight in her room, alone... save coming downstairs to run the library. Spike had been trying to convince her to get out:

"Hey Twilight! Wanna go see Fluttershy? I heard her Prench poodles just gave birth to a new batch of puppies!"

"Oh, no thanks, Spike..." Twilight replied with a yawn. "I have a new archive coming in from Canterlot in an hour. One-hundred volumes that need to categorized. It's going to take a few hours and by then it'll be dark."

"Oh, I can do that," Spike said, confidently patting his chest. "I'll sign for it and everything. Trust me, it will be no trouble at all!"

Twilight smirked:

"You can go see the puppies. I've spent half the morning napping and need to do -something- productive, or else I'm going to start to fall behind."

"You can trust me, Twilight. What difference does it make if you do it or I do it? If we leave now, we can stop by the hospital and-"

"Spike, I am not going anywhere. One hundred volumes is just too much."

Spike kicked the floor, gritting his teeth. The kick caused a few books to wobble on their shelf:

"Fine, have it your way."

The dragon found his purple owner irritably shaking a hoof at him:

"Spike! What in the wide world of Equestria's gotten into you?

At least Twilight was less irritable than she had been the day before... Spike still found himself apologizing:

"Sorry, Twilight."

Twilight's sleep had been fairly erratic and her work was starting to suffer. Little did Spike know -- little did anypony know -- that, after the meeting... Twilight had been up for almost seventy-two hours straight. She was now regularly napping in an arm chair in the far corner of her library.

Spike didn't mind, though. There were days when Twilight was awake that she was of little use to the patrons... giving confusing instructions to adult ponies doing serious research and little fillies in search of books Miss Cheerilee had assigned them to do reports on. Luckily Spike was there to steer them all on the right path. Like his mentor, he was very hands off while directing the fillies... just there to help keep them from getting discouraged.

Fluttershy and Applejack had each stopped by a couple of times, mostly during the library's hours of operation, hoping to catch Twilight so they could actually talk to her face-to-face. Twilight would almost always be napping, however, and when she wasn't... she'd be about as bad as Applejack the time she needed help bucking apples on the farm but refused to ask for it. Every time they would come in to find her awake, they would always talk about the same upcoming events as if she didn't remember discussing them out the first time. Both of them finally gave up, but still stopped by any time they passed the library... together and alone.

"This ain't like her, Spike," Applejack said, while watching Fluttershy put a blanket over her hind legs. "She really don't look right,. Anything we can do?"

Spike just shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't know what's going on," he said. "She's been like this since visiting the hospital."

"Hhmmmm...." Applejack stroked her chin, looking over at Fluttershy while pondering. "Something's up... just remind her tomorrow Pinkie gets out. Not that she looks up to doing much in terms of caring for her, but Pinkie would probably still wanna hear from her. You know Pinkie... she'll probably end up coming here if Twilight doesn't visit. Can ya do that?"

Spike stood up tall and saluted, causing the farm pony to chuckle under her breath.

"Well, alright then, Spike."

The farm pony and yellow pegasus left feeling confident Spike would let her know when she got up... and hopefully tomorrow, too.

... Spike did, in fact, let Twilight know what was going on the moment she got up. She smiled for the first time in a week hearing that Pinkie was getting out soon, but still didn't go to visit her despite having plenty of time that day.

* * *

It was the end of another day. Twilight had been awake forthe whole work day... somewhat productive, too. It was time for her to finally relax. She was starting to feel good about the day.

"You gotta drink something, Twilight," Spike said, fetching her some water from the kitchen sink after a day's work in the Library. "You look awful."

"I'll be alright, Spike," Twilight replied in a groggy voice, taking the water from her dragon assistant. "Thanks for your concern. I have to file these new magazines from Canterlot in the appropriate section, then I have to straighten up shelf G-J because that colt from Trottingham came in on his scooter twenty minutes ago and knocked into it, spilling half the contents, then I-"

Spike was beginning to realize he had seen this once before. Not again. Grasping his pendant tightly, he decided to put a stop to it right now:

"Twilight. I got this."

"But Spike, I need to-"

The drake put up both claws firmly and smiled:

"Trust me. I'm your number-one assistant for a reason, right?" He chuckled confidently. "I'll have it looking pretty as a picture within the hour."

Twilight sat back sighed and sighed, clumsily guzzling the water. When finished she wiped her mouth with an unkempt hoof.

"I'm going to take a walk, Spike," she said flatly, getting up. "Don't wait for me."

"Okay, Twilight."

As the tired unicorn slowly walked towards the exit, Spike kept his eyes on her. He'd already lost somepony dear to him and didn't want to see another unicorn go downhill. The dragon wanted to do something but, like before, she hadn't told him anything that was going on... she just looked tired. He'd made excuses for her at first, to Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo... and the rest of their friends were kind enough to back him up, though they only saw her in passing; after all that had happened, each needed a week themselves, but Twilight needed it the most.

Out in Ponyville the air was cool and the streets were empty. Twilight sighed. It was mid-afternoon. She felt empty as she walked alone. All signs of the fire and cyclone -- save the blackened boutique -- were gone.

She saw Roseluck watering her garden down the street. The mare looked up and nodded politely as she passed. Twilight walked past with a blank expression. Roseluck shrugged.

The purple unicorn continued down the quiet street, until she finally ran into a familiar face... one she almost walked past, if it weren't for him saying hello:

"Hey Twilight!" exclaimed Mr. Cake. "Nice day, isn't it?"

The unicorn stopped and turned to him, noticing he had Gummy on a lead.

"Uh-huh," he said, cracking a smile. "Taking Gummy for a walk, huh?"

The stallion bit his lip when he looked into her eyes.

"Yup," he said, cheerfully. "Gummy needs his exercise... say, have you seen Pinkie today? I've been so busy I haven't been able to give her much time. Gotta prepare, you know what I mean?"

"I saw her, I think... just last week."

"Oh," Mr. Cake looked at the ground. "Well, she's getting out later this afternoon, and if I know Pinkie as well as I think I do, she's going to be really happy to see you. Trust me, she let us know you didn't come to see her much in the hospital."

Twilight lowered her head, slowly dragging her hoof against the ground:

"I'm sorry, Mr. Cake... I-"

"Hey, there's no reason to apologize, Twilight." The stallion smiled comfortingly. "This has been a pretty trying time for all of us." The unicorn nodded, not looking up. "She's now up and about. Still a bit banged up, what with the bandages and all, but she's still Pinkie Pie."

Again, Twilight smiled hopefully.

"And Rainbow Dash? Do you know when she's getting out?"

Mr. Cake's comforting smile turned to a frown.

"Dash is... going to take a little while longer."

Twilight's smile drooped, and her breathing began to pick up as she realized she had no idea how any of her friends were doing, and would have had no idea still had she not run into Mr. Cake... even though most of this was starting to very sound familiar, like Spike and other friends might have told her bits and pieces before.

"How much longer?" she asked directly.

"At least a week... her burns are quite a bit more wide-spread. You know Dash... she can hardly sit still, and that's not good for time spent healing. But that wouldn't stop her from leaving today if it weren't for Scootaloo being in there with her."

Twilight nodded, slowly walking past Mr. Cake.

"I think I'm going to go see Pinkie then... let her know I still care."

Without saying good-bye, Twilight turned her back to the stallion. He stopped her dead in her tracks:

"Um.... Hey Twilight?"

She turned around, wide-eyed.

"Yes?"

Mr. Cake bit his lip:

"Can, I, uh... make an observation?"

Mr. Cake looked hopefully while Twilight stared at him, unblinkingly.

"Be my guest."

"One of the things me and the Mrs. keep telling Pinkie since we took her in is that she has to take care of herself first... You look like you could really use some sleep."

Twilight narrowed her eyes, turning her back again. She began to walk off.

"I'll be alright, Mr. Cake."

"Please, Twilight."

She stopped in her tracks again, gritting her teeth. She turned around and looked him right in the eyes. He grimaced at the hallow sight of the two bloot shot eyes staring at him.

"What is it?"

Mr. Cake sighed:

"Now, keep in mind I'm not telling you what to do... Pinkie's been through one heck of a roller coaster ride. Your friends and I have been telling her you need rest and that's why you haven't come. Please get just a little shut-eye before you go see her. Her mane's barely starting to look springy again... Heck, come by later this afternoon and by then we'll probably have cookies made!"

Despite being exhausted and devoid of much thought, Twilight genuinely smiled. She could see what he was trying to do.

"Um, okay! Will do, Mr. Cake."

Mr. Cake smiled back.

The two then went their separate ways, Mr. Cake glancing back to see that Twilight was walking slowly... still on a path away from the library. He shook his head, but continued on, focused on Gummy now.

* * *

Twilight found herself alone by the fountain, neither the hospital nor the library too terribly far away. She sighed, looking down at her reflection in the water:

"I do look terrible," she said, taking a seat on a bench.

This was the first time in about a week Twilight had been connected to herself like this, all it took was leaving her home for a brief while. She'd been shut-up (and staying shut up) for too long.

What to do, what to do...

The unicorn found herself leaning back.

Mr. Cake was right... I should get some sleep before I go see Pinkie. But, then again, every pony will be there and they'll either be settling her in or moving her out someplace else.

"Then you might be better off seeing her now, just to let her know you still care. Knowing Pinkie, her feelings are probably hurt by now... heck, I'd probably think a pony didn't care about me if she didn't come to see me after all this time."

Looking into the sky, Twilight winced, gently rubbing her eyes... feeling moisture brought on more by tiredness than despair.

That's an awful thing to say, Twilight. Of course you care! That's why you've been so busy.

"But then why am I falling so far behind?"

Twilight continued to look up. She rubbed her temples.

Focus, Twilight. FOCUS.

"I just need a moment to make up my mind about what I want to do... then everything will be okay." She laid back, continuing to stare up. "Everything is going to be... just fine."

* * *

The unicorn finally felt at peace.

"Um... Twilight?"

The unicorn's eyes popped open. She found herself staring up at Fluttershy.

"Wh- ... where am I?" she asked, slowly sitting up.

Fluttershy backed up and waited for Twilight to stretch out before answering. By the time she did, Twilight could see the sky had turned orange... it was approaching night.

"We've been looking all over for you," Fluttershy said softly. "Spike said you went out for a walk hours ago! We never thought to check by the fountain. Oh, my goodness... you must've fallen asleep. I bet you probably really needed it, though."

Rocking from side to side, Twilight popped her back... falling asleep on a bench wasn't very comfortable.

"Well, I've been here, Fluttershy," Twilight said, looking up at her yellow friend. She let out a sigh. "Other than being groggy, I do kinda feel a better now that I've gotten some rest."

The pegasus smiled.

"Pinkie's at home now... if you want to see her."

Twilight's mind flashed to Pinkie, and it stopped when she realized someone else might want to know where she is, too.

"Don't you think Spike should know I've been here the whole-"

Again, Fluttershy smiled... this time putting up a hoof.

"Spike is back at the library... don't worry about him. Though he got a little worried, Apple Bloom's there to keep him company. They're playing board games. I'll go tell him where you are, and what you're doing, and everything will be fine." Fluttershy gave a wink. "You can count on me, Twilight."

Twilight had heard similar things come out of Spike's mouth many times during the past week... it seemed hazy, but she could remember. She sighed. It was time to give some pony else the reins, and just go see her friend.

"Okay, Fluttershy." Twilight got up and stretched. "Have you seen Pinkie yet?"

"Uh-huh. She looks really good... she'll be happy to see you!"

"So everypony keeps telling me." Twilight smiled. "It'll be good to see her, too. Take care, Fluttershy."

"Take care, Twilight! Don't worry about Spike!"

Twilight turned back and waved to Fluttershy one final time before they both trotted off for their destinations.

* * *

Home... for Pinkie Pie that meant the Sugarcube Corner. It wasn't far off.

Twilight headed in the direction of the bakery, a good seven minute trot from where she was. Not that she noticed, but Roseluck was out again watering her garden... this time for the evening. That meant she'd been asleep for at least four hours.

Finally, Twilight made it to the Sugarcube Corner. The business was closed right now, not a light was on when it came to the bottom half of the bakery. She was surprised to see, of all ponies, Applejack exiting the building. It didn't seem the farm pony noticed her approach... despite her loud hooves, making a clip-clop, clip-clop sound, which she was hoping would draw her attention.

"Hey Applejack!" Twilight said, trying her best to sound cheerful. "How is she?"

Applejack made eye-contact with Twilight, who stopped a few steps short of her friend. Her pupils were tiny, and she was biting her lower lip... the farm pony looked somewhat pale.

"Don't tell me she's back at the hospital alre-"

"Pinkie?" Applejack hiccuped, almost rhetorically. "Oh, she's fine... just fine and dandy!"

Twilight narrowed her eyes.

"Is anything the matter?"

"Nope! Nothing at all..." Applejack sighed. "This has just been... a lot to take in. You know what Ah mean, Twilight?"

"Do I ever."

"Well, then. I'm, uh..." Applejack stretched her neck towards the Acres. "I'm gunna head home now, okay? Take care, Twilight!"

The unicorn smiled warmly.

"All right."

Even though she seemed to be in a bit of a hurry, as Twilight approached the door Applejack turned around and opened it for her.

"I'm just plum tuckered out," she said, giggling while motioning her friend inside. "And Twilight?"

The unicorn stopped midway through the door.

"Yeah, AJ?"

"I'm real glad we're all friends."

"Me too, AJ... Me too."

Twilight entered the bakery. The door slammed shut and she heard Applejack canter off.

* * *

Inside a few lights were on... enough to guide the mare up the stairs to her proper destination. Even in the semi-darkness, the place was welcoming... the walls glowing a faint, pinkish-purple. She stumbled when she reached the stairs... might have chipped a tooth if it weren't for them being carpeted, soft and plush.

Twilight heard the voices of Mr. and Mrs. Cake speaking over her approach, and stopped maybe seven feet from Pinkie's door. She held her breath when she caught a few words, not meaning to eavesdrop...

"You did the right thing, Pinkie," said Mr. Cake, softly. "We're very proud of you."

I know it... felt icky, dear," Mrs. Cake added, "but everypony will be better off now because of what you just did."

Twilight paused for a moment, debating whether or not this was a good time for her to visit. Now all she could hear was silence, but what she had heard made her feel a tiny bit uneasy. She heard Pinkie's individual breaths... tiny, labored, and sad.

Against her better judgement, Twilight pushed open Pinkie's door. Mr. and Mrs. cake were on either side of the earth pony's bed, Gummy resting on her head board. Pinkie's mane was fully deflated, tears in her eyes. Mrs. Cake was comforting her by rubbing her side, but Twilight could see it was doing little good... she was tucked in at least. The two made eye-contact and tears started streaming down Pinkie's face much more rapidly when she realized her friend was there.

"Pinkie..." Twilight smiled warmly. "What happened?"

"I'm so sorry, Twilight," Pinkie said quietly. "I Pinkie Promised and everything, but I couldn't help it. Not telling AJ felt so awful I didn't know what to do..."

Twilight's eyes, which had been relaxed and accepting, grew big:

"Pinkie Pie, you didn't..."

Pinkie stared at the wall as she nodded her head, unable to look Twilight in the eye.

"I did. We were all alone and I just kept thinking about it, and thinking about it. So I started crying and AJ asked me what was wrong, and I..."

The purple mare gritted her teeth, looking down at the sad pink earth pony in bed. She was no longer listening, she felt a roar in her ear. For a while she had been thinking about doing what Pinkie had just done... and even though Pinkie had actually done it, it still felt wrong. Really wrong. Before Twilight could even approach, Mrs. Cake quickly moved to the foot of the bed, blocking her path... protecting her protégé.

"Now Twilight... before you say anything you might regret, I want to let you know that me and Carrot put her up to it." Mr. Cake stood by his wife's side. "So, if you're going to blame anypony for this, blame us."

"We came in here to comfort her when we heard her crying," explained Mr. Cake.

Twilight's face contorted into an unpleasant grimace. She continued to look past the Cakes at Pinkie... who took a sudden interest in her bedspread.

"I came to see how you're doing," Twilight said calmly, continuing to stare directly at her friend....she let out a sigh. Even though she wanted to, Twilight just couldn't stay mad. "I'm glad you look like you're doing better than you were in the hospital."

Feeling Twilight's eyes on her, and hearing the shift in Twilight's general tone, Pinkie pulled back the covers revealing that she had small patches where her coat was missing, but she was starting to look like Pinkie Pie... completely unbandaged, nearly recovered. She still had a shorter mane, but that would grow in time. The secrets she had shared, however, would never come back.

"I'm sorry," Pinkie whimpered. "Twilight, I'm so very, very sorry..."

Twilight Sparkle looked up at the two Cakes. They looked at each other quizzically, then back at her. Hesitantly, they moved to either side, allowing Twilight to get closer to her friend. She sat on the edge of the bed, looking down at her hooves:

"Pinkie, I know you're sorry," she said, taking a hoof and putting it to her friend's chin, gently pulling it so the two were making eye-contact. "I forgive you... but Rainbow Dash might not. That secret was pretty important to her."

That was the last thing Pinkie need to hear. Mr. and Mrs. Cake looked at each other, then Mrs. Cake spoke up:

"Twilight, she's been through an awful lot. You know she knows she's done wrong... she just wanted to ask Applejack for help."

"She wanted the problem to go away," added Mr. Cake. "She didn't want to hurt anypony."

"Or lose anypony forever," added Pinkie quietly. "Twilight, I'm-"

"Pinkie, it's okay." Twilight beamed a genuine smile at her friend. "What's done is done. We just have to hope for the best now... Did Applejack say she'll be able to do anything? Maybe give Rainbow a place to stay for a while?"

Pinkie remained quiet, biting her lip... so Mr. Cake spoke for her:

"Um... Applejack practically turned white when Pinkie told her what happened. It was probably too much for her to process, given everything else that's been going on."

"Imagine hearing your friend gave up her home so you could continue to run your business..." The Cakes looked at each other, then down at Pinkie. "And pass it on to a younger generation. All she said was she was going home to think about all this. That's really all she can do."

"Well, whatever happens, Pinkie," Twilight said. "I'm glad we're all friends."

Pinkie looked up, smiling.

"Me, too, Twilight... me too."

Smiling, Twilight got up, reached down and gave Pinkie a hug. Both mares let out a sigh, but each for a different reason. Pinkie was happy that Twilight still wanted to be her friend, Applejack, too (or so it seemed)... Twilight's reason wasn't so clear:

One less thing for me to have to worry about... I'm glad for that.

Author's Note

]This is one of those parts I wrote out entirely and decided it didn't work, then I rewrote it, decided I liked it better... let it sit, changed a few things around, rewrote it after I had some new ideas, went back and ended up making a fusion out of three drafts. That's not a bad thing, but cripes can it get messy ^^

This is the longest part to a story I've ever written. I wonder at times if taking the story in this direction was not a good idea, as in the long run I could have written things differently. It wouldn't have the same impact in the end, but... I'm overall happy with it.

Hope you guys have enjoyed reading this story as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you :)

Part 4, 21 -- "Deep Rivers"

"Deep Rivers"
21

Rainbow Dash's mind was blank.

She watched as her surroundings whip by, all her friends by her side; the pegasus wheel chair-bound and not happy. They saw a reflection of the blank look on her face as Doctor Stable gently pushed her through the double doors, outside. Twilight and Applejack held the doors so her chair wouldn't collide with them... running the risk of bruising the pegasus and giving her reason to go back into the hospital.

"You are free to go," said Doctor Stable cheerfully, parking her chair near the entrance. He passed Twilight a black bag full of medical supplies. "Take it easy for a couple of days, Rainbow Dash, and you should be back to your old self in no time."

Rainbow slowly got up. Her sides were still bandaged, aching, but she was otherwise okay. Doctor Stable removed the chair and had almost stepped back in when Rainbow Dash spoke up:

"Can't I stay just for a few more days, Doc? Just to, um, you know... make sure everything's okay with my burns and all? I'm still kinda sore all over."

"Rainbow Dash," he said, plainly. "Your injuries are now predominantly superficial. The hospital has done all it can for you. You'll benefit more from being outside than cooped up in here, not to mention, a-hem... we need to have the space not taken up by able-bodied ponies."

"But I-"

"The answer is no, Rainbow Dash. You cannot come back in here to stay." He smiled warmly. "But that doesn't mean you are not welcome to visit any of our patients starting tomorrow. Please don't come back until then... you need to first get settled in. That's why your friends have com." He turned to them all and nodded. "Have a good day, all of you."

Doctor Stable left, this time not looking back.

"So, Rainbow...," Twilight said, looking over at the pegasus in bandages. It was time to make arrangements... they had tried multiple times earlier in the week already, at first without Applejack... Rainbow Dash still couldn't make up her mind. The pegasus was now stretching, both legs and wings. "You'll probably need a place to stay for a few days while you get used to being out and ab-"

Rainbow flapped her wings, lifting her body off the ground a good six feet.

"R-rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy stammered. "Are you sure that's s-such a good idea?"

Opening her forelegs, Dash held out her hoof. She spoke coolly:

"Twilight, gimme the back." Surprised as the rest, the unicorn remained still. Dash spoke again, this time more firmly, "the bag, Twilight. Please."

Twilight slowly passed the bag to Rainbow Dash, who put it on her flank right beside the bandages (it would certainly irritate her burns later on if she kept it there).

"Girls," Rainbow said, looking at each of them. "You've been so good to me through all this. I can't begin to thank you enough... but, I don't want to be in town right now. Too many familiar sights, ya know? All I can think about is what I wasn't able to do."

Pinkie and Rainbow Dash made eye-contact, Rainbow thinking she was assuring Pinkie that she would be okay, while thanking her for providing her with a place to stay... Pinkie thinking Rainbow was saying she didn't want to be near the Boutique anymore because of what happened. Pinkie lowered her head and nodded.

"Rainbow, if ya don't want to stay in town, yer always welcome at the Acres!" Applejack said, with a warm smile.

"Same goes with the cottage," added Fluttershy.

The pegasus, with magenta eyes unfocused, grinned at them both:

"Thanks, but no thanks. I want to go back to Cloudsdale, pretend this all never happened... and go back to my normal life, ya know. Like things always were."

All eyes drifted to Applejack... who had to be careful not to say the wrong thing. The country pony swallowed. She knew something Rainbow didn't want her to know... just about every pony there knew it, too. Pinkie had even told Fluttershy, who was easier to tell than any other pony in the group... the pegasus held her, limp mane and all, for a good five minutes, telling her everything would be okay in a manner similar to Mrs. Cake. Now face-to-face with this problem, Applejack didn't know what to do.

"Uh... Rainbow?" The farm pony hesitantly spoke up. "Yer kinda scarin' me. Ah don't think that's such a good idea..."

"You're scaring us all, Rainbow," Twilight said, looking up at the scowling pegasus. "Please come down here. You don't need to be up there without us. Unless we ask another pegasus, Fluttershy's the only one who can check on you. You- you've been through so much... we care about you, Rainbow."

"Hey, I don't need you telling me what I do and don't need, Twilight." Rainbow Dash turned her back, beginning her ascent. "I just... want to be by myself right now, okay? Away from here."

All was silent. Twilight sighed... ponies either lowered their heads or looked at each other. One spoke up, rather softly:

"Dashie?"

Rainbow turned to her, flying down a few feet:

"What is it, Pinkie?"

Twilight patted her pink friend on the back, whispering in her ear:

"Pinkie Pie, please don't tell her-"

"Dashie," Pinkie repeated over Twilight's whispering, her eyes growing wet. "Please don't go... Everything's been so crazy. Pretty please, Dashie... I just don't want anything bad to happen to you. I don't want to lose another friend because she got really sad, and no pony- ...no pony could help her."

"Pinkie." Rainbow flew a few more feet down. "You don't understand. I need this."

"No, you don't Rainbow," Twilight said firmly, gears turning in her head. She was going to put an end to this right now. "And besides, away from here isn't even a destination!"

Rainbow gestured towards the clouds:

"The sky is HUGE, Twilight. Duh! Don't you think I'll be able to think of something new up there?"

"Rainbow Dash, ya ain't making a lick of sense."

Rainbow turned to face Applejack.

"Applejack, you have no idea how long I've thought about doing what I'm doing."

Twilight looked around at each of her friends. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie looked devastated, both taking an interest in their hooves. Applejack was sweating, gritting her teeth... and Rainbow, high above it all, appeared to be smiling... as though she thought she had won some silly contest. Twilight knew she wasn't really smiling, she could smell the sweat and panic on her. She took a breath.

"Rainbow," Twilight began slowly. Even she found herself sweating... it was time to bluff. "I could easily cast a spell that would make it so your wings won't work for a week. You'll be grounded."

"Twilight," Rainbow said, shaking her head and scowling. "If your horn glows even for a second, I'll zip away so fast that-"

"Don't worry, Rainbow... I'm not going to actually do that." Twilight took a breath. "We're your friends, and if you go up there, we'll worry about you even more." Rainbow just stared. "Please would you spend just a few days down here first... for all of us?"

The pegasus looked around at her friends and saw the devastation Twilight had just seen in their eyes. For a fraction of a second Dash was thinking straight, and that was long enough to completely derail her thoughts and take the wind out of her sails. She closed her eyes, sighing... they grew moist.

"Okay..." The pegasus made her way back to the ground slowly. When she felt the dirt beneath her hooves, Rainbow looked at each of the mares. They were smiling at her... radiating understanding and compassion, no pressure to make a decision. She turned to Fluttershy and smiled weakly. "I think I'll stay with you."

"Oh, sure, Rainbow," Fluttershy said, smiling back. She began to walk around her cyan friend, reaching for the straps to the saddlebag Dash had against her hips... seeing the reddened flesh beneath the bandages it had already pushed aside. "Oh, my... please let me take that for you."

"I've got it," Dash replied, hoisting the bag further back so it was no longer in contact with her barrel. Fluttershy winced, looking back at her friends. Rainbow Dash smiled weakly. "Thanks anyway."

"Rainbow, you're doing the right thing."

Dash just rolled her eyes.

"Fine, whatever," she replied, flatly. "Let's just go already before I change my mind."

* * *

Before any of them knew it, they were all headed for Fluttershy's cottage... each keeping an eye on Rainbow Dash to make sure she didn't bolt. The longer they walked, the more tired and wobbly Dash appeared. It didn't take very long for her to begin limping, partly due to the added weight on her barrel. Twilight and Applejack, both in the back, exchanged concerned glances.

"She gunna be alright?" Applejack mouthed.

Twilight nodded.

"Yeah, I think so."

Twilight was, in reality, quite unsure. She knew it would take a while for Rainbow Dash to go back to her old self, especially since she had a habit of pushing herself too hard. All she had at this point, however, was time. Oodles of it.

There was a reason Rainbow Dash had chosen Fluttershy most of her friends could see right through, including the yellow mare. She was by far the least intimidating of the bunch, aside from Pinkie Pie... who Dash probably would have chosen, if it weren't for her house burning down and having to move back in with the Cakes. Cramped quarters weren't exactly Dash's style. She needed space... and not just in the physical sense. There she could go any time she wanted to; she would be surrounded by animals... not crying foals and big parties.

Outside of Ponyville all the friends began to disperse. First went Pinkie and Twilight, then Applejack... finally able to rest. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were alone now. Rainbow let out a sigh, again hoisting the bag higher on her barrel. From behind, Fluttershy could see the raw flesh under her bandages begin to ooze. Her pupils shrank.

"Oh, my..."

"I've got it, okay?" Rainbow grumbled as she limped on, not even looking back. "We're almost there anyway."

"O-okay, Rainbow..."

Fluttershy's cottage was nearby, a place where Dash would be given space. Over a hill they finally saw it. Both pegasai sighed, peace and familiarity a mere fifty feet away.

Once they entered, Dash set the bag by the door and stretched, peering at her dressing. Where the bag had been in contact with her bandages was at least not specked in red. She sighed, now finally able to accept how tired she truly felt.

Seeing the couch Dash thought well that looks comfy, and as she limped towards it Fluttershy came in and asked:

"So, Rainbow ... Do you want to eat lunch?"

She was already settling in.

"No thanks, Fluttershy," Dash replied, slowly stretching her legs before laying down. "Think I'm gunna catch some Zs, if that's cool. Gottanap once a day or I become a total bear, know what I mean?"

"Of course, Rainbow." Like a cat, Rainbow curled up on the sofa and shut her eyes. Seeing that, Fluttershy let out a sigh of relief... and realized her pet rabbit was quizzically looking up at her from the kitchen door way. She motioned and, as he got close, she whispered to him, "she's going to be staying with us for a while, Angel. She's my friend, and right now it's my job to make sure she's comfortable while she's resting. She got terribly burned a while ago."

Fortunately Fluttershy was quiet enough that Dash hadn't heard her saying that last part.

Angel stared at Rainbow as she drifted off... amazed that a pony so God-like and awesome could suddenly look so vulnerable. What if that happened to Fluttershy? He hugged the yellow mare tightly, and she hugged him right back.

"Oh, there's no need to be frightened, Angel... you'll always be my special little bunny. Just remember good friends look out for each other."

The little rabbit looked up, processing the message in his own, little way.

Like the hospital the cottage was quiet. Unlike the hospital Dash was nowhere near Scootaloo... and, not understanding why, she found it easier to shut her mind off, not that she would forget about her little protégé anytime soon.

As the pegasus finally drifted off, both Rarity's cat, Opalescence, and Dash's tortuous, Tank, smelled her in the air. Opal was quick to find her, resting by Dash's head, and Tank... though it took him a while to get there, he would be staring up at Rainbow Dash from the floor until she finally woke up. The pegasus slept like a log, finally able to relax... and just starting to move on.

* * *

Of course Rainbow Dash couldn't remain still.

While Fluttershy dressed her wounds and made sure the tub was comfortable when Dash bathed, other than that, after the first initial rest... Rainbow Dash wasn't there very often.

She visited Scootaloo daily. Doctor Stable was more than happy to see her, and for the times she tried to stay past visiting hours, he was more than firm in telling her it was time to leave:

"You must go now, Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo needs her rest, and if you continue to try to stay past visiting hours I will have to bar you from here for a week!"

"You know I'll 'accidentally' get hurt if you do that, Doc," replied Rainbow. "Break my hoof or wing, or something..."

"You will still be barred from seeing her, Rainbow Dash," replied the doctor, unflinchingly. "And that will be no accident."

She blew air through her nostrils, indicating that she wanted to show that she didn't take the doctor very seriously... well-versed in psychology, he didn't buy it.

"Fine."

After a couple days of this, Rainbow grudgingly complied with visiting hours without making a fuss.

When not visiting Scootaloo, Rainbow Dash visited her other friends. It was always a brisk walk from place to place, never flying while in town. She didn't like to be in Ponyville anyway, and because of big black ruins where the Carousel Boutique used to be... in the center of town... that could be more easily seen from above, she didn't want to fly. It would be a long while until that was gone.

At first she tried to visit Pinkie Pie, but... Pinkie was acting strange.

The first time she saw her was a bit before visiting hours on the first day. Just a quick, surprise visit. She didn't tell Pinkie she was there, as her friend was in the middle of entertaining some fillies at a birthday party. The Cakes had a big calliope in the corner and Pinkie was playing a cheery tune about piggies. Dash stood in the doorway, looking at her short-maned pink friend play the instrument with surprising skill. It was fast, smooth, and zany, and all of the foals cheered and applauded. Pinkie looked back to engage the audience before singing the final verse and saw Dash smiling by the door. The pink mare's face contorted.

Quickly she whipped her head back, continued to play and sing... but something was off. She made a mistake, followed by another... a few false-notes here and there the fillies would likely not hear. Then the tempo slowed, just a bit, and Dash noticed a slight break in Pinkie's voice as she sang out the final, last part of the third verse. Perhaps she was feeling hoarse.

The two were face-to-face at a table afterwards, Pinkie taking a brief break before going back to her job.

"That was wonderful, Pinkie!" Dash said, encouragingly. "I didn't know you could play that well."

"Yeah," Pinkie replied, looking down at the table. "Thanks Dashie."

"But.. what happened at the end?"

Pinkie continued to stare at the table. She sighed.

"I, umm... saw one of the fillies pushing another." She smiled, glancing up into Dash's eyes for a second. "I wanted to say something, but it was sooo close to the ending and-"

"It's okay, Pinkie." Rainbow smiled. "I know it must be pretty hard being a hostess and watching them at the same time."

"Having to be happy all the time, and alert," Pinkie grumbled, her mane falling straight for a second. "Even when you don't feel like it."

"You wanna go pranking later?" Dash chuckled. "Might help you feel better."

Pinkie looked up at her friend and smiled, looking right back at the table... again sighing.

"Maybe later, Dashie... I think I'm going to just go to bed after this." She glanced back at the party, her voice breaking. "Have to be rested for tomorrow... I've got three parties then."

"Oh, okay." Rainbow Dash got up. "You don't have to be sad, Pinkie, I understand." The two briefly smiled at each other before Dash turned towards the door. "Anywho, I'm gunna go check on Twilight. See what she's up to. Later!"

"Um... Dashie?"

The pegasus was almost outside. She stuck her head back in.

"Yeah, Pinks?"

Pinkie looked up, forcing herself to smile.

"You're a good friend."

"Um, thanks." Dash put a hoof to the back of her head. "You too, you too."

Rainbow then exited, making her way for the library. She was quick to put it out of her mind as... whenever Pinkie's mane went straight, Dash noticed it usually meant she was acting funny. She'd leave her alone for now. Maybe everything would be different in a few days.

Dash found Twilight and Applejack to be more welcoming... though just as weird. Twilight was still looking for a pony -- any pony -- to take Scootaloo in, but she was also looking for a small place for Rainbow Dash... a place meant for just one pony. Dash really couldn't afford anything bigger for right now... it was just to tide her over. Rainbow had her own ideas:

"The sky can be my house, Twilight," she said confidently. "Pegasai are designed to sleep out doors... houses up there are mostly a, um, creature comfort thing. I don't need my cool pillars, electric guitar, and all my Daring Do novels to be happy. I've got all of Equestria as my view! How awesome is that?"

Twilight's eyes went wide.

"Rainbow Dash, you're talking about being homeless!" She snapped. "And you're making it sound like it's a good thing."

"Isn't it? At least for now? Practically no bills, I can sleep anywhere I want, and if I get bored or really miss it I can make a fortress out of clouds."

"Yeah, and it'll disintegrate in about an hour or two."

"Then I can rebuild it! You're just being a spoil sport."

Twilight scowled:

"That's because I care about you! I don't want to see you get sick when it gets cold out. You have nothing, Rainbow Dash, except us."

Rainbow wore a thin smile. She was determined to see the good in this and only the good... even if it all appeared to everypony else to be falling apart. That was future Dash's problem. The pegasus left Twilight feeling frustrated... herself carefree.

Applejack was by far the most welcoming of ponies in the group. She, her family, and the entire Acres were laid-back... and they always had mug or two of cider ready in no time. It was the least they could do, though they never actually said that. Though Applejack occasionally asked these really strange questions:

"When it comes to takin' in Scootaloo, you think you might be able to get her up to Cloudsdale? Might be better having something on the ground for now... don't ya think?"

Gritting her teeth, Dash dodged that question... to the best of her abilities:

"I've got things under control, AJ. Don't worry about me."

"I ain't worried none... just makin' sure you ain't worried."

"I'll let you know. Trust me."

Truth be told, Rainbow Dash was terrified to think about it... so she finally stopped thinking. However obvious to her friends, that was her secret. With no plans for the future, Dash was free falling, and Applejack wasn't going to allow that to happen after everything Rainbow Dash had done for her, not to mention she was her true friend. All ponies could see the disaster where Rainbow was headed... she felt like she had found bliss, but they all knew she was finally overwhelmed.

Coda

All four were gathered around when Rainbow Dash finally returned to the clouds. Looking up they could see she seemed surprisingly at home for a homeless pony, napping on the clouds high above, appearing no different than she would any other day... except a mile off her house was now a Lunar Observatory.

"Ah can't allow this, Twilight," Applejack said, watching Rainbow nap. "Her stubborn pride is gunna kill her up there, displace Scootaloo, and make us all miss another friend. It ain't right."

"It's her choice," said Twilight, sadly, looking over at the two other ponies in the group... both normally happy, now in a more sombre state to match the rest. "I won't stop my search. Ten hours day if I have to."

"Good ta hear." Applejack turned to the road out of town. She glanced up one final time and sighed. "She's done so much fer us all. Twilight, Ah can't allow this."

"None of us can," said Fluttershy.

Pinkie Pie nodded.

"I'm gunna have to do what Ah can, then..." The farm pony smiled. "Dig deep if I gotta. It's the least Ah can do."

"Applejack," Twilight said hesitantly. "What're you talking about?"

"Ah guess, well... walk with me, girls. I-... I got an idea. Won't involve the Princesses none, but Ah might need some help laying it out to everypony so Rainbow ain't gonna feel Pinkie broke her confidence."

Pinkie, who's mane could have easily deflated, listened in instead... a look of hope in her eye.

"Go on, AJ," Twilight said.

"Let's head back to the Acres. I've got work to do, for today... an' for tomorrow." She looked up at Twilight. "I'm definitely gonna need help with this."

4, 22 -- "Pride"

"Pride"
22

Mid-morning... one week later.

On a cloud by Fluttershy's cottage, far from Ponyville and a reasonable distance from the Acres... Rainbow Dash slept. She opened her eyes periodically when she heard the sound of hooves and voices -- many voices -- on the dirt road below. She sleepily peered over the edge of her cloud and noticed a huge gathering off in the distance... at Sweet Apple Acres.

Another Apple Family Reunion, as usual, she thought, pulling a few blankets over her head and going back to sleep.

The nights had been long and chilly... but her friends were there to help take the edge off. Though Rainbow refused to stay with Fluttershy past the first week (saying she was totally stoked about camping in the clouds... all alone, getting some much needed peace and quiet), Fluttershy still gave her a few supplies -- a pillow and a few blankets. The timid pegasus had recently visited Rainbow and noticed she at least looked okay and sounded okay... as okay as she could be, given all that had happened. Dash's bandages were now gone and her hair was back... well, mostly. Rainbow's frizzy mane would make anypony think she had gotten into a fight with her barber, but in time it would grow.

The voices below didn't stop, but instead grew louder, even as they became more distant. Singing something about a barn. It was either an Apple Family tune about farm work or construction. After a while it piqued Dash's curiosity, but she was far too content just napping in the clouds to even care. She wasn't in the mood for noise, anyway. After about ten minutes of racket she started to think about moving her cloud further away from everypony... when suddenly she heard Applejack calling her from below:

"Hey Rainbow!"

The pegasus peered over the edge of her cloud... yawning:

"What is it AJ?"

The farm pony smiled at her.

"C'mere a moment!"

Rainbow shook her head.

"Maybe later. I'm...," she yawned a second time. "I'm kinda busy right now. Okay?"

Applejack rolled her eyes:

"The heck you are! Ah know just what you're doin' up there, sleepyhead." She waited for reply... but got none. "Sweet Celestia, just come down here a moment and talk with me already! Everypony's here. Aside from just the family, Ah mean."

Rainbow stretched, feeling pops in her sore joints.

"Okay, AJ... Maybe if you make it worth my while." She beamed a grin down at her friend. "What'll you give me then, uh... Farmer Brown?"

Applejack chuckled again.

"Come on down and find out! I'm orange, by the way... not brown."

Facing the Acres, Rainbow could see what looked like a party off in the distance. Objects were indistinct, mostly unrecognizable... the ponies all looked like Technicolor ants. There were a good forty of them. Whatever they were doing it sounded energetic and happy, and involved moving long planks in time to catchy a rhythm. The singing had a couple of instruments backing it up... a guitar, a fiddle, and a concertina (Dash would have called it an accordion). They sounded soft nearly a mile off, but she could make out a strong beat.

Hammers?

She slowly flew down as Applejack waited. When she finally touched the ground, smiling slyly, Applejack purposed a question:

"Well, now... should I tell ya or do I show ya?"

Rainbow Dash shook her head, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"Huh? Tell me what?"

"Think maybe I'll take ya there..." Applejack winked, turning around and motioning for Rainbow Dash to follow. They both faced the long road to the Acres. "Walk with me, Rainbow. You won't believe what I've got to show you."

"What is it?"

Applejack didn't answer. She just turned back and grinned, motioning with her head while trotting on. Dash soon followed... curiously.

* * *

The two had been almost completely silent up to this point... Rainbow still feeling groggy. The noise grew louder and louder as they approached, causing Dash's breathing to pick up.

"Well, what is it already?" she finally asked, breaking the silence. "We've been walking for, like, six minutes!" Applejack kept her head down... hiding a tiny smile on her lips. "Come on, AJ! You're not normally the silent-type... Spill it already."

"Ain't about to, Dash," Applejack replied, glancing back at her friend. "Look, just come with me if you want or you can fly there... but I ain't gonna tell you. You'll appreciate it more this way." She pointed forward. "It's just over that hill."

Rainbow Dash looked on, towards the hill by flat stretch before the Acres... maybe a hundred or so feet ahead. She could easily have flown there, but instead she stayed by Applejack's side. This thing... whatever it was... made Rainbow feel like having Applejack nearby, mostly just to explain it. She was getting sick of surprises anyway... not at all scared of them. Nope! Not one bit. Whatever it was sat over the hill... not far from the Acres, not far from Ponyville... a hop skip and a jump from where Scootaloo had fallen.

Rainbow Dash went over the hill with Applejack and she finally saw it... but she still didn't quite know what it was. It was just a skeleton of a small building... a bit more compact than AJ's barn.

"You're building another barn?" she asked. "Why so far from your home?"

Applejack turned to her and grinned:

"That ain't a barn, Rainbow. It's a house!" In response to her excitement, Rainbow Dash furrowed her brow. The farm pony went on, "I was thinkin' of becoming a land lord on the side... it's a tiny place, Ah know, but the Newly Wed's design's been long approved by Celestia for a couple on a budget. Gunna have three rooms, maybe bunk beds... its own working kitchen and shower, complete with a well. All the bells and whistles many cheap-o apartments here might be missin'. Heck, it's on a mighty fine piece of property, too... a place some ponies would just about kill for. If memory serves me right, it's not too far from that place you took Scootaloo on that hike of yours... isn't it?"

Rainbow Dash stared at the skeleton of a building. The ponies working noticed the pegasus on the hill and waved, continuing to sing while working. Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy were among them -- Twilight, of course, looking over blueprints; Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy helping sand some planks that would soon be the floor alongside Babs and Apple Bloom. All three stopped when they saw her and just watched... without being too obvious, of course.

Rainbow's eyes glistened in the sun. She wasn't crying, her face almost unreadable. She turned to Applejack. The farm pony bit her lip, nervous... sweating. The two were silent for a long moment.

"What'd ya say, Rainbow?" Applejack finally asked, forcing a chuckle. "Feel like bein' my tenant for a while? Gotta offer it to a friend first... s'only right, and Ah know you're looking. Have some bits left over from that donation you made... first month'll be free. After that, I think we can work something out."

Dash looked up at Celestia's sun and rubbed her eyes.

"Oh, gee, it's um... pretty bright out here, AJ. Kinda hurting my eyes." The farm pony took a breath, watching a tear fall from her friend's face. "You know, I've always wondered what it'd be like to live on the ground. Since it's here and all, I might as well try. This way I can take Scootaloo in, at least give her a place to hang until all this stuff blows over.... maybe teach her to fly, and be there for her, and... well, you know."

Dash took in a breath, now staring at her hooves. The Applejack watched the ground become speckled with her tears, the mare's breathing becoming staccato-like and shallow. She fought the urge to cry herself.

"Hey, hey now... isn't this what you wanted? Yer making it seem like Ah might've read you wrong. Can always give it to some other pony if you wanna stay in Cloudsdale."

Rainbow looked up and smiled, her eyes moist... but not tear-filled anymore.

"Oh, for Pete's sake, AJ! I'll take it."

Hearing this made the farm pony smile ear-to-ear. She sighed... now onto the next part.

With Dash in the sky they had rehearsed this part twice, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy there to critique how "Dash-like" Twilight was being while talking to Applejack. She could do a fairly good impersonation, and not just in the voice:

"In the meantime you are welcome to crash in ma guest room. If you want, that is." Applejack took a breath, choosing her next words carefully. "It's gunna take a couple weeks to fix this up at least. Would be nice to be near it... Watchin' it get built, maybe takin' part? Could be a lot of fun having ya work with us."

"Maybe a change of scenery wouldn't hurt," Dash replied, rubbing her sore flanks and eyes. She sneezed... her snout already dripping like a faucet. "I mean, since you're cool with it and all."

"Of course I am, Rainbow. You're one of my best friends! Why, I'd do anything for- ... well, that is to say Ah think we both know ponies tend to appreciate things better if they take part."

Dash nodded.

"Can't argue with that."

The farm pony grinned. Looking over at Twilight she nodded while Dash stared at the construction. The unicorn nodded back, looking over at the group of ponies sanding boards and smiling. Apple Bloom, Babs, Pinkie, and Fluttershy looked at each other and grinned... the last two going back to their jobs, working just as hard... but now a bit more relaxed. They had done it, they had all done it... and no pony had to lie anymore to make it happen.

"Well, then, Rainbow..." Applejack stretched. "We're about gettin' ready to break fer lunch soon. Big Mac and Braeburn were just sent off with carts to get Granny Smith's stew pots. They're gonna be pretty full. Those not on shift'll be drinking cider... the good stuff." She looked up at the pegasus and grinned. "Care to join? Maybe clang some mugs together with everypony? Y'all are honorary family members, after all."

Rainbow Dash was quick to answer:

"Sure, AJ!" Again, she sneezed. "I could never say no to your cider... You should know that by now!"

"Should've figured as much." The farm pony winked in reply. "I guess it's settled then!"

* * *

Not an hour later, the entire Apple Family -- big and small -- gathered at a block of picnic benches beneath a big collapsible gazebo Big Mac, Caramel, and Braeburn helped set up. They waited hungrily as Granny Smith presented stew pots full of rustic, traditional Apple family cooking. Beside them sat the three friends, a baby dragon, and the guest of honor... who has done so much and never asked for anything in return. She's why they had all come together. They had earned their lunch and were happy to welcome Rainbow Dash into their splendor. Voices rang out as they drank and chatted, while many Apples shouted their heartfelt appreciation to Rainbow, knowing not to say too much... even those who had more than their fill of cider:

"You saved ma cousin!" hollered Braeburn from the other end of the table. "Do us a favor like that, and we'll do one right back. Ya wanted to adopt a filly? Least we can do is make it easy fer ya."

"Ee-yup!"

"Yeah, thanks a lot, Rainbow," Babs Seed said, from across the table by Apple Bloom. "Can't imagine what it would be like if they all had to move away... might not be able to see 'em much outside of the reunion. That'd be no fun."

"It wouldn't be fun at all," said Apple Bloom, looking at her cousin. "Not one bit."

Dash smiled at them and they all smiled right back. Those with head coverings removing their hats out of respect before lunch was served. They looked like such a happy family, and she had genuinely helped make life better for them. She didn't need cider to feel good about what she had done, nor did she need to be alone or to go anywhere... she was happy right where she was, with her best friends all by her side. This was all Rainbow Dash ever needed to feel herself again... they had spared her pride, and yet they had still managed to help her.

"So, Rainbow," said Twilight, acting clueless alongside the pegasus. "I've been meaning to ask you... since Braeburn already mentioned it, is adopting Scootaloo something you still want to do? What we've done should make it really easy for you now."

"Duh, Twilight... That's totally what I want to do!" Dash exclaimed as a big helping of Granny's stew was set in front of her. The ponies all smiled. "I'll be honest, girls... I didn't know what I was going to do about that, but this... this is... so awesome."

"You know it, Dashie!" exclaimed Pinkie, beside the pegasus.

"I'm so glad for you and Scootaloo," said Fluttershy on the other side of the table. "You can be happy now."

"We're all glad, Rainbow," Twilight said, making eye-contact with the pegasus. "You don't have anything to worry about now. We've seen to that."

It would take some time... but Dash would soon be back to herself. On the ground, with her friends nearby, it would come sooner than later.

* * *

True to her word, except for work... Rainbow Dash stayed on the ground. With more to work towards than just seeing Scootaloo, Rainbow was a lot happier. She was, however, sick the first few days... but that didn't stop her from helping. Had she stayed in the clouds she might've ended up in the hospital again, but that didn't matter now. The closer they got to completion of the house, the fewer Apple family members stuck around. When finally all it needed was a coat of paint, only a hoofful remained... Babs and Braeburn among them. The last things to do were paint the interior and finish polishing the sunroof, so that each day the pegasai could look up and see what they both had to look forward to.

It didn't take Dash long to spill the beans to her protégé. With Applebloom, Babs, and Applejack by her side, she was the one to share it just a few short days before everypony started going back home:

"So, Scoots... remember that time I asked if you wanted to stay with me?"

"Yeah..." Scootaloo said, looking up into her idol's magenta eyes. "Is it going to happen soon?"

"Oh, yeah," Dash replied, coolly. "But here's the thing... the place were gonna in stay in it, uh... well, it kinda got burned down." She looked over at Applejack. "So me and these ponies here, well... we kinda had to build a new house outside of Ponyville. Hope you don't mind, it's going to be a bit small... but it'll be all ours."

Scootaloo's eyes lit up:
.

"Seriously?!"

Dash nodded.

"Seriously, Squirt."

"I don't mind at all, Rainbow! I've never lived in a house of my own before. But..." Scootaloo suddenly paused. "But what about your home in Cloudsdale?"

Dash swallowed hard. She answered with a calm, even voice:

"Let's not worry about that now... we've got a home on the ground, and that's all that matters, right?"

Scootaloo's excitement made it easy to move on:

"Yeah!"

"Must be pretty exciting, huh?" asked Applejack, helping to keep her thoughts on the ground. "We'll have to borrow Granny Smith's camera and take some pictures, so you know what it looks like."

The filly's eyes shone with excitement.

"That sounds awesome!"

Hearing this made Dash smile on the inside and out, because this time what she had told her was the honest-to-goodness truth. They had so much to look forward to.

"Well, now that's all behind us..." Rainbow looked at the group behind her. "We've got five ponies here and an entire afternoon to celebrate! What'd you say we scrounge up a board game so we can all play?"

"No need, Rainbow," Scootaloo sat up and went through the night stand by her bed. "Pinkie Pie gave me a stack of playing cards a couple of days ago. She told me to play them with you whenever I had something to celebrate."

"Well, this is somethin' worth celebratin'," said Babs.

"Totally!" Scootaloo exclaimed, pulling up the cards... the exact same set Pinkie had when she was in the hospital.

The two adult ponies looked at each other... and then laughed. Everything they needed was right there all along.

* * *

In the end, Rainbow Dash still had a job. She now had a house anypony could get to, and she never once had committed a crime. Adopting a filly would be easy as pie. Papers were personally approved by Celestia. Spike belched them up and that was that. Rainbow Dash now legally had a filly of her own... and Scootaloo a home to go to.

The sun became brighter and warmer as time passed. After Babs was long gone and the Boutique-turned-bakery began reconstruction, Scootaloo was released into Dash's custody. The five friends, plus Apple Bloom, Spike, and Dash's pet Tank were there to see her out. Dash insisted on bringing her tortoise along, because he was her pet after all, and it would make for a neat surprise... though he was motorized, fast, and that could have consequences Rainbow hadn't expected.

The filly was unbandaged and without blankets. Everypony noticed the scar running along her side where the rocks had sliced into her belly... hopefully that would fade in time. She was taken out of the hospital in a wheel chair by Nurse Redheart, but she didn't leave the grounds in it.

"Congratulations, Rainbow Dash!" exclaimed the nurse to the pegasus. " She's yours to take care of now. Make sure to bring her back next year for her inoculations!"

Dash saluted Nurse Redheart, then walked off... with Scootaloo by her side. Tank sped ahead, Scootaloo looking at him with look of awe on her face... remembering him, though not having seen him too often.

"He's yours now, too," Rainbow Dash said, with a smile. "Pretty cool, huh?"

"Oh yeah!" Scootaloo replied, in a way that almost resembled her idol.

The filly limped through Ponyville as Dash once had, the adult ponies taking note. The cyan pegasus thought it was pretty bad, even though it was her first time walking any great lengths without anypony there to help her along. She shot a hoof out towards her protégé back as she stumbled, trying to keep up with Apple Bloom and Spike, the two racing to keep up with Tank who had flown a little bit ahead. Before she touched Scootaloo, Twilight put her hoof to Rainbow's side after the filly recovered and continued on... picking up pace.

"She's fine, Rainbow," the unicorn whispered. "You were walking much worse when you came out of there."

"I know, but I really don't want her to fall," Rainbow replied, her voice a bit harsher than a whisper. "She's only just out of there!"

"It's what fillies do," Applejack chimed in, picking up pace to catch up with her sister. "Still... doesn't hurt to keep a close eye on 'em!"

The ponies in the back watched Spike -- the durable baby dragon -- tumble and do a belly flop into the dirt. Scootaloo cantered right past him (hardly even limping as she picked up speed) as he picked himself right back up. They passed the burnt bakery, something Scootaloo had heard about in the hospital, but she was too focused on keeping up with Tank and Apple Bloom to even notice the construction going on. This is where Pinkie Pie broke off from the rest and went home.

"Just a heads-up, Scoots!" Dash said, watching the filly speed up towards the tortoise. "You'll only want to get hit by a flying Tank once... it really hurts!"

Although she was still recovering, Scootaloo did eventually catch up to Apple Bloom and Tank. The rest stayed in back with Rainbow Dash, until one-by-one the rest went home once the group hit the end of Ponyville. Eventually it was just Rainbow, Scootaloo, and the two Apples... they parted ways as Scootaloo looked up at the small blue house with the big gable roof.

"This is it, Squirt... our new home."

Rainbow Dash opened the door. Tank buzzed inside and Scootaloo entered. She saw her scooter and new helmet waiting for her by the door (courtesy of the Apples)... this home was really hers, it was hard to fathom. The house had only three rooms, but with bunk beds and a shelf stocked with new Daring Do novels off in the corner (all courtesy of the Golden Oaks Library), it felt like a real home. In the middle of the largest room, right under the beds, Scootaloo looked up and saw the sky through the panes of glass.

"Wow."

"Someday you'll be up there, too, Squirt... but for now we'll stay on the ground." Rainbow Dash stretched, motioning with her head towards the tiny kitchen. "Now 'bout I cook us up some soydogs for lunch, then maybe we can go outside and play with Tank? He's not a dog, but he can fly pretty high and he'll retrieve sticks. I tell you, it's something else to see! Just be sure have me around whenever you want to play with him... he can get stuck in the strangest places."

Scootaloo replied, both to the idea of playing with Tank and Rainbow not wanting him to get stuck:

"Um... okay!"

Dash smirked and slipped into the kitchen, leaving Scootaloo staring up through the skylight into the clouds... imagining all the fun things the two would do together. In just a short while, she wouldn't have to imagine anymore. It had all come true.

Part 4, Coda

Coda

Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo were finally happy. There would be plenty of adjusting, but they had time. All they had was time.

A week passed and the filly was back in school. Just a few weeks more and her limp had faded, though Rainbow Dash stopped noticing it well before that. All she saw when she looked at Scootaloo was... Scootaloo. While it seemed as though she was healing fine, the scar remained... and would likely always be there. It would at least be a source of conversation during the day at school.

Despite the scar and being months behind on her schoolwork (as well as out of touch with her classmates), Scootaloo had another problem. While Twilight was glad to help her catch up with her schoolwork, and after a while she would readjust to being around her schoolmates again... this problem was on the inside, where nopony else could see it. Every couple nights Scootaloo would wake up screaming:

"Please stop! You're hurting me!"

Every time this happened Rainbow Dash would bolt awake to her cries, then zip down to the lower bunk... where she would hug the filly as she woke up, realizing it was all just a dream.

"Did you have the nightmare again, Squirt?"

"Yeah... I'm so glad it's not real."

"Me too, Squirt... me too."

They would always hug, and on occasion Rainbow Dash would sleep on the floor, just in case.

The little pegasus had a recurring nightmare where she was in a bright room on a metal table, surrounded by a white light, with white ponies all around her, no mouths and only one bright eye. They would be holding her down and scraping her skin off with green brushes.

"It feels so real!" she'd tell Dash, rocking slowly in a rhythmic fashion. "They're touching me in all the places that hurt the most... I ask them to stop but they tell me they're doing it for my own good. I scream at them, but I can't even move!"

"It's okay, Scoots," Dash usually replied. "It's not real, and if it ever was... it can't hurt you now."

Rainbow discussed these nightmares with Twilight at the library one afternoon while Scootaloo and Apple Bloom played at the Acres... Twilight had a pretty straight-forward answer:

"She's remembering the doctors working hard to save her without painkillers... just not consciously."

Dash's eyes went wide:

"B-but why now?" She exhaled through her nose. "Do I tell her the truth?"

"That's up to you. I would wait until she got older, but I can see the good in telling her now. And as for why now, she's finally away from that place and starting to relax... trauma sometimes takes a while to show up. If you think it would help, I can always talk to her if you want."

Rainbow made eye-contact with her friend:

"I got this, Twilight. Trust me."

"Okay, then." Twilight bit her lip. "I'll always be here if you need me."

The next afternoon Rainbow thought to herself while waiting for Scootaloo to get out from school. It was raining hard like it had been when she went missing... again not Dash's shift to be up in the clouds. The pegasus knew this time she'd be there for Scootaloo if it continued to rain, with a big umbrella. Plus she knew this weather was coming, so she banned Scootaloo from taking her scooter that day:

"Aww, come on, Rainbow... I just want to ride it there!"

"No way, Squirt. I'm not having a repeat of last time."

"Please? I'll wear the helmet extra tight."

"And you'll just get a swelled head. Look, it's not happening today, Scoots. Get over it. Now get going, or you'll be late."

Under the skylight the older pegasus sighed. She busied herself with an indoor project as she thought about what she wanted to do concerning her protege's nightmares... looking up into the dark clouds.

I could always talk to Luna... but then again, the last time I asked her for something I almost got in pretty deep trouble.

Rainbow smirked, turning the screw on the top bunk counter-clockwise. She felt the mattress and frame slipping...

CRASH!

The top bunk and the bottom bunk were now sandwiched together.

"Oops." Rainbow was happy that at least Scootaloo wasn't sleeping there... or else it might be another hospital trip. "Well, that was what I had in mind... but not quite like that."

Slowly but surely, Rainbow pulled the beds apart and set them side-by-side, pushed them together once they were set up, making a mental note to get a long, thin pillow to put between the two sides. She then then tightly fastened the two frames together, turning their bed into a make-shift King.

"Hope you like this, Squirt," she thought aloud. "This way, if you wake up from that dream and I'm still asleep, you can always just hug me."

Half of her didn't see talking to Scootaloo doing any good... the other half just saw it just making her feel really vulnerable. Dash hoped someday the filly would outgrow it... she needed to be happy again, not having nightmares. Rainbow was there to see to it that she would be happy. As far as she was concerned Rainbow wasn't the Element of Loyalty for nothing. The pair at least still had all they needed for now... Everything else would come in time. Right now, they would just together... happy as they could be.

Scootaloo would come home later and see what Dash had done... she would act happy, because she knew Rainbow Dash cared and that's why she did what she did. The filly was finally getting used to life without changes everyday, and each little alteration made her feel funny on the inside... she wanted a place to come to at the end of the day that would always be the same, but even with a home that's not the way it works. She would learn in time, that life is about change and frequently one cannot make things better with first making changes. Besides, that night she fell asleep in Rainbow's forelegs....the closest thing she had ever had to a mom.

End of Part 4

Part 1, 1 -- "Buzzing"

"Buzzing"
1

Her wings buzzed furiously as the wind blew through her purple mane. Scootaloo was reaching speeds she never had before, partially because she was starting to get older. She must've been going 40 miles an hour on her little scooter. If only Rainbow Dash could see her now. Trees whipped by at lightening speed, the ponies who saw her coming got out of the way, shaking their hooves in frustration once she passed. She was on the last stretch now, straight road on the way to her destination right outside of town...

With her robe in her saddle bag, she was on her way to a Cutie Mark Crusader's meeting. Another meeting in the tree house followed by a bunch of fun ideas to try, hoping to find what they were good at. For once, Scootaloo's mind wasn't on the meeting... it was on how much fun she was having just getting there, and how her speed had grown tremendously in the past few weeks.

She could see Sweet Apple Acres from where she was now. Another half mile and she'd be there.

There were a few bumps she hit along the way. It was always those bumps, which meant she was drawing really close. She'd make a cool stop, take off her helmet in a gnarly way, and then see what the other two were up to. Going at these speeds, however, instead of just jostling her insides like they usually do, the bumps propelled her into the air.

The first bump made her smile as she shot up. Second bump made her laugh. She saw Winona step into the road in front of her, but safely out of the way. She sped up and let her scooter hit the final bump as she had a thought:

Fastest Scooter in all of Equestria... I bet that's gunna be my Cutie Mark!

In the seconds before she would have hit the ground and stopped Scootaloo saw a filly-sized ivory and light purple blur step out into the road going after Winona. She braced herself as she saw a pair of frightened green eyes go wide before the inevitable crash.

Part 2, 3 -- "Hidden Surprises"

"Hidden Surprises"

Rainbow Dash had Scootaloo running around town all morning. First she treated her to breakfast at the Ponyville Café, telling her she could get whatever she wanted, and then she took her on an "Extreme Hike" through the outskirts of town. It was the least she could do for the filly, since it was her birthday and all. Scootaloo was having a blast.

Twilight had blown Dash's mind with her planning -- right on schedule, the little Pegasus started showing signs of fatigue. It was now on to the next part of the plan, which involved them taking a long break under a tree, drinking from a canteen RD had nestled away in her saddlebags. Though she joked with the filly, Rainbow Dash's attention was elsewhere. During this well-coordinated break, Dash looked for the signal, waiting to catch a glimpse of a certain yellow mare flying overhead. Once she did, she waved... and Fluttershy headed back to where she came from. RD was on her way, too, but first she had to make sure Scootaloo wasn't catching on:

"Hey Scoots... gettin' tired?"

"I can still handle myself, Rainbow Dash," Scootaloo panted while resting.

"Heh, I'm sure you can. I dunno about you, but I'm gettin' kinda hungry. What'd you say we head back to the Sugar Cube Corner for some grub?"

The little filly's eyes went wide:

"Yeah!"

It took them almost an hour to get back, but once they did everything was in place with plenty of time to spare. The Corner was pitch black with ponies in hiding... waiting.

* * *

As the door swung open, 7 ponies plus one dragon silently crept out of their spots... waiting for RD to click the lights. The lights came on all at once in a bright flash.

"Surprise!" They all shouted, Pinkie releasing copious amounts of confetti into the air.

Scootaloo's face instantly lit up:

"Oh wow!"

"Happy Birthday, Squirt," said Rainbow, as she walked towards her friends.

The little Pegasus then noticed not one, but two fillies she hadn't seen in ages:

"Apple Bloom! Babs!"

Wings buzzing with excitement, she ran up to them both. Apple Bloom twitched visibly as the excited filly approached her making that sound:

"Hey Scootaloo!" Exclaimed Babs. "Havin' a good birthday so far?"

She nodded her head sharply in reply:

"Oh yeah!" She turned to Apple Bloom. "Thanks for coming! It's been so long!"

"Yeah, no problem." Replied the yellow farm filly, suddenly taking an interest in her hooves.

A long silence passed between the two. Scootaloo waited and waited, her smile growing along with her excitement. Apple Bloom had time now, but her lack of reciprocation caused it to grow awkward fast. Babs began to get uncomfortable, but before it could escalate any further Scootaloo broke the silence... still happy as ever. At this point everypony in the room listened in, anxiously awaiting the outcome of the first real conversation the two had in months. Twilight held her breath knowing that, if things went sour, at least this was a controlled environment:

"So, what's new Apple Bloom? Did you find any new Blank Flanks to Crusade with? What's your newest adventure? Lemme guess... Cutie Mark Crusader-"

Apple Bloom cut her off with a sigh:

"Let me stop ya there, Scootaloo. In the order you asked: Not much. No, and Ah haven't done any Crusadin' since you got yer Mark. I've been too busy. You know all this."

"Oh," the little Pegasus's wings stopped buzzing. "Well, if you need help finding new members, I can-"

"No, thank you."

The little Pegasus's smile faded:

"Oh, okay. At least you're doing well... right?"

The farm filly scowled.

"Hey girls," said Babs Seed, nervously looking to the 5 adults in the room for help. "How's about we play a party game or somethin'?"

"That sounds like lots of fun!" Encouraged Pinkie Pie.

"Well, it's your birthday, Scootaloo," said Apple Bloom, forcing a smile. "What'd ya want to play?"

* * *

The filly looked around the room at what there was to do. She saw the usual party fare: piles of presents she'd get to later, giant birthday cake, and loads of games. She saw two games specifically which caught her eye:

"Oh, pin the tail on the pony! That sounds awesome!"

Apple Bloom shrugged as Babs said:

"That sounds like a lotta fun!"

With Pinkie Pie's direction and Spike's participation, the three played the game.

Spike surprisingly went first, having chosen the green tail. Scootaloo wanted to hang back for a moment and watch another play the game. All eyes were on the little dragon as he was blind-folded, made dizzy, then directed towards the board. He pinned the tail to the pony's stomach, well off course, laughing at his blunder once he took the blind fold off.

"Better luck next time, Spike," said Apple Jack.

Babs Seed went next, selecting the red tail. After she was blind-folded and made dizzy she approached the board and took in a deep breath. Twilight, though more than ten feet away, sensed something unusual within Babs and watched as some hidden energy shone through. The hoof with the tail in it moved both slowly and deliberately, crossing over her other hoof on the way to the paper. Once it was where she wanted it to be, she stuck the pin in the board and took off her blind fold. Even she was surprised.

"Perfect!" Pinkie yipped. "You're really good at this!"

"Thanks. It's my first time!"

"How did you do that?" Asked Scootaloo in amazement.

Babs blew the lock of mane from her eye:

"Ever since I went back home my mom thought it might be good for me to try somethin' to, ya know, help me relax and be confident 'bout finding my special talent... she enrolled me in T'ai Chi and Karate." Babs looked down at her flank. "It hasn't given me my Cutie Mark yet, but it's kinda fun and helps with stuff like this all the time."

"Cool!" Both Apple Bloom and Scootaloo said at the same time.

They found themselves looking at each other. The little Earth pony had a blank expression on her face as the Pegasus continued to smile:

"You want to go next, Apple Bloom?"

"Naw. It's your birthday."

Scootaloo was happy to hear Apple Bloom talking to her in the way she thought a friend should, so she said:

"Alright! Do you want to blindfold me?"

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes:

"Fine."

Scootaloo selected the purple tail and Apple Bloom put the blind fold on her. She started tightening it on Scootaloo's brow... tighter and tighter she wound it.

"Hey, Apple Bloom?" Said Scootaloo, her voice slightly strained. "That's... starting to hurt."

Apple Bloom felt a firm hoof on her shoulder. She glanced back to see her big sister looking less than pleased with her.

"Sorry Scootaloo," she said, significantly loosening it. "Wanted to make sure it wouldn't come off."

"It's okay." The little Pegasus smiled at her friend under the blindfold. "Spin me?"

She was then directed by her friend to the front of her target and spun around multiple times. Again, AB got more than a little carried away.

"That's enough, Apple Bloom!" Snapped AJ, starting to lose her patience.

"Sorry sis! Sorry Scootaloo!" Apple Bloom quickly replied.

"You're fine," said the little filly, wobbling on her hooves. "This way?"

"Uh-huh."

Surprisingly, once Scootaloo zeroed in on where she thought to place it, she got very close to the mark. Not dead on like Babs, just a little bit too high on the back.

"Good job!" Exclaimed Twilight.

"Your turn, Apple Bloom," said Scootaloo, pushing up on the extremely tight blindfold with her hoof.

Apple Bloom grudgingly selected the yellow tail. She was then gently blind-folded by Scootaloo, spun around, and directed towards the board, all the while the little Pegasus giggled.

She wasn't determined to beat Babs, Scootaloo, or even Spike. She stuck the pin up quickly and without much thought.

"Oh, wow! Perfect Apple Bloom!" Scootaloo yipped.

Apple Bloom, removing her blindfold, looked up at the piece of paper with the pony picture on it. She had pinned the tail just as precisely as Babs had. Her face lit up and, immediately, her eyes drifted down to her flank...

It was still bare.

"Thanks," she said, kicking at the floor. "What now?"

"I was thinking," Scootaloo said, looking over at a large tub in the corner of the Corner. "Bob for apples?"

Before the little Pegasus was even done making that statement, Apple Bloom was already walking over to the tub:

"Like Ah said before... it's your birthday."

Scootaloo eagerly ran up to the tub to join her, Babs Seed and Spike trailing closely behind them. Seeing the two were getting along, the adults started to relax... for the most part. Apple Jack could tell a mile away that her sister was only tolerating her old friend rather than meshing with her, but she still saw promise. So did all the others. Still, it was better to keep a close eye on the two... not fair to have Babs Seed, a guest in Ponyville, playing sole look out for trouble.

The small tub had just room enough for two young ponies. Again, Spike went first along with Apple Bloom. Pinkie Pie showed up behind the four:

"As always, there's a couple fun surprises in there if you can find them!"

"Neat." Replied Babs Seed, blowing the lock out of her face as she watched her cousin bob. "Find anything yet?"

"Naw," replied Apple Bloom quickly, continuing to search intently.

After about a minute of searching, Apple Bloom found a very large apple and brought it up to enjoy. Spike, on the other hoof, found one of the surprises:

Twang!

"Gah!" Spike shot back in surprise. He'd found a tennis ball on a spring. "I'm... not sure I like this game." He turned to the other two. "Your turn?"

"Okee!" Scootaloo's wings buzzed again, giving Apple Bloom another case of the shivers.

As Babs and Scootaloo bobbed and hunted for apples, Apple Bloom stood beside the birthday filly, munching on her own apple and watching. Scootaloo was having less luck than Babs, who was already making a selection of three apples she had found. Scootaloo had found mostly smaller crab apples, nothing like the big juicey one Apple Bloom had. Though crab apples were better than nothing (and certainly better than horse apples!), Scootaloo was still determined to find something more worth while.

Babs had found her giant apple and brought it up, leaving the birthday filly in the tub. Once her apple was gone, Apple Bloom rested her two free hooves on the sides of the tub, peering in. Spike and Babs had gotten into a conversation about how to search for apples in the tub... they were completely absorbed in it, their backs to Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.

The farm filly noticed Scootaloo's back hooves were slightly off the ground... with a little push she'd fall into the tub. A thought then crossed her mind:

What if I held her head down?

Apple Bloom's hooves shook as she looked down at Scootaloo, then back to her hooves.

It would be real easy.

She brought her hooves both up. While not old enough to think things through completely enough to imagine that everypony would think it was an accident, this... creepy idea felt wrong, but was very fun to think about. She brought her shaking hooves up closer and closer... to the back of Scootaloo's head.

When she was mere inches from touching her friend's mane, she felt a very firm hoof on her shoulder. She didn't even have to turn around to know who it belonged to. She heard the deeper southern voice command her:

"Apple Bloom. Outside. Now."

Part 3, 1 -- "Up, Up and Away"

"Up, Up, and Away"
Part 3, 1

Scootaloo's eyes moved listlessly around the ditch as she was pulled away from the muck and rocks below. She must've been flying now, high above it all... it seemed so natural. She finally felt safe.

"You're going to be okay..." a gentle voice echoed beside the filly as the light waned in and out around her.

"So... so..." She tried to communicate, the words there but not coming out.

"Save your strength!" A familiar, deep-sounding southern voice exclaimed.

Scootaloo felt a hoof at her side, poking and prodding her belly... she didn't mind:

"We aggravated a wound..." a voice echoed with clinical detachment. "This filly's losing blood fast."

Scootaloo was laid back down on the ground, before her two angels dressed in white... ready to take her away. They brought her a new sense of peace, so she welcomed them as they touched her all over. Satisfied, they vanished... replaced by a more familiar face.

Rainbow Dash was there. Her face looked sad, her eyes pleading, yet... she seemed happy. She said something, but what exactly Scootaloo couldn't hear. It was as though the Pegasus was shouting into a valley, her words echoing and distorting into decayed sounds before they even reached the little filly. Dash gave her a weak hug.

Scootaloo felt shrouded in a warm light now, encompassing her entire body like a comforter. This warmth felt natural, better than the sun, and she wanted more of it. The only way to get more was to allow herself to drift deeper... and deeper into this natural state. She didn't mind that.

As she was lifted up again, she heard (but didn't understand) Dash's frantic sounds. She didn't want Dash to leave her again, but the more time passed... the further away her voice got, and the less she cared.

Eventually, Scootaloo was enclosed in a small dark place. A white mare stood above her smiling. In the heavenly figure's hoof was a red bag, a tube flowing down to Scootaloo's foreleg... as the red dripped down the filly started to feel cold again. She found herself being unable to recline again into the warm bliss as her surroundings seemed to be moving. Scootaloo's awareness gradually returned.