Chapter 12: Base and Interlude

Rainbow trotted through Ponyville, looking to the sky desperate to just open her wings and soar.
Unfortunately, even if her wing survived, she doubted she would be able to stand the look of hurt in her marefriends face. She had promised Fluttershy that for once she would take things steady, and she wasn’t going break her word.

She soon came to the edge of the town where she saw the building work had nearly finished, going up to the guardsmare on the gate she introduced herself.
“Hiya, Rainbow Dash, Captain of the newly formed Shadow Bolts.” at the same time she recognised the mare as the one whom she’d introduced to Fluttershy back at the barracks, so crossed her eyes and stuck her tongue out at her.

Chuckling the Guardsmare spoke.
“Scamp, go on in - they’re waiting for you.” Rainbow nodded her thanks and and trotted in, head turning every which way as she tried to take it all in.

On her left was a long building that seemed to be split into six colours, each colour having it’s own large bay window facing east.
Ahead she saw a long wooden building that seemed to go the length of the yard, bisecting this was a small tower, with windows running around a saucer-like top.
On the right were two more buildings that she didn’t have a clue for their purpose.

In the middle of the yard stood Princess Luna along with Spitfire.
Feeling a little nervous with the pony next to Luna she walked up before standing to attention as she was taught in Spitfire’s academy. Rainbow couldn’t think of it as the Wonder Bolts academy not with Spitfire in charge.

Going up to them she delivered a precision salute as in her own eyes now she was ‘On Duty’ and from the way Spitfire and Luna were holding themselves it appeared they were of the same mindset.
“At ease captain” Princess Luna spoke before indicating she should follow. Nodding Rainbow fell in next to Spitfire.

“So Rookie, hows it feel to be in my shoes?” Spitfire asked quietly as they followed Luna to a long building that had windows at regular intervals.
“Permission to speak freely?” Rainbow asked, well aware that although they were touring this base for her, she had to be professional at all times.
Luna nodded her permission so Rainbow turned to Spitfire to answer her question, allowing herself to show the truth of what she was about to say.

“To be honest with you, I’m really nervous. I know outside of the Wonderbolts training camps I’m a bit of a braggart,” She stopped a moment at Spitfires eloquent expression. “Okay, a lot of one, but I’ve never been responsible for five ponies from their health, training and all the other things you do, how do I know I’ll do a good job?” Rainbow finished worrying at her lower lip between her teeth.

“That right there rookie, is why.” Spitfire shot back. “you don’t automatically assume you’re the best for the job, sure I bet you acted like it in front of your friends - but I know you as Recruit Dash, and I know you would already be seriously thinking of how to do the best job you can.” Spitfire said.

“On top of that, you’ve had plenty of practice on training for yourself, all you need to do,” Spitfire grimaced at this point. “Is get other ponies to understand why they need to train as hard as you do. It’s very rare at the WonderBolts academy that we get a pony in who trains above than what’s expected.” Rainbow nodded.

“Yeah, talking about training, how do you take a pony who’s one of the best fliers in equestria, when they’re on their own, but because they get so nervous around other ponies, they actually forget how to fly properly?” At her words both Luna and Spitfire stopped and looked at Rainbow with slight disbelieving expressions. A pegasus who forgot how to use their wings?

As they had got to the building Spitfire leaned against the wall sighing as she rubbed her forehead with a hoof.
“Okay Rookie, break it down for us.” she commanded. Rainbow nodded as she spoke.
“Well we all know Derpy’s reputation, I’m sure it’s even reached you guys in Canterlot.” Spitfire blinked a moment as she nodded.

“Sure, the clumsiest pegasus there ever was, she’s a running joke in the team - someone makes a mistake or trips they’ve ‘pulled a Derpy’...” her words trailed off at the look of anger on Rainbow’s face. Anger tinged with...regret?
“Rookie, calm down. NOW!” Spitfire snapped out. Rainbow blinked momentarily before sighing.

“Sorry Captain, Princess.” Rainbow said nodding to them both. “It’s just *sigh* Derpy is an excellent flier - but because of how she’s been tormented all her life,” The last three words were said with some heat.

“Because of that, she gets so nervous around other pony’s knowing they’re watching her, judging her, that she gets clumsy, has an accident and draws more attention to herself. You can see where I’m going with this. What’s worse, is because of how bad it is for her, she once thought I hated her, when all I was trying to do was have a laugh with her.”

She slumped to the ground as she looked dejectedly to the floor. “Me, who defended her at every turn to other ponies, telling them to ease off, with the things I said to her as a joke made her think I hated her.” She looked up then, determination in every fibre of her being.
“As she is now a member of my team, the jokes at her expense stop now. I won’t tolerate anything that affects my teams welfare, either physically or emotionally.”

Rainbow was surprised when Spitfire nodded with a small smile.
“And that right there, is why you’re going to be a good Captain.” Princess Luna nodded before she spoke.
“Indeed, thy care for others wellbeing is an important part of who thou art, it is one of the things that did prompt me to consider thee for being Captain.” Rainbow nodded her thanks at their comments as she stood up.

“Come on, lets have a look in here, we’ll continue the conversation afterwards.” Spitfire said with a half smile. Rainbow sent back her own smile as they followed Luna inside.
“This will be the barracks for thyself and those under thine command.” Luna said as they walked in the door.

Entering Rainbow looked about, They were in corridor that wood panelled to about half way up the wall, the rest was painted a neutral cream colour, the floor was solid granite topped with a stretch of midnight blue carpet going the length of the corridor. On the one wall were various posters, posters of six pegasi in flight in specific formations, along with the formation name underneath.

On the opposite side evenly spaced along the length were six doors, all but one a uniform unpainted brown, the one in the middle however was painted the same colour as her coat, with her cutie-mark replicated on the top half of the door.

“All the rooms are the same, wouldst thou like to inpsect thy room for when thou art on duty?” the princess asked.
Rainbow didn’t reply verbally, just stepped forwards and opened the door to her barracks.

The room was a little small considering the size of the building from outside Rainbow thought.
The walls were the same, painted and panelled. Against the wall was a bed with a small nightstand, at the end an open front wardrobe. On the opposite wall was a giant corkboard, the only thing there at the moment was a wall calendar. under this was a desk with a lamp, stationery supplies already there.

She stepped up to the bed and pressed a hoof into it. When the mattress sunk more than she expected she shook her head. Turning back to Luna she spoke.
“Cloud mattresses?” The princess nodded. “Sorry Princess, but lose them - beds like the WonderBolts have will be fine.” Rainbow said causing Spitfire to snicker a little.

“Sorry Princess, but what did I tell you?” the captain of the WonderBolts said holding out a hoof. To Rainbows surprise Luna lit up her horn and a pouch of bits appeared in Spitfires grasp.
Looking to Rainbow the princess spoke in a slightly disappointed tone.
“I had thought thou wouldst appreciate these beds.”

“Princess, believe me we would,” Rainbow started, “But how do you think it would look to the Royal Guards, the Army, or the Air Corp let alone the WonderBolts if we are the only unit with these mattresses. I know it seems silly to say, but you would have many pony’s questioning why a small six unit team could get such preferential treatment. I know for a fact that Spitfire blocked certain additions to the Wonderbolts bases that were unnecessary, that is simply what I’m doing here.” Luna nodded.

Rainbow took another look around and spotted a door she didn’t notice at first, going through she looked about with a little surprise. It was an en-suite shower room with a washbasin and toilet, tiled in plane white, with a marble floor.
A mirror was above the basin and to the side was a towel rack that if she recognised it right was one that would warm up the towels for you before you used them.

“So this is where the extra space went.” She said quietly looking around with a small smile.
Going back out she nodded her approval as she spoke.
“It’s perfect, almost like something you would design Ma’am.” She said addressing Spitfire who answered.
“Who said I didn’t have any input?” Rainbow’s mouth dropped open momentarily at that announcement as Princess Luna chuckled and ushered them to follow her.

“Captain Dash, one thing I do remember from when I used to personally command the ShadowBolts,” Luna started “You need to be confident in yourself, when in a crisis, do not hesitate to give your orders. Do not worry, thy training shall readily prepare you for the challenges of leadership.” Rainbow nodded her understanding as they entered another building.

She noticed the decor was similar to the barracks and had a small smile of approval.
They came up to the first door where Luna and Spitfire and Luna held back, letting Rainbow go first.
Opening the door Rainbow stepped in, stopping a couple of steps later, she was in a state of the art gym specific for pegasi, it was as if somepony had taken the gym from the WonderBolts Academy, polished up the equipment, and dropped it in here, each piece in the same spot.

Rainbow turned around to face Luna and Spitfire her jaw hanging a little.
“What rookie? we worked hard on perfecting that exercise routine in the wonderbolts. Ok you’ll need to change it up a little for wingpower training as you’re going to be the messengers of the night, but overall you know the routine. Don’t put my training to waste.” She finished.

Nodding Rainbow followed them out where they were went to a door that opened to a set of spiral stairs. Going up Rainbow wondered what they could have built up there.
When they got to the top she stepped off the last step and entered a perfectly circular office, a desk in the middle, purpose built round back filing cabinets along the wall. But to her the most impressive things were the windows.
They were HUGE! looking around she saw that their fields of view overlapped giving her a full 360 degree view.
Behind the main building she saw a field with a running track around it, and above, through a glass domed roof she saw a perfa-cloud obstacle course for ponies in flight.

“This. Is. AWESOME!” She shouted spying obstacles she’d tried to recreate on the ground and failed.
“Luna shook her head a moment with a small snort.
“Indeed. And you see that building over there?” Luna said indicating the one building they hadn’t been in. Rainbow nodded.

Apart from what you need to keep in your wardrobe, that is where all your other equipment will be stored. There is also a small medical facility there. Finally that small building over there,” Luna pointed her horn to a building that was just next to the barracks.
“That’s where your detention cells are located.” Rainbow raised an eyebrow at this, her face set in a disapproving frown.

“You will not be expected to detain prisoners for long should you have to arrest somepony. But it is secure enough to hold them until the regular guard can pick them up. Rainbow nodded, she may not like it, but the reality was that there was a fair chance that one day she would need those cells.

“I take it you are happy with your new place of work.” Luna said with a smile.
“Yes Princess, thank you.” Rainbow answered as Luna held up her hoof.
“Think nothing of it Rainbow Dash, I looked after my ShadowBolts 1,000 years ago, and shall continue to do so now. Much like my sister does with the WonderBolts.” Spitfire nodded her agreement, although seemed distracted for a moment.

“Well, Permission to be dismissed, I’ve got to go and inform the other five of their new jobs if they want one.” Luna nodded her head and stepped away from the doorway, to let Rainbow passed.
“You may leave, you shall recieve your keys in a week.” Rainbow saluted and went to make her way out, stopping as a memory surfaced to her thoughts.

-Flashback-

They made their way out of the cottage, making small talk as they walked. This continued until Fluttershy dropped the bombshell that she was going to model for a single show, Rainbow made a puzzled expression upon hearing this.

“But Fluttershy, I thought you hated that?” Rainbow asked curiously.
Fluttershy nodded before answering, “Mmhmm, I did – but don’t you see – even now I still get offers to model that I regularly turn down. Now if word gets out that I’ll be doing a charity show, how many more will turn up?” Fluttershy finished rhetorically.

Fluttershy watched as Rainbow shook her head, “Damn, okay. So when’s my beautiful marefriend going on stage?” Fluttershy felt her face warm with this; she honestly hadn’t expected Rainbow Dash to say anything of the endearing sort to her in public, so when she did it made Fluttershy feel a warm glow throughout.

“Ehehe, Well you see, it’s not going to be for at least three months yet, and now I know you’re going to be in charge of the ShadowBolts. . . so I was hoping that. . . Maybe . . .their first public appearance could be at the show??”

Fluttershy was, once more, trying to hide behind her mane. Thoughts raced through her head; Why had she thought it would be a good idea to ask this, Was it truly a good idea, Would Rainbow Dash think she was being silly?

“I’ll have to check with Princess Luna first, but I think that can be arranged, I should be back in the air by then as well.” Rainbow said, and with that the yellow Pegasus leapt forwards wrapping her forearms about Rainbows neck, a broad smile arched across her features
“oh thank you, thank you, thank you!” Fluttershy squeaked out before quickly kissing Rainbows cheek

-End Flashback-

“Princess, to help the orphans from the raid, Fluttershy is going to be doing a charity fashion show in a couple of months. She asked if the ShadowBolts debut could be to that show. Nothing fancy just a flyover and maybe a loop-de-loop. I said it shouldn’t be a problem but I’d check with you first.

To her joy Luna smiled and nodded. “Very well, as soon as thou knowest the date of the show, have Spike firemail me the date. Mayhap I might do some modelling that night…” She trailed off trying not to laugh at the sight of both Rainbow and Spitfire wearing identical stupefied expressions.

Thankfully the next words Rainbow heard were “Dismissed captain Dash.”
Rainbow nodded and shot out the door, deciding to head home and wait for Fluttershy.
She was almost half way to the gate when Spitfire’s voice called out.

Turning she wondered what the golden coloured pegasus wanted.
“I’ve got a couple weeks leave coming up, I’m busy the second week, but if you like I can come for three or for days to help with Derpy. Think about it, unfortunately you won’t be flying for a while yet, I can be up in the air helping her.

Rainbow nodded at this, trying not to get too downtrodden at the fact she was still grounded.
“Also, if we can get her flying confident in front of me, then in front of most ponies she shouldn’t have a problem, what do you think?” Rainbow nodded.
“Yeah sounds cool. Drop by the day after tomorrow. You know where I’m livin’ now right?” Spitfire nodded.
“Yes. I’ll drop in at 10:00 sharp in two days.” Spitfire replied.

Rainbow nodded and said her goodbyes once more turning to head home, a small plan in the back of her mind, sure Fluttershy enjoyed cooking their meals, and she was better at cooking than Rainbow, by far. But Fluttershy’s favourite restaurant did do take-away’s, it was with a small smile she changed direction and headed to the Golden Haybale, it would be nice to surprise her marefriend.

-o.O.O.o-

Fluttershy was walking down the main road through Ponyville having done some shopping, saddlebags balanced on her bulging with the supplies for the next week.
Humming a little tune as she trotted she had a gentle smile on her face.She still flinched when a stallion got too close, but she was doing better.

“-Bank Flank, you’re so pathetic, it’s no wonder your momma left you.” A filly’s voice came from around the corner.
Fluttershy not liking the sound of what she was hearing turned down the corner, the sight that met her eyes caused her to stop still in shock. There in front of her were Diamond Tiara and Silverspoon, tormenting another small filly. One with a shocking orange coat and a distinctive purple mane and tail.

“Sh - shut up!” Scootaloo’s voice shouted at them, none of the three filly’s spotting Fluttershy.
“Aww is the flightless chicken gonna cwy, it’s obvious, she left you because she couldn’t stand you, she knew you’d always be a blank flank. Unlike me. I have my daddy and mommy, and you don’t.”

“How. Dare. You.” Fluttershy’s quiet voice held an edge to it that the filly’s had not seen before, only the Fluttershy’s friends had seen this side to her. It was the side that could face down a fully grown dragon. Moving forwards she stepped between Scootaloo and her tormentors.
With a glare towards Diamond Tiara and Silverspoon Fluttershy spoke.

“We will go to your father’s shop right now young lady, and I will talking with Mr Ritch about your appalling behaviour. Now, I want you girls stay right there for a moment. Understood!” The two filly’s nodded their heads rapidly, not wanting to anger the normally sweet tempered mare further.

Fluttershy turned to the curled up Scootaloo who had her wings curled as far as they would go, obviously trying to hide her face, even though they fell way short, it was plain that Scootaloo was trying not to cry, gently Fluttershy leaned down to nuzzle the distraught pegasus.

As soon as she touched Scootaloo, the little filly jumped slightly before looking up into her eyes.
“It’s alright Scootaloo, come on. Fluttershy said quietly, kneeling down next to her, stretching her wing down in an obvious indication for the little filly to climb on to her back.

Scootaloo carefully uncurled from where she was lay on the path and climbed up Fluttershys wing so she could rest on the canary coated mare’s back, curling once more into a little ball, from the tiny trembles, Fluttershy realised she was trying not to cry.

Curling her head around, Fluttershy nuzzled Scootaloo once more as she spoke.
“it’s okay Scootaloo, shh, its okay.” She said quietly. Gradually Scootaloo’s trembles lessened and before Fluttershy realised it, the orange filly had fallen asleep.

Lifting her wings a little to keep Scootaloo secure, Fluttershy carefully stood before turning a withering glare onto the other two filly’s.
“Now then, shall we go and have a word with your Father miss Tiara, Lead the way” Fluttershy said quietly, in a tone that could never be mistaken for a question.

With downcast expressions the two nodded, Diamond turning to walk back to the main street, Silverspoon next to her, with Fluttershy following, an unconscious Scootaloo on her back.
She wondered what else these two had said to her to cause that much of an emotional outburst, one enough to have obviously tired the little filly.

They soon approached ‘Ritchie's Barnyard Bargains and Fluttershy followed the two filly’s in, steeling herself for the confrontation she was about to have. She hadn’t thought about the fact Filthy Ritch was a stallion, but now as she approached the desk it became all too real.

A quick glance over her shoulder at the dozing Scootaloo gave her the strength she needed. She would not let another filly suffer as she had growing up.
Looking back she realised she’d reached the counter.

“Can I help you miss?” The stallion’s cultured canterlotian accent quietly spoken. Fluttershy took a breath to steady herself before she spoke.
“Yes you can explain to me why your daughter feels it is acceptable behaviour to bully another filly. Not just bully but push beyond the point of tear’s. My soon to be adoptive daughter was on the ground, wings curled around, and desperately trying ignore what was being said. This was made all the more difficult as they were mocking the fact she’s an orphan. Now, just what are you going to do about it!” She finished, almost turning The Stare on him.

Fortunately she didn’t have to as the glare he was sending to his daughter was enough to convince her he was about to do the right thing.
“Diamond Tiara. Explain yourself young lady!” he all but demanded. Watching as the filly tried to justify her actions. Actions she obviously knew were wrong. As her mouth opened and closed repeatedly with no sound coming out, Filthy Ritch held up a hoof.

“Diamond Tiara, your actions towards Scootaloo are unacceptable, I have also heard the rumours of how you treat Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, but thought not to believe them, as I did not wish to believe I had raised such a daughter.”

He closed his eyes a moment as he took a breath and then nodded to himself.
“First off, your tiara, hand it over.” Diamond Tiara’s eyes went wide at this demand, the tiara that her father had brought her in the exact style of her cutie-mark.
“Wha, Daddy…” She said with a tremble in her voice. Filthy Ritch however took no notice and came around the counter and took the circlet from his daughters head.

“Also, I will be cutting your allowance in half” hearing this the filly paled.
Turning to Silver Spoon he spoke in a tone that demanded an immediate answer.
“As for you, explain.”

Silver Spoon looked to the floor, her body shaking as she spoke.
“Sh - she made me do it. S - said i - if I didn’t w - would m - make you f - fire my p - parents”
Filthy Ritch turned back to his daughter.

“Okay, you're grounded for two weeks, plus you’ve seen me taking old stock that I would normally sell off at a discount from the foals and filly’s section of these shelves for a while now.” He took a deep breath as he continued.
“For those two weeks, and an additional two weeks, you’ll be working with me. I take all those supplies to the army base where they’re being housed at the moment to help the orphans there, I only hope you learn something from them.” He growled out. “Now get upstairs, your grounding starts now, I’ll walk you home tonight.” He ordered her, Diamond Tiara shot through the back door and up the stairs in tears as her perfect world crashed about her.

Filthy turned to Fluttershy and spoke in a much calmer tone, moving so the counter was between him and her once more. He had been one of the crowd to attend Hunting Fire’s branding and gelding, so knew how she would be jittery around stallions.

“I am sorry about that miss Fluttershy, I offer you my personal guarantee that Diamond Tiara’s behaviour will improve, if it doesn’t please do not hesitate to contact me.”
“Thankyou, I’m sorry to have caused you bother.” She replied her normal shy personality reasserting itself.

Filthy Ritch shook his head as he replied.
“It’s no bother, don’t you worry, I suggest you get that little one to a bed soon.” He finished with a smile indicating the filly on her back. Fluttershy smiled and nodded heading out. She was glad she’d been to see Starsky this morning before she went shopping, she would be too late to visit him now.

With a small sigh she took the familiar paths to Lyra and Bon Bon’s, until she was stood outside their door, giving it a gentle knock she waited for an answer.
When Lyra opened the door the look on her face was of worry that instantly turned to relief as she spied the unconscious Scootaloo.

Waving Fluttershy in she stepped aside to allow her entry. As soon as she had closed the door quietly she bid Fluttershy to follow her. up the stairs and into a room. Going in Fluttershy immediately realised this must be the room that they’d let Scootaloo use.
“Do you want me to take her?” Lyra asked quietly with a small smile.

Fluttershy nodded and watched as the lyre player’s magic pulled the blanket back while simultaneously levitating Scootaloo from her back to the bed.
Once the filly was settled on the bed, Lyra gently used her magic to tuck her in.
They left the room, leaving the door open a crack so they would hear if Scootaloo called for anypony.

Going back down Lyra spoke up.
“Say, you fancy a drink?” Fluttershy smiled as she shook her head. “Sorry, I’ll be late getting home if I stay too long.” Lyra nodded as they went through to the living room.
“Heya Bon Bon, got some good news for you, Fluttershy here brought Scoots back.”
“Oh thank heavens, it’s the first time she’s ever been late getting back.” Bon Bon said relief evident in her voice.

“Sorry to worry you, it’s just I caught Diamond Tiara bullying Scootaloo about being an orphan.”
Hearing this the look on Lyra’s face was one of complete shock as she collapsed onto the couch.
“B - bullying because she’s an orphan? What the buck?” Fluttershy nodded as she thought back to what she’d walked up to, the sadness in her heart must have been visible on her face as Bon Bon put a hoof on her shoulder.

“Hey, you okay?” Fluttershy nodded with a sigh as she spoke.
“I just wish it hadn’t happened in the first place.” Bon Bon nodded as she answered.
“Did you put a stop to it?” Fluttershy nodded once more with a slightly sad expression.
“Yes, it all started when…” She went on to tell the full tale. The two mares looked on in approval when they heard Diamond Tiara’s punishments, though all three mares didn’t think this would teach the filly a lesson.

“Well girls I really must be getting home, I don’t want my mare getting worried about me.” Fluttershy said with a small smile, causing the others to chuckle. Bon Bon waved Lyra back to the couch as she was already stood, going to walk Fluttershy out.
“You know you’re welcome to visit any time.” Bon Bon said with a smile.
“Thank you, I just might.” Fluttershy said in her usual quiet voice. Nodding Bon Bon waited until Fluttershy had cleared the door before closing it quietly behind her. Taking a deep breath Fluttershy spread her wings and took to the sky, not very high or fast, but enough that she wouldn’t be late getting home.

-o.O.O.o-

Rainbow heard the door open just as she finished setting the last plate in place, she’d worked hard on making sure the food arrived and was dished up ready to serve just right, she took one last look about the room and smiled.

Table set, Check. Wine, Check, small jobs around the cottage done, Check. sighing she stood by the table and waited for Fluttershy to notice as she’d turned around to close the door right away, not seeing the table.

Fluttershy turned around and stopped dead at the sight, her eyes lighting up as the aromas hit her.
“R - rainbow?” She asked quietly.
“Hey Flutters, I know I can’t cook, so I got something from the Golden Haybale, I hope ya li-” She had been talking as Fluttershy approached, and was suddenly cut off. The cause of this was she now had Fluttershy’s lips against her own in a tender, sweet kiss.

Pulling away Fluttershy smiled. “Thank You Rain,” she said quietly. “I just need to go put my bags down and I’ll be ready. Rainbow nodded, watching as Fluttershy’s sleek toned form turned away from her, heading straight into the kitchen. Even now Rainbow couldn’t believe how lucky she was to have such a mare as Fluttershy in her life, and would spend every day trying to be a mare worthy of her.

Fluttershy came back to the table taking a seat before she looked up to the blue pegasus through her lashes, she was beautiful.
“Celestia you’re perfect.” Rainbow breathed out coming up to Fluttershy and locking her lips with hers, lifting an arm to wrap about Fluttershy’s neck.
She tentatively slipped her tongue out, tracing Fluttershy’s lips that readily opened for her letting her slip her tongue in.

Gently she massaged Fluttershy’s tongue with her own, this wasn’t a battle for dominance, this was pure love. Slowly they broke the kiss to breath as Rainbow leant her forehead against Fluttershy’s.
“I love you Flutters.” She whispered, pecking Fluttershy on the lips once more before sitting to eat, not giving the mare chance to reply.

They settled to eat, each telling the other of their day, when Rainbow mentioned the small medical wing on the base Fluttershy got a thoughtful look.
As the discussion wound on and Rainbow heard how upset Scootaloo had been, she hoped the new inspectors tomorrow would be able to sign off on them adopting, she didn’t want Scootaloo to have to suffer any more.

As the meal finished they worked in tandem to clean up, before heading to relax on the couch, she had sat up on it, as Fluttershy lay on her stomach, head in Rainbows lap as the prismatic pegasus gently ran a hoof through her mane. All in all it was the perfect end to the day.

Author's Note

Man this fought me tooth and nail to be written - I must have re-written this chapter five times over.
I'm sorry it's not up to my usual standard, I don't know what's wrong but I can't get it right.

I needed the things to happen in this chapter the way they did but I can honestly say I don't like how I've written it.

Once again thank you all for your patience.
Pegasus-Skip