Mutual Rescue

Scootaloo was sat in the kitchen of Lyra and Bon Bon’s house, diligently working on her homework. Ever since they’d took her in and provided a roof over her head she’d done all she could to repay and thank them. They went beyond what was necessary for a caregiver - she could tell they genuinely cared for her.

Struggling with her math homework she face-desked letting out a frustrated scream.
Bon Bon who was working in the kitchen on the next batch of sweets for her cart stepped up to the table before speaking to the frustration filled filly.

“Hey. What’s the problem?” Scootaloo lifted her head glaring at the paper before speaking to the confectioner. “It’s this math assignment.” She whined. Bon Bon sat next to her and looked over what she’d written. Taking the time to slowly, methodically go through everything with Scootaloo, not giving her the answer but gently guiding her to the correct answer.

Lyra’s melodic music filtering through as they worked. Bon Bon getting up every so often to check on her sweets. Scootaloo worked diligently on until she finally finished her work.
“Thanks Bon Bon.” Scootaloo said quietly before putting her homework away.

*Knock-Knock* “Scootaloo can you get that dear” Lyra’s voice called out.
Scootaloo quickly ran to the door and opened it to see Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy stood there.
“Hey squirt, mind if we come in?” Rainbow said with her usual grin. Scootaloo backed up a little inviting them in before calling to Lyra.

“It’s only Rainbow and Fluttershy!” The harp playing stopped and moments later Lyra’s head poked into the hallway. “Well get your flanks in here!” She called down as the two followed Scootaloo into the living area. Bon Bon coming in from the kitchen doorway as they all settled on the two couches in the room.

Scootaloo sat with Lyra and Bon Bon on the one couch that was slightly larger as Fluttershy and Rainbow shared the other.

“So Rainbow, Fluttershy, what brings you two to our humble abode?” Lyra asked in a teasing tone.
Rainbow smiled back and stuck her tongue out at the mint green unicorn.
“Rainbow! behave.” Fluttershy admonished with her own little smile. “Aw, okay, but only because it’s you.” Rainbow mock pouted making Lyra and Bon Bon laugh while scootaloo looked on somewhat surprised, her was her idol, Rainbow Dash, the most awesome pony ever - and she was being sappy?

Finally as the giggles all died down Rainbow looked to Scootaloo.
“hey squirt I got something to ask you okay?” Scootaloo was suddenly nervous, every time somepony wanted to ask her something it usually meant that she was about to lose the roof on her head again.

-o.O.O.o-

Rainbow saw the brief flurry of fear and worry flash across the filly’s face. Deciding to try to re-assure her Rainbow spoke.
“Now we know you didn’t and don’t want to go to no orphanage right.?” She asked, waiting for Scootaloo’s nod before she continued on.

“Well Scoot’s hows about this, for the next few weeks we all make sure you’ve got a roof over your head until somethings made official?” Rainbow carefully slipped off the couch moving to sit on the floor in front of the filly before continuing quietly.

“How’s about, if everything goes to plan in a few weeks, you coming to live with me permanently” Rainbow said quietly, looking Scootaloo in the eye so the young filly would know that Rainbow wasn’t joking. The look of surprise and joy that stole across Scootaloo’s face couldn’t be understated Rainbow thought as Scootaloo launched herself at her, wings buzzing.

Rainbow caught her in her forelegs pulling her close in a gentle embrace.
“You, you mean it? I’ll live with you?” Scootaloo’s emotion filled voice choked out.
Rainbow nodded before answering her quietly. “I do Scoots. What’s more, to make it all official, if you’ll have me, I’d like to adopt you.” She told the little bundle of shaking fur in her arms. The choked cries and frantic nodding of a purple main in the affirmative was all the answer Rainbow got.

The blue pegasus felt her eyes welling up as she was accepted by Scootaloo, holding her close she whispered in the little filly’s ear. “It’s okay to cry scoots, it’s okay.” That was all that was needed to start Scootaloo’s tear’s of relief. Rainbow lifted her own watery eyes to see the golden eyes of her friend Lyra looking back, a smile on her face.

As Rainbow just sat there holding on to Scootaloo she saw Bon Bon lean over to Lyra, who nodded before talking to Rainbow. “You don’t need to worry about finding temporary housing for her. She can stay here until the adoption’s finalised.”

“Really!” Scootaloo’s high pitched squeak was heard as she turned in Rainbow’s embrace to look at Lyra who with a smile nodded.
Rainbow’s hooves were suddenly empty as Scootaloo launched out of them and tackled both Lyra and Bon Bon into a hug.

“Oh thank you!” She whispered. Rainbow could understand what Scootaloo was thinking, she now had a guaranteed roof over her head and if everything went okay she would soon have a family.

Settling back next to Fluttershy she smiled when she felt Fluttershy’s hoof slip over her withers pulling her into a hug.
“Scootaloo.” Fluttershy said quietly. Scootaloo turned to face the kind canary pegasus.
“”I just thought you’d like to know, you know how me and Rainbow are together?” Fluttershy asked quietly. Scootaloo nodded slowly obviously wondering where this was going.
“Well. . . um you see. . . oh.” Fluttershy turned her gaze back to Rainbow who chuckled before nodding and turning to Scootaloo.

“What she’s saying is two things, she’s worried that’d be a problem to you. Quite frankly I’ve already said it won’t be am I right?” Scootaloo nodded before answering.

“Why would it, you love each other right?” Rainbow blushed a little but nodde, Scootaloo carried on with. “Then that’s all that matters.” The four adults in the room all smiled at her outlook before Rainbow finished.

“Also, Fluttershy’s looking to adopt as well, so some of our time’s going to be spent with Starsky, he’s a little pegasus from the Orphanage we raided a few days ago.” Rainbow told her. Scootaloo’s smile was not quite what she expected but it was welcome, along with Scootaloo’s answer.

“You mean I get a sort-of brother? Awesome!” Scootaloo cried out.

Rainbow couldn’t be happier, she had her own little family now with Fluttershy and the two young ones they were adopting.

The rest of the visit was filled mainly with small talk as they arranged when best to come and visit so Rainbow could spend time with Scootaloo. Eventually as all good things must come to an end, Rainbow and Fluttershy made their goodbyes and headed out the door.

Taking quick note of the position of the sun Rainbow stepped next to her marefriend as they made their way down the path. “Hey Flutters, what’s say we go head over to Sugarcube corner? It’s late enough that the evening rush should be done by now?” She suggested. Fluttershy simply smiled and nodded as they made their way.

-o.O.O.o-

The evening train pulled into Ponyville and a strange dark tan Stallion who had a black mane with a crossed hammer and nail cutie mark stepped off.
“So this is where the pink mare is.” He pulled out a newspaper article from his saddlebag, one detailing the ‘Elements of Harmony.’

He snorted at this, he thought that it was just the Princesses putting out silly propaganda, it was well known that the purple unicorn was her protege after all. That was one mare he was definitely staying away from. The pink mare in the photo though, oh he couldn’t wait to meet her again.

Chuckling darkly he headed to the towns motel and settled down for the night, he could check the town out tomorrow.

-o.O.O.o-

Pinkie Pie was bouncing through the market to retrieve the supplies the cakes had asked her to get as they were running low.

She was happily humming her way along as she bounced up to the fruit stall. Looking at the selection as she chose what was needed before turning to pay the stall holder for her choices.
A voice out of her nightmare’s spoke from just behind her. “Here let me pay for those, we can catch up”

Turning she came face to face with the one stallion she never wanted to see again.

Ponyville had been witness to many things, but this was the first time that Pinkies scream of terror as she ran reached as far as Fluttershy’s cottage. Throwing her purchases to the floor Pinkie bolted running through the market - no destination in mind until she saw her marefriend moving towards her at a gallop.

Pinkie crashed into Applejack curling up, shaking in almost crippling fear, as Cadance suddenly landed near them, having heard Pinkies scream.

Moving closer to the pale, frightened Pinkie she listened as Applejack spoke.
“Pinks, what’s wrong, talk to me love.” Applejacks calm voice, full of worry asked quietly.
“want’s t - to c - c - catch u- up. h - h - HE’s here, in Ponyville!” Pinkie managed to say before holding tightly to Applejack.

-o.O.O.o-

Cadance had seen all the bearers in battle to save equestria against the changelings, and yet, the face of fury Applejack had back then was mild annoyance compared to the unadulterated hatred and rage on the farmpony’s features now.

Considering what Pinkie had just said, and what she’d told Fluttershy before Cadance found it easy to get Pinkie’s meaning.

“Applejack, This is not a request, this is a royal command. Take Pinkie to the library - until we find the stallion in question, Pinkie is now under the protection of the crowns of Equestria. A threat has been made to a national hero and as such - the threat shall be dealt with accordingly.

Applejack nodded as she slipped the semi-catatonic Pinkie onto her back and within moments was galloping towards the library as Cadance sent a simple spell into the air letting off a lightshow.

The normal ponies of Ponyville all looked and thought it was just a discharge of magic, what they didn’t realise was that Cadance had just signalled the guard - a specific pattern in the lights told them to send a squad to the library and not let anypony in or out without hers, Shining Armour’s, Twilights or the Rulers of Equestria’s say.

Swiftly taking to the air she flew across the town to Sugarcube Corner landing before making her way in.

“I’m sorry mrs. Cake, but Pinkie won’t be back for a while, she’s been taken into protective custody.” Cadance told the mare behind the till.
“Oh dear, I do hope it’s not serious.” Cup Cake said.

Thinking to ease her worries Cadance spoke trying to downplay the incident.
“It’s just a precaution. a small matter from her past seems to have returned, un-” Cadence’s explanation was halted as Cup Cake ran to the door and flipped the sign to closed and turned back to her.

“That is no small matter Princess. Tell me you won’t allow him to get his hoofs on her.” The fire in the mares eyes warned Cadance of denying this. However as she had no intention of this she smiled.

“Indeed not, I have posted her a guard 24 hours a day, She will be staying in the library with Twilight, and I’m pretty sure Applejack will be joining them. Especially as he has already expressed an interest to her for ‘catching up’. Believe me, my Husband and I will do all we can to see she need never worry about him again.

Cup Cake nodded as she beckoned the Alicorn of Love to follow her up to Pinkies room.
Looking around from the doorway Cadance was surprised at just how organised this room was - she was expecting it to be a complete mish-mash of colours and part items strewn about the place.

Instead the walls were painted a soothing pale rosé accented by a dark red wall one side.
The bed was a simple queen sized affair, that was a lot pinker than the walls, yet, it somehow fitted.

A writing desk and mirror against one wall with a cupboard next to them completed the layout, except for a little alligator in a cage that Cup Cake took down and passed to Cadance.

Moving over to the bed Cup Cake reached under it and pulled out a box before reaching in and extricating a soft white blanket.

“Trust me, when Pinkie’s not feeling on top of the world, she keeps this blanket with her, I don’t know how but it helps her cope. also taking Gummy to her will mean she won’t have to worry about him.”

Cadance nodded taking the blanket in her magic along with Gummy’s cage before turning and leaving the room and building. As soon as she was outside she took wing and flew back to the library, landing in front of the solid oak door before entering.

Looking about she saw Applejack had taken Pinkie over to the couch and had pulled her into a gentle embrace. Twilight’s expression looked murderous while Shining Armour was sat staring at a scroll of parchment. expressionless. ‘Horseapples!’ Cadance thought seeing this.

Shining Armour only ever went like this when he was in a true rage. carefully stepping up to Applejack and Pinkie she draped Pinkie’s blanket about her shaking shoulders, settling Gummy’s cage on the table next to them.

Having known Pinkie for years, seeing her like this tore at Cadance - she decided to go over to Shining and try settle him down.
“Some two week break huh?” she said quietly nuzzling his cheek.

He turned to face her, his eyes holding in a fury she’d only seen once before - their wedding day - the day he nearly called it off for having unintentionally slept with another mare - even though Chrysaliss had taken her form he still felt he had wronged her. Back then it had taken Twilight, Luna, Celestia AND Cadance to convince him he wasn’t at fault before the wedding went ahead.

“Cady, i . . . i I need some air.” He said quietly before dropping the scroll to the table and walking out.

Wondering just what had happened to cause this she stepped to the scroll to read. It had detailed how he’d ponynapped her after a party and kept her against her will in a house somewhere in Manehatten after she’d moved out from home. She’d only escaped as he’d gotten careless one night and forgot to lock the door to her room after he’d ‘had his fun’ one night.

That night she’d snuck about his house getting everything valuable and running off into the night.
By morning she’d brought a ticket out to the countryside and came to Ponyville, having decided to tell the guards what had happened as soon as she saw one.

Getting off the train she went to do just that, but found no matter what, she couldn’t remember what the stallion looked like, she tried and couldn’t.

Putting the ordeal to one side she had gone to the hotel and asked for a room and if any jobs were going. That day she’d been introduced to Mr & Mrs Cake. The rest was Ponyville history, Pinkie over time had learnt to deal with the nightmares.

By the time Cadance finished reading she looked once more to the scared Pinkie Pie and decided she needed her Aunt Luna’s help with this one, because once more Pinkie had tried to describe the stallion but couldn’t, however with what had happened today it was almost certain her nightmares would return full force.

If Luna could go into the dream long enough to get the description and then break Pinkie out of it then they may finally get justice for Pinkie.

Penning a letter to Luna she went over everything that had happened and attached a copy of Pinkie's statement with a warning to be away from anything breakable when read.
“Spike please send this to Luna.” Cadance asked, watching as the little dragon who also wore an expression of anger on his face as he did.

-o.O.O.o-

Luna was sat upon her throne next to her sister helping with the morning court. the benefits of being an alicorn was they could go without sleep for extended periods of time.

To her surprise the dragonflame that usually indicated a friendship report for Celestia materialised in front of her. It was with an even greater surprise when she saw the seal of her niece.

breaking the seal she read the brief note requesting her help in a matter of urgency regarding the bearer of Laughter. Passing the note over to her sister she missed the warning at the bottom to be away from anything breakable before she read the extended request that she visit Pinkies dreams. She shrugged at this at first before reading on.

When it was explained it was so they could get the description of another pony Luna started to worry, why would she need to visit a dream because of this.

Then she came to the statement by Pinkie Pie.
The table in front of her shattered, the curtains caught fire, the torches flared high. Through it all Luna’s cry of rage echoed throughout the hall.
It was with some shock she felt her sisters magic suddenly envelop her as she levitated was off the remains of her throne.

Looking up she saw the destruction that she was being carried away from.
Luna looked to her sister with an apologetic expression across her midnight blue features.
“Sorry dear ‘Tia, but when you read the scroll I think you’ll understand.”

Celestia simply nodded as she guided her sister into an antechamber that was currently bear.
Luna levitated the scroll over to her once she’d been put down.
Getting ready herself to suppress her sisters magic Luna watched.
By the time Celestia had finished reading her eyes were glowing golden yet her magic stayed contained.

“I am asking you to go to Ponyville and deal with this personally.” Celestia said to Luna. “You can raise the moon just as well there as here in Canterlot.” Luna nodded.

“I will leave as soon as I’ve eaten - worry not, I’ll leave the archaic speech here this time.” She finished with a small smile - trying to lighten the dark mood of the room.
It didn’t work. Celestia just nodded and left the room leaving Luna to make her own way down the corridors to the kitchens.

-o.O.O.o-

‘Ive had ENOUGH of my little pony’s being hurt!’ Celestia cried in her mind.
She decided to check just who on the Council of Tribes had pushed for the mild sentencing in the past. It was ‘only’ 30 years ago that the ruling was passed.

Stepping back into the throne room she looked about to the court nobles. Snorting she thought ‘being seen to be seen more like; oh well at least all the council members are here’ She took a deep breath before calling out in The Royal Canterlot Voice.

“THERE WILL BE A GATHERING OF THE COUNCIL OF TRIBES IN 15 MINUTES - THINE ATTENDANCE IS NOT OPTIONAL - ATTEND OR LOSE THY SEAT!” Having used the ritual speech she knew she’d guaranteed full attendance.

Turning she left the throne room and made her way to the council chamber and sat in her seat. Luna still hadn’t had her seat regranted yet, but that would change. Today.
Looking around with a hard eye she watched as nine ponies stepped in. Three of each race taking their seats.

“Princess, might I ask what prompted such a swift gathering?” Fancy Pants asked her once they were all seated.

Nodding Celestia answered the unicorn.
“It seems that not only has Fluttershy had the attempted assault, but in the past Pinkie has had far worse happen to her.” A white unicorn with a blonde mane and a compass for a Cutie-Mark spoke up.

“You gathered us all for the assault of a commoner?” her scoffed.
“BLUEBLOOD HOLD THY TONGUE!” Celestia called out, she had been losing patience with her nephew ever since the Gala where he’d mistreated Rarity he’d been getting worse - or she’d only noticed it from then.

Again with how angry she was she slipped back into the archaic modes that signalled that there would be no second chances for those stepping out of place today.

“Now, the reason I have gathered you all at such short notice, is simple, we used to have quite an . . . effective way of punishing certain crimes. Now however they are so lenient that for true justice to be delivered it has to be in the form of a royal proclamation on a case by case basis. This can not stand.”

Looking to Fancy Pants and Hoity Toity. “Your predecessors were on the council when this passed, not long after they left and you were elected in place.” Swinging her head to the left she eyed the three older Pegasi who were looking a little nervous. “You three and my Nephew over there.” Celestia indicated Blue Blood with a tilt of her head and a stern eye daring him to challenge her tone. He did not.

She continued. “Were the other three that brought the vote to bear - bringing the tally to 6 against 4 even with my vote to stop the mild sentencing. at the time I requested answers as to why - I was refused. Now I am DEMANDING” She fixed the now obviously worried pegasi with a look in her eye that reminded them she could could melt stone without even a glance.

“s - sure - surely you d - don’t need t - to bother w - with these p - petty details.” The one beige pegasus said looking towards the doorway.

Fancy Pants spoke up. “I do believe you were just issued a royal command old boy. I for one however being a member of this. . .august . . . body would like an answer as well.
Looking about he spotted that Blueblood was also looking distinctly worried.

“So, Councilor, I as a member of The Council of Tribes ask for the reason of change before my time.” This was it - the moment all truth would come out. There were specific sets of wards on this room that when certain phrases were intoned would force an answer.

Blueblood in what looked like a panic to silence the speaking pegasus fired of a bolt of lightning from his horn. Unfortunately for him he forgot about Pegasus physiology, specifically the lightning resistant part to the weather-ponies. Before anypony else in the room could react Celestia threw a shield about Blueblood trapping him and his magic as the pegasus spoke. His words enraged her.

“The ruling was passed so if those of us who used a mare as our right were caught, then we wouldn’t have to deal with such an unfair fate.”
“And Blueblood is one of those who would have done this?!” Celestia demanded feeling sick to her stomach that she was related to him in any way.

“Yes - he along with an earth pony in Manehatten had a mare the-”
“ENOUGH!” Celestia by now was barely containing the solar energy within her body - waves of magic rolling of her skin as her eyes glowed informed the council members just how close they were to being vapourised.

Thinking quickly Hoity Toity ran to the door throwing it open. “GUARDS!” he called out.
within moments a squad was running in the door.
Celestia barely containing her fury spoke in a quiet anger. “Take these four” She indicated the pegasi and Blueblood. “To the dungeons.” The guards nodded removing the indicated ponies from the room as Fancy Pants sat back down.

“Well, there’s still 5 of us here. I think it’s safe to say even without your vote highness that we would all here agree to going back to the old punishment - however I would word it something like this.

‘Henceforth, from this day anypony caught committing an act of sexual abuse or convicted of such acts - no matter when they happened shall all face the same punishment. Gelding and Branding followed by incarceration of a minimum of 20 years per act.’”

The other four councillors nodded their agreement at this as Celestia levitated over a parchment and copied down the new law before signing it along with the rest of the attending council.

Standing she swung her eyes about the room.
“I thank you for your time - now I must see about trials for the four that took part in these depraved acts.”

The rest of the council nodded before Hoity Toity spoke up. “Indeed, but we must now see about voting who to take the places of those on this council.”

“Celestia nodded and for the next hour they discussed the pro’s and con’s of the various pegasi nobles before turning their eye to Bluebloods chair.

“I believe I would like to suggest something radical for the unicorn replacement.” Fancy Pants said. Looking with a querying eyebrow Celestia nodded for him to continue.
“Well I think it would be best if we had added more voices for the common pony who can also fit in with the upper echelons of society. Therefore I submit the name of miss Rarity Diamond Belle.”

Celestia’s eyes widened in surprise at this even as she smiled in agreement. when Hoity Toity nodded his agreement she looked to the other earth ponies in the room who hadn’t said anything during the proceedings. two simply nodded and the other said “why not, I’m from Appleoosa”

Celestia was relieved at the agreements going about - especially when the other unicorn Fleur de Lys agreed. Suddenly Celestia smiled. “You know, now we’re going to have a voice for the common earth pony and unicorns respectively - I think we need a voice for the pegasi. Instead of the three high society ones why not add Captain Spitfire into the mix? she’s a common mare who knows eminently how to deal with the nobility.”

The rest of the council all nodded, now discussing which two of the shortlisted three high society Pegasi to bring in.

After all decisions had been had, scrolls written to be sent they all left. Celestia hanging back quickly penned a scroll to her sister warning her about the changes to the Council. looking about the empty room she made her way out. Looking back over her shoulder to the room she smiled to the emptiness.

It would take time, but they would right the wrongs done by the previous council members.

-o.O.O.o-

Luna decided to forego the use of her chariot and took to the skies. Flying always helped calm down, the wind through her feathers felt like it was washing the torment of her mind away.

As Ponyville came into sight she aimed her flight for the library gently coasting on the air currents until she was directly above spiralling down for a gentle landing in front. As she landed folding her wings she made her way past the guards and into the library.

Going straight over to the couch she took a seat next to the traumatised Pinkie Pie still being held by Applejack.

“Pinkie Pie, it’s Luna - can you talk for a minute?” Pinkie turned her head slightly to Luna and managed to meet Luna’s eyes.

When she did the fear she saw in the usually bright, bubbly bouncing pony hit her hard. She didn’t want to ask what she was about to, she knew it would cause Pinkie more pain but it was necessary.

“Pinkie - if I cast a sleep spell on you would you allow me to watch your dreams? If I do, then when you have your nightmares I will be able to get your assailants description.”

Pinkie’s lower lip trembled with the fear obviously coursing through her before she visibly steeled herself to answer.

“C - Can y-you make it s - so Apples c - can see too?” Luna nodded before she answered.
“Indeed I can Pinkie but are you sure?” Pinkie nodded before turning to look at her marefriend.
“P - please Applejack. I - I try so many times to tell you but - but I need you to see.”

Applejack closed her eyes, a tear fell from her cheek as she fought her emotions. Luna kept quiet, keeping her own emotions under control, she couldn’t show any trace of anger here or Pinkie would get worse.

“Okay Sugarcube - but know this, ah don’t care what I see - ahl always love you.”
Pinkie smiled a little, small genuine smile before leaning up to press her lips to Applejacks in a short sweet kiss before pulling away and turning back to Luna. “I’m ready Princess.” she said.

Luna nodded before instructing her to get completely comfortable.
Pinkie did this by laying down on the couch, placing her head in Applejacks lap again, holding her snuggle-blanket, while Applejack settled more into the back of the couch letting it support her weight fully.

Luna sat lay on the floor next to them, head resting on the arm of the couch closest to them before casting her spell. Quickly thinking before she closed her eyes and sent her consciousness to the dreamscape she called to Twilight to lock the library and not to let anypony disturb them until they woke up. On their own.

Looking about the dreamscape, she followed the thread of the spell she’d set to guide her to Applejack, collecting her before moving on to Pinkie’s nightmare. Steeling herself she turned to Applejack.

“Are you ready? Applejack looked back. “No, but lets go.”
Luna nodded before taking them into the nightmare, taking them to see the truth of Pinkie’s past.