A Whole New World

"We should get you home, Scootaloo. It's getting late."

Scootaloo had returned to my arms and was trying to calm down as much as she could after hearing the news. The shower of bubbles had cheered her up somewhat, but she was still pretty upset, "C-Can I come with you?"

"Sure."

I picked her up and carried her back to the Bannered Mare. The sun was setting, and an orange glow was being spread over the town. Ponies were starting to close their stores and return home, paying no attention to me as I cradled the filly.

I entered the Bannered Mare, and saw Full Pint behind the counter.

"Hey Dutch. Haven't seen you in a while."

"Yeah, I was staying in Canterlot for a few days," Scootaloo shuffled in my arms, and Full Pint noticed her, "This is Scootaloo. Is it ok if she stays with me for a bit?"

Full Pint shook his head, "Sorry Dutch, I'm afraid she can't."

"What?"

"Look, my policy is one pony per room. Unless you've got a good reason, she can't stay with you."

Oh, you want a reason? I leaned close to Full Pint and lowered my voice next to his ear, making sure Scootaloo couldn't hear me.

"She just lost her father."

Full Pint's eyes went wide, and he thought for a moment, "Alright. She can stay, and I won't charge extra."

"Thanks. I owe you."

I carried Scootaloo up to my room, and set her down on my bed. I asked her if she wanted anything to eat, but she wasn't hungry. I didn't blame her, so I made myself some dinner and got ready for bed. Upon entering the bedroom however, I noticed Scootaloo was asleep on my bed. I silently laughed to myself, and decided to leave her in peace.

I walked back into the living room and caught sight of myself in a mirror. I had a few days of facial hair, and as I took my shirt off, I saw the slice in my chest from the bandit with the knife, Great, another scar to think about. I shifted a few cushions on the sofa and let my body relax as I drifted off.

Oh hell no. Not here again.

I opened my eyes, and found myself already running. The metal wall and concrete floors surrounding me. The creature was hot on my heels, and I could hear him grunting as he chased me.

I pulled round a corner and hid in the shadows, allowing him to run past me. I knew I only had a few minutes before he would find me again, so I took off in the other direction. This continued for some time, before I came to a dead end, and I threw my arms in the air. Bollocks. Now he's going to catch me.

Suddenly, I heard a voice in my head, and instantly recognised it as Wingfleet.

"Fate's one thing none of us can control or escape. You just have to accept it and move on."

What...? Of course. It made perfect sense now. That's why I could never escape him before. I turned round and started walking back the way I had come. I wasn't worried anymore, I knew what I had to do.

"Where've you got to pal? I'm right here!" I called into the darkness. He took the bait, and I saw him appear round a corner. I didn't run this time, I simply turned to face him.

"Let's get this over with."

He started to run at me, but just before he reached me, I closed my eyes and whispered, "I'm sorry."

This time, no images flooded my vision, and after ten seconds, I opened my eyes to see the halls becoming illuminated with light. The concrete floor started to grow tufts of soft green grass, and the rust on the walls slowly crumbled, revealing white stone walls underneath. I turned round, and saw my copy standing in front of me. His clothes were no longer torn, and the wounds were healed, so that he was now identical to me.

He gave me a small smile, and nodded. I then watched as he walked down the hall, a faded away.

I awoke with a start. I was still on the sofa, and I couldn't feel any cold sweats. I shifted to get more comfortable, and felt something press on my shoulder. It was then that I realised that Scootaloo was sleeping next to me. I figured she must have come sometime in the night, and I saw her hoof was pawing at something in her dream.

I wasn't sure how I would do as an adoptive father, but I swore I would do my best. Scout's honour.