Chapters Secrets unbound (Up For Adoption)
Chapter 1 (Re-edited)
It was a normal day in Ponyville, well as normal as it could be anyway, three small fillies are seen leaving the Whitetail Woods, covered in tree-sap, again. These fillies were known as The Cutie Mark Crusaders, or the destroyers of Ponyville, the latter not known to them. Their names were Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.
“Ugh, why do we always get covered in this stuff!” Scootaloo complained.
“Ah don't know, ah just wish it would stop” Apple Bloom answered.
“Guys? Little help?” Sweetie Belle pleaded, she seemed to have gotten her hoof stuck to her mane trying to remove a twig.
“Ah guess it is safe to say that Cutie Mark Crusader Tree Climbers is a bust?” Apple Bloom quipped.
They all checked their flanks, only to find them blank, as it always seemed to happen, much to the disdain of the trio.
“Yup!” said Scootaloo answered, slightly agitated “how many different things have we tried?”
“Today or altogether?” Questioned Sweetie Belle.
“Today” Scootaloo added, strangely amused at the situation. The fact Sweetie was asking this obviously meant she was keeping track.
“Hmm, ten I believe” Sweetie Belle answered, sighing.
“An' altogether?” Apple Bloom pondered, genuinely curious.
“Um, about one thousand, three hundred and sixty six” Sweetie Belle revealed.
“You kept count?” Scootaloo asked, surprised.
“Well, yeah” replied Sweetie Belle “I wanted to keep track to tell future members of our adventures” she added.
“Ah guess that makes sense,” said Apple Bloom.
They looked off toward the horizon to see that the sun had begun its descent, and that Luna's moon would soon come out of its hiding place on the other side. Personally, Scootaloo loved this part of the day, and hated it in a sense.
She loved it because the sky would shine the same color as her coat, she was sure that if she could fly up there she would be camouflaged and the only way she would be visible is because of her mane.
But she also loathed this time of day, because she would yet again be reminded that her friends would be returning to their warm homes, while she returned to her small enclave hidden near the edge of the Everfree.
“Well guys” she said “we best be heading home, it’s getting late” she added pointing to the sky.
“Aww” the other two groaned.
“Don't worry guys tomorrow's the weekend, we can crusade as long as we want, no problem right?” Scootaloo said, with a slight chuckle.
“Sorry Scoots ah can’t” Apple Bloom said dejected “Mah family needs me to help with the apple-buckin' this weekend.”
“And Rarity wants me to help her run the store tomorrow,” Sweetie Belle added, “I'm free on Sunday though.”
“Oh” was all Scootaloo could say.
“Hey, ah got an idea!” Apple Bloom suddenly said, “Couldn’t you ask Rainbow Dash to help ya with your flyin'” she added “how’s that coming anyway?”
“Ugh, not too well, I still can’t get much more than half a hoof off the ground.” Scootaloo stated.
“Well, then ya should ask! That would give Diamond Tiara one less thing to get on your nerves with, oh, ah would love tah see her face when she sees ya showing off yer moves, cos ah reckon if you’re as good in the skies as ya are on yer scooter, you’re a shoo'in for dem Wonderbolts for sure!” Apple Bloom praised, gleaming at her currently flightless friend.
“Yeah!”-exclaimed Sweetie Belle, still balancing on three legs.
“Whoops! Sorry Sweetie forgot you were still in a sticky situation,” Scootaloo said, holding her sides “And thanks you guys,” she said blushing.
“Think nothin' of it Scoots, ah hate seeing you guys down,” Apple Bloom said, hugging her friend, causing her to squirm.
“Erm, too close for comfort, AB,” Scootaloo complained, slightly uneasy.
“Well let’s get washed up and head home,” Sweetie Belle added.
The trio quickly went their separate ways, when Scootaloo was sure no one was around to see she quickly scampered off into the Everfree forest. After she was about 20 feet in, she saw the small entrance into her cave. Parting the overgrown vines, she stepped inside.
“I'm home!” she called to no-one in particular. Walking down her 'hallway', as she called it, the cave opened out into a large underground reservoir. A small pool in the center coming from a small waterfall that originated from a hole in the cave wall, said hole currently held a makeshift grate to keep any dangerous creatures from entering her 'sanctuary'. The small pool was surrounded by a large area of greenery and a small makeshift hammock. she was glad she had this place, but it got very lonely quite often.
“Well, I best eat,” she said opening her makeshift trunk, thankful she was attentive in shop class, still, her skills could not live up to Apple Bloom’s, but it was enough to make do. She found the fruits of her labors, figuratively, of course, as the trunk was full of different pastries. “I still can’t believe the Cakes let me do deliveries for them,” she said aloud, thinking back as her own voice echoed through her mind, “My mom said if I want pocket money I’d need to earn it.” She felt bad for lying, but it was that or steal, and the Cakes gave her more than enough, which was cool with her, as she needed food and school supplies.
She ate four cupcakes and two oranges, then walked over to her hammock and nestled down on her sheets of soft grass and pillow of hay. Gradually she began to fall asleep, dreaming of flying, her wings twitching erratically in her sleep, but she became aware that there was a strange feeling in the pit of her stomach, was it nervousness? No, she didn’t have anything to be nervous about. It didn’t feel like anything she had felt before, and yet, it felt somehow familiar, like a strange itch inside her stomach, as if something is trying to make itself known, but that could wait until tomorrow; she was tired.
Author's Note
Well guys, I finally did it, first chapters up! hope you enjoy.
Update, now edited, a massive thanks to L_wolf for that.
Secrets unbound (Up For Adoption)
Chapter 2 (Re-edited)
Scootaloo was happily soaring through the clouds; she didn’t know why, but the feeling of the sun on her coat mixed with the feeling of the wind in her mane felt, exciting. She didn’t know how to explain it, and she didn’t care. Most pegasi probably knew this feeling.
Looking down Scootaloo saw Ponyville beneath her. though it made her feel bad, she felt that it belonged there. The colorful rooftops making a collage of some sort, and it made her feel special, for she knew that only pegasi, or ponies with the means too fly, could see this wondrous sight. She felt weird that she wasn’t getting tired; normally she could only hover for a minute, if she really pushed herself. Now that she thought about it, she couldn't even remember taking off.
“Oh, well” she thought. “At least this means I get a Pinkie Pie party later,” she added.
Now, as she looked around, she couldn't see anypony. It was the middle of the afternoon, and yet, the entirety of ponyville was deserted.
“Wait, what?” she asked herself, “Where is everypony?”
That's when she heard it, was the sky growling at her?
Yet, when she looked around there was no sign of a storm, not even a cloud. Realization struck her.
“It’s a dream” she noted “No wonder I can’t remember taking off, because I never did”
“Then where...” Scootaloo wondered to herself.
Scootaloo awoke with a start, only to see a timberwolf advancing on her.
“So,” she sighed, “You made yourself at home I see,” she stated dryly, knowing the only answer she would receive.
The beast lunged towards her, but she was quicker. Flipping off her makeshift bed, she landed and rolled to the side. The timberwolf swung at her, only to miss her left ear by a hair width. She didn't even flinch; she just continued to stand her ground and glare at the beast, studying it, hoping it would be as predictable as the rest of its kind.
It was.
The beast pounced, attempting to pin her she rolled under it. Scootaloo sprinted for her chest, to find something to injure the beast. A small flint. She realized early on that she would need things like this; after all, living in the Everfree wasn’t the safest option , but it sure beat the orphanage.
Diving to the side, knife in hoof, she waited for the beast’s next move. Yet again, predictable as always, it lunged. Rolling to the side, she drove the knife into where its bottom jaw connected to the rest of it, dislodging it. She knew well enough by now, that without its jaw at full strength, she could take it.
Running towards the beast, she decided its eyes would be the best idea; if it couldn’t see it was a goner. She hated doing this, but it was her or it; it had invaded her territory. Sure, she could run, but then the beast would claim her home for itself, and she took ages to find this place. Therefore, she had no choice.
After taking care of its eyes, she knew she should make this quick for the poor beast. Sliding under it, she thrust her knife through its body into it magical core, disrupting the flow of magic holding it together. Now without magic to hold it up, the beast fell to the ground and broke apart.
She then decided it would be wise to gather all its 'parts' and toss them in the nearest river. That way the current would carry it far away from here. She also decided, that she would have to find a way to block the entrance to her home, so this would not happen again.
Checking herself over, she noticed a few bruises, but no scratches.
“Hmm, at least that's an improvement;” she shuddered, “I’m getting too good at fighting these things.”
“Well, I guess I should start looking for Dash,” she noted that it was only about Eleven AM; it’s hard to know the time down to the second without a clock. after clearing away the last remains of the timberwolf, she went back inside and put her gear away. Grabbing her helmet and walking towards her scooter, she headed off for town.
It didn't take long for her to find Rainbow; she was sleeping on a cloud as usual. Scootaloo was a little jealous every time she saw Rainbow Dash doing this; she was able to do this at will, while Scootaloo was stuck on the ground.
“Hey! Rainbow Dash! Wake Up!” Scootaloo yelled, hoping Dash would hear her.
“Hu? What, what's going on.” she heard Dash mumble, directly after she saw the face of her idol appear at over the edge of the cloud. “OH! HEY, SQUIRT! WHAT'S UP!” Dash yelled, then immediately soared down to meet her 'little sister'.
“Hey, Dash? Could I ask you something?” Scootaloo asked, feeling slightly nervous. 'What if she turns me down, or laughs,' she thought.
“Uh, you’re not gonna ask me where foals come from are ya kid,” Dash asked with an awkward cough.
“WHAT!?!” Scootaloo asked, shocked. “No, Dash I’m not, I already know all that junk.”
“Oh, good.” Dash sighed, relieved. 'dodged a bullet there Dash,' she thought to herself. “So what did ya want to ask me kid?” Dash asked.
“Oh, um,” Scootaloo stalled. 'C'mon, Scoots get this over with' “I was wondering if you would teach me to fly,” she blurted out quickly.
Dash just stood there looking at Scootaloo with a blank expression on her face.
Scootaloo coughed. “Um, hello?” she asked.
“You want me to teach you to fly?” Dash asked.
“Uh, yeah,” Scootaloo replied.
“THIS. IS. AWESOME!” Dash yelled. “I've always wanted to teach somepony how to fly! And I promise Scoots, I won’t let ya down!” She seemed overjoyed at the opportunity.
The two 'sisters' made their way to the field under Dash’s house; it was large, and the weather seemed perfect for flying.
“Y'know scoots? I've been waiting for you to ask me for a while,” Dash stated.
“R-really?” Scoots asked.
“Yup!” Dash answered, “Took your sweet time about it though.”
“Oh,” Scoots replied, “Well, y'see, I thought you would think I was cooler, if I taught myself.”
“Scoots, there's nothing you could do to make me think you're any cooler,” Dash stated. “And you should never feel ashamed to ask for help. Ya remember when Applejack tried to do Applebuck season all by herself when Big Mac got hurt?” she asked.
“Yeah, she went a little crazy” Scoots recalled.
“I don't ever want to see you get like that,” Dash added, laughing at the memory. “All right! Enough talk, let’s see whatch'a got!”
Author's Note
Ain't it just annoying when chapters end on a cliff-hanger?
Secrets unbound (Up For Adoption)
“All right! Enough talk, let’s see whatcha got!” said Dash.
~ 0 ~
“You are so on!” said Scootaloo, eagerly buzzing her wings.
“First things first squirt,” Dash had now gone into 'coach mode'. “You need to do some warm ups, gimme about, 50 wing ups.”
“On it,” replied Scootaloo.
Scootaloo found the wing ups easier than she thought they should have been. briefly she considered asking dash about it, but decided it wasn’t important at the moment.
“Wow kid, you managed that without breaking a sweat. I’ll bet that's all the work pulling your friends on your scooter paying off.” Dash mused. “Hey I wanna try something. Wait here.” with that she took off for her home, only to appear moments later with what appeared to be a set of weights designed to fit onto a pegasus’ wings.
“Here kid, put there on. Let’s see how much you can lift,” Dash challenged,
“How much could you lift at my age?” Scoots asked.
“Hey, this ain't about me kid, but if ya beat my record I’ll let ya know; Here let me fit those for ya,” Dash offered.
“Ok, thanks,” Scoots replied.
After a decent while lifting weights, it turned out Scoots had stronger wings than Dash imagined. She could already lift about 25 kilos with her wings alone while Dash could only lift 20 as a filly herself, but that made Dash slightly concerned; she now questioned why Scoots couldn't fly even more.
“Ok, kid. I believe that’s good enough a warm up as any; let's see if we can get you in the air,” Dash said, trying the best to keep her concern out of her voice.
“Something wrong Dash?” Scoots questioned, catching the slight waver in Dash's voice.
Darn how’d she catch that? Dash thought to herself, obviously caught off guard. “Eh. Nah kid, ya just beat my record by about five kilos, that all, but I'm proud of ya, nice job there.” Dash half lied.
“And the truth?” Scootaloo asked, having been through this all before coming to Ponyville. She had learned how to pick things up from the subtlest of hints, even if not intentional.
Dash sighed, knowing she couldn't get out of this one. “Well y'see, thing is kid with wings as strong as yours you should'a been in the air ages ago.”
Scoots frowned at this. “You mean I should be flying by now? But somehow I'm still grounded?”
“Uh, yeah” Dash replied, expecting to have to comfort Scoots at any minute.
“That’s weird. Any idea why?” Scootaloo decided this might be the best time to get answers as any.
“I might, wait here!” and yet again Dash took off, flying towards her napping cloud and bringing it over to Scoots.
“Uh, Dash? I'm confused, not tired,” she pointed out.
Dash laughed at this, “I know kid, and you’re surprisingly fit for your age. Here jump on; I need to see something,” she added, thinking she was onto something, but hoping she wasn't.
“Uh, sure,” answered Scoots, so she jumped towards the cloud, only to fall straight through it. “What the hay?! Uh, Dash, ain't pegasi supposed to be able to walk on clouds?”
“Yeah, we are. This could be serious; hop on kid!” Dash said, now even more worried.
“Ok, where are we going?” Scoots asked as she climbed aboard, fearing the worst.
“The hospital, kid. I know a great pegasi specialist there; he could help us figure this out!” and with that they blasted into the air, speeding towards Ponyville hospital.
Great Scootaloo thought to herself All she told me to do was lay low and teach myself to survive, but nothing will attract attention to me like having no medical records in this town; looks like I may have to move again, but I can’t do that 'until I'm ready', whatever that means.
~ 0 ~
According to dash they reached the hospital in record time, and were now waiting in a small, sterile room. Dash sitting in a chair while Scoots sat on an examination table, waiting for this so-called 'specialist' Dash mentioned.
The door opened to reveal a cheery looking, bronze colored unicorn, with a glowing wing for a cutie mark. “Hello there Ms. Dash, funny seeing you here without an injury this time,” he said with a smirk, then turning to Scootaloo on the examination table “Oh? I don’t believe we’ve met before, you are?”
Dash said nothing, but thought Wait? How could he have not met Scootaloo before? Not even a checkup?
“Uh, Scootaloo sir,” she said nervously, seeing the curious look Dash was giving her.
“Sorry miss, but do you see any armor or medals on my body?” the 'specialist' asked her.
“Um, no?” Scoots answered, unsure if she had offended him or not.
“Then please, just call Me Bright Wing, and don't address me like one of Celestia's soldiers,” he answered with a smile.
“Ok,” Scoots gave him a funny look, but said nothing.
“Now, down to business! What seems to be the problem with you, Hmm?” Bright wing asked, addressing Scootaloo.
“Well doc. It seems Scootaloo here can't get off the ground, or even stand on clouds.” Dash answered for Scootaloo, wanting to cut to the chase.
“Really? My, my, how odd. I haven’t seen a case like this in a long, long time. It would appear then that her innate Pegasus Magic is not working as it should, but I would like to draw some blood, and check young Ms. Scootaloo's medical records to be sure,” he stated, turning to Scootaloo as he asked her “Not afraid of needles are we,”
“Nope,” answered Scootaloo.
“You're right Ms. Dash, she is like you, though I wonder if she really isn’t afraid of needles,” he said, obviously teasing Dash.
“Wait, Dash? You’re afraid of needles?” Scoots asked.
“Heh, gee thanks Doc. Eh, yeah kid, I am.” Dash said, glancing around nervously “But don’t go around telling everypony that I am, because I will totally deny it.”
“Sure thing Dash” Scootaloo said as Bright Wing came back into the room carrying a tray with a syringe and a couple of test tubes on it in his magic.
“Ok then, let’s not waste any time seeing what is wrong with you, young Scootaloo. Left foreleg out please,” Bright Wing asked kindly.
Scootaloo held out her left foreleg as Bright Wing readied the syringe, but, as he tried to insert the needle to draw the blood, the needle snapped. “Hmm, how strange…” He tried again only to receive the same results. “Is this one of your pranks Ms. Dash?”
“Nope, though I seriously wish it was. I can’t take claim to this one, Scootaloo?” she asked, finding this seriously strange.
“Do I look like a unicorn? How could I do this besides having super powers or magic?” Scoots asked, finding this just as weird they were.
“Unicorn? Hmm, Ms. Dash could you possibly go and get Ms. Sparkle. I believe she would want to see this,” Bright Wing asked, turning to Dash.
“Sure thing, Doc,” Dash said, leaving the room.
Once Dash was out of the room Bright Wing turned back to Scootaloo. “Now, Ms. Scootaloo may I ask you how long you have lived in Ponyville?”
“Uh, around four years, why?” she answered, already knowing the answer.
“Oh, it's just that we don't seem to have you on record here, but I guess that may just be a clerical error from another city. Moreover, we can deal with that later. But if you have not been to this hospital in since moving here, I guess we have to give you a quick check up, to be on the safe side.” Bright Wing explained.
“Oh. Okay, sure, I guess.” Scootaloo answered. She was curious that he just shrugged off the fact she had no medical records or hadn't brought up her parents yet.
They went about the usual examinations until Bright Wing asked her to raise her left wing. She reluctantly complied, showing him a scar that was carved under her wing it read #2414."
“Hmm what have we here? How did you get this?” Bright Wing asked calmly.
Scootaloo took an aggressive stance, “That is none of your business! So keep out of it and tell no-one you saw that!” she said while lowering her wing and glaring at him.
“Okay, you have my word.” he answered calmly.
“Wait? Just like that?” she asked, completely derailed.
“Yup! Just like that,” he replied.
“Okay, what’s the catch?” she asked, sensing a scheme.
“No catch whatsoever, somepony else will find out eventually, be it on your terms or not,” he answered cheerfully.
Walking in the door with Twilight, Dash returned at that exact moment. “Find what out Doc?” she asked only hearing the tail end of the conversation.
“Oh, we were just saying that we would be able to find out why Scootaloo can't seem to get off the ground or stand on clouds, after we find out why my needles keep breaking.”
“Yeah, Dash told me about this on the way over here, but I doubt a mere filly's skin could break a stainless steel needle, no offence Scootaloo.” she added quickly.
“None taken Twilight,” Scootaloo shrugged.
“Shall I demonstrate?” Bright Wing asked.
“Go ahead,” said Scootaloo, holding out her foreleg. Bright Wing tried the same process, but yet again, the needle snapped.
“Incredible! I don’t even see how that should be possible,” Twilight mused.
“Join the bucking club,” Scootaloo mused quietly, or so she thought, until the two mares in the room gasped.
“Kid?! Where did you hear that language,” Dash asked, trying to stifle a giggle.
“My folks,” Scootaloo half-lied.
“Ok. Just don't say that ever again!” Dash ordered, feeling that she couldn’t really punish Scoots for doing something that she does every day.
“Can't promise that, but I’ll try,” Scoots agreed. Dash shrugged at Twilights glare.
“So, shall we get back to the task at hand?” Bright Wing asked, speaking up for the first time since Scootaloo swore.
Twilight coughs to get everypony's attention. “Ahem, yes, why is it that you need to draw blood from her anyway?” Twilight asked, bring herself back from shock.
“Well, we need to check her magic levels, to understand why she can’t fly or walk on clouds,” Bright Wing explained.
“You can’t walk on clouds?” Twilight asked Scootaloo.
“Well, no,” Scoots replied.
“Interesting,” Twilight mused, turning to Bright Wing she asked, “I could just test her magic levels with my own magic if you like?”
“Why did I not think of that? But go ahead,” Bright Wing granted.
“Okay, Scootaloo stand over there please.” Scootaloo shrugged and walked over to where Twilight gestured. Scootaloo was suddenly coated in a purple/pink aura. She began to feel a tingling sensation all over.
“Hmm, it would seem that your magic is being blocked by a magical construct of some sort. Now how in Equestria did that get there?” Twilight asked, genuinely amazed.
“Pony if I know? Does that mean I’ll never fly?” Scootaloo asked, feeling less hope.
“Oh? Oh, heavens no. I think I know a spell that can remove it. But there's something else, something I can’t place, but it’s so familiar.” Twilight said, and Scootaloo seemed to brighten up.
“Can you do that spell now!?” Scootaloo asked eagerly.
“Well yes, but Scootaloo you must know this spell is highly experimental, and I've never really practiced it,” Twilight explained, slightly embarrassed.
“I don't care if it kills me… do it!” Scootaloo demanded.
“Whoa! Kid, you sure about this?” Dash asked, shocked at Scootaloo's exclamation.
“Dash, you know better than anyone, pegasi are born to fly, if I can’t, I'm just a weak earth pony with a freakish growth on my sides. So I’ll say it one more time, Twilight, do it!”
“Okay, Scootaloo. I'll do it,” Twilight relented, “Stand still,” she added as her horn began to glow. Scootaloo saw a bright flash of light, followed by a searing headache, then, nothing.
Author's Note
This is a big longer, enjoy.
Secrets unbound (Up For Adoption)
Chapter 4: Origins (edited)
Chapter 4: Origins (edited)
Scootaloo awoke in an environment she had become all too familiar with, a plain white room with a single window, about three beds and medical equipment. However, normally every time she was in here she would wake up sore, yet today she felt like she was bursting with energy. Just as she was about to call for Rainbow Dash the very same mare opened the door to check on her.
“Hey Twilight! Looks like we won’t need to wait, she's awake.” Dash called Twilight over, yet she seemed to be eyeing Scootaloo suspiciously.
“Wait for what Dash?” Scootaloo asked fearing she already knew the answer.
“Well kid, you have been out for around twelve hours, but the strange part is that no-one has come looking for you. Also when you passed out you fell on your side with your wings spread so, I saw that scar you’re carrying around, and I want to know how you got it.” Dash explained calmly, not wanting to beat around the bush. “Oh, and we finally managed to get that blood sample by the way, though I though the doc would be back by now with that.” she added.
“Oh, you saw that?” Scoots sighed; she knew there was no way out of this. “So, what do you wanna ask first?”
“Wait, what?” Dash asked stunned.
“I'm sure you have a lot of questions, about this,” She said showing off the scar under her wing, “And about plenty of other things, so go on, ask away, but don't expect answers you will like.”
“Okay, twilight said your scar looked like a number, care to clarify?” dash asked.
“Yeah, it’s a number, two-four-one-four, to be precise.” Scootaloo stated.
“Wow. Did it hurt? Never mind. What is it supposed to mean?” Dash asked, but got the feeling the answer was not going to be pretty.
“It means I was the two thousand four hundred fourteenth orphan left to the home in Las Pegasus. The crazy mare that owned the place basically strapped us down and carved our numbers into us!” Scootaloo felt she should clarify.
“Wait? Las Pegasus? Then how in the hay did you end up in Ponyville? That's like, a thousand miles from here!” Dash exclaimed.
“Well, that’s a long story.” Scootaloo explained.
~ 0 ~
“I was getting it pretty rough from that bitch that ran the joint, some foals I had never seen before came and tackled her to the ground and told me to scram for the entrance. I wasn’t about to hesitate at getting out of there. When I got into the front yard there was someone standing there wearing an old looking cloak, and just told me to follow her so I did. When I asked about the other foals she just said they could look after themselves and that they would be fine.” Scootaloo started to explain.
“The weird thing is she already knew my name. However, she asked me everything about my life so far, but when I asked her she would just say that I would find out when I was ready. We would walk for days, stopping at the occasional town or village. At about the fourth one she just told me to wait on a park bench when she came back she gave me my scooter. She said it would help me keep up, I was only around six at the time, and obviously, I couldn’t fly. The only thing I ever found out about her is that she was a pegasus. Anyway we had been walking for around four months, she had been teaching me how to live off what small amounts of food she could find, mostly fish though. She said it was a special thing for us pegasi to eat, I didn't really care, it tasted delicious.”
“But anyway we eventually came to a small hill overlooking Ponyville; she said this place would do. We found a place to live,” Scootaloo did not want to give up where she lived just yet. So she didn’t say where it was. “And settled in, but one morning I woke up to find that she had left, but there was a note next to my bed, telling me she would return when I was ready and that I had learned how to take care of myself.”
~ 0 ~
“And that's how I came to live in Ponyville.” Scootaloo finished. She opened her eyes to find out that not only were Twilight and Dash there but I also her fellow crusaders and the rest of the mane six, turns out they had all been waiting outside, but came in when she started telling her story, and were looking at her with expressions of shock.
“Whoa, kid. I never woulda' thought you had it that rough.” Dash stated, saying what the rest all were thinking.
“Rough? Nah, I mean the home sucked, but after that, it was kinda cool. Do you guys realize how many different cities and towns I got to see? It was awesome!” Scootaloo said beaming. “Though, I still wonder where that mare got to, I know she'll show up sometime.”
“Scoots, how come ya never told us before now?” Apple Bloom spoke up for the first time since entering the room.
“Yeah!” Sweetie Belle agreed.
“No-one ever asked.” Scootaloo stated.
“Oh...” was the only reply from the crusaders.
“Wait!” Apple Bloom interrupted, “You said you settled in, but ya never told us where.”
“How bout I show you all sometime, you might like it! Especially you Rarity!” Scootaloo chuckled, remembering she lived in a cave with a hot spring. “But can I ask some questions now?”
“Uh, sure kid. Ask away.” Dash answered, Twilight smiled knowing what Scootaloo was likely to ask.
“Did the spell work Twilight?” Scootaloo asked her eyes shining with hope.
“Well, yes it did, but something else happened alongside that. It turns out the spell not only freed your magic but also your ancestors magic too,” Twilight explained.
“Uh, what?” was Scootaloo's only reply. Twilight face hoofed 'I should have seen that coming'
“It means that all the magic you have lingering from whatever you parents, grandparents, great grandparents and so on has been freed too. Turns out Celestia sent me that spell to fix that. But that means that somehow you have been given the magic of all three pony races.”
“Wait, then shouldn’t I be an alicorn, like you?” Scootaloo asked expecting a horn to sprout from her head any second now.
“No, sorry to rain on your parade, but no.” Twilight seemed amused by this.
“Why not?” Scootaloo asked, not disappointed, just curious.
“Scootaloo can you tell me what Princess Luna and Princess Celestia represent” Twilight asked knowing what the little filly would say.
“Uh? The sun and the moon?” Scootaloo answered thinking it was obvious.
“Nope, they control the sun and the moon, but they represent harmony between the three pony races. They are both exactly a third of all pony races. You on the other hand are mostly pegasus.
Mind you might have some unicorn abilities and a bit more strength now, I’d need to figure out how much of each race you are, but we can do that, or maybe the blood sample can help me do that. But you’re still going to be a pegasus.” Twilight clarified, not only for Scootaloo, but for the others in the room as well.
“What sort of unicorn abilities are we talking about here Twi?” Dash asked, piquing Scootaloo's curiosity as well.
“Hmm, well I'd need to run some tests but I'm not sure, now I have to admit I'm quite curious as well.” Twilight stated, now also full of curiosity about Scootaloo’s unicorn side.
“Well how 'bout we get the kid out of here, go to your library, then find out? Then after that, we might as well find out where she lives. Sound good to you kid?” Dash asked, setting out a plan of action.
“Sounds good to me” Scootaloo answered, getting off the bed.
Author's Note
Well here's chapter 4 and may I wish you all a happy new year!
Secrets unbound (Up For Adoption)
“Sounds good to me” Scootaloo answered, getting off the bed, stretching as she did so. “Hey Twilight?”
Twilight turned around to face Scootaloo, ready to answer her question. “Yes, Scootaloo?”
“Why is it the doc couldn’t get the needle through the first couple of times but when I was out he managed it first try?” Scootaloo asked, grinning as she heard Sweetie squeak something about not liking needles
“That is actually a very good question, and I guess we will get our answers once the tests come back.” Twilight had to admit that question that plagued her mind also. “I told Bright Wing to bring the sample and the results to me once the test were done,” she added.
“Ok, shall we?” said Dash, growing slightly impatient. At this Twilight could only roll her eyes.
~ 0 ~
The walk back to the Library was relatively calm and short, they opened the door to see Spike putting the rest of Twilights study-books back into their correct shelves from a while ago.
“Spike, I’ll need your help in the basement, we need to run some tests on Scootaloo here.” Twilight then proceeded on filling Spike in on the situation, and was invited to join them to Scootaloo’s home when they were done. The rest of the group opted to wait upstairs while Dash, Scootaloo, Spike, and Twilight went down to the basement. In their it seemed that Twilight had built a makeshift laboratory filled with all sorts of strange looking equipment.
“Okay, Scootaloo I’ll need you to sit in that chair over there so I can get e decent reading on your magic levels so I can determine what you might be capable of, then I’ll ask Spike to get the relevant books on the topics while we figure out how you could do magic without a horn.”
“Seems simple enough, for a bunch of science'y stuff anyway,” Scootaloo confirmed, then wandered over to the high-tech looking chair and sat down, Twilight came over, put a funny-looking hat on her head, and attached the wires to the machine next to the chair.
“Now Scootaloo just remember to stay perfectly still while were doing this, I want to make sure we get a perfect reading,” at this Scootaloo nodded. With that the machine and 'hat' started to come to life and twilight rushed over to come sort of computer to look at the screen.
“So kid,” Dashes finally spoke up once Twilight was occupied with the screen.
“What’s up Dash, more questions?” Scootaloo asked feeling that Dash was still curious about her past.
“Actually yeah, since you told us about how you got here. I’ve been wondering who was that mare that got you out of the orphanage and here to Ponyville…? I mean she shows up out of nowhere, takes you away from an orphanage, teaches you to live off the land, and leads you all the way to here, buys you a house then takes off?” Dash briefly summarized Scootaloo's story.
“Well one or two of those things ain’t exactly correct, but for the most part, yeah, that’s the jist of it, and I don’t really know who she is or why she did it, but I'm glad she did, but I know I’ll see her again soon enough.” Scootaloo explained.
“How so?” Dash inquired.
“Well she did say she'd stop by occasionally to check up and see how I was doing.” Scootaloo clarified. Dash could only nod at this seeing no reason to poke a hole in the filly' logic.
~ Some Time Later ~
Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash had gone from talking about Scootaloo's life in Ponyville compared to Las Pegasus, to Dash's life; Scootaloo was enjoying a tale about a prank Dash pulled a teacher she hated in Flight school, when Twilight spoke up. “Okay I think I have all the test data I need.” At this Scootaloo could only sigh in relief, all her joints were starting to get stiff from sitting still.
“Thank Celestia. I thought I was gonna be sitting there forever.” Scootaloo Groaned.
“Right with ya there, squirt!” Dash added getting up and stretching her wings out.
“I swear If I hadn’t known you two I’d swear you were actually sisters,” Twilight quipped. The other two could only laugh.
“So what's the verdict Twi?” Dash asked, feeling just as excited as Scootaloo was.
“Well it would seem that any unicorn ancestors Scootaloo had must have been quite powerful by unicorn status she has rather high magic levels. However, the fact she is a Pegasus limits her options on what she could be capable of performing. I’ll need to run more test on the readings I have but from what I can tell, she could be capable of some elemental magic and short-range teleportation. However, that will wear her out quite a bit, and shield spells, but that would be all I'm afraid.” Twilight explained before continuing.
“Still for a Pegasus as young as she is it is definitely nothing to laugh at. But once I get the blood sample back I'm going to test it against all known pony races to see if I can get any matches and find out what pony races exactly she is a combination of.” Twilight finished explaining. “But for now why don’t we see where you live, okay Scootaloo?”
“Sure, I could use some sun anyway.” Scootaloo answered, they then walked up the stairs to get the others. Once she opened the door she asked the others. “Shall we head over to my place?” At this the crusaders cheered, as Scootaloo lead everybody out the door.
The walk was fairly calm, even with Pinkie constantly asking if they were there yet. On the way they ran into doctor Bright Wing and he handed the blood sample to Twilight. They continued walking but they had reached the edge of the Everfree Forest, “Okay guys, stay quiet I know you guys can handle yourselves but I don’t want to disturb the neighbors if I can help it.”
“Wait, you live in the Everfree?” Dash asked.
“It ain’t that bad, well, if you know how to take care of yourself.” Scootaloo reasoned.
Scootaloo lead the others down her usual path that lead them not too far in and also right to the entrance of her 'home' parting the vines to reveal her hot spring she heard some gasps from behind her as they all entered the spring.
“Feel free to look around, but don’t look in that chest over by the hammock, some of you won’t like what I have to keep in it.” At that, Rainbow and Twilight gave her a strange look but went to investigate the rest of her little sanctuary. Once they were all done she felt they would have questions and of course some of them would be easy to guess but she called them all over anyway telling them to ask away.
The first of the group was of course Dash, “Say kid, I find it cool how you live here and all but, don't you ever get attacked by Timberwolves?”
“Well yeah, but that’s why that mare who brought me here taught me how to deal with them, and also taught me how to use this,” with that she pulled a small knife from her tail (she always felt she would need to carry some form of defense considering she couldn’t fly yet.) “I have quite a few others in that chest over there as well of some fishing nets and stuff. Speaking of, Apple Bloom? Thanks for helping me fix those nets a while back.” At this Apple Bloom could only smile her question answered, though not directly.
Scootaloo spent the best part of an hour answering questions that had to do with what it was like to live in the Everfree, though most were straightforward answers some she had to admit she did not know the answers too, until Apple Bloom asked her a question she really didn’t expect.
“Hey Scoots? Ya told us you know how tah take care of a timberwolf encounter, but how long have ya been putting the beasts down?” Apple Bloom asked sending curiosity throughout the group of ponies.
At this Scootaloo actually had to think “Well it’s just a rough guess but I've been dealing with them since I was five, around?” At that the group was shocked, here she was, a currently flightless eight year old filly living in the Everfree and taking on Timberwolves just to survive.
“Kid you realize that know we know your secret you could come live with one of us right?” Dash asked.
“I know, and it’s a kind offer and all, but I think I’ll have to decline, like I said I'm comfortable here, I know how to take care of myself, and how else is that mare gonna find me hu?” Scootaloo felt she had to clarify.
“Okay kid, you have a good point, but what happens if a timberwolf catches you in your sleep?” Dash asked, making the others gasp.
“They have tried, and they have failed. Why just this morning before I came to get you one tries to get me and I dealt with it.” Scootaloo stated.
“No way, I didn’t see a scratch on you.” Dash remarked.
“Point proven?” Scootaloo asked sarcastically.
“Yeah,” Dash answered knowing the filly had won.
“Good, oh and on that note, hey Apple Bloom?” Scootaloo asked looking to her friend.
“Yeah Scoots?” Apple Bloom answered.
“Think you could help me fit a door sometime? I can get a bit drafty in here, besides it being a hot-spring.” With that, the whole group started laughing.
~ 0 ~
Meanwhile on a small hill overlooking Ponyville, a cloaked mare stared off into the distance towards the Everfree.
“Well my little sunset, it seems you’re nearly ready.” With that, she turned revealing the bottom part of her violet/purple tail.
Author's Note
Well guys I hope you enjoy this chapter. Edits are back! thanks again to L_Wolf
Secrets unbound (Up For Adoption)
Far down a river in the Everfree
Unknown to the three fillies spending a night in Scootaloo's home, twigs and branches of a felled timberwolf begin to re-animate, however the newly born timberwolf seems a lot smaller than before.
As it awakens it has a nagging feeling that something is not quite right, it's magic seems different somehow, like someone else's latent magic is mingling with its own, creating something, new.
Secrets unbound (Up For Adoption)
The smell of smoke, of burning wood.
The sound of screams and growls.
The orange glow of flames and a burning schoolhouse.
Not to mention the shadow of a giant wolf with glowing red eyes.
The voices in her head certainly didn't help make sense of things.
And then....
The attack.
=====================================
*GASP*
"Scoot?!?" asked Apple bloom, Sweetie looking worried behind her. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing" Scootaloo replied, panting. 'At least for now I think' She thought to herself, that dream felt way too real. "Just a bad dream, let's just go back to sleep."
"Yah sure?" Questioned Apple bloom.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Said Scootaloo, putting on a fake grin.
"Okay then." Replied A.B, however she knew something was up.
Author's Note
Well, maybe it's about time we get back into things.
