Chapters It was Friday night and Scootaloo just entered Sweet Apple Acres. She creped quietly towards a clubhouse at the far end of the farm. The Cutie Mark Crusaders clubhouse was nothing much, just an old clubhouse of Applejack’s given to Apple Bloom about a year ago. Apple Boom had taken it and given it a new coat of paint and more structural support. Since then it has served as the Crusader’s main meeting spot.
Scootaloo made her way up the ramp and unlocked the door with the key that Apple Bloom hid under a nearby rock. Once inside she took off her saddle bags and took out a small lantern. She lit it up and got a small warm glow that lit up the small room. Along with the lantern she took out a photo of three ponies. In the center was a younger Scootaloo. The first was a Pegasus mare pony with a light purple coat, red mane, and blue eyes. The other pony was a taller orange stallion with purple eyes and a medium cut green mane and tail.
Scootaloo hugged the photo and gave a small tear. It had been a few months now and still every night she had issues falling asleep. Even when she managed to get to sleep she world still have horrible nightmares. More often of what happened that one night.
Lastly she pulled out a small sleeping bag and pillow along with a Daring Do book that she recently borrowed from Twlight at the Golden Oaks Library in town. The sleeping bag had a photo of the Wonderbolts on it and the pillow had small scooters on its case. She huddled up under the lantern and started to read where she had left off the night prior.
Earlier that week Scootaloo found out that during the following weekend that the Apple Family would be visiting Manehatten and Babs. The whole weekend they would be gone. Scootaloo normally stayed with friends and schoolmates these last few months and tried to space who she stayed with as to not raise suspicions. So far it was working well. This weekend happened to be hard due to a lot of her friends not being able to sleep over so she was happy when she found out that the Apple family was going to be gone.
Unfortunately this wasn’t entirely true, the last few days were the end of the season’s harvest and didn’t go so well. The applecart fell apart in a few spots causing a wheel to need repair. As a result Big Macintosh was asked to stay behind and tend to the farm needs and complete the harvest.
It being a Friday night and with the chores completed he decided that he wanted to go for a stroll through town. He headed outside and “burr”.
Being the end of harvest also meant that it was late fall and the nights weren’t getting any warmer. Big Mac headed back inside and got himself a scarf and a jacket and started towards town. He walked through the streets and enjoyed the peaceful fall night. Along the way greeting the few pony passerby’s he encountered.
As he rounded the corner towards the entrance of Sweet Apple Acres he noticed a light off in the distance. It was coming from inside the orchard. Thinking that there was a possible fire he did the only thing that he could think of and ran toward the well. He pulled up the bucket containing water and holding it in his teeth he headed as fast as he could towards the fire.
Getting closer he realized it was the clubhouse that he and Applejack shared as foals. Noticing that the light wasn’t dancing around or spreading he was curious to find out what was going on. Big Mac put the bucket down slowly and Tip-Hoofed up the ramp and peeked into the front window. Inside of all things was a small filly inside a sleeping bag with a book on her chest.
The filly as he could see had an orange coat and a purple mane. Instantly Big Macintosh realized that it was one of his sister’s little friends. Not being around much due to his large work load the name didn’t faze him. He noticed that the filly was asleep and starting to shiver.
Being a gentle as he was in nature he realized he couldn’t leave her there shivering and decided that he needed to help. He lightly tapped open the door and let himself inside. The door creaking open awoke and started the filly and she began to panic.
Trying her best to get away but failed when she realized her sleeping bag had her trapped. The frightened Scootaloo was too scared to say anything. Standing in front of her was a large red stallion with a green apple as a cutie mark. She knew this stallion as Apple Bloom’s older brother Big Mac and was confused as to why he was there, though seeing that the lantern was still lit she realized that was what he must have seen.
“Excuse me miss, might I ask as to why you are sleeping here?” Mac asked in a small shaky tone. He too was frightened after the filly jumped and panicked had gotten his heart racing. The small filly was now in the far corner was curled up in a tight ball scared as to what was going to happen to her. She started crying as soon as he had spoken to her.
As sensitive as he is he knelt down next to the filly seeking to give her comfort. After a while the filly started to calm down and just cuddled into him still weeping. Big Mac realized of the small set up she had and the photo of what must be her parents inside the room. She must have ran away or something but didn’t want to make matters worse by asking at this point.
A few more minutes went by and Scootaloo was calm to the point that she was just seeking the warmth from Big Mac. He finally spoke again this time asking “Do you have a place to stay tonight?” Scootaloo finally looked at him and shook her head no. Big Mac got up and started to pack her few items into her saddle bags.
“E-Excuse me what are you doing?” Scootaloo finally asked a little confused. Looking up from his work of packing he replied “You didn’t expect me to leave you here, do ya Miss?” He then took his scarf he had on and handed it to the filly; she wrapped it around herself happily of its warmth. “What’s your name young lady, I see ya all the time with Apple Bloom and I have never known you name?” Shuffling her feet a little Scootaloo finally answered “It’s Scootaloo Sir, Scoots for short if you don’t mind”.
Big Mac smiled and nodded. “Well tonight you are welcomed to stay in the farm house, ya must be hungery bein out her and all” he said. The filly looked hesitant for a bit before nodding again. “Come back with me to the house and I will give y’all something to eat and y’all welcome to stay in Apple Bloom’s room, I don’t think she mind, you being her close friend and all.”
Scootaloo let out a small squeak of hesitation before nodding once again. Big Mac lifted the saddle bags onto his back and started the lead Scootaloo towards the house.
Scootaloo:
Scootaloo followed Big Mac nervously towards the house. She was not only concerned with him finding out but what will the rest of the Apple family think; even worse of those thoughts were her friends Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Other thoughts consisted of what was going to happen to her after this night was over. What was Big Mac going to do with her?
“Miss Scoot’s?”
Scootaloo jumped a few feet in the air, her wings fully extended out of fear. Buzzing slowly back to the ground Big Mac was looking at her with a concerned look. “yyy-Yes?” said the filly shaking. “Well you just stopped and all and was wondering if you are okay?”
“I just have a lot on my mind at the moment, must have not realized that I stopped, sorry!” she replied shivering more. Big Mac took notice and knelt down next to the filly signaling for her to get up.
Still with a lot of concern on her mind Scootaloo’s thoughts were spinning so fast that she didn’t realize that they had arrived at the Apple Family’s House moments later. Once again frighten when Big Mac lowered himself to allow her to descend from his back.
She hoped off his back and Big Mac opened the back door (Being taught to be a gentlecolt by none other than Granny Smith) and lead her into the kitchen. Lighting the stove he went over to the nearby pantry and got a canned jar of Granny Smith’s carrot dumpling soup. Opening it and dumping it into a pot.
Next he went into the den and fetched a blanket, only to find out Winona was sleeping on it. Tugging it gently away from her and waking her in the process. She began to follow him into the kitchen to investigate not only the smell of food but of another guest. Happy as can be to find someone there.
Scootaloo watch her dance around for a bit and gave a faint smile. Big Mac noticed this as he gave her a bowl of the soup. Still worried with her thoughts about what will happen she watched Winona sniff about and then stop for a drink from her dish nearby.
The soup was delicious and when she was finishing her last spoonful she gave a light yawn. Seeing this Big Mac cleared the dishes from the table and offered the tired filly the chance to take a quick shower.
Scootaloo was still cold and a warm shower sounded like the perfect way to help. She managed a small nod and he guided her to the bathroom on the second floor. Showing her the towels he told her that he would be in his room next door if she needed anything.
Turning on the faucet she waited till the water was alright and hopped in. Just standing there and letting the warm water soak into her fur and feathers. It was just an awesome feeling. After some time just standing there she quickly cleaned herself up with soap and rinsed off before turning off the water.
She got out and dried off using a soft towel from the small closet Mac had showed her. She sat there and looked into the mirror that was near the sink. Just staring there and feeling lonely and confused. The main question on her mind was “Where is this going to go in the long run?”.
:Big Macintosh
Big Mac had just got done with giving Scoots something to eat noticed she was getting tired. After showing her where everything was in the bathroom he decided to lay down in his room next door while he waited for the filly to finish up.
While he was waiting his mind was racing on what he was going to do with her tomorrow. He was unsure of what was going to happen. He decided she was best left here with him till at least Applejack returned late Sunday with Granny and Apple Bloom.
Getting up he realized that she was still in the bathroom. Lightly tapping on the door he heard hoof-steps and the door opened. Scootaloo emerged with a yawn and a sad look on her face. “Miss Scoots, are you alright?”
“Umm, (Sigh) I guess so, I’m just tired”
“Well I don’t think Bloom would mind you sleeping in her room for now, you being her best friend and all, plus we don’t have anywhere else for you to sleep.” he explained as he was leading her down the hall to Apple Bloom’s room.
:Scootaloo
Consisting of a four-post bed with a night stand and dresser with a mirror on top of it, some small personal items scattered here and there, Apple Bloom’s Room was pretty basic. Sitting up on the bed she smiled of all the great memories all three cutie mark crusaders had together in this one room.
Many sleepovers that usually ended up in Applejack or Big Mac yelling at them to go to sleep. Many times they talked afterwards to each other and giggles could still be heard to the early morning hours. Other times would be intense thinking sessions on how to get their cutie marks; many times they came up with nothing. The other thought on her mind was of her parents death bringing tears to her eyes.
Big Macintosh:
Mac sat down and patted her on the shoulder giving her comfort. She started weeping into his fur. The sad and scared filly continued to cry into his fur and after a few minutes she started calming down enough for Big Macintosh to ask “What’s troubling you Scoots?
“It’s m-m-my Mom and Dad” She managed to reply just before Scootaloo starting another crying session that lasted another couple of minutes. The whole time Big Mac continued padding her on the back for comfort. “They Died about 4 months ago”. Unable to control the water works she brought her in for a huge hug.
:Scootaloo
Scootaloo was unable to stop crying at this point and now that someone knew her kept secret she was scared of the possible results. Being held by Big Macintosh was soothing and she was starting to feel her eyes getting heavy. She had only heard him say a few select words in the past except for the school news paper incident where he had yelled at Apple Bloom to leave Applejack and himself alone.
No longer crying and heaving a small sigh she nuzzled into Big Mac’s fur a little more as sleep fell over her.
Big Macintosh:
The filly continued crying into his fur. He continued to sooth her by rubbing her back. The news of her parents dying was a shock to him. He was unsure what he was going to do with Scootaloo. He noticed that she had stopped crying and was nuzzling into his side.
As the filly slowly drifted off to sleep beside him, his past came back to him. He too had lost his parents when he was not to older than her. Apple Bloom only a foal and didn’t really remember them too much. Photos of them around the house here and there to remind Applejack , Apple Bloom, and Him of them.
Slowly getting up so he didn’t wake her he slowly covered her in the blankets on Apple Bloom’s bed. Then slowly tip-hoofing out to the hall he turned off the light and closed the door slowly.
Quietly going to the bathroom to clean up himself not only because of a tear filled coat and mane but sweet from working all day. When done and dried off he went back to his room and laid down. Almost instantly he was asleep.
Big Macintosh:
Big Mac was awoken by the early sun. Getting up he looked out the window towards the orchard at the remaining apples that needed bucking from the trees. Stretching himself out and popping several joints in his back and legs he quietly headed downstairs.
The clock in the kitchen only read 5:45; he let out a sigh and got out a piece of paper and a quill. Jotting a quick note down then leaving it on the table he headed to the closet to get a scarf. Then it was off to the barn to grab the cart and pails he would need for hauling the apples back.
He headed out to the first tree and with a great kick he managed to knock most of the apples off. Picking them up and setting them in the cart one by one. This continued for several hours before he noticed his hunger taking over. Seeing it about time he started heading back to the house.
Scootaloo:
Winona trotted into the room sniffing around investigating the smells within. Coming across the bed she noticed a small lump in the covers. Jumping up she started to inspect further into her finding. Awaking Scootaloo as she came across her ear while sniffing.
Getting up Scootaloo stretched out and headed down the hall. Taking note that Big Mac’s room was empty she headed next to the bathroom. Afterwards she headed down to the kitchen with Winona following every step of the way. As soon as she arrived Winona headed to her food dish in the corner and started pawing at the empty bowl. Scootaloo looked around for her food also taking note of the piece of paper on the table. After a few minutes she found it in a nearby cabinet.
Once she had fed Winona she headed to the table and sat down. Picking up the letter she read.
Dear Scoots,
I am outside in the orchard clearing the rest of the apples. I will be back for breakfast around 9:30. We need to talk about last night though. Don’t worry its ok! Winona is around if you wake up early, just tell her to find me and let her outside.
Big Mac
Deciding to just wait till he comes back Scootaloo trotted into the den and sat down. A photo album was sitting on a nearby table so Scootaloo grabbed it and started shuffling through it out of boredom. On the cover of the book was two ponies one a stallion with a Green coat and Yellow mane and a mare with a tan coat and dark golden mane. Both cutie marks were not shown in the photo but Scootaloo guess it had something to do with apples.
The first page of the album was mostly Big Mac and his parents but as she went further she was introduced to applejack as a foal, eventually came photos of them as young fillies. Eventually her friend Apple Bloom as a foal came into the photos. After that most pictures of events and family gathering didn’t have the two ponies on the front cover, most were replaced with Granny Smith. Scootaloo assumed that was where they passed away.
“Sad how these two worlds come together” a voice behind her stated. Scootaloo jumped as she notices Big Mac next to her. She didn’t even hear him come inside, yet alone the room.
“How?” She stuttered.
“I came in for breakfast and had seen that you fed Winona so I assumed you were nearby.”
“I didn’t even hear you?”
“Well Apple Bloom is usually still sleeping till I make breakfast, so I guess it is just a habit.”
“Oh, I see; I was just looking at this album here and I just don’t know how you are so happy?” she said with a sigh.
Staring down at the floor Big Mac looked like he was thinking hard about something. Finally replying “Well let me tell you something then;”
Big Macintosh:
“…Well throughout both Applejack and my foal-hood our parents were there for us, they did everything to make our childhood memorable. Then when Apple Bloom was born there were complications that caused our mother to have to travel to Canterlot over and over again to get treatment. About a year after as you can see,” pointing to the first of the photos were there was mainly Granny Smith.
“What Happened?” Scootaloo asked.
“Well just a little after Apple Bloom had her first birthday our mother had to go for another surgery. Or father went along with her, according to the doctors it was a success and the good part was she was finally back to full health when she was done, but it was the train ride home,” sniffling and shedding a tear of sadness. “It was the train ride home, heavy snow caused the train to derail, most of the passengers were declared dead. Most of the others couldn’t be rescued in time. My father was found alive but didn’t make it back to the nearest town in time, and passed away”.
Scootaloo:
Just sitting there taking in every word. Finally thinking back to her original question, “so why are you always happy?”
“Well at first I was a wreck and so was Applejack, Apple Bloom too little to understand yet. Granny Smith actually lived across town at that point and volunteered to watch over us as our guardians. When we got older Applejack and I have taken guardianship over Apple Bloom as to how bad Granny’s mind can be now. Don’t remind me of what happened during crab apple season this year. Well over time I will get hit hard with sorrow from what happened but unfortunately as you grow up you learn to look forward. Like the love for the rest of your family or a special somepony”.
Scootaloo’s stomach started to grumble and was not easy to ignore. Big Mac got up and Scootaloo followed him into the kitchen taking a seat at the table. He quickly threw together some oat meal and toast with jam and served it to her. Making a bowl of oat meal for himself he sat down with her at the table and they started to chow down. Finally Big Mac looked up at Scootaloo and asked the question that was pestering him all morning. “So if you don’t mind me asking what did exactly happen to your, umm, parents?”
Scootaloo’s mouth went dry as the thought crossed her mind and she wasn’t too fond of talking about it, but she guessed that it finally had to be told. Taking a drink of water to sooth her muzzle she finally took a deep breath and began.
“Do you remember of the fire that was in the news paper early this summer?” She asked him.
Thinking about it for a second he nodded yes, so she continued.
“Well it was mine and my parent’s home; I knocked one of the lamps over and started an oil fire. It started spreading fast. I was near the kitchens back door and was able to get out, but they both were upstairs at the time and couldn’t escape. They were dead before they were able to be rescued” she stated as she started to shed tears.
Giving her a few moments to calm down before he asked his next question, “Mind I also ask how you been living these past few months then?” Big Mac asked.
“I have been mostly staying at friends houses at night, trying to space them far enough apart that nopony noticed anything strange, when all else fails I usually sleep in the club house or in the schoolyard under the shrubs near the school house. Getting as cold as it has been lately, I have been spending the nights when I can’t find a friend’s house in the club house. I was lucky that my parents had a small fund set up in my name that allows me about 50 Bits every week if they were to pass away, so at least I can eat and buy a few things here and there. I also eat a lot of the free school lunches”.
“So nopony else was claimed to be a guardian then?” he asked.
“I had a small family, my parents were only-childs, and my grandparents are already dead”.
Big Mac got up and cleared the dishes as she finished up. “Well the girls don’t get back till tomorrow afternoon and I would appreciate it if you would stay here until I can talk to Applejack. I do have some more work this afternoon so you are welcome to go hang out with another friend as long as your back her at a reasonable hour”.
He wanted her to at least enjoy her day so she could take her mind the situation. Scootaloo didn’t feel like being with anypony but guessed it didn’t hurt to at least see what Sweetie Belle was doing. Responding back “Thanks Big Mac, I will see what Sweetie is up to today”
She headed out the door towards Rarity’s shop to see if sweetie Belle was there, if not Rarity knows where their parent’s house is and that is where she could find her. “See you later” she said to Big Mac as she left out the door.
Leaving Sweet Apple Acres, Scootaloo started trotting along the road towards the Carousel Boutique in search for Sweetie Belle. Upon arriving she was sad to find out that Rarity had closed shop for the day. Sighing she decided to head over to the park.
Lying down under a shady tree, she let out a sigh. Thoughts about her future destiny and what was going to happen shifted through her mind. Scootaloo looked up and started cloud watching to take off her problems. Out of nowhere, BOOM.
Looking around she noticed every pony looking up. Focusing on what caused it she then noticed it, The Sonic Rainboom. Out of nowhere came Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo could only see the silhouette of her mane’s colors as she whizzed by. Somersaulting in air Dash was heading back towards Scootaloo.
Scootaloo bracing herself for possible impact and/or pain; instead getting a stomach turning jolt as Rainbow actually grabbing her. Somersaulting and barrel-roiling at the same time she caused Scootaloo to drop a few feet before catching her again then landing on a cloud nearby.
“Hay Squirt”
Thump, Thump, Thump, and Gasp. Scootaloo’s mind was racing a mile a second.
“What was that all about?”
“Just thought you could use a little pick-me-up, literally”, Rainbow added with a small chuckle. “I saw you walking through town slowly and looked like you were lost in thought.”
“Well I have to admit that WAS TOTALLY AWESOME” Scootaloo admitted.
“Glad I cheered you up a little but mind me asking you what is going on?”
“I really don’t want to talk about it.” Scoots said spirit dropping like a huge weight.
“Come on I’m loyalty if you forgot, your safe with anything you tell me!”
Sigh, “Would you take me back to Sweet Apple Acres, I just don’t feel like talking.”
“Okay, why would you want to go there and not home?” Dash asked.
Gulp, “I’m staying there right now.”
“UH, Okay hop on”
Once on Rainbow’s back they glided down towards Sweet Apple Acres. Spotting Big Mac, Scootaloo got Dash’s Attention to land near. With a huge PLUNK they were on the ground.
Macintosh was startled by the sudden impact of Rainbow hitting the ground. Noticing Scootaloo on her back he trotted over to investigate.
“She was in the park and I dropped in.”
“So that’s what the Rainboom was all about earlier?”
“Sort of, I was practicing it, and after failing a few times I succeeded. Well as I was passing by I noticed Scoots here alone in the park, she didn’t really wanted to talk and asked to be brought here.”
Big Mac looked over to Scootaloo who was sitting nearby listening, “Anything happen?”
“No, I just couldn’t find Sweetie Belle,”
“Did Rarity know where she was?”
“She was closed and no one answered”
“Wait”, R.D. chimed in, “You’re looking for Rarity and Sweetie? Well they are a town over for fabric shopping.”
“Dang I was hoping she could hang out or crusade.”
“Also isn’t Applejack and Apple Bloom gone for the weekend?” Dash Asked.
“Eeeyup” Mac chimed in.
“Then why are you staying her?”
Scootaloo didn’t really want to tell her in fear of how Rainbow Dash would think of her. Scared of what may happen once again she started curling up into a ball and weeping.
“Mind if I tell her Scoots?” came Mac’s gentle voice. Scootaloo thought for a second before nodding yes. So Big Mac continued on and told R.D. about the night before.
While he gently went on with the story she started to unwind and calm down. She started uncurling herself and stood up, slowly making her way over to hide behind Macintosh.
When he was finished he peered around to his back side to see her trying to hide herself from Rainbow.
Taking notice Dash walked over and embraced Scootaloo in a huge hug. “So what is going to happen to her now?” The one question Scootaloo feared.
“Well I think asking A.J. first is our best option for now, but untill A.J. gets back home she is welcomed to stay here.” he answered.
Hearing the town hall bells in the distance R.D. noticed that it was getting late. “Well I better get going; I guess it is getting time for dinner.” Dash said as she released Scootaloo from the embrace.
“I guess so, hold up why don’t you join Scoot’s and I instead?”
“That sounds like a really good idea since my home is on the other side of town and well flying at this time of the day is too congested.” she replied.
Scootaloo felt better that Rainbow was taking this good and was even more excited to hear that she would be joining them for dinner, Scootaloo buzzed happily at the idea.
Taking noticed of this while they walked back to the farm house rainbow took note of something she wanted to ask while they ate.
Big Macintosh led Rainbow Dash into the den to wait while he started cooking. Scootaloo went and got her homework from saddle bags from upstairs and came down to join her. Wynona had join Rainbow in the den and was lying down near her.
After a few worksheets and a little help from Dash, Mac finally called them in. In the dining room they found Big Mac had made an Apple soup with mashed potatoes and fresh apple juice. For desert an apple pie was cooling nearby.
It was a great meal. Conversations and some small talk were exchanged between Big Mac and Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo every now and then asked questions about Rainbow’s stunts and tricks. Scootaloo finally asked as they were eating the pie for desert when Dash could give her another one of her famous flying lessons.
After discussing it and being approved by Mac they decided that before A.J and A.B. got home the following day would be a good time.
Clearing dishes and some more small talk it was getting late and Rainbow had to head out due to work in the morning. Big Mac agreed since he had some last trees to buck before tomorrow’s end.
They bid their farewells to each other and Rainbow headed home. Scootaloo headed upstairs to get ready for bed and the long day tomorrow. Once in bed she was out like a light.
Big Mac came in later after taking a shower to check up on her. Giving her a blanket and turning off the light he preceded to bed himself.