Scootaloo's Sunrise Surpriseby MythrilMothChaptersThe Visitors At Cumulus CourtBefore Sunrise, there was......Sunset.EpilogueThe Visitors At Cumulus Court"Hey, Apple Bloom?" "Yeah, Sweetie Belle?" The two Crusaders were patching the roof of the clubhouse, which had been damaged by a fallen tree limb after a heavy storm. Scootaloo had left a few minutes earlier, saying she needed to be home early. "Where does Scootaloo live?" Sweetie asked. Apple Bloom paused in the middle of hammering a nail. "Umm...you know, Ah ain't really sure," she said. "Ah heard somepony say she was an orphan, but...there ain't even no orphanages in Ponyville!" "Maybe she lives at an orphanage in Cloudsdale?" Sweetie Belle asked. "That's just silly," Apple Bloom replied dismissively. "If she lived in Cloudsdale, what would she be doin' goin' t' school in Ponyville? 'Specially since she can't fly an' all." "Oh yeah. Huh." Sweetie frowned. "So where DOES she live then?" "Why don't we ask 'er tomorrow?" * * * * * As soon as Cheerilee dismissed class Friday afternoon, the Cutie Mark Crusaders immediately gathered in their customary spot. "So, what're we doing to earn our Cutie Marks today, girls?" Scootaloo asked eagerly. The other two glanced at one another. Sweetie Belle tilted her head in Scootaloo's direction. Apple Bloom nodded, turned to Scootaloo, and asked, "Actually, we was thinkin'...we should meet up at your place!" Scootaloo flinched. "Um...my...place? As in...my...house? Where I...live?" "Yeah!" Sweetie Belle said. "I mean, you've been to my place and Apple Bloom's place plenty of times, and we've even slept over at Fluttershy's place and the library, but...we've never even been to your place! We don't even know where you live!" Scootaloo giggled. "Aheh...well...um...I'm an orphan, of course! Everypony knows that! I don't have a home!" Apple Bloom frowned. "Scootaloo...there ain't no orphanages in Ponyville. An' no orphans, neither." Scootaloo's ears dropped. "S-sure there are! It's um...it's..." "It's where?" Apple Bloom challenged, stepping forward. "Go on, tell us where the orphanage is." Scootaloo dropped her head. "Okay, you got me." Her friends glanced at one another. "So...what's the real story, Scoots?" Apple Bloom asked. Scootaloo sighed. "It's...hard to explain." "But you really DO have a home and a family, right?" Sweetie prompted. "Yeah, I do," Scootaloo said unenthusiastically. "So take us to your place and let us meet your folks!" Apple Bloom said. Scootaloo shook her head. "It's...not that simple." "You don't want your family to meet your friends?" Sweetie Belle asked, face scrunched up in a perfect imitation of her sister's best pout. Scootaloo rolled her eyes. "It's nothing like that. It's just..." She sighed. "Tell you what. Meet me at Princess Twilight's castle tomorrow morning, and...and then we'll go to my place." The others looked at each other. "Why can't we just go now?" Apple Bloom asked. "Because...it's...well...just wait until tomorrow, okay? Please?" Scootaloo pleaded. "Oh, alright," the others pouted. * * * * * When Scootaloo was through playing for the day, she rode her scooter out to an empty field to the southwest of Ponyville. After a few minutes' wait, a beautiful carriage of gold-painted mahogany draped in silk finery descended from the sky, pulled by a stately grey pegasus with a white mane and mustache who wore a stuffy tuxedo jacket and black bowtie. "Did you have a good day, Young Miss?" he asked. Scootaloo sighed. "Yeah." She stepped into the carriage. "But tomorrow may be kinda bad..." * * * * * The instant Scootaloo stepped through the front door, a bright yellow pegasus mare in a navy blue maid outfit descended upon her. "Welcome home, Young Miss," the maid said. "Let's just make you presentable..." "Do we gotta?" Scootaloo asked with a disgusted groan. "Yes, we 'gotta'," the maid clucked, rolling her eyes. Ten minutes later, Scootaloo was clad in a gown of fine gold silk which fell about her in great waves, pooling around hooves which were shod in soft slippers of the same material. Her mane had been restyled into a series of tight ringlets. To the sound of constant subtle prompts from the maid ("A-hem", "Tsk...",) Scootaloo gracefully ascended a long, winding spiral staircase framed by glistening rainbow falls and pristine columns. After fifteen minutes of climbing, she emerged into the cavernous foyer of her family home. The butler, who had simply flown up to the mansion proper while she was being dressed, cleared his throat and announced, "The Young Miss has returned from school." "Thank you, Silverbolt," a clear, crisp female voice echoed in the foyer. A silver-white mare with an artfully styled pile of powder blue tresses, draped in fine silver silks, glided into the room. She smiled at the filly. "Welcome home, Sunrise. How was school?" "School was fine, Mother," Scootaloo said. She fidgeted. "Is something the matter, dear?" The little orange pegasus sighed. "My friends...want to come over tomorrow." The elegant mare's eyes gleamed, a smile blossoming on her face. "How delightful! I do look forward to meeting your friends. I will clear my schedule for tomorrow so that I can learn all about the fillies you spend so much time with." Scootaloo grimaced. "There...are a few things I need to tell you first, Mother," she said. * * * * * The early morning was crisp and bright when Scootaloo met up with her friends at the castle. "Okay, we're here!" Apple Bloom said cheerfully. "We're ready t' go t' yer place, Scootaloo!" Scootaloo looked at her friends and swallowed nervously. "We'll need to see Twilight before we leave," she said. "Huh? Why?" Sweetie Belle asked. Scootaloo rubbed the back of one hoof with another. "Well...the thing is...I live in Cloudsdale. You two can't...actually even walk in my house." The other two fillies exchanged a glance. "You really live in Cloudsdale?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Yeah," Scootaloo said. "But I know that Twilight knows a cloud-walking spell that'll let you two spend the day in Cloudsdale." "Awesome!" Apple Bloom said. "Well, let's get right to it!" She knocked on the door. After a moment, Spike answered. "Oh, hey there," he said. "What's up?" "We need to ask Twilight for a favor," Scootaloo said. Spike frowned at her. "Princess Twilight," he amended. "Show some respect." Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. "Just let us in already." Upon hearing their request and the reason for it, Twilight was all too happy to accomodate them. She also insisted on accompanying them, partly out of curiosity and partly to make sure the spell held up for the full duration. Despite Scootaloo's panicked protests, a grand chariot had soon arrived, pulled by two of the Canterlot Royal Guard, and Twilight and the three fillies had boarded. With a sigh, Scootaloo supplied the guards with the address for her home in Cloudsdale. One of the guards glanced sharply back at her, eyes wide. "But that's—!" "Just...get us there already. Please?" Scootaloo asked resignedly. As the chariot lifted into the sky, headed for Cloudsdale, a rainbow-maned shadow trailed behind it... * * * * * "So Scootaloo," Twilight asked as the chariot soared through the morning sky, "why do you go to school in Ponyville if you live in Cloudsdale?" "It's complicated," Scootaloo said. "Is it 'cuz you can't fly?" Apple Bloom asked, concern in her voice. "Do the fillies an' colts in Cloudsdale tease you?" "Oh, no...they wouldn't dare," Scootaloo said. "Er, I mean..." "Hey guys! What's up?" Rainbow Dash's voice intruded. Scootaloo let out a squawk of panic. "Oh, hi Rainbow!" Twilight said pleasantly. "We're headed for Scootaloo's house. Why don't you join us?" "The squirt's place, huh?" Rainbow Dash asked, grinning. "Yeah, I'm down with that." She plopped herself in the front seat next to Twilight. "Ack!" Scootaloo yelped. *Not good, not good...* "We're almost to Cloudsdale," one of the guards said. As the sprawling cloud city drew near, the guards swung the chariot around, rising above the cloud lanes where dozens of pegasi soared to and fro, and glided toward a section of Cloudsdale Twilight couldn't remember having visited on her previous trip. They ascended gently; before them lay a massive pile of fluffy clouds, the highest, tallest clouds Twilight had ever seen. Rainbow Dash's eyes widened. "Uhh...why're we goin' to Cumulus Court?" she asked. "Because that's where I live," Scootaloo said simply. Rainbow's jaw dropped. "Are you kidding me?!" Scootaloo looked away, eyes downcast. Twilight frowned at her. "What's wrong?" "It..." Scootaloo sighed. "I'll explain it when we get to my place." She looked up, and nodded. "We're almost there." Her friends gasped in awe at the immense cloud mansion which stood at the apex of the tall cloud bank. Seventeen separate layers of cloud, stacked in a seemingly haphazard pattern, supported by pristine pillars and connected by dozens of spiral staircases. Each layer sported rows of immense, open windows. The entire structure was dotted by dozens of pools of shimmering morning mist, fountains that sprayed fine sheets of rainbow dozens of feet into the air, and a large pond full of a golden, glowing substance Twilight couldn't immediately identify. The chariot approached the lowest layer and glided to a halt. "Okay, everypony out," Scootaloo said tonelessly. Apple Bloom gasped. "Scoots...this is where you live?!" Rainbow Dash was staring speechlessly at Scootaloo, wings rustling. The massive front door opened, and a grey pegasus in a tuxedo glided out. "Welcome home, Young Miss. These must be your...friends..." He trailed off as he espied Twilight. His mouth worked speechlessly. "Your Highness," he said, kneeling. "This...is most unexpected." "Escort our guests to the receiving room on the third strata, Silverbolt," Scootaloo said. "You know April Showers won't even let me upstairs until I'm...decent." The butler nodded absently. "Y-yes...right away, Young Miss." Turning to the others, he said, "If you would all please follow me...right this way..." "Scootaloo? What's going on here?" Sweetie Belle whispered as they trotted through the door. Scootaloo hung her head and turned away, trotting glumly away from her friends and toward an anxious-looking maid. "Ah don't understand any of this! Where th' hay are we, an' why th' hay is Scootaloo orderin' this guy around?" Apple Bloom demanded loudly, earning a cross look from the butler. "This place is like a palace," Sweetie Belle said, staring all around at the high ceilings, gleaming columns, and fine tapestries. "Rainbow Dash," Twilight asked quietly, "is Scootaloo's family...well...important?" Rainbow Dash swallowed nervously. "You have no idea, Twi," she said. "And I had no idea either. If I'd known the squirt was..." She shook her head. "But...it doesn't make sense!" The butler, Silverbolt, coughed. "Perhaps I should explain while we wait for the Young Miss and the Madame?" "Please do," Twilight said gently. Silverbolt remained silent until they reached the top of the second spiral staircase, turned right, and walked into a large room lined with plush sofas and chairs. Two maids stood by, a tea service already prepared for the guests. As the maids poured tea and the mares and fillies seated themselves, the butler finally spoke: "The Young Miss is the daughter of Summer Storm, owner and general manager of the Wonderbolts, and Commandant of the Pegasus Guard Academy." * * * * * Scootaloo, once again in her fine golden silk gown and slippers and with her hair rearranged, stood nervously outside the receiving room doors. Her mother stood beside her, a gentle yet eager smile on her face. "Why so nervous and glum, Sunrise?" "In about five minutes, my two best friends in the whole world and the pony I look up to as my idol are going to hate me forever," Scootaloo replied glumly. "Oh, now..." her mother chided. "I'm sure it won't be as bad as all that." She pushed open the doors and was about to step in when she caught sight of a guest she hadn't been expecting. She gasped and retreated quickly. "Sunrise! Why is Princess Twilight Sparkle here?!" "Um...she wanted to come with us?" Scootaloo offered. Her mother took a deep breath, and her gentle smile returned to her face. "I wish you had warned me sooner, dear." Steeling herself, she pushed the doors open again and strode in, Scootaloo at her side. Silverbolt coughed. "Madame Morning Dew and Young Miss Sunrise," he announced. "Here to receive the Princess Twilight Sparkle and entourage." "Thank you, Silverbolt," Morning Dew said. She approached Twilight and knelt. "Your Highness." "There's no need for that," Twilight said. She looked at Scootaloo. "Sunrise?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. Scootaloo shifted nervously. "Um. Yeah. Thing is..." She looked over at her friends. "Scootaloo isn't my real name. It's just...a nickname, kinda. My real name is Sunrise." Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle blinked. "Huh?" Apple Bloom asked, tilting her head. "Why wouldn't you tell us your real name?" "Because she didn't want anypony in Ponyville to realize how rich and important she really is," Rainbow Dash said, voice full of wonder and realization. "Am I right?" Scootaloo nodded. She looked around at her friends, then looked down at the floor. "My dad...he's the most important pony in Cloudsdale." She gestured at herself. "Ever since I was a little foal, every day I've had maids dressing me and teaching me how to be a refined high-society pony. "But...I just wanna be a normal filly," she said. "With normal friends and doing normal things. But I could never have a normal life here in Cloudsdale. I'm the daughter of Summer Storm. It's..." She frowned. "I'd be like Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. You know...somepony you only hang out with because they're important." "Scootaloo..." Apple Bloom said quietly. "So I talked it over with Mother," Scootaloo said, "and we worked out a way that I could have a normal life, with normal friends." "It was mostly her idea," Morning Dew said. "She even chose Ponyville specifically because it was the most ordinary town she could find." "Hold up," Sweetie Belle said. "So...you're the daughter of a really rich and important pony here in Cloudsdale, and you have this whole other life here where you wear fancy dresses and have butlers and maids and stuff, and then you come down to Ponyville every day to go to school and hang out with us and do crazy stuff and get covered in tree sap?" "Yeah, that about sums it up," Scootaloo nodded. Twilight frowned. "Wait. Rainbow Dash, how is it you never recognized Scootaloo as Sunrise?" Rainbow Dash scratched the back of her head. "Honestly? I've only ever heard the name Sunrise before. She's...never actually been in any newspapers, or..." She shrugged. "I've never actually seen Summer Storm's daughter." "We do like to have some privacy where possible," Morning Dew said. "And Sunrise spending her days living anonymously in Ponyville does help keep her out of the same spotlight her father and I share." Scootaloo gave her friends a pleading gaze. "Are...are you mad at me?" "Heck no!" Apple Bloom said. "Why would we be mad at you?" Sweetie Belle asked. "You're still our Scootaloo, even if you're super-rich and have a crazy double life." Scootaloo smiled gratefully at her friends...then looked over at Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow Dash, I..." Rainbow Dash looked slightly away, a sheepish expression on her face. "Heh...I guess you don't really need me to look out for you after all, huh?" "Are you kidding?" Scootaloo asked. "You're STILL the most awesome pony I know!" She dug her silk-shod hoof into the floor. "Please...please don't stop being my 'big sis'?" "She does respect and adore you quite a bit, Rainbow Dash," Morning Dew said. "You're practically all she talks about...when she's not talking about her little friends." Rainbow perked up, smiling. "Well then...that settles it. We'll just have to keep hangin' out and doing stuff together like sisters, won't we?" "Hooray!" Scootaloo cried, throwing her hooves up in the air and rushing over to hug Rainbow Dash. Her friends joined in the hug a moment later. * * * * * At the end of the day, Scootaloo bid farewell to her friends and Twilight as they boarded the carriage to return to Ponyville. Rainbow Dash had decided to stay overnight. "Please don't tell anypony the truth," Scootaloo pleaded as she said goodbye to her friends. "I don't want my life in Ponyville to change." "Don't fret none. We won't say a word," Apple Bloom said. "We already told you half a dozen times...it don't matter who your family is or how fancy your house is. You're still our Scootaloo." Author's Note I really, really hate Orphan Scootaloo stories. I really, seriously hate them. It's one of the dumbest memes in the fandom. So, I decided to write a story where the exact opposite is true: Scootaloo is not only not an orphan, she's a very wealthy and important pony with a big fancy house and servants. Before Sunrise, there was...The day after the unbelievable visit to Cumulus Court, Rainbow Dash was reclining on her favorite cloud-stuffed reading cushion in her living room, rereading the newest Daring Do adventure, when there was a knock on the front door. Setting aside her book and taking wing, she flapped down to the first floor. Her jaw dropped as she beheld her visitor: a massive pegasus stallion with a dark purple-gray coat, eyes the color of steel, and a storm-gray mane and tail shot through with electric blue streaks shaped like jagged lightning bolts. "Good afternoon, Miss Dash," he said in a rich baritone. "My name is Summer Storm." "S-S-Summer Storm..." Rainbow took a step back, eyes wide. Shaking her head, she tried to straighten herself up, but the stallion's sheer presence made her feel small. "Um, it's n-nice to meet you, s-sir..." Summer Storm smiled and laughed gently. "There is no need to be nervous, my little pony," he said. "May I enter?" "Huh? Oh...y-yes, of course," Rainbow said, gliding away from the door. Summer Storm trotted casually into the foyer. "Can I get you anything? Sir?" "No thank you," he said. "I wanted to meet you, and have a little talk...now that you know the truth about my daughter." Rainbow gulped. "O-Okay..." "I already said you don't need to be nervous," Summer Storm said, rolling his eyes. "Am I really that scary?" "Hey, I'm not scared of anything!" Rainbow Dash said hotly, her usual confidence trying to reassert itself. She paused, then added, "But...you are a little...intimidating." Summer Storm laughed. "I hear that quite often." Shaking his head, he paced around the room. "You have quite a nice place here," he said. "It's nothing compared to yours," Rainbow said. "True," Summer Storm said. "Sometimes I feel as if I went a bit too far when I built my home." He turned, stopped, and faced her. "First, I want to thank you for taking Sunrise under your wing. She has long lamented not having a sister figure to look up to. One or two of the maids have tried to be that to her, but...well..." He clucked his tongue. "Let us just say there have been...personality clashes." "You mean how she's really rough around the edges?" Rainbow asked without thinking. Summer Storm laughed. "Yes, exactly!" Rainbow shrugged. "I like the squirt. She reminds me of me." "Considering what I know of you, that honestly worries me," Summer Storm said. "Still..." He sighed. "May I sit down?" "Of course!" Rainbow led Summer Storm into her living room, where they sat across from each other. Summer Storm fidgeted nervously for a long moment. At length, he said, "I'm sure you've probably figured this out by now, but...Sunrise...will never be able to fly." He sighed. "We've encouraged her to keep hoping, but...my wife and I have had many private conversations with the finest doctors in Cloudsdale and Canterlot. The truth is, Sunrise was born with underdeveloped wings, and no magic or medicine in Equestria can cure her." Rainbow sighed. "Yeah...I kinda noticed," she admitted. "I've watched her try to fly, and...her wing muscles are super weak, and the bone structure looks all wrong." She absently stretched out one of her own wings, spreading it wide. "I've told her she might fly one day if she keeps tryin', but..." She shook her head. "I don't really see it ever happening." "It won't," Summer Storm agreed with a rumbling sigh. "And..." He closed his eyes. "That's...honestly one of the reasons my wife and I have indulged this whole...'Scootaloo' thing. Sunrise would never be truly happy in Cloudsdale." He gave a mirthless snort of laughter. "At least she could actually live in Cloudsdale, unlike our firstborn..." Rainbow blinked. "Your firstborn?" Summer Storm gave her a stern look. "Now, this is not to leave this room...at least, not for now," he said. "Morning Dew and I very carefully guarded the secret of our first child. Which...was a mistake, and one I severely regret. There is only one pony in Equestria who knows the identity of our firstborn, and she has been sworn to secrecy." "Uhh...okay, but...why?" "Because our firstborn child is a unicorn," Summer Storm said. "Can you imagine the scandal?" Rainbow frowned. "Yeah, okay, I get how the bigwigs in Cloudsdale and the trashy gossip rags would go nuts, but..." "Don't misunderstand!" Summer Storm said hastily. "We dearly loved our daughter. We didn't care that she was a unicorn and not a pegasus. I mean, these things happen. Pony genetics can behave quite strangely." "Tell me about it," Rainbow said. "There's an earth pony couple right here in Ponyville that had twins a couple years back. One's a unicorn and the other's a pegasus." Summer Storm raised an eyebrow. "That must be an...interesting challenge for them." He shook his head. "In any case...for obvious reasons, our unicorn daughter could not live in Cloudsdale. So we...made arrangements." He sighed. "If I'd known then what I know now, I'd have moved to the ground and...and..." He squeezed his eyes shut. Rainbow shifted uncomfortably. "Uhh...did she die or somethin'?" "No, she's alive," Summer Storm said. "But...it's complicated." He frowned. "You're a close friend of Princess Twilight Sparkle, are you not?" Rainbow nodded. "One of her best friends." "Then perhaps you should join me when I meet with the Princess," Summer Storm said. "I...I have business with her...related to everything I've just said." Rainbow blinked in confusion, but shrugged. "Sure. I mean, yes. I'd be honored. And...whatever's going on, you can totally trust me." "Oh, I have no doubt in my mind you are trustworthy," Summer Storm said with a smile. "After all, I know everything there is to know about you." Rainbow's eyes widened and her jaw fell slack. "Huh?" Summer Storm laughed. "You're my daughter's favorite pony in all of Equestria, AND you've caught the interest of Captain Spitfire on multiple occasions. Do you really think I haven't investigated you thoroughly?" "Oh. Uh. Yeah. Heheh." "Well...if you wouldn't mind, I'd...I'd very much like to visit Princess Twilight Sparkle now." "Oh! Yeah. Let's go." * * * * * The Cutie Mark Crusaders found a surprise waiting for them when they met up at the clubhouse late Sunday morning. The pegasus maid, April Showers, stood next to a small table draped in crisp linen, upon which sat a silver tea service and three piping hot cups of tea. Scootaloo's jaw dropped. "What the—?! April, what are YOU doing here?!" "Now, Young Miss," April chided, "seeing as your little friends now know the truth about you, it is only fitting that in the privacy of this...ah...quaint little playhouse, you observe proper ladylike decorum. And take proper tea with your friends." "You gotta be kidding me," Scootaloo groaned. "Hey, sounds good t' me," Apple Bloom said. "Only, it ain't a good idea t' have much fancy stuff here in th' clubhouse." "Yeah, every now and then we get barged in on by the very last ponies in Ponyville we want finding out about Scootaloo." April frowned. "Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon invade your clubhouse?" "You know those two?" Apple Bloom asked, eyes wide. "Only by reputation," April said. "The Young Miss has made her dislike of those two fillies quite plain on numerous occasions." She smirked. "In my opinion, the fact that every single holding of both their families wouldn't be enough to buy one of the staircases at Cumulus Court is rather delicious irony." Scootaloo giggled. "That's true." "Oh, one other thing," April said, turning to Apple Bloom. "I don't know if she told you this, but the Young Miss has been using a rather out-of-the-way field to come and go from Ponyville each day. Now that you know her secret, would it be possible for Silverbolt to collect her in a less public area of Sweet Apple Acres?" "Sure, it's fine by me. Umm...does this mean it's okay for my family t' know about all this?" "As long as they can keep a secret," April said. "That goes for your family too," she added to Sweetie Belle. Sweetie frowned. "I'm not so sure telling Rarity about Scootaloo's family would be a good idea," she said. "I mean..." Apple Bloom suddenly burst out giggling. Sweetie trailed off and stared at her. "What?" "Ah just..." Apple Bloom managed to wheeze out between giggles, "Ah just pictured Rarity's reaction t' Scootaloo in that gold dress..." She sobered up, clutching at her ribs. "Ah'm sorry. It's just...y'all know how Rarity is about all that fancy stuff..." Sweetie Belle giggled. "Yeah, I think I know what you mean." She gave Scootaloo a glance, one eyebrow raised. "What do you think?" "I think if anypony else from Ponyville sees me all dolled up like that, I'll feed myself to a hydra," Scootaloo said, face scrunched up in the most unladylike expression possible. This just sent her friends into a fresh wave of giggles. * * * * * Twilight Sparkle opened the front doors to her castle to find Rainbow Dash and an unfamiliar stallion on her doorstep. "Hi Rainbow. Who's—?" The stallion stepped forward and knelt. "Your Highness," he rumbled. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Summer Storm." "This is Scootaloo's dad," Rainbow said. Twilight's eyes widened. "Oh," she said. "It's...it's a pleasure to meet you. Won't you come in?" The two pegasi followed Twilight into the castle. She led them upstairs to the library, where she invited them to sit at the large reading table. "I hope I'm not being presumptuous in taking up your time, Your Highness, but—" "Oh, don't worry about it," Twilight said. "I'm just doing a little light reading today. Nothing important." She smiled. "What can I do for you?" "Well..." Summer Storm took a deep breath, then told Twilight the same things he had told Rainbow: that Sunrise would never be able to fly, that she was actually his second child, and that his firstborn was a unicorn. When he was finished, Twilight looked sad. "That's...a lot to have happen to a single family," she said. "But...there is still more, and...I've been told that you are the one pony in Equestria who can help me." Twilight blinked. "There's more?" Summer Storm nodded. "You see..." He stood and began to pace. "After I entrusted my first daughter to my friends among the nobility in Canterlot, I learned that she showed an exceptional talent for magic. I was thrilled when I received a letter telling me she had been accepted into Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. Later still, I received even more wonderful news. I had never been so proud of her...even though I could not visit her and praise her accomplishments. And I so wanted to. "But then..." Summer Storm's eyes became cloudy and sad. "I started getting letters from Princess Celestia. My daughter had become arrogant, demanding, cruel. She shunned other ponies. She developed a sense of entitlement. She began making more and more unacceptable demands of the Princess. "And then...one day..." He bowed his head. "I learned that she had done the unthinkable. She had left Equestria. Gone to a place where I could not pursue her." He looked up at Twilight. "Princess Celestia was profusely apologetic. She seemed to believe she was to blame for driving my daughter away... "By that time, we already had our hooves full with Sunrise, and..." He shook his head and sighed. Twilight felt a cold pit forming in her stomach. "Summer Storm..." She swallowed heavily. Summer Storm held up a hoof. "But recently, I was visited by Princess Celestia. She told me that...that after all this time, my daughter had returned, as cruel and wicked as before, and that...that you, Princess Twilight Sparkle, confronted her. That you changed her. That you showed her the error of her ways. "And again, even more recently, I received word that my eldest daughter is happy, healthy, and has friends...everything I always wanted for her, and that she is once again somepony I can be proud of...but she is still beyond my reach." Tears gathered in Twilight's eyes. "Oh Celestia," she whispered. "You're talking about Sunset Shimmer, aren't you?" "I am indeed," Summer Storm said. Rainbow's eyes widened. "Whoa." ...Sunset.Author's Note IMPORTANT! You MUST reread the previous chapters if you have not done so! They have been substantially changed! ...Sunset. The Cutie Mark Crusaders had left Sweet Apple Acres and were on their way into town to find something fun to do when Rainbow Dash zipped up to them in a breathless blur. "Scoots!" she cried. "You gotta come quick...castle...your dad...holy horseapples, you're never gonna believe..." She swept Scootaloo up, threw her on her back, and took off. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle exchanged puzzled glances before galloping off after them. "Rainbow Dash...!" Scootaloo cried. "What...is...this...about?" "You'll see!" * * * * * Twilight sat heavily on her favorite reading cushion. "I'm having a lot of trouble processing this," she said. "You mean to tell me...Sunset Shimmer, the only unicorn I've ever met who was as powerful and talented as me, was born to pegasi? And not just any pegasi, but THE most important pegasi in Cloudsdale? And that she's Scootaloo's older sister?!" "That sums the situation up quite succinctly," Summer Storm said. Twilight shook her head. "This is...this is too weird!" Summer Storm shifted. "Your Highness...I'm led to believe that you have a means of keeping in contact with my daughter. Of...of visiting her. Or perhaps...of bringing her here?" Twilight nodded warily. "I do," she said, nodding to the ornate mirror on the opposite end of the library. It was surrounded by various magical machinery, all of which was presently inert. "But...Summer Storm...is that really a good idea? After all this time?" "It might not be," Summer Storm said, "but I don't care. I want to see her. I...I need to see her." He swallowed heavily. "Besides...doesn't she deserve to know she has a sister? We...we lost touch after she enrolled in Celestia's school." Twilight sighed. "And I don't have any right to stand between you and your family," she said. "Alright, I'll—" The doors burst open, and a rainbow blur rushed in, depositing a smaller orange blur on the floor. Scootaloo skidded across the crystal floor like a curling stone, blinking dazedly before coming to a halt. She looked around in confusion. "Dad?" Summer Storm chuckled. "Hello, Sunrise," he said. "Summer Storm, have you...ever told Scoot—I mean, Sunrise—?" "No," Summer Storm said. "I...thought it might do more harm than good." "I understand," Twilight said sympathetically. "Told me what?" Scootaloo asked, blinking. "Come here, Sunrise," Summer Storm said. Scootaloo trotted over to him and sat down, her tiny wings buzzing. Summer Storm looked down at her. "There's something your mother and I have been keeping from you, and...I hope you won't be angry with me when you find out the truth." "What, that I'll never fly? Because...I've kinda known for a while," Scootaloo said sadly. Summer Storm coughed awkwardly. "Well...that, yes, but...this is something else." He looked her straight in the eyes. "Sunrise...you do have an older sister." Scootaloo blinked. She looked from her father, to Rainbow Dash. "Is it—?" "Sorry, squirt," Rainbow said. "My dad's nowhere close to as important as your dad." At Scootaloo's crestfallen expression, Summer Storm laughed. "That would have been perhaps too contrived," he said. "No...the sister you have never met is a unicorn, with a rather complicated past." "A unicorn?" Scootaloo asked, blinking. "Yes," Summer Storm replied. "You understand now why you have never met her. We could not raise her in Cloudsdale." Scootaloo winced. "Yeah." "But we have not had contact with your sister for many years," Summer Storm said. "And until now, we had no way to reach her. But...now, Princess Twilight has the means to make our family whole again." Twilight frowned. "Summer Storm...I hope you're not expecting her to want to come stay," she said. "She's...she's made a life for herself there. She has friends...she won't want to give that up." Summer Storm sighed. "I understand," he said. "And I will respect her wishes. I just...I just want to see her...one more time." Twilight sniffled. "I'm sure she'll...I'm sure she'll be happy." She stood up. "I'll contact her imme—" She trailed off. "No. I'll go see her immediately." She teleported away in a magenta flash, then reappeared clutching a thick book with Celestia's Cutie Mark on the cover. The book levitated into a niche in the machinery surrounding the mirror. The various machines began whirring to life, arcing and spinning and weaving sheets of pressed magic and making all sorts of interesting noises as Scootaloo and her father watched curiously. Finally, two arcs of energy struck the surface of the mirror, which seemed to suck all the light from the room as its surface rippled and swirled. "Ooooh," Scootaloo said. "What's that?" "It's a portal to another world," Twilight said. "The world your sister lives in." She took a deep breath and strode toward the mirror. "Hopefully, it won't take me long to find her and convince her to come back..." The others watched as Twilight stepped into the mirror and vanished. Five seconds later, they all charged in after her. * * * * * Twilight wobbled for a moment before righting herself on two legs. She took a deep breath and looked up at Canterlot High. "Okay," she said. "It's Sunday, so I'm pretty sure nobody's at school..." She frowned, looking around. "Let's see...the nearest place is Rarity's boutique, so maybe—" "Oof!" "Whoa!" Twilight's eyes widened. She turned slowly to look behind her. Three people lay sprawled out on the ground in front of the portal: Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, and a massive man who was clearly Summer Storm. "Oh no no no no no," Twilight moaned. "WHAT are you three DOING HERE?" Rainbow sat up, rubbing her head. "Heheh...sorry," she said. She looked down at her long, slim arms. "Whoa. Freaky. So these are 'hands', huh?" "I wanna meet my sister!" Scootaloo said. Then she blinked and looked down at herself. Then she screamed. "AAAAAAH! WHAT THE HAY HAPPENED TO ME?!" Summer Storm gingerly picked himself up, brushing off the tailored suit he wore. He wobbled slightly on two legs, then looked down at the two girls, then at Twilight, and raised an eyebrow. "Well..." He coughed. "This is...unexpected." Twilight threw up her hands in exasperation. "Rainbow Dash, you knew better than this! What did I tell you about—" "Oh, chill, Twilight!" Rainbow said. She frowned as she brushed her back with her hands. "Aw man...no wings? Well this blows!" "What's going on here what happened to us why do we all look so weird is that really you Rainbow Dash what happened to my hooves what's—" Scootaloo babbled, staring in shock at her hands. "Scootaloo, calm down," Twilight said. "I know it's a bit...strange. The first time always is." She knelt down and took hold of Scootaloo's hand, gingerly pulling her to her feet. "Just...stay calm and try to stay on your feet, okay?" Scootaloo gulped and nodded. Twilight let go; Scootaloo's knees wobbled, but a hand on her shoulder steadied her. She looked up at her father, who smiled encouragingly at her. Rainbow stood up, wobbling alarmingly back and forth before finding her center of gravity. "Okay this is weird," she said. "It really is," Twilight agreed. She sighed. "You really all should go back to Equestria now." "Your Highness," Summer Storm said, "I fully intend to meet my daughter today. If...if this is the world in which she has made her home and found her happiness, then this is the world in which I will meet her." "I just followed Dad through," Scootaloo said. "Big swirling portal thingie means adventure!" "And you KNOW I've always wanted to see this side of the mirror," Rainbow said. Twilight groaned. "Fine," she said. "But stick close to me and...and be careful. There's another Rainbow Dash here and another Scootaloo here, we don't need you two getting confused for them." She frowned. "Follow me," she said, leading them off down the road. Fortunately, it wasn't a long walk to Carousel Boutique. The three Equestrians who had never visited the human world before had difficulty walking at first, but with Twilight's patient coaching, they were soon able to keep their balance and maintain an even pace. Twilight opened the door and looked inside. She saw Rarity rearranging a display of boots, a studious frown on her face. "Rarity?" she called out. Rarity turned and beamed. "Twilight, darling!" she said, rushing over to the door. "Do come in! Why, we had no idea you were coming! Or...if Sunset did, she didn't say—" "No, I didn't...I mean, this was a very spur-of-the-moment visit," Twilight said. "Holy PONYFEATHERS, is that RARITY?!" Rainbow yelled, staring in wide-eyed shock. "I see you already ran into Rainbow Dash," Rarity said. She frowned. "I thought you were helping Applejack today?" "Rarity, this is the other Rainbow Dash," Twilight said. "From my world." "Oh." Rarity blinked. "Oh my." She smiled at Rainbow. "Ahem. Well...welcome," she said. She looked pale and distraught. "Ahem...we honestly weren't entirely certain we believed Twilight about...well...our counterparts," she said. "Even with Sunset Shimmer backing her up on that." She frowned. "There isn't another Rarity with you, is there?" "No, there isn't," Twilight said. She coughed. "But our Scootaloo is here..." She gestured to Scootaloo. "And her dad, Summer Storm." Rarity smiled. "Well. You look quite presentable, good sir," she said. "Thank you, young lady. And you look rather elegant and lovely." He paused, then tilted his head. "At least, I assume so. I've honestly never laid eyes on...whatever it is you're called before." "Humans," Twilight supplied. "Listen, Rarity...we're actually looking for Sunset Shimmer. Have you seen her today?" Rarity pursed her lips. "I'm not quite sure what she's up to today, honestly," she said. "Hold on...I'll text her." She pulled out her phone and spent a moment rapidly composing a text. A moment later, her phone beeped. "She's at home doing laundry," she said. "Would...would she be okay having guests?" Twilight asked. Rarity texted Sunset again. A moment later, she nodded. "She says it's fine. I told her you're here. She says she's looking forward to seeing you." She tilted her head. "I didn't tell her about these three, of course, because I don't know what you're all doing here. If...if I might ask...why are you looking for her? I mean, I do hate to pry, but..." "I'm her father," Summer Storm said. "And I haven't seen her in many years." Rarity's eyes widened. "Oh. Oh my." She frowned, then looked at Scootaloo. "But I thought you said—" "That's right." "But then that would mean—" "Yes." "Oh...I see..." Rarity coughed. "Excuse me a moment, darlings. I feel rather..." She fainted. Rainbow sighed. "Man, even THIS Rarity? Geez..." While they waited for Rarity to regain consciousness, Twilight picked up Rarity's phone and, after a moment's fumbling, texted Sunset. Sunset Shimmer? It's Twilight. Rarity just fainted. I don't actually know where you live or how to get there. Hey Twilight. Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I'll send a cab over to Rarity's place to pick you up. You're at the boutique, right? Yes. Okay. Sit tight. A cab'll be there by the time Rarity wakes up, she can give the driver the address. Thank you. No prob. It'll be so good to see you again! A minute later, Rarity came to. Twilight explained that Sunset had already called a taxi for them. "So that...thing you were playing with...it works like the magic journal?" Rainbow asked. "More or less," Twilight said. "Except it's technology, not magic. I don't understand it really, but I saw the girls using their phones enough the last two times I was here to figure it out. Kinda." "So you were actually just communicating with Sunset Shimmer?" Summer Storm asked. "That's right." Twilight paused. "I...didn't tell her you were here. I didn't think it...would be appropriate." Summer Storm nodded. "You know her better than I do," he said with a sigh. While they waited, Rarity quickly changed Scootaloo into a new, fancier outfit for meeting her sister, an experience Scootaloo found strange and confusing. She found herself wearing a knee-length fuschia skirt, a cream-colored blouse, black tights, and glossy fuschia maryjanes. Not long after, the cab arrived; the four Equestrians managed, with difficulty, to squeeze themselves into it. Rarity gave the driver the address, and they were off. "Whoa," Rainbow said. "This thing is loud!" "It's shaking a LOT!" Scootaloo complained. The driver frowned into the rear-view mirror. "Well excuse me," he said. "I got a tune-up scheduled for tomorrow." "Sorry, sir. They're not used to cars," Twilight said. The driver gave her an odd look, but shrugged and turned his attention back to the road. "Just glad the fare's prepaid," he muttered. "Twilight? What...what's pulling this thing?" Rainbow asked. "Nothing's pulling it," Twilight said. "It runs on its own. Look, just...don't worry about it, alright?" "If you say so..." Several minutes later, the cab pulled up in front of a small apartment building. There were only six apartments, all of a medium size; the building's worn sandstone facade was constructed in a distinctly Southwestern style. Each apartment had its own veranda with an intricate, eye-catching wrought iron balustrade. The stairs leading to the second floor were broad and made of dark red bricks. The same dark red bricks surrounded flowerbeds that covered the property, in which shrubs and flowers and interesting plants flourished. The four Equestrians got out; the driver barely waited for them to close the doors before speeding off. "Nice place," Rainbow said. "She lives upstairs in number five," Twilight said, recalling what Rarity had told them at the boutique. "Umm...be careful with stairs," she advised as she walked over to the stairs. The others followed her; they cautiously ascended. Once they were all in front of the designated door, Twilight rang the doorbell. "Just a minute!" they heard from inside. A moment later, the door opened. Sunset Shimmer stood there, wearing a magenta T-shirt and blue jeans. "Twilight!" she said happily, grabbing Twilight's hands and pulling her inside. "It's so good to see you!" "Hello, Sunset," Twilight said, hugging her friend. "I've brought along someone who very much wants to meet you. Oh, but first...this is my world's Rainbow Dash," she said, motioning Rainbow to enter. Sunset blinked. "I thought you weren't letting your friends from Equestria come across because it's too confusing?" "Yeah, well..." Twilight laughed nervously. "You know how impulsive Rainbow can be." Sunset laughed. "Yeah, I do." She held out a hand. "Hey." Rainbow took it hesitantly and shook it. "Umm...hey," she said. "Nice to meet you..." Twilight took a deep breath. "And...and now, the reason I'm really here," she said. She motioned for Summer Storm and Scootaloo to enter; they did so, standing just inside the door awkwardly. Sunset blinked. "Okay, Scootaloo, I know from school...unless this is the Scootaloo from Equestria?" "That's right," Twilight said. "Okay. But this guy..." Sunset frowned, brow furrowing. Summer Storm, for his part, was staring at Sunset Shimmer with unabashed wonder. "Is...is it really you?" he asked softly. "Sunset Shimmer?" "That's right," Sunset said. Her frown deepened; confusion was written across her face. "Your voice...I've heard it before..." "You have indeed, but not for many years," Summer Storm said. He took a step forward. "Even...even in this strange, alien form...your beautiful mane is unmistakeable..." "Sunset," Twilight said, "this is Summer Storm." Sunset's eyes widened. She took a step back, pale and trembling. "...Daddy?" "That's right," Summer Storm said. Sunset took several more steps back, nearly tripping over her own feet. She sank into a leather chair in the middle of the living room. "How...why...?" She looked at Twilight. Twilight smiled gently and explained how Summer Storm had come to her and told her everything. "And...and he wanted to see you," Twilight said. "As soon as he found out that was possible now..." Sunset swallowed heavily. "I...I see," she said. She looked up at Summer Storm. "Daddy...I'm so sorry. You...you must be so disappointed...so angry..." Summer Storm shook his head. "I was, for a time," he said. "Then I was simply very sad. And now...now that I've spoken to both Princess Celestia and Princess Twilight, have learned what you've built for yourself in this world, how you've grown and changed..." He smiled. "I'm just glad you're alive, and safe, and happy." Tears welled in Sunset's eyes. She threw herself out of her chair and hurled herself at Summer Storm. "DADDY!" She embraced him tightly, crying into his chest; he held her tightly, tears falling from his own eyes. Rainbow's eyes welled up with tears and she sniffled. "Oh man...this is makin' me cry...not cool..." Twilight smiled, her own eyes wet, as she watched father and daughter mend years of distance and heartbreak. After a while, Sunset took a step back, sniffling; tears streamed freely down her cheeks. "Daddy..." She laughed, shaking her head. "You know...I honestly hadn't thought about you and Mommy in...well...years!" Summer Storm sighed. "We didn't exactly involve ourselves in your life, even before you chose to leave Equestria." He shook his head. "We made so many mistakes with you, Sunset." Sunset shook her head. "I made the mistakes," she said. Twilight coughed. "Summer Storm? Tell her the other part." "Right," Summer Storm said. "Sunset...there's somepony you should meet." He turned to Scootaloo and nodded. Scootaloo stepped forward, fidgeting slightly. "Um, h-hi," she said. Sunset Shimmer's brow crinkled. "I, uhh...I do know this world's Scootaloo," she said. "But..." "Her actual name is Sunrise," Summer Storm said, "and she's your little sister." Sunset's eyes widened. She gasped as she looked at Scootaloo, who nodded. "My...sister?" She shook her head. "I have a sister?" "That's pretty much what I said," Scootaloo said. Sunset tilted her head. "Are...are you a pegasus?" she asked. "Yeah," Scootaloo said. "So...I live at home with Mom and Dad." She frowned. "But I spend most of my time in Ponyville. That's where I'm Scootaloo. I'm only Sunrise at home." "Scootaloo can't fly," Summer Storm said. "And she wanted to live like a normal filly, not...not as the daughter of somepony rich and famous. So every day, our butler takes her to Ponyville, then brings her back at the end of the day." "And it also keeps the elites from knowing you have a handicapped daughter?" Sunset asked. Summer Storm winced. "Sorry," Sunset said. "That...that was uncalled for." "Umm...why don't Rainbow Dash and I let the three of you have some time to yourselves?" Twilight asked. "I can show Rainbow some of...some of the cool stuff in this world..." Sunset nodded, smiling. "Thank you, Twilight," she said. She pointed down the hall. "There's a TV in my bedroom, you can go back there and...you know how to work it, right?" "I'll figure it out," Twilight said. "Okay. Remote's on the beside table." Twilight dragged Rainbow Dash away. Sunset, Summer Storm, and Scootaloo spent hours talking... EpilogueIt was almost dark when the five Equestrians stood in front of the statue outside CHS. "It...it was good seeing you again, Daddy," Sunset said. "And..." She reached out and messed up Scootaloo's hair. "I'm glad I got to meet my sister." She laughed. "My sister! I tell you...my friends here won't ever believe this." "Sunset...will you ever come back to Equestria?" Summer Storm asked. Sunset sighed. "To visit, maybe," she said, shrugging. "I dunno. I...don't think I'll ever come back to stay, though. My life is here now." Summer Storm bowed his head. "I understand," he said. "I just...I wish we hadn't lost so many years..." "Yeah..." Sunset smiled. "Don't worry, I'll...I'll keep in touch. Twilight'll pass along news from over here." "I sure will," Twilight said with a smile. Scootaloo ran forward and hugged Sunset one last time. Sunset laughed and tousled her hair. She looked up at Rainbow Dash. "Take good care of my sister," she said. "You know I will!" Summer Storm stepped forward and embraced Sunset. "Goodbye, daughter," he said. "Take care of yourself. I'm proud of you...I love you." Sunset sniffled. "I love you too, Daddy." Twilight, Summer Storm, Scootaloo, and Rainbow returned to Equestria. Sunset stood in front of the portal for a long time, wiping tears from her eyes, before turning to leave. * * * * * Not much really changed in the day-to-day lives of the Cutie Mark Crusaders in the wake of discovering Scootaloo's secret. They still went on their little adventures, they still got covered in tree sap, and they still had two complete pains in the rear to deal with. However, they now bore the taunting and barbs from Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara with secretive snickers, and every afternoon, promptly at four, they took tea in the clubhouse. Applejack and Big Macintosh had been let in on Scootaloo's secret, but Sweetie Belle had elected to keep Rarity in the dark, and seemed to take a certain pleasure in doing so. They also discovered, to Scootaloo's surprise, that Pinkie Pie already knew about Scootaloo's real name and her very important family. She also knew things even Scootaloo herself didn't know, such as Silver Spoon's mother, Silver Lining, being the butler, Silverbolt's, sister. A week after their first visit to Cumulus Court, they were invited back. This time, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle met Scootaloo's father, who thanked them for being such good friends to his daughter, and welcomed them to visit whenever possible. And twice a month, on a lazy Sunday afternoon, two sisters got together, in one world or another, to talk and laugh and play and make up for lost time.
The Visitors At Cumulus Court"Hey, Apple Bloom?" "Yeah, Sweetie Belle?" The two Crusaders were patching the roof of the clubhouse, which had been damaged by a fallen tree limb after a heavy storm. Scootaloo had left a few minutes earlier, saying she needed to be home early. "Where does Scootaloo live?" Sweetie asked. Apple Bloom paused in the middle of hammering a nail. "Umm...you know, Ah ain't really sure," she said. "Ah heard somepony say she was an orphan, but...there ain't even no orphanages in Ponyville!" "Maybe she lives at an orphanage in Cloudsdale?" Sweetie Belle asked. "That's just silly," Apple Bloom replied dismissively. "If she lived in Cloudsdale, what would she be doin' goin' t' school in Ponyville? 'Specially since she can't fly an' all." "Oh yeah. Huh." Sweetie frowned. "So where DOES she live then?" "Why don't we ask 'er tomorrow?" * * * * * As soon as Cheerilee dismissed class Friday afternoon, the Cutie Mark Crusaders immediately gathered in their customary spot. "So, what're we doing to earn our Cutie Marks today, girls?" Scootaloo asked eagerly. The other two glanced at one another. Sweetie Belle tilted her head in Scootaloo's direction. Apple Bloom nodded, turned to Scootaloo, and asked, "Actually, we was thinkin'...we should meet up at your place!" Scootaloo flinched. "Um...my...place? As in...my...house? Where I...live?" "Yeah!" Sweetie Belle said. "I mean, you've been to my place and Apple Bloom's place plenty of times, and we've even slept over at Fluttershy's place and the library, but...we've never even been to your place! We don't even know where you live!" Scootaloo giggled. "Aheh...well...um...I'm an orphan, of course! Everypony knows that! I don't have a home!" Apple Bloom frowned. "Scootaloo...there ain't no orphanages in Ponyville. An' no orphans, neither." Scootaloo's ears dropped. "S-sure there are! It's um...it's..." "It's where?" Apple Bloom challenged, stepping forward. "Go on, tell us where the orphanage is." Scootaloo dropped her head. "Okay, you got me." Her friends glanced at one another. "So...what's the real story, Scoots?" Apple Bloom asked. Scootaloo sighed. "It's...hard to explain." "But you really DO have a home and a family, right?" Sweetie prompted. "Yeah, I do," Scootaloo said unenthusiastically. "So take us to your place and let us meet your folks!" Apple Bloom said. Scootaloo shook her head. "It's...not that simple." "You don't want your family to meet your friends?" Sweetie Belle asked, face scrunched up in a perfect imitation of her sister's best pout. Scootaloo rolled her eyes. "It's nothing like that. It's just..." She sighed. "Tell you what. Meet me at Princess Twilight's castle tomorrow morning, and...and then we'll go to my place." The others looked at each other. "Why can't we just go now?" Apple Bloom asked. "Because...it's...well...just wait until tomorrow, okay? Please?" Scootaloo pleaded. "Oh, alright," the others pouted. * * * * * When Scootaloo was through playing for the day, she rode her scooter out to an empty field to the southwest of Ponyville. After a few minutes' wait, a beautiful carriage of gold-painted mahogany draped in silk finery descended from the sky, pulled by a stately grey pegasus with a white mane and mustache who wore a stuffy tuxedo jacket and black bowtie. "Did you have a good day, Young Miss?" he asked. Scootaloo sighed. "Yeah." She stepped into the carriage. "But tomorrow may be kinda bad..." * * * * * The instant Scootaloo stepped through the front door, a bright yellow pegasus mare in a navy blue maid outfit descended upon her. "Welcome home, Young Miss," the maid said. "Let's just make you presentable..." "Do we gotta?" Scootaloo asked with a disgusted groan. "Yes, we 'gotta'," the maid clucked, rolling her eyes. Ten minutes later, Scootaloo was clad in a gown of fine gold silk which fell about her in great waves, pooling around hooves which were shod in soft slippers of the same material. Her mane had been restyled into a series of tight ringlets. To the sound of constant subtle prompts from the maid ("A-hem", "Tsk...",) Scootaloo gracefully ascended a long, winding spiral staircase framed by glistening rainbow falls and pristine columns. After fifteen minutes of climbing, she emerged into the cavernous foyer of her family home. The butler, who had simply flown up to the mansion proper while she was being dressed, cleared his throat and announced, "The Young Miss has returned from school." "Thank you, Silverbolt," a clear, crisp female voice echoed in the foyer. A silver-white mare with an artfully styled pile of powder blue tresses, draped in fine silver silks, glided into the room. She smiled at the filly. "Welcome home, Sunrise. How was school?" "School was fine, Mother," Scootaloo said. She fidgeted. "Is something the matter, dear?" The little orange pegasus sighed. "My friends...want to come over tomorrow." The elegant mare's eyes gleamed, a smile blossoming on her face. "How delightful! I do look forward to meeting your friends. I will clear my schedule for tomorrow so that I can learn all about the fillies you spend so much time with." Scootaloo grimaced. "There...are a few things I need to tell you first, Mother," she said. * * * * * The early morning was crisp and bright when Scootaloo met up with her friends at the castle. "Okay, we're here!" Apple Bloom said cheerfully. "We're ready t' go t' yer place, Scootaloo!" Scootaloo looked at her friends and swallowed nervously. "We'll need to see Twilight before we leave," she said. "Huh? Why?" Sweetie Belle asked. Scootaloo rubbed the back of one hoof with another. "Well...the thing is...I live in Cloudsdale. You two can't...actually even walk in my house." The other two fillies exchanged a glance. "You really live in Cloudsdale?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Yeah," Scootaloo said. "But I know that Twilight knows a cloud-walking spell that'll let you two spend the day in Cloudsdale." "Awesome!" Apple Bloom said. "Well, let's get right to it!" She knocked on the door. After a moment, Spike answered. "Oh, hey there," he said. "What's up?" "We need to ask Twilight for a favor," Scootaloo said. Spike frowned at her. "Princess Twilight," he amended. "Show some respect." Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. "Just let us in already." Upon hearing their request and the reason for it, Twilight was all too happy to accomodate them. She also insisted on accompanying them, partly out of curiosity and partly to make sure the spell held up for the full duration. Despite Scootaloo's panicked protests, a grand chariot had soon arrived, pulled by two of the Canterlot Royal Guard, and Twilight and the three fillies had boarded. With a sigh, Scootaloo supplied the guards with the address for her home in Cloudsdale. One of the guards glanced sharply back at her, eyes wide. "But that's—!" "Just...get us there already. Please?" Scootaloo asked resignedly. As the chariot lifted into the sky, headed for Cloudsdale, a rainbow-maned shadow trailed behind it... * * * * * "So Scootaloo," Twilight asked as the chariot soared through the morning sky, "why do you go to school in Ponyville if you live in Cloudsdale?" "It's complicated," Scootaloo said. "Is it 'cuz you can't fly?" Apple Bloom asked, concern in her voice. "Do the fillies an' colts in Cloudsdale tease you?" "Oh, no...they wouldn't dare," Scootaloo said. "Er, I mean..." "Hey guys! What's up?" Rainbow Dash's voice intruded. Scootaloo let out a squawk of panic. "Oh, hi Rainbow!" Twilight said pleasantly. "We're headed for Scootaloo's house. Why don't you join us?" "The squirt's place, huh?" Rainbow Dash asked, grinning. "Yeah, I'm down with that." She plopped herself in the front seat next to Twilight. "Ack!" Scootaloo yelped. *Not good, not good...* "We're almost to Cloudsdale," one of the guards said. As the sprawling cloud city drew near, the guards swung the chariot around, rising above the cloud lanes where dozens of pegasi soared to and fro, and glided toward a section of Cloudsdale Twilight couldn't remember having visited on her previous trip. They ascended gently; before them lay a massive pile of fluffy clouds, the highest, tallest clouds Twilight had ever seen. Rainbow Dash's eyes widened. "Uhh...why're we goin' to Cumulus Court?" she asked. "Because that's where I live," Scootaloo said simply. Rainbow's jaw dropped. "Are you kidding me?!" Scootaloo looked away, eyes downcast. Twilight frowned at her. "What's wrong?" "It..." Scootaloo sighed. "I'll explain it when we get to my place." She looked up, and nodded. "We're almost there." Her friends gasped in awe at the immense cloud mansion which stood at the apex of the tall cloud bank. Seventeen separate layers of cloud, stacked in a seemingly haphazard pattern, supported by pristine pillars and connected by dozens of spiral staircases. Each layer sported rows of immense, open windows. The entire structure was dotted by dozens of pools of shimmering morning mist, fountains that sprayed fine sheets of rainbow dozens of feet into the air, and a large pond full of a golden, glowing substance Twilight couldn't immediately identify. The chariot approached the lowest layer and glided to a halt. "Okay, everypony out," Scootaloo said tonelessly. Apple Bloom gasped. "Scoots...this is where you live?!" Rainbow Dash was staring speechlessly at Scootaloo, wings rustling. The massive front door opened, and a grey pegasus in a tuxedo glided out. "Welcome home, Young Miss. These must be your...friends..." He trailed off as he espied Twilight. His mouth worked speechlessly. "Your Highness," he said, kneeling. "This...is most unexpected." "Escort our guests to the receiving room on the third strata, Silverbolt," Scootaloo said. "You know April Showers won't even let me upstairs until I'm...decent." The butler nodded absently. "Y-yes...right away, Young Miss." Turning to the others, he said, "If you would all please follow me...right this way..." "Scootaloo? What's going on here?" Sweetie Belle whispered as they trotted through the door. Scootaloo hung her head and turned away, trotting glumly away from her friends and toward an anxious-looking maid. "Ah don't understand any of this! Where th' hay are we, an' why th' hay is Scootaloo orderin' this guy around?" Apple Bloom demanded loudly, earning a cross look from the butler. "This place is like a palace," Sweetie Belle said, staring all around at the high ceilings, gleaming columns, and fine tapestries. "Rainbow Dash," Twilight asked quietly, "is Scootaloo's family...well...important?" Rainbow Dash swallowed nervously. "You have no idea, Twi," she said. "And I had no idea either. If I'd known the squirt was..." She shook her head. "But...it doesn't make sense!" The butler, Silverbolt, coughed. "Perhaps I should explain while we wait for the Young Miss and the Madame?" "Please do," Twilight said gently. Silverbolt remained silent until they reached the top of the second spiral staircase, turned right, and walked into a large room lined with plush sofas and chairs. Two maids stood by, a tea service already prepared for the guests. As the maids poured tea and the mares and fillies seated themselves, the butler finally spoke: "The Young Miss is the daughter of Summer Storm, owner and general manager of the Wonderbolts, and Commandant of the Pegasus Guard Academy." * * * * * Scootaloo, once again in her fine golden silk gown and slippers and with her hair rearranged, stood nervously outside the receiving room doors. Her mother stood beside her, a gentle yet eager smile on her face. "Why so nervous and glum, Sunrise?" "In about five minutes, my two best friends in the whole world and the pony I look up to as my idol are going to hate me forever," Scootaloo replied glumly. "Oh, now..." her mother chided. "I'm sure it won't be as bad as all that." She pushed open the doors and was about to step in when she caught sight of a guest she hadn't been expecting. She gasped and retreated quickly. "Sunrise! Why is Princess Twilight Sparkle here?!" "Um...she wanted to come with us?" Scootaloo offered. Her mother took a deep breath, and her gentle smile returned to her face. "I wish you had warned me sooner, dear." Steeling herself, she pushed the doors open again and strode in, Scootaloo at her side. Silverbolt coughed. "Madame Morning Dew and Young Miss Sunrise," he announced. "Here to receive the Princess Twilight Sparkle and entourage." "Thank you, Silverbolt," Morning Dew said. She approached Twilight and knelt. "Your Highness." "There's no need for that," Twilight said. She looked at Scootaloo. "Sunrise?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. Scootaloo shifted nervously. "Um. Yeah. Thing is..." She looked over at her friends. "Scootaloo isn't my real name. It's just...a nickname, kinda. My real name is Sunrise." Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle blinked. "Huh?" Apple Bloom asked, tilting her head. "Why wouldn't you tell us your real name?" "Because she didn't want anypony in Ponyville to realize how rich and important she really is," Rainbow Dash said, voice full of wonder and realization. "Am I right?" Scootaloo nodded. She looked around at her friends, then looked down at the floor. "My dad...he's the most important pony in Cloudsdale." She gestured at herself. "Ever since I was a little foal, every day I've had maids dressing me and teaching me how to be a refined high-society pony. "But...I just wanna be a normal filly," she said. "With normal friends and doing normal things. But I could never have a normal life here in Cloudsdale. I'm the daughter of Summer Storm. It's..." She frowned. "I'd be like Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. You know...somepony you only hang out with because they're important." "Scootaloo..." Apple Bloom said quietly. "So I talked it over with Mother," Scootaloo said, "and we worked out a way that I could have a normal life, with normal friends." "It was mostly her idea," Morning Dew said. "She even chose Ponyville specifically because it was the most ordinary town she could find." "Hold up," Sweetie Belle said. "So...you're the daughter of a really rich and important pony here in Cloudsdale, and you have this whole other life here where you wear fancy dresses and have butlers and maids and stuff, and then you come down to Ponyville every day to go to school and hang out with us and do crazy stuff and get covered in tree sap?" "Yeah, that about sums it up," Scootaloo nodded. Twilight frowned. "Wait. Rainbow Dash, how is it you never recognized Scootaloo as Sunrise?" Rainbow Dash scratched the back of her head. "Honestly? I've only ever heard the name Sunrise before. She's...never actually been in any newspapers, or..." She shrugged. "I've never actually seen Summer Storm's daughter." "We do like to have some privacy where possible," Morning Dew said. "And Sunrise spending her days living anonymously in Ponyville does help keep her out of the same spotlight her father and I share." Scootaloo gave her friends a pleading gaze. "Are...are you mad at me?" "Heck no!" Apple Bloom said. "Why would we be mad at you?" Sweetie Belle asked. "You're still our Scootaloo, even if you're super-rich and have a crazy double life." Scootaloo smiled gratefully at her friends...then looked over at Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow Dash, I..." Rainbow Dash looked slightly away, a sheepish expression on her face. "Heh...I guess you don't really need me to look out for you after all, huh?" "Are you kidding?" Scootaloo asked. "You're STILL the most awesome pony I know!" She dug her silk-shod hoof into the floor. "Please...please don't stop being my 'big sis'?" "She does respect and adore you quite a bit, Rainbow Dash," Morning Dew said. "You're practically all she talks about...when she's not talking about her little friends." Rainbow perked up, smiling. "Well then...that settles it. We'll just have to keep hangin' out and doing stuff together like sisters, won't we?" "Hooray!" Scootaloo cried, throwing her hooves up in the air and rushing over to hug Rainbow Dash. Her friends joined in the hug a moment later. * * * * * At the end of the day, Scootaloo bid farewell to her friends and Twilight as they boarded the carriage to return to Ponyville. Rainbow Dash had decided to stay overnight. "Please don't tell anypony the truth," Scootaloo pleaded as she said goodbye to her friends. "I don't want my life in Ponyville to change." "Don't fret none. We won't say a word," Apple Bloom said. "We already told you half a dozen times...it don't matter who your family is or how fancy your house is. You're still our Scootaloo." Author's Note I really, really hate Orphan Scootaloo stories. I really, seriously hate them. It's one of the dumbest memes in the fandom. So, I decided to write a story where the exact opposite is true: Scootaloo is not only not an orphan, she's a very wealthy and important pony with a big fancy house and servants.
Before Sunrise, there was...The day after the unbelievable visit to Cumulus Court, Rainbow Dash was reclining on her favorite cloud-stuffed reading cushion in her living room, rereading the newest Daring Do adventure, when there was a knock on the front door. Setting aside her book and taking wing, she flapped down to the first floor. Her jaw dropped as she beheld her visitor: a massive pegasus stallion with a dark purple-gray coat, eyes the color of steel, and a storm-gray mane and tail shot through with electric blue streaks shaped like jagged lightning bolts. "Good afternoon, Miss Dash," he said in a rich baritone. "My name is Summer Storm." "S-S-Summer Storm..." Rainbow took a step back, eyes wide. Shaking her head, she tried to straighten herself up, but the stallion's sheer presence made her feel small. "Um, it's n-nice to meet you, s-sir..." Summer Storm smiled and laughed gently. "There is no need to be nervous, my little pony," he said. "May I enter?" "Huh? Oh...y-yes, of course," Rainbow said, gliding away from the door. Summer Storm trotted casually into the foyer. "Can I get you anything? Sir?" "No thank you," he said. "I wanted to meet you, and have a little talk...now that you know the truth about my daughter." Rainbow gulped. "O-Okay..." "I already said you don't need to be nervous," Summer Storm said, rolling his eyes. "Am I really that scary?" "Hey, I'm not scared of anything!" Rainbow Dash said hotly, her usual confidence trying to reassert itself. She paused, then added, "But...you are a little...intimidating." Summer Storm laughed. "I hear that quite often." Shaking his head, he paced around the room. "You have quite a nice place here," he said. "It's nothing compared to yours," Rainbow said. "True," Summer Storm said. "Sometimes I feel as if I went a bit too far when I built my home." He turned, stopped, and faced her. "First, I want to thank you for taking Sunrise under your wing. She has long lamented not having a sister figure to look up to. One or two of the maids have tried to be that to her, but...well..." He clucked his tongue. "Let us just say there have been...personality clashes." "You mean how she's really rough around the edges?" Rainbow asked without thinking. Summer Storm laughed. "Yes, exactly!" Rainbow shrugged. "I like the squirt. She reminds me of me." "Considering what I know of you, that honestly worries me," Summer Storm said. "Still..." He sighed. "May I sit down?" "Of course!" Rainbow led Summer Storm into her living room, where they sat across from each other. Summer Storm fidgeted nervously for a long moment. At length, he said, "I'm sure you've probably figured this out by now, but...Sunrise...will never be able to fly." He sighed. "We've encouraged her to keep hoping, but...my wife and I have had many private conversations with the finest doctors in Cloudsdale and Canterlot. The truth is, Sunrise was born with underdeveloped wings, and no magic or medicine in Equestria can cure her." Rainbow sighed. "Yeah...I kinda noticed," she admitted. "I've watched her try to fly, and...her wing muscles are super weak, and the bone structure looks all wrong." She absently stretched out one of her own wings, spreading it wide. "I've told her she might fly one day if she keeps tryin', but..." She shook her head. "I don't really see it ever happening." "It won't," Summer Storm agreed with a rumbling sigh. "And..." He closed his eyes. "That's...honestly one of the reasons my wife and I have indulged this whole...'Scootaloo' thing. Sunrise would never be truly happy in Cloudsdale." He gave a mirthless snort of laughter. "At least she could actually live in Cloudsdale, unlike our firstborn..." Rainbow blinked. "Your firstborn?" Summer Storm gave her a stern look. "Now, this is not to leave this room...at least, not for now," he said. "Morning Dew and I very carefully guarded the secret of our first child. Which...was a mistake, and one I severely regret. There is only one pony in Equestria who knows the identity of our firstborn, and she has been sworn to secrecy." "Uhh...okay, but...why?" "Because our firstborn child is a unicorn," Summer Storm said. "Can you imagine the scandal?" Rainbow frowned. "Yeah, okay, I get how the bigwigs in Cloudsdale and the trashy gossip rags would go nuts, but..." "Don't misunderstand!" Summer Storm said hastily. "We dearly loved our daughter. We didn't care that she was a unicorn and not a pegasus. I mean, these things happen. Pony genetics can behave quite strangely." "Tell me about it," Rainbow said. "There's an earth pony couple right here in Ponyville that had twins a couple years back. One's a unicorn and the other's a pegasus." Summer Storm raised an eyebrow. "That must be an...interesting challenge for them." He shook his head. "In any case...for obvious reasons, our unicorn daughter could not live in Cloudsdale. So we...made arrangements." He sighed. "If I'd known then what I know now, I'd have moved to the ground and...and..." He squeezed his eyes shut. Rainbow shifted uncomfortably. "Uhh...did she die or somethin'?" "No, she's alive," Summer Storm said. "But...it's complicated." He frowned. "You're a close friend of Princess Twilight Sparkle, are you not?" Rainbow nodded. "One of her best friends." "Then perhaps you should join me when I meet with the Princess," Summer Storm said. "I...I have business with her...related to everything I've just said." Rainbow blinked in confusion, but shrugged. "Sure. I mean, yes. I'd be honored. And...whatever's going on, you can totally trust me." "Oh, I have no doubt in my mind you are trustworthy," Summer Storm said with a smile. "After all, I know everything there is to know about you." Rainbow's eyes widened and her jaw fell slack. "Huh?" Summer Storm laughed. "You're my daughter's favorite pony in all of Equestria, AND you've caught the interest of Captain Spitfire on multiple occasions. Do you really think I haven't investigated you thoroughly?" "Oh. Uh. Yeah. Heheh." "Well...if you wouldn't mind, I'd...I'd very much like to visit Princess Twilight Sparkle now." "Oh! Yeah. Let's go." * * * * * The Cutie Mark Crusaders found a surprise waiting for them when they met up at the clubhouse late Sunday morning. The pegasus maid, April Showers, stood next to a small table draped in crisp linen, upon which sat a silver tea service and three piping hot cups of tea. Scootaloo's jaw dropped. "What the—?! April, what are YOU doing here?!" "Now, Young Miss," April chided, "seeing as your little friends now know the truth about you, it is only fitting that in the privacy of this...ah...quaint little playhouse, you observe proper ladylike decorum. And take proper tea with your friends." "You gotta be kidding me," Scootaloo groaned. "Hey, sounds good t' me," Apple Bloom said. "Only, it ain't a good idea t' have much fancy stuff here in th' clubhouse." "Yeah, every now and then we get barged in on by the very last ponies in Ponyville we want finding out about Scootaloo." April frowned. "Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon invade your clubhouse?" "You know those two?" Apple Bloom asked, eyes wide. "Only by reputation," April said. "The Young Miss has made her dislike of those two fillies quite plain on numerous occasions." She smirked. "In my opinion, the fact that every single holding of both their families wouldn't be enough to buy one of the staircases at Cumulus Court is rather delicious irony." Scootaloo giggled. "That's true." "Oh, one other thing," April said, turning to Apple Bloom. "I don't know if she told you this, but the Young Miss has been using a rather out-of-the-way field to come and go from Ponyville each day. Now that you know her secret, would it be possible for Silverbolt to collect her in a less public area of Sweet Apple Acres?" "Sure, it's fine by me. Umm...does this mean it's okay for my family t' know about all this?" "As long as they can keep a secret," April said. "That goes for your family too," she added to Sweetie Belle. Sweetie frowned. "I'm not so sure telling Rarity about Scootaloo's family would be a good idea," she said. "I mean..." Apple Bloom suddenly burst out giggling. Sweetie trailed off and stared at her. "What?" "Ah just..." Apple Bloom managed to wheeze out between giggles, "Ah just pictured Rarity's reaction t' Scootaloo in that gold dress..." She sobered up, clutching at her ribs. "Ah'm sorry. It's just...y'all know how Rarity is about all that fancy stuff..." Sweetie Belle giggled. "Yeah, I think I know what you mean." She gave Scootaloo a glance, one eyebrow raised. "What do you think?" "I think if anypony else from Ponyville sees me all dolled up like that, I'll feed myself to a hydra," Scootaloo said, face scrunched up in the most unladylike expression possible. This just sent her friends into a fresh wave of giggles. * * * * * Twilight Sparkle opened the front doors to her castle to find Rainbow Dash and an unfamiliar stallion on her doorstep. "Hi Rainbow. Who's—?" The stallion stepped forward and knelt. "Your Highness," he rumbled. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Summer Storm." "This is Scootaloo's dad," Rainbow said. Twilight's eyes widened. "Oh," she said. "It's...it's a pleasure to meet you. Won't you come in?" The two pegasi followed Twilight into the castle. She led them upstairs to the library, where she invited them to sit at the large reading table. "I hope I'm not being presumptuous in taking up your time, Your Highness, but—" "Oh, don't worry about it," Twilight said. "I'm just doing a little light reading today. Nothing important." She smiled. "What can I do for you?" "Well..." Summer Storm took a deep breath, then told Twilight the same things he had told Rainbow: that Sunrise would never be able to fly, that she was actually his second child, and that his firstborn was a unicorn. When he was finished, Twilight looked sad. "That's...a lot to have happen to a single family," she said. "But...there is still more, and...I've been told that you are the one pony in Equestria who can help me." Twilight blinked. "There's more?" Summer Storm nodded. "You see..." He stood and began to pace. "After I entrusted my first daughter to my friends among the nobility in Canterlot, I learned that she showed an exceptional talent for magic. I was thrilled when I received a letter telling me she had been accepted into Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. Later still, I received even more wonderful news. I had never been so proud of her...even though I could not visit her and praise her accomplishments. And I so wanted to. "But then..." Summer Storm's eyes became cloudy and sad. "I started getting letters from Princess Celestia. My daughter had become arrogant, demanding, cruel. She shunned other ponies. She developed a sense of entitlement. She began making more and more unacceptable demands of the Princess. "And then...one day..." He bowed his head. "I learned that she had done the unthinkable. She had left Equestria. Gone to a place where I could not pursue her." He looked up at Twilight. "Princess Celestia was profusely apologetic. She seemed to believe she was to blame for driving my daughter away... "By that time, we already had our hooves full with Sunrise, and..." He shook his head and sighed. Twilight felt a cold pit forming in her stomach. "Summer Storm..." She swallowed heavily. Summer Storm held up a hoof. "But recently, I was visited by Princess Celestia. She told me that...that after all this time, my daughter had returned, as cruel and wicked as before, and that...that you, Princess Twilight Sparkle, confronted her. That you changed her. That you showed her the error of her ways. "And again, even more recently, I received word that my eldest daughter is happy, healthy, and has friends...everything I always wanted for her, and that she is once again somepony I can be proud of...but she is still beyond my reach." Tears gathered in Twilight's eyes. "Oh Celestia," she whispered. "You're talking about Sunset Shimmer, aren't you?" "I am indeed," Summer Storm said. Rainbow's eyes widened. "Whoa."
...Sunset.Author's Note IMPORTANT! You MUST reread the previous chapters if you have not done so! They have been substantially changed! ...Sunset. The Cutie Mark Crusaders had left Sweet Apple Acres and were on their way into town to find something fun to do when Rainbow Dash zipped up to them in a breathless blur. "Scoots!" she cried. "You gotta come quick...castle...your dad...holy horseapples, you're never gonna believe..." She swept Scootaloo up, threw her on her back, and took off. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle exchanged puzzled glances before galloping off after them. "Rainbow Dash...!" Scootaloo cried. "What...is...this...about?" "You'll see!" * * * * * Twilight sat heavily on her favorite reading cushion. "I'm having a lot of trouble processing this," she said. "You mean to tell me...Sunset Shimmer, the only unicorn I've ever met who was as powerful and talented as me, was born to pegasi? And not just any pegasi, but THE most important pegasi in Cloudsdale? And that she's Scootaloo's older sister?!" "That sums the situation up quite succinctly," Summer Storm said. Twilight shook her head. "This is...this is too weird!" Summer Storm shifted. "Your Highness...I'm led to believe that you have a means of keeping in contact with my daughter. Of...of visiting her. Or perhaps...of bringing her here?" Twilight nodded warily. "I do," she said, nodding to the ornate mirror on the opposite end of the library. It was surrounded by various magical machinery, all of which was presently inert. "But...Summer Storm...is that really a good idea? After all this time?" "It might not be," Summer Storm said, "but I don't care. I want to see her. I...I need to see her." He swallowed heavily. "Besides...doesn't she deserve to know she has a sister? We...we lost touch after she enrolled in Celestia's school." Twilight sighed. "And I don't have any right to stand between you and your family," she said. "Alright, I'll—" The doors burst open, and a rainbow blur rushed in, depositing a smaller orange blur on the floor. Scootaloo skidded across the crystal floor like a curling stone, blinking dazedly before coming to a halt. She looked around in confusion. "Dad?" Summer Storm chuckled. "Hello, Sunrise," he said. "Summer Storm, have you...ever told Scoot—I mean, Sunrise—?" "No," Summer Storm said. "I...thought it might do more harm than good." "I understand," Twilight said sympathetically. "Told me what?" Scootaloo asked, blinking. "Come here, Sunrise," Summer Storm said. Scootaloo trotted over to him and sat down, her tiny wings buzzing. Summer Storm looked down at her. "There's something your mother and I have been keeping from you, and...I hope you won't be angry with me when you find out the truth." "What, that I'll never fly? Because...I've kinda known for a while," Scootaloo said sadly. Summer Storm coughed awkwardly. "Well...that, yes, but...this is something else." He looked her straight in the eyes. "Sunrise...you do have an older sister." Scootaloo blinked. She looked from her father, to Rainbow Dash. "Is it—?" "Sorry, squirt," Rainbow said. "My dad's nowhere close to as important as your dad." At Scootaloo's crestfallen expression, Summer Storm laughed. "That would have been perhaps too contrived," he said. "No...the sister you have never met is a unicorn, with a rather complicated past." "A unicorn?" Scootaloo asked, blinking. "Yes," Summer Storm replied. "You understand now why you have never met her. We could not raise her in Cloudsdale." Scootaloo winced. "Yeah." "But we have not had contact with your sister for many years," Summer Storm said. "And until now, we had no way to reach her. But...now, Princess Twilight has the means to make our family whole again." Twilight frowned. "Summer Storm...I hope you're not expecting her to want to come stay," she said. "She's...she's made a life for herself there. She has friends...she won't want to give that up." Summer Storm sighed. "I understand," he said. "And I will respect her wishes. I just...I just want to see her...one more time." Twilight sniffled. "I'm sure she'll...I'm sure she'll be happy." She stood up. "I'll contact her imme—" She trailed off. "No. I'll go see her immediately." She teleported away in a magenta flash, then reappeared clutching a thick book with Celestia's Cutie Mark on the cover. The book levitated into a niche in the machinery surrounding the mirror. The various machines began whirring to life, arcing and spinning and weaving sheets of pressed magic and making all sorts of interesting noises as Scootaloo and her father watched curiously. Finally, two arcs of energy struck the surface of the mirror, which seemed to suck all the light from the room as its surface rippled and swirled. "Ooooh," Scootaloo said. "What's that?" "It's a portal to another world," Twilight said. "The world your sister lives in." She took a deep breath and strode toward the mirror. "Hopefully, it won't take me long to find her and convince her to come back..." The others watched as Twilight stepped into the mirror and vanished. Five seconds later, they all charged in after her. * * * * * Twilight wobbled for a moment before righting herself on two legs. She took a deep breath and looked up at Canterlot High. "Okay," she said. "It's Sunday, so I'm pretty sure nobody's at school..." She frowned, looking around. "Let's see...the nearest place is Rarity's boutique, so maybe—" "Oof!" "Whoa!" Twilight's eyes widened. She turned slowly to look behind her. Three people lay sprawled out on the ground in front of the portal: Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, and a massive man who was clearly Summer Storm. "Oh no no no no no," Twilight moaned. "WHAT are you three DOING HERE?" Rainbow sat up, rubbing her head. "Heheh...sorry," she said. She looked down at her long, slim arms. "Whoa. Freaky. So these are 'hands', huh?" "I wanna meet my sister!" Scootaloo said. Then she blinked and looked down at herself. Then she screamed. "AAAAAAH! WHAT THE HAY HAPPENED TO ME?!" Summer Storm gingerly picked himself up, brushing off the tailored suit he wore. He wobbled slightly on two legs, then looked down at the two girls, then at Twilight, and raised an eyebrow. "Well..." He coughed. "This is...unexpected." Twilight threw up her hands in exasperation. "Rainbow Dash, you knew better than this! What did I tell you about—" "Oh, chill, Twilight!" Rainbow said. She frowned as she brushed her back with her hands. "Aw man...no wings? Well this blows!" "What's going on here what happened to us why do we all look so weird is that really you Rainbow Dash what happened to my hooves what's—" Scootaloo babbled, staring in shock at her hands. "Scootaloo, calm down," Twilight said. "I know it's a bit...strange. The first time always is." She knelt down and took hold of Scootaloo's hand, gingerly pulling her to her feet. "Just...stay calm and try to stay on your feet, okay?" Scootaloo gulped and nodded. Twilight let go; Scootaloo's knees wobbled, but a hand on her shoulder steadied her. She looked up at her father, who smiled encouragingly at her. Rainbow stood up, wobbling alarmingly back and forth before finding her center of gravity. "Okay this is weird," she said. "It really is," Twilight agreed. She sighed. "You really all should go back to Equestria now." "Your Highness," Summer Storm said, "I fully intend to meet my daughter today. If...if this is the world in which she has made her home and found her happiness, then this is the world in which I will meet her." "I just followed Dad through," Scootaloo said. "Big swirling portal thingie means adventure!" "And you KNOW I've always wanted to see this side of the mirror," Rainbow said. Twilight groaned. "Fine," she said. "But stick close to me and...and be careful. There's another Rainbow Dash here and another Scootaloo here, we don't need you two getting confused for them." She frowned. "Follow me," she said, leading them off down the road. Fortunately, it wasn't a long walk to Carousel Boutique. The three Equestrians who had never visited the human world before had difficulty walking at first, but with Twilight's patient coaching, they were soon able to keep their balance and maintain an even pace. Twilight opened the door and looked inside. She saw Rarity rearranging a display of boots, a studious frown on her face. "Rarity?" she called out. Rarity turned and beamed. "Twilight, darling!" she said, rushing over to the door. "Do come in! Why, we had no idea you were coming! Or...if Sunset did, she didn't say—" "No, I didn't...I mean, this was a very spur-of-the-moment visit," Twilight said. "Holy PONYFEATHERS, is that RARITY?!" Rainbow yelled, staring in wide-eyed shock. "I see you already ran into Rainbow Dash," Rarity said. She frowned. "I thought you were helping Applejack today?" "Rarity, this is the other Rainbow Dash," Twilight said. "From my world." "Oh." Rarity blinked. "Oh my." She smiled at Rainbow. "Ahem. Well...welcome," she said. She looked pale and distraught. "Ahem...we honestly weren't entirely certain we believed Twilight about...well...our counterparts," she said. "Even with Sunset Shimmer backing her up on that." She frowned. "There isn't another Rarity with you, is there?" "No, there isn't," Twilight said. She coughed. "But our Scootaloo is here..." She gestured to Scootaloo. "And her dad, Summer Storm." Rarity smiled. "Well. You look quite presentable, good sir," she said. "Thank you, young lady. And you look rather elegant and lovely." He paused, then tilted his head. "At least, I assume so. I've honestly never laid eyes on...whatever it is you're called before." "Humans," Twilight supplied. "Listen, Rarity...we're actually looking for Sunset Shimmer. Have you seen her today?" Rarity pursed her lips. "I'm not quite sure what she's up to today, honestly," she said. "Hold on...I'll text her." She pulled out her phone and spent a moment rapidly composing a text. A moment later, her phone beeped. "She's at home doing laundry," she said. "Would...would she be okay having guests?" Twilight asked. Rarity texted Sunset again. A moment later, she nodded. "She says it's fine. I told her you're here. She says she's looking forward to seeing you." She tilted her head. "I didn't tell her about these three, of course, because I don't know what you're all doing here. If...if I might ask...why are you looking for her? I mean, I do hate to pry, but..." "I'm her father," Summer Storm said. "And I haven't seen her in many years." Rarity's eyes widened. "Oh. Oh my." She frowned, then looked at Scootaloo. "But I thought you said—" "That's right." "But then that would mean—" "Yes." "Oh...I see..." Rarity coughed. "Excuse me a moment, darlings. I feel rather..." She fainted. Rainbow sighed. "Man, even THIS Rarity? Geez..." While they waited for Rarity to regain consciousness, Twilight picked up Rarity's phone and, after a moment's fumbling, texted Sunset. Sunset Shimmer? It's Twilight. Rarity just fainted. I don't actually know where you live or how to get there. Hey Twilight. Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I'll send a cab over to Rarity's place to pick you up. You're at the boutique, right? Yes. Okay. Sit tight. A cab'll be there by the time Rarity wakes up, she can give the driver the address. Thank you. No prob. It'll be so good to see you again! A minute later, Rarity came to. Twilight explained that Sunset had already called a taxi for them. "So that...thing you were playing with...it works like the magic journal?" Rainbow asked. "More or less," Twilight said. "Except it's technology, not magic. I don't understand it really, but I saw the girls using their phones enough the last two times I was here to figure it out. Kinda." "So you were actually just communicating with Sunset Shimmer?" Summer Storm asked. "That's right." Twilight paused. "I...didn't tell her you were here. I didn't think it...would be appropriate." Summer Storm nodded. "You know her better than I do," he said with a sigh. While they waited, Rarity quickly changed Scootaloo into a new, fancier outfit for meeting her sister, an experience Scootaloo found strange and confusing. She found herself wearing a knee-length fuschia skirt, a cream-colored blouse, black tights, and glossy fuschia maryjanes. Not long after, the cab arrived; the four Equestrians managed, with difficulty, to squeeze themselves into it. Rarity gave the driver the address, and they were off. "Whoa," Rainbow said. "This thing is loud!" "It's shaking a LOT!" Scootaloo complained. The driver frowned into the rear-view mirror. "Well excuse me," he said. "I got a tune-up scheduled for tomorrow." "Sorry, sir. They're not used to cars," Twilight said. The driver gave her an odd look, but shrugged and turned his attention back to the road. "Just glad the fare's prepaid," he muttered. "Twilight? What...what's pulling this thing?" Rainbow asked. "Nothing's pulling it," Twilight said. "It runs on its own. Look, just...don't worry about it, alright?" "If you say so..." Several minutes later, the cab pulled up in front of a small apartment building. There were only six apartments, all of a medium size; the building's worn sandstone facade was constructed in a distinctly Southwestern style. Each apartment had its own veranda with an intricate, eye-catching wrought iron balustrade. The stairs leading to the second floor were broad and made of dark red bricks. The same dark red bricks surrounded flowerbeds that covered the property, in which shrubs and flowers and interesting plants flourished. The four Equestrians got out; the driver barely waited for them to close the doors before speeding off. "Nice place," Rainbow said. "She lives upstairs in number five," Twilight said, recalling what Rarity had told them at the boutique. "Umm...be careful with stairs," she advised as she walked over to the stairs. The others followed her; they cautiously ascended. Once they were all in front of the designated door, Twilight rang the doorbell. "Just a minute!" they heard from inside. A moment later, the door opened. Sunset Shimmer stood there, wearing a magenta T-shirt and blue jeans. "Twilight!" she said happily, grabbing Twilight's hands and pulling her inside. "It's so good to see you!" "Hello, Sunset," Twilight said, hugging her friend. "I've brought along someone who very much wants to meet you. Oh, but first...this is my world's Rainbow Dash," she said, motioning Rainbow to enter. Sunset blinked. "I thought you weren't letting your friends from Equestria come across because it's too confusing?" "Yeah, well..." Twilight laughed nervously. "You know how impulsive Rainbow can be." Sunset laughed. "Yeah, I do." She held out a hand. "Hey." Rainbow took it hesitantly and shook it. "Umm...hey," she said. "Nice to meet you..." Twilight took a deep breath. "And...and now, the reason I'm really here," she said. She motioned for Summer Storm and Scootaloo to enter; they did so, standing just inside the door awkwardly. Sunset blinked. "Okay, Scootaloo, I know from school...unless this is the Scootaloo from Equestria?" "That's right," Twilight said. "Okay. But this guy..." Sunset frowned, brow furrowing. Summer Storm, for his part, was staring at Sunset Shimmer with unabashed wonder. "Is...is it really you?" he asked softly. "Sunset Shimmer?" "That's right," Sunset said. Her frown deepened; confusion was written across her face. "Your voice...I've heard it before..." "You have indeed, but not for many years," Summer Storm said. He took a step forward. "Even...even in this strange, alien form...your beautiful mane is unmistakeable..." "Sunset," Twilight said, "this is Summer Storm." Sunset's eyes widened. She took a step back, pale and trembling. "...Daddy?" "That's right," Summer Storm said. Sunset took several more steps back, nearly tripping over her own feet. She sank into a leather chair in the middle of the living room. "How...why...?" She looked at Twilight. Twilight smiled gently and explained how Summer Storm had come to her and told her everything. "And...and he wanted to see you," Twilight said. "As soon as he found out that was possible now..." Sunset swallowed heavily. "I...I see," she said. She looked up at Summer Storm. "Daddy...I'm so sorry. You...you must be so disappointed...so angry..." Summer Storm shook his head. "I was, for a time," he said. "Then I was simply very sad. And now...now that I've spoken to both Princess Celestia and Princess Twilight, have learned what you've built for yourself in this world, how you've grown and changed..." He smiled. "I'm just glad you're alive, and safe, and happy." Tears welled in Sunset's eyes. She threw herself out of her chair and hurled herself at Summer Storm. "DADDY!" She embraced him tightly, crying into his chest; he held her tightly, tears falling from his own eyes. Rainbow's eyes welled up with tears and she sniffled. "Oh man...this is makin' me cry...not cool..." Twilight smiled, her own eyes wet, as she watched father and daughter mend years of distance and heartbreak. After a while, Sunset took a step back, sniffling; tears streamed freely down her cheeks. "Daddy..." She laughed, shaking her head. "You know...I honestly hadn't thought about you and Mommy in...well...years!" Summer Storm sighed. "We didn't exactly involve ourselves in your life, even before you chose to leave Equestria." He shook his head. "We made so many mistakes with you, Sunset." Sunset shook her head. "I made the mistakes," she said. Twilight coughed. "Summer Storm? Tell her the other part." "Right," Summer Storm said. "Sunset...there's somepony you should meet." He turned to Scootaloo and nodded. Scootaloo stepped forward, fidgeting slightly. "Um, h-hi," she said. Sunset Shimmer's brow crinkled. "I, uhh...I do know this world's Scootaloo," she said. "But..." "Her actual name is Sunrise," Summer Storm said, "and she's your little sister." Sunset's eyes widened. She gasped as she looked at Scootaloo, who nodded. "My...sister?" She shook her head. "I have a sister?" "That's pretty much what I said," Scootaloo said. Sunset tilted her head. "Are...are you a pegasus?" she asked. "Yeah," Scootaloo said. "So...I live at home with Mom and Dad." She frowned. "But I spend most of my time in Ponyville. That's where I'm Scootaloo. I'm only Sunrise at home." "Scootaloo can't fly," Summer Storm said. "And she wanted to live like a normal filly, not...not as the daughter of somepony rich and famous. So every day, our butler takes her to Ponyville, then brings her back at the end of the day." "And it also keeps the elites from knowing you have a handicapped daughter?" Sunset asked. Summer Storm winced. "Sorry," Sunset said. "That...that was uncalled for." "Umm...why don't Rainbow Dash and I let the three of you have some time to yourselves?" Twilight asked. "I can show Rainbow some of...some of the cool stuff in this world..." Sunset nodded, smiling. "Thank you, Twilight," she said. She pointed down the hall. "There's a TV in my bedroom, you can go back there and...you know how to work it, right?" "I'll figure it out," Twilight said. "Okay. Remote's on the beside table." Twilight dragged Rainbow Dash away. Sunset, Summer Storm, and Scootaloo spent hours talking...
EpilogueIt was almost dark when the five Equestrians stood in front of the statue outside CHS. "It...it was good seeing you again, Daddy," Sunset said. "And..." She reached out and messed up Scootaloo's hair. "I'm glad I got to meet my sister." She laughed. "My sister! I tell you...my friends here won't ever believe this." "Sunset...will you ever come back to Equestria?" Summer Storm asked. Sunset sighed. "To visit, maybe," she said, shrugging. "I dunno. I...don't think I'll ever come back to stay, though. My life is here now." Summer Storm bowed his head. "I understand," he said. "I just...I wish we hadn't lost so many years..." "Yeah..." Sunset smiled. "Don't worry, I'll...I'll keep in touch. Twilight'll pass along news from over here." "I sure will," Twilight said with a smile. Scootaloo ran forward and hugged Sunset one last time. Sunset laughed and tousled her hair. She looked up at Rainbow Dash. "Take good care of my sister," she said. "You know I will!" Summer Storm stepped forward and embraced Sunset. "Goodbye, daughter," he said. "Take care of yourself. I'm proud of you...I love you." Sunset sniffled. "I love you too, Daddy." Twilight, Summer Storm, Scootaloo, and Rainbow returned to Equestria. Sunset stood in front of the portal for a long time, wiping tears from her eyes, before turning to leave. * * * * * Not much really changed in the day-to-day lives of the Cutie Mark Crusaders in the wake of discovering Scootaloo's secret. They still went on their little adventures, they still got covered in tree sap, and they still had two complete pains in the rear to deal with. However, they now bore the taunting and barbs from Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara with secretive snickers, and every afternoon, promptly at four, they took tea in the clubhouse. Applejack and Big Macintosh had been let in on Scootaloo's secret, but Sweetie Belle had elected to keep Rarity in the dark, and seemed to take a certain pleasure in doing so. They also discovered, to Scootaloo's surprise, that Pinkie Pie already knew about Scootaloo's real name and her very important family. She also knew things even Scootaloo herself didn't know, such as Silver Spoon's mother, Silver Lining, being the butler, Silverbolt's, sister. A week after their first visit to Cumulus Court, they were invited back. This time, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle met Scootaloo's father, who thanked them for being such good friends to his daughter, and welcomed them to visit whenever possible. And twice a month, on a lazy Sunday afternoon, two sisters got together, in one world or another, to talk and laugh and play and make up for lost time.
