You Will Never Be Alone

Chapters

Chapter 2 - The Hospital
Chapter 3 - the decsion
Chapter 4 - New friend's
chapter 5 - Meeting The Grandparents
chapter 6 - The truth
chapter 7 - Sister Hooves Social
Chapter 8 - Sneaking out
Chapter 9 - Crusading
chapter 10 - Spending the day together.
chapter 11 - Birthday Party.
Chapter 1 - the foalsitting

Chapter 2 - The Hospital

Twilight woke up, blinking in the sunlight. Her mane was a mess and she had a filly snuggled up on her side. She smiled down at Scootaloo, giving the filly a little squeeze. She turned to the clock and saw it was 7 o’clock, and that made her a little worried. “Huh. That’s strange. Dizzy Twister should have been home by now. I wonder why she's so late. She may have just had too much of a good time, but I better see if I can send the Ponyville guards on a little mission.”

Scootaloo shifted her body, rolling over on her left side to sleep a little more. She opened her eyes a crack, her hooves searching around her bed. Twilight grinned, levitating the Rainbow plushie to Scootaloo. The filly grabbed it and she let out a small yawn, starting to snore softly. The little filly was always tired in mornings like every other foal would be.

Twilight gently got out of the bed and covered Scootaloo up with the blanket. Making her way to the door she opened it slowly and walked downstairs. When she got down there she picked up a quill with her magic and she started to write.

“Dear royal guards. I am sending this to the royal cop station. I would like to request some help. I was foalsitting for a mare by the name of Dizzy Twister. She was supposed to be home last night but she never showed up, so I am requesting a search party. She’s the mother of a good friend of mine, so I’m making this top priority. When you find the mother please report back to me.” She included a description of Dizzy Twister and the address, then signed it with her royal signature. Sealing it up she used her magic to teleport the letter away to the guard station. She then decided to make some breakfast for her and Scootaloo. A morning breakfast felt like just what she needed.

Twilight looked out the window. She could see clear skies. That was good. It would make the search go a lot smoother. She walked over to the stove and used her magic to put some butter in the pan, then she levitated two eggs over to her and cracked them open, letting them spill into the pan.

After several minutes of cooking she manage to make her and Scootaloo some eggs, toast, and finally some bacon along with orange juice. Twilight used her magic and levitated the cups and the food to the table. “Phew. That was fun. "Cooked that well" since I accidentally burned a hay sandwich ” she said to herself, blushing at that memory.

Twilight shook her head to snap out of those thoughts. She had a filly to take care of for right now. She was just glad she didn’t have any royal duties today. She teleported a bell in the air. She had learned this from Dash. Rainbow told her Scootaloo was a heavy sleeper so it should help wake her.

Twilight used her magic and waved the bell back and forth. “Scootaloo! Time to eat!” she shouted out. Something ticked in her head. Scootaloo would be wondering where her mother is “I’ll have to think of something,” she thought just as a sleepy Scootaloo walked downstairs.

Tiredly, Scootaloo walked over to the table sitting down in the chair closest to Twilight. With half-lidded eyes she gave a sniff. The aroma of the food was quickly waking her up. She started drooling it looked so good to her. “Did you make this Twilight?” the hungry filly asked, her stomach rumbling.

Twilight picked up a napkin and wiped Scootaloo’s mouth. “Yup, and this time I didn’t burn down the house so... eat up!” she said as she threw the napkin in the trash. The two started eating the amazing food.

Scootaloo was already almost done with her food. The filly was really a fast eater. She only had her eggs left. As she stabbed one of the egg pieces she stopped suddenly as she brought it to her mouth. “Hey… Twilight…”

“Yes, Scootaloo?”

“How come YOU made me breakfast? In fact… how come you’re still here? I mean, not that I don’t want you here, but I thought you’d have gone home after my mom came back.”

Twilight hesitated. “Um… she’s running late. She probably got held up because of the bad weather last night.”
“I hope mom gets home soon. I really miss her.” Scootaloo rubbed the back of her head with a hoof.
Twilight sighed. “I’m really not sure, Scoots. You’re just gonna have to be patient. The storms over so it shouldn’t be too much longer. Now finish your breakfast so I can do the dishes.”

“Okay, Twilight,” Scootaloo replied quietly. She ate a lot slower now, her head on her hoof as she just stared into her plate. With half her egg left she said, “I’m done. I don’t want anymore.”

“Okay, then.” She levitated the plates and glasses over to the sink and began scrubbing them clean, humming a little tune to herself. When she was done she dried them and put them away in the cupboard.

She heard a knock coming from the door. “Huh. Maybe she’s back,” Twilight thought
Twilight teleported over to the door and opened it. There in the doorway was one guard. He looked kinda sad. Twilight couldn’t put her hoof on why he looked that way, “I take it you're here because you got news on Dizzy Twister?” she asked the lieutenant.

The guard bowed to her. “Yes, Princess.” With a shaky voice he said “It turns out she was in an accident last night. I can’t say much but she’s in the hospital right now. I recommend you take Miss Scootaloo to the hospital... before it’s too late.” Once he finished he saluted a shocked Twilight. “I’m sorry…” he said as he walked away back to his post.

Twilight was shocked by the news. Even now she could tell what he meant. She gulped. “I have to take Scootaloo there right now!” Turning back she saw Scootaloo standing there in confusion. Twilight was frozen in place. Did she hear it all? Did Scootaloo know everything that was happening now?”
Scootaloo stood there stone still. She had peeked to see if it was her mother. Not only was it just a royal guard, but he had said her mother was in the hospital. She felt scared.

“Twilight,” Scootaloo began, “Is m-my mom g-going to b-be okay?” she asked as some small tears were coming down. Scootaloo was feeling terrified now. She didn’t want to lose her mother like she lost her father.

Twilight gulped “I…uh… I’m not sure, sweetie, but let’s go. We need to find out whether she will or not.” Twilight gestured Scootaloo to walk over to her. Scootaloo did as told and walked next to Twilight. Putting a hoof on the filly, her horn lit up with the purple aura and within seconds she teleported her and Scootaloo to Ponyville Hospital.

Once there both Twilight and Scootaloo ran up the reception desk. The nurse was somewhat confused as to why Princess Twilight was there. She then noticed a filly and it dawned on her. The orange pegasus filly had the same eye and mane style as Dizzy Twister. Nurse Redheart felt a small tear slide down her face.

Nurse Redheart gulped. “Is there something I can h-help you two with?” she asked shakily, even though she knew exactly why they were there. Even if it was a part of her job she still wanted to hold off on delivering the bad news, to spare the filly just a few more seconds of heartache.

Twilight could easily tell something was wrong but ignored it for now. “I’m here to see Dizzy Twister.”
The nurse glanced at Scootaloo. “She’s in room eight,” she said in a resigned voice. “I’ll get someone to guide you.”

Twilight sighed. She was hoping it wouldn’t be too bad but by the sad look in Nurse Redheart’s eyes it was indeed bad. She turned to Scootaloo who was behind her. “Ok, Scootaloo. She's in room eight. I’ll be out here talking to th-” She couldn’t finish. Scootaloo took off as soon as she heard the room number. She turned to Nurse Redheart and said, “Sorry.”
“It’s alright. You better follow her. I don’t think Dizzy Twister has much longer.”
Twilight expelled a heavy breath, feeling a tear come down her face. She nodded, trying to appear strong for when Scootaloo would need her help.

As the mares were talking Scootaloo opened the door to room eight. Slowly she peeked her head in. When she saw her mother she let out a gasp. There were small suction cup things on her which were for the heartbeat monitor by her bed, Her mother was mostly covered by a blanket, Parts of her body were wrapped in bandages, and her purple mane looked a lot darker, like it was burnt. Aside from some light breathing and the gentle beeping of the monitor the room was quiet.

Scootaloo walked up to the side of the bed “Mom, are you ok?” the frightened filly asked with a shaky voice.
Dizzy Twister stirred at the voice. Forcing one eye opened she said weakly, “Hello, Scootsy.” She let out a cough, convulsing a little.

Scootaloo jumped up onto the bed, giving her a hug. “Mom, I’m so glad to see you!” Tears formed in her eyes. “Why didn’t you come home last night? I missed you!”
Dizzy Twister cried a little as she put a hoof on Scootaloo’s chin. “Scootsy…” She sniffed, her eyes clenching shut tight as she tried to avoid breaking down.” Struggling, she put her hooves around her child, holding her close. “Last night, on the way home…I was struck by a bolt of lightning.” Scootaloo tensed in her hooves. “I was lucky to have survived but I can’t move from the waist down and it did a lot of damage. I’m sorry, sweetie, but I don’t think I’m going to make it.”

“No!” Scootaloo yelled. “Don’t say that! You’re gonna be fine! I’m here now!” She squeezed her mom hard. “I’ll protect you. I’ll keep you safe.”

“I can feel my strength fading. I don’t know how long I can fight it. I just feel so… so tired.”

“NO! “You can’t go! You can’t! I need you! I already lost my dad and my grandparents. I can’t lose you too!” She shook in her mother’s hooves, beginning to sob. That was the last thing she wanted to hear. She didn’t want to be on her own. Scootaloo hugged her mother tightly, not wanting to ever let go of the pony she loved the most. “Please don’t leave me! I… s-still n-need you.” She let out hiccupping breaths, the emotions going through her body were almost unbearable. She needed her mother more than anything. Her mother was the spark that kept her going. The one that kept her brave.

Dizzy Twister leaned down and kissed Scootaloo on the forehead. “Scootsy… become an amazing flier for me.”

“I…I will, mom. I’ll do my hardest. You’re gonna be fine. It’s okay. It’s gonna be fine, right? Mom? MOM? It’s gonna be fine…right?”
“I… I love… you… Scootaloo…” Dizzy Twister fell back against her pillow, unable to keep her eyes open. She gave her daughter a weak smile as her life faded away. The beeping of the monitor became steady as her heart stopped.

Tears were streaming down Scootaloo’s face. She couldn’t believe this had happened again. She began shaking the lifeless body of her mother, her whole body shaking. “NO...NO MOMMY! YOU CAN’T DIE! PLEASE OPEN YOUR EYES! MOM! PLEASE! THERE’S STILL SO MUCH WE HAVEN’T DONE TOGETHER!” She closed her eyes, panting and huffing. “Mommy…please…” She wrapped her small hooves around her mother's dead body, wailing as she clung to her only family member. She had nobody left anymore.

Twilight walked into the room, taking a deep breath as she listened to the sound of the heart monitor. She knew Dizzy Twister was gone. She felt so bad for Scootaloo. Walking into the room she stood next to the bed, putting a hoof on the filly’s shoulder. Scootaloo looked up at her, her face red from crying. “I’m so sorry, Scootaloo. I’m sorry that you lost your mom.”

“No!” she yelled. “Shut up! She’s… she’ s not dead!” She grabbed the suction cups and ripped them off. “The machine’s broken! It’s not true! She can’t be gone! I need her! I… I need…” She stopped, her whole body clenching as she took sharp breaths, holding back her emotions. Twilight picked the filly up, taking her over to a chair.

Scootaloo buried her head in her chest as Twilight rubbed her back. “It’s okay, Scootaloo. Just let it all out. I’m here for you.”
“No! I don’t want to! It’s… it’s not… I… why…” Her breathing became very shallow, rapidly taking in breaths, until she broke down entirely. For a while Scootaloo just sobbed and cried, Twilight holding her close until she burned out her emotions a little.
Scootaloo finally came out from Twilights chest. Her eyes were red, and her face was blank and worn-out. “Twilight, what happens to ponies when they die?”

“I don’t know that, Scootaloo, but I’m sure that wherever it is it’s someplace nice.”

In a dull voice she said, “Then maybe I should go too. My life doesn’t mean anything anymore.”

“Scootaloo!” Twilight said sharply. “Don’t say that! Don’t ever say that! Nothing good will come of you dying!”
“I don’t care,” she said emotionlessly. “I’m all alone now, anyway.”

“You’re wrong! You’re not alone, because I’m here for you. All of us are.” She looked down at the miserable filly, and an idea began forming in her mind. Maybe… maybe she could adopt Scootaloo. She wasn’t sure if she’d make a good mother, but… Scootaloo needed someone loving to care for her right now.

For a while Scootaloo just rested her head on Twilight’s shoulder. Her rampant emotions had worn her out. Unable to take anymore at the moment she felt herself fading out, unable to stay awake.
Twilight heard light snoring coming from Scootaloo. Picking her up she began walking out the room. She told Nurse Redheart the bad news, saying she’d be back again when Scootaloo was ready.

Leaving the hospital she walked back to her own house. She could have teleported, but she didn’t want to risk waking Scootaloo up. It was better that she have this small time of peace. When the child woke up the harsh truth was waiting for her once again.
When she arrived home she saw Spike was still sleeping. Being careful she placed Scootaloo in her bed without waking her up. She gave Scootaloo a kiss, and said in a whisper, “I promise you, Scootaloo. You will never be alone.”

Chapter 3 - the decsion

Twilight was pacing back and forth in the library room of her castle. She had so many rooms that were basically unused. She spent most of her time here anyway so she was trying to make it like her old home in the treehouse.

She had just come back from putting Scootaloo to bed. The poor filly had exhausted herself after her mother’s passing.

Twilight stopped pacing for a moment, wondering if she was truly good enough to take care of Scootaloo. Should she really adopt the filly? “Maybe Rainbow Dash can take her,” she muttered. “Scootaloo does look up to her the most.” She shook her head. “No,
that would never work. Rainbow Dash is still too immature and focused on racing to settle down and take care of a kid. Besides that, Rainbow Dash had a history of crashing trying out new tricks. One wrong move, and Scootaloo would be homeless once again.
“Adopt her?” she said, still talking to herself. “I’m smart, I’ve read a lot of books on a lot of subjects. I guess I could…” She figured that her status as a princess and as the personal student of Princess Celestia she could get the adoption handled swiftly.

Besides considering Scootaloo’s living conditions there was one more big issue, namely Dizzy Twister’s funeral. If Scootaloo was going to live with her she wanted to make it a special event. Instead of burying her in Ponyville cemetery she thought it would be more meaningful to have her buried near the castle, so Scootaloo could come to visit her whenever she wanted and she’d know her mother was always close by.

Twilight let out a soft sigh. “Why did this have to happen now? I’m still young. I don’t think I’m ready to be a mother yet. Would Scootaloo even WANT me as a mom? I mean, we had some good times yesterday and we’ve known each other for a while, but is it really enough?” She sighed again. “This is too heavy to think about right now. I need a little something to settle my stomach. I’m hungry.

Twilight went to the crystal kitchen, and for not the first time she thought about how she missed the simplicity of her old treehouse. What did she need a gigantic castle for? She still wasn’t used to the size of this place. Shrugging it off she used her magic to put some bread in a toaster. When it popped up she put some butter on it and began snacking on it. As she was eating she heard a knock on the door. “Figures,” she said under her breath.

She was annoyed enough she didn’t use magic to open the door. She grabbed the handle, roughly pulling the door open, ready to snap at whoever was there… at least until she saw it was Fluttershy at the door. Her anger faded as she said, “Hey, Fluttershy. Come in.”

Fluttershy followed her to the throne room, sitting in her seat. “I heard about Dizzy Twister.”

Twilight took a deep breath. “I thought so,” she said, taking her seat as well. They weren’t very comfortable.
Getting teary-eyed she said in a worried voice, “Oh, Twilight! What are we going to do? You’re not going to throw Scootaloo in an orphanage, are you?”

Twilight was fighting back tears, once more wondering how capable she really was. “Fluttershy, can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” she said with a sniff, wiping her eyes.

Twilight looked around the room, unsure of how to start. She began to shake, not from cold but out of fear. She was terrified of messing this up. “Well… I don’t want to put her in an orphanage. What… what would you say if I told you… that… that I want to adopt her? Do you think I could make a good mother to her? I just don’t think I’d be any good. I’d probably screw everything up the first day and then she’d hate me.”

Fluttershy stood up, walking over and saying in a stern voice, “Twilight, you listen here! I’m known you for a long time. You’re skilled at everything you try, you work hard. You’re kind and sweet and considerate and help others as much as you can. You’re the Princess of Friendship, for pony’s sake. You CAN do this! I believe in you!”

Twilight looked up at her friend, a slowly expanding smile coming to her lips. “Thank you, Fluttershy. That means a lot to me. She gave her friend a hug. “You’re the best!”

Fluttershy blushed at the compliment. “Thanks, Twilight. I’m glad I could help.”

“You’re welcome. I’m now feeling more confident. You’ll help me out where I need it, right? I mean, you take care of animals all the time so I’m sure you can handle being motherly too.”

“Oh…” Fluttershy gave her an awkward look. “Well… those are just little animals. Taking care of a filly is a whole other issue, but I’ll try.”

Twilight smiled. She was now feeling much more confident in her decision. Even if she was the one taking Scootaloo in it didn’t mean she was doing it alone. All of her friends would help her out in the area’s she was lacking.

“So, Twilight, is there anything I can help you with right now, like cleaning or something?”

“No, I think I got everything covered for now. Thank you, though.”

Fluttershy gave a look around. “Where is the poor thing, anyway?”
“She’s sleeping in one of the spare rooms. She burnt herself out with grief and passed out at the hospital.”
Fluttershy sniffed, wiping her eyes as she began crying again. She was happy Twilight trusted her to help out, but it didn’t change the fact that Scootaloo had lost her mother.

“Aw, don’t cry, Fluttershy. We’ll… we’ll…” She didn’t know how to finish her sentence. She just didn’t like to see Fluttershy crying. She was going to be dealing with a lot of crying from Scootaloo in the coming days, so she wanted to just enjoy this small bit of peace while it lasted. “I’ll send a letter to Princess Celestia and see if she can speed the process along to make me Scootaloo’s guardian.”

“That’s really kind of you, but what if the Scootaloo we know and love disappears? Even if all of us give it our all we still can’t replace her mother. I’ve cared for enough animals to know how hard it can be for those who lose their mommy when they are still young.”
“It’s true that we can’t replace her mother, but working together we can be there for her whenever she needs us.”

“I’ve got to go, Twilight. I still have to feed my animals. I just wanted to stop by and see how you were doing.” She gave a small bow.

Twilight groaned. “Please don’t do that, Fluttershy!” she said angrily. “I’ve told you a hundred times already! If other ponies want to treat me like a princess I can’t stop them, but I don’t want my best friends treating me different. ALRIGHT?”

“Sorry!” she said, wincing away.

Guilt blossomed in her stomach. Walking over she gave Fluttershy a hug. “I’m so sorry, Fluttershy. I didn’t mean to get snippy. I’m just a little on edge with everything that’s happened today.”

“I forgive you, Twilight. I’ll see you later.”

As Fluttershy was leaving Spike came in. “Hey, Twilight. I noticed Scootaloo sleeping in one of the other rooms. What’s she doing here?”

“You should probably sit down for this.”

Spike let out a laugh, which made Twilight grimace. “Oh, come on, Twilight. How bad could it be?”

“Scootaloo’s mother DIED, Spike!”

His laughter caught in his throat, and he practically collapsed into his small throne, putting a claw to his head. “Oh, no… that’s terrible. Is she holding up okay?”

“As well as she can under the circumstances, but I have to move quickly. I’m planning to adopt her.”

“Really?” he asked, looking up at her. “Are you sure you’re up to it?”

“I learn quickly. What Scootaloo needs right now is love. It’s bad enough that she doesn’t have any more family. It will be far worse for her to wonder where she’s going to live. I want to put at least one of her worries to rest.”

“I… um… I’ll go get some donuts or something,” he said, getting up and racing out the door.

Twilight looked after him as he left. She could see her was broken up about it too. He just had to do something to keep his mind off of the truth. She wished she could do the same, but there was too much responsibility on her plate to do that. Princess Celestia had ruled Equestria after banishing her sister. She was a princess too, so she had to keep the same level of professionalism as her mentor.

Leaving the throne room she went back to her own room. Sitting at her desk she pulled out a scroll and quill and with her magic she began writing.

“Dear Princess Celestia,
“There was a terrible tragedy today. A short while ago a good friend of mine named Dizzy Twister died. She was the mother of Scootaloo, one of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Scootaloo was so heartbroken she actually insinuated she was going to kill herself because she felt she had no left who cared about her.

“We still care about her, and I want to aid her with at least one of her worries. I want to adopt her and have her live with me in the castle. Fluttershy has already pledged to help me out in taking care of her, and I’m sure my other friends will too when I ask them.
“I don’t want to just give her a new home. I want to become her new mother. I understand this will mean a lot of new responsibilities but I’m confident I can handle all of them with my friends by my side. Please give me your approval, Princess. It would mean the world to me.

“Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.”

The paper glowed with a red aura and disappeared. Nervously she paced around for a bit while she waited Celestia’s response. Realizing she was just stressing herself out she did the breathing trick Princess Cadence taught her to settle herself down, and she decided to do some reading. Settling into her bed she began reading Daring Do and the Crystal Kingdom.
After a couple of chapters there was a flash of light and a scroll appeared on her bed. Marking the page she closed the book, glad the reply had come so fast.

“Dear Princess Twilight,

“This is some unfortunate news, indeed. I think it’s wonderfully considerate of you to want to take Scootaloo in. I will allow it. I believe you will be able to handle it, my dear student. I know full well the pain of losing someone dear to you. Take care of her the best way you know how and treat her well. I’ll reduce your royal duties for the next month or so while Scootaloo readjusts so you’ll have more time to devote to her.

“I’ll be expecting your newest set of letters detailing the magic of motherhood, Princess.
“Signed, Princess Celestia.”

There was another poof as she finished reading the letter. Twilight levitated the new papers that had fallen towards her, and smiled warmly as she saw it was the adoption papers. She signed the paper and was about to send it back when she suddenly stopped. There was one very, very important thing that she had forgotten: Did Scootaloo even WANT her as a mother? This was a huge turning point in the filly’s life. Scootaloo did need a home to live in, but it wouldn’t be right to force such a decision on the filly without first asking her if it was what she really wanted.
“I’m back!” Spike called out.

“Be right there!” Twilight responded.

Walking into the kitchen she saw Spike holding a box of donuts he had gotten from Donut Joe. He had recently moved to Ponyville after the Crystal Castle appeared so his favorite customer could have donuts whenever he had time.

She saw a box of a dozen donuts. There was chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and a single gemstone donut. He picked up the masterpiece, his stomach rumbling. He went off to his room to enjoy his masterpiece.

Twilight stared at the box. She wanted to eat too, but she cared more about Scootaloo at the moment. She left the kitchen and went upstairs to the room she had left Scootaloo in. To her surprise the filly was awake. She was curled up, head on her knees and holding her back legs. Her eyes were red from crying.

“Scootaloo, I… I have a surprise for you. I know you’re still really sad about Dizzy Twister, but I promise you’re gonna like what I got. Well… at least, I hope you will.”

Scootaloo didn’t respond at first. She looked blankly at the ceiling, her heart aching. Suddenly she turned to Twilight and began shaking. “What?” she spat out. “Are you here to tell me you’re shipping me off to the orphanage? Because you don’t need a loser dragging you down? Because I’m so utterly and completely USELESS?” Tears came down her eyes again.

Twilight flinched at the last part. “No, Scootaloo. I came here to tell you-”

“Save it, Princess!” she said angrily. She pointed an accusing hoof at Twilight. “This is all your fault! My mother died because of you! You just HAD to be available to foalsit. You just had to be so far away! If Dash had been watching me this never would have happened!”

“I… Scootaloo, that’s…” She didn’t know how to respond to that. So much for the good news. Scootaloo hated her. The weight of the accusation made her start doubting herself. Maybe Scootaloo was right. If Dizzy Twister had gone off in a different direction than maybe she WOULD still be alive. Tears brimmed around her eyes. “I’m sorry!” She ran out of the room crying, dropping the paper on the ground.

“Hmph!” Scootaloo crossed her hooves. “It’s her fault! She should feel bad! Stupid Twilight! Stupid Princess!” A few minutes passed before Scootaloo noticed it. She saw the paper Twilight had left behind. At first she ignored it, but eventually curiosity overcame her anger. Getting out of bed she picked up the paper, turning it over.

As she read it her anger for Twilight vanished on the spot, and her body clenched as she shook with her emotions. Twilight wanted to adopt her? And she had just yelled at her. Twilight would never want her now. Guilt felt like it was eating her from the inside out.
She quickly left the room, heading downstairs. Any hope she had that Twilight wasn’t that upset was dashed as she heard Twilight crying. As she walked into the room she saw Twilight sobbing on her bed.

“Twilight!” Scootaloo called out. “I’m sorry!” She jumped onto the bed, hugging her. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean what I said! Please don’t hate me!”

Twilight held onto her tightly, squeezing the filly close to her. “Oh, Scootaloo! I’m sorry! I’m sorry about your mom!”

Scootaloo squeezed tighter. “I know it wasn’t really your fault! I was just upset. I’m scared it’s my fault!”

“It’s not your fault, Scootaloo! You had nothing to do with this.”

“I… I know.” Silence reigned for a short time as they caught their breath and wiped their tears. “I… I saw the adoption papers. Do… do you really want a useless foal like me?”

“Scootaloo!” Twilight said sternly. “That’s enough! You’re NOT useless! You have great value. I WANT to adopt you because I love you and want you to be successful.”

Scootaloo took a deep breath. In a flat voice she asked, “So are you expecting me to call you mom now?”

Twilight shook her head. “No, Scootaloo. I don’t expect you to call me mom until you’re ready to do so. For now you can just call me Twilight like before, okay?” She draped a wing over the filly. “Are you sure this is what YOU want, Scootaloo? I didn’t send that paper back yet because I don’t want to force this on you.”

It got quiet again for a short time, Scootaloo just staying in Twilight’s embrace. Finally, Scootaloo said, “Yes. Yes, it is. I want to stay with you, mo-Twilight.” She tried to say mom, but she couldn’t. It was still too soon. “You’re not going to leave me too, are you?” she asked, tears coming down her eyes again.

“Like I said before, Scootaloo… you will NEVER be alone.

“Now come on to the kitchen with me. Spike bought us a batch of donuts.” Before they left the room Twilight made sure to send back the adoption papers.

Scootaloo’s eyes lit up a little as she saw all the donuts there. She sat down at the table and greedily jammed a donut into her mouth.

Twilight sat down across from her. “You enjoy the donuts. I’m going to go to town hall to talk with the mayor. I’m going to have your mother buried behind the castle so it’s easier for you to come visit her.”

Scootaloo had been devouring the box of donuts but when Twilight mentioned her mother she slowed down to a snail’s pace. “O-okay,” she said quietly.

“Hang in there, Scootaloo. I’ll be back soon.”

The talk with Mayor Mare went well. It didn’t take much convincing. The funeral was set up for later on that day.

When she got back home she saw Scootaloo still in the kitchen. Her face was covered with crumbs and frosting, which put a smile on Twilight’s face. “Enjoy your snack?” she asked with amusement.

Scootaloo looked up at her with a silly grin. “I think I ate too much,” she said with a groan.
Using magic Twilight lifted up a napkin and wiped Scootaloo’s face. Picking Scootaloo up she brought her back to her room, rubbing Scootaloo’s stomach to help settle her down.

Twilight held back for a while. Scootaloo was smiling for now and she just couldn’t bring herself to ruin it yet. As she continued her gentle belly rub Scootaloo let out a big sigh and closed her eyes, turning onto her side and settling into Twilight’s stomach. A few warm tears came down Twilight’s face. Why did this have to happen? What had Scootaloo done to deserve this tragedy?

“Hey! Twiliiighhtt!” Scootaloo whined. “Why’d you stop? My stomach was just starting to feel better.”

“Huh?” Twilight shook her head. She was getting too distracted. There would be time for tears later at the funeral. For now she just had to do what she could to keep Scootaloo happy. “Sorry, Scootaloo.” She began moving her hoof again, and Scootaloo became quiet, letting out more content sighs.

“Twilight?” Scootaloo said after a while.

“Yes?”

“I just want to say thank you. I was so scared before that I was going to have to live in an orphanage. I never expected I’d get to live with a princess.”

“I may have used my authority as a princess to get special treatment, but right now I’m doing this as a friend, both to you and your mother. I wouldn’t be a good friend to Dizzy Twister if I just forgot about you. I love you, Scootaloo, and I always will.”

Scootaloo’s body went stiff for a few seconds. For a second she pictured her mother. She sniffed, turning around so she was facing Twilight and gave her a hug. “I miss her, Twilight! I miss her so much!”

“I know, Scootaloo.” She placed both her hooves and her wings around the child, holding her close. “I know. But I’m here for you, and I’m not going anywhere.

A little while later Twilight took Scootaloo around to each of her friends, gathering them for the funeral. It was a short service. Dizzy Twister hadn’t known many ponies.

Each of them wore black clothing made by Rarity. They all stood there and listened as the preacher said final words for Dizzy Twister.

Scootaloo had been strangely quiet throughout the service. She just stood there blankly throughout. At the end of it she went up to the coffin, taking a deep breath as she took out a red rose. It was a memento of the first time they had gone flower picking together. Setting it down next to her mother’s face she said quietly, “Goodbye… mom. I love you.”

When they returned to the house Scootaloo was still being abnormally quiet. She offered to read Scootaloo more of the Daring Do series, which Scootaloo agreed to, but it quickly became apparent that Scootaloo wasn’t paying any attention.
She set the book down and held Scootaloo to her. “Scootaloo, this isn’t healthy. You need to let it out.”

Scootaloo shook her head. “No. I’m fine.”

“This wasn’t your fault, Scootaloo.”

Scootaloo tensed up, a pained look coming to her face before she suppressed it. “Stop it.”
“It’s NOT your fault!”

Scootaloo’s body clenched, tears beginning to drip down her face. “Stop it!”

“You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s okay to cry. Just let it out. Let it all out.”

Scootaloo tried to pull away, but Twilight held her tight. She shook her head, saying, “No, no, no.”
“I know it hurts that your mother is gone now, but if you hold everything inside it will break you.”

Scootaloo was panting, taking in short, sharp breaths as she tried to keep a lid on her pain, but Twilight kept pushing her and pushing until she couldn’t stand it anymore. She let out a loud wail and began sobbing uncontrollably, screaming out, “MOM!”
Once she started she found she couldn’t stop. She cried for a long while, holding tightly to Twilight all the while until she burned out her emotions.

Twilight rubbed her back the whole while. “That’s better, Scootaloo. Now you’ve grieved properly.” With her magic she poofed in a glass of water. “Here. Drink this.”

Scootaloo was still shaking with her emotions and nearly dropped the glass as she drank it down. “T-thank y-you, Twilight.”
“You’re welcome. It’s good you got all that out of your system now.

I have to get you a bed. There are several rooms that we’re not using, so you can pick whichever one you want tomorrow and we’ll start moving all the stuff from your house over here. Of course you’re free to sleep by yourself whenever you want, but you’re also free to sleep with me whenever you want to.”

“I do want my own room, but I think I’d like to sleep with you for a few nights until I feel safe. I just don’t want to be alone.”
“I understand, Scootaloo.”

“Twilight?” Scootaloo looked up at her with a little blush.

“Yes?

“Thanks for adopting me.”

“No problem.” Scootaloo was still blushing so she thought there was something more to it. She waited a little bit, and Scootaloo finally said it.

“Do you think you can rub my tummy again?” Her blush became deeper. “I really liked when you did that before.”
Twilight grinned down at her. “Sure!”

Scootaloo turned herself so she was in the same position as earlier, her back up against Twilight’s stomach.
Twilight put a wing over the filly, holding Scootaloo with a hoof while trailing soft circles over her belly. She saw a tender smile come to Scootaloo’s lips.

Scootaloo couldn’t keep her eyes open. The gentle massage was putting her to sleep. She began to think that Twilight really was the best pony to adopt her. She was so warm and comfortable. She felt so relaxed knowing Twilight was right there, ready and willing to love her. Unable to believe it she said words she never thought she’s say. “Goodnight… mommy.”

Twilight’s eyes widened. She thought it would have taken a lot longer for Scootaloo to say those words. Since Scootaloo had taken the first step she was willing to reciprocate. “Goodnight… my daughter.”

She saw Scootaloo’s smile get a little wider as she settled deeper into Twilight’s body.

The two of them slept wonderfully together as a new family.

Author's Note

I hope I didn't rush on this, but hope you enjoyed.

Chapter 4 - New friend's

The night passed by fast in Twilight’s crystal castle. Scootaloo slept like a peaceful little angel. It made Twilight happy that Scootaloo didn’t experience any type of nightmares.

Getting out of bed Twilight stretched her wings and looked out the window for a moment. She began thinking about something. “Why didn’t Rainbow Dash come to check on Scootaloo? It’s not like her. She and Scootaloo are practically sisters. Maybe not by blood but they do everything together.” She shrugged it off. “Maybe Dash had too much work on her hooves.” She glanced back at her new daughter and simply smiled.

Twilight then stretched her wings. Rainbow Dash told her that it’s good to do that every once in a while to keep her wings in good shape. Plus she was still learning from Rainbow Dash on how to fly a little better. She was a good flyer but she felt like she could do better.

Using her magic Twilight teleported into the kitchen to get some breakfast ready for Scootaloo, Spike and herself. Normally she would have Spike cook but he was such a hard worker she felt he deserved a nice break for a change.
The soft wind hit the crystal castle, an indication to any pegasi or princess that it would be a little cold out. Most ponies didn’t know it but pegasi and alicorns were immune to the cold. Just like their cloud-walking it was one of their natural abilities that helped them with their task.

After several minutes of working her butt off she finished, but instead of making eggs or bacon she made chocolate pancakes. She wanted to give Scootaloo something special. It was the least she could do for the poor filly.

Twilight looked at the time. It was precisely 6:50 AM. “Ok. Just forty minutes before she has school.” Twilight thought. She levitated the three plates of pancakes onto her table she then levitated a small cup with a flower onto the table in the middle of their food.
Twilight’s horn erupted in a sparkling red aura and she disappeared into her room leaving little sparkling stars floating in the air as she left. She ended up in her room after several seconds, walking over to Scootaloo who was sleeping soundly and holding Spike close. Twilight’s heart shined with joy at the two sharing a very cute moment. She didn’t want to disturb them but Scootaloo did have school.

Twilight brought her hoof down on Scootaloo’s side and gently shook her. In a tender, motherly voice she said, “Scootaloo, its time to wake up, sweetie.” Scootaloo murmured a little but otherwise showed no signs of waking. With a thoughtful frown she saw she needed to try something else. Letting out a mischievous giggle she got an idea. She pulled on the cord of the blinds, letting Celestia’s sun fill the room, shining right on Scootaloo’s face.

Scootaloo squirmed and shifted her body a little as the light came into contact with her. She reached her hooves at her pillow and put it over her head to block out the light.

Twilight frowned. She thought this would be easy but it would seem she had to bring out the big guns. She plucked one of her feathers out and used her magic to levitate it for a moment. “Ok, Scootaloo. I guess I can’t wake you up that easy. Now you will have to face,” she started to lean down near Scootaloo’s ear and whispered, “the tickle monster.”

At first there was still no reaction, but as Twilight’s words penetrated her sleepy mind Scootaloo’s ear perked up hearing this. The only time she was ever tickled was when she didn’t wake up when her mother had to get her ready for school.

Twilight levitated the feather back into her mouth and walked slowly onto the bed. She then stood right above Scootaloo and reached her hooves at the small filly in front of her. She turned Scootaloo over onto her back and started tickling the little orange belly. Scootaloo squirmed and laughed hysterically as her mother tickled her. Twilight continued her tickle attack. Scootaloo squirmed around on the bed sheets trying to get away but to no avail. She was stuck in one spot, though she accidentally woke Spike up with the noise.

Spike glared at Scootaloo. He was feeling pretty cranky at being woken up but he shrugged it off when he saw how much fun the two of them seemed to be having and decided not to. Instead he grabbed his pillow and walked out the room he closed the door, drowning out the noise. Once out of there he laid down on the middle of the floor to sleep, not wanting to put in the effort to head to another room.

Twilight stopped and dropped the feather on the bed, seeing her child’s face was red like a tomato from laughing so much. She smirked and bent her head down to Scootaloo’s stomach and gave her a raspberry.
Scootaloo did not see it coming until it was too late. Twilight caused the small filly to go into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. Scootaloo never thought twilight could be this much fun. She always saw as nothing more than an egghead or something but maybe she was wrong.

Twilight stopped and froze when she saw the time there only half an hour before school. Scootaloo still had to eat and get ready and walk to school. “Oh, dear. This isn’t good, You'll be late at this rate. Come on, Scootaloo. Go to the kitchen and start your breakfast. I’ll be getting your stuff from your old home while you're at school.” She smiled brightly and gave Scootaloo a pat on the back.

Scootaloo smiled back at her and walked out of the room with Twilight a few hooves away from her. Twilight heard the filly’s stomach rumble and watched Scootaloo run off. Twilight stopped for a moment, levitating Spike off the ground to the protest of the little dragon. “Come on, Spike. It’s time for breakfast.” Passing down the hallway and into the kitchen Twilight sat down in a chair that was between Scootaloo and Spike’s. She levitated herself a cup of water and some water for her assistant and her daughter Scootaloo.

Twilight saw the filly trying to eat her food as fast as she could, crumbs getting all over the table and floor. Getting annoyed at the mess Twilight shouted “SCOOTALOO! Don’t eat too fast or you might choke.” Using her magic she stopped the filly by scooting Scootaloo’s chair out a little taking her away from the pancakes.

Scootaloo pouted and looked at Twilight with an angry expression. She was about to say something but they had just been having a good time together and didn’t want to ruin it by getting into an argument. Letting out a soft sigh Scootaloo with her big purple eyes “I’m sorry, mom. I guess I was just in too big of a rush. Forgive me?” she asked, she did not want Twilight to be mad at her as they were starting to get along. She felt a sting in her heart. She had just lost her first mother. She didn’t want to start fighting with her new one.

Twilight saw the look in Scootaloo’s eyes. It looked like she was about to cry. Twilight hadn’t intended to make Scootaloo feel sad and she definitely did not want Scootaloo to feel like she hated her, Twilight draped one of her wings over Scootaloo and brought Scootaloo over to her in a motherly loving embrace. Looking down at Scootaloo she kissed the filly on the forehead “It’s okay, Scoots. I’m not mad, I promise. Just try not to devour your food like that. I can always clean up the crumbs but I can’t replace you. You just lost your mother. If you choke and die you should understand how I’d feel about losing you. I just became a mother, and I want us to be together for a long time.” She gave Scootaloo a few more kisses. Spike watched it from his seat he felt a little sick of those kisses Twilight was giving her but at the same time he felt left out, a tiny tear dropped from his eye.

“I wish I had somepony to love me like that” he said sadly, in a soft voice. Twilight’s ears perked at that she looked at her dragon and she levitated Spike over and sat him next to Scootaloo. Spike was taken by surprised he hoped the purple unicorn did not hear him.

Twilight smirked at Spike “Aw is my baby dragon not getting enough attention?” she winked at him as he blushed deep red and continued “Well, let’s fix that, shall we?” she leaned down towards Spike and gave him a good number of kisses on his forehead.

Spike threw his claw up, pushing her head away. “Come on! Stop it, Twilight. That’s way too girly and mushy.” His tone and face didn’t match his words. She could see his eyes were bright and he was wearing a smile.

They all went back to their eating. Once finishing Twilight took care of the plates and cleaned them up. After she put the plates away she walked into the living room and saw Scootaloo talking with Spike about something. She began to get curious and approached the two.

Scootaloo saw her mother coming and smiled. "Hey, mom. Can I ask you something?" she asked.
Twilight stopped two feet next to Scootaloo and nuzzled her. "Of course you can, my little angel." she said.

Scootaloo’s smile grew bigger "Um, since I'm like your daughter now does that mean Spike is my brother?" she asked. She was an only child at her old home. To have a younger sibling would be cool to Scootaloo.

Twilight put her hoof on her chin and thought for a minute. With a slight shrug she said, “Well, I consider Spike to be kinda like a younger brother myself, even if I do sometimes act motherly to him. But sure! If you want to consider him a brother than go ahead. Just remember not to wake him up when he is sleeping. He can get really cranky, sometimes.” She started to giggle, and gave Scootaloo a small noogie. “Now, whatcha say we get you to school, shall we?”

Scootaloo picked up her school bag and strapped it over her back. She then turned around to Spike and gave him a small hug “C’ya later, little brother.” she said happily.

Spike blushed a little and just waved at Scootaloo. “Um… c’ya when you get home from school, Scoots.” After waving goodbye he yawned and said, “I’m going back to sleep. Wake me when it’s noon.”

Twilight decided to go with Scootaloo. She might as well so she could tell miss Cheerilee about what had happened. The two managed to make it to the school three minutes early, which made Twilight smile. It was always good to be punctual. Twilight told Scootaloo she could go talk to her friends, Scootaloo gave Twilight a nice big hug before she left.

Twilight walked slowly into the school house. Something else was bothering her. She remembered a long time ago Scootaloo spoke about bullies who treat her and her friends badly, so she would talk to Cheerilee about that and see if there was anything they could do about them.

Opening Cheerilee’s classroom door she smiled at Cheerilee “How’s it going?” she asked Cheerilee, who was grading homework papers.

Cheerilee looked up and dropped the pencil. She got up and did a small bow. “Your highness! I wasn’t expecting you. I had heard you were supposed to be visiting Celestia in Canterlot.”
Twilight’s eye twitched “How many times do I have to say it? You don’t have to bow to me. I really don’t need this kinda respect,” she said in a calm voice.

“I’m sorry, Princess. It’s just habit.” Taking a deep breath she continued. “Um, anyway why are you here?” she asked.
Twilight looked to the ground sadly “Where do I begin?” Twilight told Cheerilee about the situation about Scootaloo’s mother’s passing. Cheerilee was quietly crying during the story. “Like I said I’m her mother now, but I still think we got a rough journey ahead of us.” Twilight said as she started to walk out but remembered she forgot to talk to Cheerilee about those two bullies that Scootaloo told her about a while back.

“Hey, Miss Cheerilee. Do you think maybe you could talk with Diamond tiara and Silver Spoon? Scootaloo told me they once made fun of her for not being able to fly.”

Cheerilee was shocked that one of her students would go so far to do something like this. She nodded and said, “I will, Twilight, and I promise you won’t ever have an issue with those two again.” She returned to her seat and was going to talk with them once they got in the schoolhouse.

Twilight smiled. Maybe she would try to teach Scootaloo how to fly. She heard from Scootaloo once that when she visited the doctor they said she was a late bloomer so maybe she was ready by now. As Twilight started heading back home she felt a raindrop hit her nose.
***
Scootaloo told her friends about everything that happened. They were both happy and sad for their friend, and all three of them were hugging each other.

Diamond Tiara and her friend Silver Spoon were looking over at them. Usually Diamond would go in and bully Scootaloo for something like this but she felt a pain in her heart.

Silver Spoon smirked at Diamond Tiara. “Hey, let’s make fun of her for her loss.” Normally Silver Spoon was seen more as a side kick round Diamond Tiara but Silver Spoon wanted to prove herself to her best friend, to show that she has the guts to be mean.
Diamond Tiara was shocked that Silver Spoon would do it, but then again this was Silver Spoon so maybe she was just joking around. The two bullies turned the corner were the three blank flanks were at. They were done hugging, but Silver Spoon has a twisted smile on her face. It made Diamond Tiara cringe at it.

Silver Spoon walked over to Scootaloo and pushed her on the ground on her back “Hey, I hear you're an orphan now. Am I right, blank flank?” she said harshly.

The blank flank part didn’t really bother her anymore, but the cruel look in Silver Spoon’s eyes made her wonder how could she bully her after she just lost her mother. Trying not to cry she said, “Get lost! I don’t care what you say.” She crossed her legs, trying to sound calmer than she really felt.

Silver Spoon smirked continued going in on the poor pegasus. “Oh, I heard your mommy’s dead. Well, guess what? I bet she’s happy to be away from a worthless, useless pegasus like you. I mean you can’t even fly. Nopony would EVER love you” she said in a harsh tone causing the two CMC to flinch.

Tears started to build up in Scootaloo’s eyelids but she held them in to try and be strong, not wanting to give Silver Spoon the satisfaction of knowing she got to her. “S-Shut up” she said in a whimper.

Silver Spoon smiled. Just a little further and Scootaloo would break, and then maybe Diamond Tiara would praise her and she would be cooler than her. “I heard you got no more family members, orphan. Well, maybe they’d rather not have to deal with a cripple,” she said, not even regretting it as a devilish smile appeared on her face. Scootaloo tried holding in her tears but the flood gates broke and she started to cry in front of everypony. Ponies gathered around laughing at her. They didn’t know the reason why she was crying, though.

Diamond Tiara couldn't take it any longer, the hurtful things that were being said. They were crossing the line far too much. Diamond Tiara walked up to Silver Spoon and without thinking she brought her hoof back and the only thing that could be heard was a loud “SMACK!” as her hoof made contact with Silver Spoons face, and she fell to the ground “JUST SHUT UP! EVERY LAST ONE OF YOU!” Diamond Tiara said. Silver Spoon was shocked but so were the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

Silver spoon got up and said “Tiara, I’m sorry I was just-” she was interrupted.

“Oh, YOU’RE SORRY! Sorry doesn’t cut it! You not only bullied Scootaloo because of her mother’s death, but you also called her a cripple. Do you know how messed up that is?” Her anger was still there. Never had she felt before that she wanted to defend those three.

“I...I…” Silver Spoon couldn't say anything. She was at a loss for words so she broke down and just lay on the ground crying her eyes out.

Glaring at the other class mates she said, “Who else wants some?” she said in a more calm tone. The other ponies just stared in utter shock and thinking fast they ran as fast they could back into the school house.

Slowly walking over to Scootaloo Diamond Tiara helped her up and gave her a small hug. “I’m sorry that Silver Spoon did that. I don’t think I can ever forgive her, but now I ask that you three forgive me. I…I want to be your friend,” she said truthfully.

Scootaloo was still shocked that she would do that but anger came into her mind “Why should I forgive you?” she asked, breaking away from the hug. “You made fun of me once for being unable to fly.”

Diamond Tiara was taken aback by this behavior but then again she did deserve it. She put her hoof on Scootaloo’s shoulder. “Look, I’m sorry that I said that to you but I mean it.” Tears swelled up in her eyes “So will you please forgive me? I...I want to be your friend.” She was now sobbing into Scootaloo’s coat.

Scootaloo was shocked by this. She looked at her friends for support. “What do you guys think? Should I forgive her?” she asked
Both Apple bloom and Sweetie looked at one another and then shrugged, giving a nod.

“I think she deserves a chance,” Sweetie Belle said with a squeak.

“Yeah. She may be spoiled but I guess she could use one more chance as long as she don’t bully us no more” Apple Bloom said honestly.

Scootaloo looked at Diamond she was still crying into her coat. Scootaloo put a hoof onto her chin and said, “Diamond Tiara even though you did bully me for my wings a long time ago, I...I forgive you” She smiled “We can be friends.”

Diamond Tiara smiled and hugged Scootaloo tightly. “Oh thank you thank you thank you,” she said happily.
After accepting Tiara’s apology the Crusaders allowed her into their club. Diamond Tiara was happy to be their friend. She had to get used to not being as cool but it was worth it if it meant she was able to be friends.

Diamond Tiara ended up telling miss Cheerilee about what Silver Spoon had done. Cheerilee was shocked that she would do such a thing. As punishment Cheerilee ordered that Silver Spoon won’t just be getting three weeks’ worth of detention, but she must also go to Twilights place to help clean up for three weeks.

School had finally ended and Scootaloo was walking home with her three friends plus Tiara “I’m so happy school’s over with. I don’t know how much longer I'd of been able to take it.” She wiped some sweat off.

As they arrived Scootaloo waved bye to her friends but she stopped Diamond from leaving. She wanted to show her mother her new friend.

Making their way to the living room they set their bags down on the floor and walked up to Twilight who was writing a letter. “Hey, mom. I’m home,” Scootaloo said, galloping over and holding Twilight.

“How was school, sweetheart?” she said, smiling. She then noticed Tiara and her smile turned into a disappointed look “You're the one who keeps bullying my daughter, aren't you?”

“Well, you see about that. I already said I was sorry. I don’t want to bully anypony anymore. It’s not fun,” she said, walking slowly to Twilight.

Twilight’s face softened and smiled at her “Well, then. I’m glad you came to your senses,” she said.
Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara did a lot of stuff together. They played with some toys, played the XBuck one and they even talked for a while.

“Listen, Scootaloo. I want to tell you something before I leave. I...I lost my mother when I was born and I felt sorry for you when Spoon bullied you,” she said as she started to walk out the door.

Scootaloo felt a tear slide down. “That explains a lot, I’m sorry that happened to you” she waved goodbye and closed the door but by the time she got back inside it was time for bed. Twilight tucked Scootaloo in.

Kissing the filly on the forehead she said “Goodnight, my little angel” She turned off the light and left a small crack open in the door.

Author's Note

sorry it took like 2 mouths to get this out, hope you enjoyed it, next chapter they visit canterlot to meet with family

chapter 5 - Meeting The Grandparents

Twilight was sitting on her throne with Spike by her side. She had just put Scootaloo to bed and felt the need to read up on some of her parenting guides. She felt like she was doing an okay job so far, but she still needed to learn more. A thought suddenly came to mind. She hadn’t yet introduced Scootaloo to her parents and told them about the adoption.

She thought of her mother getting to meet Scootaloo. She’d be giving the filly a million kisses. A warm smile came to mind as she recalled the times her mother had comforted her when she was younger. She knows her mother loves kids, and Scootaloo would love her.

She shrugged it off and continued her reading. She’d get to that a little later. After reading for about an hour she put the book down and walked over to her desk. She decided to write two letters: one to Celestia explaining the joys of being a mother, and the other to her parents. Scootaloo needed to get to know her other family members, and maybe get a chance to see her Aunt Cadence and Uncle Shining Armor if they're lucky.

Sitting down again she dipped her quill in ink and began to write.

“Dear Princess Celestia, being a parent is…easier than I expected. I managed to make Scootaloo happy and she became friends with a small earth pony who used to bully her. I’m proud she is trying to put past differences aside and be friends with a pony like Diamond Tiara, but I still feel like we might have a hard time later on. The one thing I remember is that Dizzy told me Scootaloo has issues with math and flying so maybe after I visit my parents I can teach her to be better at math and perhaps she can gain flight, signed Princess Twilight Sparkle.

Once she finished she used her magic and teleported the letter away. She let out a soft sigh. Celestia’s letter was done. She smiled and pulled out another paper and put it down on her desk.

“Dear Mother, it’s your one and only daughter Twilight. I wanted to ask if it was okay if I come to Canterlot to see you and dad. I adopted a pony named Scootaloo and she should meet her new family. I’ll fill you in on why I adopted her later, but all I want is to visit my family with her. Signed, Twilight Sparkle.”

As she finished the last one she teleported it away with her magic and was about to walk away to get a drink of water but a small fillies scream interrupted her as she walked to the kitchen.

“AHHHHH” Scootaloo cried out, waking up instantly. Sweaty and scared the filly held her Rainbow Dash plushie close by. “Mo-mommy” she said in a small frightened whimper, tears started to slide down her big purple eyes.

Twilight bolted upstairs, no longer caring about the drink. Instead her worry was on her daughter. Scootaloo needed her. She turned the corner and ran into her room causing her door to slam on the crystal wall. She saw Scootaloo crying and holding her plushie.” Mommy,” she said and dropped her plushie, holding out her little hooves out to be held. Twilight ran over and wrapped her hooves around Scootaloo’s waist and brought her into a loving hug.

Twilight stroked Scootaloo’s back. The small filly was shaking like a leaf. She started to give Scootaloo a few kisses and said softly, “Shh, Shh. It's okay, Sweetie. Mommy’s here, so don’t worry. I’m here to protect you, okay?” She continued to stroke and kiss. It seemed to be very effective.

Scootaloo couldn't look Twilight in the eyes at all and just hid her face on Twilight’s chest. “I...I…” She couldn’t say anything else. All the filly remembered from that horrible nightmare was a Rainbow figure.

Twilight started to get worried. She had never seen Scootaloo act this scared before. Looking around the room she tried finding something to help her out but to no avail, so she took a deep breath “Hush now, quiet now, Scootaloo. I’m here to protect you, so please tell mommy what's wrong,” she said in a motherly voice.

Scootaloo’s crying had softened and her heart beat was slowing down. She looked up at Twilight “I’m sorry you had to see me so scared, Mom. I bet you think I’m weak now, don’t you?” she said, feeling so ashamed. If she learned anything from Dash, it was that showing your weak side makes you weak.

Twilight placed Scootaloo down on the bed beside her, but Scootaloo went back towards her to hug her like a foal that couldn’t go anywhere without their mom. It was cute in a way. “Scoots, you're not weak. You are an awesome filly. I know you want to be like Dash but trust me. Even she’s shown that she has weaknesses and she accepted it. Anyways, Scootaloo, why were you screaming? Was it a nightmare?” she asked, a bit concerned

Scootaloo looked down at her hooves “I, uh… I dreamed about Rainbow Dash. In my dream she said I was weak and pathetic and a loser for not being able to fly, and she said she no longer wanted me as her sis-sister. The-the-then she kicked me off her cloud house and I fell to the ground and died.” She broke down again and cried into Twilight.

Twilight held Scootaloo close and wiped the tears away with her hoof. “Scootaloo, it was just a nightmare. Rainbow dash would never ever say or do anything like that. If it makes you happy we can go see Rainbow Dash once we get back from Canterlot,” she said in a small whisper, slowly moving her hoof over Scootaloo’s purple mane.

Loud rain could be heard from outside the castle indicating that a thunderstorm had arrived, something Twilight was normally informed about.

Scootaloo looked at Twilight a little confused. “Canterlot? Why are we going over there, Mom?” she asked as the tears stopped. She realized Twilight was right. Rainbow Dash would never do such a thing. Even so a question hung heavily on her mind. If Dash truly cared for her then why didn’t she come to comfort her in her time of need?.

“Well, my little pony, we’re going there to meet up with family. We’re going to be visiting my parents who are your new grandparents.” She kissed Scootaloo on the forehead and put the filly on her back. “Come on. I think I know a little filly who needs some hot chocolate.” Twilight walked out the room with Scootaloo who had her tiny hooves wrapped around her mother's neck.

Once Twilight got close to the kitchen she used her magic and lit up a fireplace that was in her living room and sat Scootaloo on the ground next to it. “I’ll be right back, Sweetie.” She walked into the kitchen and grabbed two cups, filling them with some water. She then put it in the microwave.

While she waited for it to get warmed up she decided to water some of her flowers she had in the kitchen. In no time the microwave beeped. She stopped watering and went to finish the cocoa. Once she got it in two cups she levitated them onto a tray, then she walked out the kitchen. When she got into the living room she saw Scootaloo was still half asleep, her eyes closing slowly.

Giggling softly, she put the tray on the floor next to Scootaloo “Here you go, sweetie. I made it especially for you.” She picked up her own cocoa in her magic and waited for Scootaloo to drink hers.

Scootaloo stared at the hot cocoa for a minute and looked at her mother. “Mom… you said Rainbow Dash cared about me before but why hasn’t she come to visit?” She sniffled, wiping her face. “I mean, we’re sisters and sisters are supposed to stick together no matter what.”

Twilight sighed, taking a deep breath. “Look, I don’t know why she hasn’t come yet. Maybe something came up, but you need to stop worrying about it. Like I said when we come back we will go to Rainbow Dash’s place and find out what she has been doing lately... okay?” She draped a wing over Scootaloo and brought her in for a hug.

“Yo-you're right. I’m sorry. I guess I’m just worried about her.” She broke away from the hug and started to drink her cocoa. However, she burnt her tongue a bit. She put the cup down and started rubbing her tongue with her hoof. “Ouch... maybe I better wait for it to cool off. Heh.”

Twilight and Scootaloo started to giggle. Scootaloo burning her tongue was bad but for some reason they started to laugh about it. As time passed by Scootaloo finished her drink and was taken back to bed.

Twilight read Scootaloo the latest Harry Trotter as a bedtime story. The small filly really enjoyed it. It made Twilight smile that she would enjoy that old book.

Twilight then left the room and went to her room to sleep. She had just started letting Scootaloo sleep by herself. If Scootaloo ever needed her she would be there, even for a nightmare. “Don’t worry Scootaloo. I’ll always protect you,” she said to herself in a whisper as she got into bed, the alicorn drifting off to sleep.

The next morning Twilight was the first one to wake up. She went into the kitchen to make something simple. When she got there a note appeared in front of her. It was from her mother

“Dear Princess Twilight, I’d love to meet my new granddaughter. I got a lot of fun things we could do together. Unfortunately, your brother and Cadence won’t be able to be here. They’re busy in the Crystal Empire. See you when you get here, Sweetheart. Love, Mom.”
Twilight squealed in delight after reading it. She finished making breakfast, just plain old daisy sandwiches, for herself, Spike, and Scootaloo.

After putting it on the table she went upstairs to wake up Scootaloo. However, she was surprised to see Scootaloo wide awake. Scootaloo was writing something in her diary when she got up there. Twilight never knew that she even had a diary. It must have been something she kept in secret.

Twilight decided to knock on the open door so she didn’t scare Scootaloo. Scootaloo jumped when she heard the knock. She saw her mother standing in the doorway so she quickly put her quill and diary under her pillow. “Uh… hi, Mom. Good morning,” she said, smiling widely.

Twilight walked over to Scootaloo and when she was close she bent down and nuzzled her. “What were you writing in there?” she asked, even though she knows the true answer.

“Well…,”Scootaloo began, “…my mom bought it for me and she said that if I ever have anything on my mind I should write in it. I kinda kept it hidden from you.” she said as she gave Twilight a hug, smiling happily.

Smiling, Twilight returned the hug. “Aw, if you're nervous that I’ll laugh at you than don’t worry. I won’t. Now let’s go get some breakfast. We need to leave for Canterlot. We will only be there for a day. Besides, we can visit them anytime we want, my special little angel.” That made Scootaloo blush as they walked out the room.

When they arrived downstairs in the kitchen Scootaloo decided to eat her breakfast slow this time as she did not want to get Twilight mad at her again. During the meal Twilight asked Scootaloo about her dream again.

Scootaloo gulped. “Well, mom,” she started as she ate another piece of her sandwich. She swallowed it and continued, “I’d like to fly one day. Honestly I… I want to be a great flier like Rainbow Dash. That’s my dream.” She smiled happily. She believed that one day she would fly, and maybe have the chance to beat Rainbow Dash in a race but the possibility of beating her was small.

Twilight let out a small giggle. Scootaloo truly was a Rainbow Dash Junior. “That’s a cool dream, Sweetie. I know you will achieve it someday. How about this? If you keep your grades up I’ll train you personally.” She wanted to help Scootaloo learn, but she also didn’t want Scootaloo to neglect developing her mind either.

Dropping her sandwich on the plate her mouth went wide open in utter shock. “REALLY? You'd help me fly?” she asked excitedly.
Twilight nodded. “Yup. I promise you will fly, Scootaloo. No matter what it takes.” She wiped off her mouth and used her magic to wipe off Scootaloo’s with the napkin. She then put the plates away, and once finished she and Scootaloo started to pack the stuff they'd need.

Once they finished packing Twilight asked Spike if he wanted to come with them. However, he declined. He wanted to stay back and watch the library, maybe even go to Rarity’s place. As much as Twilight hated for him to miss out on the fun they will have she decided to leave it him be. After all, it was his choice.

Once Twilight got downstairs she saw Scootaloo playing her portable device. It looked like she was playing something with guns and other things you'd use on an adventure game. As much as Twilight disapproved of violence she let Scootaloo play it. After all, it she wasn’t hurting anything.

“Whatcha playing, Scoots?” Twilight asked, curious.

“I’m just playing Metal Gear Pony 3: Hay Eater” she responded. She was so addicted to her game she didn’t even bother looking at her mother when she talked.

Twilight walked over. “Well, I need you to put that away, Scoots. At least until we get to the train.” She walked over to the wall where her suitcase was and grabbed it, but noticed Scootaloo was still playing that game. “Scoots, did you hear me?” she said more sternly.

“Mmm-hmm,” Scootaloo responded, clearly not listening.

“Scootaloo,” Twilight said in an annoyed voice.

“Okay, I’ll wash the dishes later.”

Twilight glared at Scootaloo. Scootaloo jumped as a sound like a firecracker went off from Twilight’s spell. “I’m talking to you, young filly! Now pay attention and shut that game off. NOW!”

“But I…” She looked up at Twilight and her pupils shrunk as she saw the face Twilight was making. She quickly reached for the button on her device and turned it off. She grabbed her suitcase, which was a smaller sized than Twilight’s “I’m sorry, mom. I guess I got a little…too addicted to my gaming. Hehe.” Scootaloo had to start remembering to not be like that. She didn’t want to end up like Button Mash.

Twilight shrugged “It’s okay, I understand.” She smiled warmly at Scootaloo.

They waved their goodbyes to Spike. On their way to the train station Scootaloo stopped walking as saw Rainbow Dash flying overhead. She wanted to ask Dash why she hadn't talked to her lately but they had to catch the train. Maybe tomorrow she and Twilight could go visit her home.

Once the two arrived at the train station Twilight got the tickets and gave the tickets to the ticket pony. She and Scootaloo took a seat. Scootaloo was near the window just watching Rainbow Dash bucking clouds with a melancholy expression. A tear came down her eye.

‘Why won’t she talk to me?’ she thought sadly. ‘She says she loves me, but she hasn’t come to see me once to see if I was okay after my mother died.’ She just couldn't understand why Dash was ignoring her.

Twilight noticed her daughter’s distress. She looked up to see what Scootaloo was looking at. “Scootaloo… please don’t cry. I promise that after we come back from our trip to Canterlot we’ll talk with Rainbow Dash at the first opportunity. Okay?” She rubbed her daughter’s head gently.”

“Pinkie Promise?” she asked, looking intensely at Twilight.

“Yes, Scootaloo. Pinkie Promise. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” She moved her hoof in the usual manner.
Scootaloo nodded, satisfied. She tore her eyes away from Rainbow Dash. Her mother had made a promise to her, and she trusted Twilight, so she’d let it go for now. She rested her head on Twilight’s shoulder.

Twilight responded by draping a wing over Scootaloo as the train started to move. During the long train ride Scootaloo got a little cold so Twilight pulled her up on her lap. The two cuddled for quite some time. By the time they arrived the two were fast asleep.

Scootaloo’s eyes opened at the sudden commotion as passengers began boarding and leaving. She looked out the window and saw they were in Canterlot. She nudged Twilight with her hoof. “Mom, we’re here!” she exclaimed. She did not want to miss a chance at meeting her grandparents all because they overslept.

After a quick moment of trying to hold onto sleep Twilight’s eyes shot open in fear. She didn’t want to miss this chance to spend a day with her parents. Using her magic she grabbed both hers and Scootaloo’s suitcase. The train started whistling indicating that they need to hurry.

Once Twilight got the suitcases she picked Scootaloo up in her magic, placing her on her back, and got out of the train just in time.
Scootaloo got off Twilight’s back and looked around. “So where are my grandparents, mom?” the filly asked.

Twilight looked around, observing every inch of the train station and saw her parents by the doors. “Over there, Scoots,” she said, pointing to the entrance. She and Scootaloo trotted over to them. Scootaloo began to slow down when they got close. All the courage Scootaloo had disappeared into a blush. Scootaloo hid behind Twilight, feeling a little scared and shy, and she couldn’t understand why.

“Mom, Dad!” Twilight exclaimed, she ran up to her parents and gave them both a friendly hug “I haven’t seen you guys in forever. How have you guys been?”

Scootaloo felt exposed as Twilight left her side, and stayed hidden behind another pony. “Ugh, great. I’m such a chicken. Why am I hiding? They’re not going to hurt me….or are they?” she wondered

Twilight saw Scootaloo hiding and giggled. “Scootaloo, what are you doing? Come over here, silly.” She used her magic to put Scootaloo right next to her. Scootaloo hid her face with her wings.

Twilight rolled her eyes “This is my daughter, Scootaloo, but she seems to be a bit scared.” She patted Scootaloo on the head hoping that would calm her nerves a little.

Both Twilight Velvet and Night Light gasped with delight at seeing the orange filly.

Twilight Velvet walked over to Scootaloo slowly and carefully. She didn’t want to scare her too much, “Oh, you poor dear. It’s okay. Your grandmare is here for you. You have nothing to fear,” she said calmly.

Scootaloo put her wings back down and looked at her, giving a weak smile. “Hello,” she said in a small voice.

Twilight Velvet smiled. “That’s right, cutie. We won’t hurt you.” She was surprised as she was suddenly tackled into a warm hug by the little filly. Twilight joined in the hug and soon her father did the same.

After several minutes they separated from the hug and headed to Twilight’s parents’ house which was close to the palace.

When they arrived Scootaloo saw many things in their home like trophies and pictures. One picture was of Shining Armor when he got married and the other was of Twilight becoming a princess.

“So what kinda stuff do you like to do, Scootaloo?” Night Light asked curiously. If he was going to get to know Scootaloo then there was no time like the present.

Pawing the ground a little Scootaloo told him that she does some great tricks on her scooter, and that she and her friends are in a group called the Cutie Mark Crusaders. “Oh, yeah. And I’m sisters with the most AWESOME pegasus ever: Rainbow Dash!” she said happily
Twilight Velvet was the next to speak. She was a little curious on something. “You said you use your scooter right?” Scootaloo nodded. “Well, I figured you’d be doing tricks in the air like your idol instead of on the ground. Can’t you fly?”

Scootaloo’s ears drooped and her lower lip quivered. That was one of many subjects Scootaloo would rather avoid. Even though Twilight promised to teach her it still made her sad. “No… I can’t. The doctor said I might just be a late bloomer,” she said quietly.

Twilight Velvet grimaced. “Oh, you poor dear. I’m sorry to hear that. I’ll tell you what. How about I help you fly right now?” Her horn started glowing as she lifted Scootaloo into the air and began running around the living room with Scootaloo hovering right overhead in the aura of her magic. Scootaloo was having a blast, laughing away as she flapped her wings, enjoying the feeling of weightlessness. Twilight and Night Light just watched the two.

After a few minutes she set Scootaloo down. “There you go,” she said as she placed a kiss on Scootaloo’s forehead. “Much better. You look best with a smile.” Scootaloo went into a fit of giggles as her grandmare started to tickle her belly.

Once she finished Twilight Velvet smiled down at Scootaloo and asked, “Hey, do you like any types of books, Scoots?” she asked.

Scootaloo nodded. “You bet! I love Harry Trotter and Daring Doo, ooh and even-” She trailed off, a little embarrassed at how passionate she was being about reading.

“Well, that’s nice to hear. I got a present for you.” She pulled out the Harry Trotter box set. It had all seven books. “Do ya like it?” Twilight Velvet asked. She only received a nod and hug in return, Scootaloo trying to backpedal on her earlier enthusiasm.

Hours passed by and Scootaloo, Night Light, Twilight Sparkle and Twilight Velvet were headed off to do some fun things together. First on their list was to go to Donut Joe's place, then they would head to a store to buy Scootaloo some toys, and finally they were going to take Scootaloo to the Canterlot Amusement park.

Entering Donut Joe’s place they started to take their order. Donut Joe had noticed the filly trailing behind them. Giving Twilight’s prestige as a princess and her dragon assistant’s love for his products he was well acquainted with the Sparkle family, and he knew he hadn’t seen her before.

“And who are you, little filly? I didn’t know you had another foal, Miss Velvet,” Donut Joe said.

Twilight Velvet blushed a little. “No, you see she’s not my foal. Twilight adopted Scootaloo after an accident with her mother.”

Donut Joe’s expression changed to a frown “Well, that’s a lot to take in... I’m sorry to hear that happened, Scootaloo. Why don’t you have a few free donuts on me?”

“Why, thank you, Joe. That’s awfully nice of you,” Night Light said.

Scootaloo gave him a small smile. “Okay, if you insist.” Looking over the variety she picked out one each of a chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and glazed donut.

Scootaloo took her tray to the table and started eating with the rest of her family. By the time Scootaloo finished she had frosting all over her face. Her mother and grandparents couldn’t help but laugh at how cute she looked.

Twilight picked up a napkin and wiped the filly’s face, though Scootaloo squirmed every time Twilight did that. “Mom, stop that. It's embarrassing.”

Once Twilight finished she kissed Scootaloo on the forehead. “But, Scootsy… that’s what a parent does. They embarrass their foals.” She let out a giggle.

Twilight Velvet grinned “They do, do they? Well, Scootaloo. Should I tell you about the time Twilight tried performing a spell to make herself older?” Scootaloo shuck her head as her mother began to blush. “Well, you see Twilight wanted a later bed time so she thought that if she used a spell to make herself bigger than we’d have to let her stay up later. She messed it up pretty badly, somehow combining it with a teleportation spell. She landed right on top of Princess Celestia in the middle of the night, looking like an old hag.”

Scootaloo began laughing hysterically, banging the table with her hoof.

“Mo-om! You shouldn’t be telling Scootaloo that! It’s embarrassing,” Twilight said.

“But Twilight,” said her mother, “You JUST said that embarrassing their foals is something parents do.”

Twilight felt trapped by her own words, and sighed as she let herself laugh a little too.

Once the family finished their laughter they left to vist the store to get Scootaloo some toys. They got Scootaloo the Wonderbolt plushie’s set and one Princess Twilight Sparkle plush. The filly was very happy. Now she could have her mom with her even when she wasn’t there.

Twilight looked with some amusement and uneasiness at seeing herself as a stuffed animal. It seemed like no matter how much time passed she still just couldn’t fully get used to the idea of others bowing down to her and treating her like she was above them.

Once finished they went to the amusement park, it was around 8:00 pm when they got down there.

Hopping up and down Scootaloo said, “Let’s go on the Daring Dash roller coaster. I hear its epic.”

“Okay, then. Let’s go,” Twilight Velvet said as they approached it. There were not very many ponies there for some reason.

The ticket pony stopped Scootaloo from entering, “Sorry, kid, but you’re too short for this ride. You must be a mare to ride it.”
“WHAT!” she said as some tears started to come out.

Twilight ran over and brought Scootaloo into a hug. “Aww, it’s okay, sweetie. Maybe when you’re older, okay?”
Scootaloo nods and hugs her. “I love you, mom. Hey, can we get some ice cream?”

Twilight nodded. The four went to get some ice cream, but when they got there both Twilight and Scootaloo were surprised to see Pinkie pie giving away the ice cream.

“Pinkie Pie, what are you doing here?” Twilight asked as Scootaloo wondered the same thing.

“Oh,” Pinkie responded. “Well, ya see, Twilight, I just wanted to make more money so I got a weekend job in Canterlot. Isn’t that cool?” she said, smiling. “Plus, Donut Joe gives me free donuts every once in a while.”

Twilight shrugged and just got their ice cream. After that they went on a few rides that were made for fillies. As lame as some of them were Scootaloo ended up liking it just because she was close to her family.

At ten the park closed and they returned to Twilight’s parent’s house. Twilight picked up her suitcases. Scootaloo was sleeping on her back.

“Well, mom, as much as I’d like to stay longer I can’t. I got to get back to Ponyville.”

“We understand Twily. I mean, you run an empire. I’m sure it’s a lot of hard work. Come visit us sometime. Let us at least walk you to the train station.”
“Okay.”

After a short walk the two of them got on the last train to Ponyville. Twilight set Scootaloo down with her magic onto a seat, then walked back to her parents and gave them a hug.

Twilight waved goodbye as the train started to move. She looked down at Scootaloo, picking her up and setting the filly on her lap. Scootaloo moaned a little and shifted her position, but stayed asleep. Twilight gently rubbed her back to help keep the filly settled down. “Okay. Now that this is taken care of... you better have a good reason for not seeing Scootaloo…Dash.” She laid her head on the back of the seat and let herself fall asleep, feeling so comfy with her little kitten on her lap.

Author's Note

I hope you enjoyed this chapter ^^ I'll be honest I had to re write this chapter a few times so I hope it was good.

chapter 6 - The truth

When the two got back to Ponyville Scootaloo was still asleep, so Twilight ordered some of the royal guard to take her suitcases back to her castle. Though Scootaloo was sound asleep she herself hadn’t managed to get any rest on the train. Sure she had managed about a ten minutes nap on the ride back from Canterlot but the train kept making too much noise for her to get any real sleep.

Twilight softly levitated the sleeping filly onto her back. She couldn’t help but find it cute the way she was sleeping, a tiny little snot bubble was coming out of Scootaloo’s nose. Twilight let out a giggle and started walking home.

As she approached her house, she opened the door to find Spike on the floor suckling on his tail in his sleep. Twilight thought it was adorable and closed the door gently behind her. She put a blanket over Spike and went upstairs to take Scootaloo to her room.

Scootaloo rolled over a little from her soft perch on her mother’s back, “I love you, mommy,” she said in her sleep, a little drool coming out of her mouth.

Twilight picked Scootaloo up in her magic and placed her in the soft bed. She then lied down with her daughter. Since it was still pretty late she figured she would take Scootaloo to see Rainbow Dash after breakfast.

Twilight let out a soft sigh and held her daughter close. “Soon you and your sister will be together, my little angel,” she said quietly as she rubbed the filly’s mane. Soon she fell asleep with Scootaloo nestled firmly in her grasp.

The night went by fast for Twilight and Scootaloo. With Twilight next to her, Scootaloo was able to sleep nice and cozy without any nightmares. When morning came it had gotten foggy out so they were not really able to see clearly.

Twilight’s eyes opened slowly and she looked down at her fun sunshine of a daughter, the little pony bringing joy to her heart. “Scootaloo,” she whispered as she poked her softly with a hoof. “Time to wake up, sweetie.”

Scootaloo’s eyes didn’t even open, “Five more minutes, mom,” she said tiredly.

Twilight smiled down at Scootaloo and patted her on the stomach. “Not this time. Wake up, we need to see Dash today and if you don’t get up now we may not have time for breakfast.”

Opening her eyes she got up immediately and wrapped her hooves around Twilight. “Morning, mom,” she said and let go of the purple alicorn. Scootaloo got off the bed, ready to leave the room. That is, until Twilight tapped her on the shoulder. She turned her head to look at Twilight.

“Scootaloo, you want to learn to fly, right? Well, lets start this morning with some basic wing ups. Give me ten wing ups. Take your time. I don’t care how long it takes. Time is practice,” Twilight said with a bright warm smile.

Scootaloo smiled. She thought she would have to wait until her grades got better but maybe this was something Twilight thought she earned. Stretching her wings out and then back she repeated the process ten times. When she finished her wings weren’t really tired, but she just wanted to do what her mother told her.

Twilight smiled and stretched a wing out and scooped Scootaloo close to her. “Very good, Scootaloo. You'll be flying in no time.”

After the two finished their hug they went downstairs to eat their food. It was already ready thanks to Spike but while they ate their daisy sandwich Scootaloo wanted to ask them something.

“Mom, why doesn’t Spike sleep in a bed? Why does he sleep in a basket?” she asked, wondering why her brother didn’t have a bed of his own.

Twilight put a hoof on her chin and thought for a moment before coming up with a good answer. “Well, you see… dragons are different than us ponies. Right now his body is smaller, right?” Scootaloo nodded.

Twilight continued, “Well, if he has a smaller body he needs a smaller bed. Besides he told me he loves that basket. It reminds him of his family,” she said as she draped a wing over Spike, smiling at him.

“I think I understand, mom. That basket reminds him of when he was younger?” she asked. Even though she knew what the answer would be it was still interesting that Spike would choose to sleep in an old basket.

Twilight nodded in agreement as they finished their meal. When they finished Spike offered to do the dishes since Twilight and Scootaloo had other things to do.

Soon it was time to see Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo was a little frightened as they left. What if Dash had been avoiding her because she found a new pony to be her sister or worse? But after Twilight had reassured her, the two went on their way to Rainbow’s house.

“Mom, why do you think Dash hasn’t been over to see me? D-does she hate my guts? Am I useless to her?” Scootaloo asked, her voice trembling. She was scared to find out the truth but she also needed to know why Rainbow Dash was avoiding her.

Twilight draped one of her wings over Scootaloo. “Rainbow Dash is loyal and she’s always there for her friends. I know in my heart she doesn’t hate you, nor would she ever,” she said as the two got closer to Rainbow’s cloud home.

“Bu-But what if-” was all she could say until she was hushed by a purple hoof pressed to her lips and brought into a warm loving embrace.

“Scootaloo, all I can say is she would never do that. It’s not like her to just hate you without a good reason. Now, please relax for me” Twilight said trying her hardest to calm the little scared filly down.

Scootaloo wanted to ask more but she was forced to admit that Twilight was right. They were going to find out one way or another. They stopped underneath Rainbow’s cloud mansion and Twilight bent down for Scootaloo so she could get on her back.

Scootaloo got on her mothers back and wrapped her hooves around Twilight’s neck for safety. She knew Twilight would be careful when flying but thought it best not to take chances.

“Hold on tight,” Twilight said giving her wings a few flaps as she went airborne, Scootaloo enjoying the view. Soon they landed on Rainbow’s doorstep and Twilight let Scootaloo climb down, “I could've teleported us here but I thought it be nice for you to feel what flight feels like,” she said smiling down at Scootaloo.

Twilight reached her hoof at Rainbow’s door and gave it a hard knock to get Rainbow’s attention. They waited for several minutes but there was no answer. Twilight sighed “I bet she's just sleeping…”

Twilight used her magic and unlocked the door, the two walked into Rainbow’s house. As usual the place was a mess. There was food everywhere, books thrown on the floor, but to make things strange there was writing on the wall that read “It’s my fault.”

Scootaloo got confused by the strange writing. “Mom, lets just find Rainbow Dash…. I’m getting a little scared,” she said, walking about in the living room.

“Hay,” came an angry voice, a blue blur zooming into the room, “who the buck broke my door?! When I get my hoofs on whoever did this I’m gonna-”

She stopped as she landed in the living room, seeing Twilight. But the one thing that scared her above all else was the sight of Scootaloo, “Uh… well, look at the time. I got, uh, some flight training to do,” she lied, trying to get out of there. She gave an awkward laugh “Gotta keep in shape, ya know.”

She went to fly away but Twilight used her magic and grabbed Rainbow Dash by the tail. “Rainbow Dash! Stop right there! You are going to face me and Scootaloo and tell us why you haven’t been by to see her for ponysake!” Scootaloo just sat and watched, a little bit of tears falling out of her eye lids.

Twilight levitated Rainbow Dash and placed her on the cloud couch, looking her square in the eyes. “Please explain why you have been ignoring Scootaloo? She’s been worried about you, and so have I,” she said sitting down on the couch and levitating Scootaloo on her lap.

Rainbow Dash wanted to leave. She’d rather not even tell her what she was hiding because if she did she might lose Scootaloo as a sister, “I… I can’t,” she said looking away.

Scootaloo couldn’t take it anymore and jumped on Rainbow’s chest. “Why haven’t you come to see me? I… I thought we were sisters,” she said, tears falling down her face.

Rainbow Dash hated to see Scootaloo this way. She did promise to be a sister and Scootaloo seemed really hurt “Ok, I’ll… I’ll tell you why.”

Rainbow dash took a deep breath “The night your mother died I was on storm patrol like usual. One of the clouds wasn’t working properly I… I bounced on it, y’know to try to get it to work but every time I tried it didn’t. Since that wasn’t working I… I gave a big jump and slammed into it really hard. That unstuck it, but the intensity I hit it with caused all the pent up energy to come exploding out at once. Instead of just little bolts coming out at regular intervals it unleashed one gigantic bolt.” Rainbow shivered and broke down into tears. “Your... your mother just happened to be passing by and came underneath the cloud at the wrong time….” ‘

Scootaloo’s jaw dropped, an increasing look of horror on her face as her eyes shrunk until they were like tiny dots.

Rainbow Dash wiped her tears away and continued. “I… I killed your mother.” She closed her eyes, her whole body clenching and tensing up. “It was my fault! It’s all my fault! I haven’t been seeing you because I don’t deserve to be your sister. I killed somepony you love. I’m worthless to you.” Her confession finished she put her hooves to her face and started to sob.

Twilight was shocked as much as Scootaloo. That explained everything. Rainbow Dash felt ashamed.

She killed my mother. A tear dropped from her eyes. I want to tell her I hate her, I really do. But I...I can’t. She’s hurt and she needs me. Smiling faintly Scootaloo wrapped her hooves around Rainbow’s neck without a speck of anger.

“Rainbow Dash, it’s ok. I’m here for you,” she said softly to her big sister.

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes, “You… you’re not mad? I thought you'd want to hate me for the rest of my life because I’m a big fat loser.”

Scootaloo kept Rainbow Dash in her embrace. “No, I don’t hate you. I… I forgive you. We’re sisters, and sisters are there for each other no matter what. I forgive you and I love you,” she said, snuggling into Rainbow’s soft chest fur.

Rainbow Dash was more than a little shocked that Scootaloo would forgive her, but she embraced her little sister nonetheless. “I love you no matter what too, Scoots,” she said softly. The two sisters stayed embraced like that for along time, neither willing to let go.

Twilight, couldn’t believe Rainbow was responsible for Dizzy’s death, but she was glad that Rainbow finally told the truth. She left the room letting the two sisters be alone…together. “Hmm... maybe you two can do the Sisterhooves Social tomorrow,” she said softly as she left the room, wanting to give the two some much needed alone time.

Author's Note

I'd like to thank RaylanKrios for editing this chapter.

chapter 7 - Sister Hooves Social

As Twilight left the room, she couldn’t help but watch her adopted daughter and her best friend Rainbow Dash hugging out their emotions.

“Those two really are cute together. Maybe we can do some things together. Well, once they’re done at least,” Twilight said, walking into the kitchen. She had decided to cook them a little desert. They deserved it, after all, now that this whole situation was solved.

Twilight prepared a great dessert for them. She had to thank Pinkie for teaching her how to bake a cake, otherwise she might have burnt it.

As she finished the cake she placed it on the table and put a few candles on it. It was no pony's birthday but it just felt needed.

Once done she walked out into the living room. She saw Scootaloo wasn't there and neither was Rainbow Dash. “Odd, they were just here a minute ago. Where could they have gone?” She wandered around the house until she spotted Dash hiding behind a pot.

“Rainbow Dash, what are you doing? And where's Scootaloo? I can’t find her,” she said worriedly. She looked at her hooves as she waited for an answer.

Rainbow Dash turned around and looked at Twilight smiling, “Oh, shes just looking for me. Me and her are playing find the Rainbow. Its like hide and seek, just cooler,” she said as she pushed her mane back.

Scootaloo came into the room. She just came out of Rainbow’s room, a bit confused where Rainbow Dash was.

“Ugh, I’ll never find her,” Scootaloo said as she saw her mother standing next to a pot. She then saw a Rainbow hued tail reveal itself. She smiled evilly and got close to the pot, biting the tail, “FOUND YOU!” she shouted and raised her hooves up in the air in utter victory.

Rainbow Dash fell on her back. “I lost… I-you cheated,” Rainbow said, pouting.

Twilight smiled. “Now, Dashie, don’t get cranky just because you lost. She is just a filly, after all, and you're a grown mare. Now come on. I got a sweet snack for you two,” she said, leading them to Rainbow’s kitchen

Dash and Scootaloo followed Twilight into the next room. When they saw the cake they started to slobber on the floor. The cake was rainbow colored.

“I hope you two enjoy this. I made it for you since you two are back together again,” she said as a flash of orange and rainbow passed right passed her.

The two ponies dug into the cake without even letting Twilight get a bite. They, however, got full with one piece remaining.

Once the two cleaned themselves up they decided to read a little. Scootaloo sat down on Rainbow’s bed with her big sister. Rainbow Dash smiled at the small filly and pulled out Daring Doo and the Quest for the Sapphire Stone from the bookshelf next to her bed. She remembered the first time Twilight gave it to her. It was still embarrassing.

Twilight pulled out a book from her saddlebag, The Trotting Dead was one of her favorite books, aside from Harry Trotter and Daring Doo.

By the time they finished their little fun book reading, Scootaloo had fallen asleep next to her sister snoring softly, Rainbow Dash smiled tenderly at the young filly, “She looks so cute when shes asleep,” Rainbow Dash said warmly. She quickly looked over at Twilight. “Uh, don’t tell her I said that okay, Twilight?” She blushed. Somepony finding out she said her sister was cute would be embarrassing.

Twilight let out a soft giggle “Aw, what's wrong, Dashie? Don’t want her finding out that her big sis loves her?” Twilight said as she smiled at Rainbow Dash.

Rainbow Dash pat Scootaloo on the head as she continued her conversation. “No...nothing like that. I just don’t want her knowing I’m mushy or anything. Its so uncool,” she said as she got herself into bed and put the covers around her and Scootaloo.

Twilight looked at her daughter, smiling. “Well, we might as well get some sleep. The Sisterhooves Social is tomorrow and I want you two up bright and early by 7 o’clock.” She put her book away and brought one of Rainbow Dash’s cloud beds next to her. “Goodnight, you two. Don’t let the bedbugs bite.”

“Twilight…we’re in the sky. Bed bugs are on the ground. I thought you were an egghead.” She laughed until she received a glare from Twilight. “Gah...I mean goodnight.” She turned off her light and shifted to her side, bringing Scootaloo into a loving embrace.

Twilight couldn’t help but giggle. “Oh, Rainbow. I don’t know what you’re so scared of.”

The night arrived fast in ponyville. All the little ponies were fast asleep, resting until Celestia’s sun was ready to shine.

Twilight stretched her wings as the sun rose across equestria. She went over and checked the time. It was only 6 o’clock. She turned her head at the bed and saw Scootaloo chewing on Rainbow Dash’s colorful mane. “Daw, so cute,”she said, walking over and tucking the two sisters in with the blue blanket.

After finishing that she decided to make some breakfast, “Hmm, what to make? Oh, I don’t want to spoil Scootaloo too much.” She put a hoof on her head to think when it hit her, “I GOT IT!” She covered her mouth, realizing she might have been too loud. “Whoopsie.”

After several minutes in Rainbow’s kitchen she managed to make them something she thought they would enjoy. She put it on the table and went to wake them up.

Walking upstairs she opened the door. She thought she would have to wake them up but to her surprise Scootaloo was up with Rainbow Dash. The two were just sitting with one another on the bed.

Scootaloo couldn’t keep her eyes open very well. It was too early for her. Rainbow Dash, on the other hoof, was wide awake. She was used to waking up at six in the morning for cloud duties.

“Whats the matter, squirt?” Rainbow Dash asked, patting Scootaloo on the head.

“I’m just tired,” she said with a small yawn. “I’m not used to waking up at this time. I usually wake up at like eight.” She rubbed her eyes trying desperately to get her self awake.

Rainbow Dash laughed. “I know you,” she said teasingly, gently tickling Scootaloo’s side. “You’d still be like this even if you got two more hours of sleep.”

Scootaloo jerked away, laughing back. “Quit it!”

“Make me,” she said deviously, bringing her other hoof into play.

“Come oooonnn,” she whined, feebly batting away Rainbow’s hooves. “I’m too tired for this.”

Twilight snickered as she walked in. “Come on, Rainbow. Quite teasing my kid. She’s way too sleepy to pway with you,” she said in a baby voice, giving Scootaloo a kiss on the cheek. “Isn’t that wight, my little darling?

Scootaloo rubbed her cheek as if trying to get the kiss mark off,”Yuch! Pewy! Mom, don’t do that in front of rainbow Dash… it's embarrassing,” she said, galloping out of the room, her face brightened deep red.

Rainbow Dash got up and walked out with Twilight behind her. The Rainbow maned pegasus was so excited about today. Today she would get to win in the Sisterhooves Social and stay in first place, showing that she will always be number one.

As Rainbow Dash made it into her kitchen she saw what Twilight made them: hay burgers, mushrooms, and broccoli.

Scootaloo let out a barf sound as she saw the broccoli. “Aw, where's the good stuff? Why is there broccoli on that plate, Mom?” she asked, as she did not want to eat that stuff. Even as a small foal Scootaloo never ate it. She always saw it as a disgusting type of food.

Twilight simply nodded. “Yeah, Scoots. I just didn’t want to spoil you too much, so we’re eating healthy for the next few weeks. And if you do really good I might take you to Sugarcube Corner for some cupcakes,” she said, giving Scootaloo the brightest smile she could.

Letting out a soft sigh, Scootaloo sat down in her chair and started eating her food. Rainbow Dash didn’t mind the food in front of her. As an athletic pony she usually ate broccoli. She hardly ever ate any deserts except at Pinkie Pie parties.

Breakfast was nice for Twilight. She managed to talk to Rainbow Dash a lot. Since she’d taken Scootaloo into her care she hardly had time to talk with any of her friends, and talking with Rainbow Dash made her feel kinda happy. The adults stopped talking when they noticed Scootaloo only had one piece of broccoli left on her plate.

“Whats the matter squirt? Ya full?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Pushing her plate away she put a hoof on her stomach. “Nah, I just don’t want to eat anymore. Like I said before I hate vegetables,” she said, a little annoyed.

Adults never understood fillies. How could they not eat something that was good for them?

Rainbow Dash smiled. She had an idea. “Aw, but Scoots, if you don’t eat it you won’t grow big and strong. Don’t you want to be big and strong like Bulk Biceps?” she asked.

Scootaloo jumped in surprise, “WHAT? Are you saying if I eat this I’ll look like him?” She sank into her seat, scooting her plate further away from herself, then shook her head. “No thanks.”

Twilight frowned. “Ugh, Dash, thats not how you get a filly to eat,” she said, a little bit angrily to Rainbow. “Listen, Sweetheart, it won’t make you big and strong like him. What Dash meant was it will make you super fast like Spitfire. After all, how can you expect your wings to grow in properly and reach your full flying potential if you don’t eat foods that strengthen your body?”

Scootaloo calmed down a little. She hesitated to put the last one in her mouth, sucking on her cheek for a short while but eventually she regretfully did it. As she swallowed it she hoped her mother was right. She hoped this would make her fast like Spitfire.

Twilight clapped her hooves as she saw Scootaloo finish her food. “Good girl, Scootaloo. I’m so proud of you,” she said sweetly.

After eating Scootaloo went to wash her hooves then brush her teeth. When she was done doing that she went back downstairs. Rainbow Dash bent down to the filly’s level. “Hop on, squirt. I’ll take you to the place so we can win this,” she said, putting out her hoof. “Up high!”

Scootaloo slapped her hoof. “Yeah. Down low!” Scootaloo put her hoof out and Rainbow slapped it. “Let’s do it!” Hopping onto her back as told without warning Rainbow took off leaving Twilight in the dust.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Several hours later, the Sisterhooves Social was on its last race. The two of them had been dominating the competition. Now it was time for their final victory.

“Keep it up, kid!” Dash said encouragingly. “We got this!”

“Right!” Scootaloo replied, her heart going a mile a minute. She was getting to compete with Dash in a race. Even if she couldn’t fly yet it was still an amazing experience.

The finish line was fifty feet away, the second place racer still right on their tails.

“So close! Just a little further and-WHOA!” Right in front of the finish line her hoof caught a rock in the road, and she went down, taking Rainbow with her. Looking up she saw the other team cross the finish line to loud cheers.

Scootaloo gave Rainbow an awkward smile, but Rainbow turned away with a huff. She turned back, using her teeth to pull at the knot holding the ropes in place. As soon as her legs were free and the two of them were separate she flew off towards a tree a short distance away and laid her back against it with crossed hooves.

Scootaloo followed after her. “I’m really sorry, Dash!”

“I… HATE… LOSING!” Rainbow said angrily. “We should have won that. Just another two seconds and we would have gotten first place.” Getting up now she got in Scootaloo’s face. “What was that? How could you just trip right when we were about to win?”

Scootaloo backed up a step, shrinking away. “I… I tripped over something in the path.”

“Oh, GOOD FOR YOU!” Rainbow said sarcastically, rolling her eyes. “Maybe you should have been watching where you were going!”

“Dash, I tried my best.”

“Well, it clearly wasn’t good enough. You made me look like a fool in front of everyone. What is the matter with you?”

Scootaloo sniffed a little, looking at the ground as tears started falling to the ground. “I’m… s-s-sorry. I don’t know what else to say.”

“There’s nothing TO say. You screwed up like you always do! Amazing!” She clapped her hooves in a patronizing manner.

Scootaloo glanced up at Rainbow and back at the ground a few times. More powerful than her sadness was a growing feeling of anger. “Alright! I screwed up at the end. Can’t you just get over it?”

“Why don’t you stop making excuses for your stupidity? Feh. “Just get over it.” It’s not like YOU have a reputation to lose.”

Scootaloo’s eyes narrowed as her stomach burned. “Well, you KILLED MY MOTHER and I forgave you for that, DIDN’T I!”

Rainbow recoiled as if she had been struck while Scootaloo gasped as she threw her hooves over her mouth. Both of their anger toward each other disappeared on the spot.

Rainbow closed her eyes, beginning to gently sob.

Scootaloo felt horrible for saying that. Tears came down her eyes as she started to say, “Dash, I’m sor-”

Rainbow put her hoof up to Scootaloo’s mouth, shaking her head. “Don’t. Please… don’t.” Putting both hooves out she pulled Scootaloo to her, sitting down the filly on her lap. “I’m the one who’s sorry.” Her voice came out like a croak. “I’m so s-sorry. I shouldn’t have been so hard on you.

“You have every right to hate my guts, but you still forgave me. And I wanted to get mad at you over a silly race?” Rainbow sniffed, squeezing the filly tighter. “You have nothing to be sorry about. It’s my fault. It’s all my fault!” She began sobbing. “I’m so sorry, Scootaloo!”

The two of them sat there crying and holding each other for a while before they were able to settle down.

When she felt calmer Rainbow said, “I promise you, kid. I’m gonna do better. I already feel I can hardly call myself your sister after orphaning you. To yell at you for something stupid like that isn’t helping to change my mind. I can’t turn back time. I can’t undo the damage I’ve done both to you and your heart. The only thing I can do for you is teach you what I know.” She unfurled her wings and flapped them a few times. “I give you my word, kid, that no matter what it takes I’m going to make you fly.”

Scootaloo nodded, wiping her eyes. “Okay, Dash. I’ll accept your apology.” She settled her head onto Rainbow’s chest, closing her eyes. “For now, though, can I just stay here on your lap?”

“Of course, kid.” Rainbow rubbed her back, and a small smile came to Scootaloo’s face.

Author's Note

sorry I haven't updated in so long, had some IRL issues, but I'm back now. :pinkiehappy: hope you enjoyed the chapter. that bit with RD getting mad at Scoots was an idea my editor had and I liked it.

Chapter 8 - Sneaking out

Once the two sisters were done sitting around they decided to go find Twilight. Scootaloo climbed up on top of her sister’s back and observed the area looking about for any trace of her new mom.

As they looked around a bit more they noticed the purple alicorn next to a food stand.

“Guess Twilight must have gotten hungry,“ Rainbow Dash snickered.

“Should I tell mom about the fight we kinda had?” Scootaloo asked, since she didn’t want to get Dash in trouble with her friend.

“No, no we keep this to ourselves. If Twi finds out there is a chance she will stop me from seeing you again or worse…. we keep this a secret till the day we die,” she said, punctuating her statement by stomping a hoof.

Twilight saw the two sisters and ran over to them, levitating cotton candy. “Hey you two. How did the race go? I watched a little bit of it but...I kinda got hungry so I went to get some candy,” she said chewing another bite.

Scootaloo looked at the ground and Rainbow Dash huffed. “We lost, but thats ok, we at least…..tried,” Dash said unconvincingly.

“Aww you lost? Well thats ok, there’s always next year.” Twilight walked over to Scootaloo and nuzzled her filly. “Did you have fun Scoots?” she asked.

“I sure did and Rainbow promised to teach me to fly. Now I got two ponies to help me,” she said cheerfully as she hugged Twilight.

Twilight levitated Scootaloo in the air and put her on her back. “Well I’ll see ya around Rainbow. I think its time my little filly does her homework.”

Scootaloo’s ears perked up.“Wha… but I hate homework,” she said with a pout.

Twilight and Rainbow Dash both shared a giggle. “Oh Scoots I knew you'd say that, but you have to do it. After all homework will help you in the future, when you grow up.”

“I hate work,” she whined, still pouting.

Rainbow Dash smiled at Scootaloo, “Good luck squirt, maybe me and Twi can teach you to fly next week,” she said before taking off.

Twilight and Scootaloo made it home, Twilight wanted to teach Scootaloo a little, she didn’t want her filly slacking off. Once they got in, Scootaloo walked over to the couch and waited for her mother to bring her homework.

Twilight began walking upstairs but fell on her back as a energetic pink mare surprised her.

“Hi Twilight. Whatcha doooing?” Pinkie asked.

“I was trying to get Scootaloo her homework.What are you doing here?” Twilight asked.

Pinkie’s face lit up “I’m hosting a super duper awesome party tonight I was wondering if you and Scoots could come?”.

Scootaloo’s ears perked up at the mention of the word party.

Twilight got up and wiped some dust off. “I’m sorry Pinkie, but by the sounds of it that party is late at night and Scootaloo has school tomorrow. I’m afraid I won’t be able to make it and neither will Scootaloo,” she said.

Scootaloo got up from the couch and walked up stairs were Twilight and Pinkie were. She heard everything Twilight said and thought that maybe if she talked with her mom she could go to the party after all.

“But mom, this is no ordinary party; this is a Pinkie party and her parties are awesome,” Scootaloo said stomping a hoof on the floor. She really wanted to go to this party. Sure, she enjoyed her time with Twilight these past few days, but some partying would be nice too.

Twilight saw how much Scootaloo wanted to go but her new motherly nature kicked in. If this party was going to be at night, there was no telling how tired Scootaloo might be the next day, Twilight turned to face Scootaloo and kept a positive expression.

“Look, I know you want to go, maybe next time ok?. Twilight used her magic and levitated Pinkie out of the way putting her next to Scootaloo, “Now Pinkie, can you please leave? Scootaloo has studying to do.”

Pinkie simply smiled. “Okie dokie loki” she said happily and left without warning.

Scootaloo wanted to say more, but knowing her mother, she knew she wouldn’t get anything out of it. But then a thought hit her; she could sneak out and go to the party without Twilight even knowing. An evil grin crossed her face.

Twilight walked into Scootaloo’s room and tripped over Scootaloo’s scooter. “Wa!” she yelled as she fell face first on the floor. “Ouch…. Scootaloo I told you a hundred times to put your things away when you're not using them.” She levitated the scooter and placed it next to the wall, she wasn’t angry, but she was annoyed.

Twilight walked over to Scootaloo’s saddlebag which was on top of a small table Twilight had bought for her daughter. She opened up the bag and got out three books: Math, Science, and the History of Equestria.

Walking downstairs back to Scootaloo, Twilight put the books down on a table next to her. Twilight sat down and levitated a note book down next to Scootaloo “Ok sweetie, I brought some good lessons for you today.”

“Ugh fine” Scootaloo picked up the pencil with her mouth and started to write down everything Twilight was pointing out. After nearly an hour of writing and head banging from frustration Scootaloo finally finished, however the one thing she didn’t do so well with was math.

Twilight observed everything, like a parent usually would. She smiled seeing that Scootaloo did a decent job on science and history, however when she got to the math page on the notebook she frowned.

Twilight placed the notebook down gently, “Scootaloo, you did well but you got three things wrong,” she said calmly. Scootaloo frowned, she knew Twilight was a bookworm but getting a little mad over three things was really annoying, it was only subtraction.

“But mom, I don’t wanna do anymore.Studying’s soooo boring,” she said as she slumped down onto the floor.

Twilight looked at the time and figured she may have been going a little overboard. She was just making sure Scootaloo was learning as much as she could. She may not of been like Scootaloo when she was her age, which meant that she might be pushing her daughter too hard.

“Ok sweetie, you can have a break. Why don’t you go see what Spike is up to?” Twilight suggested, picking up the school books. As she did that she thought about something, how was she going to teach Scootaloo to fly? She then remembered she had her own books for these situations.

Well I might as well get my own studying done, she thought, putting Scootaloo's books away and going over to the bookshelf pulling out ten flying instruction books.Well this should be fun.

________________________________________________________
As Twilight was reading Scootaloo went upstairs to Spike’s room. The little dragon was given a room when they moved into the new castle since it was big and had more rooms than the library did. It was only fair that he got one.

Scootaloo politely knocked on the dragon’s door, since she didn’t want to just bust in. It’d be rude and Twilight told her to always knock before opening a door.

After a few seconds of waiting the door opened revealing a purple dragon smiling at Scootaloo.

Scootaloo smiled back. “Hey Spike, Twi- er I mean mom said we should, like, spend some time with each other, so what do ya wanna do little bro?” she asked giving the little dragon a small nudge.

Spike blushed a little, he hadn’t really been there for Scootaloo and yet she still wanted him to be her lil bro, the thought made him feel guilty.

“I don’t understand. You really want me as a brother? I’ve hardly even been there for you,” he said fresh tears dropping down his face. Spike really didn’t see himself as brother material. Assistant, sure, but brother?

Scootaloo walked close to the dragon and smiled at him, she reached her hoof out and brought him to a loving hug. “ Spike, just because you weren’t there for me twenty four seven like you were with Twilight doesn’t mean you didn’t care,” she said, bopping him on the nose.

Spike blinked a few times, “Are you kidding me? I've hardly done anything to help you, an-”. Scootaloo hushed him, pressing her hoof to his mouth.

“Don’t be silly Spike. We weren't family before, now we are.I know you'll be there for me in the future," she said bringing him into another hug.

Spike felt the love from Scootaloo’s response and it made him feel better. “I...I guess you're right,” he said, putting on a small smile.

“Now that’s the Spike the I know. Wanna play with some toys or something?” she asked. Spike simply noded.

The two walked over to a giant bucket which held a lot of toys that he had, he actually enjoyed playing with them sometimes.

Scootaloo pulled out a Power Pony figure, her favourite Zapp, which reminded her of Rainbow Dash.

Spike pulled out his favorite, Radiance, the two played for a long time with Spike’s power pony figures. Scootaloo and him were having a blast. Nearly two hours passed as they played, giggling and laughing with each other.

Soon Twilight walked into the room smiling. “I’m glad you two are getting along, but I’m afraid it's time for bed Scoots. You’ve got school tomorrow and you need to be awake for that,” she said dropping a wing over both Scootaloo and Spike.

“But I’m not tired and its only seven,” Scootaloo responded, a little annoyed.

“Well I’m sorry, but seven o'clock is your bedtime. I care about you and I don’t want you to be tired.”

Scootaloo would have continued to argue but this gave her the perfect chance to sneak out and go to Pinkie’s party. “Ok mom, I guess you're right…”

Twilight felt like something was off. Scootaloo usually fought about going to bed early, but for some reason she was agreeing this time. Maybe she’s just tired.

Twilight guided Scootaloo to her room and put the filly in bed, she bent down and kissed her on the forehead. “Goodnight sweetheart, see you in the morning.” Twilight turned off the light and walked out, leaving the door open though.

Scootaloo waited until Twilight had left before she got out of bed. She decided to do a little work before the party started. She turned on her light next to her dresser and began writing some cool cutie mark plans, that she would go do with with her friends in a few days. It seemed like hours had passed and when Scootaloo got to idea number ten, she turned to the clock; it read 11:00 and that meant that it was time for Pinkie’s party.

Befor Scootaloo left, however, she pulled out a balloon Pinkie gave her a few days ago, and put it under the covers of her bed. She then put some stuffed animals under the blanket to make it look like a bod.If mom comes in here, that should distract her for a while…...I hope

Scootaloo walked out of her room, and sneaked passed both Twilight and Spike’s rooms. Once she made it to the front door undetected she turned around. “I sure hope this is a good idea” she thought as she opened the door and started to head towards Pinkie’s place, however in her rush Scootaloo forgot one little thing; she forgot to close the front door.

Several minutes of walking later, Scootaloo made it to Pinkie’s. She was surprised at how many ponies were there, there were about fifty ponies from what she could see; and of course the one super awesomest pony of them all, Rainbow Dash.

Scootaloo charged inside and gave Rainbow a hug. “Hey Rainbow Dash, I didn’t know you’d be here,” she said excitedly.

Rainbow Dash was a bit surprised to see Scootaloo. Pinkie had told her that Twilight said she couldn’t come because of school, but if Scootaloo snuck out Rainbow Dash would have to take her back, she didn’t want her future flying buddy to be grounded.

“Hey Loo-loo why are you here?” Pinkie asked. “Twilight said you couldn’t come because of school, did you sneak out?”

Scootaloo stood up straight hearing Pinkie say that. “Uh…. no I didn’t. Mom decided to let me come after all, uh yeah that’s right,” she stammered, wiping the sweat off her face.

Rainbow Dash kept looking into Scootaloo’s eyes. She felt like the little filly was lying but then again maybe she wasn’t. “Ok kid I guess you're telling the truth. By the way your friend Diamond Tiara is here.” Scootaloo smiled and ran off to find her new friend.

Scootaloo walked over to the table that Tiara was sitting at, she was talking with Silver Spoon, Scootaloo glared at her, she didn’t trust her, not after the stunt she pulled at school.

Scootaloo hid behind the wall to listen to the two of them. She knew eavesdropping might be a bad idea but she couldn’t figure out why Silver Spoon was even at the party.

“Please forgive me Diamond, I... please,” Silver Spoon pleaded, trying her hardest to apologize to her old friend.

“Why should I forgive you? What have you done to earn my friendship back?” she shot back.

“I’ve got it, if you accept me as a friend we can go bully those Crufailuers like we used to,” she said, trying desperately to appeal to Diamond Tiara, but her efforts were for nothing.

Diamond Tiara huffed listening to Silver spoon’s pathetic apology, “So let me get this straight, you wanted to bully Scootaloo just so you could look cool?” she asked, only to have Silver Spoon nod.

“I can understand why you did what you did, but it was still wrong. She's lost so much already and you knew that. You can’t just bully someone like that!” she said stomping her hoof on the table.

Silver Spoon noded. “I know. I get it what I did was wrong, and I’m truly sorry, really. Can you at least forgive me?” she asked. She truly wanted to be Diamond Tiara’s friend again, ever since the incident with Scootaloo she had been feeling ashamed of herself, it was the wrong move to make.

“Sorry Silver Spoon, but I’m not forgiving you.” Silver spoon looked down on the ground as a disappointed Diamond Tiara continued, “At least until you apologize to Scootaloo, got it?”

Silver Spoon only nodded.

Having heard enough, Scootaloo walked out from her hiding spot behind the wall and walked over to Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon.

Diamond Tiara saw Scootaloo and smiled. “Silver Spoon, don’t you have something to tell Scootaloo? Or would you like to wait?”

Silver Spoon tried to speak, but nothing came out. “Uh I’ll do it later,” she said walking away.

With Silver Spoon gone, Scootaloo sat down next to Diamond Tiara. “Hi Diamond, hows it going?”

Diamond Tiara leaned back on her seat. “Well I really wanted to spend more time with you and the crusaders but you've been busy all week. At least you're here now,” she said.

Scootaloo gave Tiara a playful noogie. “Aw don’t worry Diamond in a few days I’ll be able to go crusading again and hang out with you. Twilight and Dash are going to teach me to fly soon.”

Diamond Tiara was a bit surprised, “I didn’t know you were teachable,” she said, not realizing that what she said was a little mean.Scootaloo’s ears drooped when she heard that.

Diamond Tiara noticed the reaction, “Oh I’m sorry I haven’t gotten used to being….nice yet,” she said truthfully.

Scootaloo simply smiled, “It's ok, I can forgive you,” she said as Pinkie came over with some chocolate cookies.

As the party started Scootaloo was enjoying her time with her new friend and her big sister, tonight was shaping up to be the best.

________________________________________________________

Twilight stretched her hooves, she had been reading for along time now and decided to check on Scootaloo.

As she walked in she patted the body form on the bed. “Hey sweetie, I’m sorry I couldn’t let you go to the party, but listen, if you do well in your flight training I promise I’ll have Pinkie throw an awesome party just for you,” she said as the balloon on the bed popped.

“Wah!” she yelled falling off her hooves and landing on the floor,Wait a minute, she uncovered the blanket and saw Scootaloo was gone.Where is she? Maybe shes in the bathroom? Twilight went in the bathroom but she wasn’t there, which made her worry even more.

Oh no, oh no, no,no,no this isn’t good. She went to the living room and saw the front door was open, she was shocked. Did she do what I think she did? Twilight turned off the lights, closed the door and decided to wait in the living room for her daughter to return home.

Twilight pounded a hoof on the ground. Why did she have to do this?

________________________________________________________

Scootaloo jumped off Rainbow’s back and into the punch bowl, drenching herself in punch. “THAT WAS TOTALLY AWESOME!!” she shouted to her sister.

“Yeah it was,” Rainbow replied. She looked to see the time was and the clock said 1:00. “I think its time you get yourself home. I don't want Twilight getting worried,” she said as she got a wet paper towel and cleaned Scootaloo, getting the sticky punch off.

Scootaloo gave Rainbow Dash a hug and left. When the filly got home she opened the door and closed it softly. She tried sneaking to her room but the lights suddenly turned on.

“And where have you been young filly?” Twilight asked with a serious look on her face.

Scootaloo jumped a little trying to think of some type of excuse. “I um well you see….. I went to get….milk,” she lied, hoping Twilight would fall for it.

Twilight did not smile, she just felt ashamed that Scootaloo would lie to her. “Scootaloo do you know how worried I was? You left, by yourself, at night! That was a very stupid thing for you to do!” she scolded.

Scootaloo started to tear up a little, “I know what I did was wrong but….this wasn’t a normal party mom. It was one of Pinkie’s best parties and I had fun with Rainbow Dash!” she said, and immediately put her hooves on her mouth. She just told Twilight Dash was there and that wasn’t going to end well.

“WHAT! Dash saw you and didn’t even come see me to see if you were lying!” she shouted. Twilight took a deep breath, “Listen Scootaloo I’m sorry but….you're…. grounded, for a week, no friends, no Dash and no parties,” she said. What Scootaloo did was the worst thing she could ever do, lying about just made her situation worse and Twilight felt that she had to punish her daughter.

Scootaloo tried thinking about what she could say in her defense. “I had the RIGHT! to go to that party! You can’t just tell me what to do! You're not the boss of me!” she yelled, trying to prove a point about her ability to make her own decisions.

Twilight slammed a hoof on the ground causing Scootaloo to jump. “Scootaloo, I am in charge! I adopted you and as long as you live here you’ll do what I say! Now go to bed!”

Twilight ordering her around just because she wasn’t an egghead made Scootaloo angry. “WELL AT LEAST RAINBOW DASH IS COOLER THEN YOU! SHE’D LET ME GO TO THAT PARTY! WHY CAN’T YOU BE LIKE HER!?” she yelled. Scootaloo’s raw anger caused Twilight step back, now with a few tears dripping down her face.

Twilight ran away to her room, closing the door.

Scootaloo just stood there unable to move. She realized what she just said and started galloping towards Twilight’s room when she opened it she could hear some sniffling, “Mommy, are you ok?” she asked

Twilight got up and wiped her eyes with her hoof, “What do you want Scootaloo?”

“I wanted to say…..I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said any of that to you.” Scootaloo said as she jumped on Twilight’s bed and hugged her, crying into her chest. “Will you, will you ever forgive me?” Scootaloo asked small tears leaking out.

Twilight smiled and noded. “I already have Scootaloo, just promise you won’t ever say that to me again, but you're still grounded.” she said as she draped a wing over scootaloo giving her a few kisses on the head. “Now let’s get some sleep”

Scootaloo couldn’t understand how could she still be grounded. She apologized but she was still in trouble? Scootaloo slammed a hoof down and ran out of the room. When she got to her room she slammed the door.

Twilight sighed, Well at least shes learning, I hope Twilight thought, as she laid down to finally get some shut eye.

Chapter 9 - Crusading

A week had passed since Scootaloo’s little stunt, she had been trapped at home mostly doing homework, chores and other boring things. It had been a boring week for the pegasus filly, but today was the end of her grounding and she was able to go crusading with her friends.

Scootaloo placed her school supplies in her saddlebag and then she got her scooter out of the closet. and once she finished that she walked downstairs.

She got downstairs and found her mother vacuuming the floor, “Mom I’m going to go and hang out with my friends. Today is finally the day we get our cutie marks!” she said cheerfully, jumping up and down.

Twilight turned the vacuum off with her magic, “Your punishments over already? Huh, that was fast. I could of sworn it’d be longer” she joked.

Scootaloo frowned, “That’s not something to joke about. Do you realize how boring this weeks been?”

Twilight giggled, “Hush now, just go on go and play with your friends, but be sure your back by six o’clock . I have two special guests coming over for dinner today.”

“You do? Who are they?” Scootaloo asked.

Twilight giggled softly, “Oh Scootaloo, I could tell you but I’d rather you find out on your own,” Twilight said as she walked over to Scootaloo giving her a big hug and a kiss on the head.

Scootaloo returned the hug. “Hey mom, where's Spike?” she said looking around the library.

“He went to Rarity’s to help her find some gems.” she said, rubbing Scootaloo’s back.

“Ok, see ya mom. I’ve got some crusading to do!” Scootaloo waved goodbye to Twilight and jumped on her scooter, her wings buzzing.

“Hey wait don’t ride that in the”…. she heard a load crash as Scootaloo broke right through the door not even looking back, “Door” she finished and saw she had to clean the floor and fix the door.

Scootaloo giggled seeing what she did. “Woopsie, I’ll clean that when I get back mom.”

Twilight sighed, “Fillies will be fillies,” she said cleaning up the scuff marks and getting some more cleaning done on the rest of the castle. It had to look perfect for her company.

Scootaloo sped her wings fast as she jumped off a ramp, catching some air and doing an inverted flip. She landed softly on the hard road path to the clubhouse and continued on her journey.

Scootaloo parked her scooter next to the tree and placed her helmet on top of the handle bars. Scooter secure, she walked into the clubhouse and closed the door with her back hoof.

She smiled when she saw her friends. “Hey guys, I made it as soon as I could, are you ready to earn some cutie marks?” she asked as Sweetie Belle walked over to her and gave her a hug.

“Uh, what was that for, Sweetie?” she asked blushing a little.

Sweetie Belle just smiled. “I haven’t seen you in a long time Scootaloo. You have been so busy lately with your new family, I kinda thought you forgot about us,” she replied sniffing a little.

Scootaloo smiled, “Aww, I’d never forget about you guys, you're both like family to me,” she said giving Sweetie a quick hug back. She was about to give Apple Bloom one too, but she declined it, “No hug huh?” she blushed as she rubbed the back of her head, somewhat embarrassed.

“It’s not that Ah don’t want a hug Scoots, it’s just that you seem different lately. What happened to the tough pony I used to know? What happened to the pony that got sick over mushy stuff?” she asked stomping a hoof.

Scootaloo was a little surprised by this. “You don’t think I’m tough anymore? I just haven’t seen you guys in the longest time. It’s just a happy to see you guys moment,” she explained.

Apple Bloom shrugged. “Aw whatever. Let’s get down to business, we’ve got crusading to do anyways,” she said pulling out a big piece of paper with their list of things they wanted to try.

Sweetie Belle took the paper and looked it over, “How about we go swimming? Maybe we could get a swimming cutie mark?” Sweetie suggested. However both Scootaloo and Apple Bloom shook their heads.

“How about we go mining in the Diamond Dogs cave? Rainbow Dash said that place is AWESOME!! Scootaloo said. Unfortunately her friends shook their heads.

“That’s not a good idea. Rarity told me about this one time she went there. She says it was terrible ,one of the dogs even called her a mule. That’s so rude!” Sweetie Belle said.

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom looked at each other then back towards Sweetie Belle. The three crusaders kept thinking, but each idea turned out to be a bad choice.

“How about we just go for a ride in Pinkie Pie’s hot air balloon? Sweetie suggested. “Maybe we can get an air balloon cutie mark.” She got up and walked towards the door waiting for an answer.

Scootaloo sighed, “It’s better than just sitting here, besides I’m really,really bored,” she said as Apple Bloom joined her in going outside.

The three young fillies arrived at Sugarcube Corner in no time thanks to Scootaloo’s pulling them on the official crusaders wagon. They arrived in time to see Pinkie changing the cake twins,Pound and Pumpkin. The three filles looked away, not wanting to see that.

When Pinkie Pie finished Sweetie walked up to her. “Hey Pinkie, is it alright if we borrow your air balloon?” she asked sweetly.

Pinkie bounced on her tail.“Sure, but just try not to crash it into the ground or anything. I fell to the ground once, it was fun but not safe. So promise me you will keep all hooves and in the vehicle at all times.”

The three filles nodded and Pinkie took them out back where the air balloon was.

“Here ya go. Have fun, and please don’t do anything dumb. Twilight would be soo mad if I let something bad happen to you three.”

“Let’s move out crusaders,” Scootaloo said getting onto the air balloon, her friends following not far behind. Once her friends were safely in the basket she began to activate the air ballon, pulling on the fire lever making it fly a few feet. As they were moving Scootaloo started thinking; Maybe once we get a bit higher I can test my wings out. They have grown a lot, maybe I’m ready.

The balloon was now ten feet above the ground, the perfect spot to give her wings a test. She smiled but then thought what about what Rainbow Dash had once told her, Never try anything stupid squirt. Especially if nopony is there to help you.

A second voice entered her brain. “They are just trying to hold me back. I can do this without them. I’ll prove to everypony I can fly, and make you proud mom,” she said in a whisper. A small tear sliding down her face.

Scootaloo jumped on the wooden platform. You can do this Scootaloo you just gotta believe.

Apple Bloom And Sweetie Belle were enjoying the view but they turned and saw Scootaloo ready to jump. They both ran over to her but they were too late to stop her from jumping. They jumped out of the basket after her and grabbed onto Scootaloo’s hooves.

Sweetie Belle grabbed Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom grabbed Sweetie Bell and used her back legs to keep the trio from falling to their doom.

“What the hay are ya doing Scootaloo! Now were going to die!” Apple Bloom said as Scootaloo tried focusing on her wings.

“We’re not going to die,” Sweetie said. “I believe in you Scootaloo, even though this was not really one of your better ideas,” she said as she glanced down.

Scootaloo fluttered her wings and was able to guide her and the other crusaders safely above a the hay stack next to Sweet Apple Acres.

“Oh my gosh! I flew us from sugar cube corner to the farm! So awesome!” Scootaloo said happily. For Scootaloo this was a dream come true, but one of her friends was not nearly as happy as she was.

“You didn’t fly, you crashed! Why the hay did you go and do that?! You almost got us killed! Haven’t you learn anything! Flying doesn’t matter!” Apple Bloom shouted.

“Flying does matter! It’s more important than anything! Why don’t you try and not be able to fly? Oh wait you can't because you're an earth pony. The worst kind of pony,” she said, challenging Apple Bloom with a glare.

Apple Bloom leapt at Scootaloo and swung a foreleg at her. Sweetie gasped, “Girls please stop fighting. This isn’t the answer,” she said as a few tears slid down her face.

“Ah had enough of this anyways. Until you actually learn your lesson Ah am going home and we are DONE! Our friendship is OVER!” Apple Bloom said walking off. A few tears slid down her eyes, it pained her to do this.

“FINE! If you don’t care about me flying then I’d be WAY! better off without you anyway! Come on Sweetie, let’s go” she said turning to leave. Unlike Apple Bloom she didn’t cry at all, she felt that Apple Bloom had been weighing her down.

“Scootaloo please stop. Is flying really more important than friendship? Sweetie asked. She was used to having to play peacemaker but this was a different type of argument.

“Yes it is. You have no idea how long I've suffered being a late bloomer. Flying is important,” she answered.

Sweetie sighed, “Fine. I’ll just tell Twilight what you did and we’ll see if she agrees,” Sweetie said, walking off.

Scootaloo frowned. “Mom will be on my side,” she said, proud of herself.

When Sweetie and Scootaloo arrived they knocked on the door and were greeted by Twilight. “Hi Sweetie, what’s wrong? You look a little sad”

“It’s Scootaloo, she and Apple Bloom aren’t friends anymore,” Sweetie said, as she explained what happened. Twilight was not happy to hear this, especially hearing that Scootaloo would leave her friends for flight.

“Scootaloo I am very, very disappointed in you. Didn’t you learn anything from the Equestrian Games? I want you to apologize tomorrow, when we go to the farm, ok?” She walked back inside and Sweetie Belle left.

“O...Ok mom I will. I just want to fly so badly. You understand, don’t you?” she asked tears sliding down.

Twilight sighed. “But why would flying be more important than friendship?” she asked.

“I made a promise to my mom before she died, that I would become a great flier. I...I just don’t want to bring shame to her,” she said a few tears sliding down her face.

Twilight walked over to Scootaloo and hugged her. “Scootaloo…. your mom would be proud of you no matter what. Even if you don’t fly she would never be ashamed of you,” she said, nuzzling her daughter.

“Re….Really?”

“Yes, really. Your mother was a great pony she will always be watching over you. Now what do you say you go wash up for dinner. There are two ponies here to meet you.”

Scootaloo wiped her tears away. “Huh? Who? Which ponies would want to meet me?” she asked, walking with Twilight into the kitchen.

“Scootaloo, I’d like you to meet your aunt and uncle,” Twilight said gesturing towards her brother and Cadence.

“So this is the sweet little angel you adopted Twilight. She’s pretty cute,” Shining Armour said, giving Scootaloo a pat on the head.

“Aw shes so cute. This is going to be a fun weekend,” Cadence said walking over to Scootaloo and hugging her. “You and I are going to have so much fun”.

Scootaloo was a little surprised and confused, “What's going on? Why are they here anyways?” she asked.

Twilight giggled. “Well you already met my parents and a few days ago I got a letter from Cadence asking if she could come over, so I thought it would be the perfect chance for her to meet you,” she said bopping Scootaloo on the nose.

After everything was taken care of they ate and soon it was time for bed.

Cadence and Shining Armour decided to put Scootaloo to bed while Twilight did her usual studying, “Would you like us to read you a bedtime story, Scootaloo?” Cadence asked as Shining went to find a book on the shelf.

Scootaloo noded. “Yeah I’d love that, aunt Cadence,” she said snuggling into her pillow.

Shining came back with The Three Troublesome Foals. Cadence read a few chapters to Scootaloo but by the time she got to the third chapter Scootaloo had fallen asleep.

“Nighty night, Scootaloo. See you in the morning,” Cadence said as Shining followed her out the door.

“She is such a cute little foal,” Shining said as they went into the guest room to get some sleep. The fun would begin tomorrow.

chapter 10 - Spending the day together.

The night was passing by slowly for Scootaloo, she had a hard time sleeping and she couldn’t understand why. After many minutes of tossing and turning Scootaloo got out of bed.

“Maybe a glass of water would help” Scootaloo thought, opening her door quietly. She walked down the hall carefully trying not to be noisy.

When she got into the kitchen she pulled a cup out with her mouth, putting in the sink, she turned the faucet on with her teeth and waited for the water to fill.

Cadence climbed out of bed as she heard noises in the kitchen. When she got to the kitchen she saw Scootaloo.

“Scootaloo? Why are you awake?” Cadence asked, concerned for her new niece. If Scootaloo was having nightmares she wanted to know.

Surprised, Scootaloo spit a bit of water out. “I’m sorry if I woke you I couldn’t get any sleep,” she said putting the cup down on the table.

Cadence walked over to Scootaloo and gave her a hug “It's ok. I’m pretty used to waking up at night, I used to have to put Twilight back to bed, and you have no idea how long it takes,” she said draping a wing over Scootaloo to keep her warm.

“Um… can I sleep with,” she gulped, “with you tonight, I...I just can’t seem to fall asleep,” she said.

Cadence got curios, “Why me? Why not your mom?”

Scootaloo shrugged, “I don’t know. I just think sleeping next to my aunt would make me feel….safe, not that I don’t feel safe around mom but...you know.”

Cadence smiled in response. “Of course you can sweetheart, and don’t feel embarrassed. Twilight used to sleep with me all the time when she was a filly,” Cadence said using her magic to put Scootaloo on her back while walking back to the guest room.

When Cadence got into the guest room she levitated Scootaloo into the bed, and got in after her. She then snuggled with Scootaloo who was nestled between her and Shining Armour.

Scootaloo smiled, happy get some sleep, and that night Scootaloo got better sleep then she had hoped to. It seemed the small filly just needed a little comfort, like many young fillies.

Scootaloo opened her eyes slowly, Celestia’s bright sun had risen, it was time for everypony to wake up.

Scootaloo rolled over, pulling the sheets over her head, from her cave she heard hoof steps from behind her.

“Scootaloo, sweetheart it's time to get up. We've got a lot to do today, and I really want to get to know you better,” Cadence said as Shining Armour walked in.

“Maybe we should let her sleep? I mean its only seven, it can’t hurt to let her sleep for a little bit, can it?” Shining Armour asked, giving Cadence a small kiss on the cheek.

“If she sleeps in for too long she’ll be wide awake when it's time for bed. Trust me, I used to take care of fillies, I know how they work,” Cadence said walking over to the bed. She knelt down, “Scootsy, time to wake up, sleepy filly,” she said in a soft voice.

The blankets shifted a little but that was all that happened. Cadence was afraid Scootaloo would do this but she only smirked.

“I gave you a chance but I guess I’ll have to bring out the big hooves,” Cadence said stretching her right wing and pulled a feather out, she jumped on the bed and pulling the covers off Scootaloo.

Scootaloo covered her eyes, the light being too bright, “Gosh not the light.” She looked up and saw Cadence with a feather in her mouth, “Wh-What's that f-for?” she asked nervously.

Cadence smiled, “Well, some little filly isn’t isn’t getting up so I need to take extreme measures,” she said lowering her head down and starting to tickle Scootaloo on her little tummy. The laughter of the young filly echoed throughout the house. “Now, are you ready for me to stop?” she asked as Shining Armour joined in.

Scootaloo tried speaking, “Yes pl-please s-stop, I’ll wake up auntie!” Scootaloo said gasped out in between fits of laughter.

Cadence Smiled and got up, dropping her feather. “Lets go see if Twilight’s awake, we should give this little filly some time to recover,” she said as Shining Armour followed behind.

Scootaloo giggled again and laid in bed for another minute before getting up. She went downstairs, to find Twilight, Cadence and Shining Armour in the kitchen, “Morning Mom,” Scootaloo said, as she walked in.

Twilight went over to Scootaloo and nuzzled her, “Morning sweetheart. I heard you had a hard time getting to sleep last night. Did you sleep well with Cadence?” she asked.

“Yeah, I couldn't sleep. I just want to get to know my new Aunt and Uncle, that’s all….Am I weak for wanting somepony to sleep with me?” she asked, afraid this would ruin her reputation. She didn’t want Silver Spoon to bully her for this, she trusted the ponies around her but if word got out...

“No Scootaloo, you’re not weak. You're just a filly, and sometimes little fillies need somepony next to them to help them fall asleep. But you’re also getting to be a big girl too; so how about tonight you try staying in your own bed,” Cadence said kissing Scootaloo on the head, making her smile.

Twilight went to finish making breakfast, today they were having muffins. Derpy had recommended the recipe and Twilight thought today would be a good time to try them.

Twilight finished baking the muffins and checked to make sure they weren’t too hot, and when they cooled she levitated two muffins on a plate for each member of her family.

While the family ate, Shining and Cadence decided to ask Scootaloo a few questions so they could get to know her better. So far all they knew was what Twilight told her in her letters.

“So, Scootaloo, what kinds of things do you like to do? Twilight has told us about riding that scooter of yours, but what others things do you do?” Cadenced asked taking a sip of her water.

Scootaloo blinked a few times but then smiled, “I like to hang out with Spike, have some special Twilight time and… I love going crusading,” she said, but then she remembered her fight with Apple Bloom and frowned.

Cadence giggled, “I also hear you and Rainbow Dash are practically sisters, or did I hear wrong?” she asked.

Scootaloo’s ears perked up after hearing that. Despite the fact that Cadences slight was unintentional, it made her a little mad. Almost everypony in town knew that they were basically sisters and somepony implying otherwise just didn’t feel right to her. “Hey! we are sisters! We’re the best sisters ever!" she said in between taking bites of her muffins and a sip of her milk.

Once they finished Twilight washed the dishes with her magic. “Cadence, I need to do some work here, could you take Scootaloo to Sweet Apple Acres? She needs to apologize to a friend,” she said rubbing Scootaloo’s back.

Shining looked looked down at Scootaloo, “We'd love to Twilly, but don’t you want to spend some time with us?” he asked.

Twilight shook her head, “I would but I have some princess things to do, you understand don’t you BBBFF?” she said with puppy dog eyes.

“Bu...but mom, I wanted to spend time with you too,” Scootaloo said.

“And you will, once you get home. But I have some work to do sweetie,” she said levitating Scootaloo into a hug. Twilight wanted to spend time with Scootaloo but she had a lot of reading, and princess work catch up on.

Before Scootaloo ran over to join her aunt and uncle, she ran over to Twilight and kissed her on the cheek, “Love ya mom, bye,” she said running off.

Twilight blushed slightly, Scootaloo never had kissed her on the cheek before, “Maybe this is a good sign. She never ever kisses anypony on the cheek. I guess she’s becoming more comfortable with me,” she thought returning to her library.

When Cadence Shining and Scootaloo got to Sweet Apple Acres they saw Applejack talking to her sister next to the barn. It looked like Apple Bloom was crying a little. Scootaloo perked her ears, trying to listen.

“Now do you see what you did wrong? Applejack asked. Apple Bloom didn’t say anything but she did nod.

When Applejack finished she let go of Apple Bloom, “Now ah believe you have somepony to apologize to,” she said pointing at Scootaloo, Applejack walked over to Cadence and let the fillies talk.

Applejack bowed to Cadence, “Princess, it’s quite a surprise to see ya here, and you too Shining Armour.”

Cadence merely giggled, “We're just here to take Scootaloo to apologize,” she said.

As the adult ponies talked, Scootaloo walked over to Apple Bloom.

“Apple Bloom I...I’m sorry about before, I shouldn’t of made fun of your heritage,” Scootaloo said giving her friend a small hug.

Apple Bloom parted from the hug, “Ah’m sorry too, I shouldn’t of told you….well ya know,” Apple Bloom said wiping a tear away with her hoof.

Apologies exchanged the two fillies returned to the adults, feeling better. Scootaloo had to say her goodbyes to Apple Bloom but she had learned one thing; even when they were mad at each other friends should be careful about what they say.

As the three were walking away from Sweet Apple Acres Scootaloo bit her lip. “Um Auntie Cadence where are we going?” she asked politely.

“I have a perfect day planned for us. We’re going to the Wonderbolts show tonight but for now we are going to the skateboard park, to see what you can do on that scooter of yours,” Cadence replied.

Scootaloo smiled, but her smile quickly transformed into a frown. “But I left it at home,” she said disappointedly.

“You can rent one at the park” Shining reminded her, causing Scootaloo to smile again.

When they got to the skate park, Scootaloo picked a purple scooter to ride for the day.

“Well, go on little filly, have some fun, we'll be here watching you” Shining Armour said.

Scootaloo grabbed her scooter and zoomed off, doing a few tricks on the huge ramps. She even did a few extreme tricks, like a three sixty spin; when she finished, a streak of fire trailed behind her. Both Shining Armour and Cadence clapped, cheering for Scootaloo.

Scootaloo was about to scoot off for another run, but she noticed Rumble was here with his brother Thunderlane. “Hey Aunt Cadence, I’m going to drop by a friend,” she called over her shoulder and scooted off towards Rumble. His brother was some safety putting gear on him, so he wouldn’t get hurt.

“Hi Rumble, whatcha doing here?” she asked. Skating didn’t seem like Rumble’s thing.

Rumble smiled. “Hi Scootaloo, my brother just wants me to learn some new things. That and my parents think I’m getting lazy,” he said, getting up as his brother finished putting his pads on.

Thunderlane smiled at Scootaloo, “Hi there, little filly” he said. Then turned to his little brother, “Hey Rumble, is this your filly friend?” he asked chuckling.

Both Scootaloo and Rumble blushed.

“We are not filly friends just friends,” Rumble said covering his face out of embarrassment.

“Hey Rumble, wanna have a race?” Scootaloo asked, curious to see how fast Rumble was on his scooter. Of course she was willing to bet he wouldn’t be as fast as her.

Rumble looked at her and grinned, “Sure why not.” He jumped on his scooter and the two scooted outside, toward the huge racing course.

Scootaloo got on her scooter waiting for the perfect time to start. “GO” she yelled, starting the race. She quickly sped into the lead as Rumble fell behind, having less experience jumping over trees and other obstacles. However, Rumble soon caught up thanks to his stronger wings. “How many laps are we doing?” he asked, pulling up next to Scootaloo on a straight-away.

“How bout just two?”

The two of them passed the finish line for lap one, Scootaloo eager to win. Rumble also wanted to win but not as much as Scootaloo did.

It was now the final lap and both ponies were neck and neck. Scootaloo saw how badly Rumble wanted to win and a few meters away from the finish line Scootaloo let go of the handle bars and tumbled to the ground.

Rumble noticed this and just thought she simply fell so he continued passing the finish line for the victory. Cadence, Shining and Thunderlane all cheered, but Cadence was more curious as to why Scootaloo let Rumble win.

Now that the race was done, Rumble walked over to Scootaloo and helped her up. “Are you ok?” he asked.

“Yeah, I guess I must of tripped,” she lied.

Rumble found this hard to believe, Scootaloo was an expert on her scooter, but this was a race so maybe it was different. Rumble shrugged, “Hm ok, well I need to go now, uh see ya later,” he said running towards his brother.

Cadence and Shining walked over to Scootaloo and nuzzled her.

Cadence knew love when she saw it and judging by what just happened she could tell love had something to do with what just happend. “Do you have a crush on him?” she asked, point blank.

Scootaloo knew she couldn’t lie to Cadence, not about this anyway. “Ok, I might like, like him, maybe,” she said blushing.

Cadence looked at Scootaloo, “Well, if you ever need advice on anything involving love, you know who to ask,” she said winking.

The three ponies then made their way over to to Ponyville Stadium for the Wonderbolts show. It was a good thing they were having the performance in ponyville otherwise Shining wouldn't have been able to make it without help from Twilight.

As they went inside Cadence gave her tickets to the usher and then gave Shining a few bits for snacks. Shining went off to buy some popcorn and she turned to Scootaloo and gave her ten bits. “Ok Scootaloo what do you say we get you a souvenir,” Cadence said taking her into the store area. There were many toys, plushies, clothes, and a few Wonderbolt figurine collections.

Scootaloo looked around and one things caught her eye, it was a Twilight Sparkle plushie; but it was no ordinary plushie, it was a limited edition model and it came with Rainbow Dash. Unfortunately it cost fifteen bits.

Tears swelled up in her eyes, “I really want that Auntie Cadence, But I don’t have enough,” she said beginning to walk out the store”

Cadence thought for a moment. “Scootaloo wait, I’ll pay the for the rest, if it makes you happy. But next time you're going to have to save your money. You can’t always get everything you want,” she said being squeezed into a loving hug.

“Thankyou,Thankyou” she exclaimed, hugging her aunt tightly. Soon she let go and they went to the cashier to pay. Cadence put the plushies in her saddle bag for safekeeping and they went to find Shining Armor and their seats.

They found their seats and the show started. The Wonderbolts performed many tricks, including a three hundred and sixty degree loop, and a straight dead drop dive.

The audience cheered when the show was finished. Sometime during the show Scootaloo had fallen asleep, resting her head on Cadence, snuggling deeply into her fur.

Shining Armor kissed Scootaloo on the head, “She’s so sleepy. Let’s get her home,” he said as they walked back to the castle. When they arrived Twilight was outside looking at the stars through her telescope.

“We had a great day Twilight, and so did your sweet little angel but she’s very sleepy,” Cadence said as Scootaloo sucked on her hoof making the ponies aw at her.

Twilight carried Scootaloo to her bed while Cadence and Shining talked.

A letter appeared out nowhere in front of Cadence, it was from Celestia.

“Dear Princess Cadence, I would appreciate it if you could come to Canterlot tomorrow. We need to get Scootaloo’s tenth birthday party set up and you are somepony I can trust to make this special.”

Signed Princess Celestia.

Cadence smiled “Well it looks like we’re needed in Canterlot, to prepare Scootaloo’s party, tomorrow. We’d better make sure we invite all of her friends, including that Rumble,” she said to Shining as they walked inside to get some well deserved sleep of their own.

Twilight tucked Scootaloo in bed and decided to give her her new plushies. She had seen these a while ago and thought it was nice of Cadence to buy them. She put the Twilight and Dash plushie next to Scootaloo then gave her a kiss on the head.“Goodnight. my sweet angel,” Twilight said turning the lights out and leaving the room.

Soon, the only thing that could be heard was Scootaloo’s quiet snoring.

Author's Note

OK I hope you enjoyed, just one more chapter left, but worry not, I have a sequel in planning.

chapter 11 - Birthday Party.

Luna’s beautiful moon soon fell to be replaced by Celestia’s sun, shining across Equestria.

In Twilight’s castle the only ponies awake were Twilight,Shining and Cadence. They wanted to let Scootaloo sleep in, it was her birthday after all, and everypony should be able to sleep in on a special day.

Cadence and Shining were sitting at the table waiting for Twilight to get them some coffee. Cadence offered to get herself, but Twilight insisted she'd make it.

Soon Twilight finished making the coffee. She added some cream and a bit of sugar in it, to make it sweeter. Setting the drinks on the table Twilight levitated a few pieces of paper over to Cadence; instructions on what Scootaloo would need for her party.

“Twilight, I’m pretty sure I can handle this myself, besides I’ll be bringing Pinkie Pie along. After all she is the best party planner around,” she said taking a sip of her sweet coffee.

Twilight sighed, “I’m sorry, I just want this to be perfect. It's a very special day for my little princess,” she said sipping her own coffee.

Shining looked at the clock and saw it was time to leave. Saying their goodbyes they gave Twilight one last hug before moving on to ponyville train station. Once they left Twilight went to Spike’s room, she had a special task for him.

Twilight opened Spike’s door and saw her little dragon sleeping snug in his bed. She shook him softly. “Spike wakey,wakey” she whispered. Her voice made Spike’s ears twitch, and he wiggled around, tugging at his blankets, until he finally opened his eyes, “Good morning Twilight,” he said rubbing his eyes.

“Twilight,” he said as he shook his head trying to get the blur out of his eyes. “What did you need?”

Twilight levitated Spike on her back and brought the little dragon into the living room. She then went to her bookshelf and pulled out a stack of a paper; they looked an awful lot like party invitations.

“Spike, I need you to hand these out to each of Scootaloo’s friends,” she said giving him the stack of invitations.

“Bu...But Twilight, I’ve got important dragon sleep to catch up on. I was having a good dream too,” he said with a pout.

Twilight rolled her eyes, “Spike, this is important. What if I promise you that if you do this I’ll get you a Rarity plushie next week?”

That got his attention.Grabbing the invitations he left, though walking slowly.

Scootaloo’s eyes began to open as she started to wake up. The clock on the wall said it was about ten am. She thought for a few moments about why didn’t Twilight wake her earlier, but she shrugged it off and got out of bed, made her bed and then put her scooter away.

Once finished she walked down the stairs. “Morning mom,” she said as walked over to Twilight and gave her a big hug.

“Good morning princess,” she said nuzzling Scootaloo. She walked into the kitchen and got breakfast ready. Hay and cereal wasn’t really a good birthday breakfast but Scootaloo would be getting everything she needed in Canterlot.

Once the cereal was made she slid it over to Scootaloo. Scootaloo ate her food a little slower than usual, sad that Cadence and Shining weren’t here, but then she wondered where did they go off to.

“Hey mom, where did Auntie Cadence and Uncle Shining go?” she asked wondering if they went to the store or something similarly innocuous.

Twilight smiled down at Scootaloo, “Well they…” she stopped realizing she might spoil the surprise if she told the truth,so she tried coming up with something else. “They went back to run the Crystal Empire” she said, though Scootaloo could see though that lie.

Scootaloo sighed, “It’s ok if you rather tell me later,” she said finishing her breakfast. She took her empty plate to the sink and brought a chair over to the sink so she could reach. Usually Scootaloo didn’t do dishes but she wanted to help, it was the least she could do for Twilight after everything she did.

Finished, Scootaloo she walked up to Twilight, “Is there anything else I can help with?”

Twilight smiled, “I was thinking you could go hang out with your friend Diamond Tiara for a while. I have some things I need to do, and this gives you time to have fun,” she said before walking out of the kitchen and onto her studies.

Something felt strange to the young filly,Twilight seemed off. She shrugged it off, maybe Twilight was just getting a cold or maybe she was working too hard. She then walked out the room but when she got to the door she shouted low but loud enough for Twilight to hear.

“Bye mom, I love you,” she said waving goodbye and walking out the door. She decided not to take her scooter, maybe a walk around town would be better.

When Scootaloo got to the Rich’s mansion, she saw Silver Spoon who, from the looks of her red eyes, had been crying.

Silver Spoon couldn’t take it anymore, it had been weeks since she and Diamond hung out and she missed it. Diamond Tiara was her only friend the because the other fillies and colts in her class hated her for all the awful things she was always saying.

“Hi,Scootaloo,” Silver said cautiously. She pushed her glasses up her nose.

Scootaloo glared at her ready to fight, if Silver Spoon was here to make fun she was ready.

Unknown to both ponies, Diamond Tiara hid behind her mansion wall waiting to hear how this would turn out.

Silver Spoon smiled ever so slightly “Lisin Scootaloo I just came he-” before she could finish she was cut off by Scootaloo.

“To came to make fun of me again? Well you can forget it. I’ve had enough of you, if you want to fight with me then let’s go! One on one, right here,” Scootaloo said, her nostrils flaring.

“No...No, Scootaloo, I came here to apologize. I just….I just thought if I said all that to you I would be cool but I was wrong. It was a bad choice to make and I’m sorry, do you forgive me?” she asked sincerely.

Scootaloo looked into Silver’s eyes they were misty as if she truly meant it. Scootaloo calmed down and smiled offering her a hoof bump “I...I guess I can give you a chance…. but only one. If you EVER! do anything like that again, I won’t forgive you,” she said receiving a hoof bump from her former enemy.

Silver Spoon, let out a sigh of relief. “Ok, see ya later, Scootaloo,” Silver said, and with that she galloped away.

With that done Scootaloo walked inside the mansion gate and saw Diamond Tiara leaning against the wall. “Were you listening?”

Tiara jumped a bit hearing Scootaloo. “Yeah, I admit it, I was. But I only wanted to make sure it wasn’t going to turn into a fight,” she said flicking her mane a bit.

Scootaloo smiled. “So hey want to hang out? Mom said I should come here for a while.”

Diamond Tiara smiled back. “How about we have a tea party and then we could get our manes done oh and th-” she stopped realizing she might be boring Scootaloo. “How about just a tea party?”

Scootaloo noded. “Yeah a tea party sounds fine, just make sure you never tell anypony.”

Diamond Tiara got her butler to set a table inside Diamond’s room, which of course was all pink. Once the table was set she let Scootaloo put one of her dresses on.

“Are you sure I can’t just, ya know, not wear anything on at all?” she asked holding a pink gown.

“Of course not. All guest must wear a dress at a tea party,” Diamond replied.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes.Adding to her distaste was the fact that Diamond only had pink dresses, her least favorite color, but she put it on regardless. It wasn’t like anypony would see her.

The two enjoyed their little tea party for two hours, sure it got a little boring for Scootaloo, but she actually enjoyed it after they started to talk about what colts they liked. After an hour it was time to leave. When she got outside, she found Twilight waiting for her.

“Hey mom, why are you here?”

“It's time to leave, we’re going to Canterlot,” Twilight said, nuzzling her daughter.

Scootaloo beamed. She hadn't gone to Canterlot since she visited Twilight’s parents, and that was two months ago, “Really mom, what for?” she asked.

Twilight giggled. “I can’t tell you. It’s a surprise.”

Scootaloo and Twilight walked towards the train station. When they got on they were silent, no one spoke mostly because the train was too noisy.

When they arrived in Canterlot Twilight took Scootaloo to the castle immediately. As they walked inside they noticed all the lights were off.

They walked into the castle's dining room and once they did the lights popped on.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCOOTALOO!” yelled Shining, Cadence, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Diamond Tiara, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Thunderlane and Rumble.

“Thanks everypony, you sure got me,” Scootaloo said, blushing.

Pinkie chimed in. “Happy tenth birthday Scootaloo. We planned so much stuff for you. We’ve got games, presents, and lots and lots of other stuff too,” she said excitedly giving Scootaloo a hug. She also stretched her hooves out bringing everypony else into it.

When Pinkie Released them from the hug she brought Scootaloo over to her chair and they all began to eat. Everypony made small talk but Celestias decided to say something more substantial.

Celestia looked down at Scootaloo. “Might I ask, how has your life with Twilight been?” She had received letters from Twilight regarding Scootaloo but she wanted to know how Scootaloo felt about everything, in her own words.

Scootaloo finished eating her soup and hay and daisy sandwich and smiled. “It’s been great Princess, she's really caring and kind. She can be overprotective at times, but I still love her, no matter what,” she said. A tear slide off Twilight’s cheek. She thought she was doing well but hearing those words from Scootaloo, made her smile.

After they finished eating it was time for presents. Pinkie gave her candy, Rainbow Dash gave her a kite, Rarity had gotten her a purple dress, Applejack and her fellow crusaders got her a framed picture of one of their many exploits. Fluttershy gave her a cute little kitty cat plushie, though she didn’t wrap it. The last present she opened was from Twilight.

Scootaloo opened it, only to be awestruck by it’s contents, scratching at the ground as she stared at it. “A brand new scooter, why?”

Twilight smiled. “I just thought you could use a new one. Your other one is kinda getting old and rusty.I hope you don’t mind this new one. Do you like it Scootaloo?

“Like it?..... I LOVE IT!” she exclaimed rushing over to hug Twilight. This was truly one of her best birthdays ever.

During the party Scootaloo got to hang out with Princess Luna and when the time came for dancing she decided to ask Rumble.

“Hey Rumble, I was wondering, would you like to dance with...me?” she asked a little shyly.

Rumble smiled brightly “Of course Scootaloo, let’s go,” he said pulling Scootaloo on the dance floor.

Once the party was finished it was time to for everpony to leave. Scootaloo had stopped moving and looked to Twilight, with pleading eyes.

“Ca...Can I go see my mom.” The last time Scootaloo saw her mother was back at the hospital and seeing her today would make Scootaloo happy.

Twilight smiled, “Anything for you. How about we get some flowers first?” she said walking off with Scootaloo. They decided to teleport back to ponyville because it was faster.
______________________________________________________________________________

Once there Twilight went into the castle and got a dress on then she pulled out a dress for Scootaloo. Appropriately attired, they walked to the castle's backyard where her mother was buried.

When they got there Twilight gave a bouquet of red roses to Scootaloo, “Go on, I’ll be waiting right here for you” she said smiling softly.

Scootaloo noded and slowly approached the grave, gently laying the flowers on top of it.

“Hi mom, I’m sorry I haven’t visited you since...since you died but I just wanted to tell you my life...well, it’s been a lot different without you, but I still miss you mommy. Twilight has been nice to me, and...well for an egghead she's pretty cool. She's been doing a really wonderful job taking care of me, mom, so you don’t have to worry,” a few tears welled up in Scootaloo’s eyes. “I love you mommy. I always will,” she whispered before walking back to Twilight.

“So…. who’s ready for a special Twilight time?” Twilight asked. Scootaloo simply noded, hugging Twilight.

Author's Note

Hope ya enjoyed this last chapter, I am happy I finished it before may ends, Think you all.

Chapter 1 - the foalsitting

Scootaloo sat on her bed, crestfallen about the day. She had been so excited, at least until her mother Dizzy Twister had told her that Rainbow Dash wouldn't be able to make it due to weather duty. The only pony left that could foalsit her was Twilight Sparkle.

Scootaloo had just stopped hitting her Rainbow Dash covered pillow out of anger. Scootaloo lay back down on her pillow “Great! Just great. Dash could've foalsat me, but nooooo! She just HAD to do the stupid weather! Now I'm stuck with Twilight, the egghead alicorn.” Scootaloo rolled over, grabbing her Rainbow Dash plushie, squeezing it close to her stomach. “Tonight’s gonna to be so booooring!”
There was a knock at her door and she jumped in surprise, falling off her bed head first. “Oww!” Scootaloo said while rubbing her head as tears filled the brim of her eyes.

“Scootaloo, sweetheart, is everything ok?” asked Dizzy Twister on the other side of the doorway. She was a mare with a yellow coat and light purple mane. Scootaloo’s mother, and a proud one at that.
“Everything's just FINE! Nothing happened!” Scootaloo yelled rather harshly in response. What the little filly did not realize was that her mother could see through her lies.

Dizzy Twister sighed. Her daughter had been acting this way for three days now, ever since she told her that Rainbow Dash couldn't make it. She opened the door to see her daughter on the ground rubbing her head. Dizzy let out a small chuckle “I thought you said nothing happened? You jumped when you heard me call, didn't you?” she asked with a smirk, Dizzy Twister knew more about her daughter than anypony ever could.

Dizzy Twister walked into the room, picking up her daughter and setting her on her lap. She took over rubbing Scootaloo’s head to make her daughter feel better. She stopped and looked at Scootaloo, “Feeling better, sweetheart?” Scootaloo nodded in response.
“Listen, Scootsy. Just because Twilights foalsitting you doesn't mean you won't be having fun. I trust Twilight. I consider her a part of this family, even if we're not related. She's a good friend, so I want you to promise you will be good for her.”

Scootaloo pouted, crossing her hooves together “But Mom, I don't like that egg-” Scootaloo stopped when she got a stern look from her mother. “I mean I’ll be good, mom. I promise,” Scootaloo said, jumping back onto her bed.
Dizzy Twister giggled “Well, I’ll be leaving in an hour, so meet me downstairs before I leave, honey.” Dizzy Twister left her daughter's room and sighed, “Oh, I just hope this date goes well.”

*************
Twilight was sweating. She was packing many books, toys, and even a telescope. She knew for a fact that fillies love looking into space. At least she did when she was a filly.

Spike was sitting in his bed, his arms crossed, looking slightly annoyed. “Twilight, I know you want this night to be nice and everything for you and Scoots, but you should tone it down a little. I mean, she's just a filly. Play a few board games with her and she will be out like a light in no time.” He looked outside and noticed it was dark. He let out a yawn. He couldn’t wait until she left, so it would be quiet and he could sleep.

“I know that, Spike. I just want her to have a fun time tonight and not think I’m some egghead.” Twilight levitated a plastic bag containing a few daisy sandwiches she made into her saddlebag. “Ok, Spike. I’m heading out. Oh, I'm going to make sure Scootaloo has the best night. Maybe I can even learn more about her.” Twilight walked to the door, opened it and said her goodbye. The only response she got from Spike was his snoring.
*************
Twilight arrived at Scootaloo’s house within thirty minutes. Scootaloo’s mother let her in. Dizzy Twister went by the stairs and yelled, “Scootaloo, get your flank down here. Your foalsitter is here!” The only response she got was the stamping of hoofs. Dizzy Twister smiled and went to sitting on the couch with Twilight. “So are you sure you're up for this? I mean, I could cancel tonight if you want?”
“Please! I think I can handle Scootaloo. I mean, what's the worst that could happen? She likes me. I know she does.” Twilight reassured her friend, and got a few books out of her saddlebag, setting them on the table next to her and smiled “Besides, I'm sure she will enjoy reading with me and then some games and ooh maybe…” Twilight stopped herself, realizing she was rambling again “Oopsie. Sorry, Dizzy,” Twilight said as she placed a few toys down.

The two of them turned their attention to the stairs. Scootaloo had come down and she did not seem very happy. “What do you want, mom? I was trying to figure out what kinds of cutie marks me and my friends could get,” Scootaloo lied. She glared at Twilight. She was not ready for tonight at all.

Dizzy Twister draped a wing over her daughter. “Oh, Scootaloo, don't you worry. Twilight will take good care of you. I promise. Besides, hopefully… if this date with Thunderlane goes nicely you will have a new daddy soon.” It was not that long ago that Scootaloo’s father died in the equestrian war.

This, at least, got Scootaloo to smile. She gave her mother a hug “I… love you, mom. I'm going to miss you.” Scootaloo then galloped over to the couch and sat next to Twilight.

“Aw, don't you worry, my little Scootsy. I will be back by tomorrow. I promise.” She was about to leave when she remembered something. She turned to Twilight “Oh, and Twilight, Scootaloo likes to sleep with her Rainbow plushy. Please make sure she has that or she might get nightmares.” This caused Scootaloo to blush deep red and hide her face.
With that, Dizzy Twister grabbed her saddlebag and a jacket since the weather wasn't going to be so pretty today. She waved goodbye and left, making sure to close the door.

Scootaloo waved as well and said “Bye, mom. I love you.” After that Scootaloo sat back down wanting to get this day done with.
Twilight looked down at Scootaloo with a grin. “Aw, I didn't realize that for such a tough filly you like plushies.” Twilight giggled a little, until she saw tears welling up in Scootaloo’s eyes “Oh, I'm so sorry, Scootaloo. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.” Twilight brought Scootaloo into a hug and kissed her on the forehead “Do you forgive me?”
Scootaloo rolled her eyes “Yeah, I forgive you… I guess. Just don't ever tell anypony I have a plushie or I’ll-” Scootaloo stopped, not even knowing what she would do if that got out. “Never mind! So… uh… what is it we can do, Twi?” Scootaloo asked, wanting to get off the topic of her plushie. Right now all she wanted was a little fun.

Twilight squealed in delight “Well, I was thinking we could read “Daring Do and the Sapphire Stone” together.” She started opening the book until she heard Scootaloo let out a soft yawn “What's the matter? Are you tired?” Twilight asked, concerned.
“No, I'm not tired,” Scootaloo replied, rolling her eyes. “It’s just that books are for nerds! If I'm going to be like Rainbow than I can't read if she doesn't read.”

Twilight tried to suppress her laughter, but it was too late. She let out a good laugh “Oh, you're so funny! Ha-ha”
Scootaloo just looked at her wondering what was going on. Was she being made fun of?
Twilight got back up, “Oh. Sorry, Scoots, but Rainbow does read. In fact, she has the entire Daring Do series in her cloud home.”
This left Scootaloo dumbfounded. “So… Rainbow is an egghead?” Scootaloo just couldn't bare her idol being a nerd, but she shrugged it off. “Ok, Twilight. I guess I’ll try and read it. I mean, how bad could reading be? I guess if Rainbow likes it… heh heh.” Scootaloo picked up the book and started reading.

Scootaloo actually enjoyed it a lot. The two of them took turns reading, and it only took a few minutes before it caught her attention and she was hooked.

The two kept reading for about two hours. Twilight was even surprised that Scootaloo wanted to read more, but it was about dinner time. When they were done it was 7:00 PM.

Walking into the kitchen Twilight got some daisy sandwiches ready for the two of them. Luckily the sandwiches were already made so it saved time on preparation. “Ok, Scootaloo. Time for dinner,” Twilight called with the sweetest voice she could. Soon enough the orange filly came in and sat on the chair by the table.

Twilight levitated two daisy sandwiches onto the table for the two of them.
The two started digging into their sandwiches, Scootaloo finished eating hers before Twilight. She even managed to get some on her face which made Scootaloo let out a few giggles. After the giggles were done Twilight used her magic to wipe Scootaloo’s face off with a napkin. Scootaloo just smiled. She couldn't believe she was having fun with Twilight. Surprisingly… she was happy.

Since dinner was done and it was 8:00pm Twilight had decided to play a little board game with Scootaloo. They played Pinkie Candy Land. After around thirty minutes Scootaloo ended up winning, and Twilight levitated the game back into the box and turned towards Scootaloo. “Ok, Scoots. It’s time for bed.”

“Aw, come on, Twilight!” she whined. “Let me stay up a little longer. I’m not tired at ahhhh-” Scootaloo suddenly let out a soft long yawn. She gave Twilight an awkward smile. Twilight just shook her head at the orange filly and levitated her onto her back, headed upstairs. She used her magic to help Scootaloo brush her teeth.

Twilight opened Scootaloo’s door and was a little surprised her room was very messy. Toys and plushies were scattered everywhere. Her bed was a mess of blankets and pillows. Unable to help herself she used her magic to spruce things up, then levitated the filly into bed, tucked her in, and placed the Rainbow plushie next to Scootaloo. She was about to leave but she heard Scootaloo call for her. She turned and faced the filly, wondering what she needed.

Scootaloo shifted uncomfortably a little. “Twilight… I was wondering, could you… I mean, if you don't mind… I was wondering if you wouldn't mind sleeping with me. I... I can't sleep without my mom nearby.” Scootaloo’s face felt red hot. She felt so embarrassed to admit it. She felt a tear come down her eye. “I'm weak, aren't I?”

Twilight teleported to the filly and snuggled with her, smiling down at the little orange filly “Aw, you’re not weak, Scootaloo. Want to know a secret?” Scootaloo nodded in response, “Rainbow Dash told me she had a hard time sleeping alone at night when she was a filly. I'd say she was around your age. So its okay, Scootaloo. I'm not going to judge you.”

Scootaloo took in everything Twilight told her and said “Wow, I never knew that. I guess you're right, Twi.” Scootaloo snuggled close to Twilight and rested her head down on her pillow “Good night, Twilight.”

Twilight just smiled and leaned down and kissed the filly on her forehead “Goodnight Scootaloo.” She gently rubbed the filly’s mane until she heard the sound of snoring. Twilight levitated one of the Daring Do book’s over to read for a little while.

An hour passed and Twilight was starting to get a little worried. Dizzy Twister was a little late and she had not came home yet. Twilight turned to Scootaloo who was snoring softly. She smiled “Oh, I’m just being paranoid.” She turned to the window and saw the storm had already arrived. The hard pitter-patter of the rain was relaxing her. “I’m sure she’s fine.” Twilight yawned, placed the book on the table and turned off the light. Falling back onto the pillow she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Author's Note

hope you enjoy this, I got huge plans with this story