Royals, Friends and Lovers Chapter 3: A Thirst for Appreciation

Chapters

1 Start of a New School Year
2 Forging Plans
3 A Flaw in the Plans
4 Fluttershy's Secret
5 The Hunt Begins
6 An Unexpected Rescue
7 Tying Up Loose Ends

1 Start of a New School Year

Autumn had come to Equestria. The leaves on trees were turning from green to shades of orange and yellow, and at Sweet Apple Acres, apples were bucked off of their trees to prepare for a cold, harsh winter. The autumn season meant the Running of the Leaves was soon take place and school was starting once again.

On that particular September morning, Fictionary was walking towards the Ponyville schoolhouse with the Cutie Mark Crusaders and a colt they’d never met before. He was a light brilliant orange Earth pony with a moderate azure mane and tail and moderate cornflower blue eyes, a color scheme not dissimilar to Flash Sentry. His cutie mark was a baseball bat and ball.

At the moment, the orange colt – his name First Base – was telling the four fillies how he came to Ponyville with his mother.

“…we used to live in Manehattan,” he said, “but after mom lost her job, we had to move here.”

“If you live with your mom,” said Sweetie Belle, “then what happened to your dad?”

“I dunno,” said First Base, “I never asked her. She’d probably get upset if I do. It’s a question that’s bugged me since I was a baby.”

“Ah’m sorry to hear that,” said Apple Bloom.

“It’s fine,” said First Base, “still, it’s nice to change your scenery every now and then.”

“I can agree with that,” said Fictionary, “I mean, I’ve been living with my big brother for the past few years; we traveled Equestria before winding up in Liverhoof, and then six to eight months later, here we are!”

“Sometimes I wish I could go to different places,” said Scootaloo, “but then, I’d miss my friends here in Ponyville.”

“We went to the Crystal Empire a few times,” Sweetie Belle pointed out, “don’t you remember?”

“Oh yeah,” said Scootaloo, “but we were still together.”

Presently, the five foals arrived at the schoolhouse. They could see their teacher Miss Cheerilee waiting to greet them.

“Hi, Miss Cheerilee,” the Cutie Mark Crusaders called, waving.

“Morning, Miss Cheerilee,” said Fictionary.

“Morning, girls,” Cheerilee said in a sunny voice. Then she spotted First Base. “You’re First Base, correct?”

“Yes I am, Miss Cheerilee,” the light orange colt replied.

“Then wonderful. Welcome, First Base.”

The foals followed Cheerilee into the schoolhouse and took their seats.

“Good morning, students,” she said, going behind her desk, “and welcome to another school year. We’ve got three new students who’ll be attending this year.”

“Three?” asked Apple Bloom in confusion.

“We thought it was just First Base,” added Scootaloo.

“Yes, he is one of the new students,” explained Cheerilee, “but the other two come from Trottingham. Would you two come forward please?”

From the back of the classroom stepped two young Pegasi colts that nopony had seen before. The older of the two was dark orange with a green mane and tail, deep yellow eyes, and his cutie mark was a storm cloud. The younger one was a very pale yellow with an orange mane and tail, and his cutie mark was three butterscotch sweets. His right eye was a light green, and his left eye a very pale shade of blue, almost white.

What was very startling about the younger Pegasi was that he had a scar over his left eye, his left wing was partly missing, as was part of his left ear, but the most shocking about his appearance was that his right hind leg seemed to end below the hock, the left had half a gaskin, and he was on a wheelchair.

A lot of the students were in shock and surprise by this colt’s appearance.

“Class,” Cheerilee went on, “say hello to Boomer and Butterscotch.”

“Um, hi,” Butterscotch said in a soft voice.

“How’s it going?” said Boomer.

“Well, hello there, handsome,” Diamond Tiara said, scooting closer to Boomer. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were shocked; was this Diamond Tiara? Why was she, of all ponies, going from bullying “blank flanks” to flirting with a new student?

“Would you like to sit in the seat next to me?” Diamond Tiara continued.

“Don’t mind if I do,” said Boomer, taking his seat.

“So who can I sit next to?” asked Butterscotch.

No one said a word for a moment or two.

“You can sit by me,” Fictionary spoke up.

Butterscotch wheeled himself over to the desk next to the light blue filly’s.

“Thanks,” he said quietly, but loud enough so she could hear him.

“Oh, and by the way, I’m Fictionary.”

“Nice to meet you,” muttered Butterscotch. But before Fictionary could say more, the class began.

“Okay, class, our first lesson for the day…”

Some time later, it was time for recess.

“Hey, DT,” said Silver Spoon, “wanna play hopscotch?”

But the pink earth filly was too busy talking to Boomer to notice her one and only best friend.

“Hello?” Silver Spoon waved her front hooves around, hoping to get her friend’s attention, but it didn’t work.

“So Boomer,” said Diamond Tiara, still fixated on the colt, “why don’t you tell me a little about yourself?”

“Well, when I was little,” began Boomer, “my mother died giving birth to Butterscotch, my little brother. Tragically, he was born half-formed which explains his appearance to this day. He obtained the scar after startling our neighbor’s cat.”

Unknown to them, Fictionary had been listening in on the conversation.

“Did that really happen?” she said to herself, “Poor Butterscotch.”

Speaking of whom, the pale yellow colt sat by himself staring sadly at the ground in front of him. Upon seeing his sad state, Fictionary decided to go up to him.

“Hi, there,” she said cheerfully.

“Oh, hi,” Butterscotch looked up in surprise.

“What are you doing out here all by yourself?” asked Fictionary.

“Nopony else wants to hang out with me,” said Butterscotch sadly, “so I thought I’d sit around by myself.”

“Well, would it feel better if I hung out with you?” asked Fictionary.

“No thanks,” said Butterscotch, “I prefer to be alone.”

“Oh, okay.”

Disappointed, Fictionary decided to talk to the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

“What do you think is wrong with Butterscotch?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” said Sweetie Belle.

“Why don’t you three talk to him?”

“I’m not sure,” said Scootaloo.

“Why ever not?” Fictionary couldn’t understand why her best friends were reluctant to meet him in pony.

“It’s nothing personal,” said Apple Bloom, “but he’s just… well, different.”

“Differences aren’t everything,” said Fictionary, “he’s a foal like you and me. Plus, you don’t like it when Diamond Tiara thinks you’re, ahem, ‘different’ just for not having cutie marks. Why should it be any different, so to speak?”

Without a word, but understanding where their friend was coming from, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle went over to Butterscotch to see if they could talk to him.

“Uh, hi there,” said Apple Bloom.

“It’s… nice to meet you,” added Scootaloo. Seeing that Sweetie Belle hadn’t said anything, the orange Pegaus filly elbowed her friend to get her to speak.

“How’s it going?” the white unicorn filly squeaked.

“Hi,” Butterscotch said in a quiet voice.

“So,” asked Apple Bloom, “do you wanna play?”

“N-no thanks,” said Butterscotch shyly.

“Why not?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“I… just feel like being by myself,” said Butterscotch.

“Alright then,” said Scootaloo. She, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle went back to Fictionary.

“He just wants to be by himself for some reason,” said Sweetie Belle.

“Hmm,” said Fictionary, “maybe he’s just shy. Maybe give him a few days; perhaps his confidence will grow.”

“What if it doesn’t?” asked Apple Bloom.

“I… don’t know how to answer that,” said Fictionary. She could feel that something wasn’t right about Butterscotch. She wanted to know what it was so she could help.

Meanwhile, at the same time, First Base was playing kickball with three other colts. One of them was a very skinny light yellowish gray Pegasus with a moderate orange mane and tail with a lighter streak, moderate gamboge eyes, and a feather for a cutie mark; his name is Featherweight. The other Pegasus colt was light bluish gray with his mane and tail in two shades of dark grayish sapphire blue, grayish purple eyes, and no cutie mark; his name is Rumble, Thunderlane’s younger brother. The last colt was a tiny white Earth pony with grayish brown spots (making him a pinto pony), a dark tangelo mane and tail with lighter streaks, and very deep reddish brown eyes; his name is Pipsqueak.

“Thanks for inviting me to play, guys,” said First Base.

“Hey, no sweat,” said Rumble.

“It’s not very often that I get invited to play in games,” the orange colt continued.

“Why not?” Pipsqueak asked in his youthful, Coltney accent.

“Well, I didn’t really have anypony to play with,” replied First Base.

“Well, you do now,” said Featherweight.

At that moment, Pipsqueak rolled the ball down the lane and Rumble kicked it a little too hard, causing the ball to fly high into the air.

“I’ll get it!” cried First Base.

“Look out!” cried Featherweight.

“Why?” asked First Base, racing in the ball’s direction.

CRASH!

When the dust settled, First Base looked and saw he bumped into a pale, light grayish violet unicorn filly named Dinky Doo.

“Sorry about that,” he said, helping Dinky up, “I’m First Base.”

“Name’s Dinky Doo,” replied the unicorn filly, “but call me Dinky for short.”

“Wanna play, Dinky?” asked First Base.

“Sure,” said Dinky.

Meanwhile, Silver Spoon was still trying to get Diamond Tiara’s attention.

Maybe falling from this tree will help, she thought. So she began to climb up the tree, not an easy task if you’re a pony. At that moment, Scootaloo spotted her.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Not that it’s any of your business,” said Silver Spoon, “but I’m trying to get Diamond’s attention.”

Scootaloo didn’t understand; usually Silver Spoon would be mocking her, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle just for being “blank flanks” alongside Diamond Tiara. It was not very often that one of hem would be without the other, and this was one of those cases.

“This has got to do with one of the new students, Boomer, doesn’t it?” asked Fictionary, walking up.

“Well, duh,” the light gray filly retorted, pointing to the two foals.

“And by the way,” Diamond Tiara was saying, “I’m so rich I have a pool and a butler to do my bidding. Ever want to come over some time?”

“That would be a fun idea,” said Boomer.

“You see what I mean?” said Silver Spoon.

“I suppose we do,” said Scootaloo.

“Why were y’all climbin’ that tree?” asked Apple Bloom.

“I was trying to get Diamond Tiara’s attention,” said Silver Spoon, sighing with exasperation.

“But you haven’t got wings,” said Sweetie Belle, “I don’t think you’d do good at flying.”

“Well, neither do you or Apple Bloom,” retorted Silver Spoon.

“Plus you could have gotten yourself hurt,” added Fictionary.

“You want us to help you?” offered Sweetie Belle.

Scootaloo and Apple Bloom looked at their friend with indignation; helping one of the fillies who often mocked them for not having cutie marks? How absurd! Even Fictionary could not believe her ears.

“Oh, alright,” Silver Spoon said with reluctance.

Back with First Base, he and his group were still in a game of kickball.

“So all your life, you’ve lived with a single mother?” asked Dinky.

“Yep,” replied First Base.

“Did you ask her about your dad?” Dinky asked.

“Not once,” replied First Base.

“Why not? You have a right to know who he was.”

“Maybe, but then, mom would be upset if I asked her.”

“How do you know?” asked Dinky.

“I dunno, I just do,” First Base shrugged, “anyway, why don’t you tell me about yourself?”

“I live with my parents Golden Harvest and Written Script,” began Dinky, “dad’s a playwright and mommy runs her own carrot farm.”

“Do you have any siblings?” asked First Base.

“Two sisters,” replied Dinky, “Tootsie Flute is my twin; she was born minutes before I was from what mommy told me. Amethyst Star is our oldest sister. What about you? Do you have any siblings?”

“Nope, none,” said First Base, “I’m an only foal.”

“Doesn’t it bother you?” asked Dinky.

“A little,” First Base admitted, “but I at least get to spend more time with mom. Plus, being an only foal saves her a lot of stress, if you take my meaning.”

Before Dinky or any of the three colts could respond, the school’s bell began ringing, indicating it was time for classes to resume.

“Back inside, everypony,” called Cheerilee.

The foals began going back inside the schoolhouse. Some were rather in a hurry as to not be late, which caused Fictionary and First Base to bump into each other.

“Oof! Sorry,” groaned First Base, getting back on his hooves.

“That’s alright,” said Fictionary.

Before either could continue to the schoolhouse, they heard a cry, and then a thud. They turned to see Butterscotch off his wheelchair.

“Butterscotch!” Fictionary ran over to him. “What happened?”

“Someone kicked at my wheelchair and I fell off,” he sulked.

Must’ve been Diamond Tiara, Fictionary thought grimly, doesn’t she know to respect the disabled?

The blue unicorn filly turn turned around and could swear she barely saw Boomer looking back and giving a mean-spirited smirk.

Then again, thought Fictionary, it might as well be Boomer. Either way, I’ll be confronting that prissy pink ball of fur later.

She then snapped out of her thoughts and helped First Base in getting Butterscotch back on his wheelchair once again.

“Thanks,” said Butterscotch, “although I may need help getting up the stairs.”

Fictionary got one side of Butterscotch and First Base on the other. Both of them lifted the wheelchair up and got over the steps, with Butterscotch using his front hooves to climb over them.

“Thanks again,” said Butterscotch.

“Oh, it’s no problem,” smiled Fictionary. As they went inside, the light blue unicorn filly thought she could see Boomer giving an annoyed look at the sight of his brother being helped…

Author's Note

The Dinky Doo and First Base scenes might appear like filler, but their friendship will actually develop during the course of the story.

First Base is the background colt who appears in Twilight Time and Pinkie Pride.

2 Forging Plans

A few hours later, the bell rang, indicating that the school's day had ended. All the foals began making their ways home.

Fictionary saw Butterscotch trotting home and ran up to him.

"Hey, Butterscotch," she said, "maybe you can come to my place and meet my big brother Vincent?"

But before Butterscotch could utter a word, Boomer called out to him.

"Hey, Butterscotch!" he called, "Come over here for a second, will you?"

"Erm, just a minute, Fictionary."

And Butterscotch wheeled over to his older brother.

"I saw how those two helped you up," Boomer snorted.

"At least they offered to help," snapped Butterscotch.

"Don't you dare talk back to me like that!" snarled Boomer, grabbing his brother by the collar.

"I-I'm s-s-sorry!" Butterscotch whimpered with a stutter, "I d-didn't mean it!"

"That's more like it," Boomer grinned deviously. He then let go of Butterscotch's collar and trotted off. The younger Pegasus just stood there, still shaken from his brother's threat. Once he'd calmed down, he wheeled over to look for Fictionary.

Butterscotch found Fictionary confronting Diamond Tiara.

"What do you think you're playing at?" the light blue unicorn filly was saying, "Don't you have any respect for the disabled?"

"What are you talking about?" Diamond Tiara asked with a pained look on her face.

"Don't play the innocent, Tiara," Fictionary scowled, "mocking 'blank flanks' – as you so rudely put them – is one thing, but pushing an innocent colt off his wheelchair? That crosses the line, and I've a good mind to tell Miss Cheerilee about this!"

"I didn't do it," Diamond Tiara protested, "not even I would go that
far. Besides, I was too busy being distracted by Boomer." She sighed dreamingly as she said his name.

Ugh, thought Fictionary disgustedly, tell me she's not swooning for her so-called prince!

"I guess I'll let you off this time," she said firmly, "but if you so much as harm one hair on that poor Pegasus, it'll be the last thing you do!"

"Okay, okay, I get the picture!"

Just then, Fictionary noticed Butterscotch.

"Oh, hi, Butterscotch," she waved.

"Was that Diamond Tiara you were talking to?" asked Butterscotch.

"Yes, it was," said Fictionary, "I thought she pushed you off your wheelchair but she claims not to."

Butterscotch then explained to her about how Boomer had threatened him. Fictionary could not believe her ears! It was probably fortunate for her that Diamond Tiara had left.

"Why would your own brother threaten you like that?" Ficitonary asked in disbelief.

"He mocked me for needing help," Butterscotch said sadly.

"That's horrible!" gasped Fictionary, "If I were you, I wouldn't let that bully get away with it. You should tell Miss Cheerilee."

"I-I can't!" squeaked Butterscotch.

"Why not?" asked Fictionary, not understanding.

"I'm too scared," Butterscotch said quietly.

"Scared? What for?"

"If I tell Miss Cheerilee, Boomer will beat me up," Butterscotch explained.

"Well, you can't let Boomer bully you forever," advised Fictionary, "you've got to tell somepony before it gets worse."

"I guess you're right," said Butterscotch, "but what if Boomer beats me up?"

"He'll have me to answer to," said Fictionary.

Butterscotch felt better, but deep down inside, he was still a bit worried.

Meanwhile, First Base was hanging out with Dinky after getting permission from his mother. With First Base and Dinky was her twin sister Tootsie Flute. She was a light opalish gray unicorn filly with a moderate purple mane and tail with pale, light grayish purple streaks, and moderate heliotrope eyes. Like Dinky, Tootsie had no cutie mark.

"So, how did your parents meet?" asked First Base.

"From what we were told," Dinky began, "daddy was a single father raising Amethyst on his own."

"One rainy day, he twisted his hoof and fell," added Tootsie, "luckily, he fell near mommy's carrot farm and she took him in."

"Before long, they fell in love and got married," finished Dinky, "some time after they married, we were born."

"Wow," said First Base, "never knew anything like that before."

"So what about you?" asked Tootsie.

"He's lived with his mom for years," explained Dinky, "he doesn't know anything about his dad and he's afraid of asking her out of fear of upsetting her."

"Oh, that's so sad," Tootsie sympathized.

"Yeah, but I don't mind it as much now," said First Base.

Meanwhile, the Cutie Mark Crusaders were making their way to their treehouse.

"Isn't it weird?" asked Sweetie Belle, "one minute, Silver Spoon is mocking us along with Diamond Tiara, and the next, she wants us to help her get Diamond Tiara's attention."

"I know my brain is hurting just thinking about it," agreed Scootaloo.

"I'm not so sure if we should help her," added Apple Bloom.

"Yes, but she seemed really upset that her one friend just ignored her," Sweetie Belle pointed out.

"This must be about her new coltfriend Boomer, isn't it?" a voice asked from behind them.

The three turned around and saw Fictionary behind them, and right next to her was Butterscotch.

"Oh, hi, Fictionary," said Scootaloo. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were kind of surprised to see Butterscotch next to the light blue filly.

"What's Butterscotch doing here?" asked Sweetie Belle, a bit surprised, "I thought he wanted to be by himself."

"I kind of changed my mind," said Butterscotch quietly.

"That's good to hear," said Apple Bloom.

"He'd been threatened by Boomer," explained Fictionary.

"You mean his own brother?" gasped Scootaloo. Butterscotch frowned and nodded.

"He has no right bullying his own brother," said Sweetie Belle crossly.

"We ought to tell Miss Cheerilee," added Apple Bloom.

"No way!" said Butterscotch, "If we tell her, not only would he beat me up, he could harm you as well. You don't wanna see him when he's angry."

"But you can't let it get worse," said Fictionary.

"She's got a point," added Apple Bloom, "when mah cousin Babs Seed came and started bullying us, we didn't tell anypony and the situation got worse."

"Really?" Butterscotch asked in surprise, "How did you finally deal with her?"

"We planned to get even with her by humiliating her at the parade," said Sweetie Belle, "but then we found out that she was just trying to keep herself from getting bullied."

"She then apologized after we saved her," finished Apple Bloom.

"Granted, but I don't think Boomer is going to apologize like Babs did," said Fictionary, "and then again, nor would Diamond Tiara. I mean, really, what is her problem?"

"She's just a rich snob," said Scootaloo, "they tend to act that way."

"Fair play, Scootaloo," said Sweetie Belle, "but some rich ponies are actually well-mannered from what Rarity says; look at Fancy Pants and Fleur Dis Lee."

"Well, anyway, you were talking about helping Silver Spoon in splitting up Diamond Tiara and Boomer, right?" asked Fictionary.

"Uh-huh," said Apple Bloom. The other two Crusaders nodded.

"Well, I wish to help," said Fictionary, "how about you, Butterscotch?"

"I… I don't know," said Butterscotch.

"It'd serve him right for being a right bully to you," added Scootaloo.

"Well… then again, it would be nice to teach him a lesson," Butterscotch admitted.

"Now that's the spirit we're lookin' for!" said Apple Bloom.

The five foals trotted off and soon found Silver Spoon. They could see that Diamond Tiara was still not with her.

"Alright," said Apple Bloom, "we're gonna help ya'll break up Diamond Tiara and Boomer."

"Just beware that after this, we go back to being enemies to a certain degree," Fictionary pointed out.

"Hmph, whatever," said Silver Spoon. Then she noticed Butterscotch. "What's he doing here?"

"To teach my brother a lesson," was all he said.

"Now, how are we going to split them up?"

"Why don't we write letters to them saying insulting things about them and make them think it was from one another?" suggested Scootaloo.

"Maybe we should think up another plan just in case your idea fails, Scoots," said Fictionary, "what if we sabotage them on a date?"

"Foals have dates at a young age?" remarked Butterscotch.

"Not exactly," said Sweetie Belle, "they mostly just hang out and have fun."

"Oh, I see," said Butterscotch.

"How about we give Diamond Tiara hot sauce instead of lemonade and tell her it's from Boomer?" suggested Apple Bloom.

"This wouldn't be the first time that happened," said Scootaloo.

"How d'you know?" asked Fictionary.

"Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon did that to us one April Fool's Day," Scootaloo explained.

"Did you?" Fictionary remarked, giving Silver Spoon a glare.

"We thought it would be funny," the light gray filly said with a nervous laugh.

Meanwhile, First Base had accompanied Dinky Doo and Tootsie Flute to their home.

"I've had a nice day with you two," he told the twin fillies.

"We're glad to hear," said Dinky, and before First Base could say anything, she gave him a kiss on the cheek. The orange colt blushed red as a beetroot.

Realizing what she'd done, Dinky blushed red as well as raced inside.

"What was that all about?" asked Tootsie.

"I'm just as surprised as you," said First Base.

The orange colt looked in the direction Dinky had raced off. He felt rather confused; why did she kiss him?

Inside the house, Dinky was in her room, covering her face with a pillow in embarrassment.

"I kissed a colt, I kissed a colt, I kissed a colt," she kept muttering under her breath.

Just then, she heard a knock at her door.

"Who is it?" she asked.

"Dinky," said a female voice, "are you alright?"

"I'm fine, mommy," the light purple-grayish filly replied.

"Can I come in?"

"If you want," Dinky muttered.

The door opened revealing a pale, light grayish olive Earth pony mare with a brilliant gamboge mane and tail (at some point, it was moderate spring bud before she dyed it gamboge), and moderate pistachio eyes. Her cutie mark was three carrots; this was Dinky's mother, Golden Harvest.

"Are you sure you're alright, sweetie?" she asked her daughter.

"Not really," said Dinky.

"Well, what's the matter?" her mother asked.

"Well," Dinky began nervously, "I met a colt at school named First Base. He was really friendly, and when we came to the front door… I… kissed him."

"It's perfectly normal for foals to develop crushes at a young age," said Golden Harvest.

"It is?"

"Of course it is," said Golden Harvest.

"Thanks, mommy," said Dinky, "I think I feel a little better."

The light purple-grayish filly wrapped her hooves around her mother and gave her a hug.

"But what am I going to do? Should I tell First Base how I feel?"

"You do whatever you feel is right, sweetie," said Golden Harvest.

Dinky gave a small smile. "Thanks, mommy."

A couple of days later, Dinky was in the park when she saw Fictionary and the Cutie Mark Crusaders. She decided to tell them what had happened.

"Hey girls," she said, going over to the group.

"Oh, hi, Dinky," said Apple Bloom.

"Is something bothering you?" asked Sweetie Belle.

"Actually, there sort of is," Dinky admitted, and she explained what had happened with her and First Base.

"So you gave him a kiss on the cheek?" remarked Fictionary. Scootaloo looked as though she wanted to throw up.

"Yes," said Dinky, "and now I'm worried about what he's going to be thinking of me."

"Why don't you write him a letter?" suggested Apple Bloom.

"And if I write the wrong things by mistake?" asked Dinky.

"Just make it so that he doesn't know it was you," said Sweetie Belle, "it'll be like a secret admirer."

"Anything you'd like to suggest, Scoots?" asked Fictionary.

"Don't look at me," the orange Pegasus filly scoffed, "I don't know anything on that mushy stuff."

"I think I might try that letter idea," said Dinky, "it's worth a try."

"Or, if that doesn't work," suggested Apple Bloom, "we could help you and First Base get together!"

"Not that mushy matchmaking stuff again," Scootaloo groaned.

"Why, whatever happened?" asked Fictionary.

"Oh, we didn't tell you about what happened last winter, have we?" asked Sweetie Belle.

"No, I don't think you have," said Fictionary, "but what did actually happen?"

"Well," began Apple Bloom, "we wanted Miss Cheerilee and Big Macintosh to be one another's special somepony so we made a love potion so they'd fall in love."

"But it turned out to be a love poison instead," continued Sweetie Belle, "and we felt we may have caused ponies to starve and become unintelligent, so we tried keeping them separate for at least one whole hour."

Fictionary stifled a laugh. "That must have been funny," she said, giggling slightly.

"Not from where we stood, it wasn't," Scootaloo deadpanned.

"No, but seriously," said Fictionary, "getting your teacher to fall in love with your older sibling? I mean, come on!"

"I remember that all to well," said Dinky, "the day after the incident, Miss Cheerilee's behavior made me feel a bit confused."

"Don't worry, Dinky," said Apple Bloom, "we'll help ya. Right, gals?"

"As long as we don't use that love poison, I'm all for it," said Sweetie Belle.

"I guess I'm in too," muttered Scootaloo.

"Me three," said Fictionary. Secretly, she was a little worried that somepony would get hurt, especially since she and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were also helping Silver Spoon in breaking up Diamond Tiara and Boomer. Nothing could surely go wrong, right? Right.

Author's Note

Sweetie Belle's line referring to Fancy Pants and Fleur Dis Lee is a reference to the Railway Series story "Bluebells of England".

There are references to "One Bad Apple", "Sweet and Elite", and "Hearts and Hooves Day".

In case you're confused, I ship Sparity, but I am neutral towards RariPants. I hold no bias against those who don't ship the pairings I ship, and I never will.

Please do not get the idea that I'm stereotyping the disabled; I have the upmost respect for disabled people, as my grandmother (dad's side) was in a wheelchair.

3 A Flaw in the Plans

While the four fillies were talking, Butterscotch wheeled into view. Fictionary was shocked to see that his front leg looked bruised.

“Gee, Butterscotch,” she exclaimed, “what happened to your leg?”

“I-I tripped,” stuttered Butterscotch.

“And that caused you to get a bruise?” Scootaloo asked, unconvinced.

“I landed on a-a rock after I tripped,” Butterscotch added, hoping they would believe it. They didn’t.

“Did Boomer have anything to do with this?” asked Fictionary in a firm tone.

Butterscotch gulped, but reluctantly nodded.

“Why do you let him pick on you like that?” asked Fictionary, “You’re not his personal punching bag, you know.”

“But he’s bigger than I am,” said Butterscotch.

“That’s no excuse,” hissed Scootaloo.

“Scootaloo’s right,” said Sweetie Belle, “families are supposed to look out for each other, not make them feel unappreciated!”

“Well, that’s not what Boomer thinks,” Butterscotch said sadly, “to him, siblings are just there to get in the way of attention.”

“Nonsense,” scoffed Apple Bloom.

“Rarity has never seen me as a threat to her attention,” added Sweetie Belle.

“Ah’ll admit Applejack kinda felt a little jealous of me when I was born,” said Apple Bloom, “but we bonded quickly after our parents died.”

“Your parents died? That’s awful!” cried Butterscotch.

“She’s not the only one,” said Fictionary, “my parents died too a few years ago, so it’s just been me and Vincent. But we turned out alright.”

“Not Boomer and I,” muttered Butterscotch.

“What was that?” asked Fictionary.

“Er, nothing,” said Butterscotch.

“Can we just focus on the plan?” interrupted Dinky.

“Oh, yes, sorry about that,” said Fictionary, “must’ve been a little sidetracked.”

“So what are the plans?” asked Butterscotch.

Meanwhile, First Base was trotting down by the park. He was still thinking about what had happened with him and Dinky.

“The way she acted around me,” he was saying to nopony in particular, “it’s almost as if she’s got a crush on me or something…”

Then he saw Featherweight, Pipsqueak and Rumble in the distance.

“Hey guys!” First Base waved.

“Hiya, First Base,” Pipsqueak called.

“How’s it going?” called Rumble.

“You’re not gonna believe what happened to me,” said First Base, and told the other three colts about Dinky kissing him on the cheek.

“Aw, isn’t that cute,” said Featherweight.

“Sounds like somepony’s got a crush,” said Rumble.

“What?! No, I don’t,” protested First Base, “I barely even know her!”

“Doesn’t mean you don’t have to like her,” said Pipsqueak.

“He has a point,” said Featherweight.

“How do you know?”

“Er, nothing,” muttered Featherweight. Rumble gave his skinny friend a poke in the ribs, as if he was telling him to say something.

“You’ve got a crush on somepony, don’t you?” he asked cheekily.

“What are you talkin’ about?” protested Featherweight, “Nopony would date someone as skinny as me!”

“Not even Apple Bloom?” giggled Pipsqueak. Featherweight’s little wings sprung open and he blushed red.

“Featherweight likes Apple Bloom!” laughed Rumble. Even First Base found it funny.

“It’s not funny,” protested Featherweight.

“Ah, come on, pal,” said Rumble, “we’re just joking with ya.”

“Yeah, all in good fun,” added Pipsqueak.

“Could we please stop this silliness?” asked First Base.

Meanwhile, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Fictionary had just finished discussing their plans.

“So everypony knows what to do, right?” asked Fictionary.

“I guess,” said Sweetie Belle.

“So let’s do this,” said Scootaloo.

The friends decided to split into two teams so both situations would be taken care of; Fictionary and Scootaloo both volunteered to work with Silver Spoon to split Diamond Tiara and Boomer, leaving Butterscotch, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom in helping Dinky and First Base fall in love.

“To make sure we remember what we’re supposed to do,” said Scootaloo, “I’ve written the plans on two pieces of paper.”

“That makes it much easier to follow our respective plans step by step,” said Fictionary.

“What are we waiting for?” said Dinky, “Let’s do this thing!”

That was where trouble began – you see, in her impatience, Silver Spoon grabbed a piece of paper without looking at it to see which list it was.

The two groups then headed out for their jobs, unaware of one little mistake…

Silver Spoon, Fictionary and Scootaloo soon found Boomer by himself at the park.

“There he is,” said Silver Spoon. Then she began to act like nothing was going on. “Oh, hey there, Boomer,” she said casually.

“Hey, you’re Silver Spoon, aren’t you?” asked Boomer.

“Yes, I am,” replied the light gray filly, “and you, I suppose, are Boomer. I’ve heard of you.”

“And I’ve heard of you from Diamond Tiara,” said Boomer, “she says you’re her best friend or something.”

“That I am,” said Silver Spoon, before muttering, “Until you replaced me…”

“Well, what is it you want?” asked Boomer.

“Diamond Tiara said she wanted to see you over by the lake,” said Silver Spoon.

“She is?” Boomer asked in a pleased manner.

“That’s what I heard, but yeah.”

“Great,” said Boomer, “tell her I’ll gladly see her there soon.” And he trotted off.

The group eventually found Diamond Tiara and told her Boomer wanted to meet her by the lake.

“He wants to see me by the lake?!” she squealed in excitement, “How romantic!” Scootaloo gave a gag of disgust, but Diamond Tiara didn’t care about that.

“I shall be there at once,” she said, and skipped happily off.

“Hang on a minute,” said Fictionary, “was this part of the plan?”

“I’m not sure,” said Silver Spoon, “maybe the real plan will be shown after letting them think nothing is wrong.”

“I think we might have grabbed the wrong list,” said Fictionary.

“How can you be so sure?” asked Scootaloo.

“How can we sabotage Boomer if we’re getting him and Diamond Tiara on a date?” asked Fictionary.

Meanwhile, Dinky and her group were working on their own plan involving First Base.

“I really hope this works,” Dinky said in a worried sort of tone.

“Me too,” said Butterscotch, “I’ve never helped anypony fall in love before.”

As it said to on the list, Apple Bloom fetched a glass of lemonade and poured hot sauce into it.

“Is this part of the plan?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“Ah guess so,” shrugged Apple Bloom, “that’s what the list says.”

“Then maybe while he’s gasping for water,” said Dinky, “I can save the day with some and convince him it was Diamond Tiara’s trick.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked at her in disbelief.

“What?” asked Dinky.

“You sure that’s gonna work?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“Why wouldn’t it?” asked Dinky, “Let’s do this.”

As if by coincidence, they spotted First Base trotting into view. Dinky went over to greet him with the “lemonade” in her magic.

“Oh, hi, girls. Butterscotch,” said First Base.

“Er, hi, First Base,” said Dinky bashfully, “I got you some lemonade,” she added, giving First Base the glass of hot sauce.

“Oh,” said First Base, “thanks.”

He accepted the glass, and began drinking from it.

“Wait a moment!” exclaimed Apple Bloom, “We weren’t meant to give First Base the hot sau- er, Ah mean, lemonade!”

But it was already too late. No sooner had First Base drank from the glass, his mouth started burning. His face became red and sweating. In fact, steam was blowing out of his ears!

“Aaaaaahhhh!” he yelled, “My mouth is on fire! MY MOUTH IS ON FIRE!!”

“Don’t worry!” cried Dinky, “I’ll get some water!”

Quickly, she brought in a glass of water (why she didn’t use the glass which had hot sauce was anypony’s guess), and offered it to First Base.

“Wait!” exclaimed Butterscotch, “Water can’t cure a hot mouth!”

But it was too late… again. First Base guzzled the water in a single gulp, but…

“My mouth’s still burning!” he cried.

“Oh no! I’m so sorry!” cried Dinky frantically.

“I told you so,” muttered Butterscotch, shaking his head sadly.

“We better get help!” exclaimed Apple Bloom. She and Sweetie Belle raced off to find help, and came across Applejack.

“Whoa there, Nelly!” she exclaimed, “What’s got ya’ll racin’ round in this heat?”

“First Base drank a glass of hot sauce and he’s burnin’ up!” cried Apple Bloom, trying to catch her breath.

“Ya didn’t use water, did ya?”

“Dinky did,” said Sweetie Belle.

“Don’t worry,” said Applejack, “ya’ll just need to give him some milk and he’ll be fine.”

The trio then went into town with Butterscotch, Dinky and First Base – whose mouth was still on fire – to see if they could buy some milk.

“One bottle of milk, please,” said Applejack to a nearby salespony.

With a quick glance at First Base, and understanding the situation, the salespony handled Applejack the milk bottle, who in turn paid him two bits.

“Here, drink this,” said Applejack, offering the bottle to First Base. He grabbed the bottled and guzzled the milk down as if there was no tomorrow. In a single gulp, it went down his throat and he put down the bottle, sighing in relief. Then he burped. A cloud of steam came out of his mouth.

“Thanks,” he said in relief.

“Think nothin’ of it, little partner,” said Applejack, “although ya’ll should stay away from hot sauce; it’s too darn hot fer yer little mouths.”

First Base gave Butterscotch and the three fillies a glare.

“What’s the big idea of giving me hot sauce?” he said angrily, “Were you trying to play so cruel a trick on me or something?”

“No! It’s really not what ya think!” protested Apple Bloom.

“Of course it isn’t,” scoffed First Base, “when you decide to not act foolish like that, let me know.” And on that note, he stormed off.

“Wait a moment,” said Apple Bloom, “we did get the wrong list!”

“Oh, what have we done?!” cried Sweetie Belle.

“I was afraid this would happen,” said Dinky sadly, “now First Base hates me!” And she ran off crying.

“Oh, of all the worst things that had to happen,” continued Sweetie Belle, “this is the worst possible THING!”

“Sounds like Rarity’s been rubbin’ off on ya,” chuckled Applejack.

Unfortunately for the Cutie Mark Crusaders, there was much worse to come. Silver Spoon and her group had ended up setting Boomer and Diamond Tiara up on a fun little get together at the lake while Scootaloo tried her best not to barf.

“Something tells me you need a bag every time a couple kisses,” Fictionary teased.

“Oh, be quiet, you.”

“I’ve really enjoyed our time together, Boomer,” sighed Diamond Tiara.

“As have I… my precious Diamond,” the dark orange colt replied.

Diamond Tiara giggled bashfully at what Boomer had called her. At that point, Scootaloo went behind a bush and retching sounds were heard.

“Ew,” Fictionary groaned in disgust.

“Would you ever want to come by my place sometime?” Diamond Tiara offered.

“Please say no, please say no,” Silver Spoon was whispering.

“Of course I would,” said Boomer. Silver Spoon groaned quietly.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, maybe?” asked Diamond Tiara.

“I guarantee it.”

“Please, can we go?” groaned Scootaloo, after puking, “I’ve seen quite enough!”

“Me too,” agreed Fictionary, and the three fillies took off.

“Let me get this straight,” said Fictionary, “you gave First Base the hot sauce, and he thought you were playing a cruel trick on him and Dinky thinks he hates her?!”

“Eeyup,” Apple Bloom said sadly.

“I was right!” Scootaloo snapped at Silver Spoon, “You grabbed the wrong list!”

“So that’s why it didn’t make sense,” muttered the light gray filly.

“And,” added Fictionary, “not only did you cause a couple we meant to split up to become closer, you’ve ruined the chances of another couple working out!”

“You’re just acting as though it was on purpose,” sniffed Silver Spoon.

“The plans were all well and good,” argued Fictionary, “but you were the weakest link in the chain!”

“I, the weakest link in the chain?” Silver Spoon was most indignant.

“Yes, you heard me – it your impatience that caused this mess.”

“Well, you didn’t do anything about it in the first place, did you?!”

“Are you calling me ignorant?!”

“Hey, break it up!” interrupted Sweetie Belle, “Fighting is not going to solve anything.”

“Sweetie’s right,” said Apple Bloom, “Ah think we ought to go for Plan B to fix Dinky’s and First Base’s relationship.”

“Plan B?” asked Dinky, “I’m not so sure…”

“Whatever is the matter?” asked Fictionary.

“What if Plan B goes wrong as well?” Dinky asked, “It could make things even worse and First Base will never forgive me!” The poor light grayish-purple filly felt like crying.

“I’m sure we’ll get it right this time,” Fictionary comforted.

“Could I possibly help?” offered Silver Spoon.

“No, thank you, I think you’ve helped quite enough!” snapped Fictionary.

Before Silver Spoon could respond, Butterscotch and the five fillies walked away.

“I didn’t mean to mess things up,” she muttered to herself.

As Fictionary, Butterscotch, Dinky and the Cutie Mark Crusaders trotted along, they were talking about ideas on how to help Dinky.

“Alright,” said Fictionary, “we need to come up with a plan to get First Base and Dinky together without anything going wrong. Any ideas?”

“Why don’t we just tell him there was a mix-up and be done with the whole thing?” Scootaloo asked sarcastically.

“Er, any ideas that do not involve continuing with our lives as if nothing happened?”

“Do you want the situation to get worse?” asked Scootaloo.

Before Fictionary could respond, they saw Fluttershy up ahead. The yellow Pegasus was tending to some squirrels.

“Hi, Fluttershy,” called Apple Bloom.

“Oh! Hello, girls,” said Fluttershy, “what are you all doing out here?”

Then she noticed Butterscotch among them. The pale yellow colt noticed her as well.

“Is that you, Butterscotch?” asked Fluttershy.

“Wait, you know him?” asked Fictionary.

“Of course I do,” replied Fluttershy, “he’s my nephew.”

Author's Note

"What a twist!" -M. Night Shyamalan

Thomas the Tank Engine references abound!

Never, EVER use water to cure a hot mouth; use milk. Ask the MythBusters.

4 Fluttershy's Secret

“He’s your nephew?!” Fictionary, Dinky and the Cutie Mark Crusaders could not believe what they were hearing.

“Yes,” Fluttershy said.

“W-why didn’t either of you say anything earlier?” exclaimed Fictionary, still in shock.

“I think it would be best if you told the rest of the gang to come to my cottage,” said Fluttershy, “I’ll explain everything.”

“Can I have Vincent come too?” asked Fictionary.

“He’s more than welcome to.”

And with that, the five fillies set off to do what Fluttershy had told them.

Scootaloo found Rainbow Dash taking a nap on a cloud.

“Hey, Rainbow Dash!”

Rainbow Dash woke up and looked down at the orange Pegasus filly below her.

“Oh, hey kiddo,” she said, “what’s up?”

“Fluttershy said she wanted you to come over to her cottage,” said Scootaloo, “she said it was important.”

“I hope she doesn’t expect me to look after her butterflies,” muttered Rainbow Dash.

At Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom was telling Applejack and Big Macintosh.

“So Fluttershy wants us to come to her cottage for some reason, right?” asked Applejack.

“Eeyup,” said Apple Bloom.

“That’s my catchphrase!” said Big Macintosh indignantly.

“Ya snooze, ya lose,” Applejack teased.

Dinky found Pinkie Pie at Sugarcube Corner and told her to go to Fluttershy’s cottage as well.

“Is she throwing us all a party with her animal friends?” Pinkie asked eagerly.

“Not exactly,” said Dinky, “just come to Fluttershy’s cottage.”

“Okey-dokey-lokey!”

Sweetie Belle had just made her way to Carousel Boutique to find Rarity inside with Spike.

“Hey, you two!” she called, “Quit flirting and come on over to Fluttershy’s.”

“Flirting?!” gasped Spike, blushing bright red, “Who said we were flirting?”

“Sweetie Belle, you’d best have a good explanation for barging in like that,” said Rarity.

“Fluttershy wants you to come to her cottage,” said the little unicorn filly.

Fictionary found Twilight at Golden Oak Library. Vincent was also there borrowing a book.

“Oh, hey, sis,” he said, “what’s up?”

“Fluttershy wants you two to come to her cottage,” said Fictionary.

“Ooh! What for?” asked Twilight.

“She didn’t say,” said Fictionary, “but it must be important.”

Before long, everypony (and dragon, in Spike’s case) was all gathered at Fluttershy’s cottage.

“Hello, everypony,” said Fluttershy, “I bet you’re all wondering why I had the fillies call you here.”

“This better not involve me looking after butterflies,” groaned Rainbow Dash.

“Oh, nothing of the sort, Rainbow Dash,” said Fluttershy. The cyan Pegasus sighed in relief.

“Besides, we don’t have enough time. There is somepony I’d like you all to meet. Butterscotch?”

The pale yellow colt wheeled into view.

“Everypony,” said Fluttershy, “meet my nephew Butterscotch.”

“H-h-hi,” he said, obviously nervous around the presence of adult mares and stallions in the case of Vincent and Big Macintosh.

“You never told any of us you had a nephew,” said Rarity.

“What’s with keeping it a secret from your closest friends?” asked Rainbow Dash, “Especially me?”

“I’m sorry,” said Fluttershy, “but I felt uncomfortable about you finding out what happened.”

“You mean like why Butterscotch looks like that?” asked Vincent.

“Boomer said he was born that way and their mother died giving birth to him,” said Fictionary, “plus, he said the scar was from an attack by a neighbor’s cat.”

It was then that Butterscotch spoke up.

“He’s lying,” he said, “he’s always been lying.”

Everypony except Fluttershy looked at Butterscotch in surprise.

“Then what really happened?” asked Scootaloo.

“Allow me to explain,” said Fluttershy, and this is what she told her friends…

***

It was the year before Twilight and Spike arrived in Ponyville. I was at Trottingham for a while to visit my brother Scattered Marbles. His color scheme was darker than mine – dark yellow and an equally dark purple mane and tail. His eyes were also a dark blue, his hooves were blue, and his cutie mark was three marbles going in different directions.

The reason he was called Scattered Marbles was because he was a bit crazy, but back in those days, he was still nice. He was also married to a beautiful Pegasus mare – orange fur, green mane and tail, light green eyes, and a plant for her cutie mark. Her name was Ivy, and he loved her more than anything in Equestria.

The two of them had two sons; Boomer the elder son, and Butterscotch the younger. Back then, Butterscotch was a normal Pegasus colt. He had two strong wings, both of his ears, all four legs, and the cutest light green eyes you’d ever set your own eyes on.

Unfortunately, all of that was soon to change…

One day, Ivy was near a forest doing some research on rare plants with Butterscotch. He had been warned to stay on the forest path or he would be in danger, but the colt’s curiosity got the better of him.

While Ivy wasn’t looking, he snuck into a thick part of the forest. Then, from out of nowhere, came a Timberwolf!

Butterscotch was scared and cried out for help. Ivy heard her son’s screaming and raced to the rescue. She found the Timberwolf attacking Butterscotch and in a fit of rage, charged at it. Unfortunately, it was much stronger than her.

It was at that moment I came by to look after a lonely little bird. I heard the noise and raced to help as fast as I could. When I got to the scene, I shooed the Timberwolf away with my “Stare”, but I was horrified to see what I was too late to prevent. Butterscotch had been seriously injured; his left eye had been scratched, and was bleeding a lot. His left ear and wing had been mostly bitten off, and his hind legs had also been damaged. Sadly, Ivy didn’t make it – the Timberwolf had mauled her to death.

“M-m-mom!” Butterscotch managed to cry out in horror. The poor colt couldn’t believe what had happened. I held him closely and tried to calm him down. At the same time, I was trying to calm my own nerves as well.

When we finally made it home, we broke the news to Scattered Marbles on what had happened. He was so angry that the only mare he loved was gone, he blamed Butterscotch for not listening to her and beat him.

“Leave him alone!” I shouted, “It wasn’t his fault!”

“You’re right,” said Scattered Marbles, “it’s your fault too, Fluttershy! If you had been quicker, she could’ve been saved!”

“Please leave aunt Fluttershy out of this!” sobbed Butterscotch, “It was my fault! I shouldn’t have let my curiosity get the best of me! I’m sorry!”

“You should have thought about that before you caused your mother to get mauled to death!” snapped Scatted Marbles.

Scattered Marbles never forgave Butterscotch for what happened, and he’s been hurting him ever since. Boomer, who had up to that point gotten used to having a brother, refused to help him.

***

Spike and the ponies could not believe what they had heard.

“Wait a minute,” said Rainbow Dash, “you knew this whole time that your nephew was being beaten up by your brother, and yet you did nothing to stop him?! You should have told the police and had him arrested for foal abuse!”

“I wanted to,” said Fluttershy, “but when I told him what I was going to do…”

***

“You what?!” Scattered Marbles snarled.

“I’m telling the police,” I said, “this abusiveness towards Butterscotch is going to stop!”

That was when he slammed me against the wall and shouted in my face.

“Listen to me, you pathetic, crybaby sister of mine!” he shouted, “I can beat up that worthless son of mine whenever I want! He deserves to suffer for what he’s done. And if I were you, I’d mind my own business!”

“How long are you going to keep bullying him?” I demanded.

“Until I am satisfied with my revenge,” he answered in a tone that I took as threatening, “and unless you want Butterscotch’s suffering to be even worse, you’ll be a good sister and stay out of my way! Got it?”

I whimpered, but slowly nodded.

“Good,” said Scattered Marbles darkly, “I think it is best you get to the station before you miss your train.”

He was no longer my brother who cared for his family; he had become a bully and a monster. I was so worried about Butterscotch’s safety I didn’t have the courage to contact the authorities and put an end to his father’s abusive nature.

***

“Why did Boomer lie if he knew what was happening?” asked Fictionary.

“Because he’s selfish,” said Butterscotch, “he’s making sure no one finds out what dad is doing so that nopony calls him a horrible brother.”

“Fluttershy,” said Twilight, “you have to tell the police before Scattered Marbles goes too far and possibly kills somepony.”

“But I can’t!” cried Fluttershy, “I’m too scared that he might kill Butterscotch if I do!”

Normally, Rainbow Dash was not the type of pony to get all soppy, but this was Fluttershy, her foalhood friend, who was telling everypony – including Rainbow Dash herself – about what she was afraid to tell them.

“That jerk is going to pay for what he’s done, Fluttershy,” she said with determination, “and if he tries to hurt you or Butterscotch, then he’ll have to answer to us. Tell us where he lives so we can punch his lights out.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” said Vincent, flying up in front of the cyan Pegasus, “We are not resorting to violence! It doesn’t solve anything. If Scattered Marbles is to be taught a lesson, he’ll have to face the authorities. I reckon we let Twilight handle this herself.”

“But that stallion is a monster!” objected Rainbow Dash, “He’s making his son’s life a living nightmare and threatened Fluttershy. Nopony threatens my friends and gets away with it!”

“I’m as angry as you are, Rainbow, but still!” argued Vincent, “Let Twilight have a word with him; the Princess knows what she’s doing, after all!”

“And what if he threatens her too?” Rainbow Dash countered, “He’s crazy enough to try it.”

“Alright, break it up!” shouted Twilight, “Arguing about this isn’t going to solve the issue with Fluttershy and Butterscotch.”

“Then what do you suggest?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“We will confront Scattered Marbles ourselves,” said Twilight, “if he tries to harm Fluttershy or Butterscotch, then we will report him to the authorities.”

“Alright,” said Rainbow Dash, “where does that stallion live?”

“I’ll show you where,” said Fluttershy.

“Should we go with?” asked Fictionary.

“No,” said Twilight, “I don’t want to risk him trying to hurt any of you foals. You six will stay here with a guardian so we know you’re safe.”

“Big Macintosh, would you please stay here and look after them until we get back?” asked Fluttershy.

“Eeyup.”

So Vincent, Spike and the mares set off to find Scattered Marbles while Big Macintosh stayed with the foals.

“Be careful,” called Butterscotch sounding worried.

Farther from Ponyville, Twilight and the gang came across a cottage.

“This is where he lives,” said Fluttershy.

“Sheesh,” remarked Vincent, “Scattered Marbles needs to do a lot of work on the place.”

Twilight trotted up closer and knocked on the door.

“Is anypony home?” she called.

“Who is it?!” a male voice shouted. Fluttershy squeaked in fright and hid behind Rainbow Dash.

“This is Princess Twilight Sparkle,” the light purple alicorn said firmly, “am I speaking to a stallion by the name of Scattered Marbles?”

The door slowly opened and the ponies could see it was indeed Fluttershy’s brother – Scattered Marbles. Fluttershy gave a squeak of fright; Rainbow Dash stood protectively in front of her friend.

“Well, what do you want?” demanded Scattered Marbles.

“For one thing, partner, if Ah may call you that” said Applejack, “we want to know why you enjoy abusing that son of yours named Butterscotch. That is a very serious crime!”

“Who told you about that?!” snapped Scattered Marbles. Then he peered through the group and spotted Fluttershy. “Well, well,” he sneered calmly, “it’s been years, hasn’t it?” Then he shouted, “You told them all, didn’t you?!”

“So what if she did?” snapped Rainbow Dash, glaring face to face with him, “If you mess with our friend, then you mess with all of us!”

“You’re Rainbow Dash, aren’t you?” Scattered Marbles smirked, “Yes, I’ve heard all about you. You’re the one that they all called ‘Rainbow Crash’ back in Cloudsdale, and last I heard, you kissed a mare according to one stallion. What was his name again – Vector von Klutz?”

Vincent took insult to that, and flew up alongside Rainbow Dash, and also glared crossly at him. “The name,” he said sternly, “is Vincent van Colt, thank you very much!”

“Are you going to insult us or are you going to answer why you enjoy abusing Butterscotch?” demanded Rarity.

“That’s only for me to know, and you to find out Ms. Prissy Hooves!” retorted Scattered Marbles.

“Ms. Prissy Hooves?!”

“How dare you speak to a mare like that!” snapped Spike, “She happens to have a name, and would so appreciate it if you called her Rarity!”

“Yeah, well, what’s an irritating lizard like you gonna do to stop me?” said Scattered Marbles rudely.

“Oh, that is it!” snapped Rainbow Dash, “No more Miss Nice Mare!” Before Applejack could bite her tail, Rainbow Dash charged at Scattered Marbles, punching him in the face and sending him crashing into a wall.

“Rainbow Dash!” gasped Twilight.

“Well, he deserved it!” said the cyan Pegasus.

“And I thought I had anger issues,” Vincent muttered.

Scattered Marbles slowly got back onto his hooves. He now had a large black eye from where Rainbow Dash had punched him.

“Right,” he snarled, “you asked for it!”

He prepared to charge towards Rainbow Dash, who was ready to counter when suddenly, he was made immobile by a lavender aura.

“Scattered Marbles,” said Twilight sternly, “we need to have a little talk. Why do you enjoy abusing your son?”

“It was Butterscotch’s fault Ivy was mauled to death by a Timberwolf!” snapped Scattered Marbles.

“It wasn’t his fault at all!” snapped Fluttershy. Up to that point, she’d been quiet while her brother insulted her friends, but accusing Butterscotch once again for his mother’s death was the last straw.

“It was nopony’s fault, and you know it! If Ivy was still alive and heard what you had been doing to poor Butterscotch, she would be as disgusted with you as we all are!”

“He was the reason she’s dead!”

“No, he wasn’t!” shouted Fluttershy angrily, “I am sick of you bullying a defenseless colt for something that wasn’t his fault! You used to be a caring stallion who loved his family, but now, you’re a bully and a monster!”

Everyone else stared at Fluttershy in shock.

“Yeah… I still go with what I said earlier,” said Vincent quietly.

Rarity and Pinkie knew she’d been angry at them before, and that one time at the Grand Galloping Gala as well. However, this was anger from Fluttershy they’d never seen before. The pale yellow Pegasus just trotted to Spike and asked him to send a message to Princess Celestia.

“What are you doing?” snapped Scattered Marbles.

“Something I should have done four years ago,” said Fluttershy firmly, “I’m reporting your crimes to the highest authority in all of Equestria – Princess Celestia!”

“We’ll see about that!”

Using all his strength, Scattered Marbles broke free from the aura.

“Stop him!” cried Twilight

“You’ll never take me alive!” Scattered Marbles shouted as he took to the air and raced off.

“You’re not getting away!” shouted Rainbow Dash, and took off after him, only to be stopped by Applejack.

“Easy there, sugarcube,” she said.

“What did you do that for?” snapped Rainbow Dash, “He’s getting away!”

“Not for long,” said Twilight, “I’ll inform Celestia about this and send in a staillion-hunt. Spike, take a letter.”

“Right away, Princess Twilight,” said the purple dragon.

Author's Note

And so we meet our true antagonist, Scattered Marbles. His backstory is loosely inspired by Lotso from Toy Story 3 - both lose something precious to them (Lotso was replaced by his owner Daisy and Scattered Marbles' wife Ivy was killed), and because of their loss, they become angry and vengeful.

Can anypony spot a reference to The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie from 2004?

It seems saying "Eeyup" and "Nnope" is a common catchphrase in the Apple Family. :P

5 The Hunt Begins

Back at Fluttershy’s cottage, Butterscotch was feeling worried for Fluttershy and the rest.

“What if dad tries to hurt them?” he asked.

“Try not to worry about it,” said Fictionary, “try doing what I do – think happy thoughts.”

“Okay,” said Butterscotch, but he still felt worried inside.

Fictionary could feel that Butterscotch was still upset, so she scooted closer to him and gently gave him a hug. The pale yellow colt blushed a bit.

“Wh-what are you doing?” he squeaked in surprise.

“Making you feel better,” Fictionary replied.

“Thank you,” said Butterscotch, a small smile forming on his face. This was the first time since he’d been in Ponyville that Butterscotch felt loved.

Suddenly there was a knock at the front door. Then came an angry male voice.

“Open up in there!”

Big Macintosh looked through the window and could barely see an angry dark yellow stallion with a black eye. This, he assumed, must have been Scattered Marbles.

“Who is it, Big Mac?” asked Apple Bloom.

“No… it can’t be,” Butterscotch whispered quietly.

“You’re not getting in here, Scattered Marbles!” Big Macintosh shouted at the door. He turned to the foals and said, “Ya’ll best get outta here in case things get ugly. Use the back door.”

“But what about you?” asked Fictionary.

“Ah’ll be fine,” said Big Macintosh, “now go, hurry!”

So the foals did as the large red stallion said. As they made their way to the back door, Butterscotch spotted Fluttershy’s pet bunny Angel.

“Angel!” Butterscotch said, “Find aunt Fluttershy and tell her what’s happening!”

The little white bunny understood and hopped out of an open window.

After making sure he was alone, Big Macintosh opened the front door to confront Scattered Marbles.

“Why are you here?” he demanded.

“To finish the job,” sneered Scattered Marbles, “now where’s that pathetic waste of fur and flesh?!”

“Ah’m sorry, partner,” said Big Macintosh calmly, “but Ah do not appreciate the tone of yer attitude.”

“Who asked you, Red Neck?!” snarled Scattered Marbles, “Now where is he?!”

“Even if Ah knew, Ah’d never tell ya. Besides,” Big Macintosh continued, “why should Ah let a monster like ya beat up an innocent colt?”

“He caused my sweet Ivy to get mauled by a Timberwolf!” snapped Scattered Marbles, “I want him to suffer for it!”

“No, he doesn’t!” snapped Big Macintosh, “Now unless ya’ll leave him alone, Ah could give you a second black eye or worse!”

Scattered Marbles scowled, but reluctantly backed off.

“Very well then,” he sneered. Secretly, he was intimidated by Big Macintosh’s size, but Scattered Marbles used his anger to mask his fear.

Meanwhile, Boomer found his way to Diamond Tiara’s mansion and knocked on the door. After a second or two, the door opened.

“Can I help you?” said a male voice.

“Is Diamond Tiara here?” asked Boomer.

“Yes, she is,” came the voice, “who, may I ask, is wanting to know?”

“Her coltfriend Boomer,” replied the colt.

“Ah, Miss Tiara said you might come by,” said the voice, “come in.”

The door opened, allowing Boomer in. The elderly stallion who opened the door was light purplish-gray with a very pale gray balding mane, short tail, and big eyebrows, blue eyes, and a duster for a cutie mark. He wore a white shirt, dark gray vest, and a bluish-green bow tie. This was Diamond Tiara’s butler, Randolph.

“Miss Tiara,” he called down the hall, “your coltfriend is here.”

The pink Earth filly came down the hallway and her face lit up when she saw Boomer. In fact, she was so pleased to see him she ran up and pinned him to the ground.

“Boomer!” she cried, “I’m so glad you could make it.”

“As am I,” the Pegasus colt replied.

“So,” said Diamond Tiara, getting back up, “would you like me to show you around?”

“I’d love to,” smiled Boomer.

And with that, Diamond Tiara led Boomer on a little tour around her mansion.

“You must be very rich to live in a place like this,” commented Boomer.

“Indeed,” said Diamond Tiara, “it’s better to be rich than a blank flank. By the way, you never told me about your father. What’s he like?”

“Well, he’s a bit loopy for a stallion of his age, but he also cares for me and Butterscotch,” lied Boomer.

Out on the streets of Ponyville, Butterscotch and the five fillies had made a successful escape from Scattered Marbles.

“I’m glad we got away when we did,” said Fictionary.

“Ya’ll can say that again,” agreed Apple Bloom.

“He’ll never find us now,” said Scootaloo.

Up ahead, they could see First Base trotting home.

“Hey, First Base!” shouted Dinky.

“Dinky, don’t forget,” said Fictionary, “he still could be mad at us.”

“Actually, I’m not as mad,” said First Base, “I’m just upset that you would give me hot sauce instead of lemonade. I thought I could trust you.”

“That wasn’t her fault,” said Scootaloo. Before she could explain everything, an angry voice shouted out to them.

“Aha! There you are!”

“Oh no!” cried Butterscotch. Quickly, he wheeled away as fast as he could, the five fillies following suit.

“What are you all running for?” asked First Base.

“Butterscotch’s father is a foal abuser!” cried Sweetie Belle.

“Wait for me, girls!” exclaimed First Base, and he ran off after them.

The seven foals eventually ran into Twilight’s group. Angel was on the Fluttershy’s back.

“Thank goodness we found you!” the pale yellow Pegasus mare cried in relief.

“We can say the same with you,” said Fictionary.

“I’ve just reported Scattered Marbles to Princess Celestia,” said Twilight, “she’s told me that she’s sent in a stallion-hunt to capture him. After that, he’ll never harm Butterscotch again.”

“We hope they catch him,” gasped Scootaloo, “we haven’t much time!”

“Don’t worry,” said Rainbow Dash, “if he tries to hurt any of you or Butterscotch, I’ll make him wish he was never born.”

“But wouldn’t that mean Butterscotch wouldn’t have been born either?” asked Pinkie.

“Good point,” grumbled Rainbow Dash, “then I’ll just make him wish he never started hurting Butterscotch.”

“I think it’s best we go to the library,” said Twilight, “you’ll be safer there.”

Twilight concentrated her magic and teleported the entire group to Golden Oak Library.

“Mother of Paul McHoofney,” groaned Vincent once they materialized; clearly, he was not used to teleportation.

“We’ll be safe here,” said Twilight, “but just in case, I’ll cast a protecting barrier around the library to make sure he can’t come in.”

“Didn’t ya use that magic shield to keep us out when we wrote embarrassing articles of you in the Foal Free Press?” asked Apple Bloom.

“Well… yes, but this is different,” said Twilight, and with that, she used her spell to form a large magic bubble around the library.

“That’ll do it,” said Spike, “let’s see that monster get through there!”

At that moment, a large group of royal guards had arrived on the outskirts of Ponyville. They had been sent by Princess Celestia to find Scattered Marbles. Leading them was Comet Tail’s older brother Shooting Star.

“Alright lads,” he said to the rest, “let’s find this criminal and bring him to justice.”

“Yes, sir,” the guards said, saluting. Then they set off all over Ponyville in search for Scattered Marbles. They were not going to stop until they found him.

Back at Fluttershy’s cottage, Big Macintosh was just getting ready to leave.

“Ah hope those foals got to somewhere safe,” he said to himself. Just then, he spotted two royal guards coming up to him.

“Excuse me, sir,” said one of them, “have you a moment?”

“Eeyup,” said Big Macintosh.

“Ah, good,” said the other guard, “we’ve been ordered by Princess Celestia to apprehend a stallion by the name of Scattered Marbles for the crime of foal abuse. Have you seen him?”

“Eeyup. He came by earlier demanding that Ah tell him where Butterscotch was, but Ah refused and told him to leave, or else Ah’d have to use force.”

“I see,” said the first guard, “any idea where he might’ve gone?”

“Ah think he headed into town,” said Big Macintosh, pointing in said direction.

“Thank you for your co-operation,” said the second guard, and on that note, the two raced off.

“This Scattered Marbles ought to be lucky if Whiplash didn’t get to him first,” one of the guards told the other, “he hates foal abusers!”

“You’re telling me,” agreed his friend, “he’s actually willing to kill them himself despite the Princess’ objections. The last foal abuser we caught barely escaped with her life from him!”

Whiplash was the prison guard in Canterlot in charge of punishing criminals. Most of the royal guards tended to avoid him for his sadistic hatred for foal abusers.

Meanwhile, another pair of guards arrived at Diamond Tiara’s mansion and knocked on the door.

“I’ll get it,” said a voice. This didn’t sound like Randolph; it was much younger and more like a business stallion.

The door opened revealing a grayish amber Earth stallion with a dark gray mane and tail with lighter highlights, light azure eyes, and his cutie mark consisted of three sacks of money. He also wore a red necktie with a pale gold dollar sign on it. This was Diamond Tiara’s father, Filthy Rich.

“Can I help you?” he asked the Royal Guards.

“We’re looking for this stallion,” said one guard, holding up a picture of Scattered Marbles, “he is wanted for the crime of foal abuse and we’ve been ordered to capture him. Have you seen him?”

“Erm, no, I’m afraid I haven’t,” admitted Filthy Rich.

“Well then, if you see him, signal us with this,” said the second guard, giving the rich stallion a flare gun.

“If I see him, I’ll be sure to notify you,” said Filthy Rich.

As soon as the guards had left, Diamond Tiara and Boomer came up.

“Who was that, daddy?” asked Diamond Tiara.

“There’s a foal abuser named Scattered Marbles on the loose,” said Filthy Rich, “it’s best you two stay here until he’s been captured by the authorities.”

Boomer’s eyes widened in horror; his father was being hunted down for his crimes, and now he would also be exposed for his lying.

Think fast, Boomer! he thought to himself, Cover your tracks like you’ve always done!

“Er, Diamond,” he said at last, “can we go somewhere else so I don’t have to hear anymore of this foal abuser?”

“Um, sure, okay,” she replied. The two foals then quickly set off upstairs.

“Hard to believe, isn’t it?” said Boomer, “Something as terrible as a foal abuser roaming free. It’s almost as bad as the time my mother was killed by a Timberwolf.”

No sooner had he said that, Boomer gasped and covered his mouth.

“Your mother what?” asked Diamond Tiara, raising an eyebrow suspiciously.

“Er, nothing,” Boomer chuckled nervously. He was hoping Diamond Tiara would believe him, but she wasn’t fooled.

“You said your mother died giving birth to Butterscotch,” she said firmly, “if that were true, then how could she have been killed by a Timberwolf?”

Boomer found himself being backed into a corner by the stern looking filly.

“Well?” she demanded, “Tell me the truth, Boomer!”

“Oh, fine!” confessed Boomer, “Mother didn’t die giving birth to my brother; she was mauled to death by a Timberwolf while trying to save him. That’s also how he ended up looking the way he does!”

“So all this time, you’ve been lying to me?!” Diamond Tiara shrieked with fury.

“Got that right, toots,” said Boomer, “and not only that, but Scattered Marbles happens to be my father.”

“You mean that foal abuser is your father?!” Diamond Tiara asked in surprise.

“Correct again,” Boomer grinned deviously, his nice personality completely shunted aside for his true colors, “he blamed Butterscotch along with aunt Fluttershy for mother’s death and has been beating him up ever since. He’s saved me the trouble of beating the little twerp up myself.”

“So you were the one who pushed Butterscotch out of his wheelchair!” snarled Diamond Tiara, “Fictionary blamed that on me!”

“Oh, that blue brat?” Boomer sneered, “She’s just pathetic – going around town being everypony’s friend when she’s nothing more than a nuisance!”

“You’re not going to get away with this!” snapped Diamond Tiara, “I’m telling daddy on you!”

“Oh, really?”

As Diamond Tiara ran for the stairs, Boomer beat her there and kicked her away from them hard, causing her to cry out in pain.

“Oh, Diamond Tiara,” Boomer chuckled maliciously, “if only there was somepony out there who loved you.”

“But I thought you did!” objected Diamond Tiara, “How could you act like this, you… you… you monster?!”

“I was only pretending to be interested in you just so I could be popular,” sniffed Boomer, “not only that, but I also planned to sneak myself into your wealth if we’d ever marry in about fifteen years. I knew that if anypony found out what father had been doing to Butterscotch, they’d see me as his accomplice and want nothing to do with me.”

Then Boomer picked up a broom and threw it handle first towards a nearby window, causing it to shatter.

“Well, it’s been fun,” he said deviously, “but I gotta fly. So long, sucker!” And he flew off laughing rudely.

At another part of Ponyville, Amethyst Star was looking for Dinky. She was a pale, light grayish magenta teenage unicorn mare with a moderate violet mane and tail with light purple highlights, moderate purple eyes, and her cutie mark consisted of three diamonds.

“I hope nothing bad’s happened to her,” she said to herself, “mom and dad would kill me if-” She was interrupted by bumping into Big Macintosh.

“Whoa there,” he said, “you alright, Amethyst?”

“Oh, yes, I am, Big Macintosh,” she replied, “I was looking for Dinky. Have you seen her?”

“Eeyup,” the large red stallion replied, and he explained the situation.

“So Fluttershy’s brother is a foal abuser wanting to harm his son for something that wasn’t his fault?” Amethyst Star gasped.

“Eeyup.”

“We have to stop him!”

“Let’s head to the library,” suggested Big Macintosh, “maybe they’re safe there.”

And with that, the two headed off towards Golden Oak Library.

Author's Note

There's a reference to Disney's Frozen said by Boomer.

6 An Unexpected Rescue

Big Macintosh and Amethyst Star eventually arrived at Golden Oak Library. They could see the magic shield.

“Twilight must’ve been expectin’ Scattered Marbles to show up,” observed Big Macintosh. They walked up to the shield and he knocked on it.

“Who goes there?” said Pinkie, oddly dressed like a general, also wearing sunglasses and a mustache.

“Pinkie, it’s us,” sighed Big Macintosh.

“Can we come in?” asked Amethyst Star.

“Oh, why didn’t ya say so?” asked Pinkie, “Twilight, you can let them in! It’s Big Mac and Amethyst!”

“You mean my big sister’s here?” asked Dinky eagerly.

“Got that right,” grinned Pinkie Pie. Twilight undid the shield so Big Macintosh and Amethyst Star could be let in.

“Hi, big sis!” Dinky cried, running up to hug her sister.

“Thank Celestia you’re safe,” smiled Amethyst.

Unknown to the group, Boomer had found Scattered Marbles and the two secretly followed Big Macintosh and Amethyst inside the library.

“Aha!” Scattered Marbles shouted as soon as they were in and the barrier was back up, “Found you again, Butterscotch!”

The pale yellow colt gasped and hid behind Applejack in fright.

“How did you get in?” snapped Vincent.

“We followed your two friends in,” said Boomer.

“Now onto business,” said Scattered Marbles, “give us Butterscotch, and we’ll let you go.”

“Never!” snapped Rainbow Dash, “You’ll have to kill us first!”

The adult ponies stood defiantly in Scattered Marbles’ way, refusing to move.

“That’s just like you to let other ponies fight your battles for you, Butterscotch,” sneered Boomer, “weak and pathetic.”

Before Fictionary could shout at Boomer and tell him how selfish he was, somepony else did the talking for her…

“Shut up, Boomer!” snapped Butterscotch, “Just shut up! I am sick and tired of being pushed around by you. You call yourself my brother! Ha! Brothers are meant to look out for each other, not make each other feel unappreciated. You’re nothing but a bully and a liar!”

The library was dead silent; nopony had ever seen Butterscotch so angry before.

“Well… you’ve got guts after all,” Boomer grinned in a devious way.

“Alright, Butterscotch!” cheered Fictionary, hugging the colt in a wheelchair.

“Oh, isn’t that right!” snarled Boomer, “Cheer for the weakling!”

Before anypony could say anything, Boomer shot past the grown-ups, grabbed Fictionary and raced out the door.

“Let’s see how you manage without your fillyfriend, Butterscotch!” he cackled.

“You bring my sister back here this instant!” shouted Vincent.

“Attaboy, Boomer!” called Scattered Marbles, “Make that brother of yours suffer!”

Then he felt somepony smack him on the back of the head.

“You irresponsible, pathetic excuse of a father!” snarled Vincent, slamming him against the book shelves, “How dare you encourage that idiot son of yours Boomer to harm my sister! If Butterscotch was my own son, I would show him all the love and care in the world he deserves!”

I wish you were my father too, Vincent, thought Butterscotch.

“We’ve gotta save her!” cried First Base.

“You four come with me,” said Vincent, pointing to Butterscotch, Dinky, First Base and Amethyst, “the rest of you make sure Scattered Marbles doesn’t follow.”

And with that, Vincent, Amethyst and the three foals raced off to the rescue.

“Get something to hold him,” said Twilight as Scattered Marbles began to pick himself up.

“Where do ya think yer goin’, huh?” asked Applejack, twirling a rope around with her tail.

“Oh, pooh,” groaned Scattered Marbles. He tried to make an escape, but Applejack’s rope tied his wings down to his torso and he was pony-piled by Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, and Big Macintosh.

“You’re not going anywhere, you freak!” said Rainbow Dash.

“Oh, yes, I will,” Scattered Marbles snapped, “once I break free, I’ll-”

“Shut up!” snapped Applejack, smacking his face.

Meanwhile, Boomer was racing through town with Fictionary on his back.

“Put me down you bully!” she snapped.

“Shut up, girly!” snapped Boomer, “Keep squirming and you might end up with a rather unpleasant fall!”

Suddenly, Boomer heard the sounds of wings flapping other than his own. He looked back and saw Vincent, Dinky, First Base, Amethyst and Butterscotch chasing him.

“You give back my little sister, you stupid brat!” shouted Vincent.

“Not a chance, four eyes!” snapped Boomer.

Just when Vincent was about to grab hold of him, Boomer kicked him in the face, causing his glasses to fall off and hit the ground.

“Oh! I can’t see!” groaned Vincent. From his point of view, everything looked blurry. He flew down to the ground and started looking for his glasses.

“I’ll stop that brat,” said Amethyst Star as her unicorn horn began to glow with a brilliant raspberry magic aura.

“No, Amethyst!” cried Dinky, “You could hurt Fictionary too!”

At that moment, Boomer kicked a flowerpot down from a windowsill heading for Dinky, but First Base jumped in front of her, taking the hit. The pot hit First Base on the head, knocking him out cold.

“First Base!” cried Dinky.

She and Amethyst stayed behind to see if he was okay. Now it was only Butterscotch left.

“Keep going, Butterscotch!” called Amethyst, “Fictionary needs your help!”

Butterscotch didn’t need telling twice; he wheeled after Boomer fast as wheels and front legs could let him. He was determined not to lose the filly who’d made a difference in his life.

“Not giving up, eh?” said Boomer, “Fine. You want her so badly, go get her!” And he threw Fictionary into the air with all his might.

“Fictionary!” cried Butterscotch.

With every ounce of strength he had, Butterscotch jumped out of his wheelchair and started flapping his good wing, determined to save his friend. It was dreadfully difficult, but he refused to let it stop him.

Just as Fictionary was about to hit the ground, Butterscotch threw out his front hooves and caught her.

“I gotcha!” he gasped.

However, with the extra weight she put on him, Butterscotch found himself falling and the two foals landed right in a bush! Luckily, they weren’t harmed except for a couple of scratches.

“Thanks for saving me, Butterscotch,” said Fictionary, “that was very brave of you.”

Without warning, she kissed his face, causing Butterscotch to blush red and his wing to spring open. Boomer was most outraged.

“I can’t believe it!” he snapped. He was just about to attack them when…

“Where do you think you’re going?”

…Boomer found himself hit by a blast of magic. He fell to the ground with a thud, and scowled.

“I’m gonna pound whoever did this to me!” he snarled.

“Guess again, you little brat,” sad Amethyst Star, trotting into view.

Vincent followed close behind, having found his glasses. They were slightly scratched and dirty, but otherwise undamaged. He was furious at Boomer.

“How dare you foalnap my little sister!” he snapped.

“Oh, she was your sister?” Boomer said rudely. He was still trying to act like he knew better, but the others could see past that.

“Yes, she’s my sister, you little worm!” snarled Vincent, now face to face with Boomer, “Nopony harms my sister and gets away with it!”

Boomer scooted himself into a corner to avoid anymore of Vincent’s anger. At that moment, Filthy Rich trotted up with a rather angry Diamond Tiara beside him.

“There he is, daddy!” she said angrily, pointing to Boomer.

“Uh oh…”

“My daughter says that Scattered Marbles is your father and that you’ve been allowing him to beat up your brother,” said Filthy Rich firmly.

“And he lied about loving me just because he wanted my money!” added Diamond Tiara.

“Ah, well, erm…” Boomer was too intimidated to lie.

“I will inform Miss Cheerilee about this,” continued Filthy Rich, “I don’t think she’ll be happy with you, Boomer.”

Back at the library, Scattered Marbles was still struggling to get free. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.

“I’ll get it,” said Twilight, trotting over to the door. When she opened it, standing there was a rather tough looking reddish-brown unicorn stallion with a dark brown mane and dark green eyes. He wore a royal uniform, but it looked rather rugged and scraped. Instead of a helmet like the other guards, this one had what looked like a hunter’s cap.

“‘ello, Princess Twilight,” he said with an Coltney accent, “name’s Whiplash – royal prison guard, executioner, and bounty hunter at your service.”

“Er, pleasure to meet you,” Twilight said with a nervous tone.

“Heard you had a foal abuser around,” said Whiplash, giving a fierce glare at Scattered Marbles, “hope you won’t mind me taking him off your hooves for you.”

“Please take him as far away from Ponyville as possible,” said Rainbow Dash, “and can you make sure he never harms Butterscotch again?”

“Exactly what I had in mind!” said Whiplash darkly, “Come on, you!” He used his unicorn magic to take away the still tied-up Scattered Marbles and dragged him away, closing the door behind him.”

“Ya know that guy, Twilight?” asked Applejack.

“I’ve heard of him from Shining Armor,” explained Twilight, “Whiplash loathes foal abusers with a burning passion. Some say he was bullied in his youth that made him who he is. He’s even willing to kill criminals despite Princess Celestia’s objections.”

“Gee golly!” remarked Apple Bloom, “Ah’ve heard of ponies who won’t tolerate bullyin’, but that’s just beyond ridiculous!”

Then suddenly came a cry of pain from outside. The grown ups looked out the window and saw Whiplash using his magic to bend Scattered Marbles’ wings.

“Stop it!” the dark yellow stallion cried, “That hurts!”

“Good!” shouted Whiplash in a sadistic tone, “I want it to hurt! I want you to feel the same pain you inflicted on your son, you worthless freak!”

Whiplash then used his magic to throw Scattered Marbles against a nearby wall over and over. Fluttershy squealed in fright and looked away; as much as she hated her brother now for bullying Butterscotch, even seeing somepony cruel like Scattered Marbles being tormented was painful to watch.

“You think he’s going to kill him?” asked Scootaloo.

“Spare me the thought,” groaned Sweetie Belle.

Once Whiplash was done slamming Scattered Marbles into the wall, he dropped him to the ground.

“Is… is it over yet?” Scattered Marbles groaned weakly.

“Far from it,” came the sadistic reply. Whiplash then charged up his horn and was just about to fire it at Scattered Marbles when…

“Whiplash, stop!”

The reddish-brown stallion turned and saw Shooting Star along with the rest of the guards, and standing among them was none other than Princess Celestia herself. It was her presence that made Whiplash stop what he was doing.

“Princess Celestia,” he said, bowing in respect, “what brings you here?”

“Whiplash,” said Princess Celestia sternly as she trotted over to him, “may I ask what you were doing to this stallion?”

“I, er, was teaching him what happens if you abuse foals,” he chuckled nervously.

Princess Celestia didn’t respond; she simply raised an eyebrow.

“Eh, why am I the only one laughing here?” Whiplash asked in confusion.

“Whiplash, it is unacceptable behavior to physically harm anypony in public no matter what they have done,” said Celestia firmly, “do you remember me telling you that with the last foal abuser that was arrested?”

“Y… yes, I do. My apologies.”

“Try to keep it under control next time,” said the Princess.

“Scattered Marbles,” said Shooting Star as he approached, “by order of Princess Celestia, you are under arrest for the crime of foal abuse.”

As the guards dealt with the weakened stallion, Celestia went to the library to speak with Fluttershy.

“I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you sooner,” Fluttershy immediately burst out, “I was too afraid of the consequences… Oh, I didn’t know better…!”

“Fluttershy,” said Celestia kindly, “you should never be afraid to report abusive activities. The sooner you do, the less likely it will be worse.”

Fluttershy felt better after hearing this. Then she spotted Vincent, Amethyst, Dinky, First Base, Fictionary and Butterscotch coming into view.

“Oh, thank goodness you’re all safe,” Fluttershy gasped in relief, “what happened?”

“Ya should have seen this!” remarked Fictionary, surprisingly upbeat despite narrowly avoiding what could’ve been a gruesome end for her, “Butterscotch saved me at the last moment, and he was only on one good wing!”

“He did?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“It’s no joke, Sweetie Belle; Boomer let go of me while he was in the air, and I thought I was done for. But Butterscotch jumped off his wheelchair and saved me from certain doom!”

“Your nephew is a hero, Fluttershy,” said Amethyst Star.

“Yes, indeed,” agreed Vincent, “he proved that despite his disability, Butterscotch knew to confront the face of danger and risk his life to save my sister, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.” He even tousled the young colt’s mane as he said that last bit.

“Where’s Boomer?” asked Scootaloo.

“Diamond Tiara’s chewing him out for lying,” said Dinky, giggling slightly, “I also hear that her father told Miss Cheerilee about what he’s done; Boomer’s going to be expelled.”

“Good riddance, that’s what Ah say,” said Apple Bloom.

“Oh, and First Base?” Dinky said, “I’m really sorry about the hot sauce incident. We never meant to burn your mouth on purpose; it was just that some plans we had got mixed up by accident. I know you probably wouldn’t want to speak us again, but at least, will you forgive us?”

7 Tying Up Loose Ends

“Of course I forgive you,” smiled First Base, “it does no good staying mad at somepony forever.”

“Y… you really mean that?” asked Dinky hopefully.

“Of course,” replied First Base, “why else do you think I took the hit for you when Boomer threw that flower pot at you?”

Remembering the incident, Dinky threw her hooves around First Base for a hug, which he gladly returned.

“Oh, give me a break,” groaned Scootaloo.

A few days later, Scattered Marbles had been taken to Canterlot High Court for his trial. He had been chained up to make sure he didn’t try to escape. Princess Celestia herself was the judge.

“Scattered Marbles,” she said sternly, “you are being charged for the crimes of foal abuse and trespassing. How do you plead?”

“It’s a free country!” snapped Scattered Marbles, “I should be allowed to beat up whoever I want!”

“Shut up, worm!” snarled Whiplash, whacking him on the back of the head, “Sass back at the princess again and I’ll carve you like a jack-o-lantern!”

“That will do, Whiplash,” said Celestia firmly.

“Sorry,” said Whiplash, “force of habit.”

“Anyway,” the princess continued, “are they any witnesses for the defense?”

“I am,” said a timid voice. Everypony looked as Fluttershy trotted forwards.

“Fluttershy, what are you doing?” Vincent hissed quietly.

“Scattered Marbles has been beating up his son Butterscotch for four years after blaming him for his mother Ivy’s death,” Fluttershy said to the crowd, “I tried to call the authorities, but I was too scared that he would kill Butterscotch. So out of shame, I stayed quiet.”

The crowd gasped.

“But what’s even worse,” the yellow Pegasus mare continued, “is that one time, I almost became a monster just like him.”

Then she explained about the time weeks prior to Twilight and Spike’s arrival regarding Iron Will the minotaur’s arrival in to Ponyville and how he got Fluttershy to stand up for herself by becoming a brute.

“Thank you for your speech, Fluttershy,” said Celestia once the yellow Pegasus mare finished, “has the jury reached a verdict?”

“Yes, your majesty,” said a mare on the jury, “we find Scattered Marbles guilty.”

Needless to say, Scattered Marbles – you guessed it – did not take the verdict well.

“Guilty?!” he snapped, “How dare you!”

“Silence, Scattered Marbles,” said Princess Celestia, “I hereby sentence you to fifty years in prison. Whiplash, take him away.”

“Yes, your majesty,” said Whiplash, who gave a sadistic chuckle to Scattered Marbles, “fitting since it’s my job to give freaks like him a taste of their own medicine!”

Scattered Marbles gave a quiet whimper.

“And no over-the-top punishment either,” ordered the Princess.

“I’ll do my best, your majesty,” said Whiplash, He then violently dragged Scattered Marbles away with him.

“No! Please have mercy on me!” he begged as he was taken away.

“It’s finally over,” said Fluttershy quietly. She felt somewhat sorry for Scattered Marbles being taken by Whiplash, but she was relieved that he would never harm Butterscotch ever again.

As for Boomer, he was sent to Canterlot Military School in disgrace.

“I can’t believe it!” he cried, “Me, going to military school!”

“And hopefully when you return,” grinned Fictionary innocently, “maybe you’ll learn to be a well-mannered colt?”

As for Butterscotch, Vincent had invited him to stay with him and Fictionary until they found somepony to raise him as their son. Not only that, but he was being given prosthetics for his hind legs and left wing.

“Your left hind leg is merely a stump,” explained the doctor, “but there’s no amputation that we can’t fix.”

“What about my wing, doc?” asked Butterscotch.

“Well, we’ll see what we can do about that,” the doctor replied.

While Butterscotch was having his prosthetics, Vincent was having a word with Fluttershy and Twilight.

“Is something wrong, Vincent?” asked Fluttershy.

“Not exactly,” said Vincent, “it’s just that Butterscotch doesn’t have a parent looking after him.”

“Fluttershy could look after him,” suggested Twilight, “she’s the only true family he has left, after all.”

“But she’ll be too busy tending to the animals,” explained Vincent.

“He’s got a point,” said Fluttershy, “tending to them will take a lot of work and I might not have enough time for Butterscotch.”

“But I know somepony who might,” said Vincent, “I’ve written to an old friend of mine and Fictionary from Liverhoof. Her name is Watermelody and she’s really good with foals. I should see if she’ll be willing to raise Butterscotch.”

“You mean you want Butterscotch to go away to Liverhoof?” Fluttershy asked, sounding heartbroken. Her nephew was finally feeling better about himself now that Scattered Marbles and Boomer were gone, and now it sounded like Vincent was having him sent to his old hometown.

“No, no, no,” said Vincent, “I didn’t mean it like that. Y’see, Watermelody told me through letter that she’s been having troubles of her own back in Liverhoof and lost her job at Hoofover Café. Because of that, she’s lost money and could be under threat of eviction.”

“That’s terrible,” said Twilight, “we’re very sorry to hear that.”

“So I talked her into coming to Ponyville,” Vincent continued, “and asked if she’d be willing to look after Butterscotch.”

Just then, one of the doctors came out.

“The operation is finished,” he said proudly, “you can now see him if you want.”

Vincent, Fluttershy, and Twilight entered the room and could not believe what they saw. Butterscotch almost looked exactly the way he did before the Timberwolf incident, apart from his ear and eye.

“Well?” he asked timidly, “How do I look?”

“You look great,” said Vincent.

“Better than ever before,” said Twilight.

“Yay!” Fluttershy cheered quietly.

“How does it feel standing on four hooves again?” asked Vincent.

“It feels great!” said Butterscotch excitedly, “Although, I am a bit nervous on flying after what happened weeks ago.”

“I suggest you don’t do any real flying until you’ve gotten used to your new wing,” suggested the doctor, “you see, when Pegasi first get wing prosthetics, they are restricted to start out flying only a few feet in the air. As they get more used to them, they progress a little higher at a time until they can properly and safely fly like a normal Pegasus.”

“That makes sense,” said Butterscotch.

“Butterscotch,” said Vincent, “a friend of mine and Fictionary’s is coming to Ponyville. Her name is Watermelody and she’s great with foals. I wrote to her asking if she would be willing to adopt you. Would you like that?”

“That’d be great,” smiled Butterscotch. He loved the idea of being with a new family; one that would treat him with kindness and love.

A few days later, Fictionary, Butterscotch, Spike and three adults stood at Ponyville railway station.

“She should be here any minute,” said Vincent. After he said that, a loud, shrill whistle sounded in the distance.

“Feels more like any second,” said Fictionary.

Coming into view was a large red Equestrian Railroad “Princess” Class 4-6-4 tender locomotive, No. 2012 Princess Mi Amore Cadenza.

“Wow,” exclaimed Butterscotch, “I’ve never seen an engine like that before.”

Then the doors to the coaches opened and the passengers got off. One of them was the mare the gang had been waiting for. The mare in question was a pinkish gray Pegasus with a light green mane and tail with pale highlights, grayish fuchsia eyes, and her cute mark was a treble clef with a watermelon slice. She also wore a dark red beret on her head.

“Good to see you again, Watermelody,” smiled Vincent, giving the mare a hug.

“Hello again, Vincent,” said Watermelody happily. Then she saw Butterscotch. “Aw, is this the colt you wanted me to adopt? He’s adorable!”

Butterscotch couldn’t help but blush at this compliment.

“That’s not what Scattered Marbles thought,” said Fluttershy, and explained about the recent ordeals.

“That’s dreadful,” remarked Watermelody, “no foal deserves to be treated like dirt!”

“That’s what we all said,” said Vincent, “but that fool Scattered Marbles was too stubborn to admit he was in the wrong.”

“Don’t you worry, Butterscotch,” said Watermelody, giving the young colt a comforting hug, “I’ll see to it that you’re treated with the love and care that you deserve.”

A few days later, Butterscotch showed his new look to the other foals.

“You look a whole lot better,” commented Scootaloo.

“Certainly stronger than before,” agreed Apple Bloom.

“Yay!” cheered Sweetie Belle.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better now, Butterscotch,” Fictionary smiled.

“So am I,” said Butterscotch, “and thanks for being my friend and never giving up on me when I first came here.”

With that, he threw himself onto Fictionary giving her hug and a kiss on her face. The light blue unicorn filly blushed bright red, but also returned the hug.

“Oh, give me a break!” remarked Scootaloo, “One mushy moment too many!”

“Actually, it was three ‘mushy moments’, as you so put them,” said Apple Bloom.

Butterscotch simply smiled; for the first time in four years, he felt proud of himself. He was finally being accepted by those around him not for his looks, but for his kindness and undying courage to stand up for his friends.

At that moment, Diamond Tiara came trotting by with Silver Spoon once again by her side.

“I can’t believe Boomer lied to you,” she said, trying to comfort her friend.

“Well, well, Diamond Tiara,” said Fictionary, “I hope you’ve learned your lesson.”

“I sure have,” said the pink earth filly, “never fall in love with somepony you’ve first met.”

“Just a thought,” said Sweetie Belle, “but what if you two actually became friends with us for once?”

“What? You’re crazy,” scoffed Diamond Tiara, “this incident was this incident, okay?”

“It was just a thought,” said Apple Bloom.

“Yeah, well you think too much.”

“Ah, well,” said Fictionary, “one of these days…”

Butterscotch just gave a quiet laugh. He then noticed Fluttershy writing in the journal she shared with her friends.

“In the last few weeks, I learned that you should never be afraid of reporting abusive activities. If you let your fear get in the way, it will only make things worse not only for the victim, but for you as well. Also, just because somepony has a certain disability doesn’t mean they can’t help their friends, as my nephew Butterscotch has learned.”

She closed the book happily and watched Butterscotch playing with his new friends. At that moment, Dinky and First Base arrived.

“Hey, Butterscotch,” said First Base, “wanna play kick ball with us?”

“You bet, First Base,” said Butterscotch, “how are you and Dinky getting on?”

“Pretty good,” smiled Dinky as she nuzzled First Base.

“Her parents and sisters are okay with it,” added First Base, “and so is mom. She figured it was about time I found my special somepony.”

Butterscotch just chuckled.

“Can I join too?” asked Fictionary.

“Sure, why not?” smiled First Base.

With that, the four friends trotted off to play kickball.

At last, the day came when Butterscotch officially became under Watermelody’s care. Very recently, the pinkish gray Pegasus had moved into a cottage close by the Metrostallion House and got a new job as waitress at a local restaurant called The Hayburger.

Fluttershy was rather upset to let Butterscotch go, but she knew it was for the best and that he would be happier.

“I promise to visit you whenever I have the chance,” Butterscotch said.

“Take care, Butterscotch,” said Fluttershy softly, giving her nephew a hug. Big Macintosh was passing by with a cart full of apples.

“Take care, young ‘un,” he called.

“I will, Uncle Macintosh,” Butterscotch called back cheekily. The large red stallion stopped in surprise and Fluttershy blushed, her wings springing open.

“How do ya’ll know about our relationship?” he asked.

“You just mentioned it,” chuckled Butterscotch. The three adults had a laugh at his little joke as well.

Fluttershy could see they weren’t alone as their friends had also come to see Butterscotch with his new family. Fictionary jumped through the crowd as hugged him happily.

“Oh! Hey, Fictionary,” said Butterscotch.

“Hi, Butterscotch,” said Fictionary in a cheeky tone.

“Aren’t ya gonna give yer new fillyfriend a kiss?” Apple Bloom asked teasingly. The two foals blushed with embarrassment at Apple Bloom’s remark.

Fictionary stopped blushing when a cheeky grin came on her face.

“At least I’m not too shy to show affection to somepony,” she said teasingly to Apple Bloom, “like how you are with Featherweight?”

Now it was Apple Bloom’s turn to feel embarrassment.

“A-Ah’ve no clue to what yer talkin’ ‘bout!” she spluttered as her cheeks blushed as red as her mane. This made everypony – even Big Macintosh and Scootaloo – have a slight laugh.

“Aww, Apple Bloom has a crush too,” giggled Sweetie Belle.

“Ah do not!” Apple Bloom shouted in embarrassment.

“Nopony would see me crushing on anyone,” Scootaloo mumbled.

“Would you lot stop being silly?” interrupted Vincent.

“Sorry, Vincent,” said the foals.

“He’s right,” said Fluttershy, “we should at least be thankful Scattered Marbles is finally behind bars where he belongs.”

Everypony else could not have agreed more.

“Good luck with your new life, Butterscotch,” said Spike, giving a thumbs up.

“You should come by to Sugarcube Corner sometime for a ‘Butterscotch’ sundae!” giggled Pinkie, “Get it? Your name is Butterscotch, and Butterscotch is a topping for ice cream!”

“Can’t wait til you’re flying properly,” said Rainbow Dash, messing with Butterscoth’s mane, “when that time comes, I’m gonna teach you how to be a great flyer!”

“Just like your coltfriend from the Wonderbolts, I presume?” said Watermelody with a smirk.

Rainbow Dash’s face blushed bright red and her wings extended.

“How do-?! I don’t-! Who told you?!” she spluttered.

“Oh, a little yellow birdie told me,” said Watermelody innocently. Vincent tried his best not to laugh.

“Ah look forwards ta havin’ ya visitin’ Sweet Apple Acres,” said Applejack, “feel free to come by and try some tasty apples.”

“Eeyup,” agreed Big Macintosh.

“Butterscotch,” said Rarity, “as a little present for your new life, I’ve taken the liberty of making this rather fabulous looking sweater for you.”

“It’s terrific!” he said excitedly, “I hear your sister was talented, Sweetie Belle, but I didn’t realize she was this talented.”

“And feel free to come to Golden Oak Library,” said Twilight, “you’ll be sure to find interesting books that can be of use to you.”

At this point, Fluttershy’s eyes began to fill with tears again.

“Aunt Fluttershy?” asked Butterscotch softly, “Are you okay?”

“Of course,” she replied softly, “these are just tears of joy. If only Ivy could see you today…”

“I’m sure she’d be just as proud as we all are,” said Twilight.

In Butterscotch’s eyes, Watermelody almost reminded him of Ivy in so many ways. It almost felt as if she had been resurrected to take care of him once again.

“Yer doin’ the right thing, Fluttershy,” said Applejack.

“Eeyup,” agreed Big Macintosh, giving his fillyfriend a gentle, comforting hug.

“Thanks,” said Fluttershy softly.

While nopony was watching, the specter of an orange Pegasus mare appeared, watching them.

“I’m sorry, Ivy,” said Fluttershy quietly, “I’m unable to watch over your youngest son while watching over all my animal friends, but I hope you’ll understand that I’m leaving him in good hooves.”

The specter heard her and gave a small smile.

“I understand, Fluttershy,” she said gently, “and thank you for finding the courage to stop Scattered Marbles from causing Butterscotch anymore harm.”

She then looked at Butterscotch. “I will always be with you, my little Butterscotch,” she said before slowly fading away.

For Butterscotch and Watermelody, it was the beginning of a new life; Watermelody would treat Butterscotch with the same love and care that Ivy treated him with, and Butterscotch would do as she told him because he didn’t want to lose her the way he lost his own mother. But no matter what happened, the two would have a perfectly happy future.

THE END

Author's Note

The reason behind Fluttershy's behavior in Putting Your Hoof Down is finally revealed... sort of.

The Equestrian Railroad Princess Class 4-6-4 is a fictional locomotive design I came up. No. 2012 Princess Mi Amore Cadenza refers to Princess Cadance herself, and the year A Canterlot Wedding aired.

Watermelody is based on a background human seen in Equestria Girls. She came from Swincolt before living in Liverhoof and later, Ponyville. I imagine her sounding like Billie Piper.

I didn't know how many mushy moments Scootaloo had witnessed, so I made a guess she witnessed three. If anyone wants to correct me on that, let me know!

Diamond Tiara refusing to befriend the Cutie Mark Crusaders is based on the TUGS episode, "High Winds" when Zebedee refuses to join the Star Tugs.