Ponies Are Animals Too

by Zurvan

Rating: teen
Tags: Sad, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Fluttershy, Scootaloo, Slice of Life
Length: 8118

The story of how Fluttershy came to adopt Scootaloo:

Meant to not interfere with the actual show, this story is told through chapters based either around, or opposite events seen in the show. Marked AU just to be safe.

Scootaloo, an orphaned pegasus living her life out in Ponyville.

Fluttershy, a sweet animal loving pegasus who once she finds out Scootaloo is an orphan is determined to give her a home

Sorry, I am horrible at descriptions.

Cover art used with permission from ShrapnelLeader

Profreed/edited/and ideas bounced off of: TheGreatEater
As always none of my stories could exist without the help of my loving wife.

Published 2014-08-30 13:40:04 UTC
Last updated 2014-09-04 10:05:02 UTC

Prologue: Right Before Your Eyes

Sometime before season 1

Prologue: Right Before Your Eyes

The orange unicorn stands at the top of the ramp and looks down. The ramp would get him and his magic powered motor bike up to speeds surpassing all but the fastest pegasi. He’d done the math himself, he should land on the ramp at the other side of Ghastly Gorge with room to spare. He scanned the crowd below and looked for the one pony he cared about in the whole world, and then he saw her, his little filly an orange pegasus with a purple mane clutching to a scooter that she had used to get there. “That’s my girl.” he says to himself as he straps on his helmet and straightens the collar on his leather jacket.

The crowd starts chanting his name. “Danger! Danger!”

‘Danger’ went to the motor bike and charged it with his magic. “One last time, for Scootaloo.” he climbs onto the glowing motor bike and immediately starts down the hill. He feels it about the time he comes off the ramp, he looks over to his daughter, and takes one hoof of the handlebars of the motor bike and waves to her. The crowd cheers thinking that it’s for them, but Scootaloo knows, and she quickly looks away as the motor bike slams into the side of the gorge.

Chapter 1: Here Comes The Sun

Takes place during “Friendship is Magic”

Chapter 1: Here Comes The Sun

Scootaloo rode her scooter from the orphanage to her friend’s house. She pulls up to the multi-level house and carefully leans her scooter against the side of the house near the door before walking up to the door and knocking on it.

An adult pink unicorn, with two-toned hair done up in a beehive answers the door. “Well, hello there Scootaloo."

Scootaloo smiles. “Hey Missus Crumbles, can Sweetie come play?”

“How many times have I told you to call me Cookie? Would you like to come in for breakfast? Sweetie’s cooking.”

Scootaloo grimaces, “maybe I should come back later.”

“Hey Scoots!” Sweetie shouts as she comes out of the kitchen, a tendril of smoke above her. She walks up to her mom and kisses her on the cheek. “Breakfast is ready mom.”

“I’ll get your father.” Cookie says as she walks off.

“So what’s up Scoots?” Sweetie asks.

“I just came to see if my best friend could play.”

“Last I checked I was your only friend.” Sweetie says and immediately regrets it when Scootaloo starts to look real sad. “Scoots, I didn’t mean it like that, I swear.”

“You mean it Sweets?” Scootaloo says with tears in her eyes.

Sweetie hugs Scootaloo. “You know I do, I just….” she hesitates.

“Forget that I’m all alone in the world?” Scootaloo asks and Sweetie Belle nods embarrassed. “Can you hang out with me today to make me feel better?”

“I have to check with my mom, but if she doesn’t have any plans I don’t see why not.” Sweetie answers. “Come on in, I cooked.”

Scootaloo not wanting to hurt her friends feelings after her own were nearly crushed follows Sweetie and looks at the burnt mess that her friend calls breakfast. She sits down at the table with Sweetie’s parents. “I see you decided to join us Scootaloo.” Cookie says.

“Sweetie convinced me.” Scootaloo says as she sits.

“So mom, can I spend the day with Scootaloo?” Sweetie asks as she serves up some food to Scootaloo.

“As long as you keep your distance from your sister’s shop and you both promise to come to Summer Sun Festival I don’t see why not.” Cookie answers.

“Sounds pretty fair to me,” Scootaloo says before eating something Sweetie had placed on her plate.

“How is it?” Sweetie asks eyes wide.

All eyes look to Scootaloo as she swallows. “I can honestly say it’s no worse than the stuff they feed me at the orphanage.”

Sweetie squeals in delight. “I’m going to go get ready.” She runs up to her room.

“Is the orphanage food really that bad?” Cookie asks suddenly concerned.

“As I said Sweetie’s cooking’s about the same, though the orphanage’s food does tend to look slightly better.” Scootaloo answers with a grin as she cleans her plate.

“I’m ready!” Sweetie practically sings as she comes back downstairs her saddlebags on her back.

“That reminds me.” Sweetie’s dad says all the sudden. “I have something for you.”

“What are you up to Hondo?” Cookie asks.

“Dad?” Sweetie asks confused as Hondo walks into a room off the kitchen and comes out pulling a red wagon with a helmet in it.

“I was watching you move on that scooter the other day Scootaloo and was thinking maybe you could pull this wagon behind you.” Hondo says.

“What’s the helmet for?” Sweetie asks.

“Well..” Hondo starts then looks at his wife who just rolls her eyes. “I was thinking she could pull you in the wagon, so you two could get to places faster.”

Scootaloo’s little wings buzzed in excitement. “I definitely think I can manage that.”

“Now you two go have fun you hear?” Hondo asks as they run to Scootaloo’s scooter and work on attaching the wagon to it.

They both put on their helmets just as Cookie steps outside and yells. “Be careful.” Only to see Scootaloo start buzzing her wings and the two of them shot off. Sweetie screaming in surprise, and maybe a little terror.

====================

Scootaloo pulls the scooter wagon combo up as close to Town Hall as she can. “Well Sweets you have fun today?”

“I sure did Scoots, we’ll have to do this again some time.” Sweetie says.

“Anytime your mom will let us, we can Sweets.” Scootaloo says. “Although we do have to start school soon.”

“No matter what happens I’ll be your friend Scoots, I was before… you know, and I still am.”

“I’m just not sure I’m ready for life to just keep going without him, you know what I mean?”

“I can’t say I understand what you’re going through Scoots, I don’t think I know anypony who can, but I’m willing to stand beside you and be here for you when and if you need me.”

Scootaloo smiles. “Thanks Sweets, that makes me feel a lot better.”

“Now come on, we need to get inside, or we’re going to get in trouble, I need to find my sister, hopefully my parents remembered to tell her that she needs to bring me home tonight.”

“I’m sure they did, I’ll meet you by the refreshment table.”

“Sounds good.” Sweetie says as she goes in search of her sister. She finds her sister; Rarity walking in with another mare and a filly about her age. “Hey Rarity!”

“Sweetie Belle.” Rarity says. “Where are mom and dad?”

“Dad had to work, and mom didn’t want to come without him. She said she’d tell you and get you to take me home.”

Rarity sighs. “Fine, find me after the celebration is over, I’ll make sure I don’t leave without you.” With that she walks away.

“Is Rarity your sister?” The filly asks.

“Yeah, my name’s Sweetie Belle, who are you?”

“I’m Apple Bloom, this is mah sister Applejack.”

“Come meet my best friend Scootaloo.” Sweetie encourages.

“Can I Applejack?” Apple Bloom asks.

“I don’t see why not Bloom, just don’t go wandering off, alright?” Applejack answers.

“Okay,” Apple Bloom says before following Sweetie Belle.

Scootaloo sees Sweetie walking toward her with another filly and her wings immediately droop thinking she has just lost her one friend in the world. “Hey Scootaloo, I want you to meet this new filly I met, her sister and mine her friends. Her name is Apple Bloom.”

“Hey, I’m Scootaloo.”

“Sweetie Belle says you’re her best friend.” Bloom comments.

Scootaloo sees Sweetie smiles and smiles back. “Yeah, me and Sweets have known each other since we were little foals.”

“Well I live at Sweet Apple Acres with mah brother and sister, so I can’t say as I get to be around fillies my age much.” Apple Bloom says.

“Well you can hang with us tonight, and we’ll see when we can get together again, all right?” Scootaloo suggests.

“That sounds great!.”

“I think the mayor’s talking, it’s almost time.” Sweetie says. They all turn and see Rarity pull the rope and opens the curtain, and are all shocked when Princess Celestia doesn’t appear. However the second Nightmare Moon appears the three of them cower underneath the refreshment table and wait for the inevitable.

===========

Sometime later they hear familiar voices calling for two of them. “Sweetie Belle.“ Rarity calls.

"Apple Bloom where are ya?" Applejack asks.

The three fillies come out from under the table. "We're right here." Apple Bloom announces.

Applejack and Rarity run over and hug their respective sisters. Scootaloo slinks away and grabs her scooter and realizes that the wagon is still attached. ”I'll return the wagon tomorrow.” With that thought she grabs her helmet and puts it on before hopping on her scooter and zipping away.

Chapter 2: You’ve Got A Friend

Takes place during “ Call of the Cutie"

Chapter 2: You’ve Got A Friend

"Can you believe Diamond Tiara invited us to her cute-cenera?" Scootaloo asks. “As if I have any interest in going anywhere near that building.”

"Good for you," Sweetie pouts.

“What’s the matter Sweets?” Scootaloo asks.

“My sister is making Diamond's dress so I have to attend." Sweetie answers.

“What does your sister making Diamond's dress have to do with you attending the party?”

Sweetie rolls her eyes. "Mom says it would be bad for Rarity’s business if I don’t show up.”

“So she’s making you go?” Scootaloo asks.

“That’s about the gist of it.”

“I’ll go with you then.”

“Really?” Sweetie asks excitedly.

“You’re my best friend Sweets,” Scootaloo says. “I’d do anything for you, including dealing with Diamond Tiara’s antics.”

“Oh thank you.” Sweetie says as she hugs Scootaloo.

“You don’t have to make a big deal about it.” Scootaloo says.

“Sorry,” Sweetie says as she detaches herself from Scootaloo.

“Come on, let’s get this thing over with.” Scootaloo says.

“I got to go home and grab the gift my parents are making me give her first.”

Scootaloo grins looking at her scooter. “Want a ride?”

Chapter 3: Photograph

Takes place during “Fall Weather Friends”

Chapter 3: Photograph

“So what did you say Apple Bloom was doing?” Sweetie Belle asks as they leave her house and walk to the scooter-wagon combo.

“Apparently Applejack and Rainbow Dash got into some sort of argument about who was the best athlete and are having some sort of competition at Sweet Apple Acres.” Scootaloo answers with a hint a vehemence.

“Something wrong there Scoots?” Sweetie asks her friend.

“Just a little miffed that I wasn’t invited to cheer Rainbow on, she’s awesome.”

Sweetie giggles. “What’s so awesome about her?”

“You kidding? She’s practically a Wonderbolt, and we know her, can you imagine being able to say we knew a Wonderbolt before she was famous?”

“You want to be a Wonderbolt Scoots?”

Scoots blushes slightly. “I don’t know Sweets. Part of me thinks it would be cool, but of course I’d have to get myself off the ground. (flutters her wings just about uselessly and sighs), of course there’s part of me….” she trails off and runs a forehoof over the handle of her scooter.

“This is about your father, isn’t it? Danger Dare?”

“Yeah, still holds the record for a lot of stunts, if he’d made that jump.” Scootaloo sniffles. “It would have been the farthest anypony has ever gone in the air without either wings or a balloon.”

“That’s amazing.”

“But it doesn’t matter, because he failed, and here I am, a pegasus and I can’t even get into the air for half as long as my dad did, it’s ridiculous.” Scootaloo cries.

“Scoots, you are you’re own pony. He wouldn’t want you to feel bad cause you can’t fly he’d want you to learn to do what you could with what you had, like he did.” Sweetie says. “Isn’t that why he gave you that scooter?”

Scootaloo sniffles as she nods. “I dug it out of the garage and stepped on it and started fluttering my wings, he told me it took him months to keep his balance on it, and I took to it right away, that I was a natural and I should have it. When he… I was allowed to keep one thing, one thing Sweets can you imagine what that was like? I picked my scooter, after all it was something he gave me. You know they wouldn’t let me take a picture of my dad? Said I picked my one person possession, and that was all I got, and everything else….”

“What happened to it?” Sweetie asks, scared to know the answer.

“The house and everything in it was sold to somepony, I have no idea what happened to anything in it.”

“Then let’s find out.” Sweetie says. “I’m sure there has to be a record of the sale, let’s find the pony that bought it.”

“Where would we even begin looking for something like that?”

“City Hall, your dad’s property was in Ponyville wasn’t it?”

“Okay, let’s go.” Scootaloo says and puts on her helmet as Sweetie climbs into the wagon and belts on her helmet and they zip along to City Hall. Once there they meet Mayor Mare.

“Well hello you, two what can I do for you today?” Mayor Mare asks.

“We were wondering if you could help us find out who bought a particular piece of property” Sweetie answers.

“Well, property sales are in the public domain, so I don’t see why not.” Mayor Mare says. “What property are we looking for?”

“The house formerly owned by Danger Dare.” Scootaloo answers.

“That was such a sad ordeal.” Mayor Mare remarks. “I remember it well, and I believe.” She walks over to a file cabinet and hooves through some files before pulling one out. “Yes, I was right, the property was purchased by Filthy Rich.”

Scootaloo looks dejected, Sweetie quickly speaks up. “Thank you for your time Mayor Mare.”

The two of them leave City Hall. “Well there goes that.” Scootaloo says. “Come on, I’ll take you home, then I’m going to go back to the orphanage and take a nap.”

“Come on Scoots, let’s not give up yet.” Sweetie says. “We should go talk to Filthy Rich.”

“Sweets, he’s not even going to let us past the door.” Scootaloo says.

“Well improvise?” Sweetie squeaks and not wanting to argue Scootaloo gets back on her scooter and the two of them head to Rich Manor.

They arrive at the manor’s gate. “Now what?” Scootaloo asks

“Give me a minute.” Sweetie says.

===============

Meanwhile in the manor. “Diamond, there’s a couple of fillies outside the gate, are they friends of yours?” Filthy Rich asks hopefully

Diamond gets up and walks over to the window and looks out then mutters to herself. “It’s those blank flanks come to humiliate me again.” She looks over at her father who looks hopeful that she made a friend other than Silver Spoon, and finally answers. “They’re classmates of mine, I’m not sure we’re friends just yet.”

“Why don’t you go talk to them?” Rich asks. “Better than sitting around mopping all days since Silver Spoon couldn’t come over.”

“It was weird, something about the family business.” Diamond says. “But sure, I’ll talk to them.” She walks down out of the manor and to the gate. “What are you two blank flanks doing here?”

“We were hoping to talk to you dad.” Scootaloo says.

“Well, you got me. So state your business.”

“Diamond, I think we got off on the wrong hoof.” Scootaloo says. “You were hurting Apple Bloom’s feelings, and I didn’t feel right you laughing at her like that, I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings in the process.”

“Yeah, sure, so what do you want?”

“We understand you dad recently bought some property. We were wondering what he might of done with some of the items inside.” Sweetie answers.

“Oh you mean the house that belonged to that failure of a stuntpony?” Diamond asks mockingly.

“Why you!” Scootaloo lunges at the gate.

“Oh what is it little pegasus, is she sad that her daddy died?” Diamond asks treating Scootaloo as if she was a baby.

“I’m going to clobber you if I get my hooves on you.” Scootaloo says as she reaches through the gate trying to grab at Diamond Tiara.

“Now, now, I thought you wanted something of your daddy’s” Diamond says and Scootaloo suddenly stops. “I mean while else would you come here?”

Scootaloo sniffles. “Please I just want a picture, it’s in a frame, I was a newborn foal, right before my mom died. It has all of us, please Diamond Tiara.”

“It probably went into the burn pile, along with all the other useless junk we couldn’t sell.” Diamond laughs.

“Diamond!” Filthy Rich exclaims. “That is enough young lady.”

Diamond scowls at Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. “Fine.” She walks away.

“You’ll have to forgive Diamond, she doesn’t yet understand business.” Rich states as he opens up the gate. “Please come in, I think we have much to discuss.”

Sweetie and Scootaloo enter and Rich closes the gate behind them, then he leads them up to his office. “So what exactly can I do for you?”

“Mr Rich, sir, we understand that you bought Scootaloo’s father’s house.” Sweetie Belle starts.

“Why yes I did, it’s not everyday that good real estate comes up for sale. I have workers fixing it up to resale it, I hope to make a tidy profit off of it.”

“We were wondering what happened to the items inside of it.”

“Honestly I sold most of them to collectors. You’d be surprised how much money ponies would pay to have an item that used to be owned by a famous pony.”

“What about pictures?” Scootaloo asks, her voice cracking as she does.

“Pictures of him doing his stunts, or of him in costume I sold, but I have a feeling you’re talking about family pictures, aren’t you?” Rich asks.

Scootaloo nods. “Diamond said you probably burned anything you couldn’t sale.” Scootaloo starts sniffling.

I’m not a bad pony, I just have a bad reputation. I would never do something like that.” Rich says. “Come with me.” He walks down a hall and they follow him. He walks them to a door with a combination lock and quickly hoofs the lock open. The room is full of shelves full of boxes. Rich grabs a box with his forehooves and gently places it on the ground. “Pictures I couldn’t sell.”

Scootaloo walks over to the box and opens it up. Right on top is a picture taken at Ponyville General Hospital. Her wrapped up in a pink blanket, laying in her mother’s forehooves as her father stands on his hind legs, his forehooves resting on the bed rail as he looks over his new daughter. Scootaloo sniffles. “Right after this was taken, my mom suddenly hemorrhaged out and…..” she trails off unable to finish the thought.

“Why didn’t you take the picture with you?” Rich asks.

“The ponies who came for me said I could only take one thing. I took the scooter my father gave me. I asked if I could take the picture too, and they wouldn't let me. Said that everything else in the house belonged to the new owner.”

Rich growls. “I told them to let you take whatever you wanted.”

“I think it was the orphanage that had a problem with it, when I first got there I was sharing a room with a younger pony, but she quickly got adopted. They're saying I’ll probably live there until I’m old enough to move out own my own so their talking about giving me an actual room.”

“Do you want me to hold onto this for you until then?” Rich says. “You can have it all, if I find anything else that came from the house I’ll make sure you see it before I sell it. I really meant for you to take whatever you wanted and sell the rest.”

“Can we go ahead and take the box now?” Sweetie asks.

“Of course you can, but where would she put it?” Rich asks.

“I’ll put it in my room, that way she can come see it whenever she wants.”

“You’d hold onto this stuff for me Sweets?” Scoots asks tears in her eyes.

“Of course I would Scoots.” Sweetie answers. “What are friends for?”

“Go ahead and take the box.” Rich says and the two fillies immediately lift the box onto their backs and began trotting to the wagon.

“You two blank flanks find what you’re looking for?” Diamond snides at the two as they talk to the wagon.

“Actually we did.” Sweetie answers.

Scootaloo and Sweetie put the box in the wagon. “Thanks again Mr Rich!” Scootaloo calls out waving a forehoof as she does, then she buzzes her wings and they take off.

Author's Note

And I'm officially crying

Chapter 4: Teacher, Teacher

Takes place immediately following “Stare Master”

Chapter 4: Teacher, Teacher

“Oh come on Opal be a dear.” Fluttershy says as she convinces the cat to let go of Rarity.

“Thank you darling, you are a life saver.” Rarity says and a crash i sheard in the direction the crusaders traveled in. “I should be off.” With that Rarity chases after the crusaders. Fluttershy stands and watches Rarity apparently in deep thought.

“Something the matter Fluttershy?” Twilight asks.

“I was just thinking about those three fillies and how sweet they are.” Fluttershy answers.

“Yes they are, they certainly get into trouble don’t they?”

“It would be worse if they didn’t have a strong hoof to guide them. Apple Bloom has Applejack, Sweetie Belle has Rarity and Scootaloo has..” She pauses. “Who does Scootaloo have?”

“She looks up to Rainbow Dash.” Twilight answers.

“I was talking family Twilight, not a role model. Dash will be great for her to learn how to fly and everything, but she doesn’t even keep herself out of trouble how can we expect her to keep Scootaloo out of trouble?”

“You may have a point,” Twilight says. “Let’s go ask Cheerilee where Scootaloo lives and we can go talk to her, that would be easiest.”

Fluttershy nods. “Alright.”

The two of them walk to the schoolhouse and find Cheerilee there. “Hello there.” Twilight says.

“Twilight, what brings you here?” Cheerilee asks.

“I came to ask about one of your students.” Twilight answers. “We were wondering if you could tell us about Scootaloo, we wish to know where she lives.”

“I’m sorry Twilight, but you know I can't’ tell you that.” Cheerilee says. “It’s against the rules.”

“We just want to make sure her parents know what she’s up to.” Twilight says. “We’ve never seen them, so we have no idea if they have any idea the kind of mischief their daughter gets in.”

“You do have a good point Twilight,” Cheerilee says. “But I still can’t tell you where she lives. I will investigate this matter for you, will that make you feel better?”

“Of course.” Twilight answers. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.” Cheerilee says. “Now if you don’t mind I have a lesson plan to finalize.”

“Please forgive our intrusion.” Twilight says as she and Fluttershy leave.

“So what now Twilight?” Fluttershy asks.

“We’ll just have to trust Cheerilee to talk to Scootaloo’s parents, I’m sure that’ll help.”

“Alright.” Fluttershy says and with that they go their separate ways.

==========

After Fluttershy and Twilight leave Cheerilee gets up and pulls out Scootaloo’s file. “Let;s see here, where do you live Scootaloo.” Cheerilee gasps. “Ponyville Orphanage? Oh my, the poor dear. I suppose I should make sure the pony who runs the orphanage is aware of Scootaloo’s antics, since I did promise Twilight and Fluttershy.” Cheerilee packs up her work and heads to the orphanage.

Cheerilee walks into the orphanage and is immediately met by a dark blue earth pony mare. “Can I help you?”

“Do you run this orphanage?” Cheerilee asks

“I do. My name is Matron Mercy, and who are you?”

“I’m Cheerilee, the teacher at the school.”

“What did Scootaloo do?”

“Why do you ask that?”

“I only have the one child, Scootaloo, and she’s constantly getting into trouble. I do my best to take care of her, but I’m more attuned to taking care of young foals, not rambunctious preteens.”

“Then why the orphanage?”

“My special talent is taking care of young foals that can’t take care of themselves. They normally get adopted while they’re still young, but Scootaloo came to me above the age that normally gets adopted and well she’s been here since.”

“I see.” Cheerilee says. “Well, I had promised a concerned pony that I would make sure her guardian was aware of her antics, and it sounds like you are, so I best be on my way.” With that Cheerilee leaves.

Chapter 5: I Stand Alone

Takes place during “Sisterhooves Social”

Chapter 5: I Stand Alone

“Stupid Sisterhooves Social.” Scootaloo curses the event as she kicks a rock.

“Scootaloo, why aren’t you with your friends?” Fluttershy asks.

“They’re with their sisters at the Sisterhooves Social.” Scootaloo answers angrily.

“I take it Dash wouldn’t act as your sister?” Fluttershy asks.

“She had some kind of thing with the Wonderbolts.”

“Oh yeah, training wasn’t it?” Fluttershy asks.

“Yeah, so here I am, alone again.” Scootaloo says dejectedly as she kicks another rock.

“What about your parents?” Fluttershy asks and Scootaloo looks down at the ground. “Oh, I’m sorry, I said something wrong, didn’t I?”

“You mean you honestly don’t know?” Scootaloo asks with tears in her eyes.

“What is there to know?”

“I’m an orphan.” Scootaloo answers simply.

Fluttershy gasps and in a movement that would even make Dash gasp she takes wing and flies over to Scootaloo and wraps the filly in a hug. “Oh you poor dear, I had no idea.”

Scootaloo sniffles. “I thought everyone knew, after all this town is so small, and I have lived here my entire life.”

“You’ve never known your parents?”

“No, my mom died not long after I was born, my dad raised me until his accident. I’ve been in the orphanage ever since.”

“How long has that been?”

“A couple months, my dad was Danger Dare.”

“Your dad was Danger Dare?” Twilight asks as she comes up behind the two. Scootaloo nods. “He was a pony legend, so sad what happened to him.”

“Thanks.” Scootaloo says with a sniff, Fluttershy finally putting her down.

“Did you know Scootaloo here is an orphan?” Fluttershy asks.

“Ponyville has an orphanage?” Twilight asks surprised.

“Yeah, it’s run by Matron Mercy.” Scootaloo answers.

“I’m not sure I’ve met her.” Twilight says.

“She’s a dark blue earth pony, she keeps her mane tied up in a bun, her cutie mark is house with a heart in it. She told me she got it when she was foalsitting for her older sister. She realized that she wanted to help foals that couldn’t help themselves, so she opened up the orphanage.”

“So you've been at the orphanage since your father passed?” Twilight asks.

Scootaloo nods. “I’ll probably end up living there until I’m old enough to move out on my own, Matron Mercy says I’m older than the foals most ponies want to adopt, but she takes care of me, and at least I have a roof over my head.”

“You’re certainly taking this better than most ponies would.” Twilight says.

“I don’t have much of a choice.” Scootaloo says. “At least I have my friends, me and Sweets were friends before everything, and she’s for the most part she’s always been there for me.”

“Where is Sweetie Belle?” Twilight asks.

“Sisterhooves Social.” Scootaloo answers.

“Oh, that can’t help anything.” Twilight says.

“Scootaloo would you like to help me on my errands?” Fluttershy asks. “It may not be as fun as being with your friends, but at least you would have company. And if you have that wagon you pull around it would really help me get my errands done faster.”

Scootaloo smiles slightly at the timid pegasus’ offer. “Sure, why not, I ain’t got anything better to do anyway.” With that they head off to take care of Fluttershy’s errands.

===========

Later that afternoon Fluttershy comes by Golden Oaks Library. “Hello again, Twilight.”

“Hello Fluttershy, how may I help you?” Twilight asks.

“I was wondering if you had any books on,” Fluttershy blushes and whispers “adoption.”

“Pardon me,” Twilight says. “I’m not sure I heard that.”

Fluttershy takes a few breathes, and looks at Twilight nervously then speaks. “I want to read up on adoption.”

Twilight walks over to a set of shelves and magics down a couple books. “Are you thinking about adopting Scootaloo?”

“It was fun spending the day with her, she was really a big help. I think she enjoyed helping me too. So I want to read up on the process and see if it could even be possible.” Fluttershy answers.

“I have to admit even I haven’t read these books, but these books are shelved in the section about adoption so hopefully they contain something to help you.”

“Thank you Twilight.” Fluttershy says as she places the books in her saddlebags then leaves the library.

==========

Fluttershy sits in her cottage reading one of the books when Angel Bunny comes up and pats her on the flank. "What is it Angel darling?"

Angel points at the book, the cover of which depicting a mare hugging a foal. The title: 'Basics of Adoption.' Angel shakes his head.

"Now Angel,” Fluttershy sighs. “Scootaloo needs somepony to look after her, like you and your friends.”

Angel crosses his arms and shakes his head.

“Angel, come on, you seemed to like Scootaloo when she stayed here a little bit ago, and you know I’m not going love you any less.” Fluttershy says as she gets up and fixes Angel a salad. “Now come on, eat your salad and then maybe you and your friends can help me.”

Angel munches on the salad then looks at Fluttershy, as if to say ‘what do you want us to do?’

“I need to spruce this place up, I’m going to have to make a room for Scootaloo.”

Angel runs over and pounces on his bed.

“Oh heavens now Angel, I would never give up your space.” Fluttershy says. “I have some storage space next to my bedroom, we can clean it out, maybe we can fix it up for her.”

Angel nods, and runs off to get some of the other animals.

Fluttershy smiles. “We’ll make this work, I just know it.”

Chapter 6: All You Need Is Love

Takes place during “A Canterlot Wedding” Starts following the picnic scene, before they get on the train.

Chapter 6: All You Need Is Love

Rarity walks into her shop in complete bliss. “Oh this is going to be wonderful.” The bell chimes. “Oh, I’m sorry, I’m we’re going to be closed for awhile, I have to go to Canterlot.”

“Why do you have to go to Canterlot?” Sweetie Belle asks, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo behind.

“Sweetie Belle I didn’t realize it was you and your friends.” Rarity says. “I guess I should tell you since Applejack is probably on her way to the farm to tell her family. We have been invited to be part of a royal wedding in Canterlot.”

“A Royal Wedding?” Sweetie Belle asks.

“Princess Mi Amore Cadenza,” Rarity practically sings. “And I’m going to design the dresses. I have to pack, excuse me.”

“Of course, we’ll just get out of your way.”Sweetie Belle says as she pushes Apple Bloom and Scootaloo out of the Boutique. “Did you hear that?”

“Yeah, mah sister an yours are going to Canterlot, big deal.” Apple Bloom says.

“It’s a Royal Wedding, of a Princess, a Princess I’ve never heard of, we need to go see her.” Sweetie says.

“I think I’ll pass on that one Sweets.” Scootaloo says.

“Come on, if Rarity and Applejack are part of the wedding they’ll let us in too. We could get our cutie marks out of it.”

“We could be flower fillies.” Apple Bloom says. “I wonder what a cutie mark in being a flower filly would look like.”

“We won’t know if we don’t try.” Sweetie says.

“A’right. I’m in.” Apple Bloom says.

“Fine, I’ll come too.” Scootaloo says.

“Come on, let’s get to the train, we need to figure out how to get onboard without the others noticing.” Sweetie says.

“Why?” Apple Bloom asks.

“You think your sister will let you come when you haven’t been invited?”

“No.” Apple Bloom answers dejectedly.

“So that means we sneak on the train.” Sweetie says.

“Let’s go.” Scootaloo says as she puts on her helmet, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle put their helmets on as they climb into the wagon and they speed to the train station. She stops a few blocks away and they stow the wagon and scooter then continue on foot the rest of the way on foot arriving at the train the same time as the others. Rarity of course has a slew of bags, which Spike is carrying.

“Quick,” Sweetie says. “We’ll sneak into the last car while they're distracted.” She points to the porters helping Spike and the three fillies make a dash to the last car and hop on.

“Now what?” Scootaloo asks.

“We hide until the train leaves.” Sweetie says and they find hiding places.

=============

The crusaders watch as Spike carries the luggage from the train. “Come on girls, it’s time we got off this train.” Apple Bloom says. Sweetie and Scootaloo nod and follow Apple Bloom off the back of the train and they all immediately stop by a guard pony.

“Do you three have tickets from that train you just got off?” The guard asks.

“Funny story,’ Scootaloo chuckles looking to the others for help.

“We’re on a journey to find our cutie marks.” Apple Bloom says. “Mah sister and her’s,” points to Sweetie. “Were invited to the wedding, we snuck aboard the train in an attempt to get our cutie marks in helping with the wedding.”

“So your sisters don't know you're here, yet they’re at the castle and you were going to somehow help with the wedding without your sisters finding out?”

“It seemed like a good idea at the time.” Apple Bloom admits, “although the more I think about it, the more I feel like I shoulda planned it out better.”

The guard sighs. “And what might your sisters’ names be?”

“Applejack.”

“Rarity.”

The guard looks at the two of them in shock. “Your sisters are two of the elements of harmony?” Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle nod, and the the guard turns to Scootaloo. “And why are you here?”

“I’m their friend, we practically go everywhere together.” Scootaloo answers.

“I suppose that makes sense.” The guard says as he looks down at them. “So a journey to find your cutie marks huh?”

“Yeah, we’re the cutie mark crusaders!” Apple Bloom says.

“You know I have a little brother, just about the same age as you three, he’s been trying to get his cutie mark.”

Apple Bloom gasps. “We’d love to meet him, maybe he can be part of our group.”

“The guard chuckles. “We’ll see, he lives in Fillydelphia, for now why don’t you three come with me and we’ll get a roof over your heads and some food in you. Then if you want maybe I convince some of the other guards to train you a little.”

“Royal Guard cutie mark?” Scootaloo says looking interested.

“You never know.” The guard responds. “By the way, I’m Adamant Mail.” With that the three fillies follow him to the barracks.

==============

Some time later. “Well girls, I think it’s a offical.” Adamant Mail says. “You three are most certainly are not cut out to be Royal Guards in any way.”

“You never know until you try, right?” Apple Bloom says as she places the lance she has in her hoof down.

“You three gave it your all, that’s for sure.” Adamant replies. “I’m sorry we couldn’t get you three to see Princess Cadenza, or Captain Armor.”

“It’s alright, at least we’ll get to see the wedding.” Sweetie says.

“Speaking of which you three should get cleaned up.” Adamant says. “Some of the female guards dug through their belongs and brought you a selection of outfits to wear to the wedding.”

“I’ll show them where they are.” A female pegasus guard speaks up.

“Thank you, Slender Blade.”

Slender Blade leads the Crusaders to a series of rooms. and an area with a group shower. “This is where the mares shower, you should be okay to get cleaned up for the wedding here. I’ll wait here so I can take you down to the wedding when you are done.” With that they run to get cleaned up.

They come out dressed up a bit later, Scootaloo is wearing a lilac dress with violet accents, and violet shoes. Sweetie Belle is wearing a green dress with lavender accents, a lavender flower in her mane. Apple Bloom is wearing a blue dress with pink accents, and blue shoes, her mane is braided much like Applejack’s usually is, a blue flower sits in her hair. [Inspired by this image.]

“Miss Slender, we’re ready.” Apple Bloom announces. Slender Blade just continues to look up. “Something the matter?”

Slender lifts her right fore-hoof and points to the sky and the girls all look up just in time to see the shield crash and the changelings pour through. Adamant Mail gallops in. “Get the civilians to the bunker!”

At his command Slender Blade snaps out of her daze and grabs the three fillies in her fore-hooves and takes to the air carrying the Crusaders. She flies them to the bunker and pushes them inside. “Those are changelings girls, you stay here until we come back to get you. Lock the door, only we know your names so you’ll know if it’s us or not.” With that she shuts the door.

Apple Bloom walks to the door and sees there is a large bar that can be used to secure the door. “Come on girls, help me get this in place.” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle help her secure the door and they wait.

=========

Slender Blade raps her against the metal door. “Girls, let me in, the changelings have been repealed.”

“Who is out there?” Sweetie asks through the door.

“Slender Blade.”

“And who are we?”

Slender chuckles remembering the warning she told them before she herself closed the door. “Your names are Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo.” A thud is heard on the other side of the door and then the doors come up and the three fillies step out.

“What happened?” Apple Bloom asks.

“There was a changeling invasion.” A new male voice says. “I have to say I am partially at fault.”

Slender Blade turns around to see Shining Armor standing there. “Captain Armor.”

“What are these civilians doing here?” Shining Armor asks.

“Captain Armor, sir, please don’t punish them.” Sweetie says.

“It’s mostly our fault.” Scootaloo admits.

“I’m listening.” Shining Armor sees looking at the three intently.

“You see, we snuck aboard the train when our sisters came from Ponyville, we were hoping to be part of the wedding.” Apple Bloom admits.

“Your sisters?” Shining Armor says.

“Applejack.” Apple Bloom says.

“Rarity.” Sweetie says. “Scootaloo came along because she’s part of our group.”

“Your sisters are heroes, and while I’m not happy that you snuck on a train, I'm glad you are okay.” Shining Armor says. “I take it this is why I didn’t see any of the off-duty guards on the streets? They were defending the barracks and these three fillies?”

“Yes, sir.” Slender Blade admits.

“Good work.” Shining Armor says. “I will take care of these three.” With that he leaves, and the Crusaders follow him. He leads them up to the royal apartments to his fiance. “Cadance, darling.”

“What is it Shining?” Cadance asks. As she relaxes between deciding what everypony’s part in the wedding would be.

“I brought some fillies that wish to meet you.”

“OH?” Cadance smiles.

Shining Armor lets the three in. “Introduce yourself girls.”

“I’m Apple Bloom, this is Sweetie Belle, and that’s Scootaloo. We’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders.”

“Goodness, you three are just adorable!” Cadance says.

“We were hoping to be part of your wedding.” Apple Bloom says.

“Flower fillies maybe?” Sweetie Belle squeaks.

“I don’t see why not.” Cadance answers. “Let’s go see my dress maker, we’ll need to get you some dresses.”

“Yeah!” The girls exclaim as they follow Cadance, not realizing where they were going until.

“Sweetie Belle! What are you doing here?” Rarity yells.

“I take it you know these three ponies? " Cadance asks.

“Why of course, that's my sister and her friends."

"If you are so well acquainted then I'll leave them with you, and I expect you to have their flower filly outfits ready for the wedding."

"Of course." Rarity says and Cadance leaves. "Come on girls, let’s get you fitted."

Chapter 7: My Wish

Author's Note

I want to apologize for how short these last chapters are, I've puzzled and puzzled myself and just can't think of anyway to fluff them up.

Chapter 7: My Wish

Takes place during “Apple Family Reunion".

Chapter 7: My Wish

Scootaloo sits at the edge of the lake and picks a rock up in her hoof, she attempts to skip the stone on the water but is only rewarded with a solid plunk of the stone sinking. "That just figures." She mumbles to herself.

A stone is dropped by her hoof and the soft voice of Fluttershy says. "Try this one."

Scootaloo picks up the stone and notices how much flatter it is than the ones she's been using. She flicks her hoof and the stone skips on the water until it's out of sight. "Wow!"

"Told you it was a good one." Fluttershy says.

Scootaloo turns and sees Fluttershy standing behind her, almost a reassuring quality to the flightless filly. "Thanks Fluttershy."

"It was no problem."

"How did you know that rock would skip?"

"Twilight told me that flat rocks skip better. " Fluttershy answers and then they sit in silence for a while. "Scootaloo? "

"What's up Fluttershy?"

"Do you ever wish you still had your family?"

Scootaloo nods. "All the time." She pauses and looks at Fluttershy. "Why aren't you with your family? Everypony else is."

"Truth is I don't really have a family."

"Are you an orphan like me?"

Fluttershy shakes her head. "Not exactly like you. My family disowned me when I told them I was moving to live on the ground."

"Fluttershy, I had no idea."

"Nopony but you and Rainbow Dash knows. Rainbow was there for me, she moved to Ponyville after I did to help me."

"That’s real sweet of her."

"Dash can be sweet when she wants to be. Just don’t let her know I told you that."

“Don’t worry, I won’t.” Scootaloo says.. "It's got to be hard for you knowing they're there still. You could see them and they would just pretend not to notice you."

"I'm use to it Scootaloo, I've had my animals, but recently I've been thinking I want something more."

"What are you talking about, Fluttershy?"

"I looked into adopting a foal," Fluttershy answers. "They told me because of my animals I would not be allowed to adopt a real young foal, but I could adopt an older, harder to find a home for foal."

Scootaloo sniffles. "What are you saying?"

"Scootaloo, would you like for me to adopt you?." Fluttershy says then finds herself being hugged by Scootaloo. "I guess that's a yes."

==========

Scootaloo rides her scooter toward the orphanage. An extra zip in her small wings. She stops at Sweetie Belle’s house and knocks on the door.

Cookie Crumbles answers the door. "Well hello there Scootaloo, what are you doing here this evening?"

"I was hoping I could talk to Sweetie Belle for a while. Please?" Scootaloo asks with big eyes, her wings fluttering with excitement.

Cookie looks at Scootaloo. "It's kind of late, can't it wait until tomorrow?"

Scootaloo’s wings stop and droop down as she looks to the ground. "I suppose. Sorry for bothering you."

Cookie sighs hating to see the young pegasi’s sudden mood change. "Fine, you can talk to her."

Scootaloo grins and says, "thank you." Then zips to Sweetie’s room.

"Scootaloo!" Exclaims a surprised Sweetie Belle after Scootaloo bursts into her room.

"Sorry Sweets but I have the best news and could not wait to tell my best friend."

Sweetie giggles and sits on her bed. "Okay, I'm listening."

"Somepony wants to adopt me!"

Sweetie squeals in delight and hugs her friend. "Scoots I'm so happy for you."

"What with all the ruckus you two?" Cookie asks.

"Somepony wants to adopt Scootaloo!" Sweetie exclaims.

"Oh Scootaloo I'm so happy for you." Cookie says. "No wonder you wanted to talk to Sweetie right away. You must be excited."

"I am!"

So is it anypony we know?" Cookie asks.

Scootaloo nods. "It's Fluttershy."

"That's great, you'll still be in town. We'll still be able to get together." Sweetie says.

Scootaloo nods. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Chapter 8: Family

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 9: All The Small Things

Takes place during “Pinkie Apple Pie”

Chapter 9: All The Small Things

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle sit on Scootaloo’s bed. The box of photos between them. Sweetie holds up a picture of a much younger Scootaloo in a bathtub, soap suds in her mane. "I am so going to show all these to any coltfriend you ever have."

"Hey! It's Fluttershy’s job to embarrass me."

"You like living with her?"

"Duh!" Scootaloo answers. "This is so much better than the orphanage."

"I'm sure she's happy to hear that."

Scootaloo nods. "I tell her every day how much better my life is now. You know I've been getting real meals on a regular basis? At the orphanage I was lucky to get fed at all. Fluttershy seems to think they maybe why I'm having trouble flying."

"Not enough food?"

"More not enough of the right foods. The mare who runs the place is an earth pony and fed me as such, but apparently pegasi diets at our age need to be a bit different."

"So does that mean you'll be able to fly?"

"That's kind of iffy, cause I didn't have the proper nutrients my wings didn't grow when they should've. There's a chance that if I keep to this diet when I hit my next growth spurt they may catch up."

"We'll just have to wait and see huh?"

"Yeah, but at least there's a chance."

Fluttershy comes in carrying a tray of vegetables. "I brought you girls some snacks."

"Thanks Fluttershy." Sweetie says as she puts down the picture and eats.

Fluttershy picks up the picture and chuckles. "Look how small you were."

"Yeah, yeah." Scootaloo says.

"Oh, I almost forgot." Sweetie says as she gets up and goes to her saddlebags and pulls a package out. "It's a house warming gift from Rarity and I."

"Housewarming?" Fluttershy asks confused. "I thought that was for when you bought a house."

"I moved into one, so close enough?" Scootaloo asks and Fluttershy nods. Scootaloo opens the package to find a empty picture frame clearly made to hold several pictures and one frame meant to hold one picture.

"Rarity says we're all going to meet up tomorrow and get our picture taken. She hopes you'll use the large frame to remember your family as it is, and the smaller one to remember it as it was."

Scootaloo hugs Sweetie Belle tears in her eyes. "Thank you."

Fluttershy looks in the box and pulls out the framed picture from when Scootaloo was born. "You should keep this one close too."

Scootaloo lets go of Sweetie and hugs Fluttershy. "Thank you for everything."

"It's fine, after all it's my special talent."

"I thought your special talent was caring for animals?" Sweetie asks.

“It is," Fluttershy answers. "But after all; ponies are animals too."

Author's Note

And that's a wrap folks, thanks for reading.