Cheerilee stopped just outside the Mayor's office. She knocked at the door. "Come in." said a voice, and Cheerilee pushed the door open. She looked around. The walls were adorned with bookshelves, with many tomes on Ponyville's history, and another great many on Equestria in general. The floor was polished oak, but the walls were a nice, deep cherry wood. Several paintings hung on the walls, depicting previous mayors. A large window resided behind a pony, sitting at a desk. She kept typing, not taking her gaze off of the typewriter. She blandly stated, "Hello, I'm the mayor's secretary. Do you have an appointment to see the Mayor?" Cheerilee walked up to her, and had to stand up on her hind legs a bit.

"Umm, I'm here to search for family records for one Scootaloo."

The pony nodded, gesturing for her to sit. So Cheerilee sat, and the pony went to a large filing cabinet, which even had a ladder that you used, as it stood at least half a height taller than a normal pony. She looked through the cabinet, searching for a file that matched the request. Shaking her head, she turned to Cheerilee. "There are no records describing the pony called Scootaloo. Is this her real name?"

"Yes, I'm sure of it. She wouldn't lie."

The pony wiped her glasses. "I'm sorry ma'am, but there are no family records for this filly."

Cheerilee's gaze dropped, and she lowered her head. "Thank you, Ms. Secretary." She turned and walked out of the building, tears building up. She just wanted to help Scootaloo, why did everything have to be so difficult! She kicked at a small stone, and sat down, defeated. Her thoughts wandered to the poor filly, bruised and beaten, crying into her shoulder. The thought that someone could do that to a small, defenseless filly sent Cheerilee into a rage. She would find out who it was, even if it took all of her life.

:::

The Cutie Mark Crusaders were all in their treehouse, sitting on the floor. Scootaloo was asleep, she had said that today had been stressful to her, so she took a nap. What she forgot, however, was to keep her wings to her sides, so her injuries were in clear view. The other crusaders grew worried, and wondered if Miss Cheerilee knew anything about this, or if she even caused this. At this thought, they laughed. Miss Cheerilee wouldn't do this... right?

They were there for hours before Scootaloo stirred. Upon seeing her friends were staring at her wings, she quickly closed them. Apple Bloom looked extremely sad, and Sweetie Belle was on the verge of tears. "Guys, I-it's fine, just a few scratches, that's all." She knew that her excuse was lame, but it was better than having to explain why she was covered in marks. But alas, she had to do so anyway.

"Scoots, they aren't just marks. What happened?"

"Yeah, if it's yer problem, it's our problem too."

Scootaloo just looked at them, pain in her eyes. She took several deep breaths, and recounted her story. "I've always been a bit slower than other ponies, as you know. My wings still haven't formed properly, and my math skills are mediocre. Well, my father doesn't like me being slow. He sees me as a weakling, a no g-good, useless pile of crap..." She started to feel tears form in her eyes, but she continued. "My father is a drunk, rowdy, lying thief. He cheats at everything he can, and he thinks he can get whatever he wants just by taking it. One day, he was especially drunk, and threw a bottle at me, which hit my wing, cutting it. He then looked at me angrily, shouting at me, then he... he... he had his way with me, his own daughter..." She couldn't take it anymore. She completely broke down, and her friends could only try to comfort her. They all embraced, and shared their tears. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle didn't know what it was like, but they felt immense pain just the same. Pain for their friend, and her struggles.

:::

Cheerilee hunted around town, asking if anyone knew who Scootaloo's father was, or where she could contact other family members, but Nopony knew the answer. Her hooves had started to ache, so she sat down, exhausted. It began to rain, and she stared into the sky. What a fantastic time for you to show up. She sat there for a while, under cover of Twilight's tree. She saw some lights come on, and she got up, wet and exhausted. She knocked on the door, and waited. The rain was icy cold, and the fierce winds only added to it. Finally, the door was answered by Spike, Twilight's loyal assistant. He remembered Cheerilee immediately, and beckoned for her to come inside. The house was inexplicably warm, then she remembered that an alicorn lived here, of course they would know temperature magic. She heard hoofsteps, and turned to see Twilight Sparkle, their newest Princess, descend the stairs. She greeted her warmly, and asked if she would like some tea. Cheerilee accepted, and Twilight put the kettle on. They talked for a bit about school, and if they were learning anything about the Griffons yet. After a while of this, Cheerilee had to ask her question. "Prin... Twilight, do you know who Scootaloo's father might be. The unicorn thought for a bit, and said she would Write to Princess Celestia later. Cheerilee's eyes dropped, and she said goodbye. Once she was out the door, and out of earshot, she cried. She hurt for the little filly, and was just trying to help. But nopony know her father, so there were no leads. She was losing hope.

Author's Note

Well, I'm enjoying writing this very much, so let's see where this goes.