The Crusaders were in their clubhouse, drawing pictures. The air was warm outside, and a breeze traveled across the town. The three filly's were silent, the only noise being the wind howling through the walls. The world outside meant nothing, and they thought about everything that had happened to them previously. They thought it had been difficult, but it still held no comparison to Scootaloo's torment. They merely thought, and not a word was said for what seemed like decades. Finally, Sweetie Belle broke the silence. "So, Scootaloo, how have you been dealing with this all that time?"

Scootaloo laughed a bit at this, and took a bite of her sandwich. "My dad's a drunk, remember? So he'll leave a few of his unopened or unfinished drinks lying around, or I go to the store and purchase snack cakes. Lots and lots of snack cakes." Seeing her friends worried looks, she continued. "Well, what would you have me do! I can't just go out whenever and get my own liquor." They sighed, knowing that the only way to get anywhere was to keep speaking.

"Scoots, this ain't the way. Ya remember when we went to that cave, 'cause we thought it'd be fun? You didn't seem like you were ever NOT happy. Besides, you usually have us around. Drinking isn't the way ta handle this. Let us get hel..."

"NO! You can NOT get help! You have no idea what he'd do to me if he thought I went to get help. I've already asked Miss Cheerilee not to get involved, but I know her. She cares too much. I'm going to have to stay away from school for a while, unless he's too drunk to notice. Maybe then I'll actually be able to eat food, snack cakes are hardly sustenance."

Her friends felt sympathy for her. They never liked seeing anypony sad or desperate like this. Then, Apple Bloom knew what she could do to help. "Hey, come over to the house, we could at least get ya fed." Scootaloo brightened up a bit at this, and nodded. They all filed out, and across the farm, where the Apple residence was located.

:::

"Umm, Scootaloo, are ya sure you're alright? Ya seem mighty... peckish." The young filly was eating like it was her last meal, wolfing down her entire plate, then she erupted a small burp. She blushed, then thanked them. They sat around chatting for a bit, but the question came up.

"Scootaloo, why're ya so hungry? And where did those brui..."

Scootaloo coughed, earning a smack on the back from Apple Bloom. Scootaloo recovered, and said, "What? I'm just hungry, yep, that's what it is, and what were you saying about busses? I don't kno..."

Apple Bloom spoke up, not being able to contain it anymore. "Scootaloo is being abumfed." Scootaloo shoved her hoof in Apple Bloom's mouth, giving her a glare to rival Fluttershy's stare. Applejack looked at them with absolute curiosity, but let it go.

"What she means is, um, I'm being as cool as usual, heheh..." Scootaloo made a look towards Sweetie Belle, who just slowly shook her head. Scootaloo looked back at Applejack, but she just looked confused. Scootaloo gulped, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. She cleared her throat, and said, "Well, I better be g-going, got a busy schedule, so yeah, bye..." She walked out the door, and the rest of them sat there, puzzled. Apple Bloom just shook her head and started crying. Applejack tried to comfort her, but questions were running rampant in her mind. What was that about, and why did she dodge the questions? And why do I get the feeling she's hiding something? She wanted answers, but she wanted them from Scootaloo herself. She helped clear up the dishes, and went to her work again.

:::

Miss Cheerilee sat at a bench, eating her lunch. She was losing all hope of finding out who Scootaloo's father was. She had searched almost everywhere she could think of. Except Canterlot. Maybe the Princesses would know. She jumped up and rushed to the train platform. She was just in time to buy her tickets, and stepped into the train. After a few hours, they arrived at Canterlot's train platform. As soon as she stepped out, she was met with a messenger. He gave her a letter, and told her to sign. She did, and right after that, she looked around again. Great towers rose up like spines before her, and a lush park was off to one side, the trees moving in the gentle breeze. The air was mild, and Cheerilee found herself enjoying it all, until she remembered her letter, and her reason for coming here. She unfurled the letter, and read.

Miss Cheerilee, we understand you have concerns you wish to speak about. Please come to Canterlot Castle, and we shall continue this conversation. Princess Celestia

She set off for the castle. It stood high, shimmering in the sunlight, and stained glass windows flared as if on fire. Cheerilee was stopped by a guard, and asked what her business was. "I am here to hold an audience with Princess Celestia, I have questions I need answered." The guard nodded upon seeing her letter, and let her through. Upon entering, she didn't even notice the ornate halls, or the wonderful décor, but simply walked to the throne room. She entered, and saw the Princesses at their places. Princess Celestia looked up and saw Cheerilee walking toward them.

"Ah, Miss Cheerilee, I'm very glad you could come. I understand you have a predicament involving a filly from your school?"

Cheerilee nodded, after bowing, and said, "Yes I do. The filly's name is Scootaloo, and I'm looking for her father. I assumed you would know?"

Celestia nodded, and replied, "Why yes, he's one of my best advisors. Her father is Fancy Pants."

Author's Note

Dun dunn DUUUUUNNNNN!!! I bet you all were expecting Flash Sentry or something else, but isn't that a bit cliché? And also I'm trying to write longer stories, because short stories to me don't hold much enthusiasm. I obviously still take requests, because I enjoy writing, but I am trying to branch out a bit. And as always, constructive criticism is appreciated, and if you spot a mistake or two, please also note what chapter they are on, to save us all time and trouble. And if you dislike, don't hesitate to say why! Thank you.