Passing the Torchby FiremindChaptersFlying LessonsUnexpectedSchool DazeFlying LessonsScootaloo walked into Sugarcube Corner, practically buzzing with excitement. Today was the day she gave Pound Cake his first flying lesson. She'd promised years ago that if Pound hadn't learned to fly on his own by his seventh birthday or the day he got his cutie mark – whichever came first – that, as another pegasus child of earth ponies, she would teach him. As he had gotten his cutie mark – a bundt cake with green icing – shortly after his birthday (making him the first in his class to get one), she would have the chance to introduce one of her favorite things to a pony who looked up to her almost as much as she'd looked up to Rainbow Dash at his age. No sooner than the bell rang to announce the young mare's arrival, Pound ran out of the kitchen. “Hi coach Scootaloo! I'm ready and raring to go! I've been doing all those exercises you showed me at my cutecerina every day! Oh, and I've got a special surprise for you in the oven for when we get back! It's a new experimental recipe! Mom promised to keep an eye on it while we're out, and pull it when it's done!” “'Coach Scootaloo' … I like the sound of that. Thanks, I appreciate that. Now, before we go, make sure you have a towel or two, and some bottled water.” “Already on it” the colt replied, grabbing his saddlebag, which was apparently already packed. “Let's go! Where to?” “The fields between Quills and Sofas and the school. There's a gentle slope that should help, and the wind is just right.” * * * * * “Feel, don't think” Scootaloo said, “Feel your magic flowing through you … feel it flow from your heart towards your wings. Feel the winds calling to you.” They'd done some warm-ups, and she'd shown her student a few things to work through on his own in between lessons, and now she decided to get into the heart of things and see how he progressed. “I … I think I feel it …” Pound Cake replied, his eyes were closed in concentration. “It feels warm … almost like melted butter.” “Only you would put it in those terms.” The teenage Pegasus smiled broadly to herself. “Try to push the magic out.” “OK” Pound began to rise as magic both negated some of his mass and gave him lift. “Way to go! You're a natural. Now how about we try a few flaps, channeling your magic through your wings.” “Ok, here goes … ” The colt's wings immediately went into overdrive, buzzing furiously, popping him up in the air. “Slow down, Pound. You're going nowhere fast like that.” Scootaloo knew this particular problem all too well … and how to fix it. “Try it at about one or two wing-beats per second. Slow, powerful strokes.” “Oops!” Correcting himself, Pound began moving forward, and slowly gained altitude. His teacher took wing behind him, pacing him from below and behind. “Don't worry about that. It's a common error. I'm just glad we're not having to fix it after you've been doing it for years. Let's take a loop around the school and back for now.” She knew he'd want to push himself a bit, enjoy the thrill of flying unassisted for the first time, and that the route she had in mind was a good distance, if a bit ambitious for a first flight, and had relatively few obstacles. “And don't worry … I'll be right with you the whole way. Think you can handle that?” “Yeah, no problem!” Pound panted. Despite his enthusiasm, he clearly was starting to get winded, and half the distance to the school still lay ahead of them, to say nothing of the return trip. “Pace yourself,” Scootaloo reminded him. “No sense in wearing yourself out.” “OK” … Pound did indeed slow down, his face set in determination. They swung around Ponyville Elementary and turned back. By the time they were halfway back, he was obviously running out of steam. “My wings ache, coach. Help me land.” “Alright, it's fairly easy … step one is to slow down and slowly lose altitude; just glide for now, angle down a little more.” She beamed watching him follow through. “Almost there … we're almost down to ground level, this part can get a bit tricky … you're going to start running in the air while descending … just like that. And just turn your glide into a run.” Pound managed it with only a couple missteps, decelerating as quickly as he could. “That … was … awesome” he managed in between breaths. “Yeah, it was … you did great! You just did in half an hour what took me six months. “ “Really?! You're joking?” The colt fished a water bottle out of his saddlebags and drank greedily. “Nope … of course, most of that was me breaking all of the bad habits I picked up before I started getting lessons. Oh, and don't overdo it on the water right now.” “OK. Glad I have an awesome coach, then.” “Now, let's work through some cool-down exercises, then we can go enjoy the surprise you mentioned earlier.” * * * * * Pound led Scootaloo back into Sugarcube Corner, a towel over his back and another in his mane, and his exuberance plainly obvious. “Ok, I'll work on practicing takeoffs and landings, continue the exercises you showed me, and all that stuff between now and next Moon's Day. I promised you the first taste of an experiment that Aunt Pinkie and I came up with; it's more of a new twist on the familiar than anything groundbreaking … it should be just about ready to eat by now.” One glance at the counter showed that it was indeed ready, and labeled “Pound's Experiment; not for sale YET” - the last word was obviously Pinkie's addition to a sign his mother had made. “A key lime pie? Stars, yes!” Scootaloo's mouth watered in anticipation, knowing that her young student had inherited his parents' ability in the kitchen, as well as bringing his boundless creativity and enthusiasm to bear on whatever culinary project he set himself on. “That sounds awesome!” “Aunt Pinkie and I kicked it up a notch,” The colt could not resist quoting a rather famous Unicorn chef. “I'm going to have a piece too, that workout made me hungry.” He cut two slices out of the pie and put each on a plate. Setting both on a tray, he told Scootaloo to have a seat before going into the back to retrieve two glasses of milk. Carrying the tray over to the table that the Crusaders had claimed as their own years before (and still used to this day), he joined her. “Go on … try it … let me know what you think!” Scootaloo noticed flecks of something reddish in the pie as she took her first bite, noticing a surprising but oddly familiar undertone to the pie. “What's the red stuff?” “Habanero peppers” He replied, just as the heat kicked in. Steam poured out of the mare's ears and nose, right before she chugged her entire glass of milk. “Not bad” The orange Pegasus managed weakly, “Next time, warn me ahead of time if you put something spicy in something. Normally, I can handle spice just fine if I know it's there, but that really caught me off guard!” “OK. Hey Mom? Can you get Scootaloo some more milk please?” “Sure! I take it the pie was a bit much.” Cup Cake had apparently anticipated the reaction, and was soon at the table carrying a pitcher of milk. “Nah, that was awesome! Thanks. I just wasn't ready for it.” As the blue mare turned to walk back behind the counter, Scootaloo made a quick request. “Could I get four maple icing rolls to go? Applebloom's been having a rough week, and I want to do something nice for her.” “Sure, I'll get them ready for you” “Speaking of Applebloom … “ Pound began, unsure of himself for the first time that evening, “Pumpkin asked me to ask you something. She's been jealous of me since I got my cutie mark, and wants to start the Cutie Mark Crusaders back up with some of her friends, if that's OK with all of you. Is it?” “Tell her that I don't mind. Am I going to have to ask the girls, or is somepony else going to?” “Uh, I think they have somepony else handling that. Pumpkin told me, but I can't remember who right now.” “Cool. The more I think about it, the more I think that sounds like a great idea … and we really need to do something awesome to pass the torch.” UnexpectedApplebloom watched the bathroom clock tick away the seconds, not daring to look at the device sitting on the side of the sink until the sixty seconds were up. Even though she knew in her heart of hearts what results it would display, to look would make things all too real. Besides, she'd been taught too well about watched pots. Or in this case, watched pregnancy tests. At last, the infernal clock announced that the moment of truth had arrived. Applebloom forced herself to look, and sure enough, there was a pink plus sign. Even though she'd expected this, she collapsed onto the floor in tears. Sobbing, she mumbled “Mah life is over! I'm barely sixteen and I'm … I'm pregnant” After a few minutes alone with her thoughts, Applebloom heard a knock on the door, accompanied by her sister's worried voice. “You alright in there? I heard you crying.” Knowing her sister could smell a lie from a mile away, she thought desperately for a way to deflect suspicion without falsehood. Alas, she wasn't quick enough, and the door opened. Now, if only she could keep Applejack's eyes on her and not on the incriminating piece of plastic long enough for her to inconspicuously knock it into the wastebasket. “I'd rather not talk about it right yet” she managed “Still a mite fresh” “Does it involve Featherweight? Ah swear, if he hurt you, Ah'm gonna buck him into next year!” Applejack's eyes were orbs of green flame, her legendary protectiveness only growing fiercer every year – doubly so after the birth of her foals, Apple Cinnamon and Candy Apple. “Yes, but not the way you think … “ just another inch or two to the right, and she could brush away the evidence unseen with her tail. Gotcha! A simple sweep sent it sailing gently in, landing silently in the trash can. “Like Ah said, I'll talk about it when I'm good and ready.” There, evidence is hid well enough for now. Before the sisters could go another round with each other, a knock on the door interrupted them, followed by a filly's voice. “Excuse me, but I have to powder my muzzle.” “We'll be right out, Cinnamon.” Applejack replied, turning to open the door. “We? There's only one commode in there!” Applebloom could hear the exasperation in her niece's voice. As the mares departed, the burnt orange filly slipped in, quickly muttering “Thank you kindly” before slamming the door. “We'll talk about this later” Applebloom reiterated, before beating a hasty retreat to her bedroom. Upon reaching it, she flopped bonelessly onto her bed, letting the down-filled softness cradle her as she sobbed. After crying for what seemed like an eternity, she began to collect herself using some breathing exercises Princess Twilight taught her as a filly; after all, she needed to approach this rationally at some point, the sooner the better. Breathe in peace, breathe out love … breathe in peace, breathe out love. After a few more minutes, she found herself reasonably calm and steady, if not completely out of the woods. Now, to look at her situation with a clear mind and heart; to form the beginnings of a plan. First off, she needed to tell the adults in her family … the foals could wait, but AJ and Big Mac needed to know, as well as Caramel, Cheerilee, and Fluttershy. Telling AJ was inevitable – her big sister would certainly be looking in on her soon, and was a good listener, provided she kept her temper in check. The others would be fairly easy to approach. Fluttershy knew that she might be, but would keep mum, especially without confirmation. Also, she needed to tell Featherweight … as soon as possible. Her wonderful coltfriend knew something was off, had asked, and respected her desire to tell him when she was ready. Her friends also needed to know – she'd need their support in the coming days, weeks, and months. Now to think longer term … how did she wish to proceed? She'd wanted foals of her very own ever since she could remember, had loved babysitting the Cake twins – even if they drove her up the wall – as well as her nieces and nephews, who she absolutely adored, and loved her right back. Was she ready to be a Mom, though? She was only 16, and still in school … she had a lot of growing up to do still. Some quick mental math relieved her fears about school – if she carried the foal to term, it'd be born a week or so after the Summer Sun Celebration, and Princess Twilight would make sure she could take a light load in the fall term, especially if she took what extras she could this year to compensate. Note to self: add Princess Twilight to the list of ponies I need to talk to. The fact that she'd grown up without her mother in her life also complicated things, but not as badly as it could've been, what with AJ being her surrogate mom ever since her … mother … died … in … childbirth! Must talk to a doctor A.S.A.P! Need to find out if this foal will put my life in danger! Oh sweet Celestia, I don't want to die, I'm too young to die … I'm too young! Tears overtook rational thought again, until a knock mercifully sounded on the door some aeons later. “Come in,” she managed. She already knew her sister was the one knocking, even before the door opened. What surprised her was Applejack carrying the dreaded pregnancy test in a baggie. “Cinnamon noticed this in the bathroom garbage, and came and asked me about it. Care to explain?” That brought Applebloom out of her crying jag. “Yes, it's mine,” she began as she climbed off of her bed to easier look her sister in the eye. “Yes, it's positive, and before ya ask, I got it from Fluttershy.” Drawing to her full height, she looked down at her older sibling, briefly relishing in the novelty of her height before continuing. “And don't you buckin' dare preach to me, 'cause that won't do you any damn good!” Momentarily taken aback by her sister's vehemence, Applejack took a deep breath before she opened her mouth to speak. “OK, I won't. I Pinkie Promise.” The elder mare went through the motions before continuing, “Jes' please tell me that it's Featherweight's, and that you've been using protection.” “Yes to both … I haven't slept with anypony else, and we've used condoms every time … it's jes' … one broke a couple weeks back. And no, you don't want know anything more than that.” “I see … I'm glad you were smart about it, even if your precautions did fail.. It wasn't your first time, now was it?” Applejack's voice held no accusation, only sympathy. “Nope … that was back on Hearts And Hooves Day … “ Applebloom sat back down on her bed, motioning for her sister to join her. “I see … yer luckier than I was … “ Applejack mused quietly as she climbed onto the bed. “AJ? Really? You never told me.” “It stung to admit … still does, somewhat … I hadn't felt that vulnerable since Ma died an' left me an' Mac to raise you. Hay, I was younger than you are now, and you didn't turn out too bad.” “Speakin' of Ma … I'm scared … Ah really don't want to die … like she did.” “Yer gonna want to talk to a doctor, but there shouldn't be anything to be scared of … Ma was an older mare who chose to continue a risky pregnancy, knowing the odds full well. And I know you've only really seen pictures, but it didn't help that she was skinny as a rail and pushing out a very large foal. Not to mention that this was hot on the heels of Pa's death.” Her sister's words soothed Applebloom's worries greatly. She began to open her mouth to ask more about her mother, but was interrupted. “It sounds like you're already planning on keeping this foal?” “I'm leaning towards it, but Ah still need to talk to Featherweight and a doctor, at very least, before I'm committed. I think I can do this, but not alone. I'll need your help, among others.” “Of course … what's family for, after all. You can count on all of us.” Applejack smiled broadly, “Maybe not Candy, but Cinnamon was off begging Cheerilee and Fluttershy for a new cousin the day before yesterday. She'll help out at least as much as you helped me with her.” At that point, a knock on the door interrupted the sisters, followed shortly by Cinnamon not-quite-shouting “Auntie Bloom, Miss Scootaloo is here to see you, and she has a present!” “Speak of Tirek and see his horns!” Applejack laughed “Not that I feel like fighting him again, mind you. Still, you need your friends just as much as you need your sister right about now.” With that, both sisters rose from the bed. As Applebloom headed downstairs, she heard AJ inquire about the filly's homework, and nostagia rose up in her heart, remembering the same questions asked of her. A part of her deeply missed that past, despite all of the good things in her life now. Some constants remained, however – like her best friends, one of whom was casually sitting ON the dining room table, despite having been warned not to do that far too many times to count. “Scootaloo, I'm really glad to see you, and you're my best friend, but could you please, please, please get your plot off the dang table! We eat offa that, you airhead!” “OK, Mom.” Scootaloo replied, her voice lilting with good-natured sarcasm. Applebloom immediately made the wrong conclusion in the heat of the moment. “How the hay did you know!?” “Know what?” The Pegasus's face scrunched up in puzzlement, before realization hit her in the face like a brick covered in tree sap. “Oh BUCK A DUCK!” After four voices shouted at her to watch her language, she timidly asked to move the conversation out to the barn. Applebloom agreed enthusiastically, letting Caramel know on her way out the door that the table needed to be washed before anypony ate off of it. “Before we talk, I want you to have the present I got you … it's just a little thing, but … yeah. Go on … open it … it's not like the can of 'mixed nuts' we gave Professor Shimmer on April Foal's Day.” Applebloom took the box and opened it at Scootaloo's urging, briefly wincing at the word “foal”. In it were four of Sugarcube Corner's maple icing rolls, massive cinnamon rolls practically smothered in … well … maple icing. She took one before closing the box, intending to save the rest for later. She bit into it, savoring the textures and flavors. It's amazing, really, how much such a simple thing can do for my spirit. “Once you're done eating that, you can tell me what's been eating you.” Scootaloo's cheesy play on words made her smile. After finishing the treat somewhat more quickly than she would've liked, Applebloom met bluntness with bluntness. “As you might've figured out from my reaction earlier, I'm pregnant. Just confirmed it today. Yes, it's Featherweight's; yes, we've been using condoms, but one broke; and no, I haven't told him yet … only ponies I've told so far are you and my sister.” “Damn … “ Scootaloo pulled her into a hug. “I'm here for you, no matter what … Crusaders stick together, no matter what; even after we get our cutie marks and hang up our capes.” “Thanks … I am really relieved to hear that. I knew it in my heart of hearts, but it's still good to be reminded, especially in times like this.” “With that said, a part of me isn't surprised … you and Featherweight have been humping like bunnies just about every chance you get. Especially since there has to be something in the water these days … Rarity's pregnant; so are Professor Shimmer and Trixie, I mean 'Professor Lulamoon', not to mention a bunch of other mares in town … and now you. Hay, rumor has it that Pinkie and Rainbow Dash are looking into having a foal, though nopony knows if they're going the donor route or the 'Ask Princess Twilight' route.” “Scoots, I love you like a sister, but put a sock in it!” “Kinky …” Scootaloo's remark only prompted a raised eyebrow from Applebloom. “Sorry, you're in a real pickle, my dirty mind is the last thing you need right now.” “Yeah, although maybe I could do with laughing a bit more.” The Earth Pony smiled in spite of herself. “Oh, how about I ask AJ and Caramel if you can stay for dinner?” “Sure, it beats another dinner at the bar.” “Dang straight!” “I only really eat there so much because Mom works there, and it's free. Oh, and speaking of my mom, you should totally talk to her at some point.” “Yeah, she was younger than me when she had you, after all.” Applebloom smiled, knowing for the first time in at least a week that deep down that everything would turn out OK. It might get rough for a while for her, but she'd make it through. “I'm going to tell Sweetie, Silver, and the rest of the crew tomorrow at lunch.” A short laugh punctuated her train of thought. “I don't know which is odder, Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara being part of our circle of friends, or remembering how bad they used to be compared to how they are now. Mostly, I'm just glad that things are different with them now, though … especially at times like these.” Author's Note First off, I've deliberately kept Applebloom's and Applejack's "Funetik Aksent" mostly off the page, with only a few hints of it here and there. This is because I don't want it distracting from the story, especially in scenes like this. I can change that if it's lack is more jarring. Also, there is a fair bit of backstory I've hinted at, which I will clarify down the line, but for now, I'm going to confirm that yes, Big Mac is in a herd with both Fluttershy and Cheerilee, and in this timeline and my headcanon, that is something that happens infrequently in Equestria, and is treated as mildly quaint. School DazeSomething feels wrong Sweetie Belle mused sleepily as she walked through the familiar halls of Princess Twilight's School for Gifted Ponies. Drawing on her lessons from the aforementioned princess, she made a mental checklist of her usual morning. Saddlebags … check; makeup … check; breakfast … check; marefriend … no check. Silver Spoon had indeed failed to greet her with a kiss, and on further reflection, Sweetie hadn't seen her all morning. I'm a bad marefriend! Still, it was better to fix a problem rather than dwell on it, so she set out to find her. As methodically as she could while still half awake, she began searching the places that Silver Spoon would likely be, coming up empty. Not in the mares' room, not at her locker, not in the lunchroom … but Diamond Tiara is! She probably knows. “Hello, Diamond, have you seen Sliver Spoon?” “I have; she's out back moping, I was about to bring her this tea; she had a fight with her dad last night.” “Another one?” Sweetie took the tea in her magic, largely out of habit. “Yes. They're getting worse and more frequent.” Hints of worry flickered across Diamond's eyes as she spoke, the emotion still looking somewhat alien on the former bully's face. “Ouch … she needs to get out of there. How bad was this one?” If the last one almost got her kicked out … “Bad … past that, it's not really my place to say. Let's bring her tea to her, and you can cheer her up.” * * * They found Silver Spoon right where Diamond Tiara said she'd be … slumped against the side of the school portions of Princess Twilight's castle, apparently watching the rain fall from the shelter of an overhang. “Hey, Silvy. You hanging in there? Diamond told me you had another fight with your dad.” Sweetie moved immediately to embrace the gray mare, who weakly returned it. “Have some tea and let it all out.” The pink Earth Pony said as Sweetie extended it in her magic. Silver took it with a weak smile, but clearly was wanting to talk to her marefriend first and foremost. “Not really …” Silver Spoon nuzzled the off-white Unicorn, fighting tears. “As wonderful of a marefriend you are, I really wish I was into colts … then I might not get called an abomination every night … and get blamed for everything that goes wrong in his life. Last night he blamed me for costing him all the business he used to do with your families.” “The retrograde plot-for-brains brought it on himself!” The pink mare growled, shaking her head, eyes hard. “Rarity's been itching to ditch him for years … maybe it's time you let him go too. Your Aunt Ivory has offered to take you in more than once, and you know you're welcome at the Boutique.” Sweetie almost sang the last bit … she would like it if her marefriend moved in with her sister, especially since the Boutique only had ONE spare room for the time being. “Maybe … after all, it's just a matter of time before he kicks ME out. I don't know if he won't try to go after whoever took me in, though” Silver shuddered, pulling Sweetie closer. “You know, to make it more of a punishment.” “I'd like to see him try, but going after his sister-in-law – who just so happens to be the mayor – will come back to bite him HARD, to say nothing about going after a Bearer of Harmony. Hay, I'd invite you to come live with me, but … ” Diamond stopped short as the school's bell announced the start of classes. “C'mon, we need to go; we're late!” “I think I'm not going … at least not to this one. We're just going to be cold-alloying pewter … I've been doing that since I was eight.” “I'll stay with you, dear. I'm here for you. Always.” Sweetie punctuated her statement with a quick kiss. “I can't afford to miss class. I'll see you at lunch, okay?” Diamond announced quickly before dashing off. “Ok. See you. Thanks for the tea.” Silver replied to her oldest friend's departing form. After Diamond had left, she lay down on the grass, motioning for her marefriend to join her. “Sweetie, my love, would you sing to me?” Sweetie accepted with her marefriend's invitation to cuddle. “One private concert coming up … just you, me, and the rain. Any requests?” * * * “Excuse me, is this the right room for the Advanced Pegasus Magic class?” The voice behind Scootaloo was rich and masculine, with an accent that she couldn't quite place. “Yes, it is” she replied, turning. The voice came from a rugged looking Thestral stallion about her age. Whoa mama! She had to keep herself from staring at the obvious muscles under his steel-gray coat, only for her violet eyes to meet his warm, silvery orbs. “Come on in, nopony's claimed the seat next to me yet.” She gestured in a calculatedly flippant manner to the chair to her right. “I'm Scootaloo, by the way.” “Pleased to meet you. I am Darksteel … I am new here.” “I could tell; I'd have noticed you sooner if you weren't. Why don't you tell me tell me a bit about yourself before the professor gets here? We're way early, so we have a few.” “Of course. For starters, my special talent is forging weapons.” He turned around to show Scootaloo his cutie mark – a hammer and anvil with a white-hot blade on it – along with the rest of his toned flank. “Yes, I know it's mostly an Earth Pony thing these days, but the Thestrals and Pegasi of old used to make the lightest and swiftest blades in the world; and I've done what I can to resurrect their techniques. What's yours?” Scootaloo turned to show off her own winged-wheel-on-fire mark, hoping he also took the opportunity to check her out in return. “Extreme sports, though I also know a lot about athletics in general, along with some choreography … especially stunt choreography. I'm also starting to do a bit of coaching on the side … just flying lessons for now, but I'm hoping to get a foals' air hockey team going.” “Interesting … if you do get it going, my younger sister might be interested, she's five, going on six, and could use an outlet for her energy.” “Awesome, I'll let you know if I can get it going … what brings you to Ponyville, by the way?” “My parents are both in the Guard, and my mom just took a promotion into Princess Twilight's guard, and my dad took a sideways move here to be with her.” “Cool … my dad was in the guard … before he died …” Scootaloo trailed off, her eyes and voice heavy with the memory of loss. “So sorry to hear that.” Darksteel replied, his voice full of sympathy, before an awkward silence settled in. A silence broken a short while later by a tan Pegasus walking in. “Hello Scoots, hello new person” “Hey Featherweight! Meet Darksteel; Darksteel, meet Featherweight.” The young mare cheerily made the introduction, glad to get her mind off the past. “Featherweight and I go way back … known each other since grade school.” “Pleased to meet you as well … are you two an item?” “Nope! I'm single and free!” Scootaloo replied, almost a bit too hastily, before adding “And Feathers here might as well be married to my best friend Applebloom.” “Ahh, I see … while we're on the subject of introductions, why don't you tell me about yourself?” Was it just Scootaloo's ears, or had Darksteel sounded slightly relieved to find out that she was available? The thought made her heart flutter. “Well, my special talent is Pegasus Magic, but I mostly use that to get better shots with my camera. I'm a photographer, and occasionally a cinematographer as well. Dunno if I want to do news photography more, or if I want to go into films more … I mean, I've already done stuff for the paper, and that was fun, but doing indie films was fun too …. especially the musical version of Cupcakes! I mean, two of the Elements of Harmony playing themselves as over-the-top cheesy as they could, singing, while one has her hooves buried in what's supposed to be the other's insides, but was a strawberry-flavored prop that the entire cast and crew got to eat part of after we were done with it, and the whole thing is based on a nightmare that Pinkie Pie had once, and Rainbow Dash said sounded like an amazing horror movie.” Upon seeing the other two ponies' faces, Featherweight paused. “Sorry, am I rambling? I've only had five cups of coffee this morning.” “Five?! I think you've had enough, Feathers.” “You did the camera work for Cupcakes!? I love that movie!” Darksteel's eyes shone with awe as he replied. “Yep … also helped with a lot of the storyboarding, and helped with the lighting too.” Before Featherweight could launch into another high-speed monologue, an older blue-white stallion with one of his wings in a cast entered the room, a pack of young Pegasi following close behind. “Was that Soarin? The Wonderbolt?!” Darksteel nearly gasped in shock. “Yeah … he decided he'd teach a class while he's recovering from that epic wipeout he had in Las Pegasus. He's pretty chill as long as you don't fawn all over him.” Scootaloo whispered back. Soarin' shuffled some papers as he walked to the front of the classroom, “Ok everypony, time to get settled; before we can go play with the rainstorm that Princess Twilight has graciously let us park over her castle, we need to go over some theory.” The class groaned collectively, to which Soarin' replied “Theory might bore some of you, but head knowledge is just as important as anything hands-on, especially when dealing with something you haven't dealt with before. Knowing your theory well can often mean the difference between life and death, especially when you're playing with lightning, or traveling near the speed of sound at treetop height. It saved mine a month ago. Now, let me quickly take roll before we get started, OK?. First off, Airburst?” * * * “Ok, how did it go? Did everypony ask who they were supposed to ask?” Pumpkin Cake announced over the lunch table, her food completely untouched. “I asked Scootaloo after our flying lessons, and she's game.” Pound Cake's mouth was full of some fancy pastry he'd made, and Pumpkin knew it had to have something weird in it. “Wants to do something to pass the torch from them to us too … which sounds like a blast!” That got some cheers. “Auntie Bloom's OK with it, though her mind was off on something else, and when I asked what, she told me it was 'none of my beeswax'.” Cinnamon seemed aghast at that last bit. “Oh, and Scootaloo showed up for dinner out of the blue, but I didn't have a chance to ask her a thing.” “Good thing my dear brother was handling that, then. What about you, Winesap? Oh, and who is your new friend?” Pumpkin glanced between Cinnamon's slightly younger cousin and the dark blue Thestral filly next to her. “Yeah, I saw Sweetie Belle while I was at the Ponytones practice with Pa and Mama Fluttershy, and she thinks it's a great idea. Ma and Mama Fluttershy made me Pinkie Promise to be careful crusading, though, and Pa 'Eeyup'ed' their concerns.” The red-violet filly gestured to her companion. “Oh, and this is Midnight Star, she just moved here, and doesn't know anypony in town yet, so I decided I'd be her friend, and introduce her to all of you.” “Hello Midnight Star” Pumpkin's greeting was soon echoed by the rest of the regulars. “Pleased to meet you.” “Pleased to meet all of you … ohhh, this is going to be great … Winesap's been gushing all morning about the adventures you have planned.” Midnight's golden eyes shone with excitement as she bounced in her seat. “I hope we do all the stuff she says her aunt did, and all of the other stuff she said we'd do, and I have a few ideas I want to try too!” “Oh hey, sorry I'm late.” A chestnut brown Pegasus colt announced his arrival as he took a seat. “Had to talk to the teacher about the science fair in a few months. So, what'd I miss? Are we good to go?” “Hey Flywheel! We are!” Pumpkin smiled, “Everypony on three … one … two … three.” “New Cutie Mark Crusaders YAY!” * * * “Hey Applebloom! You doing any better today?” Sweetie Belle greeted her old friend as she approached the lunch table where Sweetie was sitting with Silver Spoon. “Somewhat … at least I know a little bit more, enough to move on forward. It's high time I told y'all anyway, but I'm gonna ask y'all to Pinkie Promise not to tell anypony without my permission.” “Cross my heart, hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye” Silver and Sweetie replied, going through the motions – echoed by Diamond Tiara right behind Applebloom. Applebloom barely restrained from jumping in surprise. “Dagnabbit, don't sneak up on me like that!” “My apologies. Please continue.” The pink mare nodded, taking her usual seat. “Apology accepted.” The yellow Earth Pony waited her enemy-turned-friend take her seat before continuing. “The short version is … well … I'm pregnant.” She silenced the replies her friends were beginning to make with a gesture. “I know y'all have a bushel of questions, so I'm gonna get the obvious ones outta the way. First off, yes, it's Featherweight's, and yes, we've been using condoms, but one broke on us. Second, I haven't told him yet; I didn't confirm it until yesterday because that's when I could bum a test off Fluttershy, and I haven't seen him yet today. I've only told AJ, Caramel, and Scoots so far. Third, if the pamphlet that came with it is right, I'm about five weeks along, which means I'm due a little after the next Summer Sun Celebration. And third, I don't right know what I'm going to do; I need to talk to Featherweight and a doctor at very least before I decide for sure. I do like the idea of being a mom, though, but that depends on what Feathers and the doc have to say … there, that about sums it up.” “I think I speak for all of us here,” Diamond began, “When I say that I'll support you no matter what, and will do anything I can to help you.” “Thank you … that really means a lot to me.” “With that said, I don't think you're ready to be a parent.” The pink mare held up her hoof to cut off the retort that Applebloom was obviously readying. “Hear me out, please. While I think you have what it takes to make things work in the long run; it would throw your life into chaos, and those disruptions to your career, your social life, and your development will have long-lasting repercussions for you, and for your foal. On top of the mountain of statistical evidence that's out there, you know people who've gone through this. Your brother and sister experienced a lot of this raising you, and Peach Delight got the full deal raising Scootaloo with her ex-coltfriend only really providing financial support and the occasional weekend. While it is your decision, I strongly urge you to choose differently.” “I … yeah, I see where you're coming from.” Applebloom sighed deeply before continuing, “And I trust you … we've been friends for six years now, and in that time, you've not led me astray. That said, I don't like the idea of an abortion … I'm not going to prevent somepony else from getting one, but it don't sit well with me unless it's medically necessary.” “I didn't say anything about an abortion, adoption's an option too!” “I don't like the idea of carrying a foal for nearly a year and then just handing her off to some perfect stranger in another town, never to see her again.” Applebloom was approaching tears, the thought of going through all that, and then just walking away was too much to bear. “Who said anything about the pony adopting your foal being a stranger from out of town?” Silver Spoon interjected, still nuzzled next to her marefriend. “There's got to be plenty of couples in Ponyville looking to adopt, and I'm sure most of them would love to let you be a part of your foal's life.” “Oh.” Applebloom hadn't really considered that option. “That might be workable, especially if it's somepony I already know. And I was wondering when one of y'all would rejoin this conversation.” “Honestly, we couldn't get a word in edgewise,” Sweetie Belle replied, “And honestly, Silvy had a bad night.” “Fair enough.” Applebloom replied, before she felt a twinge of nausea. Hastily getting up, she added “We can talk more after I get back from the mares' room!” Struggling to keep her lunch down, she rushed off in the general direction of the facilities without waiting for a reply, oblivious to her surroundings. At least until she ran into somepony else, thankfully not hard enough to knock either of them down, but still hard enough to stagger both of them. “I'm really, really sorry” she began, taking note of the other pony for the first time – a white Unicorn she didn't recognize, not a grayish off-white like Sweetie Belle, but pure, sparkling white, with a blue-and-gold mane. “Watch where you're going, you stupid mud-pony!” The Unicorn sneered in a high-pitched nasal voice. “I said I was sorr...” Applebloom's second attempt at an apology broke off as she lost her struggle with her stomach, vomiting all over herself, the floor – and the rather irate pony she was facing. “Ewwwww! How dare you!” The Unicorn's face contorted in disgust. “Go get a mop and clean this up, peasant! Mud-ponies and featherbrains! What sort of school IS this?” Applebloom wished she could disappear. What could she do to fix this? Nothing came to mind. Thankfully, somepony else came to her rescue. “A school that teaches Ponies of all tribes how to be their best selves. My friend here is obviously not well right now, and I need to help her to the mares' room. I'm sure that one of the lunchroom attendants can handle the mess and find you a place to freshen up. Wait, I know you … you're in my economics class … Gilded Lily, if I remember right?” “Glad to see somepony knows who I am, even if they're a peasant mud-pony trying to impersonate nobility. Your feeble attempts don't impress me, I'm the daughter of the Earl of Trottingham!” “First off, Applebloom is by far one of the smartest alchemists of our generation, she earned her cutie mark by developing a potion that helped me regrow my foreleg after it got crushed, which I might add she did when she and I were most emphatically not friends, making her a far better pony than I was then, let alone you. In fact, if not for her, I could have easily become like you are now. On top of that, she was one of the students that inspired Princess Twilight to turn part of her castle into this school. Second, if money and land are all you care about, not only does her family own nearly a thousand square miles, most of which were granted to them by Princess Celestia herself – personally – but they work it all themselves. I'm sure that even you've heard of Sweet Apple Acres. As for me, my name is Diamond Tiara, my daddy is Filthy Rich, who owns Barnyard Bargains, which rakes in more bits every year than your entire noble family will see in TEN, because unlike you, we aren't a bunch of racist, stuck-up pricks! Oh, and Sunset Shimmer is my stepmom, she's a professor here and a good friend of the Princess.” Diamond mentally leaned as hard on the interloper as she dared. “So would you kindly leave us alone until you grow up!” Turning to Applebloom, she softened. “Come on, let's get you to the mares' room.” Author's Note Sorry about the massive delays, life has been sapping my muse, and this chapter hasn't been an easy one to get to a stage where I felt OK putting it up. Hay, it still doesn't feel quite right. On another note, there's a LOT of backstory hinted at here that I want to go back and cover at some point.
Flying LessonsScootaloo walked into Sugarcube Corner, practically buzzing with excitement. Today was the day she gave Pound Cake his first flying lesson. She'd promised years ago that if Pound hadn't learned to fly on his own by his seventh birthday or the day he got his cutie mark – whichever came first – that, as another pegasus child of earth ponies, she would teach him. As he had gotten his cutie mark – a bundt cake with green icing – shortly after his birthday (making him the first in his class to get one), she would have the chance to introduce one of her favorite things to a pony who looked up to her almost as much as she'd looked up to Rainbow Dash at his age. No sooner than the bell rang to announce the young mare's arrival, Pound ran out of the kitchen. “Hi coach Scootaloo! I'm ready and raring to go! I've been doing all those exercises you showed me at my cutecerina every day! Oh, and I've got a special surprise for you in the oven for when we get back! It's a new experimental recipe! Mom promised to keep an eye on it while we're out, and pull it when it's done!” “'Coach Scootaloo' … I like the sound of that. Thanks, I appreciate that. Now, before we go, make sure you have a towel or two, and some bottled water.” “Already on it” the colt replied, grabbing his saddlebag, which was apparently already packed. “Let's go! Where to?” “The fields between Quills and Sofas and the school. There's a gentle slope that should help, and the wind is just right.” * * * * * “Feel, don't think” Scootaloo said, “Feel your magic flowing through you … feel it flow from your heart towards your wings. Feel the winds calling to you.” They'd done some warm-ups, and she'd shown her student a few things to work through on his own in between lessons, and now she decided to get into the heart of things and see how he progressed. “I … I think I feel it …” Pound Cake replied, his eyes were closed in concentration. “It feels warm … almost like melted butter.” “Only you would put it in those terms.” The teenage Pegasus smiled broadly to herself. “Try to push the magic out.” “OK” Pound began to rise as magic both negated some of his mass and gave him lift. “Way to go! You're a natural. Now how about we try a few flaps, channeling your magic through your wings.” “Ok, here goes … ” The colt's wings immediately went into overdrive, buzzing furiously, popping him up in the air. “Slow down, Pound. You're going nowhere fast like that.” Scootaloo knew this particular problem all too well … and how to fix it. “Try it at about one or two wing-beats per second. Slow, powerful strokes.” “Oops!” Correcting himself, Pound began moving forward, and slowly gained altitude. His teacher took wing behind him, pacing him from below and behind. “Don't worry about that. It's a common error. I'm just glad we're not having to fix it after you've been doing it for years. Let's take a loop around the school and back for now.” She knew he'd want to push himself a bit, enjoy the thrill of flying unassisted for the first time, and that the route she had in mind was a good distance, if a bit ambitious for a first flight, and had relatively few obstacles. “And don't worry … I'll be right with you the whole way. Think you can handle that?” “Yeah, no problem!” Pound panted. Despite his enthusiasm, he clearly was starting to get winded, and half the distance to the school still lay ahead of them, to say nothing of the return trip. “Pace yourself,” Scootaloo reminded him. “No sense in wearing yourself out.” “OK” … Pound did indeed slow down, his face set in determination. They swung around Ponyville Elementary and turned back. By the time they were halfway back, he was obviously running out of steam. “My wings ache, coach. Help me land.” “Alright, it's fairly easy … step one is to slow down and slowly lose altitude; just glide for now, angle down a little more.” She beamed watching him follow through. “Almost there … we're almost down to ground level, this part can get a bit tricky … you're going to start running in the air while descending … just like that. And just turn your glide into a run.” Pound managed it with only a couple missteps, decelerating as quickly as he could. “That … was … awesome” he managed in between breaths. “Yeah, it was … you did great! You just did in half an hour what took me six months. “ “Really?! You're joking?” The colt fished a water bottle out of his saddlebags and drank greedily. “Nope … of course, most of that was me breaking all of the bad habits I picked up before I started getting lessons. Oh, and don't overdo it on the water right now.” “OK. Glad I have an awesome coach, then.” “Now, let's work through some cool-down exercises, then we can go enjoy the surprise you mentioned earlier.” * * * * * Pound led Scootaloo back into Sugarcube Corner, a towel over his back and another in his mane, and his exuberance plainly obvious. “Ok, I'll work on practicing takeoffs and landings, continue the exercises you showed me, and all that stuff between now and next Moon's Day. I promised you the first taste of an experiment that Aunt Pinkie and I came up with; it's more of a new twist on the familiar than anything groundbreaking … it should be just about ready to eat by now.” One glance at the counter showed that it was indeed ready, and labeled “Pound's Experiment; not for sale YET” - the last word was obviously Pinkie's addition to a sign his mother had made. “A key lime pie? Stars, yes!” Scootaloo's mouth watered in anticipation, knowing that her young student had inherited his parents' ability in the kitchen, as well as bringing his boundless creativity and enthusiasm to bear on whatever culinary project he set himself on. “That sounds awesome!” “Aunt Pinkie and I kicked it up a notch,” The colt could not resist quoting a rather famous Unicorn chef. “I'm going to have a piece too, that workout made me hungry.” He cut two slices out of the pie and put each on a plate. Setting both on a tray, he told Scootaloo to have a seat before going into the back to retrieve two glasses of milk. Carrying the tray over to the table that the Crusaders had claimed as their own years before (and still used to this day), he joined her. “Go on … try it … let me know what you think!” Scootaloo noticed flecks of something reddish in the pie as she took her first bite, noticing a surprising but oddly familiar undertone to the pie. “What's the red stuff?” “Habanero peppers” He replied, just as the heat kicked in. Steam poured out of the mare's ears and nose, right before she chugged her entire glass of milk. “Not bad” The orange Pegasus managed weakly, “Next time, warn me ahead of time if you put something spicy in something. Normally, I can handle spice just fine if I know it's there, but that really caught me off guard!” “OK. Hey Mom? Can you get Scootaloo some more milk please?” “Sure! I take it the pie was a bit much.” Cup Cake had apparently anticipated the reaction, and was soon at the table carrying a pitcher of milk. “Nah, that was awesome! Thanks. I just wasn't ready for it.” As the blue mare turned to walk back behind the counter, Scootaloo made a quick request. “Could I get four maple icing rolls to go? Applebloom's been having a rough week, and I want to do something nice for her.” “Sure, I'll get them ready for you” “Speaking of Applebloom … “ Pound began, unsure of himself for the first time that evening, “Pumpkin asked me to ask you something. She's been jealous of me since I got my cutie mark, and wants to start the Cutie Mark Crusaders back up with some of her friends, if that's OK with all of you. Is it?” “Tell her that I don't mind. Am I going to have to ask the girls, or is somepony else going to?” “Uh, I think they have somepony else handling that. Pumpkin told me, but I can't remember who right now.” “Cool. The more I think about it, the more I think that sounds like a great idea … and we really need to do something awesome to pass the torch.”
UnexpectedApplebloom watched the bathroom clock tick away the seconds, not daring to look at the device sitting on the side of the sink until the sixty seconds were up. Even though she knew in her heart of hearts what results it would display, to look would make things all too real. Besides, she'd been taught too well about watched pots. Or in this case, watched pregnancy tests. At last, the infernal clock announced that the moment of truth had arrived. Applebloom forced herself to look, and sure enough, there was a pink plus sign. Even though she'd expected this, she collapsed onto the floor in tears. Sobbing, she mumbled “Mah life is over! I'm barely sixteen and I'm … I'm pregnant” After a few minutes alone with her thoughts, Applebloom heard a knock on the door, accompanied by her sister's worried voice. “You alright in there? I heard you crying.” Knowing her sister could smell a lie from a mile away, she thought desperately for a way to deflect suspicion without falsehood. Alas, she wasn't quick enough, and the door opened. Now, if only she could keep Applejack's eyes on her and not on the incriminating piece of plastic long enough for her to inconspicuously knock it into the wastebasket. “I'd rather not talk about it right yet” she managed “Still a mite fresh” “Does it involve Featherweight? Ah swear, if he hurt you, Ah'm gonna buck him into next year!” Applejack's eyes were orbs of green flame, her legendary protectiveness only growing fiercer every year – doubly so after the birth of her foals, Apple Cinnamon and Candy Apple. “Yes, but not the way you think … “ just another inch or two to the right, and she could brush away the evidence unseen with her tail. Gotcha! A simple sweep sent it sailing gently in, landing silently in the trash can. “Like Ah said, I'll talk about it when I'm good and ready.” There, evidence is hid well enough for now. Before the sisters could go another round with each other, a knock on the door interrupted them, followed by a filly's voice. “Excuse me, but I have to powder my muzzle.” “We'll be right out, Cinnamon.” Applejack replied, turning to open the door. “We? There's only one commode in there!” Applebloom could hear the exasperation in her niece's voice. As the mares departed, the burnt orange filly slipped in, quickly muttering “Thank you kindly” before slamming the door. “We'll talk about this later” Applebloom reiterated, before beating a hasty retreat to her bedroom. Upon reaching it, she flopped bonelessly onto her bed, letting the down-filled softness cradle her as she sobbed. After crying for what seemed like an eternity, she began to collect herself using some breathing exercises Princess Twilight taught her as a filly; after all, she needed to approach this rationally at some point, the sooner the better. Breathe in peace, breathe out love … breathe in peace, breathe out love. After a few more minutes, she found herself reasonably calm and steady, if not completely out of the woods. Now, to look at her situation with a clear mind and heart; to form the beginnings of a plan. First off, she needed to tell the adults in her family … the foals could wait, but AJ and Big Mac needed to know, as well as Caramel, Cheerilee, and Fluttershy. Telling AJ was inevitable – her big sister would certainly be looking in on her soon, and was a good listener, provided she kept her temper in check. The others would be fairly easy to approach. Fluttershy knew that she might be, but would keep mum, especially without confirmation. Also, she needed to tell Featherweight … as soon as possible. Her wonderful coltfriend knew something was off, had asked, and respected her desire to tell him when she was ready. Her friends also needed to know – she'd need their support in the coming days, weeks, and months. Now to think longer term … how did she wish to proceed? She'd wanted foals of her very own ever since she could remember, had loved babysitting the Cake twins – even if they drove her up the wall – as well as her nieces and nephews, who she absolutely adored, and loved her right back. Was she ready to be a Mom, though? She was only 16, and still in school … she had a lot of growing up to do still. Some quick mental math relieved her fears about school – if she carried the foal to term, it'd be born a week or so after the Summer Sun Celebration, and Princess Twilight would make sure she could take a light load in the fall term, especially if she took what extras she could this year to compensate. Note to self: add Princess Twilight to the list of ponies I need to talk to. The fact that she'd grown up without her mother in her life also complicated things, but not as badly as it could've been, what with AJ being her surrogate mom ever since her … mother … died … in … childbirth! Must talk to a doctor A.S.A.P! Need to find out if this foal will put my life in danger! Oh sweet Celestia, I don't want to die, I'm too young to die … I'm too young! Tears overtook rational thought again, until a knock mercifully sounded on the door some aeons later. “Come in,” she managed. She already knew her sister was the one knocking, even before the door opened. What surprised her was Applejack carrying the dreaded pregnancy test in a baggie. “Cinnamon noticed this in the bathroom garbage, and came and asked me about it. Care to explain?” That brought Applebloom out of her crying jag. “Yes, it's mine,” she began as she climbed off of her bed to easier look her sister in the eye. “Yes, it's positive, and before ya ask, I got it from Fluttershy.” Drawing to her full height, she looked down at her older sibling, briefly relishing in the novelty of her height before continuing. “And don't you buckin' dare preach to me, 'cause that won't do you any damn good!” Momentarily taken aback by her sister's vehemence, Applejack took a deep breath before she opened her mouth to speak. “OK, I won't. I Pinkie Promise.” The elder mare went through the motions before continuing, “Jes' please tell me that it's Featherweight's, and that you've been using protection.” “Yes to both … I haven't slept with anypony else, and we've used condoms every time … it's jes' … one broke a couple weeks back. And no, you don't want know anything more than that.” “I see … I'm glad you were smart about it, even if your precautions did fail.. It wasn't your first time, now was it?” Applejack's voice held no accusation, only sympathy. “Nope … that was back on Hearts And Hooves Day … “ Applebloom sat back down on her bed, motioning for her sister to join her. “I see … yer luckier than I was … “ Applejack mused quietly as she climbed onto the bed. “AJ? Really? You never told me.” “It stung to admit … still does, somewhat … I hadn't felt that vulnerable since Ma died an' left me an' Mac to raise you. Hay, I was younger than you are now, and you didn't turn out too bad.” “Speakin' of Ma … I'm scared … Ah really don't want to die … like she did.” “Yer gonna want to talk to a doctor, but there shouldn't be anything to be scared of … Ma was an older mare who chose to continue a risky pregnancy, knowing the odds full well. And I know you've only really seen pictures, but it didn't help that she was skinny as a rail and pushing out a very large foal. Not to mention that this was hot on the heels of Pa's death.” Her sister's words soothed Applebloom's worries greatly. She began to open her mouth to ask more about her mother, but was interrupted. “It sounds like you're already planning on keeping this foal?” “I'm leaning towards it, but Ah still need to talk to Featherweight and a doctor, at very least, before I'm committed. I think I can do this, but not alone. I'll need your help, among others.” “Of course … what's family for, after all. You can count on all of us.” Applejack smiled broadly, “Maybe not Candy, but Cinnamon was off begging Cheerilee and Fluttershy for a new cousin the day before yesterday. She'll help out at least as much as you helped me with her.” At that point, a knock on the door interrupted the sisters, followed shortly by Cinnamon not-quite-shouting “Auntie Bloom, Miss Scootaloo is here to see you, and she has a present!” “Speak of Tirek and see his horns!” Applejack laughed “Not that I feel like fighting him again, mind you. Still, you need your friends just as much as you need your sister right about now.” With that, both sisters rose from the bed. As Applebloom headed downstairs, she heard AJ inquire about the filly's homework, and nostagia rose up in her heart, remembering the same questions asked of her. A part of her deeply missed that past, despite all of the good things in her life now. Some constants remained, however – like her best friends, one of whom was casually sitting ON the dining room table, despite having been warned not to do that far too many times to count. “Scootaloo, I'm really glad to see you, and you're my best friend, but could you please, please, please get your plot off the dang table! We eat offa that, you airhead!” “OK, Mom.” Scootaloo replied, her voice lilting with good-natured sarcasm. Applebloom immediately made the wrong conclusion in the heat of the moment. “How the hay did you know!?” “Know what?” The Pegasus's face scrunched up in puzzlement, before realization hit her in the face like a brick covered in tree sap. “Oh BUCK A DUCK!” After four voices shouted at her to watch her language, she timidly asked to move the conversation out to the barn. Applebloom agreed enthusiastically, letting Caramel know on her way out the door that the table needed to be washed before anypony ate off of it. “Before we talk, I want you to have the present I got you … it's just a little thing, but … yeah. Go on … open it … it's not like the can of 'mixed nuts' we gave Professor Shimmer on April Foal's Day.” Applebloom took the box and opened it at Scootaloo's urging, briefly wincing at the word “foal”. In it were four of Sugarcube Corner's maple icing rolls, massive cinnamon rolls practically smothered in … well … maple icing. She took one before closing the box, intending to save the rest for later. She bit into it, savoring the textures and flavors. It's amazing, really, how much such a simple thing can do for my spirit. “Once you're done eating that, you can tell me what's been eating you.” Scootaloo's cheesy play on words made her smile. After finishing the treat somewhat more quickly than she would've liked, Applebloom met bluntness with bluntness. “As you might've figured out from my reaction earlier, I'm pregnant. Just confirmed it today. Yes, it's Featherweight's; yes, we've been using condoms, but one broke; and no, I haven't told him yet … only ponies I've told so far are you and my sister.” “Damn … “ Scootaloo pulled her into a hug. “I'm here for you, no matter what … Crusaders stick together, no matter what; even after we get our cutie marks and hang up our capes.” “Thanks … I am really relieved to hear that. I knew it in my heart of hearts, but it's still good to be reminded, especially in times like this.” “With that said, a part of me isn't surprised … you and Featherweight have been humping like bunnies just about every chance you get. Especially since there has to be something in the water these days … Rarity's pregnant; so are Professor Shimmer and Trixie, I mean 'Professor Lulamoon', not to mention a bunch of other mares in town … and now you. Hay, rumor has it that Pinkie and Rainbow Dash are looking into having a foal, though nopony knows if they're going the donor route or the 'Ask Princess Twilight' route.” “Scoots, I love you like a sister, but put a sock in it!” “Kinky …” Scootaloo's remark only prompted a raised eyebrow from Applebloom. “Sorry, you're in a real pickle, my dirty mind is the last thing you need right now.” “Yeah, although maybe I could do with laughing a bit more.” The Earth Pony smiled in spite of herself. “Oh, how about I ask AJ and Caramel if you can stay for dinner?” “Sure, it beats another dinner at the bar.” “Dang straight!” “I only really eat there so much because Mom works there, and it's free. Oh, and speaking of my mom, you should totally talk to her at some point.” “Yeah, she was younger than me when she had you, after all.” Applebloom smiled, knowing for the first time in at least a week that deep down that everything would turn out OK. It might get rough for a while for her, but she'd make it through. “I'm going to tell Sweetie, Silver, and the rest of the crew tomorrow at lunch.” A short laugh punctuated her train of thought. “I don't know which is odder, Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara being part of our circle of friends, or remembering how bad they used to be compared to how they are now. Mostly, I'm just glad that things are different with them now, though … especially at times like these.” Author's Note First off, I've deliberately kept Applebloom's and Applejack's "Funetik Aksent" mostly off the page, with only a few hints of it here and there. This is because I don't want it distracting from the story, especially in scenes like this. I can change that if it's lack is more jarring. Also, there is a fair bit of backstory I've hinted at, which I will clarify down the line, but for now, I'm going to confirm that yes, Big Mac is in a herd with both Fluttershy and Cheerilee, and in this timeline and my headcanon, that is something that happens infrequently in Equestria, and is treated as mildly quaint.
School DazeSomething feels wrong Sweetie Belle mused sleepily as she walked through the familiar halls of Princess Twilight's School for Gifted Ponies. Drawing on her lessons from the aforementioned princess, she made a mental checklist of her usual morning. Saddlebags … check; makeup … check; breakfast … check; marefriend … no check. Silver Spoon had indeed failed to greet her with a kiss, and on further reflection, Sweetie hadn't seen her all morning. I'm a bad marefriend! Still, it was better to fix a problem rather than dwell on it, so she set out to find her. As methodically as she could while still half awake, she began searching the places that Silver Spoon would likely be, coming up empty. Not in the mares' room, not at her locker, not in the lunchroom … but Diamond Tiara is! She probably knows. “Hello, Diamond, have you seen Sliver Spoon?” “I have; she's out back moping, I was about to bring her this tea; she had a fight with her dad last night.” “Another one?” Sweetie took the tea in her magic, largely out of habit. “Yes. They're getting worse and more frequent.” Hints of worry flickered across Diamond's eyes as she spoke, the emotion still looking somewhat alien on the former bully's face. “Ouch … she needs to get out of there. How bad was this one?” If the last one almost got her kicked out … “Bad … past that, it's not really my place to say. Let's bring her tea to her, and you can cheer her up.” * * * They found Silver Spoon right where Diamond Tiara said she'd be … slumped against the side of the school portions of Princess Twilight's castle, apparently watching the rain fall from the shelter of an overhang. “Hey, Silvy. You hanging in there? Diamond told me you had another fight with your dad.” Sweetie moved immediately to embrace the gray mare, who weakly returned it. “Have some tea and let it all out.” The pink Earth Pony said as Sweetie extended it in her magic. Silver took it with a weak smile, but clearly was wanting to talk to her marefriend first and foremost. “Not really …” Silver Spoon nuzzled the off-white Unicorn, fighting tears. “As wonderful of a marefriend you are, I really wish I was into colts … then I might not get called an abomination every night … and get blamed for everything that goes wrong in his life. Last night he blamed me for costing him all the business he used to do with your families.” “The retrograde plot-for-brains brought it on himself!” The pink mare growled, shaking her head, eyes hard. “Rarity's been itching to ditch him for years … maybe it's time you let him go too. Your Aunt Ivory has offered to take you in more than once, and you know you're welcome at the Boutique.” Sweetie almost sang the last bit … she would like it if her marefriend moved in with her sister, especially since the Boutique only had ONE spare room for the time being. “Maybe … after all, it's just a matter of time before he kicks ME out. I don't know if he won't try to go after whoever took me in, though” Silver shuddered, pulling Sweetie closer. “You know, to make it more of a punishment.” “I'd like to see him try, but going after his sister-in-law – who just so happens to be the mayor – will come back to bite him HARD, to say nothing about going after a Bearer of Harmony. Hay, I'd invite you to come live with me, but … ” Diamond stopped short as the school's bell announced the start of classes. “C'mon, we need to go; we're late!” “I think I'm not going … at least not to this one. We're just going to be cold-alloying pewter … I've been doing that since I was eight.” “I'll stay with you, dear. I'm here for you. Always.” Sweetie punctuated her statement with a quick kiss. “I can't afford to miss class. I'll see you at lunch, okay?” Diamond announced quickly before dashing off. “Ok. See you. Thanks for the tea.” Silver replied to her oldest friend's departing form. After Diamond had left, she lay down on the grass, motioning for her marefriend to join her. “Sweetie, my love, would you sing to me?” Sweetie accepted with her marefriend's invitation to cuddle. “One private concert coming up … just you, me, and the rain. Any requests?” * * * “Excuse me, is this the right room for the Advanced Pegasus Magic class?” The voice behind Scootaloo was rich and masculine, with an accent that she couldn't quite place. “Yes, it is” she replied, turning. The voice came from a rugged looking Thestral stallion about her age. Whoa mama! She had to keep herself from staring at the obvious muscles under his steel-gray coat, only for her violet eyes to meet his warm, silvery orbs. “Come on in, nopony's claimed the seat next to me yet.” She gestured in a calculatedly flippant manner to the chair to her right. “I'm Scootaloo, by the way.” “Pleased to meet you. I am Darksteel … I am new here.” “I could tell; I'd have noticed you sooner if you weren't. Why don't you tell me tell me a bit about yourself before the professor gets here? We're way early, so we have a few.” “Of course. For starters, my special talent is forging weapons.” He turned around to show Scootaloo his cutie mark – a hammer and anvil with a white-hot blade on it – along with the rest of his toned flank. “Yes, I know it's mostly an Earth Pony thing these days, but the Thestrals and Pegasi of old used to make the lightest and swiftest blades in the world; and I've done what I can to resurrect their techniques. What's yours?” Scootaloo turned to show off her own winged-wheel-on-fire mark, hoping he also took the opportunity to check her out in return. “Extreme sports, though I also know a lot about athletics in general, along with some choreography … especially stunt choreography. I'm also starting to do a bit of coaching on the side … just flying lessons for now, but I'm hoping to get a foals' air hockey team going.” “Interesting … if you do get it going, my younger sister might be interested, she's five, going on six, and could use an outlet for her energy.” “Awesome, I'll let you know if I can get it going … what brings you to Ponyville, by the way?” “My parents are both in the Guard, and my mom just took a promotion into Princess Twilight's guard, and my dad took a sideways move here to be with her.” “Cool … my dad was in the guard … before he died …” Scootaloo trailed off, her eyes and voice heavy with the memory of loss. “So sorry to hear that.” Darksteel replied, his voice full of sympathy, before an awkward silence settled in. A silence broken a short while later by a tan Pegasus walking in. “Hello Scoots, hello new person” “Hey Featherweight! Meet Darksteel; Darksteel, meet Featherweight.” The young mare cheerily made the introduction, glad to get her mind off the past. “Featherweight and I go way back … known each other since grade school.” “Pleased to meet you as well … are you two an item?” “Nope! I'm single and free!” Scootaloo replied, almost a bit too hastily, before adding “And Feathers here might as well be married to my best friend Applebloom.” “Ahh, I see … while we're on the subject of introductions, why don't you tell me about yourself?” Was it just Scootaloo's ears, or had Darksteel sounded slightly relieved to find out that she was available? The thought made her heart flutter. “Well, my special talent is Pegasus Magic, but I mostly use that to get better shots with my camera. I'm a photographer, and occasionally a cinematographer as well. Dunno if I want to do news photography more, or if I want to go into films more … I mean, I've already done stuff for the paper, and that was fun, but doing indie films was fun too …. especially the musical version of Cupcakes! I mean, two of the Elements of Harmony playing themselves as over-the-top cheesy as they could, singing, while one has her hooves buried in what's supposed to be the other's insides, but was a strawberry-flavored prop that the entire cast and crew got to eat part of after we were done with it, and the whole thing is based on a nightmare that Pinkie Pie had once, and Rainbow Dash said sounded like an amazing horror movie.” Upon seeing the other two ponies' faces, Featherweight paused. “Sorry, am I rambling? I've only had five cups of coffee this morning.” “Five?! I think you've had enough, Feathers.” “You did the camera work for Cupcakes!? I love that movie!” Darksteel's eyes shone with awe as he replied. “Yep … also helped with a lot of the storyboarding, and helped with the lighting too.” Before Featherweight could launch into another high-speed monologue, an older blue-white stallion with one of his wings in a cast entered the room, a pack of young Pegasi following close behind. “Was that Soarin? The Wonderbolt?!” Darksteel nearly gasped in shock. “Yeah … he decided he'd teach a class while he's recovering from that epic wipeout he had in Las Pegasus. He's pretty chill as long as you don't fawn all over him.” Scootaloo whispered back. Soarin' shuffled some papers as he walked to the front of the classroom, “Ok everypony, time to get settled; before we can go play with the rainstorm that Princess Twilight has graciously let us park over her castle, we need to go over some theory.” The class groaned collectively, to which Soarin' replied “Theory might bore some of you, but head knowledge is just as important as anything hands-on, especially when dealing with something you haven't dealt with before. Knowing your theory well can often mean the difference between life and death, especially when you're playing with lightning, or traveling near the speed of sound at treetop height. It saved mine a month ago. Now, let me quickly take roll before we get started, OK?. First off, Airburst?” * * * “Ok, how did it go? Did everypony ask who they were supposed to ask?” Pumpkin Cake announced over the lunch table, her food completely untouched. “I asked Scootaloo after our flying lessons, and she's game.” Pound Cake's mouth was full of some fancy pastry he'd made, and Pumpkin knew it had to have something weird in it. “Wants to do something to pass the torch from them to us too … which sounds like a blast!” That got some cheers. “Auntie Bloom's OK with it, though her mind was off on something else, and when I asked what, she told me it was 'none of my beeswax'.” Cinnamon seemed aghast at that last bit. “Oh, and Scootaloo showed up for dinner out of the blue, but I didn't have a chance to ask her a thing.” “Good thing my dear brother was handling that, then. What about you, Winesap? Oh, and who is your new friend?” Pumpkin glanced between Cinnamon's slightly younger cousin and the dark blue Thestral filly next to her. “Yeah, I saw Sweetie Belle while I was at the Ponytones practice with Pa and Mama Fluttershy, and she thinks it's a great idea. Ma and Mama Fluttershy made me Pinkie Promise to be careful crusading, though, and Pa 'Eeyup'ed' their concerns.” The red-violet filly gestured to her companion. “Oh, and this is Midnight Star, she just moved here, and doesn't know anypony in town yet, so I decided I'd be her friend, and introduce her to all of you.” “Hello Midnight Star” Pumpkin's greeting was soon echoed by the rest of the regulars. “Pleased to meet you.” “Pleased to meet all of you … ohhh, this is going to be great … Winesap's been gushing all morning about the adventures you have planned.” Midnight's golden eyes shone with excitement as she bounced in her seat. “I hope we do all the stuff she says her aunt did, and all of the other stuff she said we'd do, and I have a few ideas I want to try too!” “Oh hey, sorry I'm late.” A chestnut brown Pegasus colt announced his arrival as he took a seat. “Had to talk to the teacher about the science fair in a few months. So, what'd I miss? Are we good to go?” “Hey Flywheel! We are!” Pumpkin smiled, “Everypony on three … one … two … three.” “New Cutie Mark Crusaders YAY!” * * * “Hey Applebloom! You doing any better today?” Sweetie Belle greeted her old friend as she approached the lunch table where Sweetie was sitting with Silver Spoon. “Somewhat … at least I know a little bit more, enough to move on forward. It's high time I told y'all anyway, but I'm gonna ask y'all to Pinkie Promise not to tell anypony without my permission.” “Cross my heart, hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye” Silver and Sweetie replied, going through the motions – echoed by Diamond Tiara right behind Applebloom. Applebloom barely restrained from jumping in surprise. “Dagnabbit, don't sneak up on me like that!” “My apologies. Please continue.” The pink mare nodded, taking her usual seat. “Apology accepted.” The yellow Earth Pony waited her enemy-turned-friend take her seat before continuing. “The short version is … well … I'm pregnant.” She silenced the replies her friends were beginning to make with a gesture. “I know y'all have a bushel of questions, so I'm gonna get the obvious ones outta the way. First off, yes, it's Featherweight's, and yes, we've been using condoms, but one broke on us. Second, I haven't told him yet; I didn't confirm it until yesterday because that's when I could bum a test off Fluttershy, and I haven't seen him yet today. I've only told AJ, Caramel, and Scoots so far. Third, if the pamphlet that came with it is right, I'm about five weeks along, which means I'm due a little after the next Summer Sun Celebration. And third, I don't right know what I'm going to do; I need to talk to Featherweight and a doctor at very least before I decide for sure. I do like the idea of being a mom, though, but that depends on what Feathers and the doc have to say … there, that about sums it up.” “I think I speak for all of us here,” Diamond began, “When I say that I'll support you no matter what, and will do anything I can to help you.” “Thank you … that really means a lot to me.” “With that said, I don't think you're ready to be a parent.” The pink mare held up her hoof to cut off the retort that Applebloom was obviously readying. “Hear me out, please. While I think you have what it takes to make things work in the long run; it would throw your life into chaos, and those disruptions to your career, your social life, and your development will have long-lasting repercussions for you, and for your foal. On top of the mountain of statistical evidence that's out there, you know people who've gone through this. Your brother and sister experienced a lot of this raising you, and Peach Delight got the full deal raising Scootaloo with her ex-coltfriend only really providing financial support and the occasional weekend. While it is your decision, I strongly urge you to choose differently.” “I … yeah, I see where you're coming from.” Applebloom sighed deeply before continuing, “And I trust you … we've been friends for six years now, and in that time, you've not led me astray. That said, I don't like the idea of an abortion … I'm not going to prevent somepony else from getting one, but it don't sit well with me unless it's medically necessary.” “I didn't say anything about an abortion, adoption's an option too!” “I don't like the idea of carrying a foal for nearly a year and then just handing her off to some perfect stranger in another town, never to see her again.” Applebloom was approaching tears, the thought of going through all that, and then just walking away was too much to bear. “Who said anything about the pony adopting your foal being a stranger from out of town?” Silver Spoon interjected, still nuzzled next to her marefriend. “There's got to be plenty of couples in Ponyville looking to adopt, and I'm sure most of them would love to let you be a part of your foal's life.” “Oh.” Applebloom hadn't really considered that option. “That might be workable, especially if it's somepony I already know. And I was wondering when one of y'all would rejoin this conversation.” “Honestly, we couldn't get a word in edgewise,” Sweetie Belle replied, “And honestly, Silvy had a bad night.” “Fair enough.” Applebloom replied, before she felt a twinge of nausea. Hastily getting up, she added “We can talk more after I get back from the mares' room!” Struggling to keep her lunch down, she rushed off in the general direction of the facilities without waiting for a reply, oblivious to her surroundings. At least until she ran into somepony else, thankfully not hard enough to knock either of them down, but still hard enough to stagger both of them. “I'm really, really sorry” she began, taking note of the other pony for the first time – a white Unicorn she didn't recognize, not a grayish off-white like Sweetie Belle, but pure, sparkling white, with a blue-and-gold mane. “Watch where you're going, you stupid mud-pony!” The Unicorn sneered in a high-pitched nasal voice. “I said I was sorr...” Applebloom's second attempt at an apology broke off as she lost her struggle with her stomach, vomiting all over herself, the floor – and the rather irate pony she was facing. “Ewwwww! How dare you!” The Unicorn's face contorted in disgust. “Go get a mop and clean this up, peasant! Mud-ponies and featherbrains! What sort of school IS this?” Applebloom wished she could disappear. What could she do to fix this? Nothing came to mind. Thankfully, somepony else came to her rescue. “A school that teaches Ponies of all tribes how to be their best selves. My friend here is obviously not well right now, and I need to help her to the mares' room. I'm sure that one of the lunchroom attendants can handle the mess and find you a place to freshen up. Wait, I know you … you're in my economics class … Gilded Lily, if I remember right?” “Glad to see somepony knows who I am, even if they're a peasant mud-pony trying to impersonate nobility. Your feeble attempts don't impress me, I'm the daughter of the Earl of Trottingham!” “First off, Applebloom is by far one of the smartest alchemists of our generation, she earned her cutie mark by developing a potion that helped me regrow my foreleg after it got crushed, which I might add she did when she and I were most emphatically not friends, making her a far better pony than I was then, let alone you. In fact, if not for her, I could have easily become like you are now. On top of that, she was one of the students that inspired Princess Twilight to turn part of her castle into this school. Second, if money and land are all you care about, not only does her family own nearly a thousand square miles, most of which were granted to them by Princess Celestia herself – personally – but they work it all themselves. I'm sure that even you've heard of Sweet Apple Acres. As for me, my name is Diamond Tiara, my daddy is Filthy Rich, who owns Barnyard Bargains, which rakes in more bits every year than your entire noble family will see in TEN, because unlike you, we aren't a bunch of racist, stuck-up pricks! Oh, and Sunset Shimmer is my stepmom, she's a professor here and a good friend of the Princess.” Diamond mentally leaned as hard on the interloper as she dared. “So would you kindly leave us alone until you grow up!” Turning to Applebloom, she softened. “Come on, let's get you to the mares' room.” Author's Note Sorry about the massive delays, life has been sapping my muse, and this chapter hasn't been an easy one to get to a stage where I felt OK putting it up. Hay, it still doesn't feel quite right. On another note, there's a LOT of backstory hinted at here that I want to go back and cover at some point.
