Strongerby Night PrincessChaptersChapter OneChapter TwoChapter ThreeChapter FourChapter FiveChapter OneIt was so cold. Scootaloo pulled the blanket around her and shivered. All around her the wind howled, and lightning lit up the dark room. The orange filly was lying in the schoolhouse, at her desk. All she had with her was a small, worn out pillow and a thin blanket, both of which were in desperate need of a washing. Instead of feeling sad and lonely, as you would suppose she should, Scootaloo felt happy inside. She has found a place to spend the night, at least for the time being. This caused for a celebration. Maybe tomorrow she would let Applejack give her a few apples, and accept a cupcake or two from Pinkie Pie. All of the ponies in Ponyville were worried about her. They didn't know where Scootaloo slept at night, or where her parents were. Instead of trying to help, they offered food. Blankets. Things they assumed she would need since they knew so little about her. "I don't need them," Scootaloo told herself as she closed her eyes, trying to fall asleep. "I can take care of myself, and it's none of their business where my parents are." She was strong enough to survive without anypony's help. "I am an island," She said out loud. "I don't need anypony's help, because I am stronger when I work alone." Another crack of lightning. Scootaloo jumped five feet in the air.cshe wished she had a big brother like Big Mac, or a sister like Applejack or Rarity to keep her safe during storms. A tear formed in her eye, but Scootaloo refused to cry. She was stronger than that. She didn't need anypony, not even her parents. Wherever they were. "You're always here before us, Scoot!" Scootaloo's eyes flew open. Her two best friends, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle stood before her, with big smiles on their faces. "Hey, girls," Scootaloo rubbed her eyes and pushed her pillow and blanket under her desk where her friends wouldn't see. "Didja fall asleep waiting fer us?" Apple Bloom asked in her Southern accent. "Yeah, what took you so long?" Scootaloo had become a decent liar since she had started sleeping in the school house. Nobody could know her secret, because they would try and help her. She didn't need anypony's help, and she never would. "What do you mean? We got here early." Sweetie Belle didn't sound suspicious, but her large green eyes said otherwise. Scootaloo shrugged. "Guess I just didn't get a lot of sleep last night." Their teacher, Miss Cheerilee, chose that moment to enter the room, just in time to hear most of the conversation. "Hello, girls," she said, smiling. The fillies waved, Scootaloo more enthusiastically. Anything to get their minds of the fact that she had been sleeping at her desk. Cheerilee's eyes scanned the room, making sure that everything was fine. Finally she noticed the blanket and pillow under Scootaloo's desk. Her eyebrow raised slightly, and she sent the orange filly a slightly confused look. "Did y'all hear the big thunderstorm last night?" Apple Bloom, thankfully, changed the subject. "Ah was so scared that our house was gonna git struck by lightnin', but Big Mac and Applejack told me stories and sang songs with me to help me fall asleep!" Sweetie Belle nodded. "Rarity and I made hot cocoa and we slept in front of her fireplace." Apple Bloom turned to Scootaloo. "What happened to you during the storm?" "Well," Scoot started. "I was pretty scared." "Didn't your parents do something special with you to cheer you up?" Sweetie Belle stared at her friend. Her eyes seemed to pierce into Scootaloo's mind and learn her secrets. "Sure they did. We um, told ghost stories and made s'mores." She turned red. "Really? You have parents?" A voice from behind them snickered. Scoot turned and saw Dismond Tiara, who was coming into the room. "As a matter of fact, I do." Scootaloo looked the pink filly in the eye. "Really? What are their names?" Diamond Tiara smiled slowly. "Um…" The orange fully stuttered. Keep calm, Scoot, she said to herself. Don't give in to her. "Diamond Tiara, it ain't none of yer business who Scootaloo's parents are! Leave her alone!" Diamond Tiara ignored Apple Bloom and kept her eyes fixed on Scootaloo. "I should have guessed. You don't have parents. You don't have a place to live. You're nothing but a poor, ragged hobo." The words stung. Scootaloo took a deep breath. "Take it back." she said softly. "But it's the truth," The bully laughed. "You know, sometimes I wonder who your parents were. Did they live in a homeless shelter and were so uneducated they even forgot they had a daughter? It's appropriate that you're sleeping at a school, since I'm sure you're just as slow as they are. I mean, were." That did it. Scootaloo lost all control and kept on top of the other filly, biting, kicking, and growling like a wild animal. She wanted to say something, maybe, "My parents are alive and well, and could pound yours into a bloody pulp for what you said!" But she couldn't say anything. She just kept on punching and biting Diamond Tiara until she was shrieking. Cheerilee rushed over to the two fillies and ripped them apart. Diamond Tiara was wailing and covered in blood and bruises. Scootaloo was still pinching the air and yelling "Take it back!" "That's enough!" Cheerilee said sternly. "I'm afraid both of you are in serious trouble. You'll have to give this note to each of your parents to meet me after school tomorrow. As for now, you will both get detention." Diamond Tiara and Scootaloo sat back at their seats. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle eyed them, confused. Why had Scoot gotten so angry? "Too bad Scootaloo's parents won't show up tomorrow." Diamond Tiara said quietly, just loud enough for the Cutie Mark Crusaders to hear. "They're probably rotting away in some alley." Scootaloo turned as red as a tomato. What would happen when Cheerilee found out her parents were gone? Chapter Two"Scootaloo, can I talk to you for a moment?" Scootaloo looked up from the game of checkers that her and Sweetie Belle were playing together and saw Cheerilee, looking stern, but a little bit anxious as well. "Oh, sure." Scoot got to her feet and followed her teacher into the schoolroom. "I need you to tell me about your personal life. I don't want to butt into your business, but I know nothing about you and as your teacher I need to know." Cheerilee didn't seem angry, only confused. Scootaloo looked at her feet. "What do you want to know?" "Tell me about your parents." Scootaloo felt like she knew and trusted Cheerilee enough to tell her the truth. "Promise not to tell anypony?" Cheerilee nodded. The filly took a deep breath. "I last saw them when I was a baby. I don't even remember what they look like. But I know that they left me in Town Square, and I managed to live." Cheerilee tried to remain calm, but inside she was screaming, "What kind of heartless monsters would leave a poor baby in the middle of Ponyville to live on its own?" Instead, the teacher asked, "What did you eat?" Scoot shrugged. "Anything left behind. Lots of ponies gave me food and offered me places to live, but I always said no." "What? Why?" "I don't need anypony." Scootaloo looked more confident all of a sudden. "I do just fine by myself, and I don't take charity from others because..." "Because what?" "Because...I-it's embarrassing. Lots of ponies found out that I'm...homeless, and they're always trying to help me by giving me food or a place to stay. And they look down on me! Like I actually need their help!" Tears were streaming down her face. "Oh, Scootaloo..." Cheerilee didn't know what to say. This poor baby filly, alone with the idea in her head that she didn't need anypony to live. "Don't try and help me," Scoot wiped her runny nose with her front leg. "They all try, but I never let them." "Scootaloo, you can't just live your life like this!" Cheerilee was distraught. "Try and stop me," the young pegasus said stubbornly. "Everypony tells me that they know how I feel. Well, they don't. Nopony knows. And nopony could understand!" The teacher sighed and looked out the window of the school. "Could I tell you a story?" Scoot shrugged. "I...I was married once. To a wonderful, handsome colt." "That's why you didn't want a special somepony on Hearts and Hooves day!" Scootaloo interrupted. Cheerilee nodded. "He was the most amazing pony I ever met. He swept me off my feet, and I swore never to love another." "He WAS the most amazing pony? What happened to him?" Cheerilee struggled to appear calm. "It was a month after our wedding. He left one day...and never came back." Tears had escapes her eyes and were leaving wet streaks on her face. "I don't know if it was something I did, or if he was k-killed..." Scootaloo, despite herself, wrapped her chubby arms around her teacher. "That kind of hurt, that kind of pain," Cheerilee continued, wiping her face with a handkerchief. "-can make you feel like your life is worth nothing. It can also make you feel angry and stubborn. You have to decide between whether or not you're going to let other ponies help you." "I know what I chose," Scoot muttered. "You have to let go of your stubbornness, Scootaloo!" Cheerilee cried. "I know it's hard, but if you want to become happy again you have to let other ponies help you!" The teacher sighed. "I know someone that will be able to help you." "I doubt they can do anything." Scootaloo crossed her arms. "I want you to stay with her for one week. No school. I just want you to become friends with her. Is that okay with you?" An excuse to skip school could not be turned down. "Okay. But just for one week." Cheerilee nodded. "One week." Scootaloo and Cheerilee agreed to meet the next morning, as it was Saturday. After making a few arrangements with her friend, Cheerilee went straight to bed, exhausted. Scootaloo, however, had no place to fall asleep. Cheerilee, without thinking, had locked the school doors and the filly was locked out. Scoots wandered around Ponyvilke as the sky grew dark, hoping she would soon be able to find somewhere to stay for the night. As night fell and rain started dripping from the sky, Scootaloo was becoming more frantic about finding shelter of some sort. As the sprinkles of rain turned into gallons, the small Pegasus was forced to make due with a park bench. She crawled underneath it, relieved to escape the weather. It took several hours, but Scoot managed to find sleep. Interrupted, anxious sleep, but sleep nonetheless. The next morning Scootaloo ran as fast as she could to the schoolhouse. It was still raining, do she had to hurry to avoid getting soaked. Cheerilee was waiting for her, along with two white pegasi and a chariot of some sort. "What the heck?" Scoot thought as she came closer. "Are you ready to go?" One of the pegasi asked. She noticed that he was wearing polished, golden armor. Scootaloo glanced at Cheerilee nervously. "It's okay, Scoots." The teacher winked. The pegasi helped Scootaloo into the chariot and attached themselves to the harness on the front. "Goodbye, Scootaloo!" Cheerilee waved. Scoot waved back, but couldn't help but feel puzzled. What was waiting for her? The pegasi took off, leaving Cheerilee to only hope that this idea was a good one. Chapter ThreeThe pegasi pulled the chariot into the white, fluffy clouds, flying farther away from Ponyville than Scootaloo had ever been before. She couldn't tell where they were going, but she wasn't sure she liked it. It was like she was being kidnapped. "I can't be kidnapped because they don't have anypony to give the ransom note to," she decided. But still, her stomach had an uneasy feeling in it. After several hours of complete boredom, the pegasi landed the chariot. Scootaloo hopped out, wondering where she was. In front of her was a beautiful building, glistening as if it were made of crystal. It was bigger than anything she had ever seen before, with a huge gateway with a drawbridge. What was this place? The drawbridge came down and a white alicorn came out. "Welcome to Canterlot, Scootaloo," she said. The filly's mouth dropped open. "Princess Celestia?" A wave of question poured out. "How do you know my name? Are you Cheerilee's friend? Why am I here? Why do you care about my parents? Am I dreaming?" The princess smiled and said, "All your questions will be answered soon, little one. As for now, would you like to come inside?" Scootaloo nodded and followed Celestia into the Canterlot Palace. She was lead through a number of hallways and up a few staircases before they reached a huge room that the Princess called the Dining Room. Scootaloo had never seen anything do magnificent. The walls themselves seemed to be made of glistening diamonds, and the table was made out of marble or pearl, she couldn't tell which. On the table was enough food to feed a whole army. And what interesting food it was! Sculptures of Phoenixes and dragons made out of fruit, a huge fountain in the center of the table that spouted sparkling cider. There was even a life-size statue of a pony surrounded by strawberries. Upon further inspection, Scootaloo found that it was made out of chocolate. "You can tell me about yourself while we eat," the princess told her. Servants pulled out two chairs, one decorated in gold, and the other in silver. Celestia sat in the golden one, which now looked more like a throne. Scootaloo took the silver seat, and the two began filling their plates. Scoot decided that the food was simply too good to waste, and took a small bite out of everything on the table. Celestia, however, seemed to be on a cake-only diet. "Now, Scootaloo, please tell me what you told Cheerilee," the princess said in a kind voice. Scootaloo repeated her story without hesitation, and left out some parts that she thought were "too whiny" for the Princess of Equestria. After she finished her story, Celestia sat in silence, thinking over the filly's past. "Scootaloo," she said finally. "You can't go on through your life without letting ponies help you." "But I don't need them. I'm strong enough to handle my life alone." Celestia shook her head and sighed. Another long moment of silence followed. "I want to help you find your parents, dear," the Princess said, taking another bite of cake. Scootaloo didn't know what to say. "W-why?" "Because I know how it feels to be alone." This puzzled the filly until she remembered the history of Equestria. After Princess Luna was banished to the moon, Celestia had to take on the responsibility of raising the moon at night, as well as the sun in the morning. The one thousand years that Luna was banished were named the Dark Years, because Celestia was so busy with the moon, her sun was weak. During those years the princess was not as fun loving as she normally was. Some ponies even described her as depressed. The alicorn tapped a small bell on the table with her horn. Moments later, a white stallion with a blue, wavy mane appeared at her side. "Yes, your majesty?" "Shining Armor, please take a letter." The princess stood up and begin to dictate. "To the kingdom of Equestria: It has come to my attention that one of my subjects, an orange Pegasus filly by the name of Scootaloo is currently living without her parents. An award of five thousand bits will be awarded to the pony or ponies who recover her birth parents. This is an urgent matter and anypony who chooses to cheat or forge this filly's parents in any way will be punished. Sincerely, Princess Celestia." The stallion scribbled down every word and when he was finished, he asked, "And what shall I do with it, your Highness?" "Have it copied and posted on every street corner in Canterlot and Ponyville." Scootaloo didn't know whether she should be embarrassed that her secret was being posted all over Equestria or happy that the Princess was helping her find her parents. "Princess Celestia? What if my patents are...dead?" The princess lowered her head so she was at eye level with the filly. "Then at least we tried." Scootaloo didn't feel embarrassed at all anymore. No, she felt like the luckiest filly in the world. Who knew that other ponies could help you so much? But she was still an island. "I'm stronger that way," she reminded herself. "I always will be." Chapter Four"What a day," Scootaloo thought as trudged towards the guest bedroom Princess Celestia had given her. She had no idea how many people would pretend to be her parents just to make a few bits. The princess and her had interviewed over thirty couples who had all claimed to be her parents, and not one had DNA that matched her's. "We might as well give up now," Scoot sighed, opening the door to her bedroom. Inside was a glamorous room fit for, well, a princess. The four-poster bed was plated with gold, and the sheets were silk. A beautiful mural was painted on the ceiling, showing the defeat of Nightmare Moon, Discord and a creepy-looking black alicorn Scoot didn't recognize. Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and their other friends were shown, triumphantly standing over their foes. "If only Diamond Tiara could see me now," the filly whispered. "She would take back anything nasty she ever said to me." Scootaloo flopped into the bed,, which was softer and warmer than anything she ever felt. She fell asleep instantly, dreaming of her parents and what would happen if she found them. Scootaloo woke up to find the princess shaking her arm, trying to get her out of bed. "Wake up, dear!" Celestia was saying. "I'm up, I'm up," Scootaloo yawned. "I think we've done it! We found them!" The filly almost fell out of the bed. "What?" "We found your parents! The DNA matches, and they look almost exactly like you. Come quick!" The filly followed the princess into the parlor as fast as she could, not knowing how to feel. Excited? Scared? She was about to meet her parents for the first time, how would a normal pony react? Sitting on a sofa were a mare and a stallion. The mare was a pale pink earth pony with purple, wavy hair. Her eyes looked like Scootaloo's exactly. The stallion was an orange Pegasus with red, spiky main. Both of them had bright green eyes. "Scootaloo, this is Lightning Flash and Daisy Doo. The DNA results came in moments ago, and it's confirmed that they are your biological parents." Celestia gestured to the couple. The mare ran up to Scootaloo and wrapped her arms around her. "My little baby! I've found you!" Scootaloo didn't know what to think. She hugged her mother back, wondering why she didn't feel as happy as she expected. She found what she was looking for, didn't she? Her search was over. Her life was complete. Was it? The stallion ruffled his daughter's mane and smiled at her. "Glad to see you, princess. Ready to go home?" Home? She hadn't thought about where they would go once she found her parents. "Where?" "In Fillydalphia. We've become mug richer since we...lost you." The stallion's eyes went to the floor. "W-what happened? How did you lose me?" "We'll tell you during the ride home. For now, I just want to hug you one more time." After an awkward hug, Princess Celestia came up to them. "Congratulations, Scootaloo," she said. "I'm so glad I helped you find your family." Scootaloo opened her mouth to speak, but her mother was pulling her out the door where a chariot was parked. "Let's go, dear, we don't want to be late!" "Wait," Scoot said, pushing away. She ran to the princess and embraced her. "I'm going to miss you." "As will I, child. I'm sorry our visit was cut so short. Will you write to me?" Scootaloo nodded. Her parents pulled her out the door and helped her in the chariot. In moments, they were flying above the clouds, heading towards Fillydalphia, where a new life waited for her. It all seemed so rushed. Just when she was beginning to accept ponys' charity, she whisked away by her parents. If only she had a little bit more time with the Princess. The way that she was willing to do anything to help her find her parents was just... Amazing. It was like Princess Celestia wanted to act like a mother to Scootaloo. And Cheerilee! She would probably never see her again. Lots of ponies came to mind as well; Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, her best friends. Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and everypony else who had offered help when she most needed it. How could Scootaloo just ignore all the help being offered to her? These ponies were worried about her, and what had she done? She had decided she was an island. And now she would never see those ponies again. She looked up, her eyes shining with tears. Her mother and father were talking to each other in low voices, but glanced at Scootaloo once in a while and smiled. Bored and a bit heartbroken, the filly looked over the edge of the chariot and gazed at the buildings coming into view. She could see Sugar Cube Corner, Rarity's Boutique, the schoolhouse... Wait. Those buildings weren't in Fillydalphia. They were in Ponyville. But why were they heading there? The chariot landed in a strange place, the middle of the Everfree Forest. Strange. Very strange. The family jumped out of the chariot, which raced off as soon as they were out. They were in the middle of the forest, standing very still in the dark. "Um, mom? Why are we here?" "Hush, child," the mother said sternly. Suddenly, two figures emerged from the shadows, one larger than the other. When they came closer, Scootaloo saw that they were a stallion and a filly. The stallion had a brown coat and mane, which was styled professionally. The filly shocked Scootaloo the most, as she was pink with a magenta and white mane. A tiara was perched in her hair. "Diamond Tiara?" The spoiled earth pony shot Scootaloo a glare that said "Shut up." "You said we would receive payment for this?" Scoot's dad asked impatiently. Filthy Rich, Diamond Tiara's father, pulled out several bits and handed them to her parents, who admired them greedily. "Thank you. Now, where are those five thousand bits?" Filthy smiled deviously. Scootaloo's mother handed him the money Celestia had awarded them. "Your work is done. You may leave." Filthy Rich stuffed the money into his coat pocket. Then Scootaloo's parents did something that haunted her for years to come: they transformed into black monsters, with insect wings, jagged horns, and glistening fangs. They reminded her of the black alicorn painted on her bedroom ceiling in the Canterlot Palace. The creatures flew off, buzzing like bees. Scootaloo was a puzzled mess. It seemed like Diamond Tiara's father had paid these creatures to pose as her parents for the money. Just five hundred bits to break a filly's heart. "What about me? What are you going to do with me now that I'm homeless again?" Filthy Rich was a greedy pony, and had a heart only for money. A homeless filly was worth nothing in his mind, so leaving one alone was no problem. He beckoned to his daughter and lead her back into the shadows, after Diamond Tiara managed to stick her tongue out one last time to Scootaloo. She could hear them getting into a chariot and flying away, back to their home in Ponyville. It was dark. And so cold. Scootaloo had no food, no water, and certainly nopony to help her. "It's okay," she told herself. "Somepony is bound to come sooner or later." She waited. And waited. The sun went down and it became even darker. Drops of rain fell from the sky and splashed onto her face. She had been waiting for hours, and she hadn't eaten since the night before. And with wild creatures roaming the forest, it was evident that she wouldn't last very long. Tears began streaming down her face. "Now I truly am alone," she said softly. Exhausted, soaked, and starving, Scootaloo fell into a troubled sleep. Chapter FiveScootaloo's eyes open slowly, and was immediately blinded by a piercing white light. She tried to sit up, but she just fell back down. "Did I die? Is this Heaven?" she said out loud. "She's awake! Zecora, she woke up!" Scootaloo still couldn't see with the light in her eyes. "Where am I?" "You're in Zecora's shack, dear. Try to open your eyes." Shielding the light from her face with her hoof, Scootaloo forced her eyes open. She was laying on a table and wrapped in a blanket, in Zecora's shack. The zebra was mixing potions of some sort and mumbling odd words. Standing next to the table was the pony who was speaking before, Cheerilee. "Cheerilee? Where am I? What happened?" Scootaloo tried to sit up again, but when she did, her head exploded in sudden sharp pain. "Oww," she groaned. "What's with my head?" "You hit your head on a rock when you passed out," Cheerilee explained. "I was going to Zecora's to get some tea when I found you, covered in blood and tears." The teacher looked like she would burst into tears herself. "The monsters...and Diamond Tiara! What-where-why?" "You explained everything to me in your sleep. I swear, if I see Filthy Rich again, I'm going to-" Cheerilee mumbled words Scootaloo had never heard before under her breath. Zecora raised an eyebrow but said nothing. "I'm just glad we found you in time," the teacher said, hugging Scootaloo. The fully hugged her back, as hard as she could. "Me too." Suddenly, Scootaloo inexplicably burst into tears. "What's wrong?" Cheerilee held her student tighter. Zecora rolled her eyes. "Perhaps it is the pain in her head, or the fact that she was almost dead." Scootaloo shook her head, which hurt. "No. I'm just...how could I have been so stupid? All my life ponies have been trying to help me when they knew they would get nothing in return. And I, like a fat jerk, just refused them!" Cheerilee ran her hoof through Scoot's mane. "There's no time like the present to start fixing your mistakes." The filly sniffed. "What do you mean?" "Scootaloo, ever since I found out that you were homeless, I decided that I couldn't just stand there and watch you suffer. I wanted to help you. I wanted to help you accept help from other ponies and learn that they don't offer you charity because they look down on you. It's because they love you and care about you. What I'm trying to say is-" "You want to be my mother?" Scootaloo interrupted. Happiness, relief, and joy flowed through her. "No, I don't want to be your mother." Her heart sank. "I want to be your sister." Scootaloo didn't say anything. She just hugged Cheerilee harder than she thought she was able to. "Will you accept my help, Scoot? Will you let me take care of you?" With tears in her eyes, Scootaloo managed to croak out a sincere "Yes". Zecora smiled. "An old African proverb says, 'the one who learns humility will help shape the world into a better place'." "Darn it," Scootaloo stopped hugging for a moment. "Now you got me acting all sappy!" Diamond Tiara was happy. Which was saying something, because she hadn't been truly happy since...well, since she was born. She was happy because Scootaloo was gone, and she had gotten revenge for all those times the stupid Cutie Mark Crusaders made her look foalish. She wasn't the type to celebrate a filly's death, but this really was too good to be true. Scootaloo was gone! And it was her idea to fake the parents. Who else would come up with such a brilliant plan? Sure, she felt the tiniest bit guilty, but she had succeeded, hadn't she? Her thoughts were interrupted by a sharp knock on the door of her family's mansion. "I'll get it," she called. See, this success was even bringing her to do nice things for her family! Mother of Celestia, she was the perfect filly. She opened the door and got a terrible shock. Standing on their porch was the fabulous, the terrible, Princess Celestia. "Good afternoon, your highness. Can I help you?" Diamond Tiara stuttered nervously. It wasn't every day the princess showed up at your doorstep. "Diamond Tiara. I have heard a lot about you. May I come in?" "Yes, of course." The princess walked in and sat down on the couch. "I trust that you are familiar with the filly, Scootaloo?" Diamond Tiara gulped and nodded. "And you've heard that she supposedly found her parents?" Another nod. "Then you must know that the parents were Changelings, paid to pose as her parents?" The pink filly froze in terror. "I'm not happy, Diamond Tiara." The princess plucked the silver crown from the filly's mane and dropped it on the floor. "Not happy." Celestia stood up and crushed the crown under her feet. And that's when Diamond Tiara fainted.
Chapter OneIt was so cold. Scootaloo pulled the blanket around her and shivered. All around her the wind howled, and lightning lit up the dark room. The orange filly was lying in the schoolhouse, at her desk. All she had with her was a small, worn out pillow and a thin blanket, both of which were in desperate need of a washing. Instead of feeling sad and lonely, as you would suppose she should, Scootaloo felt happy inside. She has found a place to spend the night, at least for the time being. This caused for a celebration. Maybe tomorrow she would let Applejack give her a few apples, and accept a cupcake or two from Pinkie Pie. All of the ponies in Ponyville were worried about her. They didn't know where Scootaloo slept at night, or where her parents were. Instead of trying to help, they offered food. Blankets. Things they assumed she would need since they knew so little about her. "I don't need them," Scootaloo told herself as she closed her eyes, trying to fall asleep. "I can take care of myself, and it's none of their business where my parents are." She was strong enough to survive without anypony's help. "I am an island," She said out loud. "I don't need anypony's help, because I am stronger when I work alone." Another crack of lightning. Scootaloo jumped five feet in the air.cshe wished she had a big brother like Big Mac, or a sister like Applejack or Rarity to keep her safe during storms. A tear formed in her eye, but Scootaloo refused to cry. She was stronger than that. She didn't need anypony, not even her parents. Wherever they were. "You're always here before us, Scoot!" Scootaloo's eyes flew open. Her two best friends, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle stood before her, with big smiles on their faces. "Hey, girls," Scootaloo rubbed her eyes and pushed her pillow and blanket under her desk where her friends wouldn't see. "Didja fall asleep waiting fer us?" Apple Bloom asked in her Southern accent. "Yeah, what took you so long?" Scootaloo had become a decent liar since she had started sleeping in the school house. Nobody could know her secret, because they would try and help her. She didn't need anypony's help, and she never would. "What do you mean? We got here early." Sweetie Belle didn't sound suspicious, but her large green eyes said otherwise. Scootaloo shrugged. "Guess I just didn't get a lot of sleep last night." Their teacher, Miss Cheerilee, chose that moment to enter the room, just in time to hear most of the conversation. "Hello, girls," she said, smiling. The fillies waved, Scootaloo more enthusiastically. Anything to get their minds of the fact that she had been sleeping at her desk. Cheerilee's eyes scanned the room, making sure that everything was fine. Finally she noticed the blanket and pillow under Scootaloo's desk. Her eyebrow raised slightly, and she sent the orange filly a slightly confused look. "Did y'all hear the big thunderstorm last night?" Apple Bloom, thankfully, changed the subject. "Ah was so scared that our house was gonna git struck by lightnin', but Big Mac and Applejack told me stories and sang songs with me to help me fall asleep!" Sweetie Belle nodded. "Rarity and I made hot cocoa and we slept in front of her fireplace." Apple Bloom turned to Scootaloo. "What happened to you during the storm?" "Well," Scoot started. "I was pretty scared." "Didn't your parents do something special with you to cheer you up?" Sweetie Belle stared at her friend. Her eyes seemed to pierce into Scootaloo's mind and learn her secrets. "Sure they did. We um, told ghost stories and made s'mores." She turned red. "Really? You have parents?" A voice from behind them snickered. Scoot turned and saw Dismond Tiara, who was coming into the room. "As a matter of fact, I do." Scootaloo looked the pink filly in the eye. "Really? What are their names?" Diamond Tiara smiled slowly. "Um…" The orange fully stuttered. Keep calm, Scoot, she said to herself. Don't give in to her. "Diamond Tiara, it ain't none of yer business who Scootaloo's parents are! Leave her alone!" Diamond Tiara ignored Apple Bloom and kept her eyes fixed on Scootaloo. "I should have guessed. You don't have parents. You don't have a place to live. You're nothing but a poor, ragged hobo." The words stung. Scootaloo took a deep breath. "Take it back." she said softly. "But it's the truth," The bully laughed. "You know, sometimes I wonder who your parents were. Did they live in a homeless shelter and were so uneducated they even forgot they had a daughter? It's appropriate that you're sleeping at a school, since I'm sure you're just as slow as they are. I mean, were." That did it. Scootaloo lost all control and kept on top of the other filly, biting, kicking, and growling like a wild animal. She wanted to say something, maybe, "My parents are alive and well, and could pound yours into a bloody pulp for what you said!" But she couldn't say anything. She just kept on punching and biting Diamond Tiara until she was shrieking. Cheerilee rushed over to the two fillies and ripped them apart. Diamond Tiara was wailing and covered in blood and bruises. Scootaloo was still pinching the air and yelling "Take it back!" "That's enough!" Cheerilee said sternly. "I'm afraid both of you are in serious trouble. You'll have to give this note to each of your parents to meet me after school tomorrow. As for now, you will both get detention." Diamond Tiara and Scootaloo sat back at their seats. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle eyed them, confused. Why had Scoot gotten so angry? "Too bad Scootaloo's parents won't show up tomorrow." Diamond Tiara said quietly, just loud enough for the Cutie Mark Crusaders to hear. "They're probably rotting away in some alley." Scootaloo turned as red as a tomato. What would happen when Cheerilee found out her parents were gone?
Chapter Two"Scootaloo, can I talk to you for a moment?" Scootaloo looked up from the game of checkers that her and Sweetie Belle were playing together and saw Cheerilee, looking stern, but a little bit anxious as well. "Oh, sure." Scoot got to her feet and followed her teacher into the schoolroom. "I need you to tell me about your personal life. I don't want to butt into your business, but I know nothing about you and as your teacher I need to know." Cheerilee didn't seem angry, only confused. Scootaloo looked at her feet. "What do you want to know?" "Tell me about your parents." Scootaloo felt like she knew and trusted Cheerilee enough to tell her the truth. "Promise not to tell anypony?" Cheerilee nodded. The filly took a deep breath. "I last saw them when I was a baby. I don't even remember what they look like. But I know that they left me in Town Square, and I managed to live." Cheerilee tried to remain calm, but inside she was screaming, "What kind of heartless monsters would leave a poor baby in the middle of Ponyville to live on its own?" Instead, the teacher asked, "What did you eat?" Scoot shrugged. "Anything left behind. Lots of ponies gave me food and offered me places to live, but I always said no." "What? Why?" "I don't need anypony." Scootaloo looked more confident all of a sudden. "I do just fine by myself, and I don't take charity from others because..." "Because what?" "Because...I-it's embarrassing. Lots of ponies found out that I'm...homeless, and they're always trying to help me by giving me food or a place to stay. And they look down on me! Like I actually need their help!" Tears were streaming down her face. "Oh, Scootaloo..." Cheerilee didn't know what to say. This poor baby filly, alone with the idea in her head that she didn't need anypony to live. "Don't try and help me," Scoot wiped her runny nose with her front leg. "They all try, but I never let them." "Scootaloo, you can't just live your life like this!" Cheerilee was distraught. "Try and stop me," the young pegasus said stubbornly. "Everypony tells me that they know how I feel. Well, they don't. Nopony knows. And nopony could understand!" The teacher sighed and looked out the window of the school. "Could I tell you a story?" Scoot shrugged. "I...I was married once. To a wonderful, handsome colt." "That's why you didn't want a special somepony on Hearts and Hooves day!" Scootaloo interrupted. Cheerilee nodded. "He was the most amazing pony I ever met. He swept me off my feet, and I swore never to love another." "He WAS the most amazing pony? What happened to him?" Cheerilee struggled to appear calm. "It was a month after our wedding. He left one day...and never came back." Tears had escapes her eyes and were leaving wet streaks on her face. "I don't know if it was something I did, or if he was k-killed..." Scootaloo, despite herself, wrapped her chubby arms around her teacher. "That kind of hurt, that kind of pain," Cheerilee continued, wiping her face with a handkerchief. "-can make you feel like your life is worth nothing. It can also make you feel angry and stubborn. You have to decide between whether or not you're going to let other ponies help you." "I know what I chose," Scoot muttered. "You have to let go of your stubbornness, Scootaloo!" Cheerilee cried. "I know it's hard, but if you want to become happy again you have to let other ponies help you!" The teacher sighed. "I know someone that will be able to help you." "I doubt they can do anything." Scootaloo crossed her arms. "I want you to stay with her for one week. No school. I just want you to become friends with her. Is that okay with you?" An excuse to skip school could not be turned down. "Okay. But just for one week." Cheerilee nodded. "One week." Scootaloo and Cheerilee agreed to meet the next morning, as it was Saturday. After making a few arrangements with her friend, Cheerilee went straight to bed, exhausted. Scootaloo, however, had no place to fall asleep. Cheerilee, without thinking, had locked the school doors and the filly was locked out. Scoots wandered around Ponyvilke as the sky grew dark, hoping she would soon be able to find somewhere to stay for the night. As night fell and rain started dripping from the sky, Scootaloo was becoming more frantic about finding shelter of some sort. As the sprinkles of rain turned into gallons, the small Pegasus was forced to make due with a park bench. She crawled underneath it, relieved to escape the weather. It took several hours, but Scoot managed to find sleep. Interrupted, anxious sleep, but sleep nonetheless. The next morning Scootaloo ran as fast as she could to the schoolhouse. It was still raining, do she had to hurry to avoid getting soaked. Cheerilee was waiting for her, along with two white pegasi and a chariot of some sort. "What the heck?" Scoot thought as she came closer. "Are you ready to go?" One of the pegasi asked. She noticed that he was wearing polished, golden armor. Scootaloo glanced at Cheerilee nervously. "It's okay, Scoots." The teacher winked. The pegasi helped Scootaloo into the chariot and attached themselves to the harness on the front. "Goodbye, Scootaloo!" Cheerilee waved. Scoot waved back, but couldn't help but feel puzzled. What was waiting for her? The pegasi took off, leaving Cheerilee to only hope that this idea was a good one.
Chapter ThreeThe pegasi pulled the chariot into the white, fluffy clouds, flying farther away from Ponyville than Scootaloo had ever been before. She couldn't tell where they were going, but she wasn't sure she liked it. It was like she was being kidnapped. "I can't be kidnapped because they don't have anypony to give the ransom note to," she decided. But still, her stomach had an uneasy feeling in it. After several hours of complete boredom, the pegasi landed the chariot. Scootaloo hopped out, wondering where she was. In front of her was a beautiful building, glistening as if it were made of crystal. It was bigger than anything she had ever seen before, with a huge gateway with a drawbridge. What was this place? The drawbridge came down and a white alicorn came out. "Welcome to Canterlot, Scootaloo," she said. The filly's mouth dropped open. "Princess Celestia?" A wave of question poured out. "How do you know my name? Are you Cheerilee's friend? Why am I here? Why do you care about my parents? Am I dreaming?" The princess smiled and said, "All your questions will be answered soon, little one. As for now, would you like to come inside?" Scootaloo nodded and followed Celestia into the Canterlot Palace. She was lead through a number of hallways and up a few staircases before they reached a huge room that the Princess called the Dining Room. Scootaloo had never seen anything do magnificent. The walls themselves seemed to be made of glistening diamonds, and the table was made out of marble or pearl, she couldn't tell which. On the table was enough food to feed a whole army. And what interesting food it was! Sculptures of Phoenixes and dragons made out of fruit, a huge fountain in the center of the table that spouted sparkling cider. There was even a life-size statue of a pony surrounded by strawberries. Upon further inspection, Scootaloo found that it was made out of chocolate. "You can tell me about yourself while we eat," the princess told her. Servants pulled out two chairs, one decorated in gold, and the other in silver. Celestia sat in the golden one, which now looked more like a throne. Scootaloo took the silver seat, and the two began filling their plates. Scoot decided that the food was simply too good to waste, and took a small bite out of everything on the table. Celestia, however, seemed to be on a cake-only diet. "Now, Scootaloo, please tell me what you told Cheerilee," the princess said in a kind voice. Scootaloo repeated her story without hesitation, and left out some parts that she thought were "too whiny" for the Princess of Equestria. After she finished her story, Celestia sat in silence, thinking over the filly's past. "Scootaloo," she said finally. "You can't go on through your life without letting ponies help you." "But I don't need them. I'm strong enough to handle my life alone." Celestia shook her head and sighed. Another long moment of silence followed. "I want to help you find your parents, dear," the Princess said, taking another bite of cake. Scootaloo didn't know what to say. "W-why?" "Because I know how it feels to be alone." This puzzled the filly until she remembered the history of Equestria. After Princess Luna was banished to the moon, Celestia had to take on the responsibility of raising the moon at night, as well as the sun in the morning. The one thousand years that Luna was banished were named the Dark Years, because Celestia was so busy with the moon, her sun was weak. During those years the princess was not as fun loving as she normally was. Some ponies even described her as depressed. The alicorn tapped a small bell on the table with her horn. Moments later, a white stallion with a blue, wavy mane appeared at her side. "Yes, your majesty?" "Shining Armor, please take a letter." The princess stood up and begin to dictate. "To the kingdom of Equestria: It has come to my attention that one of my subjects, an orange Pegasus filly by the name of Scootaloo is currently living without her parents. An award of five thousand bits will be awarded to the pony or ponies who recover her birth parents. This is an urgent matter and anypony who chooses to cheat or forge this filly's parents in any way will be punished. Sincerely, Princess Celestia." The stallion scribbled down every word and when he was finished, he asked, "And what shall I do with it, your Highness?" "Have it copied and posted on every street corner in Canterlot and Ponyville." Scootaloo didn't know whether she should be embarrassed that her secret was being posted all over Equestria or happy that the Princess was helping her find her parents. "Princess Celestia? What if my patents are...dead?" The princess lowered her head so she was at eye level with the filly. "Then at least we tried." Scootaloo didn't feel embarrassed at all anymore. No, she felt like the luckiest filly in the world. Who knew that other ponies could help you so much? But she was still an island. "I'm stronger that way," she reminded herself. "I always will be."
Chapter Four"What a day," Scootaloo thought as trudged towards the guest bedroom Princess Celestia had given her. She had no idea how many people would pretend to be her parents just to make a few bits. The princess and her had interviewed over thirty couples who had all claimed to be her parents, and not one had DNA that matched her's. "We might as well give up now," Scoot sighed, opening the door to her bedroom. Inside was a glamorous room fit for, well, a princess. The four-poster bed was plated with gold, and the sheets were silk. A beautiful mural was painted on the ceiling, showing the defeat of Nightmare Moon, Discord and a creepy-looking black alicorn Scoot didn't recognize. Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and their other friends were shown, triumphantly standing over their foes. "If only Diamond Tiara could see me now," the filly whispered. "She would take back anything nasty she ever said to me." Scootaloo flopped into the bed,, which was softer and warmer than anything she ever felt. She fell asleep instantly, dreaming of her parents and what would happen if she found them. Scootaloo woke up to find the princess shaking her arm, trying to get her out of bed. "Wake up, dear!" Celestia was saying. "I'm up, I'm up," Scootaloo yawned. "I think we've done it! We found them!" The filly almost fell out of the bed. "What?" "We found your parents! The DNA matches, and they look almost exactly like you. Come quick!" The filly followed the princess into the parlor as fast as she could, not knowing how to feel. Excited? Scared? She was about to meet her parents for the first time, how would a normal pony react? Sitting on a sofa were a mare and a stallion. The mare was a pale pink earth pony with purple, wavy hair. Her eyes looked like Scootaloo's exactly. The stallion was an orange Pegasus with red, spiky main. Both of them had bright green eyes. "Scootaloo, this is Lightning Flash and Daisy Doo. The DNA results came in moments ago, and it's confirmed that they are your biological parents." Celestia gestured to the couple. The mare ran up to Scootaloo and wrapped her arms around her. "My little baby! I've found you!" Scootaloo didn't know what to think. She hugged her mother back, wondering why she didn't feel as happy as she expected. She found what she was looking for, didn't she? Her search was over. Her life was complete. Was it? The stallion ruffled his daughter's mane and smiled at her. "Glad to see you, princess. Ready to go home?" Home? She hadn't thought about where they would go once she found her parents. "Where?" "In Fillydalphia. We've become mug richer since we...lost you." The stallion's eyes went to the floor. "W-what happened? How did you lose me?" "We'll tell you during the ride home. For now, I just want to hug you one more time." After an awkward hug, Princess Celestia came up to them. "Congratulations, Scootaloo," she said. "I'm so glad I helped you find your family." Scootaloo opened her mouth to speak, but her mother was pulling her out the door where a chariot was parked. "Let's go, dear, we don't want to be late!" "Wait," Scoot said, pushing away. She ran to the princess and embraced her. "I'm going to miss you." "As will I, child. I'm sorry our visit was cut so short. Will you write to me?" Scootaloo nodded. Her parents pulled her out the door and helped her in the chariot. In moments, they were flying above the clouds, heading towards Fillydalphia, where a new life waited for her. It all seemed so rushed. Just when she was beginning to accept ponys' charity, she whisked away by her parents. If only she had a little bit more time with the Princess. The way that she was willing to do anything to help her find her parents was just... Amazing. It was like Princess Celestia wanted to act like a mother to Scootaloo. And Cheerilee! She would probably never see her again. Lots of ponies came to mind as well; Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, her best friends. Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and everypony else who had offered help when she most needed it. How could Scootaloo just ignore all the help being offered to her? These ponies were worried about her, and what had she done? She had decided she was an island. And now she would never see those ponies again. She looked up, her eyes shining with tears. Her mother and father were talking to each other in low voices, but glanced at Scootaloo once in a while and smiled. Bored and a bit heartbroken, the filly looked over the edge of the chariot and gazed at the buildings coming into view. She could see Sugar Cube Corner, Rarity's Boutique, the schoolhouse... Wait. Those buildings weren't in Fillydalphia. They were in Ponyville. But why were they heading there? The chariot landed in a strange place, the middle of the Everfree Forest. Strange. Very strange. The family jumped out of the chariot, which raced off as soon as they were out. They were in the middle of the forest, standing very still in the dark. "Um, mom? Why are we here?" "Hush, child," the mother said sternly. Suddenly, two figures emerged from the shadows, one larger than the other. When they came closer, Scootaloo saw that they were a stallion and a filly. The stallion had a brown coat and mane, which was styled professionally. The filly shocked Scootaloo the most, as she was pink with a magenta and white mane. A tiara was perched in her hair. "Diamond Tiara?" The spoiled earth pony shot Scootaloo a glare that said "Shut up." "You said we would receive payment for this?" Scoot's dad asked impatiently. Filthy Rich, Diamond Tiara's father, pulled out several bits and handed them to her parents, who admired them greedily. "Thank you. Now, where are those five thousand bits?" Filthy smiled deviously. Scootaloo's mother handed him the money Celestia had awarded them. "Your work is done. You may leave." Filthy Rich stuffed the money into his coat pocket. Then Scootaloo's parents did something that haunted her for years to come: they transformed into black monsters, with insect wings, jagged horns, and glistening fangs. They reminded her of the black alicorn painted on her bedroom ceiling in the Canterlot Palace. The creatures flew off, buzzing like bees. Scootaloo was a puzzled mess. It seemed like Diamond Tiara's father had paid these creatures to pose as her parents for the money. Just five hundred bits to break a filly's heart. "What about me? What are you going to do with me now that I'm homeless again?" Filthy Rich was a greedy pony, and had a heart only for money. A homeless filly was worth nothing in his mind, so leaving one alone was no problem. He beckoned to his daughter and lead her back into the shadows, after Diamond Tiara managed to stick her tongue out one last time to Scootaloo. She could hear them getting into a chariot and flying away, back to their home in Ponyville. It was dark. And so cold. Scootaloo had no food, no water, and certainly nopony to help her. "It's okay," she told herself. "Somepony is bound to come sooner or later." She waited. And waited. The sun went down and it became even darker. Drops of rain fell from the sky and splashed onto her face. She had been waiting for hours, and she hadn't eaten since the night before. And with wild creatures roaming the forest, it was evident that she wouldn't last very long. Tears began streaming down her face. "Now I truly am alone," she said softly. Exhausted, soaked, and starving, Scootaloo fell into a troubled sleep.
Chapter FiveScootaloo's eyes open slowly, and was immediately blinded by a piercing white light. She tried to sit up, but she just fell back down. "Did I die? Is this Heaven?" she said out loud. "She's awake! Zecora, she woke up!" Scootaloo still couldn't see with the light in her eyes. "Where am I?" "You're in Zecora's shack, dear. Try to open your eyes." Shielding the light from her face with her hoof, Scootaloo forced her eyes open. She was laying on a table and wrapped in a blanket, in Zecora's shack. The zebra was mixing potions of some sort and mumbling odd words. Standing next to the table was the pony who was speaking before, Cheerilee. "Cheerilee? Where am I? What happened?" Scootaloo tried to sit up again, but when she did, her head exploded in sudden sharp pain. "Oww," she groaned. "What's with my head?" "You hit your head on a rock when you passed out," Cheerilee explained. "I was going to Zecora's to get some tea when I found you, covered in blood and tears." The teacher looked like she would burst into tears herself. "The monsters...and Diamond Tiara! What-where-why?" "You explained everything to me in your sleep. I swear, if I see Filthy Rich again, I'm going to-" Cheerilee mumbled words Scootaloo had never heard before under her breath. Zecora raised an eyebrow but said nothing. "I'm just glad we found you in time," the teacher said, hugging Scootaloo. The fully hugged her back, as hard as she could. "Me too." Suddenly, Scootaloo inexplicably burst into tears. "What's wrong?" Cheerilee held her student tighter. Zecora rolled her eyes. "Perhaps it is the pain in her head, or the fact that she was almost dead." Scootaloo shook her head, which hurt. "No. I'm just...how could I have been so stupid? All my life ponies have been trying to help me when they knew they would get nothing in return. And I, like a fat jerk, just refused them!" Cheerilee ran her hoof through Scoot's mane. "There's no time like the present to start fixing your mistakes." The filly sniffed. "What do you mean?" "Scootaloo, ever since I found out that you were homeless, I decided that I couldn't just stand there and watch you suffer. I wanted to help you. I wanted to help you accept help from other ponies and learn that they don't offer you charity because they look down on you. It's because they love you and care about you. What I'm trying to say is-" "You want to be my mother?" Scootaloo interrupted. Happiness, relief, and joy flowed through her. "No, I don't want to be your mother." Her heart sank. "I want to be your sister." Scootaloo didn't say anything. She just hugged Cheerilee harder than she thought she was able to. "Will you accept my help, Scoot? Will you let me take care of you?" With tears in her eyes, Scootaloo managed to croak out a sincere "Yes". Zecora smiled. "An old African proverb says, 'the one who learns humility will help shape the world into a better place'." "Darn it," Scootaloo stopped hugging for a moment. "Now you got me acting all sappy!" Diamond Tiara was happy. Which was saying something, because she hadn't been truly happy since...well, since she was born. She was happy because Scootaloo was gone, and she had gotten revenge for all those times the stupid Cutie Mark Crusaders made her look foalish. She wasn't the type to celebrate a filly's death, but this really was too good to be true. Scootaloo was gone! And it was her idea to fake the parents. Who else would come up with such a brilliant plan? Sure, she felt the tiniest bit guilty, but she had succeeded, hadn't she? Her thoughts were interrupted by a sharp knock on the door of her family's mansion. "I'll get it," she called. See, this success was even bringing her to do nice things for her family! Mother of Celestia, she was the perfect filly. She opened the door and got a terrible shock. Standing on their porch was the fabulous, the terrible, Princess Celestia. "Good afternoon, your highness. Can I help you?" Diamond Tiara stuttered nervously. It wasn't every day the princess showed up at your doorstep. "Diamond Tiara. I have heard a lot about you. May I come in?" "Yes, of course." The princess walked in and sat down on the couch. "I trust that you are familiar with the filly, Scootaloo?" Diamond Tiara gulped and nodded. "And you've heard that she supposedly found her parents?" Another nod. "Then you must know that the parents were Changelings, paid to pose as her parents?" The pink filly froze in terror. "I'm not happy, Diamond Tiara." The princess plucked the silver crown from the filly's mane and dropped it on the floor. "Not happy." Celestia stood up and crushed the crown under her feet. And that's when Diamond Tiara fainted.
