Treasure Hunter: Legacy of the X-Vault

by Cmd1x

Rating: teen
Tags: Dark, Adventure
Length: 6268

Scootaloo's new cutie mark leads her to an exciting adventure to find the mysterious 'X-Vault.' A long hidden relic that may decide the fate of the world.

She's finally done it. Scootaloo had earned her cutie mark after discovering an old map hidden away in her Grandparent's attic. However, she soon learns that this mark is more than her passage into marehood as Princess Luna and Daring Do starts her journey into adventure and discovery in a quest to find the mysterious X-Vault, an ancient cache of lost technology that might be the key to saving the world from a genocidal enemy from beyond the stars. Join Scootaloo as she embarks on an exciting adventure through out ponykind's disturbing history and the personal drama of the present in order to save the future.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2015-01-30 13:40:02 UTC

One Crusade Down

Treasure Hunter: Legacy of the X-Vault

by

Cmd1x

Chapter 1

Scootaloo was no longer a pony.  She was a machine relentlessly following a set of directions provided by a map leading to the usual “x marks the spot.”   If circumstances were normal, she'd present her map to her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders and they'd go off on a merry adventure that would end in hilarious failure.  However, she followed a previously unknown instinct to track the location of the unknown buried treasure that resided in the normally fearsome Everfree Forest.  In her mind's eye a series of dashes led her to whatever lied buried in the woods.   Her search was interrupted by an ominous growling.  A timber wolf decided she would make a delicious snack.   The wooden creature licked its chops in anticipation of an easy pony treat.  While this should normally elicit fear in a normal pony, the orange pegasus filly grabbed hold of small shovel with her mouth and stood her ground, daring the creature to try impede her search.  Momentarily confused, the timber wolf wondered why this pony had decided to gaze at him angrily instead of running away like was normal for its ilk.  Deciding that a free meal was a blessing, the stick creature advanced only to feel a sudden sharp, painful impact upon its snout.  The timber wolf yelped in pain and recoiled in shock.  The pegasus had flew back and continued to stare fiercely at her opponent.  Recovering, the timber wolf once again tried to leap at its prey, only to feel the pain of steel upon its wooden snout.   The timber wolf roared in anger, fed up with this obnoxious thing that refused to play by the rules and was answered by the filly flying at it and deliver a series of strikes upon its head.  Beaten enough, the timber wolf, in a gesture of deference to its adversary, whimpered and backed off and finally turned around and ran off in search of easier prey.

Satisfied that this annoyance had past, Scootaloo continued to follow the imaginary line until she came across a small clearing in the forest.  The small pegasus smiled and proceeded to dig in the spot where the map had promised buried treasure.  Digging furiously, Scootaloo had struck proverbial pay dirt.  She continued to dig until she uncovered a chest undoubtedly filled with untold gold, gems and other valuables.  Once she was able, the excited filly pulled the heavy vessel from its resting place.  After lifting the box from its hole and dragging it to the surface, a sudden wave of fatigue struck the orange filly as she used her tiny wings to propel herself to the top of the dirty wooden chest.   Driven by exhaustion, Scootaloo collapsed on the chest and fell asleep, barely noticing a bright flash upon her flank.

Applejack was not a happy pony.  Nopony would be, having to track some crazed filly through the nightmare that was the Everfree Forest.  The peach colored knew from the vague descriptions given to her by some concerned citizens, that said filly was none other than the lovable but hyperactive Scootaloo.  She swore a silent oath that the troublesome filly was going to get an earful when she got her hooves on the errant pegasus filly.  Aiding her in the search was her best friend and sometimes rival, Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo's honorary big sister, mentor and center for idol worship.

“Found her!”  the cyan pegasus declared.  Applejack was somewhat relieved and simultaneously annoyed that the colorfully maned and tailed pegasus seemed extremely amused at what she was looking at.  The snickering pegasus pointed into what seemed like an ordinary clearing in the woods the two had been searching through in their hunt for the missing filly.  Applejack looked at what her friend had been so gleefully pointing at and found a slumbering Scootaloo upon a classic treasure chest.  However there was more than the farmpony had expected.  Scootaloo's flank was adorned with a similar chest upon a what looked like a treasure map.

“Well, Ah'll be.” the earth pony drawled. “Looks like one of the crusader's fahnally got their cutie mark.”  Applejack couldn't help but smile despite the severity of the situation.  Sleeping in the Everfree Forest was normally an unwise if not fatal move but, fortunately, the two had discovered the dozing filly before anything dire had happened and Applejack had to admit that Scootaloo was absolutely adorable resting on top of her new found prize.  On top of that, the Cutie Mark Crusaders would now, hopefully, seek less dangerous methods on which to discover their talents, now that their most reckless and ambitious member had received her mark.

“You go back to town and get something to haul this thing back while I keep an eye on the squirt.” Rainbow Dash commanded.  Applejack normally didn't like being bossed around, especially by Rainbow Dash, but wisely decided to let pride go by the wayside and left her cyan friend to stand guard over the sleeping filly.  'You finally did it squirt.' Rainbow thought as she affectionately stroked the slumbering Scootaloo.  Rainbow Dash loved her nutty little counterpart and was thrilled that not only she had gained a cutie mark but a cutie mark that could potentially lead her down to path to becoming the next Daring Do, Rainbow Dash's personal idol.

A crimson, gold-maned elderly pegasus stallion was alerted to the fact that his formerly errant granddaughter had finally awoke and was presently trotting into the living room where he was waiting for her.  He gave an annoyed glance at happy filly who cheerfully cantered in as if nothing was wrong.

“Hi Grandpa!” Scootaloo greeted her beloved caretaker.  Iron Eagle, the aforementioned grandfather returned her greeting with a surly grumble.  “I had the coolest dream!” the young filly exclaimed.

“Oh really?” the elder smiled turning his steel colored eyes towards her with a slight smile.  “Why don't you tell me about it, cadet.”

“Well, I dreamed that I found an old treasure map in the attic, so I followed it into the Everfree Forest where I beat up a timber wolf  and then I dug up the treasure and got my CUTIE MARK!.” the filly fluttered her wings as she excitedly related her so-called dream.

“Did it happen to look like that.” the elder stallion pointed at Scootaloo's flank which now bore  a image of an open treasure chest filled with gold and gems overlapping a simple treasure map.   Scootaloo's lavender eyes grew huge and her wings buzzed with excitement.

“MY CUTIE MARK!” the orange pegasus happily exclaimed.  However in a sudden moment her face fell as she realized what she had just done.  “That wasn't a dream, was it?”

“Nope.”

“I'm in a lotta trouble, aren't I?”

“Yep.” her grandfather smiled evilly towards her.

Iron Eagle had sentenced poor Scootaloo to the most horrible punishment imaginable, an afternoon at Carousel Boutique being fitted for a new dress for her upcoming cutecinera.  Scootaloo knew better than to argue with the old war pony.  There were no excuses with him, only violations and punishments.   As she slowly meandered towards the clothing store, a few ponies noticed her new mark and happily congratulated the orange filly.  Scootaloo smiled and thanked them kindly, hoping to bring as little attention to herself as possible, an near impossible task in the small town where her infamy as a member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders was well established.  She whispered a silent prayer to Luna that the ordeal of an undoubtedly humiliating afternoon of Rarity playing dress up with her would be over with before anypony she cared about, especially Rainbow Dash, knew about it.  'Doesn't matter, they're going to see me at my cutecinera.  Might as well get this over with.' she thought as she approached the fancy building that was Carousel Boutique.  Scootaloo cautiously entered the boutique, wincing as a bell rang a tinny ring signaling her arrival.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique!” a melodious and fancy voice called out.  The bright white unicorn known as Rarity trotted out to greet a potential new client only to find out, to her slight disappointment, it was simply her sister's best friend, Scootaloo.  “Oh it's you Scootaloo.  I'm sorry but Sweetie Belle cannot play today.  She has been grounded for using vulgar language.”  Scootaloo smiled to herself, trying to imagine swear words in Sweetie Belle's cute voice.  “I don't suppose you know where she could learn such horrible words?” the mare sternly asked.

“Not sure.  Grandpa would make me clean the bathroom for a month if he even heard I said a bad word and Apple Bloom said that Granny Smith would 'tan her hide' if she was caught swearing.”  That much was true.  When she younger, Scootaloo had asked Iron Eagle what a word uttered by an older colt had meant.  The old stallion had given her lengthy speech on obscenities, what they were, what they meant and the dire consequences if she dared to repeat any of them in his presence or if he found out she did.  'Probably caught it from Twilight after she got that paper cut.  Never knew she could swear like that.' Scootaloo amusedly thought as she remembered a particularly hilarious incident during 'Twilight Time.'  “Anyways, I'm not here for Sweetie Belle.  I'm here because, umm.. Grandpa wanted me to get a new dress.”  Scootaloo pulled out a bag of bits and a sealed note, that under no circumstances was Scootaloo allowed to read or interfere with.  A blue glow surrounded the note and bag and drew them toward the elegant mare.  Rarity opened the note and read it, pausing to glance at her victim's once blank flank.

“My goodness, I didn't even notice.  Why congratulations, my dear, this is absolutely marvelous.”  Rarity excitedly pulled the filly into private fitting room.  “Wait right here” Rarity exited and called out to her sister.  “Sweetie Belle!  Come down here, you simply must see this.” The unicorn had apparently forgotten the younger filly's previous transgression.

“Ugh, coming.” a muffled voice grumpily answered.  Some clip-clopping brought a tiny unicorn filly to the fitting room where Scootaloo was currently imprisoned.  “Oh, hi Scootaloo!” Sweetie's sour expression brightened as she noticed her beloved best friend sheepishly standing in Rarity's fitting room.  Inspecting the orange pegasus, Sweetie noticed her friend's brand new cutie mark.  “Is that..?” Sweetie couldn't believer her eyes.  It finally happened.  The purple and pink maned filly squealed joyously as she pranced merrily in one place in pure delight.  “THIS IS SO GREAT!!!  OH SCOOTALOO THIS IS THE BESTEST THING EVER!!!!!” the excited filly tackled Scootaloo in a congratulatory hug.  “THISISTOOEXCITING!OHIHAVETOTELLAPPLEBLOOM!”  The happy pony's voice squeaked in pure excitement.  Sweetie shot out of the room and towards Sweet Apple Acres.

“SWEETIE BELLE! Get back here!  You are still grounded.  Oooh, that girl.” Rarity protested.  “Oh well, I'll deal with her later.  Let's see what we can do with you.” Rarity turned her attention towards the orange filly.

'Ugh, how long have I been here.' It seemed like an eternity since Scootaloo had entered Carousel Boutique.   Rarity had fussed over what fabrics went well with Scootaloo's orange coat and her new cutie mark, interspersed with questions about her grandparents' well being, how she got said cutie mark, and other not-really-her-business type questions the gossipy mare had been prone to asking.  Thankfully Fluttershy had came in and had drawn enough of Rarity's questions away from the flustered pegasus filly to give her a moment's peace.  The pleasant conversation between Fluttershy and Rarity that Scootaloo had been actively ignoring was interrupted by the familiar giggles of her two best friends who were now entering the shop.   Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle barged into the room where poor Scootaloo had been interred the past hour.

“There she is.” Sweetie proudly announced.  “The first successful member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.”

“Lemme see!” Apple Bloom bellowed as she ran up to Scootaloo a rudely brushed aside a maroon piece of fabric obscuring Scootaloo's flank.  “Scootaloo! Yah got yer cutie mark!” the yellow filly redundantly announced.

“Sure did!” Scootaloo happily responded.

“So how did you do it?” Sweetie asked.  Scootaloo grimaced.  Part of her felt guilty about not letting her fellow Crusaders in on the grand treasure hunt that earned her her mark.

“Well, it's kind of a weird story.  Grandma asked me to clean out the attic while she was working at the orphanage and Grandpa was taking a nap.  I found a box that said 'D.D.' on it and I thought it might have belonged to my Aunt D.  I opened it and found some weird junk and this map.  After that it gets kinda blurry.”

“What do yah mean?” Apple Bloom asked frowning.

“I dunno.  It was like it felt like I really had to find the treasure.  Like I was taken over or something.  I grabbed one of grandpa's old military shovels and just started following this line towards the Everfree forest.”  Scootaloo's story was interrupted by a quite audible squeak.  The fillies glanced at the two adult mares who were now staring, aghast at what Scootaloo had just said.  Scootaloo gave a nervous chuckle and continued.  “I kept following that line until I came into big empty spot in the middle of the forest.  I don't know why but it seemed like I knew exactly where to dig.  I just kept digging and digging until I found it.”  Scootaloo intentionally left out the part about the timber wolf.  No need to further worry the adults.

“Then what happened?” Sweetie asked, enthralled by her friend's story.

“I dug it out and I pulled it out of the ground even though it was really heavy.  When I finally got it out of the hole I felt really tired and I really don't know what happened after that.” Scootaloo trailed off unsure how she got home.

“Actually, Rainbow Dash and Applejack found you sleeping in the forest.”  Fluttershy answered.  “You're lucky they did or else who knows what might have happened.” the pale yellow pony admonished the younger pegasus.  Scootaloo shrank in shame.  She hadn't meant to worry anypony especially her beloved idol.  Fluttershy smiled reassuringly  “It's alright.  What matters most is that you're safe and sound back home, and Rainbow was so happy for you.” Fluttershy giggled her adorable giggle.  “She thinks you're going to be the next Daring Do.”  Scootaloo flinched at that.  For some reason, the subject of Daring Do made her grandparents uncomfortable.  Even worse it one of the few topics that made her normally happy-go-lucky Aunt D visibly upset.

“Hey, maybe if we found another treasure map, we could get our cutie marks too.” Sweetie Belle interrupted Scootaloo's discomfort with her usual silliness.

“ABSOLUTELY NOT!” Rarity shrieked.  “I will not have you traipsing around in the wilderness like some brigand, especially in those dreadful woods.  Honestly, Scootaloo, what on earth were you thinking?”

“Like I said, I couldn't control myself.” Scootaloo meekly defended.  Rarity silently groaned, shook her head and continued to work her magic upon the orange filly.

A little while later, Scootaloo was freed from Rarity's clutches and free to wander Ponyville with her two partners-in-crime.  The two still blanked fillies silently agreed to bare no ill will towards their friend, despite being left out of her adventure.  She seemed sorry enough and they were too busy being happy for her and anticipating their own cutie marks which were surely coming soon.   Sweetie was just glad that Rarity had apparently forgotten about her being grounded with all the excitement.  Scootaloo decided to pester the little unicorn about what she said and Apple Bloom joined in once she learned what happened.

“For the last time, I'm not saying it again.  (I really hate that stupid cat.)” Sweetie Belle's angry musings were interrupted by an excited pink party pony.

“Lemme see it! LEMME SEE IT!! LEMME SEE IT!!!” Pinkie Pie excitedly demanded.

“Calm down Pinkie Pie.  See what?”

“The new cutie mark!” Pinkie rolled her eyes as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, which in retrospect probably was.  She was answered with only with blank stares.  “I got a tingle in my rump which means somepony got their cutie mark and this tingle felt extra special so it must have been one of my favoritest blank flanked fillies in the whole wide world, YOU GUYS!”  The trio dispersed enough to give Pinkie a good view of Scootaloo's cutie mark.  Pinkie gasped and delight and grabbed Scootaloo in a great big bear hug.  “OH MY GOSH!  Does this mean you're a pirate!?  Oh, I can't wait for your cutecinera  I can make pirate cupcakes and we can have pirate decorations and I can make parrot cookies and maybe even a ship made out of cake.  Oh, this is going to be so much fun!”

“I'm not a pirate, Pinkie, Grandpa would kill me.” Scootaloo protested struggling to free herself from the hyperactive pony.

“Didn't yer Grandpa use to fight pirates?” Apple Bloom asked recalling a story the old stallion told them during one of their infrequent sleepovers at Scootaloo's.

“Uh-huh.” Scootaloo muttered slipping from Pinkie Pie's grasp.

“So what does it mean?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“It means I'm good at finding treasure, I guess.”

“Hmm, are you sure you're not a pirate, cuz pirates are good at finding treasure.” Pinkie asked using her own unique logic.

“I'm sure Pinkie.”  Why did Pinkie Pie have to be so Pinkie Pie?

Several days had past since Scootaloo earned her cutie mark, culminating in the biggest cutecinera in Ponyville history.  Everypony was invited, courtesy of Pinkie Pie, and nearly everypony had attended.  Poor Scootaloo had been overwhelmed by the wave of attention she had been receiving.  While she normally loved attention, being congratulated enthusiastically by nearly everypony in town had been a  bit much.  The beleaguered filly snuck away from the revelry during the night to catch a quick breath.

“A warm welcome and hearty congratulations to you, dear Scootaloo.” Scoot spun around to face a beautiful blue and black alicorn mare, the princess of the night herself.

“Princess Luna!” Scootaloo responded happily with an awkward bow.

"No need for such trivialities, little one.” Luna giggled.  The princess embraced her tiny subject lovingly.  “We have much to discuss and little time before thine presence is missed.”

“What do you mean?” Scootaloo became unsettled at how quickly serious Luna had become.  The regal mare gave a small reassuring smile.

“You have a talent for finding lost treasures, do you not?” Scootaloo nodded in affirmation.  “I believe with the proper guidance, this may be of great use to Equestria and even the world.”

“Huh?”

Luna gave a brief glance at the stars above before explaining. “The stars have warned me of a possible danger that lurks among them.  They are vague but it is enough to give me pause.”

“Danger?”

“Perhaps it is nothing, but I would like to offer you place by my side as my student, so that I may instruct you in the ways of unlocking the secrets of the past.”

Scootaloo was at a loss.  One one hoof, this was great honor, to be selected as a personal protege for the Princess of the Night.  On the other hoof, she couldn't just leave her friends.  They needed her now more than ever, their own talents yet to be discovered..  Most importantly what did she mean by danger?  What was going to happen that would worry Luna so?  “Princess Luna, I'd love to be your student, but I just can't leave Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom behind.  They're my friends and I still need to help them get their Cutie Marks.”

Luna softly chuckled at her future pupil.  “Worry not, my child, for I shall allow you to finish your basic education here in Ponyville before I take you under my wing.”  That particular comment reminded Scootaloo of her current mentor, Rainbow Dash.  What would she think?  “This should you give you ample time to spend with your friends.  Will you accept my offer?”

“I don't know...” Scootaloo was still apprehensive, the sudden influx of information was quite a bit for the filly to handle.

“We must part ways for now, little one, but please consider my offer as we will continue this conversation tonight.” Luna flew off leaving behind a perplexed pegasus.

“Hey, Squirt, you out here?”

“Over here, Rainbow Dash.”

“What ya doin' out here, Squirt?  Everypony's wondering where you went.” Rainbow Dash asked her honorary little sister.

“I just needed a break.  Still not used to all this attention.” Scootaloo weakly smiled.  She still didn't know how to explain Princess Luna's offer to her heroine.

“Heh, I hear ya.” the elder pegasus said with a smile. “We'd better get back though.”

“Right.” the two pegasi headed back to the party, Scootaloo still trying to process what Princess Luna had told her.  The pegasus filly pondered her future, while continuing to accept congratulations, enjoying Pinkie Pie's treats (thankfully non-pirate themed), and playing with her friends.  Eventually the party ended and the ponies went home.  Scootaloo was escorted home by her grandparents, still wondering how to explain her earlier meeting.  Deciding that it could wait until tomorrow, the young filly stayed silent as her guardians chatted with each other about their granddaughter and her future.

Scootaloo enjoyed the cooling rush of wind in her purple mane as she flew high above the landscape of Equestria.  She soared past mountains and through the clouds.  Feeling adventurous, she flew higher and higher until she could see the curvature of the world.  She kept flying until she reached the moon.  The brave little filly landed upon the lunar surface and gazed back upon the planet she left a few seconds ago.

“A spectacular view, is it not.” a voice called from behind her.  Scootaloo whirled around to find Princess Luna smiling at her.

“Princess Luna?  Then this is..  Of course it is.” Scootaloo muttered sadly.

“Thou art troubled, little one?” Luna asked slipping back into the old tongue.  “Even after after earning your mark?”

“Sorry, Princess.  Flying dreams always seem to get me down.” Scootaloo gave the princess an apologetic look.  Not being able to fly was not why her princess had called her here.

“Flight shall not elude thee forever, my child.  One day you will fly and it shall be glorious.  However, we have other things to talk about.”  Scootaloo nodded at Luna's statement.  “As we discussed earlier, you have the potential to avert an upcoming disaster.  It is my intent to give you the tools to do so.”

“Yeah, your student, about that..  What exactly is going to happen and what am I supposed to do about it?”

“I'm afraid I know little for right now.  It may be possible this might just be nothing, the stars' messages are still unclear..”

“Didn't you make the stars?”

Luna chuckled lovingly at Scootaloo's innocent question.  “Nay child.  The stars and heavens have long existed even beyond my own life.  They are my allies, but not my creations.  But enough of about that, have you given any further thought of my proposal?

“Well..” Scootaloo nervously scuffed her hoof on the dream moon's surface.  “It's just that I haven't really discussed with my family yet.”

“I see.  Have you told anypony about our discussion?”

“No, I wasn't sure how to tell anypony or if I should.”

“Good, now is not the time to cause worriment for that which may not even pass.  Tell your family and loved ones that I wish to instruct you in the ways of, ahem.. archaeology.  That I wish to use your talent to unlock the mysteries of the past.   Nothing more, nothing less.  Will you accept my proposal?”

“Yes, I would love to be your student!  I mean if it's okay with my family”

“I am glad, it does my heart good to know such a strong and dependable filly is willing to accept my tutelage, yet still give respect to the wishes of her elders. But for now, it is time for you to awaken.”  With that the dreamscape faded away and Scootaloo found herself in her bed facing a new day.

After the usual morning rituals practiced by most fillies, Scootaloo joined her family for breakfast.  An orange, elderly earth pony approached her with an envelope.

“Scootaloo, you got a telegram.”

“Thanks Grandma.”  Scootaloo took the telegram and began reading it.  “It's from Dad.  He wants to throw another cutecinera for me in Las Pegasus.”

“How nice.”

“Yeah, he says I can even invite as many friends as I want.” Scootaloo slowly turned towards her Grandfather.  “Do you think I could invite Rainbow Dash and Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.”

Iron Eagle gave his granddaughter a look before turning towards his wife.  “Nightingale, the cadet and I have some pegasus business to discuss.”

“Iron Eagle, she's still just a child.”

“She's also a pegasus and my granddaughter.”  Iron Eagle went into full commander mode. “Cadet!  Briefing room now!”  Iron Eagle escorted the fearful filly into a small office.  “You know how important family is to us pegasi, correct?”

“Sir Yes Sir!” Scootaloo knew this was the only way to talk to the old warhorse when he was like this.

“You know that we don't reveal such classified to anypony, correct?”

“Sir Yes Sir!”

“So explain yourself.”

Scootaloo sighed before answering. “Well, getting our Cutie Marks is a big reason why we are the Cutie Mark Crusaders.  Now that I have mine, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom might be worried I won't be their friend anymore.  If I take them to meet Dad, it'll show them that I still care about them, that I still.. love them.”

“I see, and Rainbow Dash?”

“Well, she's like my big sister  She's been so good to me and I want her to meet Dad.   So I can show where the other half of my awesome comes from.”  Iron Eagle chuckled and shook his head, though he didn't care for the Applewood big shot who sired the little filly, he respected the fact that Scootaloo loved him and that the stallion still was a part of his daughter's life.

“Very well.  I grant you permission to invite these three, and only three ponies to Las Pegasus.”

“ALRIGHT!” Scootaloo cheered and begun to race out to do so.

“DID I SAY YOU WERE DISMISSED CADET!?”  Scootaloo froze. “I didn't think so.”  Iron Eagle turned the filly around to face him.  “I believe there is something else we need to discuss.”

“What would that be, sir?”

“Did you know you talk in your sleep?” Scootaloo winced, how much he knew didn't matter, it was time to tell him everything, so she did.  She told him about meeting Luna outside of her cutecinera and the dream.  Iron Eagle frowned as she went on.  “Must be important if the Princess is interested.” Iron Eagle may not have known much about Princess Luna, considering she had just recently reappeared after a millennium of being imprisoned within the moon, but he did know she was the sister of Celestia and did care about Equestria and had a hoof in Scootaloo's friendship with Rainbow Dash.  “Look, cadet, you and I need to discuss this with your Grandmother and your (sigh) father.  Until then you have a special assignment.”

“Sir?”

“I order you to invite all authorized ponies to your upcoming cutecinera, transmit all relevant information to your father, and report back to base for debriefing and packing.”

“SIR YES SIR!”  Scootaloo smiled widely.

“You are dismissed, cadet!” Iron Eagle watched his beloved granddaughter scamper from the room and out the front door.  “Can't believe we have to go through this again.” he muttered to himself.

And so Scootaloo went out into the town of Ponyville in her quest to invite her beloved friends and equally beloved sister-figure for a fun week in fabulous Las Pegasus.   The two remaining Crusaders were thrilled that Scootaloo had invited them to meet her never seen before father and ran home to ask their respective heads of household for permission to accompany their best friend, which they happily received.  Rainbow Dash, being a pegasus and therefore well aware of the significance of Scootaloo's invitation, was flattered at her number one fan's offer and was more than happy to accept.  A phone call, a relatively new invention not easily accessible to most ponies, and some time later, the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Rainbow Dash were on their way to Las Pegasus.  Too deep in thought to fully enjoy the trip, Scootaloo stared out the train window contemplating the sudden turns her life had been taking recently.

“Hey Scoots.” Scootaloo's thoughts were interrupted by Rainbow Dash. “You've been pretty quiet.  You feeling okay?”

“Yeah.” 'I need to tell them.'  Scootaloo sighed.  “Actually, there's something I need to tell you guys.”  Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle stopped their own conversation and turned towards the orange filly in curiosity.  “You see, during the night of my cutecinera, Luna came to me while I was outside getting some fresh air.” Apple Bloom and Rainbow Dash's eyes grew huge at the revelation.  Sweetie Belle, having been helped by the Princess of the Night during an altercation with Rarity, was not as surprised but was no less interested in what Scootaloo had to say.  “She wants me to be her student.”

“Yah mean like Twilight was with Princess Celestia?  Does that mean she wants you to be a princess too?” Apple Bloom asked.

“NO! I mean no, I don't think so.  She wants me to study, umm.. archaeology.”

“Whoa, that's awesome squirt.  Heh, my little Scoots, the next Daring Do.” Rainbow smiled.

“Wait you guys!” Sweetie Belle interjected.  Won't that mean that Scootaloo will have to leave Ponyville. And live in Canterlot?” The very real implications that Sweetie Belle's question silenced the group.

“Well, shoot Sweetie Belle, Ah'm sure that Princess Luna will let Scootaloo visit from time to time.” Apple Bloom answered optimistically.

“Yeah, and it's not like I'm going away right now.  It'll be after we finish school.  I'm pretty sure you two will be doing something awesome too.” Scootaloo added.

Sweetie nodded but otherwise stayed silent.  She wasn't fully convinced that everything was going to be fine, but soon let it go.  She had limited time in which to enjoy company of her oldest and dearest friend and wasn't going to waste it sulking about the pegasus's upcoming departure.  She was going to continue questing for her cutie mark and helping Apple Bloom find her's.  They were the Cutie Mark Crusaders and they would be friends forever.

The rest of train trip went without incident.  The two fillies and Rainbow Dash were shocked at fancy carriage awaiting them.  They were carried to an impressive mansion in the very exclusive Hooverly Hills, The four were greeted by none other than Blockbuster Starlight, a descendant of a legendary unicorn clan of entertainers and the director of many fine movies such as Golems, the epic war classic Haywaii Harbor, and the unforgettable Explosive Battle of Dynamite Bay and, of course, Scootaloo's father.  Dash nearly fainted upon meeting her favorite movie maker and learning he was his little sis's Dad.  Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were stunned that one of their favorite movie actress, Golden Globe, was also Scootaloo's step-mom.  In an addition to being both beautiful and talented, the dark yellow pegasus was also funny, kind-hearted and truly loved being able to meet and spend time with the fillies her stepdaughter talked about so much.  Good times were had by all.  Parties were thrown, games were played, embarrassing stories were shared, lunches were eaten, etc.   A week later the train returning from Las Pegasus unleashed a very jubilant Sweetie Belle who was now sporting a pair of silver bells decorated with hearts, music notes and acting masks upon her once bare flank.  Golden Globe had previously asked the filly to help her practice some lines for an upcoming film and had coached her on how to use her voice to convince theoretical audiences that she wasn't just reading lines.  Sweetie Belle had almost instantly picked up on her new friend's lessons and begun reciting her lines like a pro.  Her reading earned her the applause of her friends and members of the Starlight household and her new cutie mark.  As a reward for earning her mark, Golden Globe had secured Sweetie Belle a spot in the Las Pegasus Academy for Fine Arts and Acting, a prestigious school known for producing the greatest thespians in all of Equestria.  Rainbow Dash grumbled about having to carry home a now unconscious yet grinning madly Rarity.

Months had passed and the happiness Apple Bloom had felt for friends had ebbed into gloom.  Despite their best efforts, the Crusaders had yet to secure a cutie mark for their final member.  Having given up, despite her friends' encouragement, the farm filly decided to concentrate on potion making.  It may not be her talent but she liked doing it and it did help her relax.  However, alchemy needs reagents and Apple Bloom's money supply had rapidly dwindled due to the cost of ingredients.  Her mysterious zebra friend, Zecora, had suggested that she start her own herb garden and gave her an assortment of seeds to plant.  The yellow filly threw herself into the garden, even going as far as build a green house for her herbs.  Despite having yet to earn her cutie mark, Apple Bloom felt a no small amount of pride on how well the herbs and spices were growing.  However, the identity of a set of golden plants eluded her, so she sent Scootaloo to fetch Twilight Sparkle in order to find out what she had grown.  When the young princess inspected the gorgeous foliage, her jaw had nearly smacked into the greenhouse floor.  Apple Bloom had successfully grown Oede Herb, a rare plant known for its miraculous healing properties and being notoriously difficult to grow by even the most skilled of botanists.  In fact the patch grown by the young earth pony was worth enough to buy the fancier half of Canterlot.  Apple Bloom's heart swelled with pride as she was congratulated by Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo when a bright flash came from behind.  Apple Bloom was now the proud owner of lovely flower and vine combination cutie mark.   Shedding tears of joy, Apple Bloom embraced her friends and pulled them into a powerful hug.  The Ponyville Cutie Mark Crusade was over.  All of Ponyville rejoiced and the celebration lasted for several days.

A few years had passed and the trio of friends formerly known as the Cutie Mark Crusaders agreed to meet at the train station to say their goodbyes in private.  Apple Bloom and Scootaloo arrived first.  Scootaloo stretched her growing wings and  nipped at them a little in irritation.

“Wings still buggin yah.  Even after that cream ah made for yah?” Apple Bloom seemed irritated.

“Could be worse.” Scootaloo shrugged. “They don't feel like they got caught in a taffy pulling machine, so the cream is working.  Gonna suck having to order it from you instead of flying to Sweet Apple Acres.” Apple Bloom noted how happy Scootaloo sounded when she said 'flying.'

“Shoot, Scoot, not gonna be long before you'll be flying in from Canterlot to pick it up without 'ol Luna noticing you were gone.”

Scootaloo giggled in response, “I doubt it.  Thanks to Twilight, I didn't get enough practice with Rainbow Dash.  I swear the way those two fought over me, you'd think they were going to be teaching me instead of Luna.”

“They're both lookin' out for ya.  They think your going to be the next Daring Do or something.” Apple Bloom paused to take a drink of water from a paper cup. “Speakin of which, mind if ah ask ya something?”

“Hmm?”

“Well, it seems your family don't care for her much.  Any idea why?”

Scootaloo frowned and shook her head.  “No clue.  Grandma and Grandpa don't like talking about her and her name is practically a swear word at Aunt D's house.  Only time I've seen her yell at poor Dinky.” Scootaloo's frown deepened.  What did her family have against Daring Do?  Why would Ditzy (or was it Derpy) get so mad at Dinky bringing a Daring Do book home when the mare usually doted on her daughter and encouraged her to read.

“Hi guys!” Sweetie Belle's cheerful voice interrupted Scootaloo's thoughts.  The little unicorn was clothed in a fancy pink dress.  “Sorry I'm late.  Rarity wanted to make sure I was 'presentable to the upper crust ponies' at the school.”

“In other words advertise her wares to the Applewood establishment.  Maybe get a few Rarity pieces on the red carpet.”  Scootaloo teased the unicorn filly.

“Pretty much.  By the way Scoot, thanks for helping pay for school.” Sweetie Belle hugged the pegasus.  “What happened to the rest of your treasure?”

“Well, I gave the gems to Rarity and Spike to fight over.” Scootaloo smiled widely at the memory of that fun little escapade.  The other two fillies laughed at that.  “I sold the rest, gave some money to Grandma and Grandpa so they could move to Haytona, gave some money to Apple Bloom so she could get some new equipment for her mad scientist laboratory...”

“Mua-ha-ha-ha” Apple Bloom did a poor job at an evil laugh.

“Gave some money to Dash for Tank when he got sick, and gave the rest to orphanage where Grandma used to work.”

“Well that was nice of you, but didn't you save any money for yourself?”

“Yeah Scoot, yah could have at least bought something to make Diamond Tiara jealous.”

“Pfft, I already popped her brain when she found out who my Dad was.  (Thank you Rarity)  My Dad said he had some money put away for me, so I'm not worried about that.  He even said once I was done being Luna's student, he was going to buy me a house as graduation present.”

Sweetie Belle blinked in shock while Apple Bloom whistled, impressed   The train to Canterlot soon arrived.  Scootaloo grabbed her saddle bags and took a final look at her friends.  “Well, I guess this is it for awhile.”

“Yeah, gonna miss you two.  Won't be any fun without ya.” Apple Bloom shed a tear as she said her goodbye.

“I'll miss you girls too.” Sweetie Belle eyes began to water.

“Alright, enough of that.  C'mere you.” Scootaloo grabbed the crying unicorn and pulled her into a bear hug.

“You're going to ruin my dress. Scootaloo.” Sweetie Belle giggled.

“Don't care.”

Apple Bloom joined in on the hugging action, nearly squishing them both.  The call for all aboard sounded and Scootaloo boarded the train after a final goodbye to her friends.  The filly sat down and stared out the window as he train began to move.  She waved to ponies at the train station who had gathered to wish her a fond farewell and smiled.  She would miss Ponyville but knew she would be back sooner or later.  Until then, she would study under the Princess of the Night herself.  The young filly's mind buzzed with excitement as the train sped off to the royal city of Canterlot.