Chapters MLP FiM The Great War
Chapter 1
Doubts
This day in Ponyville was almost like any other day, except for one small difference, a filly was starting to have doubts. Scootaloo sat underneath a large oak tree on the school grounds, pushing a small rock back and forth between her hooves, as she thought about why Princess Celestia still decides to rule all of Equestria even though Luna has returned. Princess Celestia had said that they would rule together now that she was back, but to this day Scootaloo has only seen Princess Luna three times since that was declared. She even stayed up late at night to try and get a glimpse of the Princess but saw nothing; it was starting to stick in her mind like a deep set itch that won’t go away unless it was scratched.
“Scootaloo! There you are we have been looking all over for you.” Surprised, Scootaloo looked up to see Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, standing in front of her.
“Oh hey guys, what are you up to today?”
“Actually we kind of ran out of ideas for crusading, if we just hang out for a little bit I’m sure we will come up with something eventually.” Sweetie Belle said, with a small pout.
“That’s alright I don’t quite feel like crusading today anyways.” looking into the distance she thought about what she was going to do about her situation.
“Is something wrong Scootaloo?” Apple Bloom asked, worried for her friend.
Scootaloo looked at her friend not quite sure if she should tell her what has been on her mind the last couple of days. “Nothing’s wrong I have just been doing some thinking about Princess Luna and Princess Celestia. I should be going I have to talk to someone who can explain to me what I need to know.”
“Oh well, alright then see you later.” Sweetie Belle said, now concerned something might actually be wrong.
As Scootaloo walked away she felt kind of bad for not telling her friends what was really on her mind, but she didn’t think they would understand. Maybe Twilight Sparkle will know something about it, she is Princess Celestia’s student after all . She thought to herself as she started walking toward the library. Walking by Sugar Cube Corner, Pinkie Pie suddenly appeared from the bush next to her, with a plate full of freshly made cupcakes. “Want some cupcakes Scootaloo? You look like you could use some sugar to brighten your day.”
“No thanks Pinkie, I have to go talk to Twilight about something kind of private.” Scootaloo said, trying to get around the pink pony.
“Oh, okay then, maybe later? They are really good cupcakes.”
“Alright I’ll come by later to have one they really do sound delicious.”
Arriving at her destination Scootaloo knocked on the old wooden door of the library, hoping that Twilight was actually home. The door opened and there was Spike, the small purple dragon looked as though he just got interrupted from his meal. “Can I help you Scootaloo?” he said while she looked past him trying to see if Twilight was there.
“Um I’m actually here because I need to speak to Twilight alone.”
“Oh, well she is in her room right now, just go up and see her.”
After Spike moved from the door to finish eating, Scootaloo walked in and went up the stairs and knocked on Twilight's door to hear her say, “Come in.” When Scootaloo entered the room Twilight looked a little surprised to see the filly without the other crusaders. “Scootaloo how can I help you today?” Twilight said, putting down the book she was currently reading.
“I need to talk to you about the Princesses, something has been bothering me for the past few days.” looking down she watched the floor as she kicked a hoof back and forward.
“Oh? Well what do you need to know? I would be glad to answer your questions.”
Scootaloo closed the door and started explaining. "I wanted to know why Princess Luna has scarcely been seen since she returned. After I heard that Princess Celestia told her they were going to rule together once again, I assumed that was exactly what was going to happen. I'm starting to think that Celestia lied to Luna so she could continue her reign as much as before. I guess I was just wondering if you could explain why Luna hasn’t really been seen since she got back.” relieved to get all of that off her chest Scootaloo took a deep breath and relaxed.
“Hmm well Princess Luna is in charge of raising the moon and I guess she wouldn’t really be seen that much except at night.”
“But that’s the thing I have stayed up at night so I can see her but I never do, the last time I actually saw her was on Nightmare Night.” wondering if Twilight can actually help her.
“I’m sorry I just don’t know that much about the whole thing, I could ask Princess Celestia about it if you want me to. After all it wouldn't make sense for Celestia to stop her sister from ruling with her. After her absence for the last thousand years she should be grateful to have someone next to her and remove some of the burden of ruling an empire.”
“Yeah I guess your right but I still want to write a letter to Princess Luna and see if she can answer some of my questions, if you don’t mind me borrowing some paper and a quill.”
“Sure, there is some paper and quills on that desk over there, you can write your letter I’ll just continue my reading.” Twilight returned to her book and let the little filly have some privacy as this seemed very important to her.
Scootaloo walked over to the desk and picked up a particularly billowy quill in her mouth and wrote her letter.
Dear Princess Luna,
I am writing you because I have some concerns about how things have been since you got back. I would like to speak to you in person if that is possible in anyway. Please write back as soon as you can.
Sincerely, Scootaloo
When she finished writing she rolled up the paper and sealed it with some of the warmed red wax that was on the desk as well. After telling Twilight thanks she walked down the stairs and found Spike sitting at the table with huge bowl filled with all sorts of beautiful glittering gems. “Spike could you send this letter for me?”
"Huh what?" Startled from the sudden voice he turned and saw his orange friend holding a freshly sealed letter. “Oh alright is it for Princess Celestia?”
“No it’s for Princess Luna” Scootaloo said handing the letter to Spike.
“Okay I’ll send it right away.” He took a deep breath and released a strange blue flame onto the letter sending it on its way. “Now Scootaloo it might be a little while before you get a response, the princesses are pretty busy after all.” Just as he finished talking he was taken by surprise by a sudden belch that released a newly formed letter. “Oh that was faster than usual, do you want me to read it to you Scootaloo?”
“No that's alright I’ll read it myself thanks for your help.” She grabbed the letter and tucked it under her wing. Walking outside she suddenly remembered that she left her scooter at the schoolyard. Grumbling angrily to herself she started making her way back to the school. While passing by Sugar Cube Corner once more she saw Pinkie gleefully shoving a cupcake into the angry face of an unlucky pedestrian. Snickering Scootaloo walked by quietly so she wouldn't attract Pinkie's attention as well.
Arriving at the school she saw her scooter exactly where she left it. Glancing over at the tree she was sitting under earlier she saw her friends playing a game of pattycake laughing joyfully. She desperately wanted to join them but under the circumstances at that moment the letter was more important. Hopping onto her scooter she pulled on her helmet and moved the letter from her wing to her mouth.
Cruising through streets at a fast pace Scootaloo dodged the ponies that were on their daily errands. She always loved to ride at a great speed and she one day hoped to be as fast, if not faster, a flyer than Rainbow Dash. She barely missed Big Macintosh when she turned onto the road leading to Sweet Apple Acres. He just looked at her and continued on his way, the red colt had better things to do than yell at an innocent filly. Stopping at the Clubhouse Applejack had given them she took off her helmet placing it onto the handle bar of her scooter.
She was still amazed at what a great job Apple Bloom did with remodeling the run down treehouse, it hardly looked as old as it was. With all the splinters sanded down she no longer had to worry about sticking herself when she walked through the narrow door. Sitting down on one of the cushions that were brought in as chairs she placed the letter on the ground and broke the seal. Inside the roll of paper were two smaller slips of parchment looking as though they had just been pressed. She placed them off to the side and read the short letter that was written in a beautiful flowing script.
Dear Scootaloo,
We are happy to hear from you and would gladly like to invite you to Canterlot to speak with us in person. Included in this letter is a train ticket and a castle pass so you can get here quickly and speak with us as soon as possible.
Sincerely Princess Luna
Shocked she looked at the papers she had set aside and indeed they were a castle pass and a train ticket. Now being pretty cheerful she stood up, tore the letter apart, and headed outside. Holding the ticket and the pass she got back on her scooter and headed into town. Stopping off at Sugar Cube Corner she saw a pretty distraught Pinkie Pie still holding a plate of cupcakes. "Hey Pinkie what's got you down?"
"You won't believe the day I've had, after you left a crazy pony came by and said my cupcakes tasted like garbage! I told him he must be mistaken because I have been making cupcakes for years now. He just kept going on and on and on and on, before I told him 'sir please don't judge them before you've had one' but he just kept insisting they were bad! After that I don't remember very much, but now I have a ticket from the police! It says I 'Assaulted another Pony' but I don't remember doing anything like that. I don't think I would intentionally hurt another pony and since I don't remember I don't think I should be charged anything."
"Wow Pinkie you really don't remember what happened?"
"No I don't and now I don't think even cupcakes can cheer me up, this was a horrible day."
"Well let's have one together you did make them sound delicious and maybe a friend and a cupcake is what will cheer you up."
"Yeah! That is a great idea I can't believe I didn't think of that." Handing Scootaloo a cupcake Pinkie Pie smiled and messily gulped down the others. "Wow you were right Scootaloo I feel so much better now!"
Scootaloo grinned and ate her cupcake slowly, enjoying the moist rich cake and the creamy frosting. "Thanks Pinkie Pie! I have to go now but don't go getting more tickets now alright?"
Pinkie Pie frowned a little bit then suddenly smiled, "Your welcome Scootaloo! and I will try and not get more tickets, although I'm still confused as to how I got this one." She turned and walked back into the sweets shop, more than likely to make more cupcakes.
Getting back onto her scooter she started towards home to pack her things. She walked through her front door to find that her parents were gone again. They usually were, so much so that her friends haven’t ever met them before. She packed her saddle bags and left a note saying she will be gone for the night for something important. She headed out the door and hopped on her scooter to go to the train station.
When she arrived at the station the train to Canterlot was just boarding so she handed in her ticket to the old colt standing next to the door and hopped on. Scootaloo was starting to get really nervous because she had never had a one on one meeting with either of the Princesses. She hoped it would go well and she would get some answers to clear her thoughts.
The train ride was long and boring, and Scootaloo slept through most of the journey because there was nothing else to do. After a couple hours the train pulled into Canterlot Station and opened its doors, she exited wondering how she was going to get to the castle. She decided it was probably best to walk towards the castle in the distance, and look for a royal guard to ask for directions. As she continued walking she happened across the huge golden gate guarded by two bored looking guards. The guard in front of her looked down at her and said “State your name and business.”
“I’m Scootaloo I’m here to see Princess Luna, I have a pass from her.”
The guard glanced at the pass and verified its legitimacy “Looks like you are all set, go inside and up the stairs and knock on the last door on the right, Princess Luna should be waiting.”
“Thanks.” Walking past him she went through the largest doors she had ever seen.
As she walked through the main common room, Scootaloo looked around in awe at how intricately beautiful the pillars on the sides of the room were carved. She found the stairs and headed up realizing that the staircase was longer than she thought it would be. When she reached the top she headed down the long hallway to the very end and looked at the door she was supposed to knock on. When she knocked she heard a voice on the other side say, “Come in.” taking a deep breath she turned the handle opened the door.
Chapter 2
Decision
As the door opened Princess Luna looked up from her current report for the previous night, to see Scootaloo bowing in the doorway. “Come in and close the door, we are glad you could make it here on such short notice.” She told the noticeably nervous filly. Scootaloo walked in closed the door, and making sure it was locked Luna continued, “So you tell us you have some questions about what has been going on since our return?”
“Y…Yes I was wondering why I hardly see you around, even though Princess Celestia said that you would rule together.”
“Ah yes, well she believes that we are not capable of taking over our full responsibilities yet so she still does most of it. We are kind of irritated at this and decided we are going to prove her wrong.” Luna said the last part quietly, staring intently at Scootaloo.
“What do you mean prove her wrong?”
“We have started a New Lunar Republic to rebel against the current Solar Empire, to finish this once and for all. We would be grateful if you would join our cause and try to recruit in Ponyville since we do not have any contacts in that area.”
“What would I be doing exactly? I’m not sure if I would be the right pony to ask for this job.”
“No, you are perfect for the job, you will be running an underground station to recruit people who are willing to join the cause, and how you get them interested is your decision to make.”
“Yes Princess I will do as you ask, leave it to me I will get as many ponies to recruit as I can.”
“Good we are pleased, now go before you being here starts to raise suspicion, we will keep in touch.” Princess Luna said returning to her paperwork.
“Yes Princess.”
Scootaloo made her way back to the train station, and waited for the next train back to Ponyville. She wished could just fly there instead of taking the train but her wings weren’t developed enough for her to actually take off. The train pulled into the station and she hopped on. She decided now would be a good time to figure out how she was going to get some ponies attentions who want to join the faction. The return trip seemed longer than it did coming to Canterlot, but Scootaloo didn’t mind this time she had a lot to think about. hearing the conductor calling for Ponyville she got up and headed out of the doors and started running home. She thought she just might have thought of a way to recruit ponies.
***
Twilight Sparkle was sitting in her room studying the various books that were spread out before her. Spike burst into the room so excited that he could hardly breathe. “Twilight! someone has been vandalizing buildings all around town with some kind of slogan.”
“Really? That's odd what does the slogan say?”
“'Don’t believe the lies of the Solar Empire, join the New Lunar Republic today.' What do you think it means? I have never heard of the New Lunar Republic before.”
“'Lies of the Solar Empire'? Who would dare go against the leadership of Princess Celestia?! This is outrageous! We must alert the princess immediately.” Quivering with rage Twilight's horn glowed and some paper and writing utensils hovered to the desk.
“Actually Twilight she already sent a letter, here." Spike handed Twilight the letter and she scanned over it as he summarized it. "She said she knows about the New Lunar Republic but not who is in charge, so she can’t take care of them herself.”
“Did she say anything else?”
“Only that she wants you to stay out of it and stay safe, she isn’t sure what might happen and she doesn’t want to lose you.”
“As much as I don’t like the idea of hiding I think she is right it could get very dangerous soon.”
***
Scootaloo stepped back and admired the drying paint of her latest "mural" she just gave the side wall of Sugar Cube Corner. With her method of painting the message, she had already recruited around thirty-five ponies for the cause. Princess Luna even came down in the night to congratulate her and take the new recruits to the training camp to prepare them for what was to come. She was very excited and couldn’t wait to go to the training camp herself and help with what she could. Maybe I should make a public announcement that could bring in more recruits than the wall painting. But that would alert the police to me vandalizing the buildings around town and I could get arrested. Scootaloo thought to herself, deciding that a public announcement at this moment was probably a bad idea.
When she arrived back at home she found a letter from Princess Luna on the desk in her room.
Scootaloo,
You have done very well these past few days, we are pleased with all the new recruits and our army is almost ready to begin the rebellion against our sister. Please accept this amulet as a token of thanks, it will allow others to recognize you as my second in command. They might think you are too young but we recognize you for who you are, a true leader. We will come in a few days to bring you to the training camp.
Stay safe, Princess Luna
Beneath the letter was a finely crafted amulet that fit perfectly around her neck. Emblazoned on the pendant was the symbol for the New Lunar Republic, a winged crescent moon topped with a golden star. The star was the only difference between the amulet and the actual symbol, recognizing her as Luna's protege. Scootaloo thought it was the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen, but knew the dangers of wearing it in public as well.
Scootaloo went to bed happy things were going her way for once; she was going to sleep good tonight. She was a little disappointed she had to keep this secret from her friends, but she hoped that they might consider joining her when she left. For what seemed like the first time in her life she looked forward to school tomorrow. Getting some of the younger ponies to join the rebellion couldn't hurt. There were some complications with this because the parents were getting skittish from the “vandalisms” around town. Her eyelids started feeling very heavy and when they finally shut Scootaloo fell into a deep sleep.
Waking up the next morning Scootaloo felt more refreshed than she had in a long time. She gathered her school books together and went to go pick her friends up for class. Feeling the wind whip through her mane as she rode her scooter doing tricks and dodging other ponies, was the greatest feeling she could experience at that moment. When the other crusaders got into the wagon they couldn’t stop staring at her flank. Not being concerned as to why they were she kept riding through the streets to school. “S…Scootaloo?” Apple Bloom said when they stopped in front of the school.
“Yeah Apple Bloom?”
“Did you know you got your cutie mark?”
“Really? What does it look like?”
“It’s a full shield that has two gold swords crossed in front of it. I wonder what that means?”
“Maybe it means I’m a good leader.” smiling to herself as she knew that was exactly what it meant.
Throughout the school day all her classmates were interested in her cutie mark, debating on what it meant. They kept badgering her on how she got it until finally giving in she explained what it meant and that she didn't know she had it until arriving at school. They finally stopped asking her questions after that but they still discussed it amongst themselves.
She knew this was going to be a tough situation with her friends since they still don’t have their cutie marks. She grew fearful that they were going to start splitting apart slowly now that they don’t have anything to do together. Oh well I will be leaving in a few days anyways I’m not sure how they are going to take that but I won’t be seeing them for a while . She thought to herself after school on her way home.
On the desk in her room she found another letter from Princess Luna;
My Faithful Scootaloo,
We were happy to hear that you got your cutie mark in leadership, we knew that you were the right choice for our second in command. We have a new job for you concerning Fluttershy and her animal friends. Fluttershy’s ability to connect with animals will cause complications in the future and we cannot have that. We need you to think of a way to remove the pests for us before we can come pick you up.
Good Luck,
Princess Luna
Scootaloo looked over the letter again and started thinking over how exactly she was going to take care of Fluttershy’s animals. Before night fell she had a sudden brilliant idea, after gathering the supplies she needed Scootaloo waited for it to get late into the night. When the time came she was sure everypony was asleep she grabbed what she needed and headed to Fluttershy’s cottage.
Chapter 3
Flames
Fluttershy finished her nightly routine of grooming and feeding her animals and put them to bed. She grabbed herself a glass of milk before going to her own bed. She laid down and pulled her soft covers over herself as her head hit the pillow she fell into a deep relaxed sleep.
A little while later she was enjoying a pleasant dream that was interrupted by a massive explosion that ripped through the ground floor of her cottage. She sat up in her bed quickly and smelled rancid smoke the creeped up the the floorboards. The weakened wood underneath her bed started to creak before she heard a loud crack that sent her bed tumbling down to the ground floor.
The daze she was in from the fall clouded her vision along with the smoke filling the house. She could barely make out torn bits of fur and blood but no actual bodies. Staring around her in shock she heard another explosion at her chicken coop. Crawling out of the destroyed bed, she noticed the fire spreading through the living room engulfing her couch and other furniture. Fearing none of her friends made it out Fluttershy worked her way to the door with tears streaming down her face leaving tracks through the black soot layered on her cheeks.
Making it outside she looked around at the devastation, the chicken coop was just a pile of burning rubble in a crater. Her house was halfway caved in and burning furiously, she knew she wouldn't be able to put it out herself. Still crying she looked around for her friends but still didn’t see any of them around.
Fluttershy sat down and stared at the flames, heart broken and mind fractured, not hearing the hoofsteps of other ponies coming to help her. She watched as her cottage burned down, her entire life was in that cottage and now it was all gone. There was nothing she could do to stop fire, and the fire department ponies that came to help couldn’t stop it either, it was burning too hot.
***
Hidden in the shadows Scootaloo watched the entire scene from the woods a short distance away. Her homemade bombs had effectively exterminated the animal problem while leaving Fluttershy alive, although slightly injured. As the other ponies came to help she slipped off into the woods and headed back home. She did feel a little bad for doing that to Fluttershy but it was for the greater good, it had to be done. She slipped into bed wondering what tomorrow was going to bring her.
She awoke in the morning to an obnoxious pounding at her front door; groggily getting out of bed she went to the door and opened it. Seeing Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle made Scootaloo wake up completely. Looking at them suspiciously she said, “What’s up guys? It isn’t time for me to come get you for school.”
“Scootaloo how were you still sleeping? Didn’t you hear that explosion last night?” Sweetie Belle said her eyes wide at the thought of what happened.
“Explosion? What are you girls talking about? I didn’t hear anything last night, I was out cold.”
“Oh it was the worst thing ever! Last night while everypony was asleep Fluttershy’s cottage exploded! None of her animals survived, but she got out with very little injuries.” said a very teary Apple Bloom.
“But who would want to do something like that to Fluttershy? She is the nicest pony in Ponyville; I don’t know why anypony would have a grudge against her.”
“We don’t know but they cancelled school for the rest of the week so an incident doesn’t happen there too. We were going to go see Fluttershy at Twilight’s house to see if she is alright.” Sweetie Belle said ready to leave right away.
“Alright I think she could use some cheering up it does sound like she has been through a lot. Let me grab my scooter and we’ll head over there.” Turning back inside Scootaloo grabbed her helmet and locked the door as she left.
The ride over to the library was quiet; the only thing Scootaloo could hear was Sweetie Belle’s quiet sobbing and Apple Bloom trying to comfort her. It wasn’t long before Apple Bloom was crying too; both of the fillies were pretty upset over the whole situation. When they arrived the girls had slowed their crying down to almost nothing as they got out of the wagon and walked up to the door. Scootaloo took off her helmet and joined them just when they knocked on the door. Twilight answered the door with tired puffy red eyes.
“Oh hey girls are you here to see Fluttershy? She is in the main room with Rainbow Dash and Apple Jack.”
The girls entered and followed Twilight into the main room, where they were met with a shocking image. Fluttershy was sitting on the couch with bandages spotted with blood on her front right leg and around one of her wings. She looked as though she had been crying non-stop since the explosion and probably had been. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were sitting next to her trying to calm her down, but what had happened was so devastating to Fluttershy that they weren’t making any progress. Applejack looked up and saw the girls standing there looking at them, so she stood up and walked over. “Now isn’t the best time to see Fluttershy girls, she has been through a lot and needs some time to heal.”
Through a choked voice a once again teary Apple Bloom said “Alright sis, we just wanted to see if she was doing alright and if you ladies might think you know who would do this to her.”
“No we don’t know anything yet, but we think it might be the same pony who has been vandalizing all the buildings around town for this New Lunar Republic thing.” said Applejack starting to get angry at the idea of somepony rebelling against Princess Celestia. “I think you girls should go now it’s not good for fillies like y’all to see something like this.”
“Yes Applejack.” All three of the girls said in unison turning around to leave. Going back out the door Sweetie Belle started to cry again, not being able to handle seeing Fluttershy in that state. Scootaloo got on her scooter and put on her helmet, not quite sure how she should feel about what she just saw. She definitely did feel something; not guilt, or regret, the closest she could place it was pity or disgust. When her friends got in the wagon she took off heading towards their respective homes to drop them off. This time the ride was quieter Sweetie Belle kept her crying quiet and Apple Bloom just kind of stared off into space.
After dropping them off she arrived back home to find one last letter on her desk.
Scootaloo,
We were surprised at how you decided to dispose of the little problem, but it worked very well and we are proud. We shall be there tomorrow night to take you to the training camp it is time you see what you have helped create. Be prepared and take caution when saying goodbyes you cannot let them find out about you.
Stay well, Princess Luna
After reading the letter Scootaloo started jumping up and down with excitement just one more day before she gets to go to the camp with Luna. Pulling on her amulet she started getting her stuff ready. Almost forgetting, she also burned the letter like she did with the others, so nopony could link her to Princess Luna. While she was packing Scootaloo decided that it would be best if she didn’t tell anypony about her leaving. Maybe I can just fake my death with one of my bombs. I know it would be hard on everypony but if it means a clean getaway then I am willing to do it.
After everything was prepared the rest of the night was boring, Scootaloo just paced back and forth tiring herself so she could fall asleep. When she finally did get tired she had decided on one last thing to do before she left this town behind and everyone she knew. She was going to watch Rainbow Dash perform a Sonic Rainboom, and then she would know what one actually looks like, having never actually seeing one before. She had only heard the stories that the older ponies told her whenever she asked about one. With that image in her head she fell asleep with the thoughts of the coming day running through her heat.
Chapter 4
Taking Leave
When Scootaloo woke up the next morning she made sure all of her stuff was gathered and the explosives were in place before leaving to go spend one last day with her friends. As she got on her scooter she decided that the sonic rainboom would be the last thing she did. She zoomed through town on her way to Sweet Apple Acres to see what Apple Bloom was up too today. When she arrived Applejack told her that Apple Bloom was at their clubhouse with Sweetie Belle making a card for Fluttershy. So Scootaloo went to the clubhouse to see her friends sitting on the floor with a big piece of paper and various decorations. “Hey guys what are you up to today?” She said as she entered and sat down with them.
“Hey Scootaloo, we are making a card for Fluttershy to try and cheer her up after what happened. Apparently she is so devastated that she doesn’t leave the library, and we want to make her happy again.” Sweetie Belle said looking up from the card.
“Oh okay was this all you were going to do? I wanted to do something fun today like go swimming or something.”
“Yeah we just planned to be at the library all day; we didn’t have anything else happening. Honestly though I don’t really feel like doing anything else, this week has been too crazy.” Apple Bloom said not looking up from the card.
“Oh alright then I guess I’ll just go find something else to do for a while. I had something I wanted to ask Rainbow Dash anyways, so I’ll see you later then.” Scootaloo said kind of disappointed her friends wanted to stay with Fluttershy all day. She almost wanted to yell at them that she was the one that blew up her house and chicken coop, but held back and left the clubhouse.
With no other plans now because her friends wanted to do their own thing, Scootaloo started wandering around town. With no specific destination in mind she came across Rarity walking by with supplies and Spike trailing behind her with the rest of her stuff. “Hey Rarity what are you doing right now?” not really wanting to know.
“Oh Scootaloo I didn’t see you there darling. I am taking these supplies to my shop, so I can work on making a dress to auction off to aid in the rebuilding of Fluttershy’s cottage. I’m terribly busy at the moment darling, but you can come by later to see the finished product.” Rarity said continuing down the street towards her shop. Scootaloo stopped following Rarity and continued her aimless walking wondering if she should go ask about the sonic rainboom now and then leave, since she had better else to do.
As soon as the thought ran through her head Rainbow Dash came down from the sky and landed next to her. “Hey kiddo what’s got you down? Is it what happened to Fluttershy?” the cyan pony said looking at the younger filly with sad eyes.
“No, I just wanted to hang out with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle today, but they are busy making a card for Fluttershy. I’ve been wandering around town since I talked to them because I have nothing else to do.”
“Well do you want to do anything with me? I don’t really have much going on right now, I just finished visiting Fluttershy so I’m in the same boat as you Scoots.”
“Actually I was wondering if I could watch you do a sonic rainboom, I’ve never seen you do it before and I’ve heard it was awesome.” She hoped that Dash wasn’t going to try and bail on her because this really was the last thing she had planned for the day before leaving them all behind.
Dash looked around and saw that everyone was pretty busy doing their own thing so she looked back down at Scootaloo and said, “Sure kiddo, it doesn’t really seem like anypony is paying attention, I will get a kick out of scaring them with the boom. There is a great hill you can watch it from near where Fluttershy’s house was; you will have a great view of the entire thing.” With that Dash turned and started walking towards where the hill was.
“Wait up Dash!” Scootaloo yelled as she hurried after her hero. The excitement coursed through her body because this was the one thing she absolutely wanted to see. The walk was a quiet one, Dash seemed to have something else on her mind instead of the sonic rainboom. As they walked near what used to be Fluttershy’s cottage they went around so they wouldn’t have to see the remains. Reaching the hill Scootaloo sat down at the top while Dash stretched her wings to prepare.
“You ready for this Scoots?” Dash said just before she took off into the air at an unbelievable speed. Scootaloo watched as she climbed higher and higher into the sky gaining the necessary elevation for the rainboom. Dash finally hit the peak of her flight, and hovered there for a little bit to catch her breath, and suddenly dove. Scootaloo couldn’t believe how fast Dash was moving, it was unlike anything she had seen before. Reaching a certain point just above the tree tops there was an enormous explosion of both sound and color. Dash flew back up leaving the most beautiful rainbow Scootaloo had ever seen trailing behind her.
“Thanks Dash…” Scootaloo said as she walked back down the hill not waiting for Dash to recover from the sonic rainboom. She reached the bottom and started walking home to reminisce over the good times she had in Ponyville.
***
“Scoots?” Rainbow Dash asked when she landed back on the hill. Scootaloo was nowhere to be seen, why she would leave without saying goodbye? Dash was even more troubled now than she was when they left the town square. She had noticed that Scootaloo was wearing a necklace, but she had never seen Scoots wear anything like it. It looked strangely familiar but she couldn’t quite put her hoof on it.
Rainbow decided she was going to go back and see Fluttershy, maybe the girl’s card cheered her up. She flew over to the library as fast as she could go after using up so much energy on the sonic rainboom. She landed at the door and walked in to see Fluttershy and the remaining Crusaders in the main room looking at the table. Walking into the main room she saw the card the girls had made and it looked awful, but she wasn’t going to say that outright. “Hey Fluttershy are you feeling any better?” She said as she sat down next to her.
“I do, thanks to the girls and their beautiful card.” Fluttershy said with a small smile, her eyes still wet with tears. Dash smiled, her friend might just be alright , but just as she thought that a horrendous boom ripped through the air. Dash jumped quickly into the air looking around to see if everyone was alright. As she turned back towards the couch she saw the girls lying on the ground underneath Fluttershy. She thought that maybe when she heard the explosion Fluttershy decided to protect the girls so she wouldn’t lose any more friends.
Looking out the window Dash saw a plume of smoke coming up over the town from the direction of Scootaloo’s house. “Oh no…” She said as horror started to cloud her mind at the thought of what might have happened to Scoots.
“What happened? Where did that explosion come from?” Fluttershy said as she trying to stop crying and look strong in front of the girls.
“I think it came from Scootaloo’s house, I-I need to go right now, I have to see if she made it out in time.” Dash said as she bolted out the window and sped over to what was left of Scootaloo’s house. “Oh no.” she said quietly to herself again as she looked at the smoldering mess of wood and brick. This time the fire ponies were able to put out most of the fire, but could not find any sign of Scootaloo and let the rest of it burn down. Rainbow Dash started to cry at that moment because she knew Scootaloo was dead and there was nothing she could do about it.
Chapter 5
Arrival
As Scootaloo walked home she thought about how Rainbow Dash might feel seeing her gone after the rainboom. She decided that it didn’t really matter she was going to be leaving soon anyways, and now was the time for her to be strong for her own sake. When she arrived at her house, she looked around the outside to make sure everything was still in place as it should be; then walked inside to see Princess Luna standing inside with something wrapped in cloth next to her. When she thought about what it might be Luna interrupted her thoughts. “We are glad to see you back already, we thought you might have taken longer to say goodbye than you did.”
“No, I didn’t really say goodbye, I didn’t want them to know I was leaving. Instead I had planned on faking my death to prevent them from knowing that.”
“Fake your death? Well we didn’t think of that, but that is one of the reasons why you are our second in command. You are resourceful and cunning and that is why we got you something for all your help.” Luna said just before lifting the object in the cloth up with her magic. “This is a sort of armor we had made for you; it was crafted to fit your body perfectly. You wear it sort of like saddle bags, but with one small difference.” She pulled the cloth of to reveal a pile of metal and leather, some of which looked like wings. “It will fit over your wings making them larger and allowing you to fly with ease. It is also sharpened to cut through most objects so you can defend yourself when it is needed, but will not cut you when you relax.”
“So this will let me fly? Wow that is fantastic! I’ve been wanting to fly for so long now but my wings have never grown like they were supposed to. Wait, won’t it be heavy though? I thought armor was supposed to be heavy.”
“No it is a lightweight but very sturdy metal; it will not hinder you at all. In fact it will be like your wearing your saddle bags with nothing in them. Now let us get this on you so we can leave.” Luna said as she unfolded the armor and prepared the straps. She slipped it onto Scootaloo and placed the straps on her belly and wings. After making sure everything was in place she tightened the straps until they were snug against Scootaloo’s body. “How does it feel my faithful one?”
Scootaloo shifted around and spread her wings which in turn spread the metal out simultaneously. It was like she wasn’t wearing anything at all and the straps were hardly noticeable. “This feels great! Like my whole life is going to be so much better thanks to you Princess.” Scootaloo leapt forward and gave Luna a hug who gratefully returned it.
“Now let us take flight and head to the camp we have introductions to make.”
Scootaloo grabbed her stuff and prepared her bombs for detonation. After going through the door she lit the fuse and started to run into the woods with Luna right behind her. “Watch this princess and see what I did to Fluttershy.” She said as she stopped and turned around to look at her house. After a few seconds the house seemed to bulge outward just before a massive bang reached their ears. The whole house suddenly blew apart into an unimaginable amount of blazing pieces, leaving a hole in the ground and burning rubble surrounding it. Luna gazed at the scene with wide eyes and a small smile on her face before turning back to her protégé.
“I like the result, we shall use that again later, but now we must take to the skies before anyone sees us.” She said before leaping off the ground and taking flight. Scootaloo looked after her, and then glanced at her new wings. Spreading them she jumped and started to flap, feeling the metal catch the air she started to rise into the air with ease. Looking down Scootaloo felt a sense of wonder, amazed that the wings work. Getting a hold of herself she took off after Luna catching up easily making sure she kept a distance away so as to not cut her mentor.
“This is wonderful Princess Luna I don’t know how I will ever repay you for this but I will do my best to make sure I never let you down.”
“It is fine you have done so much for us already, which is why we had them made for you. Tonight we will make a speech in front camp so the ponies know who you are and where you stand in ranks.”
“Yes Princess I look forward to it and the training I will be receiving from both you and the other trainers.” Scootaloo said before they both fell silent for the rest of the trip to the camp.
***
As Rainbow Dash looked at the smoldering remains of Scootaloo’s house she felt tears start to well up and tried to hold them back. Not wanting to look soft she took off into the air and headed towards the Library, she needed some comfort from her friends. She flew in through the window and landed next to the couch then sat down, placing her hooves on her face she began to cry. Fluttershy just looked at her trying to think of something to say when Twilight walked in. “Dash? What are you doing here and where did that explosion come from?”
Trying to get a hold of herself Rainbow Dash wiped her eyes and looked at her friends. “Scootaloo is dead.” It was all she managed to say before she started to cry uncontrollably. Fluttershy placed her hoof on Rainbow’s back trying to soothe her.
“Oh Dear Celestia. That explosion, it was Scootaloo’s house wasn’t it?” Twilight said looking shocked and now sure that the princess was right. She needed to find a safe place for herself and her friends before things got worse.
Rainbow Dash merely nodded her head, when she suddenly heard loud crying across the room from her. Looking up she saw that Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom holding each other and she instantly regretted saying the news right out. She knew there was nothing she could do about it now so she walked over to the girls and held them while they all cried together.
Twilight held back her tears and walked over to the table where some papers were strewn across. The papers were flyers she had picked up around town that she had realized were recruiting ads for the New Lunar Republic. She had studied them hard trying to figure out who had written them and why they would be aimed against Princess Celestia. She had come up with nothing; she didn’t recognize the hoofwriting at all.
Rainbow Dash looked over at Twilight to see her holding a piece of paper that bore some kind of symbol on it. She didn’t know why but the symbol seemed familiar to her, like she had seen it recently. She couldn’t place her hoof on it but she knew that whatever it was, it had something to do with what happened to Scootaloo. She couldn’t focus on it for long though as she was torn apart for losing somepony who was like a sister to her.
***
Scootaloo still couldn’t get over the new feeling of flying; it was the best thing she had ever experienced. She didn’t have to worry about clouds either because her new wings would slice right through them with no effort. She did start to get nervous about when she was going to stand next to Luna in front of the entire camp, but Luna reassured her that it will all go well. When she noticed Princess Luna starting to descend she followed her down into the tree tops and landed in the middle of the biggest camp of ponies she had ever seen.
The ponies that were nearby when they landed saw the Princess and bowed deeply as she walked by. Scootaloo walked by noticing all of them staring at her pendant and her wings but they didn’t say anything to her. Following Luna they walked into the largest tent in the camp that was filled with maps and other paperwork. There was also another pony in the tent who looked menacing. He had a gray coat and a white mane and running down his side was a long twisted scar. A grizzled beard puffed out of his face along with a long-stemmed pipe that was stuck between his teeth.
Princess Luna looked at him then her second in command. “Scootaloo this is our general, Strong Arm, he is in charge of the training all the ponies get when they come here.”
“Pleased to meet you it’s always good to see a new face here and I have heard a lot about you.” The old pegasus said as he held out his hoof.
“It is good to meet you too sir; I look forward to working with you.”
They shook hooves and when they finished Luna spoke up, “Strong Arm go inform the camp that we will be making a speech tonight with Scootaloo.”
“Yes your majesty, I will always follow you.” He gave a deep bow then straightened and headed outside.
Luna turned back to Scootaloo, “Put your stuff down in here, your tent has been arranged and it will be taken there soon.” She glanced at the maps while she waited for Scootaloo. After she had put down her stuff Luna said, “Come, follow us, it’s time for your introductions.”
Chapter 6
Introductions
Scootaloo followed Princess Luna to the stage that was set up towards the center of the camp and wondered what she should say to everypony. Before she could ask, Luna spoke up, "Do not worry about what they might think little one, just say whatever comes to mind and they will rally behind you." Luna grinned down at her, "If they don't, then you can always make an example of one of them and they will not question your authority again."
"Yes Princess, I will do what is needed." Scootaloo responded before climbing onto the stage behind Luna. The ponies of the camp were all talking quietly to themselves as Luna prepared herself. Most were curious as to who the small pegasus was that was standing next to her and why she was wearing the pendant of high command.
The ponies quieted as Luna cleared her throat and began to speak. "Welcome our children of the night. Today is a great day for all of us! We have made great progress towards ending our sister's overbearing rule over Equestria. We owe our thanks to one filly in particular. She has ruined the mind of one of the Elements of Harmony and recruited a lot of you from the Ponyville area. Please give a New Lunar Republic welcome to my second in command, Scootaloo!" Luna brought her hoof down as Scootaloo stepped forward and the camp let out a roar.
"All hail the Princess of the Night! The New Lunar Republic prevails! Lead us to the path of righteousness Scootaloo!" The camp chanted in unison, repeating themselves until Luna brought her hoof down again.
"Good! Now for some words from our guest of honor." Luna smiled down at Scootaloo and whispered to her, "Tell them who you are young one."
Nodding, the orange filly spoke to the camp, "I am Scootaloo, although I may be small and am younger than all of you, I promise that I will lead us to victory!" The camp cheered. "I started out as a recruiter, but my loyalty proved to Princess Luna that I will never leave her side! Yes, I ruined an Element of Harmony by destroying the animals she loved so dear. None survived my flames and none that betray me shall survive either!" The camp cheered again and Scootaloo stretched her wings out, "I will cut down any who get in our way! My wings will deliver a swift death to those threaten us, but those of you who might betray me or the princess will endure my flames!" Princess Luna was laughing as the ponies looked around nervously, afraid of what that meant. Scootaloo smiled at the crowd and continued, "I do not have much else to say other than this; those of you who have questions or concerns do not come to me, go through General Strong Arm and if he deems it necessary for me to know then he will tell me. I am very happy to be here with you all and I expect great things from you! Now let's get back to training! I will see you all on the training grounds at some point." With that Scootaloo turned around and walked off the stage with Princess Luna next to her.
"You did good my student," Luna said to the filly, "we should not have any problems with an uprising against us, but if we do, We are looking forward to what you will do with your 'flames'." The princess chuckled as they walked to the tent where Scootaloo would be staying.
"Thank you princess," Scootaloo responded, "I am concerned that I went a little overboard with my speech though, it was a little scary."
"Fear is great way to get people to listen to you, second only to friendship. Do not worry Scootaloo, though they may fear you, they also respect you as a leader." Luna wrapped her wing around her protege and led her into the tent. "We think that you must be exhausted from the tasks you have undertaken, so get some rest we will start your training tomorrow."
Scootaloo nodded, realizing just how tired she actually was. She hadn't gotten much sleep since she started working for Luna and yawned as she got into the bed that was set up for her. "Luna?" she said, "Would you mind staying with me tonight?"
The moon princess looked shocked, "Why my student? Is something the matter?"
"No, nothing is wrong, it's just that I have a problem sleeping in a new place without somepony I know there to keep me company."
Luna smiled at her student, "Of course, but first we must take off those wings, we don't want you cutting us at night would we?"
"No that wouldn't be good." Scootaloo giggled as she felt Luna's magic loosen the straps on her belly. She felt a little sad to feel her wings go away again and have to deal with her tiny ones. After Luna put the wings down in a corner she lay down next to Scootaloo and wrapped her wing around her. She felt the little one's breathing start to slow as she fell asleep and soon she was sleeping herself.
