Scootaloo's Life

Chapters

1 Where the Heart Belongs
2 Warm and Buttery
3 Lonesome Hearts
4 Magic of the Heart
5 Life, Love and Truth
6 Endless Skies
7 A Shining Prism
8 Wing and a Prayer

1 Where the Heart Belongs

Scootaloo's Life
Where the Heart Belongs
...

Scootaloo was rushing to the clubhouse to meet up with her two best friends, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, like they always did when there was no school. Her little scooter nearly flying along the path as she smiled.

She saw her favorite branch coming up and jumped, trying a new trick she was dieing to try.

An awesome aerial back flip was performed before landing on her scooter without even slowing down.

"I did it? Awesome. I gotta show my friends that later." She beamed brightly as she came into view of the fixed up clubhouse.

Parking her scooter, she rushed up and inside.

But nopony was there.

This was a little odd, as they were always there before she was, seeing that they both lived so much closer than she did.

Still, she pulled out her cape from off the hook and paused. The other two capes were not there.

"Huh?" She blinked and searched the clubhouse. She could have sworn they had hung them all up last time they were here.

The other capes were nowhere to be found, only hers, with one corner ripped.

"What's going on here? Where's Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom?" She frowned a little. Had they already been here this morning and left already without her?

Not really understanding what was going on, she headed outside and listened for any sounds.

Besides the sounds of a gentle breeze blowing through the trees and birds singing, there was not a peep of her friends.

Scootaloo frowned for a moment, then decided to head into town.
...

She pulled up at Sweetie's home and knocked on the door. A moment later, the ever beautiful Rarity opened the door. "Why hello Scootaloo. However might I assist you?"

"Is Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom here?"

Rarity blinked. "Dear me, no. I thought they were looking for you. They have wonderful news to tell you."

"What news?"

"I promised them to let them tell you. I believe they're at Sugarcube Corner."

"Thanks Miss. Rarity." Scootaloo beamed a smile and scooted off at top speed.

Rarity watched Scootaloo leave. "Poor filly... I hope she's not disappointed when she gets the news."
...

Sugarcube Corner.

Scootaloo rushed through the door to the bakery and spotted her two friends, sitting at a table and enjoying a couple cupcakes.

"Apple Bloom. Sweetie Belle." Scootaloo beamed as she came over.

"Oh there you are Scoots." Apple Bloom beamed a huge grin. "We have some awesome news for you."

Sweetie Belle smiled softly. "Can you guess what it might be?"

Scootaloo paused and seemed to ponder. "Um... you got some awesome new ideas on how we can get our cutie marks without getting covered in sap for once?"

The pair looked at each other, then stepped out from behind the table, revealing their flanks.

An apple bloom with hammer and saw over a bright red apple adorned Apple Bloom's flank.

A pink musical note, topped with a heart adorned Sweetie Belle's flank.

"We got our cutie marks." Apple Bloom squealed with delight. "Ah got mine last night when Ah helped AJ fix up the barn. Ah was so happy to be helpin' her and came up with a few ideas on how t' make the barn even better." She looked so happy.

"And... and I got mine when I visited Fluttershy last night. We helped a sick bear get better by singing to it. My songs can make sick ponies and animals feel better." She beamed a cute smile.

Scootaloo paled. "But... but... What about the Cutie Mark Crusaders? We swore we'd work together to get our cutie marks." Scootaloo was feeling betrayed.

"Ah know, Ah know." Apple Bloom placed a hoof on Scootaloo's shoulder. "But Ah discovered it all on mah own. Just like what AJ said. We all gotta find our special talent on ah own."

Scootaloo shook Apple Bloom's hoof off and stepped back. She looked at Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom "You... you..." Tears came to her eyes and she rushed out of the bakery.
..........

Scootaloo had left her scooter behind, her emotions getting the better of her. She ran till she stopped, and then looked around.

Floating over a small hill was her idol's home, the beautiful cloud home of Rainbow Dash.

She walked to the top of the small hill and sat there, her head hanging. Moments later, a shadow flew past.

She looked up to see Rainbow Dash.

"Rainbow Dash!" She called out.

Dash paused and looked back. "Sorry squirt. I don't have time for you." She then flew off, a rainbow trail left in the air. Some bad weather was coming in from over the Everfree Forest, and she had to make sure it was cleared up before it could hit Ponyville.

"Don't have... time?" Scootaloo felt more tears fall. "Rainbow Dash hates me... I can't fly, I can't build barns. I can't sing. I've failed at everything we've tried to do to get our cutie marks, and then last night my two best friends get theirs without us being together..." She sobbed uncontrollably for quite a while, before her mind started to make up things.

"They must all hate me. I can't get my cutie mark. I'm not good at anything I try." She frowned and rose to her hooves. "I don't have a family... living in the orphanage... and nopony ever comes to adopt me. Nopony wants me." She turned to look back at Ponyville, one last time. "I may as well leave."
..........

"Rarity?" Sweetie Belle asked tenderly as she walked into the Carousel Boutique

"One moment Sweetie Belle." Rarity spoke in her eloquent tone as she placed a few finishing touches on a stunningly beautiful dress. "There, done." She turned to her little sister. "Now, what is it sweetheart?"

"I think I hurt a friend's feelings really bad today." She hung her head, her soft lavender and pink curls hiding her face.

"Oh my. I assume you're talking about your little friend, Scootaloo?"

Sweetie Belle nodded. "Apple Bloom and I got our cutie marks without her. When we showed her, we were so happy, but then she got all sad and ran off. We tried to find her but we couldn't."

"Dear me." Rarity frowned. "I'll lend you a hoof, for a while. The customer shan't be by till evening to pick up their dress."
..........

"Rainbow Dear!" Rarity called up too a cloud that sported a rainbow tail.

Dash poked her head over the edge. "What? I just cleared the sky of a pretty nasty storm and I'm pooped."

"Have you seen Scootaloo around?"

"Who?"

"Scootaloo, you're number one fan?"

"Oh, that little pipsqueak.." Dash made a distasteful face. "What about her?"

"Have you seen her?"

"No, don't think so... Oh! I think I saw her this morning, sitting on the hill near my place. Kinda creepy the way she's always watching me you know."

"Rainbow Dash." Rarity looked disappointed in her friend. "She adores you and looks up to you. You can at least pay a little more attention to her."

"Why? What about her family and friends?"

"She has no family, if you ever bothered to get to know her. She's an orphan and her only friends just recently got their cutie marks, and I think that really hurt her feelings, the poor thing."

Dash frowned. "An... orphan?" That tidbit of information hit far too close to home for Rainbow Dash. "I... I had no idea." She fluttered off the cloud and landed before Rarity. "I mean..."

"I know, I only found out about it recently as well." Rarity hung her head a little. "Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are looking around for her, at all their favorite places. Do you think you can search around as well?"

Dash nodded and took off flying.
..........

(She's an orphan... like me?) Dash frowned as she approached the orphanage. The place was a little ways out of Ponyville, and looked like it had seen better days, and those days had been LONG ago.

She landed on the steps and knocked on the front door.

A stern looking Pegasus mare opened the door. "What can I do for you?"

"I... I'm looking for a little filly, named Scootaloo."

The mare raised an eye, looking over Rainbow Dash. "And why are you looking for that little trouble maker?"

Dash frowned. "She's missing. I was wondering if she came back."

"No, she has not returned since I sent her off this morning."

Dash blinked. "Just how many orphans so you house here?"

"Just the one. Why, do you want to adopt her? If you do, I wouldn't be surprised if you return her within a few days, just like all the others who adopted her. She's just a trouble maker you know, and I can't wait till she grows up and can leave, or better yet, leaves on her own. Now, if you don't mind, I have some peace and quiet to enjoy before she comes back and ruins it."

Dash narrowed her eyes at this mare. "How can you say that about her? Sure, she's energetic and curious and... and she's still young." Dash slammed a hoof down, cracking the wooden planks of the steps. "You know what? I can see now why she has low self esteem, having you for her caretaker." She then flew off.

"You haven't changed at all... have you Rainbow Dash?" The mare sneered. "Hotheaded as ever."
..........

Scootaloo walked along the road. She had left Ponyville an hour ago, with nothing to her name but her own, well worn ponyshoes.

Heck, they had been a little small on her for quite a while now, hence the reason she got around on her scooter.

Her scooter... she had left it behind... oh well. It would most likely be thrown out into the trash anyway. She just pressed on.
..........

Rainbow Dash landed at the library and entered, not even knocking. Heck, it WAS the public library after all.

"Twilight?"

"Yes?" The light purple unicorn poked her head out from behind one of the bookshelves, a few cobwebs stuck to her mane.

"Have you seen Scootaloo?"

"Not sense a few days ago, why?"

"I can't find her anywhere."

"How about her home?"

"She's the only orphan at the Ponyville orphanage. And she hasn't been back sense the caretaker there kicked her our for the day..." Dash then paused. "Wait a second... I remember her..." She gritted her teeth, only now recognizing the cruel and harsh mistress who had run the orphanage back in Cloudsdale. She shook her head a moment. "Well, keep an eye out for her please."

Twilight nodded. "As soon as I'm finished here..." Her horn glowed and the bookshelf slid back into place.

"What are you doing anyway?"

"Cleaning behind the shelves. They haven't been cleaned in years... and I found at least thirty really old books behind them." She then dusted herself off. "Let's go find Scootaloo."

"I'll see about getting the others to help too... I have to find her."
..........

Applejack tilted her head slightly, looking at her little sister. "What's the matter Apple Bloom?"

"Scootaloo... she ran away when she saw Sweetie Bell and mahself got ah cutie marks. We can't find her anywhere."

"Well land sakes... We gotta go find yer little friend." AJ smiled. "Come along Apple Bloom"
..........

Applejack and Apple Bloom reached Fluttershy's cottage at the same time as Rainbow Dash and Twilight.

"Howdy y'all."

"AJ. Have you seen Scootaloo?" Dash looked really worried.

"We was just comin into town to look for that little filly. Y'all lookin for her too?"

Twilight nodded . "Yes... so is Rarity and Sweetie Belle. We just came here to see if Fluttershy could help."

"Help with what?" The gentle, shy Pegasus emerged from her cottage.
..........

"Oh dear, that doesn't sound good at all." Fluttershy said after the explanation.

Twilight nodded. "We need to set up search parties as well as search zones. Let's meet up with Rarity and Sweetie Belle. We should also get Pinkie Pie in on the search. She knows Ponyville like the back of her hoof."
...

Pinkie Pie frowned in thought. She looked at the map of Ponyville, as well as the markers. "All these places have been searched?"

The other ponies nodded.

"Hmm, well, there's a lot of great hiding places around Ponyville." She marked them on the map.

Twilight nodded. "Ok, Applejack, will take these ones here, to the west. I'm sure you know more hiding places on the farm." She glanced at the farm pony in question, who simply nodded. "Rarity, you take the ones to the south. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, you take the ones in the west along the Everfree Forest. Rainbow Dash, you check the ones to the north."

"What about yourself?" Pinkie Pie blinked cutely.

"I'll keep searching and asking around Ponyville. I'm sure we'll find her soon."

With that, the team headed off to do their searches.
..........

Unknown to them, the young filly was trekking north, toward... well. It didn't matter, did it? Nopony wanted her. Her own friends had betrayed her. Her idol didn't want anything to do with her, and Mistress Meany... er, Mistress Cloud Heart, sure as hay didn't want her around anymore, if she ever did.

She looked up at the sun. It was getting a little low in the sky, and dark clouds looked to be forming. She could see a team of Pegasai setting up rainstorm for tonight over the farmland.

"As if things couldn't get any worse..." Scootaloo frowned a moment before she stepped own on a loose stone, catching her front right shoe and ripping it right off.

Scootaloo fell and hissed in pain. She looked and saw the shoe had been twisted slightly, and sure as it was starting to rain, would never be wearable again.

She got up and limped along, never having realized how walking without the iron-shod shoes felt. Her hoof was tender from the shoe being ripped out, but pressed on.
..........

Rainbow Dash searched the hiding place on her map, but it looked like this hiding place had not been used in quite some time. She then looked north and saw the dark clouds. She knew the farms to the north had been scheduled for a healthy rain that night, even if that area was not part of her zone.

She felt a little worried, but pressed on to the next place. Somehow, she felt that Scootaloo might not even be in Ponyville anymore.
..........

Scootaloo was getting soaked as she limped along, small drops of blood marking her path. She realized that this trail was not well used, as it started to become overgrown. She then realized, she had entered into the Everfree forest.

Panic struck the filly as she looked around. Behind her, the trail seemed to have disappeared into the forest. Still, she could make out the trail ahead of her, so she simply pressed on, hoping none of the scary creatures of the forest found her before she could find a way out.

As she moved on, she spotted a dim, flickering light ahead. She didn't know what it was, but curiosity got the better of her, and she moved to investigate.

She entered a small clearing and spotted a small cottage. It was nothing like Zecora's cozy hut. This place looked spooky, as it was built into a large, dead tree.

Scootaloo then spotted movement through the lit window, and caught a strange scent, like something was cooking. She approached and peeked into the window.

She spotted a cloaked creature, about the size of a pony, only it had clawed paws. She watched as it turned it's head slightly, showing off the tapered snout of some creature she had never seen before, and all the sharp teeth in its mouth. She gulped and stepped back, snapping a twig in the process.

The figure inside turned to face the window, narrow eyes glowing yellow in the dim light.

Scootaloo turned to run in fear, but ran face first into a tree. Stars flashed before her vision before darkness took her.
..........

Back at the library, the ponies had gathered again.

"No luck to the south." Rarity griped as she used her magic to remove muck and grime from her hooves. "Why did I have to search the swamp anyway?"

"Don't worry..." Applejack frowned. "Ah didn't have no luck either. Ah searched the whole farm and all the hidin' holes ah could remember, and then some."

"There was no evidence she entered the Everfree Forest where we searched." Fluttershy hung her head. "I'm sorry we couldn't find her."

"She was nowhere in town, and I asked everypony I could find." Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash. "Did you have any luck?"

"None. She's gone." She looked out the window and saw the telltale wisps of wind picking up, meaning that storm she had broken up earlier was pulling itself back together, and with a vengeance. "Going to be a storm tonight... and not a scheduled one"

"Then we have to wait till morning?" Pinkie Pie blinked. "Ok, we'll be ready to search further. I'll get the snacks ready for the morning." She bounced out the door as the rain started to fall.

The rest of the ponies decided there was nothing else they could do till morning.

Twilight decided to ask the ponies of the town if they could offer some aid to find the missing filly.

"I'll just check at the orphanage." Dash flew out the door.
..........

Scootaloo started to come too, feeling first and foremost the headache. She reached up her hoof and felt bandages on her head, as well as on her hoof.

Her eyes popped open and she looked around.

She was laying on a small bed in the very hut the strange, scary creature lived in. She looked over and spotted it, sitting before a small fireplace, stirring away at an old cauldron.

"Awake are we?" A raspy voice spoke. "Twas a hard knock ya took little one." It turned to face Scootaloo and pulled back its hood.

"W... wolf?" Scootaloo paled.

"Aye, I be a wolf, but ye not need worry bout me."

"Wolves eat ponies..." She scrambled back against the wall.

"Oh? Pray tell where did you hear such a tale?"

"Everypony knows wolves eat meat."

A light, raspy chuckle escaped through the sharp teeth. "Everypony... and how many pony have ye heard been eaten by us wolves?"

"Um..." Scootaloo paused to think. "I... I don't know... I don't know any who have been."

"Then don't worry little one. We wolves eat meat, aye, but only from the creatures who are smaller, weaker, and not so smart." The wolf rose to stand on its hind legs. "Least of all a wolf like myself." It spooned something from the cauldron into a bowl and set it on the stand next to the bed. "Worry not little one, this is not made from any meat."

Scootaloo leaned forward and sniffed the contents of the bowl. It smelled strange, but not unpleasant.

"Tell me little one... what know you of Poison Joke?"

"Um... it's blue, and it plays mean jokes on ponies?"

"Aye, that it does, including transforming ponies into wolves." He chuckled lightly again. "Ye remind me of somepony I knew long ago. Well, not too long, but only a few years."

"Wait... you... you're a pony?"

"Aye, that I was. But I have been exposed to Poison Joke for far too long, and now I am stuck. I know of no cure."

"I do. Zecora knows how to make a cure for Poison Joke."

The cloaked wolf walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. "If what you say be true, then could I be cured? A chance to return to Ponyville I would relish, and to find my family once again I would cherish."

"You're family?" Scootaloo stared in wide eyed wonder.

"Aye. My two daughters at the very least. I know not their fates. My wife, she passed away but two winter ago, having taken her own life in despair from her curse." He looked into Scootaloo's amethyst eyes. "Such eyes, yours are like hers."

Scootaloo blinked. "You said you had two daughters... what was their names?"

"By name we called the youngest Scootaloo and the eldest Rainbow Dash, but alas, on a day we ventured into the wood to find herbs for an illness befallen the elder, taking her memories... we became cursed, and upon return to the village, we were shunned and chased from town as monsters..."

Scootaloo paled. "Scootaloo? Th... that's my name. I.. I'm Scootaloo."

"Thought as much I have... but alas I can be no father to any. Lest this cure you speak of works, I can nought be called your father."

"D... Daddy?" Scootaloo hugged the wolf and cried into his lap. "Please... please don't leave me again. I... Nopony on Ponyville wants me... I ran away. I can't believe I found you again after all these years."

The wolf wiped away his own tears. "Daughter of mine, you cannot stay here. The Poison Bloom, it grows and crawls about the wood as thought a creature, bent on laying its curse on all it finds. A fate I would wish upon none, friend or foe, in jest or in spite." He gently pushed Scootaloo back. "In the morn, after the storm, you must leave and ne'er look back. The wood, has claimed myself and mine wife. I shan't see it claim my child."

"But..."

"Sleep now dear Scootaloo..." He waved a clawed paw before her face, and Scootaloo fell asleep from the magic power released.
..........

Scootaloo awoke, the light of the sun shining in her eyes. She looked around to see she was outside the wood, and within view of Ponyville.

She frowned and rose to her hooves, wincing in pain as she set weight on her still tender hoof.

"SCOOTALOO!!!" A familiar voice cried from the sky.

She looked up to see Rainbow Dash. Her eyes lit up and she limped forward as the Pegasus landed before her. "S... Sister." She hugged the older Pony.

"S... Sister?" Dash blinked. "Whoa, whatcha talking about Scoots?"

"I... I met our daddy..." She looked around, but the Everfree Forest was a long way away, and she doubted she could remember exactly where she had found him. "We... We have to go save him. He's cursed by the Poison Joke."

Dash blinked. "Whoa now Scootaloo. What are you talking about? I don't have a little sister... not that I can remember really."

"Daddy said you were ill, and that it took your memories. Maybe that's why you can't remember me." She looked into Dash's red eyes.

"Sorry kiddo, but I can't even remember my own folks. If what you say is true... and we are sisters..." Dash looked down at the spunky filly. "Well, let's not worry about that. I was heading to the library when I saw you." She looked at the bandages. "What happened to you?"

"I broke my hoofshoe and bumped my head, but Daddy found me and fixed me up." She looked around. There was not even a paw mark on the ground. "Please Dash, we have to go find him. He's all alone. Mommy died two years ago leaving him all lone. He's cursed, and we can get him cured."

Dash nodded. "If... If what you say is true... I wanna find my father as well. I... I guess I can forgive him if he got himself cursed. I always thought mom and dad just ran away." She then scooped Scootaloo onto her back. "Let's go and show everypony you're safe and sound, then let's see about getting you some new shoes."
..........

Everypony was so happy to see Scootaloo, especially her two friends. They apologized to her over and over, but told her they would still crusade till they found Scootaloo's cutie mark.

"You know what?" Scootaloo smiled, looking a little sad still. "I... I think I should find my mark all on my own. After all... You both did."

"Aww, can't we at least help a little?"

"You can help by still being my bestest friends in the whole world." Scootaloo smiled over at Rainbow Dash.

They had agreed, for the time being, to keep the possibility of their being sisters, and their father being still alive, to themselves.

Pinkie Pie whooped and bounced around. "We should totally have a welcome home party for Scootaloo."

Scootaloo shook her head. "I'm not home yet... I'm just an orphan till I can find my broken family and bring it back together."

Dash nodded. "That sounds great Scoots... so let's go see about getting you a new set of hoofshoes. Your hoof looks like it's pretty tender still."

"Actually, it's feeling better." She sniffed it, and smelled something, like herbs and mint.

Fluttershy noticed this as well. "Who put your bandages on you? Only a Unicorn could have done such a good job. And the smell, I can smell the healing herbs on your hoof, though I never thought to add mint. It smells nice."

Scootaloo smiled. "It was a wolf. He bandaged me up and brought me home."

All the ponies present paled.

"A... A wolf?" Dash looked into Scoots eyes. "You... are you saying a wolf actually helped you?"

Scootaloo nodded. "He..." She hung her head and looked at everypony. "He's my daddy."
..........

After much panic, Dash and Scootaloo calmed everypony down, and the young filly explained that her daddy had become a wolf because of Poison Joke.

This brought up a lot of questions, which the youngster was ill equipped to answer.

"Zecora can make a cure for him, right?" Sweetie Belle asked.

Twilight looked a little doubtful, but nodded. "I'm sure she can. She knows more about the plants in the Everfree Forest then anypony I know."

"And she's not even a pony." Pinkie Pie popped her head up from behind the table.

Dash smiled. "Scoots and I will go ask her ourselves." She smiled at the young Pegasus. "Hop on." She lowered herself for the foal that might just be her baby sister.
..........

Scootaloo walked about a bit, trying out her new hoofshoes. "These feel great, thanks Rainbow Dash." She hugged the older pony.

Dash smiled. The hug, it somehow felt right. "I'm glad you like em." She then paid for them. "So, let's go pick up your scooter. You left it at Sugarcube Corner."

"Um... if it's alright, can I walk? Walking was always uncomfortable before." She pranced about a bit, a huge smile on her face.

"Of course. Let's go to Zecora's now."
..........

Zecora had listened to the tale.

"A tale of fate, one filled with the hope of love and no hate." She spoke in her usual rhymes. "For one so young and pure, I would be pleased to make a cure. But first, this wolf I must meet, before this joke I can beat."

"I think I remember the way." Scootaloo replied, her sparkling eyes full of hope.
..........

It took far longer to find the path this time, mainly because Scootaloo had not been really watching where she had been going last time, but finally she found some landmarks that looked familiar.

"I'm sure this is the trail." She started ahead, but Zecora stopped her with a gesture. "These plants before us are bad, to touch them could result in a fate very sad."

"What kind of plant are they?" Dash asked, glancing at the crimson leaves.

"These plants are no joke, for they are called poison oak." Zecora stated. "To touch them causes a terrible rash, so to press on would be quite brash."

"I'll fly over and see if I can find the place Scoots described." She took to the air, leaving the pair behind.

It didn't take long for her to spot a thin plume of smoke rising from the forest. She flew down and landed before a large dead tree, set with a window.

Standing in the doorway she saw the wolf creature, standing on its hind legs, just as the filly had described. "Um... hello?" She was a little wary, and ready to take flight at a moment's notice.

"Hello young one. Assume I must you are here at the bequest of young Scootaloo?"

Dash nodded. "We're here with a friend who can cure you."

"A cure is to be had? I am most hopeful this is no hoax."

"Zecora is the most skilled pony... er, zebra, I know when it comes to herbal potions and cures for things like Poison Joke."

"Then... lead me to this Zecora." He reached into the tree and pulled out his tattered, dark cloak and donned it, pulling it over his head.
..........

"Daddy!" Scootaloo rushed forward as she saw the wolf emerge from the woods and hugged him.

"Hello Scootaloo. You seem well."

"All because of you and your healing stuff you put on my hoof, and the new hoofshoes Rainbow Dash got me."

"Rainbow..." He turned to the Pegasus, a look of surprise on his face. "My eldest daughter?"

"Whoa now. I don't know about that. I can't remember anything bout my family." Dash replied defensively. "Let's just wait and see after you're cured ok?"

"I understand young one. Ah, to be cured and to return home, a dream I had long thought gone." He approached the Zebra. "Zecora I presume?"

"Indeed I am. Now, to see if I can cure you, or if not, what a sham." She examined the wolf carefully. "No wolf like you I have ever seen, and in nature, no wolf like you has ever been. Indeed this is caused by Poison Joke..." She suddenly paused, her usual rhythm broken. "A cure for you I can make, but a special potion I must make."

"What herbs do you need?" Scootaloo asked.

"From the Poison Joke I need a sample, but more than one, I must have ample."

"To show you where this Poison Joke dwells, I would be honoured. I know well the twists and turns of this area of the Wood. Follow, and be wary of the plants I point out."
..........

The path had taken them far into the Everfree Forest, to areas even Zecora would not have dared to venture on her own. She saw many plants she knew to be beneficial, but even more that were dangerous, and a few that were downright deadly.

They finally reached a hillside, covered by the azure blue plant.

"This is where My wife long passed and I had been cursed, but it was not the small blooms that transformed me into a wolf..." He pointed to the one at the top of the hill, a thick tree, covered with many large and ominous blooms. "That one up there, the mother of all Poison Joke."

Zecora shivered, not with delight, but from fear. "To think... such a plant exists, and that it's joke for so long persists..." She looked at Rainbow Dash. "A dozen bloom I need, but beware how you gather or you too will be in need."

Dash shuddered. "I don't wanna get turned into no wolf... I'll be careful."

She then flew over the thick growth of blue and up too the tree. As she hovered over it, she watched as vines snaked and moved about the thick trunk, and at the blooms as they opened and closed ever so slightly, revealing sharp teeth and sickly blue interior.

(How the heck am I supposed to get blooms off that thing without getting bitten...) She frowned and closed in slightly.

The plant didn't seem to notice, even as she came within touching range.

Dash gulped and plucked one of the blooms the size of her head.

Other than a few vines twisting about, there was no other reaction.

One by one, she plucked the blooms and brought them back to Zecora. On her final run, she spotted something else. A pod the size of her head. It looked like a fruit. She didn't want to push her luck, so grabbed the last bloom she needed and returned. "Here's the last one. I also saw what looked like a fruit in there, the size of my head."

Zecora paled. "A pod of seeds you have seen... the end of ponydome I could well glean."

The wolf snarled slightly. "A seed pod? If it opens and sends its seeds everywhere, well could we see the end of all things. That plant, you see, feeds not on water and light, but the flesh of those the sweet smell these blooms lure.

"End it we must, but the pod we must not bust."

"How about if we burn it?" Scootaloo suggested.

"Fire would do well to end this plight, but the plant will not go without a fight."

"It's a plant." Scootaloo blinked. "How can it fight back?"

Her father placed a paw on her shoulder. "Should it feel truly threatened, the pod it will break open, sending its seed upon the wind. Spread far and wide it will and grow, many more such plants will consume all animal life in the wood, and beyond."

Scootaloo shuddered. "A pony eating plant? Dashie... please be careful."

Dash nodded. "Say, what if we mix something really sticky with oil and pour it on that pod, then light it on fire?"

"A deft idea young Rainbow Dash." The wolf grinned, making the pony feel quite nervous at the sight of those sharp teeth. "A mixture as such I can prepare quickly at home."
..........

Back at the tree cottage, the two ponies and one zebra watched as the wolf mixed sap with oil, as well as a few other compounds. "These additives will ensure the flame burns very hot. Best you do not let this touch you, lest we have to take time to wash it off. This must be done quickly."

Dash nodded. "Ok, I'll dump the sticky oil on it, then come back and grab whatever we're using for the fire, fly back up and drop that on it as well."

"No need for a torch or lamp." The wolf chuckled. "Those additives will react to another powder I have made. It will burst into flames as soon as they meet and mix, and a flame so hot, the plant will be destroyed, seed pod and all."

"Really? You can make a fire that easily?" Dash wondered.

To demonstrate, he placed a pinch of the first powder into a small bowl, then he added another pinch of the second powder, pulling his paw away as fast as possible.

The tiny amount of powder burst into a flame as tall as Rainbow Dash.

All eyes watching had gone wide.

"Now hold on a second... I have to carry the sticky oil AND a pouch of that extra powder at the same time?"

"And move as fast as you can." He stated seriously. "You surely do not wish to be cooked in a flash."

Dash whimpered slightly. She sure was NOT looking forward to this.

"Maybe I can help?" Scootaloo joined in.

"Sorry Scoots, you still can't fly. There's no way you could help out."

Scootaloo hung her head, feeling useless.

"Mishaps a way there is you can help Daughter." The wolf ruffled her mane. "The heat very well can damage Rainbow Dash's feathers, even if she is flying away as fast as she can."

"What can I do?"

"You can be ready with a blanket soaked with water, to ensure her fine feathers are not damaged... too badly."

"I'll do what I can." Scootaloo brightened up. "Anything to help out Rainbow Dash. She's the best flier there is... and I don't want her to get hurt."

"After this is said and done, the cure we must make before we can have fun." Zecora smiled.
..........

Back at the hill, the group was greeted by a somewhat unhappy, and quite thrashing plant. It seemed that while it was sensitive to movement on the ground, it took some time to feel that it's carnivorous blooms had been plucked.

"Wow... it looks mad..." Scootaloo said, from her hiding place behind Rainbow Dash.

"We better do this fast before it launches those seeds." Dash readied the leather bag filled with the oil. Strapped to one hoof was the pouch with the powder.

The wolf placed a paw gently on Dash's shoulder. "Remember, only after you have dropped the oil must you throw the pouch within. Then fly, fly as fast as you can."

Dash felt odd, the paw touching her was scary, but it felt warm, not threatening at all, despite the sharp claws. "Gotcha. Ok, let's do this."

She gripped the handles of the leather bag in her teeth and lifted off the ground. She flew above the plant and out of reach of the vines. She took careful aim on the pod and dropped the sticky oil.

It splattered all over the pod, which instantly burst open.

Thankfully the sticky substance kept the seeds from escaping. She then flew about, building speed as she took the pouch in her mouth, and took aim again. She then threw the pouch, scoring a direct hit.

Dash poured on the speed, not looking back as she suddenly heard a thunderous explosion and felt intense heat. She flew as fast as she could, even as flames licked at her hind legs, flank and wings. She screamed as she felt her right wing catch fire and went down, crashing into the forest.

Moments later she felt something heavy and wet, and cool, cover her entirely, snuffing the fire on her wing.

"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!!!" Scootaloo was patting away on the blanket. "Please be ok."

Dash winced as she poked her head out from under the soaked blanket. "I... I'm ok. Won't be flying for a week or so though..." She kicked the blanket off and winced.

Her right wing feathers had been burned away completely, as was her beautiful rainbow tail. Her right flank was covered by a nasty burn, covering her cutie mark. She looked at the wing and nearly cried. Muscle tissue had been burned so badly, she knew she would never fly again.

The wolf lifted her onto his back, carefully. "Worry not young one, for special salves and herbs I have that will accelerate your healing. Within a month you will be healed fully."

"Such herbs I have heard of some. Perhaps a student I may become?"

"I am a healer and an alchemist. To teach my healing skills to another, I would be pleased."

"M... Me too Daddy?"

He smiled and ruffled her mane again. "We shall see Daughter of mine. Now, back to my home, to heal Rainbow Dash."
..........

Rainbow Dash was glad for the pain killing medicine she had been given, even if it did leave her groggy.

Zecora had returned to her hut to prepare the cure for Scootaloo's father, stopping in town to tell the others where Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo were, and warning them that Dash had been hurt badly.

Upon hearing this, the girls and one confused, out of the loop dragon rushed from town, heading north, following Zecora's map.

Dash was sleeping soundly when her friends came calling.

Scootaloo's father slipped out the back of the cottage, not wanting to be seen by so many ponies, not until he was cured.

The foal pulled side the curtain that served as the front door. "Hey everypony. What are you doing here?"

Twilight stepped forward. "Zecora told us that Rainbow Dash was hurt really bad. What happened?"

"Well..." Scootaloo started telling the latest tale of Rainbow Dash's bravery, about her father and his curse, and how Zecora was making a cure for him.

When it was done, all present stared at both Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo.

"Come now Scootaloo..." Rarity was not sure she cold believe such a tall tale. "You expect to believe all that? You father is alive and is a wolf, and Rainbow Dash got hurt in such an incident?"

"Didn't you see the smoke?" Scootaloo pointed out.

Pinkie nodded. "Oh, oh. I saw some smoke, but there wasn't really that much."

Twilight blinked. "For a fire to not make a lot of smoke, it must have been really hot." She walked over to where Rainbow Dash lay, covered by a blanket.

Dash looked up and smiled weakly. "Scootaloo's story was all true, except she forgot the most important detail."

Scootaloo looked confused.

"She saved me. I was burning, and she threw that water soaked blanket on top of me. If she hadn't acted so fast, I would have burned alive." Dash smiled at the foal. She's my hero."

Scootaloo blushed brightly at the highest praise from her idol, and big sister. "You... you mean that?"

"Of course. And your Dad. He said I need a month before I can start training my wing to fly again... but I think I can manage that."

Applejack sat next to the bed. "How... how bad is it Sugercube?"

Dash lifted the blanket with her leg, revealing the bandaged wing. From the bandaging, there was no way there cold be any feathers on it, as well as her flank, covered by bandages.

Rarity fainted when she saw what was left of Rainbow Dash's tail. Even her mane had been singed considerably.

Scootaloo gently hugged Rainbow Dash. "We all worked together to destroy a really bad plant that could have eaten everypony, and dragon."

Spike paled. "Something that could eat dragons?"

"Oh come on now, there's no way something can eat a dragon..." Twilight then looked down at the small dragon. "Ok, maybe a baby dragon, but not a full grown one."

A new voice spoke. "What would the dragons do, should their source of food be consumed?"

They all turned to see the cloaked figure standing in the back doorway. "Dragons can sustain themselves on gems for a while, but not survive on them. The Mother Seed of the Poison Joke would slowly choke out all other plant life as well, this I have seen in my travels in another land, far, far away."

"Do y'all mean there's another land that's been destroyed by that Poison Joke?" Applejack paled.

"Indeed I do. But after all is said and done, the plant has nought to live on, it withers and dies, sending more seeds into the air in hopes that it can continue spreading, consuming till all on a world is gone."

They stared at the wolf, but then Twilight Spoke. "You... you're Scootaloo's father?"

"Indeed I am, alas we are without his mother. two years prior, her own life in despair she took." He sat before the fireplace and started mixing some more herbs in a small stone bowl. "Fiery and full of life she was, with coat as blue as the sky, eyes like royal amethyst, and a smile more bedazzling than the sun itself." He wiped away a tear.

"Daddy? It's ok..." She looked back at Dash. "And maybe one day we can recover Rainbow Dash's memories of her childhood, so she can remember that you too are her daddy."

"WHAT?!?" Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie all gasped in shock, while Fluttershy squeaked from the sudden outcry.

"Now hold on Scoots. You and the old wolf both say I'm your family, but Like I said, I have no memories at all." She looked at Scootaloo. "I was barely eight when I woke up in that orphanage, no memories at all..."

"And I'm only eight years old now..."

"And... And I'm sixteen now..." Dash thought over the time line. "You... you would have just been born..." She looked at the wolf, and his intense red eyes, just like her own. "But... all I remember from before the orphanage was... burning up... like I was... was... on fire." She closed her eyes, more images coming to mind. "I... no... I... I remember... Mom? Dad? I can remember their faces... and..." eyes napped open as she stared in awe at Scootaloo. "I remember. Scootaloo... Dad..." She looked from one to the other. "I can remember now."

The wolf looked surprised, then looked at her burns. "The pain of this heat, seems it has reminded you of the burning fever you felt as a foal... Reawakening memories flood her head." He poured the herbs he had just crushed and mixed into a cloth, then placed that into a cup. He then poured hot water into it, letting it steep for a while before pulling the cloth and herbs out. "Drink this, it will help calm you."

With her father's help, she sipped at the bittersweet drink. She then started to doze off.

The wolf looked at those present and spoke again. "Please, my daughter eldest must rest. By two or three weeks end she may be strong enough to make the hike back to Ponyville. I... I will make visits in the night, to change her bandages and bring her much needed medicines." He lay Dash's head down on the pillow. "Visit as you wish, but do not linger after dark, lest the true dangers take you.

"What about you?" Fluttershy managed to squeak.

"Once a pony, with strength and speed of pony, but I have become wolf, with strength and speed of wolf added. There is little I fear but for those few stronger than I. Should I meet one faster, then I shall not have to worry long."

Scootaloo hugged her father again. "I'll come every day. I want to start our family all over... even if Mommy is gone."

"A family we shall be again, nothing shall stop that." He hugged her back. "Now, guide my daughter safely. I place her care and my trust onto all of you."
..........

Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom sat around a table in the Library. two of the three fillies looked really bored, while one was reading book after book on plants and herbs and medicines.

"Come on Scoots, this is really boring." Apple Bloom muttered.

Scootaloo looked up from the book she was currently reading... well, trying to read. There was little in the way of pictures in this one. "Ah come on Apple Bloom, you made us this really nice table to sit at."

Apple Bloom smiled. "Yea, it's a really nice one, isn't it?"

Twilight smiled. "Indeed it is, and it brightens up the library with it's pretty design." She looked at the trio. "Now girls, it is getting a little late, maybe you should be heading home?"

"Oh kay!" Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle chimed in unison.

"We'll see you tomorrow Scoots." Apple Bloom grinned.

"Have a good night Scootaloo." Sweetie Belle added, then started humming such a pleasant little tune as the pair left the library.

Scootaloo waved them off, then turned to Twilight. "Twilight?"

"Yes Scootaloo?"

"Um... may I stay a while longer? It's not dark yet and I..."

"You don't want to go back to the orphanage, do you?"

She shook her head. "No... I hate it there."

"I understand. I will let her know you will be staying with me until your Father, who was recently found, and your big sister as well, can return to Ponyville. I hope she won't mind."

"She won't care. She's mean and grouchy and makes me eat alfalfa."

Twilight stuck her tongue out and made a distasteful face. "Never cared much for alfalfa myself, though I do eat it occasionally because it is good for me."

Scootaloo giggled a little. "Thank you Twilight. Um, I guess I should get back to studying."

"Not tonight Scootaloo." Twilight levitated all the books over onto an empty bottom shelf, right where Scootaloo could easily reach them. "It's about suppertime anyway."

Spike smiled as he came in from the kitchen. "Right as usual Twilight." The young dragon smiled as he set plates on the table, as well as a bowl of mixed flower salad.

Scootaloo could see some alfalfa was mixed in, but not a terrible amount.

"Speaking of Alfalfa." Twilight giggled as she sat at the new table. "This really is a nice table. Apple Bloom did a really wonderful job." She then used her magic to serve the foal. "Now, eat up, alfalfa and all."
..........

Day by day, Scootaloo would make the trip with one of Rainbow Dash's friends to visit her father and big sister. Each day, Dash looked to be getting better and better.

By the end of two weeks, the bandages were no longer needed for her hind leg and flank. The burns had left only minimal scaring on the skin, and her coat was growing in nicely, though her cutie mark had yet to reappear.

Her tail hair was growing out, now at least four inches long, and blond in color.

"You're really a blond?" Rarity gasped upon this discovery.

"Yea, I dye my mane and tail in rainbows every day. It's my secret for keeping them shiny and soft."

"My, what an interesting idea." She then thought about Dash's cloud house, how it had an eternal rainbow in it. "Are you the only Pegasus who does this?"

"Not really. Lots do, though they tend to stick to just one or two colors." Dash smirked. "I like to be different."

Rarity nodded. "I see. Well, Scootaloo is here to see you as well."

Scootaloo poked her head out from behind Rarity, a huge smile on her face. "Hiya Big Sis. Feeling better today? You sure do look better."

"Yea, I'm feeling better... but I'm also feeling really antsy. I want to get out and fly..."

The wolf looked over his shoulder, smiling. "Aye, but you must wait for your wing to regrow properly, and indeed you will need to train it again to become as strong as it had been."

"I know Dad, I know." She sighed. "You know, I'm getting used to seeing you like this, but it'll be awesome if that cure Zecora is working on works. She said it will be ready in about three more weeks."

"Indeed, and I await the cure as much as you do the day you can stretch your wings and take flight. I hope to one day join you aloft among the clouds."

"Me too! Me too!" Scootaloo beamed happily. "Oh, Sis, I almost forgot..." She reached into her saddlebags and pulled out a book. "I brought you a picture book so you won't get bored."

Dash smiled and accepted the book. She opened it and grinned. Pictures of the sky, as well as Equestria from the sky. "When my wings are strong enough, I'll have to take you up so you can see theses sights for yourself."

Scootaloo beamed a bright smile. "That's a promise."
..........

Day by day flew by, though not fast enough for Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash. Still, she never missed a day to come visit to spend time with her family. When she returned 'home' to the library, she continued her studies with an earnest need to learn about healing and medicine.

Sure, she knew Unicorns could learn to heal with their magic, usually a lot faster than with medicine, but her slowly growing knowledge comforted her, knowing that someday she might become as skilled as her own father.

Some days she would even visit Zecora, not only for an update on the cure, but to learn from her as well.

While medicine and healing did not seem to be her special talent, she decided she still wanted to learn, no matter what. After all, Rarity's special talent was for finding gems, but she was the best tailor she knew. Pinkie Pie was specially talented at throwing parties, but she had taken a lot of time to learn how to bake, as did Applejack. Fluttershy also knew a lot about sewing and cooking even though she was talented with caring for animals. Twilight was super talented with magic, but spent a lot of time studying many other things.

Why should Scootaloo let her still undiscovered talent be all that she knew?

Finally came the day when Rainbow Dash could return home, even if she couldn't yet fly up to her cloud house. Her rainbow mane and tail (which was about half grown by now) were now a bright blond, which did indeed look different on her.

Still, the welcome home party that Pinkie Pie threw was possibly one of her best parties ever, at least for Dash and her little sister.

It was now common knowledge that they were indeed sisters, and everypony seemed so happy for them. They couldn't wait till their father returned from wherever he was.

Each and every night he did, as promised, pay a visit to the Apple Farm where Dash was rooming, and he would administer his medicines, take time to talk to his daughter, and just be happy he had at long last found his family.

Finally came the day when a new Pegasus Pony entered Ponyville. He was orange in color, with blond mane and tail. His cutie mark was a small cluster of leaves and berries, showing off his special talent for plants.

His name, Sunny Skye, and he was the father of Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo.

Dash's wing continued to heal rapidly, and she was soon taking short flights. She had not bothered to dye her mane and tail again, even though she could finally fly up to her home. Still, she chose to live on the ground, never straying far from Scootaloo.

When Sunny Skye rented a cottage on the outskirts of the village, she moved in with him and Scootaloo, once again a family, even though it was missing the Mother.

Sunny was such a patient pony, unlike the brash and energetic Dash, and the inquisitive and mischievous Scootaloo. He helped Scootaloo with her studies, knowing that one day, she might be just as good as he was.

Three months after Dash's heroic deed and fateful accident, she was fully healed, and easily capable of flying all the way to Cloudsdale, though not as fast as she had once been able too. Still, she had not dyed her mane and tail back to the rainbow locks she was known for.

Her burned cutie mark finally reappeared, signalling it was time to fulfil a promise.
..........

Scootaloo was on Rainbow's back as they flew high into the sky, looking down on Equestria with wide eyed wonder.

"Is it everything you imagined from the picture book?"

"No." Scootaloo smiled. "It's better." She hugged her sister around the neck and stretched her wings.

A strong gust of wind caught her and lifted her clear off Dash's back, taking both by surprise.

"Don't panic Scoots." Dash said as she glided next to her little sister.

Scoots was scared, but didn't panic. She looked over to the brightly smiling Rainbow Dash, and suddenly smiled back. "I... I'm flying?"

"You're flying little sister, all on your own."

Scootaloo couldn't believe this. She was flying high in the sky with her big sister, a dream come true. She tested her wings and gave a few flaps, gaining a little speed and altitude. "This is the most awesome thing ever!" She beamed a huge smile. "I... I love flying."

"I believe you." Dash smiled and led Scootaloo to a big, soft cloud where they landed. "And look..." She pointed to Scootaloo's flank.

Scootaloo looked and gasped. A bright red heart, with a pair of white feathered wings stood out against the orange of her flank. "I... I got my cutie mark?"

"You sure did. I think it's because you finally discovered your special talent. Your love for flying."

Scootaloo could not be happier, even as their father landed on the cloud with them. He saw her cutie mark and beamed with pride. "You... you got your mother's cutie mark."

"I... I did?" She gasped, looked again at the beautiful mark. "Mom... I did it. I got my cutie mark, and it's the same as yours..." She looked toward the setting sun. If anypony could find a happier little filly anywhere in Equestria... no, that would not have been possible.

Happy Ending for Scootaloo.

2 Warm and Buttery

Author: Annonymouse
MLP:FiM is property of Hasbro. This is a free fan-fiction, not to be sold or traded for any money, goods or services.
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A/N: No comments on spelling or grammar please. See my profile for details.
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This is a continuation of Scootaloo's Life. Something I did in my off time.
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Scootaloo's Life (Mini Story)
01
Warm and Buttery
...

It had been a whole month sense Scootaloo had earned her cutie mark.

A bright red heart with a pair of pure white wings extending from both sides.

It had been her mother's cutie mark as well, and showed her love for flying.

Scootaloo flew through the sky, along with her big sister. A big sister she loved with all her heart.

“Hey Scoots, are you sure you don't want to learn a few tricks?”

Scootaloo smiled. “I'm not that strong a flier yet.”

“Sure you are. You can fly for hours and hours and not get tired. I can't fly for as long as you can.” Dash chuckled. “So, wanna have a little race?”

Scootaloo laughed. “What kind of race? You're faster than I am in every way I can think of.”

Dash glided gently next to Scootaloo. “Oh, not a race of speed. I know I'd win that easily.” She pointed to a fluffy cloud. “Let's land and take a moment. I'll tell you about the race I have in mind.”

Scootaloo nodded and leaned in her flight, gently gliding to the cloud and landing.

Dash landed next to her, wrapping a wing around her little sister. “So, what do you think about a race to learn something new?”

“Something new?”

“Yea, and I don't mean a flying trick or something to do with the herbs and alchemy that Dad and Zecora are teaching you. I mean, a race to learn about something entirely new.”

Scootaloo was a little surprised. She knew her sister loved to fly fast and wild above almost anything else. “What do you think we should 'race' to learn?”

“I dunno. You choose.”

“How about cooking?”

Dash cringed. “Last time I tried to cook, I burned down my house.”

“Your house is a cloud... how?”

“Don't ask, it wasn't pretty.” Dash laughed. “But if you really want to learn how to cook, I guess I can give it another shot.”

Scootaloo nodded. “What should we try making first?”

“Hmm, how about we each choose something easy for the other.”

Scootaloo grinned. “Something simple? Ok. How about.. You make bread.”

Dash grinned. Bread had to be the easiest thing in all of Equestria to make. “Bread it is for me. And... Cookies for you. Chocolate chip cookies.” She licked her lips.

“I... I can do that.” She knew exactly who to ask to help her learn to cook.

“Great. We can both ask Pinkie Pie and the Cakes for some starter tips.”

“Aww, I was thinking the same thing.”

Dash hugged her sister close. “Don't worry Scoots. I'm sure we'll both do great.”

...

Sugarcube Corner.

Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo walked through the door to the confectionery. They saw a bubbly and happy Pinkie Pie humming to herself as she swept the floor.

“Hiya Pinkie. Catchy tune.” Dash greeted her friend.

“Oh hi Dashie. Scootie too.” She bounced over. “What brings you in today? Cupcakes? Cookies? Oh, I know. You gotta try our new carrot cake with whipped cream cheese frosting. It's so yummy.” She licked her lips.

“Heh, sure, a slice for my lil' sis and me.” She looked down at Scoots. “Well, if that's what you want.”

Scootaloo smiled and nodded her head. “A new cake made by Pinkie Pie? I'd love to try some.”

Dash placed the bits on the counter, earning a disapproving look from Pinkie Pie. “Dashie, you know you don't have to pay for...”

“Pinkie, I know you love to give us cake and cookies and all the awesome stuff you have here, but it IS a business.” She pushed the bits forward.

“Well, ok.” She took the bits and dropped them in the till. “Two slices of my new carrot cake. You'll be the first ones to taste it.”

Pinkie Pie served them each a generous slice of the cake.

Dash could see small shredded pieces of carrot mixed into the rich brown cake. In the center was a layer of the cream cheese, looking light and fluffy. The icing on top was layered thick, looking almost as light as a cloud. There was even an icing carrot with icing greens on top.

“This looks awesome.” Scootaloo wondered as Pinkie Pie brought their order to the table, setting it down before her best friend and awesome little sister. She inhaled deeply. “Oh, nutmeg, a pinch of cinnamon, vanilla, and...” She blinked and looked sheepish. She then took a bite and savoured the flavor.

The cake was light, full of flavor. She could taste the fresh carrots used. The frosting was indeed whipped to be very light and fluffy. But oddly, it was not really sweet.

“This is awesome.” Dash said after swallowing a big bite. “It's so yummy.” She licked some frosting off her lips. “But... it's not sweet, well, it is, but...”

Pinkie hugged Dash. “I know. I wanted to try something new so I started experimenting. I actually used WAY less sugar than I usually do in my cakes.”

Scootaloo licked her lips. “Wow. I can taste everything. Usually your cake is sweet and yummy. This, there's so many subtle tastes that a lot of sweetness would have covered up.”

“I know right?” Pinkie bounced over to Scoots and hugged her too. “Do you really like it?”

“It's the best cake I've ever had.” Her smile was a bright and wide one.

“I'm so happy to hear that. Bringing a smile to another pony's face just makes my heart feel like it's full of sunshine.”

Dash finished off her slice of cake. Usually after a slice that big, her stomach did feel a little heavy, but now, she felt full, but still light. “Wow. I'm full but not stuffed.”

“Wait till you try my next recipe.” Pinkie winked. “But it's a super duper top secret ultra special something that I'm still working on and hoping I don't blow up half the kitchen again recipe.”

“Blow up...” Dash started.

“...the kitchen?” Scootaloo added.

“Oh, well, more like cover the whole thing in batter...”

Dash and Scootaloo laughed, and Pinkie joined in.

“Finish up your cake Scoots. We still have our race.”

Scoots nodded and dug in. She didn't inhale the cake, but took reasonable bites. She wanted to really enjoy every bite.

Dash watched her eat as she talked with Pinkie Pie. “So Pinkie, um, Scoots and I wanna have a race, but, you know I'm the fastest flier in Equestria...”

“So you want to have a race in which you can both have an equal chance of winning?”

Dash nodded.

“Whatcha got in mind?”

“Well, Scoots challenged me to making bread and I challenged her to making chocolate chip cookies. Whoever learns to make theirs first wins.”

“What's the prize for the winner?”

Dash paused. “Never thought about a prize. I kinda just wanted to have fun with my baby sister.”

“I'm not a baby. I have my cutie mark.”

“And an awesome one it is.” Dash flashed her a grin. “Anyway Pinkie, we thought, seeing as neither of us know how to cook, that we'd ask you and the Cakes for some help to get us started.”

Pinkie looked from one sister to the other, a thoughtful look on her face. She them beamed a smile. “I'll ask Mr. And Mrs. Cake.” She trotted into the kitchen.

Scootaloo finished off her cake. “Mmm. I'd love to learn how to make a cake this awesome.”

“You and me both, but I don't think there's enough safe places in Equestria for ME to attempt that.” Dash laughed. “You on the other hand, with what Dad and Zecora have been teaching you, I wouldn't be surprised if you win this race.”

Scootaloo stared wide eyed at her sister. She knew she was competitive, and had watched her and Applejack compete on a number of occasions. She had never heard her say anything like that. “Hey, you're awesome at whatever you try. I bet we both do awesome.”

Pinkie emerged from the kitchen, followed by Mr. Cake.

“So, you two want to learn how to bake break and cookies?” He looked over the pair of sisters.

They glanced at each other, then at Mr. Cake and nodded.

Dash spoke, smiling. “Yea, I mean, I'm an awesome flier, and Scoots just loves to fly, but our flying styles are so different. I mean, she can fly non-stop for hours at a time.” She ruffled Scootaloo's mane. “But I can fly for maybe an hour before I have to rest. She actually got to Cloudsdale before me a couple days ago.”

“Only because you fell asleep on a cloud.” The filly laughed.

“Yea, I know. But you did win fair and square. Anyway...” Dash explained the little 'race' idea to Mr. Cake.

As soon as she was done, Mr. Cake eyed the pair with a critical stare, looking them over as though he were examining one of his wedding cakes for any flaws.

Both Pegasai glanced at each other nervously.

“Well... Alright. But you'll both be learning to make the same thing. Cookies are a lot easier to make than bread after all.”

“They are?” Scootaloo blinked. “But they have so much more stuff in them.”

Mr. Cake held up a hoof. “Ah, they may have more stuff, but they are a lot easier to make. Trust me on this.”

“Ok... so what should we learn to make?” Dash asked.

Scootaloo thought for a bit. “I really like cookies, but we can always just buy them here.” She looked around. “You don't sell bread, and the mare who runs the bakery is... well, old and cranky. I'd love to learn to make bread.”

Dash had to agree. “Yea, last time I went in to buy a loaf of bread, I ended up getting chased out... Something about nearly burning her bakery down when my old cloud house exploded.”

“I thought you said you burned it down.”

“Uh... more like blew it up in a huge ball of fire...”

“What were you trying to make?” Mr. Cake asked nervously.

“Um... Fried eggs with Pinkie's favorite hot sauce...”

Pinkie winched. “Oh, my favorite hot sauce? Wow. You really like that too?”

“Heck yea. Though the cap kinda popped off and... I spent a couple days in the clinic.”

Pinkie Pie laughed. “Oh I remember that now. Wow, that's what happened? We thought you got one of those new gas stoves and plugged it into a lightening outlet.”

“No, I use an electric stove. Lightening powered.” Dash chuckled. “But that Celestia's Sun Spot Hot Sauce is just awesome.”

“Yea...” Mr. Cake shuddered. He had tried a single drop of that hot sauce once on his morning toast once. That had been too much for him, his tongue and mouth sore and red for most of the day. “Anyway, come in and let's see if we can't teach the two of you how to make some bread.”

...

The first attempt at making bread, as was expected, didn't turn out so well.

Scootaloo looked at the odd looking black crusted lump that had white oozing out of it. That had been her attempt.

Dash's attempt would have made Sweetie Belle proud, as it was pretty much charcoal.

“Wow...” Mr. Cake chuckled. “Reminds me of my first time baking bread, only with less screams of terror.”

“So... try again after we clean up?” Dash asked Mr. Cake. “We'll pay for all the ingredients we use, and of course, a little extra for your time.”

That seemed to relax Mr. Cake quite a bit. “Well, if you insist. Now that I know neither of you can follow a recipe unsupervised...” He turned to Pinkie Pie. “Pinkie, I know you don't like making bread, so tell you what, you tend to the store front. Feel free to have a slice of your favorite strawberry cake.”

“Oh thank you Mr. Cake.” Pinkie hugged the baker and bounced out of the kitchen.

Mr. Cake then turned to the pair, who were already starting to clean up the dishes and kitchen.

“I'll take care of... these.” He grinned nervously at Scootaloo's... creation.

...

Every day for a week, the two sisters would show up for baking lessons from Mr. Cake, always making sure they didn't stop by when it was rush times or when they were busy baking.

They were progressively getting better under Mr. Cake's care.

Finally, Saturday afternoon.

Scootaloo and Dash pulled their latest attempts at baking bread from the oven.

They looked the right golden brown. They looked the right shape. They didn't nearly break the table when set down on it. Heck, they even smelled like fresh baked bread.

Mr. Cake popped them both out of the bread pans, grabbed a bread knife and sliced a thick piece off each.

“They look good, right consistency and fluffiness.” He spread some fresh butter on the slices and handed them back. Scootaloo's slice to Dash, and Dash's slice to Scootaloo. “Well? Try it.” He knew they had gotten it right this time.

Dash took the first bite. She chewed the warm, fluffy bread, feeling the buttery butter melting and filling her mouth with delight. Her eyes went wide in pleasant surprise and looked at her sister, who was giving her the same look.

Scootaloo swallowed and smiled. “You did it Dashie. You made a perfect loaf of bread. Looks like you won.”

“Me? Oh no. You're bread was just perfect too.”

Scootaloo smiled. “So we tied?”

“Yup. We both won.” Dash grinned.

Scootaloo smiled. “I added a secret ingredient. “Wanna know what it is?”

“If it's the same one I added...” Dash grinned.

They then both chimed together. “Love.”

...

“Dear Princess Celestia.

Today I learned that going fast isn't always the best way to win a race. Slowing down, taking your time and learning patience can be more rewarding then rushing in head first and hoping for the best, especially when it comes to baking bread with your awesome little sister.

Yours truly, Rainbow Dash.

Scootaloo here. Hello Princess Celestia. This past week was so much fun. Rainbow Dash and I learned how to bake bread, without destroying the kitchen or terrifying the neighbors. I learned that no matter what, you can always count of your friends and family to give you all the courage and love to learn new things.

Oh yea, thank you for the beautiful sunny day.”

Celestia smiled as she set down the letter and picked up a slice of the still warm, buttery bread and took a bite.

“Love really is the most important ingredient.”

...
The End.
...

A/N: Decided to try something cute and heart warming. Hope I did alright. I might add more to this little 'series' whenever I'm in the mood.
Feedback, comments, and hugs appreciated.

3 Lonesome Hearts

Author: Annonymouse
MLP:FiM is property of Hasbro. This is a free fan-fiction, not to be sold or traded for any money, goods or services.

...
A/N: No comments on spelling or grammar please. See my profile for details.

...
This is a continuation of Scootaloo's Life. Something I did in my off time.

...
Scootaloo's Life (Mini Story)
02
Lonesome Hearts

...

Scootaloo loved to fly, and she was getting better at it, though she still couldn't beat her big sister at anything other than long distance flying. If you think this bothered her at all, you're wrong. She loved flying. Speed and fancy tricks came along on occasion, but she never tried to pull any of her sisters stunts or match her speed.

Of course, there was something she loved a million times more than flying.

Her family. Her father, Sunny Skye, who was a very skilled herbalist and alchemist, and her big sister, Rainbow Dash, the best young flier in all of Equestria.

She also loved learning about herbalism and alchemy from both her father and Zecora, whom Sunny spent quite a bit of time with, and leaning tricks about flying from Dashie.

When not at school, she would spend time with her friends, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle in their newly built clubhouse.

It was almost a year sense her family had come back together, and she had started noticing a few changes in her family and friends.

Sunny and Zecora were developing romantic feelings for each other, which was ok with Scoots. She loved Zecora a lot and was happy to see them starting to fall in love with each other.

Rainbow Dash had started getting the attention of a Pegasus stallion named Spectrum a few months ago, and they would spend a lot of time together, sometimes flying off someplace and not coming back till the next day.

Heck, Apple Bloom was starting to notice colts, and Sweetie Belle was being chased by a couple colts competing for her attention.

Scootaloo though, didn't see what Apple Bloom saw in colts, and had none chasing after her.

So that brings us to this scene.

...

Scootaloo sat up on the deck of the cloud home that she and her family lived in. She was the only one home right now, having just returned from an empty clubhouse.

“I'm so bored...” She fumed. She looked out over Ponyville and spotted Sweetie Belle in the park.

Her two suitors were once again competing, taking turns singing to the pretty young mare.

“Blah... colts.” She muttered to herself. She then spotted Apple Bloom talking to the new student at the school. Some colt named Butterscotch. He was kinda cute, and seemed to like Apple Bloom.

Scoots rolled onto her back and looked up at the clear blue sky. She spotted a pair of rainbow streaks high in the sky, wrapping around each other in a double helix, weaving about the sky in intricate patterns.

“Big Sis got herself a coltfriend... Looks like Apple Bloom found a colt she really likes, and Sweetie Bell... She's got two of them trying to see who she'll like better.” She covered her head with a chunk of cloud and screamed into it. “AAARG!”

Scream therapy didn't help much.

Her friends were not around as much now to hang out and play like they once had.

Her sister was often running off and doing who knew what. Dad and Zecora, well, that was pretty awesome. She wouldn't mind having the Zebra as a Mom. She may talk a little funny, but she was pretty and smart and wise and always nice and patient.

Scootaloo was feeling lonely.

She stood up and stretched her growing wings. She no longer needed an airlift to get airborne. Not like her first couple months of flying.

With a few flaps, she took to the air. She needed somepony to hang out with.

Pinkie Pie was always available, right? She flew toward the center of town, toward the Sugarcube Corner.

She landed outside and trotted through the open doors.

Mrs. Cake was busy behind the cake display, humming happily to herself.

“Hi Mrs. Cake. Is Pinkie Pie here?”

“Why hello Scootaloo. I'm afraid she's not. She's visiting Manehattan to attend her cousin's wedding. She was so happy when Surprise sent her the invitation to help her arrange and set up the wedding. It's the biggest party Pinkie has ever set up in her life, so she won't be back for at least a week.”

Scoots looked dejected for a moment, then smiled. “Ok. That's awesome for Pinkie. I bet she'll be having a TON of fun.”

“I believe she will. Is there anything I can help you with?”

Scoots shook her head. “Nah. I'll just go and find something to do.” She waved a wing and left the shop. “Hmm, Pinkie is out of town. Maybe I can help Rarity. I've helped her plenty of times in the last few months without destroying anything.”

The young mare trotted off toward the Boutique. When she arrived, she entered and saw Rarity sitting at a table, talking to some gentlecolt she had never seen before. They were drinking tea and just talking about business.

Rarity smiled at Scootaloo. “Hello Scootaloo. I'm sorry ,but I'm in a very important business meeting.”

“Oh, sorry. I was just stopping by to see if there was anything I could help you with. I guess not.” She waved a wing, smiled and left.

Once outside, she frowned. “Rarity's busy too. Maybe Twilight. She might have some new book on herbs.” She took to the air and flew leisurely through town till she arrived.

Landing, she spotted the sign on the front door. “Due to Librarian and Assistant attending a magic conference in Unicornia, the library will be closed until...” Scoots frowned. “Two weeks... Guess I won't be hanging out here.” She took to the sky, flying toward Sweet Apple Acres.

As she arrived, she saw Applejack in the fields, tending to the corn. She flew over and hovered overhead. “Hi Applejack.”

“Howdy Scootaloo. Apple Bloom isn't here.” She smiled and blushed a little. “Ah think she's out with her little coltfriend, Butterscotch. He's a real nice fella.”

“Yea, I saw them back in town.” She landed between the rows of corn. “It feels like all my friends are doing things with others and I'm left all alone.”

“Don't feel that way Sugercube. Ah know Apple Bloom loves hangin' out with ya and Sweetie Belle. She's just at that age where she's takin an interest in colts.”

“Blah.” Scoots made a distasteful face. “Boy are just icky.”

“What about fillies?” AJ teased.

“What about em?'

AJ chuckled. “Maybe you'd prefer fillies.”

“No way. I'm not into that kinda stuff like you and Fluttershy.”

“Ain't nothin wrong with our relationship.” AJ replied. “Sides, Ah'm expectin' her soon to help with the corn harvest.”

“Oh, um, would you like some help?”

AJ blushed a bit more than she really needed to. “Nah, we got it. Sides, we'd really like some private time together.”

“Ok... wait... OH!!!” Scoots eyes went wide as she recalled the incident a week ago in the hay loft. Her face went bright red. “Um, yea, I'll just be leaving.” She bolted into the sky and was gone.

...

Scootaloo flew high in the sky above Ponyville, taking wide circles and watching the town.

Even from so high up, her Pegasus sight could see various couples here and there.

Vinyl Scratch and Octavia.

Lyra and Bon Bon.

Heart and Soul, the two newcomers to Ponyville. She didn't know them all that well other than that they had a little adventure with Dash and her friends a few weeks ago. Those two were always together as well.

Dr. Whoof and Brighteyes (aka. Ditzy Doo), with their daughter Dinky Do. An odd family, the father being an Earth Pony, the mother a Pegasus, and their daughter a Unicorn.

There were other couples as well.

Scoots noticed that every pony seemed to have somepony else.

“I'm all alone...” She sighed and landed on a big fluffy cloud.

“Oof.” Came a sound from beneath her.

Scoots jumped up and hovered. She watched as a head, covered in fluffy clouds poked out.

“So much for an undisturbed nap.” The young colt chuckled, looking up at Scootaloo. He shielded his eyes from the sun that was right behind the young Pegasus. “Did I startle you?” He brushed off the clouds, revealing a white unicorn horn and pale blue mane.

“Uh... not really... You're not a Pegasus... How are you staying on that cloud?”

The colt winced a little. “Um...”

“How did you even get up here? Did some Pegasus play a prank on you and...” Her words froze as he stood up and flexed his wings.

The colt looked around, his soft blue / lavender eyes glinting in the sunlight. “Sorry, but could you not tell anypony you saw me? Mom's going to be miffed if she finds out I'm here.” He looked around and quickly flew off.

Scootaloo felt her cheeks were warm. “He was cute...” She paused and slapped her cheeks. “Eew. I don't like colts, and I don't like fillies either.” She turned to leave, but spotted something glinting in the cloud.

She landed and uncovered the object with her hoof.

Scootaloo gasped at the sight of a beautiful sun shaped locket. She looked around, but the Alicorn colt was nowhere to be seen. She picked it up and opened it.

A picture of Princess Luna and a Unicorn with a very long horn. She didn't recognize the white coated and silver maned stallion, but he was really good looking, and possessed soft blue / lavender eyes.

“Wait... could that be... Princess Luna's and this stallion's son?” She looked toward Canterlot, the opposite direction that the colt had gone. “I don't know where he went... Maybe I should bring this to the Princess... But he said his Mom would get mad if he was here. Maybe he meant outside the castle...”

Scootaloo sighed and closed the locket and put the fine chain around her neck. “If I see him again, I'll just return it.” She dove off the cloud and toward home.

...

For the next few days, Scootaloo had only spent a single hour with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom before their colt friends showed up and dragged her friends off to some dance.

Sweetie Belle asked Scootaloo if she wanted to come, but the Pegasus Pony declined, stating that it would not be cool if she was the only one to show up without a dance partner. With that, she flew off, leaving her friends behind.

Scootaloo flew up into the perfectly clear sky and flew her relaxing circles high above Ponyville. “Stupid colts... taking my friends and sister away from me...” She wanted to scream, but there were no clouds around to dampen the sound.

She dried a few tears that were welling up in her eyes. “I'm meant to fly... Maybe I should do just that. Fly wherever the wind takes me.” She looked to the horizon. Cloudsdale was in that direction. She knew she had no family there that she knew of, and no friends either.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were her only friends, and they were now more interested in colts than keeping their friendship. She no longer cared and screamed as she flew in a strait line, choosing a random direction that would not lead her to Cloudsdale.

Unseen by Scootaloo was a tiny white form high above her, following at a distance.

...

It was getting late now, the sun setting in a beautiful display of golds and reds.

Scootaloo landed on a fluffy cloud and lay down, stretching her aching wings. She had been flying for nearly eight hours, not even paying attention to where she had been going. Far below her was an endless forest.

She was hungry, but even more tired. She curled up in the cloud and shut her eyes, not even noticing the lavender shod hoof land on the cloud.

...

Scootaloo awoke to something tickling her nose. Whatever it was, it smelled tasty. She opened her eyes and saw some strange grasses and flowers that she didn't recognize.

That was quite a feat, seeing as she knew all about every plant that grew near Ponyville.

But how did they get up here? How were they not falling through the clouds?

Her stomach told her to not worry about that and fill 'er up. Scootaloo obliged her rumbling stomach and ate the fragrant plants. They tasted simply wonderful. The flowers were sweet, with a hint of bitter, and the grass stalks were a mix of sweet with a hint of tart, and quite juicy.

“Maybe the wind had blown them up here?” Scootaloo though after she was full. She shrugged and looked down. “So much forest...” She noticed that the forest in the distance, toward the rising sun, looked different.

The trees looked huge, towering above the rest of the forest. But then she looked up and gasped.

There was an island in the sky, on which grew an even larger tree than the ones on the ground.

“The... The World Tree?” She gasped. “Then... would that be the legendary Everdeep Wood?” She had only ever heard stories about this place. Nopony had ever seen it before.

Scootaloo grinned and took to the sky, flying toward that sky borne tree.

Again she didn't notice the white winged form high above her.

...

“Hmm... The World Tree... Been a while sense anypony has been here, so Dad tells me.” The Alicorn grinned and followed the adventurous young mare that carried his pendant.

...

The tree was getting larger, and larger, the closer Scootaloo got.

A single one of the larger branches was even larger than the whole of Canterlot Castle.

“How can something so large exist?” She wondered and flew on.

It took her four hours from the time she had first seen this amazing sight till she finally was close enough to truly see the massive scope of the tree.

“Magnificent, isn't it?”

Scootaloo screamed and nearly jumped out of her coat. She spun around and saw the colt from a few days ago. “Don't do that. You startled me.” She then remembered the locket that rested against her chest, over her heart. It felt warm and comfortable, but it belonged to this Colt. “Oh... Um... I think this is yours.” She lifted the locket, but didn't take it off, just in case it slipped and fell.

“Yea, it is.” He smiled. “What's your name?”

“It's Scootaloo.” She blushed. He really was cute.

“I'm Moon Star.” He chuckled a little. “So, I take it you looked inside the locket?”

Scootaloo nodded. “I'm sorry, I... I was curious... I mean, you're the same as Princess Luna and Princess Celestia, except you're a colt and... Yea... Here's your locket.”

“Hang onto it. Wouldn't want to drop it.” Moon Star flew down toward the tree, and Scootaloo, not knowing anything else to do, followed.

They landed on a leaf that could have covered all of Ponyville.

“How can a tree so big even exist?” Scoots asked.

“Well, you see, this tree doesn't actually exist on Equestria, and I don't mean because it's floating in the air.” Moon Star smiled, looking up at the infinitely large tree.

“What do you mean?”

“This tree, it connects all worlds. Your world. My world. Any world you can imagine and more are connected by this tree.” Moon Star glanced at the locket. “My mom is your Princess Luna, and my father is Prince Star, from my world. I kinda got into a fight with Dad and ran away.” He chuckled. “I was thinking of seeing Mom, but I haven't seen her sense she was up on the Moon.”

Scootaloo paused. “Your Dad visited Princes Luna while she was on the Moon?”

“Yea, Mom and Dad were apparently in love over a thousand years ago, then dad had to return home for a long time. When he came back, he learned that she had transformed into the being you know as Nightmare Moon. He spent hundreds of years trying to heal her, but the best he could do was to weaken her evil. She wasn't like she is now. She was lonely and wild and angry. Dad would come and visit her and finally... well, I was born. Mom didn't want anything to do with me so Dad took me away. He came back here once and knew she was weakened enough for the Elements of Harmony to finally cure her, so he and his three sisters freed her.”

Scootaloo was in awe. “So you really are Princess Luna's son... wait...” Scootaloo blushed and bowed before the Prince. “Prince Moon Star. I'm sorry for being so familiar with you.”

“Please, don't bow. I am lonely as well you know. I have no friends, just servants and guards. I hardly ever see Dad anymore, what with him up among the stars all the time.”

Scootaloo stood up. “Are you sure?”

“Yea. I mean, you look like you could use a friend as well. So, friends?”

“Not coltfriend marefriend, right?”

Moon Star laughed. “We just met. I think we should be friends. What do you say?”

Scootaloo smiled. “Here's your locket back.”

He tapped his chest, showing the locket. “I've already replaced it. I made that one you're wearing as well. Take a look inside.”

Scootaloo opened it and gasped.

One picture was of her father and big sister. The other picture was of her two best friends. Even the locket had changed to a heart engraved with wings. It looked a lot like her cutie mark, her mother's cutie mark.

“How?”

“A little Alicorn star magic.” Moon Star smiled.

Scootaloo smiled as well. “Moon Star?”

“Yes?”

“I'd love to see your world, but I think we should do something here first.” She looked back the way she had come from. “You came here to see your Mom, right?”

“Yea... but I don't know. She didn't want me before...”

“Somehow, I think Princess Luna would love to meet her son.” Scootaloo took to the sky, and Moon Star flew after her.

“Yea... I'd like that.”

...

“Dear Princess Celestia.

Recently I was feeling alone because my friends were were following the feelings in their hearts, and I felt all alone. I learned today that lonesome hearts can reach out to each other from across worlds, and today I made a wonderful friend.

No matter how you may feel, no matter how alone, you just have to follow your heart.

Your faithful subject (and admirer), Scootaloo.”

Celestia smiled and looked at her dear sister. “Luna? I think today will hold a wonderful surprise for you.” She simply smiled as the throne room rooms opened.

“Hi... Mom.”

...

4 Magic of the Heart

Author: Annonymouse
MLP:FiM is property of Hasbro. This is a free fan-fiction, not to be sold or traded for any money, goods or services.

...

A/N: No comments on spelling or grammar please. See my profile for details.

...

This is a continuation of Scootaloo's Life. Something I did in my off time.

...

Scootaloo's Life (Mini Story)
04
Magic of the Heart

...

It had been a month sense Scootaloo had met her new friend. He was a wonderful listener. A wonderful talker. He could fly for hours on end. He enjoyed playing all sorts of games and exploring.

His name, Moon Star, and he was the son of Princess Luna.

Scootaloo knew his true identity, but Moon Star asked she not reveal it to anypony. To help this, he used magic to hide his horn when they were around other ponies.

Currently, Scootaloo was waiting on one of the leaves of the legendary World Tree, waiting for him too arrive.

She loved this tree, and just exploring it with Moon Star was a great joy.

Scoots then felt a warm pulse from her locket, and she knew he had arrived. She turned and watched as he materialized out of a cascade of silver starlight.

“Good morning Scootaloo.” Moon Star smiled. “Did you just arrive?” He set down a basket filled with grass and flowers, as well as a few fruit she had come to enjoy.

“I arrived a couple days ago and slept in a little cloud house I made.” She pointed up at a rough looking cloud house. “It's not anywhere near as nice as home, but it kept last night's rain off me.”

Moon Star smirked and picked up the basket. He then flew up to the 'house'. Setting the basket down, he entered the one room cloud. “Yea, it may not be as nice as the one Rainbow Dash made, but it looks cozy.”

Scoots entered behind him. “Yea, but the roof did leak in a few spots.”

“Hmm, you're always here when I arrive. Maybe a little house out here would be a good idea.” Moon Star stepped outside and looked around. “Look up there.”

Scootaloo looked up at a fair sized cloud. “That's as big as home.” She wondered.

“Yea, so, think it would make a nice little house?”

Scootaloo eyed the cloud. “It's pretty big, and making a cloud house is kinda tough.”

Moon Star patted Scoots shoulder. “Oh come on now. How hard can it be?”

“Well, you have to make the clouds semi solid. Dashie showed me how to do it.” She patted the wall of her house, and it fell apart. “Um... I'm still trying to figure that out though.”

Moon Star sat down and nudged he basket. “Breakfast first, then maybe we can see if we can figure it out together.”

They dined on the sweet grass and slightly bitter flowers that Scootaloo enjoyed. The fruit was very juicy and filled her with energy.

After they had eaten, a small flash of his horn made the basket vanish.

Scootaloo thought it a little odd that Moon Star never used his magic for anything big, like moving the sun or the stars like Celestia and Luna did.

“Shall we?” Moon Star smiled at his friend.

“Sure thing Moon Star.” Scootaloo followed him up to the cloud. “Do you know how to make clouds permanent?”

“You got me there. I live in a castle of crystal and starlight. It's really big and I still get lost all the time.”

Scootaloo snickered. “You get lost in your own home?”

“It's Dad's castle. Maybe one day I'll show you.” He picked up a fluff of cloud. “But we gotta try to make this first.”

...

Moon Star's special talent was not making cloud houses, but he picked up the basics quickly enough and figured out that a little additional Alicorn magic would help.

By noon, the pair had build a nice, fluffy looking house with small, twisting cloud designs that seemed to shimmer with a soft silvery light.

“Still not as nice as your place.” Moon Star wiped his brow. “But it's getting there. What say we go get something to eat?”

Scootaloo nodded as she sucked the water from a piece of random cloud. “Yea, food is good.” She looked around. “But, there's nothing on the World Tree that we can eat, is there?”

“On the tree?” Moon Star laughed. “You don't want to try to eat the world tree. It's a magic tree after all, and it's indestructible.” He looked around, at the large leaf overhead that would help protect the project in process. “And while we're there, we can read up on cloud construction.”

“There? What do you mean?” Her eyes suddenly lit up, realizing what Moon Star was saying.

“Yea. I did promise to show you another world sometime. How about a cloud world? A world where everything lives in the clouds.”

“Sounds awesome.” Scootaloo's eyes were sparkling like stars now.

“Hmm, but you'll need a disguise.”

She blinked. “Why?”

“Because, it is my world.”

“Don't you have Pegasai there? It's a cloud world after all.”

“That's the thing. We are all Alicorn.”

“Wait... what?” Scootaloo's eyes nearly popped out of her head.

Moon Star smirked. “Very few of us have ever left Nimbus. My Mother and Father, my Aunt Celestia, and just a few others. Don't tell anypony ok?” He grinned. “Now, you won't be getting any magic powers other than being able to float things, so try not to stand out too much.”

Scootaloo blushed as Moon Star touched his horn to her forehead. She felt the tingling sensation, then sucked in a breath as she felt some discomfort. But she trusted Moon Star.

The pressure she felt in her head subsided quickly.

“There, all done. You look cute with a horn.” He summoned a silvery mirror and held it up before Scootaloo.

The orange Pegasus gasped in awe. She had a horn. She reached up and touched it, almost expecting to to vanish, or not even be solid.

“Do you like it?”

“I...” She smiled and hugged Moon Star. “I love it.” Scoots then realized she was hugging Moon Star and released him.

Both were blushing madly.

He then looked her in the eye. “Are you ready?”

“Yea.” Scootaloo was so excited.

Moon Star's horn lit up with a bright silver light. “Here we go.” The light engulfed Scootaloo for a moment, then faded away.

She looked around. “We didn't go anywhere.”

“Oh? Where is the cloud house?” He pointed up to where it should be.

All Scootaloo saw was a cloud. She then looked out past the leaves, and down to what should have been a sea of trees.

As far as she could see, the clouds and sky stretched on forever. It took her breath away, especially the star filled sky. So many bright stars that it almost felt like day.

“It's beautiful.” Scootaloo lifted off the leaf. “How far is your home from here?”

“It's very high up in the sky.” He looked up. “I'd love to show you someday, but it would take you years to get there.”

“How do you get there?”

“I'm an Alicorn. I can teleport myself. Unfortunately, I can't teleport others.” He them smiled. “So, there's a town not far from here. What say I teach you how to float objects while we travel.”

...

The sensation of kinetically moving an object with one's mind was very odd, especially for a pony who had never been able to do it before.

But she quickly got the hang of it, with Moon Star's guidance.

“You're a natural.” Moon said, flashing a grin. “But then, somehow I'm not surprised you can use Unicorn Magic so easily.”

“What do you mean by that?” Scootaloo asked, a look of mild confusion on her face.

Moon tapped his chin. “Well, Unicorn magic comes from the heart. Strong emotions make for strong magic.” He tapped her cutie mark, making Scootaloo blush at the contact. “Your cutie mark, you love to fly. How you talk about your family and friends, you love them a great deal as well. I'm betting your talent isn't just loving to fly, but to be able to freely spread love as easily as you spread your wings.”

Scootaloo looked away shyly. Her face was blushing quite a bit. “Do you really think so?”

“Of course.” He tapped his own cutie mark, a crescent moon with a star swirling around it, leaving a trail of silver. In the center of the star was a heart. “Any pony with a heart mark can understand emotions better than those who don't.”

Scootaloo smiled and tossed the ball she had been practicing with to Moon Star. “Teach me more.”

“I don't know. I mean, do you want to really learn about magic? When you change back, you'll loose it.”

“I realize that, but learning this magic from my heart, and my emotions and feelings, it sounds wonderful.” She then glided over and flipped upside down. This was one of her favorite tricks that her sister had taught her, and it was quite difficult for almost any Pegasus. She flew under Moon Star and closed the distance. “Please?”

Moon Star, being a white coated Alicorn, tended to blush quite brightly, and that was what he was doing. Scootaloo was flying so close that he could feel the warmth of her body, even though they were not touching.

“I... I guess I can. Who knows... maybe you'll even be able to teach me something too.”

“Like that?”

“Like how you can fly upside down. That looks fun.”

Scootaloo giggled and gave Moon Star a kiss on the cheek. “My wings are wider and a bit longer than other Pegasai. I can hold the air better than they can.”

“So, it's because of your pretty wings.” He looked at his own wings. “Mine are bigger than yours. Maybe I can learn too?”

“Yes you can.” She took his hooves in hers, and flipped, trading positions.

He wanted to panic, but the look in Scootaloo's eyes told him he would be alright. “This feels different.”

“You've seen my sister and her coltfriend perform their signature Spiral Prism Helix, right?”

“Yea, that's an amazing move. Wait... what are you doing?”

Scoots switched to the bottom again, but didn't stop. She kept her gentle momentum and kept the pair swirling, their forehooves never breaking contact.

“Fun, isn't it?”

“Yea, but it makes me a little dizzy...”

“That's because you're not focusing. You have to keep eye contact with your dance partner.”

“Dance partner?”

Scootaloo nodded and looked into his blue / lavender eyes.

Moon Star stared back, and they continued. He didn't feel dizzy anymore. “This is awesome... but how do we know where we're going?”

“Oh... Um...”

POOF!

The pair suddenly found themselves embedded into the cloud wall of a house.

“What do you think you are doing?” A shrill voice called out as an older looking Alicorn mare entered the room.

“Um... not paying attention to where we were going?” Moon Star chuckled, becoming well aware that Scootaloo and himself were good and stuck, their chests and bellies pressed against each other, and their legs tangled up as well.

Scootaloo's warm breath on his neck didn't help matters either. “Moon Star?”

“Yea?”

“This is a little embarrassing...”

The older mare came chuckled, realizing their predicament and used her magic to pluck them from the wall.

The pair separated but stood next to each other, both blushing madly.

“I can excuse a little hole in my wall. You didn't break anything I can't fix.”

Scootaloo wanted to bow before this Alicorn. She had to be a Princess as well, right? She did lower her head though. “I'm terribly sorry. I was teaching my friend how to do a spiral helix dance and we kinda were not paying attention.”

The mare chuckled lightly again. With a light glow of her horn, the hole in the wall was repaired. “No damage was done. You two should scoot along now.”

“Thank you Ma'am.” Moon Star nudged Scootaloo and left the house. She quickly followed.

“Welcome to the town of Calumnious.” Moon Star showed her around. It was very much like Cloudsdale, but at the same time, very different.

The cloud buildings were beautiful, and almost looking like actual buildings rather than semi shaped clouds. The town was built around, and into a huge cloud column.

“It's beautiful.” Scootaloo was in complete awe.

“So, are you still hungry?”

“Of course.” She looked around. “Where can we eat?”

“I know a nice little cafe.”

...

With the world being a cloud world, Scootaloo was surprised to see trees and other plants growing out of the clouds themselves.

“How do the plants stay on the clouds?” Scootaloo asked.

“That's just how this world is.” Moon Star said as they came into view of a lively little cafe. “Ah, here we are.”

They landed at a cloud table and chatted a little about what different kinds of drinks and foods were available on the menu.

Scootaloo leaned forward and whispered. “I can't read this language.” She tapped the menu. “How about you order for me?” She grinned a little sheepishly.

Moon Star smiled. “Very well. I think I know something you might like.” He waved a waitress over.

Scootaloo was a little surprised that an Alicorn could be a waitress. But then, she was not tall and elegant as Princess Celestia. She looked like a Pegasus with a Unicorn horn, just like herself at the moment.

“What may I get for you today?”

“Two of my usual please.”

The waitress smiled. “Alright. I'll be right back with your usual.” She trotted off, taking a couple more orders along the way back inside.

“What's your usual?”

“It's something called pizza. It's really tasty, with a lot of vegetables, sauce and thick, gooy cheese.”

“What's cheese? And why is gooy good?”

Moon Star stared at Scootaloo. “You've never tried cheese before?”

“No, I haven't. What is it?”

“Just wait. It's really good.”

The waitress returned with a couple dense cloud plates and a couple cups of hot cocoa. “Here you go Prince.”

“Thanks.” Moon Star floated a few clear gems, which she took and pocketed. “Keep the change.”

“Thank you again Prince.” She winked and headed off to work.

Scootaloo looked at the triangular piece of food and sniffed it. From the smell, she was able to identify quite a few of the herbs, as well as the light, pungent scent of garlic. Garlic was used in medicine, mainly salves for cleaning infected cuts or drawing out poisons and helping with fevers. She had never thought of actually using it for cooking.

“There's garlic in this?” She looked up, a little doubtful, and saw Moon had already taken a bite. Strings of a white gooy substance connected his mouth to the slice of pizza.

Moon Star nodded and stretched the pizza and cheese out a bit, before floating it over his head and eating those strings. Once that was dealt with (until the next bite), he swallowed and spoke. “Yea. Garlic can really add to the flavor of food.”

“I've only ever heard of it being used in medicine.”

Moon Star nodded. “Well, it's supposed to be good for you, just not so great for your breath.”

“Eew. Yea. I can tell.” Scootaloo wrinkled her nose a little.

“Just try it..”

“Well, alright.” She floated the slice and took a nibble, careful not to make a mess. She chewed and 'analyzed' the flavor, the texture, and composition. After swallowing, she smiled. “This... This is really good.” She took a bigger bite, pulling away with long, gooy strings of warm cheese.

She mimicked Moon Star's method of eating, doing her best to not get any of the sticky cheese in her mane.

Somehow, by the time she was done, she had not gotten a single drop on her face or mane.

The hot chocolate itself was delicious, with an odd spicy bite that really brought out the flavor of the cocoa.

She learned that it was a pinch of hot spice that did that.

“So you always eat such delicious food?” Scootaloo asked.

“Yea, I do more often than not. I know it's different from the foods you're used too, but I have to admit, the pastries from your hometown are really tasty as well.” Moon Star gestured around. “You see, we actually have no means of producing sugar. We rely on fruit for sweetness in our foods.”

Scootaloo looked at the various foods. She didn't see any cakes or cupcakes or other such sugary pastries. “Wow. We're really from different worlds, aren't we?”

The Alicorn nodded. “Yea, but that won't ever stop us from being friends. What say we go learn a little something about making cloud houses now.”

Scootaloo nodded and followed her friend to the library.

...

“Dear Princess Celestia.

These last few days, I learned so much, about myself, about your nephew Moon Star, about how to keep the roof of a cloud house from blowing away when you sneeze and about the warm gooy goodness of pizza.

Most importantly, I learned about the magic of the heart. The stronger your feelings for those around you and for yourself, the stronger your magic.

Your truly, Scootaloo.”

Celestia blinked. “Pizza?” She read the letter over and looked at the very nice and neat penmanship. It had the feel of actual magic about it. She then smiled. “I hope she enjoyed her visit to Nimbus.”

“Who visited Nimbus?” Luna asked, a surprised tone in her voice.

“Your son, and his little friend, Scootaloo. You know, I really could go for a slice of Pizza right about now.”

...

Author's Notes:

Mmm, Pizza... so warm and gooy... mmmm

5 Life, Love and Truth

Author: Annonymouse

MLP:FiM is property of Hasbro. This is a free fanfiction, not to be sold or traded for any money, goods or services.

...

This is a continuation of Scootaloo's Life. Something I did in my off time.

...

Scootaloo's Life (Mini Story)

Life, Love, and Truth.

...

It was an early spring morning, bright and early. The air was chilly as Scootaloo awoke and crawled from her warm cloud bed.

Scootaloo stretched as her hooves set down onto her cloudy bedroom floor. She glanced out the window, seeing the sun was just above the horizon.

"Looks like it's going to be a beautiful day." She smiled brightly before heading out and into the hall.

She paused at her big sister's room and peeked in. "Dashie?"

Dash was curled up in her bed, and it looked like she was shivering slightly.

"Dashie? Big Sis? Are you okay?"

"Uhh..." Rainbow Dash moaned. "I feel sick."

Scootaloo rushed to her sister's side. "Sis, what's wrong? Why are you feeling sick? You were fine last night."

"Must have been that extra spicy burrito I had before bed." Dash said, rolling over to face a concerned looking Scootaloo.

Scoots touched their foreheads together. "You're not running a fever. Why would you be sick in the morning... Morning... Sick... Morning sickness?" Scootaloo jumped back. "Sis? Are you..."

"I'll be fine... just need some water." Dash slid from the bed and headed to the washroom.

Scoot followed but stopped when Dash leaned over the toilet and vomited. (I read about this in some of those books I borrowed from Twilight... Is my sister... is she going to be a mommy?) Her eyes lit up. "I'll get you some fresh mint water." She rushed back to her room and got some of her own special water from the cooler she had hidden behind her bed.

She returned to see Dash brushing her teeth.

"I hate that taste..." Dash muttered.

Scootaloo placed the bottle on the counter.

Dash glanced and blinked. "How is that not falling through the cloud?"

"Special Pegasus magic." Scootaloo grinned.

"Sense when can you make solid things not fall through the clouds?"

Scootaloo smirked. "Remember Moon Star?"

"Yea, that cute friend of yours. Did he give you that bottle?"

"No, but he taught me how to make things float on clouds, kinda like Twilight's cloud walk spell, but this never runs out."

Dash rinsed her mouth out in the sink before looking at the bottle. "Mint Water?" She blinked. "Never heard of it before."

Scootaloo fluffed out her feathers a little, a slight glow becoming visible at the tips. The bottle cap them popped off.

"Whoa. How's you do that?"

Scootaloo simply smiled. "Moon Star taught me."

"You're the first non-unicorn I've ever seen do anything like that." Dash grinned. "You're an awesome little sister. Now, let's try this stuff." She took the bottle in her mouth and tilted it and took a sip.

The water tasted as pure as rain water with the slightest hint of refreshing mint. She set the bottle down and smiled. "That's really nice. Thanks Scoots."

"Anything for you Big Sis." She smiled as she left to go make breakfast.

Dash picked up the bottle and followed. She had not been home for a few weeks, having taken a vacation with Spectrum to some tropical islands far out in the southern seas. She started noticing some differences about the place.

The walls for starters. They looked like they had less cloudy appearance, more like they had been molded like clay into a smoother form, but with some pretty designs. It reminded her a little of Cloudsdale design, but at the same time, it was quite different.

As she entered the kitchen, she noticed an actual marble counter top.

"Did you add that as well?" Dash asked as she came over and examined it.

"Do you like it? I traded some of my new medicine in Canterlot to pay for it. It cost a hundred and fifty bits."

Dash blinked. "That's pretty expensive. You paid for it yourself?"

Scootaloo nodded as she made a nice looking salad. "Yea. I mean, this is originally your home, but Dad and you and I all live here. I thought I'd do something to make it nicer. I mean, it was awesome before but..."

"I think it's at least twenty percent cooler now." Dash chuckled as she took another drink. "Where did you get this? And this bottle... is it glass?"

"Crystallized cloud actually. You can even eat the bottle." Scootaloo laughed. "Breakfast is ready."

Dash watched in awe as the bowl slid over to her. "That is so cool. You're at least one hundred percent more awesome than last time I saw you."

Scoots blushed at the praise. "Really?"

"No, more like two hundred percent more awesome. That makes you just as awesome as me." Dash then took a bite of the salad, her eyes going wide. "This is delicious."

"You think so?" Scoots beamed. "I used some cloud grass."

Dash paused. "Cloud grass? Crystallized cloud bottles? You using magic? Why do I get the feeling that your friend Moon Star is behind all this."

"Because he is. He brings me the water and grass whenever he comes to visit. He lives a long way away from here."

"Where does he live?"

"Um, in a place called Nimbus."

Dash sputtered. "NIMBUS?" Her eyes were wide. "That's impossible. I mean, that's just an old pony tale."

"I've even been there a few times. It's really beautiful." Her eyes sparkled as she remembered the few times she had been there. "Imagine sky that goes on forever. No limits, beautiful cloud cities and towns and even forests and grass and farms growing on the clouds."

"You've got to be kidding. That place is like... an ancient legend I herd about as a little foal. Have you really been there?"

Scootaloo nodded and proceeded to eat her own breakfast. "Eat up. It's yummy."

Dash looked down at the food. She then ate. Dash really had to admit, this grass was good, considering it was grass.

"Maybe I'll try to make a pizza one of these days." Scootaloo said after they finished.

"Pizza?"

Scoots grinned. "You'll have to wait. I'm expecting Moon Star to arrive soon. You take it easy, ok?"

"Take it easy? I got flying practice to do."

"Should you really be doing stunts in your condition?"

Dash eyes her little sister. "Condition? I was just queezy from that spicy been burrito I had at midnight."

Scoots eyed her big sister. "Are you sure that's all it is?"

"Um... Well... yea. I mean, I've been sick a few times in the morning and all... Wait... Morning... Sick... Morning Sickness?" Dash paled. "Oh no. It can't be THAT! I can be..."

"Pregnant?" Scootaloo smiled. "So what if you are? You're the best sister in all of Equestria, and I bet you'll be the best mommy in all of Equestria too."

"But I can't be... I mean..."

Scootaloo looked right into Dash's eyes. "You and Spectrum... You've been doing the naughty, haven't you?"

The blush on Dash's face was all Scoots needed to know. "Wow, and I was just guessing too."

"Are you serious?" Dash looked frantic. "Oh pony apples..."

"Language." Scootaloo chided. "You might just have a little something, but may be you should have yourself checked out at he clinic."

"What? But... What if I AM pregnant? What will Spectrum think of me... Oh wow... He'll be the dad. Dad will be a grandfather..."

"And Zecora might become our Mom." Scootaloo's smile was a mile wide.

"She might? I mean, I know dad and her really seem to like each other and all that... but... I can't be a mom."

Scootaloo fluffed her wings and gathered up the plates. "Come on. It'll be awesome. I know you'll be a great mom. And I'll be an aunty." She paused. "Wow, that makes me sound old."

"..." Dash looked like she was somewhere between excited and panicked. What'll I do? What'll my friends think of me? I... I never told them I was actually DOING anything with Spectrum."

"They're your friends." Scootaloo nudged her sister toward the door. "Go get yourself checked out. If you want, I'll come with you and give you some support."

"I guess I should go, but you're meeting up with Moon Star, right?"

Scoots placed a hoof over her heart. "Don't worry. He can always find me just by following his heart."

Dash nodded weakly. "Well I guess that ok." She then registered. (Following his heart?) "Um.. Scoots? How do you feel about Moon Star?"

"We're really good friends. I love him like I love Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle." She turned and waged her flank a little. "After all, My cutie mark is a heart with wings. And a heart means love."

Dash calmed down a little. "How does he feel about you?"

"He loves me too." Scoots blushed a little. "Well, I guess I love him a little more than Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle."

Dash smiled. "I never thought you'd say that about a colt."

"What's that supposed to mean? I'm not like Applejack and Fluttershy." Her face was now a bright red. She fumed a little. "Come on, let's get you poked and prodded. I wanna know if I'm going to be an aunty." Her expression changed to a happy one.

...

Dash was glad it had been Nurse Redheart to examine her, not the dreaded, cruel and evil needle happy Nurse Needles.

Ok, she wasn't cruel and evil... but she loved to give needles for just about anything.

Nurse Redheart examined the chart. "Well, it's confirmed. You're two months pregnant."

"Two months?" Dash felt her belly with a hoof. "Really?"

Redheart smiled. "Congratulations. Spectrum is the father, correct?"

"Who else would be?" Dash gave Redheart a glare.

"I was just asking because I wasn't really sure of his name. He's been in here a few times covered in some scratches."

"Oh yea... He still has a little trouble pulling out of the Sonic Rainboom at times."

"That might explain the crater just outside town." Scootaloo laughed.

Dash grinned. "Do you think you could do any better?"

"Nope. I'd crash before even getting close to making one." She stretched her wings.

Scootaloo was a little smaller than Dash, but her wings were a little larger, perfectly suited for long distance flying.

Redheart eyes those wings. "Have your wings been growing?"

"I'm still growing." Scoots replied. "I'm going to grow to be as big as my big sister."

Redheart worried a little. "I've never seen a Pegasus with wings like yours you know."

Scoots looked at her wings. "Really? Never seen wings like mine?"

"I have seen wings like yours, but never on a Pegasus."

"And they sure are not Gryphon wings." Dash added. "Trust me, I'm friends with Gilda."

Scootaloo looked at Redheart. "Where then?"

Redheart looked a little nervous, but answered. "Princess Celestia."

Dash's eyes went wide, as did Scootaloo's.

"What? But... How? I've only been to Nimbus three times with Moon Star." She paled and clamped her hooves over her mouth. (Ponyfeathers... I can't believe I blurted that out.)

Redheart didn't seem to realize the implications, but Dash did.

"Doesn't Moon Star have wings like those too?"

"Ah..." Scoots was at a loss for words.

Dash smiled. "That's awesome. That means he can fly with you for hours the way you like to fly, right?"

Scoots stared at her sister. She slowly nodded, and saw the wink. Dash was covering up for her.

Redheart raised an eye. "Who's this Moon Star?"

"He's a friend of min who comes and visits me often. He lives really far away, over the... the sea."

Dash blinked. "That far away?"

Scoots gave Dash a look, almost telling her that she's telling her all about it later. They were sisters, and they didn't have secrets.

"Yea. His home is a long way away, but we're long distance fliers so the trip isn't a problem for either of us."

Redheart smiled. "Sounds like a match made in heaven."

"Really?" Scootaloo blushed.

Redheart nodded. "Have I ever lied to you?"

"No..." Scoots hugged her sister. "Oh I'm so happy. I learn my big sister is going to be a mommy, and I know Moon Star is coming to visit. Today couldn't get any better."

Rainbow Dash was happy, but also scared. (A mom... I'm going to be a mom...) "Um, Nurse Redheart? I'm really clueless on stuff like pregnancy and being a mom and stuff like that..."

"We offer courses to help you adjust. In nine more months. You'll be a mother. Oh yes, I do suggest you not practice your stunt flying for a while."

"There goes my dreams of joining the Wonderbolts..." She wanted to cry, but the tears that were forming in her eyes were not ones of sadness, but of joy. Rainbow Dash was going to have a baby.

"Come on Sis, let's go get some lunch." Scoots nudged Dash. "My treat."

Dash glanced at Redheart.

"You're free to go."

"Thank you." Dash smiled and allowed Scootaloo to push her from the examining room.

In the waiting room, they were greeted by Moon Star. He was a good looking young Pegasus stallion, maybe a year older than Scootaloo.

"Moon Star." Scoots rushed over and hugged him. "I missed you so much."

"Yea, this last week was kinda hectic. Dad had me chasing those little guys all over the sky."

Scootaloo knew he meant the stars. They needed to be chased around a bit to get them psyched up for the star showers.

"Oh, so, everything is ready for the festival?" Her eyes sparkled so brightly. "So... did your Dad say it was okay for me to come watch?"

"I didn't let him say no." Moon Star smiled. He then bowed too Rainbow Dash. "Hello again Lady Dash. It is always an honor and a pleasure to see you."

"Aww, don't worry about it... and please I've asked you every time we've met to NOT call me Lady. I'm not nobility or anything like that."

"No can do Lady Dash. It's custom from where I come from."

Dash leaned forward and whispered. "Are you really from... Nimbus?"

Scootaloo paled and spoke quickly. "I'm sorry Moon Star, I didn't mean to tell her. It's just that Sis and I don't hold any secrets from each other..."

"Well, is that so." He looked dead serious. "Fine. If that's how it's going to be." He then grinned. "I shall be honest with your sister as well... but not here. Too public."

Dash was good and confused.

Scootaloo was relieved. She had thought that Moon Star was going to get mad.

They left the clinic and returned to the beautiful cloud house.

"You've taken what you learned in the library and made good use of it." The young stallion grinned at the sight of the less fluffy house. "Any leaks or anything?"

"Not even one drop."

Dash nodded. "Yea. And here I thought I had the best quality cloud home before. I'd love to know what Scoots did to the place."

"Hmm... You used a little of the crystallization technique I see. You really are talented in many things."

"Not really. I had to redo it over and over again till I got it right."

"Crystallization?" Dash wondered and examined the outside wall of her home. She felt it, and realized it actually felt almost... solid. "You did this Scoots?"

"Yea... You're not mad, are you?"

"Are you kidding? This is just awesome. Cloud homes are notorious for leaking from time to time. No more leaks would be great."

Moon Star smiled. "Shall we step inside? I really feel relieved that I'm finally getting the chance to tell your family the truth about myself."

"Are you sure?" Scoots asked, looking concerned.

"Very sure Scootalae."

Scootaloo blushed madly. "Don't call me that."

"Why not? It is your name, well, when you're in Nimbus."

"Ooh..." Scootaloo sat down, but then smiled. "Fine... but don't go telling my friends, ok?"

"Promise."

"Pinkie Pie swear?"

"And get another black eye?"

Dash chuckled. "Ok, you're really making me wonder. Who are you really?"

Moon Star turned to face Rainbow Dash.

"My truth is, I am Prince Moon Star. Son of Princess Luna, and Prince Star of Nimbus." His form grew a little till he was a hoof taller than Dash. His horn appeared and his simple moon and star cutie mark became considerably more elaborate.

"Oh my gosh..." Dash was in awe. "You... You're real? I mean... You're really a Prince?" Dash turned to face Scootaloo. "You knew this?"

Scootaloo nodded and stood next to Moon Star. "Moon, let's show my big Sister... Everything."

He nodded and his horn started glowing. Scootaloo was engulfed in a silvery light. Her form grew till she was the same height as Rainbow Dash, but quite slender. Her wings stretched a little larger, more majestic, and a short horn grew from the center of her forehead. Her simple winged heart cutie mark changed, becoming more elaborate, but still a winged heart.

Dash stared, then smiled brightly. "You are officially more awesome than me. And that's the first time I've ever admitted to anything like that."

...

"Dear Princess Celestia.

Today I discovered that my big sister is going to be a mommy. I'm so proud of her.

Your nephew and I also told my sister the truth, about him, where he's from and everything. Having a sister that you can tell anything is the best thing there is in all the world, or even in all the worlds there are.

I sending this letter to you before I return to Nimbus for another visit, and I hope you don't mind. Please give my regards and love to Princess Luna.

With love, Scootaloo."

Celestia set down the letter and smiled at the means of delivery. "Congratulations Rainbow Dash."

"Thank you Princess." Dash smiled. "Um, and I have a request..." She fidgeted.

"What is it my little pony?"

"I want to visit Nimbus, just once. Please?"

Celestia frowned a little. "I'm afraid I do not have the means to return to Nimbus, nor my sister either. You will have to make that request from your little sister and the young Prince." She then smiled. "But if they agree, I will give you my blessing, and the endurance to make the flight."

"Thank you so much." Dash beamed.

Nopony was as proud of their little sister as Rainbow Dash was of Scootaloo.

...

To Be Continued...

6 Endless Skies

Author: Annonymouse74

MLP:FiM is property of Hasbro. This is a free fanfiction, not to be sold or traded for any money, goods or services.

...

This is a continuation of Scootaloo's Life. Something I did in my off time.

...

Scootaloo's Life (Mini Story)

Endless Skies

...

Rainbow Dash opened her eyes and sucked in a gasp.

Sky... Infinite Sky.

"Oh Celestia..."

Scootalae smiled at her big sister. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yea... I mean, Equestria is the most beautiful place I know, but... oh wow." The slender cyan Alicorn stepped to the edge of the impossibly large leaf.

"This is Nimbus, home of all the Alicorns." Moon Star smiled at the slightly larger mare. "So, how do you feel?"

"Um..." Rainbow stretched out her wings. They were not the same as her little sisters, but more like the slender wings of the falcon. "It feels strange. I know I'm larger, but I feel, I dunno, like I'm actually lighter."

"Well, the Alicorn body is a lot stronger than the Pegasai body. Think of it like this. You have full Earth Pony strength and endurance, the light body of the Pegasai, and even the magic of the Unicorn right now."

Rainbow Dash looked at Moon Star. "Seriously?"

"Not a word of a lie."

"Hey Sis, let's see how fast you can go." Scoots beamed. "I bet you can fly so fast that you can make a Sonic Rainboom without having to dive."

"I don't know..." Dash then grinned. "But I'll give it a shot." She stretched her wings and crouched to perform her famous instant speed take off. "Might wanna stand back."

The two smaller Alicorn backed away.

"You're good to go Sis."

Dash nodded, and launched. Had her body not been magically strengthened, she would have bet that her wings would have been ripped off in that instant.

A Sonic Rainboom, right from launch.

The pair of younger Alicorn were knocked clean off their hooves by the unexpected explosion.

"WHOA!" Scoots gasped as she watched Dash in the sky, taking impossible turns and creating ring of rainbow light again and again, and pulling all of her favorite signature stunts all over the place. Her speed was insane. "Think she'll ever wanna come back to Equestria?"

"Sadly, she'll have too." Moon Star chuckled. "The transformation only lasts three days."

"I know, and I intend to make the most of it. I bet Sis will too."

Dash returned, flying in slowly and landing gracefully. "I'll never be able to do that back in Equestria, but you know what?"

"What?" Moon Star and Scootalae chimed at the same time.

"I don't care about that. I'll always be happy even if I can never do what I just did again." She pulled both younger ponies into a hug. "This is the best gift anypony has ever given me."

Moon Star smiled, then noticed Dash's cutie mark.

The cloud was shaped like a sleek wing, and the lightening bolt reached down to her knee. "Awesome cutie mark."

Dash looked and blinked. She then looked at Scoots and Moon Star's. "You're have both changed too... why is that?"

Scootalae smiled and explained. "You've seen how beautiful Princess Celestia and Luna's cutie marks are, right? This is normal for Alicorns."

"That is so cool. I love my cutie mark, but this just makes it even more awesome." She grinned at Moon Star. "Any way I can keep it?" She asked in a joking tone.

"Afraid not." Moon Star replied calmly. "So, what say I treat you to some pizza."

Dash licked her lips. "That sounds great. The pizza Scootaloo made when she got back from that last trip was so good."

"Warm and gooy goodness." Scootalae giggled. "Yea, let's go."

...

Dash was doing her best to not rubberneck at the beautiful town. "Moon Star, is this where you live?"

"Oh no. I live a long distance away."

"Like a million miles from here, beyond the top of the sky." Scoots added.

"Beyond the sky? And how far does the sky go?"

"You can fly forever, and never see solid ground here." Scoots was beaming. "I love visiting here, but I'll never want to move away from Equestria." She smiled softly at Moon Star. (Not without a good enough reason.)

Moon Star returned the fond smile.

This was not missed by Rainbow Dash. She knew that look well, as she received it often from Spectrum. (Ah, young love. She's still young, but her heart is in the right place. Although... falling for a Prince... I hope he never breaks her heart.)

"Lady Dash? Is something the matter?"

Dash blinked and looked at Moon Star. "Oh, no. It's just this place is so different." She looked at all the Alicorns. She noticed they were all adults, standing at least as tall as Luna, though none reached Celestia's grand height. "Also... where are the young ones?"

Moon Star chuckled. "I'm the youngest Alicorn. The second youngest is my mother."

"Why is that?" Dash asked, feeling odd now. Second youngest Alicorn... Luna? She was at least over a thousand years old.

"We're immortal. We don't die from old age. We're immune to illness and poisons. The only way we die is from some horrific tragedy or if one should sacrifice their immortality to become mortal. Our numbers are pretty consistent."

"How many are there? Are they all as powerful as Princess Celestia?"

"Hmm, not sure how many there are of us, I'm guessing a few hundred thousand. As for level of power? There are less than one hundred who can be considered Prince or Princess, such is the title given to the most powerful among us."

Scootalae gasped. "And Everypony here calls you Prince. So, you're really powerful?"

"Don't really know about that, but I can manipulate the stars as I wish." Moon Star shrugged. "Of course, I'll never actually take over the roll as Regent of the Stars. Father holds that title."

"I see." Dash smiled. She then caught a whiff of something that smelled familiar, but absolutely heavenly. "Do I smell... pizza?" She looked at her little sister.

"Yes you do. This is where I got the recipe to make it. Min's not as good though."

"If you think your pizza was not 'as good' then I'm almost afraid to try this pizza. I loved you pizza."

Scootalae blushed. "You're just saying that."

"To take a page from my good friend Applejack's book, that's the honest truth."

"Thanks big sis."

Moon Star smiled and lead them to the cafe. "Lady Scootalae, Lady Dash, here we are." He showed them to the best outdoor table, which had a beautiful view of the town, and what looked like an orchard in the distance. Beyond that, the World Tree emerged from the clouds below, and stretched into the clouds above.

"Prince Moon Star? Is that an orchard?"

"Yes. They grow apples there."

"Applejack would LOVE to see that."

"We can bring her some apples if you like."

Dash perked up. "Really? Um... do those trees only grow on clouds?"

"I think so. Why?"

"Imagine the look on AJ's face if she were to see an apple tree growing on my front yard."

Scoots giggled at that. "I can almost imagine."

Moon Star smirked, realizing why. He had never seen any cloud plants in Equestria. "Hmm, I'm not sure introducing 'alien' plants to Equestria would be a good idea... though the ground based apple trees looked identical. They were just as delicious." He smirked. "Well, I can't stop you from planting seeds."

"Thank you Prince." Dash smiled. "So, let's try this pizza."

...

Dash flopped down on a free floating cloud and sighed happily. "That pizza good."

Scootalae lay down next to her. "Told you it was better than mine."

"Nope. Yous was better."

"You're just saying that."

"Nope. I'm telling you the truth." She flashed a smile. "You may not believe me, but your pizza, well, it had just the perfect taste. And less garlic." She sniffed her breath. "Spectrum will not be wanting to kiss me if my breath smells like this."

Scoots smiled and floated a few small leaves from her saddlebags. "Here. Moon Star told me these can make your breath smell fresh."

"Smells like mint... and speaking of the Prince, where is he?"

"Booking passage to Grandis, the largest city in all of Nimbus." Scoots giggled. "There's something going on there that our young Prince told me you'd love."

"Really?" Dash raised an eye. "What's that?"

"He didn't tell me. Oh, here he comes."

Dash looked over and watched as Moon Star glided gracefully down from a higher cloud balcony. "Hey Prince. Scoots told me about this Grandis, but not why we're going there."

Moon Star smirked. "You'll love it Lady Rainbow Dash. Just you wait."

...

The transport was a magical portal that allowed for instant travel, something that was very impressive indeed.

Dash whistled. "We could use something like this in Equestria."

Moon Star chuckled. "Too bad the portals only function because of Prince Gateway. He's the one who controls them."

"Oh, I see." Dash sighed. "Too bad really. But, oh well. Let's go."

Moon Star glanced up at an Alicorn standing by a floating crystal. "We are ready."

The Alicorn nodded and tapped his horn to the crystal, with only a tiny spark. A moment later, a magical circle of brilliant azure light appeared below them and rose up. Dash and Scootalae almost panicked as they watched their bodies disappearing below them, but somehow they could still feel them.

Then the portal passed over their heads and they were whole again.

The room looked the same, only the Alicorn at the crystal was different.

"This way Ladies." Moon Star lead them out of the room and out into a massive cloud structure. There were many of those portal rooms. "Welcome to Grandis."

"Whoa..." Both Dash and Scoots gasped at the size of the chamber, and at the sixty Alicorn that were either flying around, or riding on small clouds.

"Awesome." Scootalae said as she followed the Prince.

"You said it lil sis."

Moon Star stepped onto a circular cloud. "Hop on. We really should stay together."

The mares stepped onto the cloud, and they could tell it was no normal cloud.

With his horn glowing slightly, the cloud started moving. It exited the portal structure and out into the city.

It was indeed huge, stretching for as far as the eye could see, but it was not cramped. Every building was placed well apart from any other buildings. If anything, it made the city seem even larger.

The cloud moved swiftly through the city, passing floating gardens, plazas, malls, businesses, homes and parks.

"How old is this city?"

"Some say it's over a million years old." Moon Star answered. "Others believe it is far older." He smiled as they came around a large building and approached a huge stadium. There were thousands of Alicorns heading into the place.

"What is this?" Scoots asked.

"The main stadium. There is a competition of flying skill going on."

"Really?" Dash's eyes lit up.

"Yes, but you are not entered into it."

Dash chuckled nervously. "Why would I be? I'm not a real Alicorn. I'd bee WAY too nervous to be able to pull any of my stunts... And I haven't practiced for any competitions."

Scootalae nudged her sister playfully. "You'd win anyway, no competition."

"Don't be so sure. Speed and flashy stunts won't always win a competition like this."

Dash nodded as they entered the stadium and 'parked' the cloud in a very good spot.

The three could see everything very clearly.

"This is so awesome." Scoots pranced a little.

Dash was looking around. The crowd was HUGE. At the Best Young Fliers competition, there was only a couple hundred ponies present. She knew that no amount of preparation could ever have prepared her to take part in this.

It took over ten minutes of waiting, but the show finally started.

Dash hoped there wold be some flashy stunts. These were Alicorn after all. They had to know some really awesome trick she could try to learn.

Scootaloo just sat on Moon Star's right and watched as the first contestant was introduced. The golden mare danced about, moving like she was a gentle breeze, gracefully twisting and turning through the air.

Dash leaned over to Moon Star. "Are all of them going to be like this? I man, sure, it's pretty and all that, but I'd like to see more action."

"Just watch, I'm sure you'll see something you'll like." Moon chuckled.

And he was right. Out of the thirty contestants, Dash watched in awe as eight of them flew with skill and grace, performing tricks that actually impressed Rainbow Dash, even if not a single one showed off any great speed.

Scootaloo enjoyed those eight as well as most of the others.

"Sky Dancing. It's a lot different than performing stunts." The white Alicorn stretched his wings. "We Alicorn can move very fast, though I'm not sure any would be able to match you, Lady Dash."

"Well, I am the fastest flier in all Equestria."

"Spectrum is just as fast as you Sis." Scoots smirked.

"Well, he's not FASTER than I am." Dash stood, a hoof on her chest as she took pride in being unmatched.

Scootalae giggled while Moon Star chuckled.

"Gotta admit though..." Dash watched as the winner was called up, a mare that had danced and moved in ways Dash would never have dreamed. "That sky dancing is actually kinda neat. Not my style though."

"I liked it." Scootalae smiled. "Prince Moon Star, thank you for bringing us here."

Moon Star seemed to let out a breath he had not been aware he was holding. "I was actually a little afraid you might not like it."

Scootalae leaned forward and kissed the Prince on the cheek. "I really enjoyed the show."

Dash smirked a little. (Lil Sis is getting comfortable being with her little Prince. He seems to really like her too. I guess I don't really have anything to worry about.) "I'm starving. Is there any good places to eat in this city?"

Perfect timing. Scootalae's and Moon Star's tummy's rumbled.

"Ah, yes... Food sounds good." He grinned sheepishly. "I know of a place here that has a good selection of food. Hope you like pasta."

...

Dash had been skeptical.

Spaghetti looked strange. Heck, the name sounded strange. But the moment she tasted it, she fell in love. The long noodles were easy to eat, and the rich, thick sauce was a perfect blend of dices vegetables, herbs, mushrooms and even a healthy dose of garlic.

Scootalae has ordered the same dish as Moon Star. Some dish called lasagna.

It was thick, with layers of pasta, cheese, spicy sauce and vegetables. Being used to a more sweet style of foods (pie, cobbler, cupcakes and other such baked goods), Scootalae found the new flavor and textures to be a wonderful surprise.

"I am stuffed." Dash leaned back and sighed contently. "Never tasted anything like that before."

Moon Star wiped a tiny spec of sauce from his lips. "Pasta is tricky to make, even for us Alicorn. The chef here is just talented with making it."

Scootalae was just as full as her sister. The servings had been more than generous, but the sisters had both been very hungry.

"If I eat like this all the time, I'll really put on the weight." Dash winked at Scoots. "Better be careful Scoots. Don't want to get fat, do you?"

The young mare blushed. "Of course not. Besides, I burn calories quickly enough just by flying." She then turned to Moon Star. "Speaking of which, After that long show, I'd love to stretch my wings."

"Me too." Dash added in. "Someplace we can fly freely without anypony watching us."

Moon Star nodded. "Near the world tree is the best place. Only those who can use it to travel too other worlds ever bother to go there. My father and I are the last ones to go there in a very long time though."

"Sounds perfect." Scootalae smiled.

...

The sky was filled with fluffy clouds, which was a great joy for Rainbow Dash. She flew fast, free and without a care in the world (like potentially crashing into the ground).

Twisting, turning, diving, combining her stunts in ways she had never dreamed possible, and even adding a few of the moves from some of that Sky Dancing that actually impressed her.

Dash knew she could pull the Sonic Rainboom off at will here, in this form. She almost did not want to go back, but she loved Equestria. She loved her Father, and even Zecora. She loved Scootaloo, She loved her friends and the Princesses.

To stay here would be the most disloyal thing EVER, and Dash would never do that.

That didn't stop her from at least enjoying the unlimited freedom here in Nimbus.

Unlimited freedom.

Rainbow Dash could only smile and dance in the skies of Nimbus.

...

The End.

7 A Shining Prism

Scootaloo waved to Moon Star as he returned to his own world.

“I still can't believe just how awesome those endless skies were.” Rainbow Dash ruffled her younger sister's mane.

This had been Rainbow Dash's third time visiting the fantastic sky world of Nimbus. Scootaloo visited it for three days every month, and couldn't imagine how she would feel if she could never visit there again. Heck, that thought had not even occurred to her.

“I know. I just love how we can fly forever.” Scootaloo nuzzled her sister. “Too bad you can't come again anytime soon.”

Rainbow Dash looked at her growing belly. “Yea, a week to go, and I'll be a mom.”

Scootaloo smiled. “I think that'll be even more awesome than Nimbus. I'm going to be a big sister.”

“Aunt actually.”

“But big sister sounds cooler.”

Dash laughed. “I won't stop you from being this foal's big sister.” She stretched her wings wide. “Let's go home. We should be there by sundown.”

...

The pair landed outside town, Dash sweating profusely. “You're lucky sis. Your wings are just so wonderful for long distance flying.”

Scoots helped her sister as they walked into town. “It's getting late, and you don't look like you can flap your wings much more.”

“Got that right. You go home. I'll crash with Twilight tonight. She's expecting me after all.”

“Are you sure? How about I help you to the library, at the very least.” She looked into her sister's dusty rose eyes.

Dash smiled back. “Sure. I won't refuse a chance to spend a little more time with my awesome little sister.”

The pair walked along in silence, Dash leaning again her younger sister.

Scootaloo had grown over the last couple years and was only a little smaller than Dash. Sure, her wings were long enough that they stretched past her flank, but she didn't care. Her and her sister would always be there for each other.

They reached the library, with Dash looking better from the relaxing walk.

“Next time you try to fly for five hours non stop, I'm stopping you.” Scootaloo smirked, the exact same smirk that Dash was known for giving. She then knocked on the door.

A few moments later, Spike answered the door. “Hey, welcome back.” He was glad to see the pair. “How was your vacation?”

“It was awesome.” Dash smiled. “I didn't do any stunt flying, but I found some awesome up-drafts that let me just 'float' in the air for hours.”

Scootaloo giggled at this. “You fell asleep on the wing Sis.”

“I know, but it was just so... wonderful and relaxing.”

Spike raised an eye. “Isn't that dangerous if you fall asleep while flying?” He stretched his own small wings, which still had a long way to grow before he could fly.

“I had Scootaloo and her 'coltfriend' there with me.”

“We're just friends.” Scootaloo blushed madly.

Dash ruffled her sister's mane. “Well, I'm going to go say hi to Twilight. You go get some sleep, ok Scootaloo?”

Scoots playfully batted Dash's hoof away. “Sure thing. I'll come see you in the morning. I have lessons with Zecora in the morning too.” She turned and spread her wings, the took to the air.

Spike eyes those amazing wings. “She's not even finished growing, but her wings... they're bigger than any other pony wings I've ever seen. I bet they're almost as big as Princess Celestia's.” He was a little worried. Such large wings were, well, not natural, were they?

“Welcome back Rainbow Dash.” Twilight smiled as she stepped from the stairway. “How was your vacation?”

“Very relaxing, though the trip home wore me out.” She walked in a little slowly and lay down on the floor, wincing a little. “I keep forgetting, floors are hard, but I'm totally wiped out.

Twilight levitated some soft cushions over. Even as she released her magic, the cushions seemed to float. “I learned a spell that can make things float like clouds.”

Dash chuckled and flapped her wings, lifting off the floor and landing on the cushions. “Almost like the real thing.” Dash lay her head on her forelegs. “Hope you don't mind my crashing here the night... I still don't get why a Pregnant Pegasus can't walk on clouds too well when so close to giving birth.”

Twilight levitated a book off the shelf and opened it. “Well, not all Pegasai give birth to Pegasai. Well, in your case it's guaranteed...”

“I know, I know. My aunt has two Unicorn foals. She had to be on the ground to give birth to them. Fluttershy's Mom is an Earth Pony and her Dad is a Pegasus Pony. I know all about that stuff. I'm going to be the Mom, remember?”

Twilight laughed lightly. “Of course, and once again, congratulations.”

“Thanks...” Dash yawned. “I think I'm going to get some sleep, see you in the morning Twi.” She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

...

Scootaloo had checked on her sister in the morning. She had been pleasantly surprised to see the fluffy floating cushions which Rainbow Dash was relaxing on. After that, she headed into the Everfree Forest to meet up with Zecora.

She landed outside the great old tree and approached. “Mama?” She called out.

“In here Scootaloo. We have much to learn, and much to do.” Zecora smiled. She was not really Scootaloo's mother. Heck, Sunny Skye and herself had yet to be wed, but she loved the young mares (both Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash) deeply.

“What's the lesson for today?”

Zecora pointed to a book that she had not allowed Scootaloo to even touch before.

“This one?” Scoots fluttered her wings slightly and levitated the book to the stand.

Besides her family, which unofficially included Zecora, her two bestest of friends, and Dash's five best friends, her ability to use magic was kept a secret.

“Open the book, and take a look.” Zecora tapped the book, then pointed to a selection of some very rare herbs and powders. “This is a special brew to help ease one's pain. Quite quickly any hurt will feel right as rain.”

“Really? But, I already know how to make anesthetics.”

“This be a special brew, one known only be very few. It helps ease the pain of birth, allowing the mother to feel joy and mirth.”

“This... This is for Dashie?” She looked over the oddly complex potion recipe and smiled. “Mama, you're the best.”

...

Scootaloo took a few days to just learn the potion recipe, and five attempts to get it just right.

Scootaloo was pleased, this was no ordinary brew, but an honest to goodness magical potion. One that would allow Rainbow Dash to not only be able to rest on clouds while pregnant, but also allow her to give birth on the clouds. The foal would be effected by the potion as well, allowing it to rest on the clouds like any Pegasus.

Of course, it took a few hours before a newborn Pegasus Pony could walk on a cloud, but with the potion, it would be able to right from birth.

“You have mixed the potion well. Now, this is not the place for you to dwell.” Zecora scooted Scootaloo from her house, with the potion stored safely in a crystal vial, hanging from Scootaloo's neck.

“Thank you Mama. I'll get this to Rainbow Dash right away. She wished that her baby to be born in the sky over Ponyville. Now she can.” Scootaloo hugged Zecora before taking to the sky.

...

Ponyville Library.

Rainbow Dash stared at the vial of clear liquid in awe. “Are you serious? I... I can have our foal on the clouds?”

“You betcha sis. The potion lasts for a whole week.”

Spectrum eyed the potion. “And you made this?” He looked really impressed, and overjoyed. “You're the best little sister ever.” He hugged the smaller pony, who's wings fluttered in joy.

“Thanks 'big brother'. I'm just glad I could make both of you so happy.” Scootaloo smiled wide. “So, drink up and let's get you home.” She said to Dash.

Dash upended the bottle and drank it. She coughed and sputtered a little and made an 'eww' face, but drank every drop.

“Tasted a little nasty.” She grinned a little. A moment later, her whole body flickered a pale blue for a few seconds. “Wow, I feel really light.” She hopped off the floating pillows and onto the floor, gracefully and lightly. “Twilight? Thanks for letting me stay here.”

“It was no trouble.” Twilight nuzzled her good friend. “I really enjoyed your company.” She glanced at the stack of books that Rainbow Dash had been reading this last week. “Will you be ok to get home?”

Dash nodded. “I have my husband and little sister with me. Nothing will go wrong. We have a doctor coming in from Cloudsdale in a couple hours.”

“Well, as long as everything is fine.” Twilight glanced at the crystal vial. “Scootaloo, you did an amazing job. Magic potions can usually only be made by Unicorns.”

Scoots fluttered her wings and levitated the vial back onto the stopper, which was still hanging from around her neck. “If it wasn't for Luna's lessons, I'd never have been able to do it. Well, we'll be off now. I'll come tell you all about the foal after it's born.”

The three Pegasus Ponies left the library and easily flew into the sky, toward the cloud house.

...

A filly.

The baby was a filly, a little girl. Her coat was a cobalt blue like her father's. Her mane and tail were blond, with pretty streaks of sky blue and pale pink though them.

Scootaloo had watched the whole thing with awe and wonder. She potion had indeed worked perfectly.

The doctor had been skeptical and was almost demanding Dash go to ground, even though he couldn't understand how Dash was even able to be up on a cloud at this time.

But the mother and father were adamant, and the look on Scootaloo's face pretty much told him to drop the subject.

Just in case, he had a Pegasus flying down below in case the foal fell though the clouds. He was VERY impressed when she didn't, but rested on the clouds so comfortably and easily. Heck, she was up and standing on wobbly legs within minutes.

Dash had not felt any discomfort or pain during the birth, which was unheard of for Pegasus. The foal's wings would always cause discomfort and pain, no matter how sedated the mother was.

“An amazing potion.” The Doctor smiled. “Would you tell me where you got it?”

“Nope.” Scootaloo tapped her hoof to her nose. “That's a secret only this family knows.”

“Are you sure you won't share it? It could make you very rich.”

“I have my Mama and Papa and my Sister and Step Brother, and my little baby niece. I'm the richest pony ever.” Scootaloo watched as her baby niece took to feeding for the first time. “She's adorable. What are you going to name her?”

“Prism. Prism Shine.” Spectrum smiled. “Dashie and I already thought of names for both a colt and a filly.”

“If we had a colt, we would have called him Prism Spark.” Dash added.

“Awesome name Sis. I'm so proud of you, of both of you.” She then remembered her promise. “Oh, I promised to go tell Twilight. Will you be alright?”

The pair nodded.

Scootaloo smiled at the little Pegasus. “Prism Shine. You are just perfect.” She then hurried off to keep her promise.

...

“A filly?” Rarity swooned. “Oh, I can't wait to see her.” She turned and stared at Twilight. “You MUST.”

“Must?” Twilight cocked her head.

“Cloud walk us and fly us up to visit Rainbow Dash.”

Scootaloo shook her head. “Sis is a little tired from giving birth, even with my potion. How about you come visit tomorrow.”

Pinkie Pie was simply vibrating with joy. She wanted to say it. But knew she had to hold on. She wanted to tell everypony that she HAD HAD HAD to throw a baby shower. She knew that her friends all knew exactly what she was wanting to say and do, but still, she held it in.

Applejack smirked at Pinkie Pie for a moment before turning to Scootaloo. “What's the lil Sugarcube's name?”

“Prism Shine. She's SOOO cute.”

Fluttershy was sitting next to Pinkie Pie, and was also shivering with joy and delight. She was like a little foal, able to see her Winter Moon Festival presents, but not allowed to open them JUST quite yet. The anticipation of seeing the first born child of all her dear beloved friends was almost too much.

As Scootaloo described Prism Shine, Fluttershy seemed to calm down, closing her eyes and picturing the cuteness in her mind. She smiled dreamily.

“Oh I have GOT to make some wonderful covers for those cloud cushions for Rainbow Dash.”

Twilight nodded in agreement. “She'd like something awesome of course, but I think she's got the most awesome gift of all, her very own filly.”

“And an awesome little sister who'll do anything to help her out.” Scoots stretched her wings wide.

Spike sighed a little. “It's just a foal. How cute can it be?”

...

Spike stared with wide eyes at the cute little foal. She had her mother's eyes, father's coat, and a blond mane with splashes of pink and blue and even green though them.

“I retract my prior statement form yesterday... She's... and I hate myself for saying this... She's so adorable.” Spike grinned at the foal as she stared wide eyed back at him.

Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Applejack had all congratulated the parents.

Rarity couldn't help but smile. “She is even more darling than how Scootaloo described her, which I must admit, is almost impossible.”

“Ah declare, she's just the cutest thing ever. Whatcha think Shyshy?”

Fluttershy blushed at the use of her 'pet' name. “Prism Shine is even cuter than a cutesy wootsy baby bunny.” Fluttershy squealed cutely. She was just wanting to hug and cradle the foal. “Oh... I wish we could have a foal of our own.” She nuzzled Applejack.

Applejack chuckled. “Best we can do is adopt.” She then frowned a little, knowing how much her Fluttershy wanted to have a foal of her very own.

Twilight knew of a spell, but didn't actually know said spell, that could help them. But she felt WAY too weird about the spell to even suggest it. Gender switching magic was... just creepy.

Prism Shine had gotten the hang of walking and was currently playing with Scootaloo, chasing her aunt around the room and giggling happily. The scene brought smiles to everypony's faces.

“Say, Dashie?” Pinkie Pie approached, looking remarkably calm, but happy non-the-less. “May I please throw you a baby shower?”

“Do you really have to ask?” Dash grinned. “Just as long as it wasn't like that bachelorette party.” She tried to hide her blush, remembering the 'surprise' that had jumped out of the cake.

Zecora and Sunny Skye entered, smiling and looking proud as could be. How Zecora was walking on the clouds was unknown, but not really important. Most likely one of her secret potions or brews.

All together, the friends and family felt happiness.

The happiest of them all was Scootaloo, even if her sister and step brother were the proudest.

...

Till next time, peace.

8 Wing and a Prayer

...

“Her name is Prism Shine.” Scootaloo beamed proudly at her two best friends.

Apple Bloom was a little more than just giddy. She was excited for Scootaloo, who was now a big sister herself... “What's it like having a little sister?”

“Silly.” Sweetie Belle giggled. “She's an aunt, not a big sister.”

“Sure don't look like no little bug to me.” Apple Bloom retorted

“Aunt, not Ant. Like your Aunty Golden Delicious.” Scootaloo then giggled.

“Oh, well, that's cool too.”

Sweetie Belle looked up into the sky. The cloud house was still high in the sky. “Is it safe? I mean, being so high up. What if she falls?”

Scootaloo glanced up. “Do you honestly think her mom and dad wold let her even hit the ground? They're planning on teaching her to fly before she's even one year old.”

“Impossible.” Apple Bloom snorted. “No Pegasus can fly that young. Heck, how old were you when you started flying? Ten?”

“Yea, so?” Scootaloo shrugged. “I may have been a later flier, but I'm one of the best fliers out there.”

Sweetie Belle hugged Scootaloo. “Third only to your big sister and 'big' brother.”

“Best long distance flier.” Scootaloo corrected. “I'm not the greatest when it comes to stunts, what with my wings being so big. Still, I can do some pretty neat one that even they can't do.”

Apple Bloom poked a wingtip. “Yea, why is that? Yer wings were so tiny before, then ya started to learn how to fly an' they grew a bit. Then all ah a sudden they just started growin like crazy.”

“Maybe it's because she has a coltfriend.” Sweetie Belle teased cutely.

“Moon Star and I are just friends.” Scootaloo huffed a little, blushing at the same time. “I wish everypony would stop calling him my coltfriend...” (I mean, I really, REALLY like him and all that, but I don't even know if he's even want to be with a filly like me. He's immortal and will live forever. I'm not. I wouldn't be surprised if one day he just stops coming to Equestria all together.)

“Bit for your thoughts?” Apple Bloom had noticed a change in her friend's expression.

“Oh, it's nothing.” Scoots forced smile. “I'm going to go take a little flight.” She spread her wing and with a mighty flap, she took off.

“Somethin' is bothering our friend.” Apple Bloom frowned.

“I agree.” Sweetie Belle agreed. “I wonder what it is.”

...

Scootaloo landed on a cloud a few miles from Ponyville and looked toward the horizon. She stretched one of her wings and looked at it. “They're... too big. I've noticed how some of the ponyfolk look at me strangely lately.” Scootaloo frowned. “I mean, they're beautiful, Sis always says so...” She frowned. “Maybe it's just me... but, I sometimes feel like a freak...”

She folded her wing and frowned. “Maybe... Maybe I'm not meant to stay in Ponyville...” She spread her wings and took too the sky, circling around and heading for home.

...

Scootaloo awoke the next morning, early, just before sunrise. She quietly slipped form the cloud house and stood outside. She looked out over Ponyville for a moment before taking wing.

As Scootaloo approached the market square, she could see ponies setting up their stands. “Breakfast sounds good.”

She landed and walked toward Applejack and her apple cart. “Good morning Applejack.”

“Morning' Sugercube.” Applejack offered a bright smile. She then noticed the lack of a happy face. “Somethin' on yer mind?”

“Oh, just a little hungry is all.” Scoots partially lied.

“Oh, well then, what can Ah offer ya?”

Scootaloo looked over all the delicious apples. “I'll take a couple of your honey crisp.” She tossed a couple bits on the cart and received her apples. “Thanks Applejack.” She munched down one of the sweet, crunchy and juicy apples right away.

“Anythin' else?”

Scoots shook her head. “I dunno...” She stretched a wing. “I'm smaller than Rainbow Dash, but my wings... they're unnatural. I've never heard of anypony ever having wings so big.”

“Don't sweat th' small stuff Scoots.” Applejack placed a hoof on the young mare's shoulder. “Ya'll got a wonderful gift. Ain't no other pony that can fly like ya. You always beat RD to Cloudsdale, and that ain't no small feat.”

“Well, that's cool and all, but why are my wings so big? They're twice the size of a normal Pegasus Pony's wings. I get odd looks wherever I go.”

“Ah've never noticed anypony lookin' at ya strange like.” Applejack never lied.

Scoots shook her head. “But I have. All the other Pegasus just, I dunno, besides Big Sis, Big Bro, Fluttershy, and Moon Star, no other Pegasus even talks to me. They look at me strange.”

“Hmm, honestly, Ah guess Ah never paid attention to anypony givin' others strange looks.” Applejack nuzzled Scootaloo. “But as far as Ah'm concerned, ya'll got some beautiful wings.” She then blinked. “An' yer gifted, able to use magic.”

“Oh, yea, I guess.” Scootaloo paused. “Wait, maybe my wings are so big because I can use magic... Maybe if I stopped using magic, they'll shrink and become normal sized.”

“Ah dun think ya'll should quit. That's a wonderful gift ya got there. Ain't no other Pegasus, or even Earth Pony that can use magic. Ah bet ya'll gonna one day grow into yer wings.”

Scootaloo shook her head. “I don't think so. I haven't grown any for a while now. I'm smaller than Apple Bloom and even Sweetie Belle.” She folded the wing.

“Apple Bloom told me she wishes she was as cute as ya'll are.”

“I'm just cute?” Scootaloo felt her self esteem drop a little more. “But... I just don't understand. I have huge wings, I'm 'only' cute... I sometimes feel so out of place. I almost feel like I've stopped growing.”

That thought hit her hard. “Stopped... growing? No, that's impossible. I can't have stopped growing. I'm too young to have stopped...” (Maybe I've been visiting Nimbus too often... Maybe all that powerful magic that Moon Star's been using on me has effected me somehow...)

“Ya never know, but Ah bet ya'll gonna grow into a right beautiful mare. Just give it time.”

Scootaloo looked into Applejack's bright green eyes. “Do you think so?” Self esteem up a little?

“Have Ah ever lied to ya?”

“No, never.” She smiled a little. “Thanks Applejack.” She chomped down the second apple. “I should get to my morning flight.” She smiled, spread her wings, and took to the sky.

Applejack watched her fly off, then glanced at a couple Pegasus who were staring after the orange Pegasus.

One pointed toward Scootaloo and whispered to the other, who snickered.

(What the hay was that about?) She stepped away from her cart and approached the pair. “Hey. What's ya'll talking 'bout?”

“Huh?” One Pegasus turned. He was a light green with orange mane. “Nothing you'd understand.”

“Try me.” She gave the pair a cross look.

The other Pegasus, a mare, rolled her eyes. “Come on. You've seen those big wings. It isn't right.” She was a dark pink with a lighter pink mane.

“What ain't right 'bout havin' those big beautiful wings?”

The pair of Pegasai looked at each other for a moment before the stallion spoke again. “They're freaky.”

Applejack narrowed her eyes. “What do ya care for? She's blessed to be able to fly, an it's her special talent.”

“All Pegasai are able to fly.” The mare snorted. “What's so special about having that as a special talent?”

“Cause I know she the only Pegasus what can fly all the way to Cloudsdale without takin' a single break. She's graceful, an' I gotta say, Ah do love watching her when she's just flyin' up around Ponyville.”

The stallion rolled his eyes. “So? Her 'special' talent is flying. That's not that great a talent for a Pegasus. It's something natural for us.” He started to turn away.

“Yes, now if her talent was speed or controlling the weather, then sure, that's fine. So what if she can fly all the way from here to Cloudsdale. We could do that if we really wanted too.”

Applejack sighed. “Ya'll just don't understand. Whatever.” She turned and headed back to her cart. There was no point in starting an argument.

The pair of Pegasai trotted off, snickering something about clumsy ground pounders.

Applejack's ears twitched, and she was tempted to buck some sense into that pair, but kept her cool.

...

Scootaloo lay on a cloud, watching her 'big brother' Spectrum flying around, little Prism Shine strapped to his back safely between his wings as he flew around, careful not to do any stunts.

She smiled softly as she heard her baby niece giggling happily.

“Hey Squirt.” Rainbow Dash suddenly poked her head through the cloud, right in front of a startled looking Scootaloo.

“Don't do that Sis.” Scoots laughed as she recovered.

Dash rose from the cloud and settled next to the large winged Pegasus. “So, how was your last visit with Moon Star?”

“Oh, it was amazing. He gave me these magical leg bands that let me fly higher than ever before. He said I'm still not strong enough to see his home, which is a million miles away from the world tree.” She giggled. “Stars are amazing. Magical silver lights that twinkle and dance...” She then frowned. “Of course, I didn't get to see them up close. They're so far away that not even Moon Star can fly to them in a hundred years.”

“Really?” Dash whistled. “That far away? Hard to imagine.”

Scootaloo nodded and looked away. “Sis?”

“Yea Scoots?”

“I... I'm thinking of leaving Ponyville.”

Dash froze. “What? Where did this come from? Where will you go?”

“I don't know yet.”

“A... another world?”

“Goodness, no.” Scootaloo laughed weakly. “I... I just don't know what to do. I mean, I'm learning so much about healing, and about flying. If I didn't need to eat or drink or sleep, I bet I could fly forever.”

“I don't doubt that.” Dash chuckled. “But... do you really want to leave Ponyville?”

“I don't know. Before, when I couldn't fly, before I found out you were my sister and found dad and all that... I was an unwanted orphan. I thought so many times about leaving, just running away. Finding Dad and you were the greatest things to ever happen to me. Then I learned to fly, and added that to my list, and then... I met Moon Star. He's shown me so many wonders.” She closed her eyes and rested her head.

Dash sat next to her sister. “Scoots?”

“Hmm?”

“Whatever you want to do, I'm right behind you the whole way.”

“Really?” She glanced up, only her eyes moving. “So... any suggestions where I could go?”

“Hmm...” Dash pondered. “There are so many undiscovered secrets in the whole world beyond Equestria. Heck, only a few ponies have ever traveled into the Griffon Kingdom.”

“And none returned... At least the history books about great explorers said they never returned.”

“So? Maybe they found something so awesome on the other side that they never wanted to come back.”

Scootaloo nodded ever so slightly. “Mhmm.” Her eyes starting to close.

“Or they were eaten.” Dash put on a 'scary' voice.

Scoots nodded again, her eyes closed completely. “Mhmm...” Soft snores escaped her lips.

Dash blinked. “Hey Scoots?” Nudge nudge.

Scoots shifted slightly but did not wake.

Dash watched her sister, a little concerned. (She's never just fallen asleep before... Not during the day. That's my thing, taking naps. Something must really be bothering her.) She willed herself to sink through the cloud and dove toward Ponyville.

...

Applejack was having a good day. She had sold out before noon, her new honey crisp apples were very popular. It had taken years till the trees her parents had planted were finally ready to harvest, but it had paid off nicely.

As she was packing up her cart, her money box full, she heard the flapping of wings behind her. Turning, she smiled. “Hey RD. What'cha up too?”

“Oh, not much really... Scootaloo is acting strange today.”

“Why ya'll say that?” (Could she know how Scootaloo's feeling about her wings?)

“I dunno. We were talking, and she just went and took a nap.”

“Scootaloo? Napping? That don't sound right.” She then sighed. “Ah overheard a couple Pegasus Ponies bad mouthin' behind Scootaloo's back, bout her wings and whatnot.”

“What? Which ones? I'll go and teach them...”

“RD, hold yerself a sec will ya?” AJ grabbed Dash's tail with her teeth, keeping her from flying off.

“What? Somepony badmouthed my baby sister.”

“An' Ah think ya'll shouldn't worry 'bout it.”

Dash eyes her friend. “But...”

“Ah just think they're jealous ah yer sister's wings is all. She's probably just, Ah dunno, feelin' sad cause she don't have any Pegasus Pony friends.”

Dash lowered her head and scuffled the ground with a hoof. “She's my little sister... I'm worried about her. She... She told me she's thinking of leaving Ponyville.”

Applejack didn't look surprised at all. “She's a strong flier, one ah th' strongest Ah've ever met, like yerself. An' she's really good with herbs an' brews an' magic potions. Ah bet she'll does good no matter where she goes.”

Dash knew her friend was right. “I'm just worried for her...”

“Ya'll said that already. How 'bout ya try trustin' her. She's smart an' beautiful. She'll do right well in th' world.” AJ patted Dash's shoulder. “Why don't ya just go and be with her, even if she's nappin' away. She might appreciate ya bein' there when she wakes.”

Dash nodded. “Yea, you're right. I'll catch you later AJ.” She flew off, back toward the cloud her sister was napping on.

...

Scootaloo had waited for her sister to leave, pretending to have nodded off. A minute later, she took to the sky, making sure Spectrum wasn't looking.

(Travel beyond Equestria? Maybe I can do that. Who knows what I'll discover.) She smiled and headed home to grab her pack for her journey.

(Beyond Equestria...) She smiled at that idea.

...

“Dear Celestia.

I love my family and my friends. I love both you and Luna. I love Moon Star as well. But I feel I really have to stretch my wings. This will be my last letter to you, as I am leaving Equestria.

Please, tell Moon Star I am sorry, I won't be able to see him anymore. I have to find my place in this world, and learn to understand myself. Maybe one day I will return.

With wholehearted love. Scootaloo.”

Celestia frowned. “Oh Scootaloo... I can only wish you the best, and pray that you return to us someday. I know Prince Moon Star loves you as well, even though you've never told each other.” She wiped away a tear. “You will be missed greatly.”

...

The End of Scootaloo's life. A new fiction called Beyond Equestria will follow Scootaloo as she discovers the world 'Beyond Equestria', and all about herself.