Crusade

by viclouiis

Rating: everyone
Tags: Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Changelings, Spike, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Caramel, Adventure
Length: 6225

Funny how a few small actions can make all the difference. Say, a villain realizing the values of teamwork, one on the path to destruction making a recovery, or a certain cyan pegasus not performing a Sonic Rainboom. I wonder what could change?

After the world they once knew was gone, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo had to fix things. Defeat a few villains, safe a few prisoners, convince a few ponies to help them, and not die in the process. Also, they have to work together. Like I said, hard.

Published 2016-01-07 07:40:02 UTC
Last updated 2016-01-07 07:40:02 UTC

Prologue: The League of Villainous Villains

"Hello, all. I've gathered you here today to discuss something very important. That is, of course, the course of action that we must take to take over Equestria. I've also gotten your district assignments ready, and we just need to wait for things to fall into place," League Leader Tirek said.

"Yes, and when, exactly, are we going to do this?" King Sombra asked, tapping his hoof on the table.

"When the time is right. Patience is important here, if we want to defeat the princesses, we can't just go in blind. My connections in the castle tell me that Sunset Shimmer and her new allies are quite the force to be reckoned with," Tirek said.

"Well, my hive needs food, and we aren't going to get that soon enough if we wait. Half of my hive will starve to death!" Queen Chrysalis slammed her hoof down hard.

"Yes, and waiting's no fun! I've done my waiting! A... whole lot of years of it! In stone! I want to get out there, get a social life, wreak chaos, not mope around in this cave!" Discord said.

"I understand where you're coming from, Chrysalis. You need to feed your hive. I understand that. But you aren't going to be a good leader when you're dead, and going in blind is certain death. As for you, Discord, we've gone over this before. You get your own Chaos Capital of Equestria when we're in charge! Actually, onto that part," Tirek paused to pull a map from his saddlebag.

"Here we are. A map of Equestria," Tirek said, "Chrysalis, you first. You are to begin integrating your changelings around Equestria in exactly two moons. Focus on Ponyville, Canterlot, Las Pegasus, Manehattan, and Fillydelphia. Send your best to Manehatten and Canterlot. Manehattan is where Sunset and her little group live, and, well, Canterlot has the princesses. The point here is to let them grow strong off of love for a while, before we attack. As for names and backstories and the likes, let them come up with their own. Sure, there's going to be the occasional Tonic Tomato from the badlands, but it's not worth the effort to go over every changling's alter ego,".

"Where will they stay?" Chrysalis asked.

"I've had some friends and allies set up bases for them under bars, underground, in houses and such. We are prepared to house several thousand changelings across Equestria," Tirek grinned.

"And what of after our invasion?" Chrysalis asked.

"Ah, I'll get to that. Now, Sombra. You aren't going to be going alone, so I've decided to get a couple of griffons to go with you. You're going to head back to your good old Crystal Empire. The last people who tried to penetrate the protection spell that Nightmare Moon put up before she went into hiding actually got through... Princess Cadence and Prince Blueblood, I think? Anyway, Cadence got annoyed with Blueblood and left him to run the kingdom on his own. He's not very good at... Well, running a kingdom, so the Crystal Empire is on the brink of destruction. With just a little push, it'll be toppling down. Now, I want you and your griffons to capture Blueblood and bring him to me. The changelings will go and capture civilians in the while we interrogate him. I get answers, I drain his magic, you get to do whatever you please with him. Kill him for all I care," Tirek said.

"Good. That sounds good. I get to see the griffons first though," Sombra said.

"Reasonable. Alright then, we'll arrange a meeting with them after this," Tirek said.

"Ooh, me next, right?" Discord asked, grinning.

"Yes, yes. Discord. While Sombra is taking over the Crystal Empire, you, Queen Chrysalis, and an army of changelings will hit as many towns as possible. Manehattan, Ponyville, Vanhoover. Capture as many ponies as possible. Also, while in Manehattan, can you two pay Sunset and her friends a visit for me?" Tirek asked.

"We'll give them your regards," Discord smiled, "But what about my Chaos Capital of Equestria?".

"Well, I'm getting to that-" Tirek was cut off.

"Wait. What are you going to do?" Sombra asked.

"Well, I'm taking Canterlot and their snobby nobles. Of course, the real prize is the princesses..." Tirek said.

"What if I wanted to have my fun with the princesses?" Discord asked.

"Oh, you will. I'll be bringing them back here. Chrysalis can take Cadence, Discord, you can take Celestia and Luna. Once you're done, just send them on to Sombra to have them executed," Tirek grinned.

"What are we going to do with the hostages?" Sombra asked.

"Interrogate them. See if they're important. See if they know anything. See if we can hire them. If not, they get taken to prison. Canterlot has a rather large one..." Tirek trailed off.

"So does the Crystal Empire," Sombra said.

"Yes, yes, bla bla. But my Chaos Capital of Equestria!" Discord said, exasperated.

"Yes, you will get to take Ponyville as the Chaos Capital," Tirek said.

"Ooh, I hear that the wildlife's fantastic there!" Discord grinned.

"Chrysalis. The South is yours. Appleloosa, Dodge City, and the badlands sound good to you?" Tirek asked.

"Hmm, close to my hive. Yes, that sounds good," Chrysalis said.

"One more thing. There are so many changelings. Would it be possible to use them as a military force?" Tirek asked.

"Hmm... Yes, as long as they're well fed," Chrysalis said.

"Good, good. Now, Sombra. You get, of course, the Crystal Empire. You also get ownership of Vanhoover, Baltimare, Fillydelphia, and Neighagra Falls," Tirek said.

"Alright," Sombra nodded.

"I'll be taking Canterlot as my main base of operations, but will also visit Manehattan and Las Pegasus Frequently. Cloudsdale will become a prison for war prisoners. Now, what are we all still here for? We should be preparing," Tirek said. The others nodded.

"Shall I send out a party to search for Moonbutt?" Chrysalis asked.

"No need. She'll come on her own when we're ready," Tirek said.

"Goodbye, Tirek," Sombra said, leaving the table. The others soon followed suit.

"Hah, a villain group... Still one of my best ideas... What kind of an idiot would rush in alone?" Tirek laughed.

Chapter One: Scootaloo

The day that my life changed started out peaceful and normal enough. I woke up as usual, grabbed some oats, and left for the schoolhouse. I met up with my best friend Pipsqueak on the way there.

"Hey Pip," I grinned.

"Morning, Scootaloo," He smiled back.

"How's your dad?" I asked, taking on a more serious tone.

"Not as bad as usual. He's been at work more," Pip said.

"Good," I replied as we neared the schoolhouse.

"So, are you ready for the math test we have today?" Pip asked.

"Wait, we have a test?" I asked, startled.

"Um, yes. Ms. Cheerilee announced it last week," Pip said.

"I didn't study! Quick, quiz me. I can't fail this one, mom'll have a cow!" I said.

"What's the cow's name?" Pip grinned.

"Seriously, Pip! She'll kill me!" I frowned.

We walked into the school building and took our usual seats in the corner of the room. Apple Bloom and Twist were already sitting in the front row, with Pipsqueak right behind Twist. Shortly after Pip and I arrived, Snips and Snails stumbled into the classroom giggling. The peace was broken when Diamond Tiara walked into the classroom with her nose up, Tiara perfectly positioned, and her second tail, Silver Spoon, right behind her.

"Class, I have an announcement to make!" Diamond yelled, and we all turned toward her.

"Yes, Diamond?" Silver said.

"You're all invited to my quarter birthday party!" Diamond beamed. I sighed. Diamond was such a stuck up jerk. She had nothing against me personally, but she couldn't stop the relentless teasing of Apple Bloom and Twist. Not to mention she got in everypony's business, and when Apple Bloom and Twist became boring for her, she'd tease Pip for his accent, or Featherweight for his teeth, or me for my wings, or Sweetie Belle for her... Sweetie Belle-ness. Nobody was really sure what was up with Sweetie, although quite a few people had tried to find out. Speaking of Sweetie Belle, she staggered into the room, her mane a mess, and circles under her eyes. She stumbled into her seat in the middle row, and laid her head down on her desk.

I felt bad for that filly sometimes. I felt that under different circumstances, we might have been friends. When Sweetie wasn't miserable, she was actually pretty cool.

As Diamond and Silver pranced on over to their seats, Miss Cheerilee entered the classroom. Her name sure didn't match her personality. The old hag was sour and unfair, and took a particular dislike to certain students. Others, she let by scott-free.

"Class, I take it you all have your homework ready?" Miss Cheerilee smirked at me, and then turned her gaze to Sweetie Belle. We always missed our homework, and almost always got detention for it.

"Who shall we call on today... hmm, Miss Belle, perhaps you'd like to share your answers with the class?" Sweetie didn't move. Damn it, she was asleep. I covered my ears with my hooves, as Miss Cheerilee started screaming in Sweetie's ear. She started up with a jump. Several moments later, Miss Cheerilee stopped, and I lowered my hooves.

"Umm, Miss Cheerilee, you see, I, um, had family issues, and-" Sweetie was cut off.

"And just like all of the other times, I need to have a note! Detention for the rest of the week!" Miss Cheerilee yelled. Yeah, pretty harsh.

"Miss Tiara, please collect the papers," Miss Cheerilee smiled at Diamond. Diamond walked up and down the aisles of desks. She came to me.

"Well, Scootaloo? Where's your homework?" Diamond asked snidely.

"Um, I left it at home," I said.

"Sure, sure. It's probably sitting on your desk, undone," Diamond sneered.

"Yeah, whatever. At least when I turn in my work, it's my work, not someone else's," I said.

"What are you implying?" Tiara asked.

"Oh, nothing. Everyone knows that your butler does your work for you," I said.

"Take. It. Back," She snarled.

"No," I said.

"I am so telling my daddy, and when I do, he'll make sure that you are kicked out of school for this!" She said, and spun around to turn in the rest of the class' papers.

Diamond was always making threats like that, threats that usually were worth nothing. Sure, Diamond's parents had money, but they were very busy ponies. They didn't have the time to kick kids out of school. I leaned back in my seat. Pip tapped me on the shoulder.

"Come on, Scoots. Stay in control. We can't have you insulting everypony you don't like," He sighed.

"Pip, you know I'm in control. It's just, there's this cool feeling that comes from talking back to Diamond, you know? It's satisfying, I got back at her for a minute," I said.

"So, sort of what I have with my dad," Pip said, "Yeah, I guess I can understand that... I just don't like it much. Be careful, Scoots,".

"Ahem. Mister Pipsqueak, Miss Scootaloo. Would you mind listing all of the organelles in the plant cell?" Miss Cheerilee asked.

"Umm, leaf cells?" I asked. Pip facehoofed.

"No. Detention for both of you," Miss Cheerilee said, and turned back to her blackboard.

"Damn it, Scootaloo! My dad's going to be so ticked off!" Pip whispered.

"I know, I'm sorry!" I said, genuinely sorry.

"I know, but I'm still nervous..." Pip sighed.

"Mister Pipsqueak! Miss Scootaloo! Do we need to make it a week long detention?" Miss Cheerilee asked.

"No, Ma'am," Pip said at the same time as I said, "No,".

"I see. I guess I'll just add two more days, then. And I trust I won't catch you talking in my class again," Miss Cheerilee said, and started passing out worksheets.

It was finally time for lunch and recess. I'd heard that Cloudsdale Academy had forty five minute long lunch, but we only had twenty minutes. I quickly ate my lunch so I could go outside. That's another weird thing. We have to eat our lunch inside, not outside, and can only go out when we're done. Some kids skip their lunches, but I'm normally hungry, so I eat fast.

Pip and I walked outside together. Featherweight, Twist, and Apple Bloom were sitting under their favorite tree. Apple Bloom was drawing something in a notebook, and Featherweight and Twist were laughing and talking. Button Mash was sitting on a bench, playing his handheld game. Sweetie Belle was sitting on a different bench staring into space. Snips and Snails had drawn a crowd to watch them trip over each other, and Rumble was on the slide. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were nowhere to be found.

Pip and I made our way to our usual spot, the tree next to Apple Bloom, Twist, and Featherweight. Pip and I smiled at them as we passed, and they waved back. I sat down next to Pip.

"Ah, Pip. Just five more years of this, eh?" I sighed.

"Yeah, but then what? College?" Pip asked.

"Ugh, subjecting myself to more school. But I guess you need to go to college if you don't want to work at Haydonald's... you know, I've been thinking about going to flight school. But of course, that requires you to actually know how to fly," I sighed, buzzing my wings for a second.

"Oh, come on Scoots, you'll fly eventually. Me, I'm thinking of going to Canterlot Academy. Pretty elite though," Pip said.

"Hey, who's that?" I asked, as a young mare with her blond hair tied into a ponytail ran into the school.

"Applejack?" Apple Bloom asked as the mare trotted inside. Well, that solved that.

"I wonder what's up?" I asked.

"Yeah, me too. Probably nothing serious," Pip said.

He just had to go and say it.

Author's Note

So, this is an alternate timeline where the Rainboom never happened, but things have gone fine so far... so far...

Chapter Two: Apple Bloom

When I saw Applejack trotting into the schoolhouse all worried-like, I knew something was up. When you know AJ as well as I do, (And I should, as she's my big sis), you can read her like one of them fancy romance books Twist used to read. She wears her heart on her sleeve, you know? You can tell when she's lying. You can definitely tell when she's worried.

AJ never came to school unless something really bad had happened. Once she'd come when Granny got real sick with hay fever, and we thought it might be our last time to see her, and again when there was a big fire in Canterlot, and she wanted me to find out from her, and not Miss Cheerilee or one of my classmates.

"Hey, Twist, Featherweight. Ah'm a mite worried, AJ never comes to school 'less it's an emergency," I said.

"Really? What do you think's going on then?" Twist asked.

"Ah'm not sure, but Ah think Ah'll check it out. Ya know, just ta be sure," I said.

"I'll come with you," Featherweight said, standing up.

"I'll stay here. Just, you know, watch our tree," Twist said.

"Alright. Thanks, Twist!" I said, as Featherweight and I made our way to the schoolhouse. We peeked through the entrance to where Applejack was in heated discussion with Miss Cheerilee.

"This ain't got nothin' to do with my brother, Cheerilee. I ain't got no control over him an' his actions. But ah do control mah sister, an' ah'm pullin' her out of school. Ah'm not sure what's up, but the sun should be way lower in the sky! Somethin's wrong, an' she's comin' home," Applejack said. What? The sun was supposed to be lower? I turned, and as Applejack had said, it was too high in the sky. And what was that bit about Big Mac?

"I'm sorry, Applejack," Cheerilee said, and it was clear that she wasn't sorry at all, "But I just can't let you do that! Unless you are her legal guardian, which I'm sure you know is Granny Smith's title, then I'm not allowed to release her to you,".

"There's somethin' wrong, and I ain't leavin' without mah little sister," Applejack said.

"I'm sorry, but my descision is final. Would you please leave now?" Cheerilee said. I thought that that would be a good time to make myself known.

"Hey, Applejack! What's up?" I asked.

"Nothin' much, 'cept Miss Cheerilee ain't lettin' y'all come home," Applejack said, glancing at the sky.

"Why do ya wanna take me home anyways?" I asked.

"Oh, the sun looks a little bit off, and your sister thinks that it's some big emergency," Cheerilee said.

"She's usually right, you know," I said.

"You're talking back to your teacher? Detention. Stay here, and no funny business," Miss Cheerilee said.

"Miss Cheerilee, ah am goin' to be right back with a signed note from Granny Smith sayin' that Bloom can come home," Applejack said, tussling my main on her way out of the schoolhouse.

"Yes, and until then, you are going to stay here, with me. Actually, one moment," Miss Cheerilee said. I walked over to my seat.

"Well, that sure worked," I mumbled to myself. Just then, Sweetie Belle trotted in, Miss Cheerilee right behind her.

"Girls, I expect you to be productive in this time. I think I have some extra math worksheets somewhere..." Our teacher rummaged around in a desk drawer, before grinning as she found what she was looking for.

"Here you girls go. It's a little advanced, but you should be able to handle it," She handed us each a thick packet. Was... Was that a compliment? I looked at the problems on the sheet. No, definitely not a compliment. These problems were several years above our grade level, and extremely hard looking. I just stared at the page.

"Well? Get on with it," Miss Cheerilee said, watching us from her desk. I knew that AJ was going to be back in a few minutes, so I just pretended to work. I guess I wasn't very convincing, because a moment later, Miss Cheerilee was looking over my shoulder.

"Hmm, Applesauce times Green Pie doesn't actually equal Blue Strawberry, Miss Bloom," Miss Cheerilee said. In the corner, Sweetie Belle laughed quietly.

"Sorry, Miss," I said.

"Oh, it's quite alright, Apple Bloom," Miss Cheerilee smiled.

"Really?" I asked. There was a catch in there, definitely. There was always a catch with Miss Cheerilee.

"Oh, yes, it's fine. Just do this all for homework tonight," Miss Cheerilee said. I sighed.

"Well, according to Applejack, something's up, and we ain't gonna-" Miss Cheerilee interrupted me.

"Yes, yes, your sister is smart and has her 'Farmers' instinct' like the rest of your family," Miss Cheerilee spat. I didn't have a response to that.

I had finished about five of my problems, most likely incorrectly, by the time Applejack got back. The rest of the class was back in from recess, and we were doing independent work.

"Here you go, Miss Cheerilee. Signed by Granny Smith herself," Applejack sighed.

"Alright. Go. Enjoy your extra homework," Miss Cheerilee said under her breath. As we were leaving the little red schoolhouse, I looked back to wave goodbye to Featherweight and Twist, but they weren't looking. What I did see was Miss Cheerilee ripping up Granny's note.

Chapter Three: Apple Bloom

I definitely had some questions for AJ. Questions about Miss Cheerilee and what she had against us, questions about Applejack's 'Farmers' Sense', and questions about whether it held any weight. But all of that would have to wait. I prefer talking about private things in the security of my own home. I don't know why, I just feel safer that way. AJ and I were nearing Sweet Apple Acres, when we saw what looked like a comet come soaring through the sky and land somewhere in Ponyville.

"Sis, what was that?" I asked, biting my lower lip.

"Uh, Ah'm not sure. Head to the cellar. Ah'll get Big Mac and Granny Smith," Applejack said. We ran toward our house, as a mass of creatures headed for Ponyville. I wasn't quite sure what they were, but they looked bad. I didn't get a good look then, but I'd sure get a good look at them later.

AJ rushed me into the house, and from there I knew what to do. I ran to our cellar door, while Applejack went looking for Big Mac and Granny Smith. I climbed down the ramp and into the cellar. I waited for two minutes, then locked the cellar. Just then, it occurred to me that my friends were still back in Ponyville. Featherweight and Twist... I hoped that they were okay. I heard a few distant explosions, and hoped that those weren't my friends. Then, I heard the lock being fiddled with. Applejack was here! She came down, followed by Big Mac, Granny Smith, and Caramel, the stallion who sometimes came to our farm to help out.

"Applejack! Big Mac! Granny! You're all alright! But what's goin' on out there?" I asked.

"Ah... Ah'm not sure, sis. But we'll be okay," AJ said.

"Alright, AJ. Thanks. You think mah friends are alright?" I asked.

"Ah hope so. Not sure, with Cheerilee in charge," Applejack said. Big Mac frowned.

"So, now what?" Caramel asked.

"Well, we brought some stuff down here. Food, games, water, blankets. Ya know, for an emergency. We wait down here for a day, an' then Ah'll go up," AJ said.

"Not alone you don't," Big Mac said.

"Mac! Someone has to stay here with Granny and Apple Bloom in case somethin'... Happens," Applejack said.

"Caramel will. We can trust 'im," Big Mac said.

"Ah... But..." AJ trailed off.

"C'mon, AJ. We won't be gone long," Mac said.

"Let's just... play cards, alright?" Caramel asked. Granny nodded.

"Alright. Okay," Applejack said. We got out the cards and played, but it was no fun. Granny fell asleep, and Applejack walked off to think in the corner. At that point, I went to bed, laden with worry.

I woke up to the sound of my siblings talking.

"Should we... wake her up? Say bye an' all that?" AJ asked.

"Too late not to," I mumbled.

"Oh, Bloom," AJ came over and hugged me, "We love ya' so much,".

"Ah know," I said.

"Eeyup, but... In case ya' didn't notice, yer sister an' Ah might not come back. It's the truth. And... we just wanted to let ya' know how much we both care about y'all," Big Mac said. I hugged them both.

"Ah love ya' too," I said.

"Bloom... Gimme yer bow," AJ said. I took it off. She took off her hat, tied the bow to it, and set the hat on my head.

"Here ya' go... this one was Pa's. Lucky Ah wasn't wearin' it when Ah was workin' with Rarity an' Coco in Manehattan," She smiled on the verge of tears.

We came in close. Mac woke up Caramel and said bye, and then he and AJ hugged Granny goodbye. AJ gave me one last hug.

"Yer a great filly, Bloom. Keep on fightin'," She whispered.

"We'll be back before nightfall," Mac said. AJ said nothing, and they left the cellar.

They weren't back by nightfall. Or the next day. Or the next. Soon, a week had gone by. Another week and we'd be out of food. I cried a lot. How could I not? My brother and sister were gone, I didn't know what had happened to my friends, and I didn't really know anything. Caramel comforted me, but he wasn't family. Granny Smith was asleep most of the time.

"Caramel?" I asked one night.

"Yeah?" He asked.

"Ah need to go. Find my siblings, find my friends, find someone. Ah can't stay down here," I said.

"Yeah... but Granny has to," He said.

"Yeah. And Ah can't just abandon mah family," I said.

"But she can't come..." Caramel said.

"Why don't ya' just ask me?" Granny asked.

"Well... You see... Ah..." I trailed off.

"Ya want to go find other ponies. Yer brother and sister, your friends. Ya want to know what happened to Equestria. But ya can't leave yer old Granny in a cellar," Granny said.

"Well..." I said.

"Lemme tell ya' somethin'. Ah've lived a long and happy life, an' if Ah had to, Ah'd willingly go now. Ah'll be alright, Bloom," She said.

"But... Granny..." I said.

"Listen here. You go find your sister an' brother," Granny said.

"What about me?" Caramel asked.

"Ah'm sure that y'all have someone ya wanna see," Granny said.

"I... yeah. I do," Caramel said.

"Then go find 'em," Granny grinned.

Chapter Four: Sweetie Belle

I never really fit in... Anywhere. Not at home, not at school, nowhere. Actually, that's a lie. I was really happy once. I had friends, a loving family, everything a filly could ask for. Then Rarity went missing. After that, I just... Shut myself off from the rest of the world.

That was four years ago, back when I lived in Manehattan. A few months after Rarity disappeared, my parents decided that it would be best for us to get a fresh start in a new town. That's when we moved to Ponyville. That's where I met the charming Miss Cheerilee.

Something's up with that mare. You don't just get to be that way without something happening, at least I think so. I mean, extra homework should be considered cruel and unusual punishment.

After Apple Bloom left that day, we only had about a half an hour left of school. I was doing Miss Cheerilee's stupid worksheet with stupid math on it that I'd never use again in my life. Diamond and Silver were laughing at me, their eyes digging into the back of my head like lasers. I didn't really care though. Only sort of.

A few minutes later, we heard a loud boom. Several of us tried to get up to investigate, but Miss Cheerilee called us back to our seats.

"It's nothing, class. Some pegasus crashed into a cloud," She said. Spoiler alert! It wasn't a pegasus.

Next we heard buzzing. I looked to Miss Cheerilee, who actually seemed a bit worried.

"Miss Cheerilee? Can we go outside? I think something's going on," I said.

"Sweetie Belle, stop talking back. Do your math," She growled.

I did as I was told. I don't pointedly break rules. Only ones that get in the way of my safety. I was about to disregard what she said, but Scootaloo did it first.

"Run!" She yelled, jumping out of her seat by the window, and pulling Pipsqueak along with her. I was already on high alert, and made it to the door before the pushing and shoving began. The three of us who were already out of school didn't waste any time in getting away, though. All around us, these giant... Bug ponies with holes in them were heading directly for Ponyville, and quite a few were heading for the school.

"The Everfree!" Scootaloo yelled, and none of us thought of how crazy of an idea it was to actually go into the Everfree. Scootaloo, Pip and I bolted for the forest.

"This was a stupid idea," I grumbled, trudging through the Everfree, muddy and alone. Pip and Scootaloo had split, saying that they were heading back to town to find their friends. I had no friends to find, so I kept going. So much for that. I was thoroughly lost. Just as I was about to fall to the ground and accept defeat, I heard a soft voice coming from behind me.

"Are- Are you alright?".

"I'm lost," I turned around and saw a young, butter yellow pegasus mare standing in a clearing.

"Oh, um... I could take you to my cottage. Just... for the night. You don't want to be alone at night," She said.

"Wait, you... live here? In the Everfree?" I asked.

"Yes... a few of us do. It's peaceful, and away from society," She said.

"Oh. That sounds pretty nice to me," I said.

"Yeah, it is. Um... if you don't mind me asking, what's your name?" The mare asked.

"Sweetie Belle," I said.

"That's a nice name. I'm Fluttershy," Fluttershy said.

"Nice to meet you, Fluttershy," I smiled.

"Likewise. So, what brings you into the Everfree? It's not that I mind, just, um, not many people come into the Everfree," Fluttershy said.

"Oh! You don't know! These big... bug pony things attacked Ponyville, and I ran away," I said.

"Did... Did they have holes in them?" Fluttershy asked, looking nervous.

"Yeah, why?" I asked.

"I-I think that those were changelings,". Fluttershy noticed my blank stare, and continued, "They can transform into any pony they want, and feed off of love. I think that it's okay for them to eat, because they need it to stay alive, but they don't need to be so mean,".

"Yeah," I said.

"So, here's my cottage," She said, gesturing to a tree with a large door in its' trunk.

"It looks nice," I said.

"I hope it is," She said, leading me inside.

Fluttershy was a wonderful host. She brewed me tea, cooked me a small dinner, and gave me the guest bedroom. When I woke up the next day, breakfast was freshly cooked and on the table, and it was delicious.

"Wow, Fluttershy. Thank you so much for... Everything," I said.

"It's not a problem, Sweetie. But now what?" Fluttershy asked.

"I'm... not sure," I admitted.

"You could stay in the Everfree for a while. Some of the ponies here have spare furniture, and there's a nice little burrow underground that you could use..." Fluttershy said.

"I'd like that," I said.

"Well, a few ponies live near Zecora, the resident zebra and potion maker," Fluttershy said.

"Alright, that sounds amazing. Thank you so much, Fluttershy," I smiled.

"I-It's really no problem, Sweetie. Now, um, Lemon Drop and Clear Skies have a few extra chairs and tables. We should see them first," Fluttershy said. We walked for a while, until we reached another tree with a door in the trunk, only this one had a cloud attached up higher. Fluttershy knocked on the door, and a unicorn mare answered.

"Hello, Fluttershy! Can I help you?" She asked.

"Um, yes. Do you have any extra furniture lying around?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yes, we do! A few chairs and a table. We can get them delivered by the end of the day. And I know a place I can get a stove. See you, Flutters!" The mare smiled and closed the door.

"She was nice," I said.

"Lemon Drop is good company. Now, I have a bed for you at my house, all we need are some sheets and blankets and all of that. I know just the pony to ask," Fluttershy smiled.

We were standing in front of another tree, but this one was decorated heavily with jewels. I liked it. The jewels sparkled and shimmered and glimmered in the light. Fluttershy knocked on the door, and a moment later, a mare opened the door.

"Hello, Fluttershy!" She said, smiling. I was speechless. My mouth was moving, but no sound was coming out.

"Good morning, Rarity! This filly, Sweetie Belle, needs some sheets for her bed," Fluttershy smiled. Rarity's face changed into one of shock.

"Sweetie Belle?" She asked.

Chapter Five: Scootaloo

That day was crazy. Sometimes kids don't see exactly how bad something is, until it gets about ten times worse. That was the case with me. I wasn't keen on leaving Sweetie alone in the Everfree, but she didn't want to come back to Ponyville with us, and I needed to know that my family was safe. Pip did too.

"So..." He said as we trudged along.

"Yeah?" I asked.

"What do you think those things were?" Pip asked.

"I dunno. Weird hole things?" I wondered.

"Scootaloo, can you be serious for once?" Pipsqueak snapped.

"Alright," I said.

"Sorry. It's just..." Pip trailed off.

"I know. This is crazy. But it'll be alright. I promise,". I didn't mean to break that promise, I swear.

Ponyville was on fire. Really. I don't know how, but those weird hole things had lit all of Ponyville on fire.

"I need to find my sister," Pip said.

"And I need to get my parents," I said.

"We'll split up. Meet back here. I we we aren't back be sunrise, leave without the other," Pip frowned.

"Alright. Good luck," I said.

"You too," He replied, and we went our separate ways.

My house wasn't very distinguishable. It didn't stand out. It was normal, as far as houses go. It was also on fire.

"Mom? Dad?" I called. No answer. I should have turned back. They had most likely left the house. But I was young. I wanted them to be there, to be somewhere I could find them. So I pushed on through the flames. I reached the second floor. They weren't in their room. I checked my room last. They weren't there either. I picked up my scooter, and realized that the doorway had been engulfed in flames, as had the window. So I did what any sensible person would do, and that is scream at the top of my lungs.

I'm not sure if I was expecting anypony to come to help, but luckily, somepony did. A cyan blur rushed over the flames, scooped me up still clutching my scooter, and rushed me out of the house. I looked up, and saw a rainbow maned pegasus.

"Thanks," I said.

"What were you thinking, kid?" The pegasus asked.

"I wanted to find my family," I said.

"Well, everypony's either been kidnapped by the changelings or they've escaped, so they're not here. Speaking of which, we have to get out of here. Discord's coming back soon," The mare said.

"Discord?" I asked.

"God of chaos who destroyed Ponyville? We have to leave now," The mare said.

"But... My friend... Pipsqueak..." I said.

"What about him?" The mare asked.

"He's on the other side of town, looking for his family," I said.

"Celestia. I'll go check it out. Come on," She said, picking me up and speeding across Ponyville. The feeling of the wind in my mane was amazing. Too bad I couldn't fly.

We arrived at Pip's house quickly, with me giving the mare directions. We arrived just in time to see Pip being held down by one of the hole things, and being hauled off. I wanted to scream, but common sense and the mare's hoof kept me from making a sound. She kept us from sight, and after the mare was gone, flew us in the general direction of Cloudsdale. She took a left away from Cloudsdale, though, and I soon saw a cloud house on the horizon. She dropped me off, and landed next to me.

"Sorry about your friend, kid," The mare said.

"Yeah... Thanks for saving my life," I said.

"You're welcome... We could get your friend back, you know," The mare said.

"Really?" I asked.

"Sure. I'd help you find him," She said.

"But why?" I asked.

"I... Had a friend once, and she went missing. They never found her. Might as well help you find your friend," The mare said.

"That sucks. Thanks for helping..." I trailed off.

"Rainbow Dash," The mare half smiled at me.

"Nice to meet you, Dash. I'm Scootaloo," I said.

"Alright, Squirt. Are we going to stand outside this whole time, or are we going to find your friend?" Rainbow asked.

"Hopefully find Pip," I said.

"Well, every army with prisoners has a jail or something, so we want to find out where their jail is..." Rainbow said.

Rainbow and I were inside, looking at a map of Equestria.

"So, they probably don't take the prisoners to Ponyville or the Everfree, because we were there, and we didn't see any changelings," Rainbow said, crossing off Ponyville and the Everfree forest.

"So, do we just check out one of these places? See if it's prison-ish?" I asked.

"I guess so. But before we do that, we should sleep. There's a spare room at the end of the hall," Rainbow said.

"Alright, thanks," I said, hauling my scooter down the hallway. I really liked the cloud house. It had a ton of Wonderbolts memorabilia on display, and the cloud felt good under my hooves. I opened the door to the spare room, set my scooter up against the wall, and slipped into the cloud bed. It was so relaxing, that I fell asleep in seconds.

Next thing I know, Rainbow's shaking me awake.

"Kid. I saw some griffons and changelings heading this way. We're gonna bolt. You ready?" She asked.

"One second," I said, and grabbed my scooter.

"Now I'm ready," I said. Rainbow picked me up, and zoomed off into the horizon. We were off on a new crusade.