What a Foal Always Needsby Josh CrapoChapters1 Prologue Part 12 Prologue Part 23 Crusader's Colt4 Home and School5 A Deadly Anniversary6 Scooting Towards a Case1 Prologue Part 1"Hello?" The visitor of an apartment is unsure whether or not she has the right address. The earth pony's mane and tail are completely curled in white while her eyes are of the same yellow as her coat. Her cutie mark is the figure of a house. "High Glow, is it?" The pegasus stallion before the visitor nods, confirming the visitor's assumption. "So, what brings you here, Home Care?" High Glow's mane and tail are straight and blonde all the way through. He has slightly faded pupils with a thin, light brown iris around each. His coat is of an orange color and his cutie mark is a light bulb. "I've come to inform you about your brother under your care." "Would Power need to hear the news?" "Indeed, yes." "Okay I'll get him." High Glow walks to the door furthest to the right. Behind the door frame is a bedroom between another, to the right, and the bathroom, to the left. "Hey, Power. Someone's sharing news with us." The stallion leads a smaller pegasus with a light red coat. His eyes, mane and tail are exactly the same as High Glow's, complete with the slightly faded pupils. "So, what's the news?" "I'm here to tell you that some nasty, major rumors about you, High Glow, which are that you've been failing at strong supervision over your brother." "Well, this is news to me. Tell me more." High Glow shoots his faded eyes open. "These rumors were solely based on incidents that happened outside of school, including, but not limited to, hill rolls with older mares, lightning strikes and almost getting knocked out, hit in the head with a frisbee." "Even if I were there, none of those could've changed if I saw them coming. Most of them were because of the citizens here in Detrot. I won't fault them though. Accidents happen once in a while." "High Glow, these could be serious injuries that may be beyond medical assistance if it's bad enough! Do you want to risk going broke because of the continuation of these potentially serious injuries, much less being arrested for neglect?!? It's bad enough our economy suffered from that storm we had a year ago! Power needs a safer environment!" Meanwhile, Power slowly steps into the hall in worry of what may happen. "Power, get to the lobby, now! This could get bitter between me and Home Care. I'll come get you." And with that, Power disappears from view. "Okay, Home Care. First off, I do not neglect Power! I call him my brother and I'll do what it takes to keep it that way! Secondly, I don't go helicopter parent on him! He's already earned my trust in him and all it took was being my brother! I love him!" "I'm sorry High, but if rumors' reasons are true events that have transpired that the mayor of Detrot has heard about, then I have no choice but to take him away!" Home Care walks to the entrance, only to be stopped by a speeding High Glow. "No! I won't let you take him away from me! Who knows how much worse things might be for him?!? Plus, you, yourself, said that these were nasty 'rumors'!" "Stop blocking the door way and let me do my job!" "No. I've been where Power is now. Mom thought Dad was neglecting me, but even he knew he just trusted in me to be free. If family blood has to fall apart because of the law thinking, mind you, that a host is neglectful, everything else will too." "If you want this to go all the way to Princess Celestia, then keep doing what you're doing. I'll find a way out somehow." "Go ahead, tell Princess Celestia! I'm sure she won't believe you! Do you think that's going to change my mind?!? Of course it won't change my mind! I'll do whatever it takes to keep you out of the likes of him!" "Suit yourself." "But I will keep an LB eye on you in case she does, 'cause I'm willing to go to jail if it means keeping Power under my supervision!" And with that, both leave the apartment, one out the window, and one out the entrance. High gallops over to the lobby where Power is. "Power, we need to go right now! Home Care's on her way to Canterlot! I cannot risk Princess Celestia siding with her!" At Canterlot, High and Power manage to make it to Celestia's castle before Home Care can. High sighs. "Thank Celestia we flew all the way here." Unfortunately, their sigh of relief is cut short by the arrival of a tired Home Care. "How in Equestria do you get here so fast?!?" "Oh, no, not this mare again!" "Just let me get in there and we'll be on our ways." "No, Home Care. Don't go in there before me and Power." Suddenly, a pair of guards come by. "What seems to be the problem here?" "I'm being accused for neglect by somepony who believes some one sided rumor about me and my younger brother." One of the guards looks behind him. "Is this true, ma'am?" "Yes, it's true, but there's more to that rumor than High is letting on." "I see. Shall we see Princess Celestia about this?" "Yes," Home Care and High say in unison. "Follow us then." The two guards walk into the entrance of the castle with High and Power between them and Home Care. In the courtroom, one of the guards that have guided "Princess Celestia, may I bring in three residents from Detrot?" "You may. I am sure I have time for any citizen of Equestria." As soon as the guard leaves, he comes back with High, Power and Home Care. "Hello ponies. Anything I could help you with?" "Yes. I've been accused of a one sided rumor about me and my brother by Home Care." "And what is this rumor that you were accused of?" "Neglect." Princess raises an eyebrow in response. "Where did you first hear this from?" "It was me, your highness. And this rumor proves that this foal needs a safer environment. Take it from me, I want what's best for both Power and High." High gives a death glare to Home Care that says, you're lucky I can't give out personal attacks in front of Princess Celestia! "Princess Celestia, I also want what's best for Power. I'm willing to, as Home Care puts it, 'go broke from medical bills' and 'go to jail' if it means I provide the environment best for him." "Now, about those rumors... what happened that led to these kinds of comments?" "It was just a few accidents that happened. Plus, it wasn't as if he was underwater under a machine or anything. Just accidents that would've had no long term effects if not for these rumors. In fact, the rumor was the only long term effect that's happened. No scars, no change in paths, none of that happened. It was just a frisbee to the head, a lightning strike and a couple of hill rolls that were caused by a few mares. I don't fault anyone for these accidents." "Thanks for your input, both of you. I'll heavily deliberate on this." Celestia leaves the room heading to her throne. 2 Prologue Part 2Princess Celestia comes in after an hour and stands where she did when she was receiving the information she deliberated over. "Alright. I have reached a verdict to which all should be aware of. I find the defendant of this case guilty." With Princess Celestia's words, Power's eyes shrink as she continues on. By the end of it, he's on the verge of tears. "I may be aware that what you have intended, High Glow, is perfectly understandable, but what really influenced my verdict was that lightning bolt you mentioned. Home Care was right about some of the accidents potentially resulting in serious injuries. I hope you understand my decision." Now, Power and High hug each other in sadness that they have to part ways by law. High just sighs afterwards, still misty eyed. "I understand." "Oh, Power. I'm so sorry about this all. If nopony said anything about those accidents, you'd still be under my care." "High... no... this shouldn't be happening!" Power bursts into tears upon High's shoulder, hugging him in the process. "I tried to tell her life will always be worse if you're not under my care, but nopony in town ever listens. And because of that, I've lost you." High starts crying himself hugging Power back. "No matter what happens, I'll always miss you." "I don't want to go into foster care!!!" "I wish you didn't have to. I just hope you can handle your self." "Power, are you ready?" Looking up, a comforting on the surface Celestia appears in front of Power, who just tears up even more. "No..." And off Power runs out of the castle leaving a trail of tears behind. "Power..." High sniffles and looks down on the floor, closing his eyes. Power just runs, with no destination in mind. His only thought is to run. Run away from Canterlot and Detrot. He'll even fly if he has to. At the edge of the city, which he reaches, he does so. If losing the care of his brother didn't break his heart, he didn't know what would. After an hour or so, Power gets pelted with leaves and branches and gets stuck. He sighs. It's a good thing for him he won't be going where he doesn't want to go. 3 Crusader's Colt"Hey Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo!" Applebloom calls her fellow crusaders after school, who come to her quickly. "What's going on Applebloom?" Scootaloo is the first to respond. "Ah just wanted to take a trip down memory lane. Ah sort of miss makin' potions with Zecora before w'started Twilight Time. And I miss the beauty of the trail on the way to Zecora's and back home." "But isn't the forest dangerous?" Sweetie Belle asks. "Yes. But Ah think Ah've noticed a pattern there though. It won't be nearly as dangerous if w'just follow the trail." "Well, Applebloom does have a point. Maybe." "That's more like it, Scootaloo!" Sweetie Belle just sigh. "Fine, go into the forest where you risk getting destroyed." "If you come with us, none of us won't be alone since we have each other." "Okay, fine." "Besides, who knows what the Apples will need to make an apple related treat?" Suddenly, Applejack comes to the crusaders. "Oh, Ah'm so glad Ah found you three. We're about to start makin' a special apple pie and one of the ingredients we need is in and only in the Everfree Forest. Would you three get those while I get the apples and everything else needed to make it?" "What'd I tell ya, crusaders? We'll do it, Applejack!" "Ah hope y'all will make it okay." "Just worry about your pie. We'll get the ingredient. Tree sap, right?" "Oh, it's no ordinary tree sap, Sweetie Belle. This here tree sap is the kind that is only safe when applied to a very special pie." "Oh, I get it! It's zap sap." "Promise me that y'only go for the zap sap. Okay?" "Y'have our word!" At the Everfree Forest, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Applebloom all have crates to put the sap in. "I'm so glad you and Applejack wanted us to come here. I actually kind of miss this place." "Miss this place? Scootaloo, what about when we almost encountered a cockatrice?" "Exactly what I mean!" "Hey, Scootaloo. Ah think you're right. Once y'visit it enough times, the Everfree Forest actually looks kinda cool." "Sweetie Belle, can get those sap leaves?" "Hold on, now. Let's see if I could get a good grip on these." Sweetie Belle concentrates on removing the leaves off of the trees. But because they're stuck to not only each other, but the tree itself, she struggles, causing a branch to break off when her levitation becomes successful, only for it to close off when the branch breaks, surprising the crusaders. "Great, we got the sap. But how do we take it without the addition of this branch?" "Who knows? We may have an extra stick for makin' s'mores." "Only if Applejack's alright with us doing that." "Ah'm sure she will be, Sweetie Belle. There's nothin' like bringin' in an extra tool to make things easier." "I guess your right." "Of course Ah am. Now let's get this sappy stick to Applejack's!" Applebloom and Sweetie Belle start to head out with the stick of sap in one of the crates until Applebloom notices Scootaloo not following them. "Scoots, y'comin'?" "I-I'll catch you two later. I didn't get that much view of the forest." Applebloom may not realize it, but there's some quiet rustling in a bush that Scootaloo notices. It's coming from right on the other side of the trail of the forest. "Okay. Meet us on the way over before you run out of energy running from monsters." Sweetie Belle chuckles as she hears the rustling, thinking it's nothing more than a rodent. And just like that, Scootaloo is all alone in the forest. "Okay, now to find what's causing all that rustling across." Scootaloo inches closer to the rustling bushes. Right as she was about to touch the bushes, she notices something behind it. Something like a faded red with blonde on top. At first, the shape is unrecognizable through the bush. But Scootaloo removes the front of the bush to reveal a young pegasus. A colt to be exact. "Uh, hey there." The colt doesn't respond. "What're you doing out here?" The more Scootaloo thinks about it, the more she realizes this colt is really young, years younger than even Pipsqueak. The next thing she notices is a foul stench around the bush. Looking closer, the colt's hooves are trapped in a what looks like a long since congealed tan puddle. Now Scootaloo's head is a mess of questions. How did he get here? Why is he here? Why is he stuck in a solid puddle? How long has he been here? What should she do? Should she leave him and come back with her friends? Who'd she even tell? This hasn't happened before, so none of her friends know about him. Does she take him into the Ponyville Daycare Center? That's a stupid thought in the first place. Not only will he potentially get shots everywhere on him, but there's too much paperwork to handle. Go to Sweetie Apple Acres with him? That won't work. He might be accepted as an apple, despite not being an earth pony, having to do chores only earth ponies can do. She has only one choice. As her thoughts complete, she notices that the colt has started crying from her out loud question earlier. His mane is a huge mess, his pupils are slightly faded and he even has quite a few cuts, especially on his face, his lip area covered in tan. That's the final straw. Scootaloo gets behind the bush, getting the reaction she expected. Fear. The colt attempts to back away from the filly, only to be picked up onto her back. She may need the elbow grease of pull the colt out, but her voice is calm anyway. "There's nothing to worry about. I won't hurt you." Scootaloo comes out of the bush with the colt still on her back, racing out of the Everfree Forest. 4 Home and SchoolAfter Scootaloo drops off the colt at her house and helps heal his wounds and wash his face, she races over to Sweet Apple Acres just in time to see Sweetie belle and Applebloom. "Scootaloo! Where were you? I thought you were going to meet us on the way over!" "I was, but then I heard rustling in a bush and it turned out to be a colt making all the rustle in the bush. He looked injured so I took him to my house and took care of him because I was afraid of the side effects of any other choice of what to do with him." "Wai-what! Y'found a COLT?!? In the Everfree Forest?!?" "I did!" "What's his name?!?" Sweetie Belle asks. "I think it's something like Power Glow." "Power Glow. Interestin' name." "He didn't seem that vocal though. Maybe because he's probably years younger than Pip." "That actually would make a lot of sense." Sweetie Belle looks at Applebloom. "Hey, is Applejack in the kitchen?" "Yeah. Why?" Applebloom asks. "I wanted to see if we could have him enroll into our school." "Well, that sounds like an amazing idea!" Sweetie Belle jumps as her horn sparks. "Just go ask Applejack." "Okay, will do." Scootaloo gets into the barn in the living room. "Hello?" "Oh, hey Scootaloo! Fancy meetin' y'all here. Just put the pie in the oven. So, what d'ya need?" "I'm just wondering what it would take to enroll somepony into Ponyville Elementary." "That is a good curiosity there. All that needs to happen is that the pony who's watchin' over the filly or colt just have their signature on a paper that agrees about somethin' or other. That paper goes to the representatives of the school who sends the letter back letting them know whether or not they're enrolled. Why?" "A colt I found is going to be staying with me for a while." "Well, it's a might fine that y'took in this colt." "Thanks." "No problem, little filly." At home, Scootaloo comes to her parents, Scooter Tricks and Launch Pad. "Mom. Dad. I have something to ask." "Shoot it, girl," Scooter Tricks responds. "Did you happen to notice a young pegasus in the house?" "Which one? The one we see now or the one with the band aids on?" Launch Pad asks. "The one with the band aids." "Yeah, we've noticed. But why do you ask?" Scooter Tricks walks up to Scootaloo. "I wanted to see if we could enroll him into Ponyville Elementary." "Sure we could do that. Almost as if we're in the past." Launch Pad winks at Scootaloo. "Thanks." Scootaloo runs upstairs and arrives in the room she left the colt in. "Hi. I'm back, just like I said." The colt runs over to Scootaloo, head butting her afterwards. "Mom and Dad are about to enroll you in Ponyville Elementary. I hope you'll like it there. It's the friendliest place in Ponyville thanks to what caused my cutie mark." It is just at the moment when the colt takes notice of the shield containing a wing and a thunderbolt. "Good thing that tonight's not a school night. Now that Fall is starting, it won't be that hard for you to catch up compared to the Winter or Spring." The colt doesn't pay attention to Scootaloo, too focused on her cutie mark. But neither did Scootaloo with the colt looking at her cutie mark. Suddenly, taking a moment of silence, she notices the colt is not in front of her anymore. "Huh? Power?" "Wha- huh?" Power shakes his head and rubs the side of it with his left hoof, no longer looking at Scootaloo's shield mark. Scootaloo just laughs it off. "Were you looking at my cutie mark?" Power is unsure whether or not he was. Scootaloo giggles again. "It's alright. I have a cutie mark of the Cutie Mark Crusaders." Power is confused now. "It's a long story. I'll explain later." Scootaloo invited Power to sleep with her that night, which Power accepted for some reason, even though Scootaloo was expecting a no. However, Scootaloo never did ask about Power's past. The next morning is the perfect opportunity to ask. At breakfast, Scootaloo and Power meet at the table. What is set out on the table is a dish of pancakes and hay links each. "So, good news, Scootaloo. The colt's been accepted," Launch Pad announces. "Really?!? Has he?!?" Scooter Tricks nods at Scootaloo. "See, told you they'd get you enrolled, Power. Thanks again for doing that, Mom and Dad." Launch Pad nods. "No problem, Scoots." Power just looks down on to the ground. "Power, are you okay?" Scootaloo asks. "Mhm." "It's okay if you're not. It'll feel a lot better to say that if you truly feel that way, anyway." Power hugs Scootaloo misty eyed, who responds with a hug back. "Hey, if you feel uncomfortable, just come to me. I'm the one who found you." Wiping the tears away, Launch Pad looks at her daughter. It's as if she's in the past, with Scootaloo taking a role as a caregiver. Of course it made sense that her cutie mark is a shield with a wing and a bolt in it. "Are you alright, hon?" "Oh, Scooter Tricks. Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just proud of little Scootaloo. That's it." Scooter Tricks and Launch Pad give hugs of their own to each other. Over the course of the weekend, Power gets used to Ponyville. Lucky for Scootaloo, in Power's eyes, she's usually home alone. He even got to meet the other two members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. He also noticed that the other two had the same shield for a cutie mark as Scootaloo. Now, it's Monday, the first day of Ponyville Elementary for Power. Over there is twenty five to thirty five school kids on the yard. "Power Glow, welcome to Ponyville Elementary. There may or may not be somepony who lives with the son of a former Wonderbolt." Power gasps in glee of hearing the Wonderbolts. One of the ponies in the yard has some relation to that aerial acrobatic team. Suddenly, the frantic Applebloom and Sweetie Belle come in. "Scootaloo! Have y'seen Tail Flight?!? Ah can't find her!!!" "Wait a minute. Has it already been a month?" Sweetie Belle thinks for a little bit until it clicked. "Oh, yeah. It has. We don't have to worry about her. I understand if she wants to stay home." "Actually, me too. I wonder if Power lost somepony important to him." As Scootaloo's curiosity comes out loud, Power looks to the ground again. "Oh, I take that as a yes, then." Scootaloo ends up wrapped in the fore hooves of Power. "Well, that seems too similar to Tail Flight's story for it to be Power's." Sweetie Belle becomes skeptical of Scootaloo's hypothesis. "But it still makes-" "Applebloom! Sweetie Belle! Ssh!" Scootaloo rubs Power's back in an attempt to calm him down. "Say, why don't we get on the playground before we get inside. Cheerilee doesn't need any depression now, would she?" Power likes the idea of winding down with Scootaloo in the playground, so he lets go and looks for a place to play. "Hello class. Hope you all had a lovely final summer weekend. And there's no better way of kicking off our autumn with the introduction of a new student. Everypony, meet Power Glow." The students give a round of applause for the young colt. It was a good thing that Cheerilee was told just to introduce the student. It seems as if everything that reminds him of his past seems to pull him down in the dumps, even the mention of Canterlot or Detrot. Up until lunch, Power just sits there listening in very carefully. Taking as many notes as he can out of a couple sheets of paper he took from the printer in the basement. Finally, when lunch arrives, Power feels like a new colt, like there is Hakuna Matata surrounding him. To the average rascal in comparison student, they'd probably feel very sorry for Power if note taking of all things cheers him up. But they pay no mind to it. Lunch break arrives when a storm is brewing, so the class heads to the basement for lunch. Over there, it gets pretty crowded with the press equipment present. So much so, that a few fillies and colts choose to eat at their desks, including the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Power. "Hey, Power. We were just wonderin'. Would y'like to visit Tail Flight after school today?" "Sure." "We'll take you there right after the 'belle' rings," Scootaloo says, to which Power starts to chuckle. "Not cool," Sweetie Belle responds. "R'lax, Sweetie Belle. It's all in good fun." Applebloom elbows Sweetie Belle, who barely notices. "We want Power to be happy here, right?" "I guess you're right." Sweetie Belle flicks her hoof away from her cheek. "Of course Ah am." 5 A Deadly AnniversaryAfter school, Power and the Cutie Mark Crusaders walk over to a house that has a Wonderbolt symbol on it. Scootaloo points to it. "Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, look! Is that the place?" "Oh, it definitely is! No other house in Ponyville has a Wonderbolt symbol on the front door." "Well, what're we waitin' for! Let's get in!" Scootaloo knocks on the door. The one who answers the door, though, surprises even Power, since she has no wings. However, the one answers the door is also surprised at who she sees behind the Cutie Mark Crusaders. "Hey Crusaders. This is quite a weird time. By the way, who's this youngster behind you all?" "I'm Power Glow." "Wow, what an impressive name." The pink earth filly smiles at the sound of Power's name. "So, what are you here for?" "We're here t'see Tail Flight." "Oh, right. She's in her bedroom, upstairs." "Okay. Thanks." The Cutie Mark Crusaders run upstairs with Power quickly behind them. "Hello?" another voice called in response to the CMC and Power running up the stairs. "Hey Tail Flight. Just came back from school. How was yer day off?" "Kind of surprising." "Really?!?" Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle look surprised to the response of a surprising day. "Yeah. It only felt like yesterday I got to stay here for the first time. Now it's been a whole month I've lived here." Now, Power is getting so curious about that symbol on the front door, he willingly starts to speak. "Hey, Tail Flight. I hear you're friends with the son of a former Wonderbolt. Does that explain the symbol on the front door of this house?" "Well, it would if it weren't for the fact that another friend of mine was a Wonderbolt himself. He was my idol." Power sighs, coming up to Tail Flight. "You're not the only one." "Really?" Tail Flight looks puzzled. "Don't you have your guardian who looks after you?" "I just got a new one. I don't want to talk about it." Sweetie Belle intervenes with Tail Flight and Power's conversation, "But you-" only to be stopped Applebloom's hoof. "Quilt off Sweetie Belle! Let 'em do what they please!" "Please. You can tell me. I won't think anything negative of it." Power sighs again, wiping a tear off this time. "The truth is... I moved out from my brother's apartment. High Glow was accused of neglect, but I know he wouldn't do such a thing. He was proven guilty. I didn't want to go into foster care, so I ran as fast as I could out of Canterlot. I even chose to fly when I had to. Then, I ended up in this forest or jungle or whatever it was for about a month." "Oh, is that where you were found?" Power nods at Tail Flight. "Scootaloo found me." "Well, here's the good thing. At least you (actually we) have ponies who look after you so you won't go into foster care." Tail Flight's right. Power's living much better of a life than he thought he would be after running away, even if it took about a month. That thought alone cheers him up. "Thank you Tail Flight." Power hugs Tail Flight snug, who returns it. 6 Scooting Towards a CaseScootaloo has now learned about how Power Glow got into the Everfree Forest in the first place. To her, this seems like something that mares and stallions should handle, not fillies and colts. But she's the one who found him. She knows to be loyal to her friends and their families. She'll do whatever it takes to help anypony out of a sticky situation. The next day, it is much better of a day out, so everypony has plans for the playground. "Aren't y'gonna come with us, Scootaloo?" Applebloom asks. "No, I'll stay in here. I have a plan for after school today." "A plan?" Power, previously following Sweetie Belle and Applebloom, turns around. "Yes, quite. Mind staying here?" "Not at all." Power returns to his desk. "So, my plan is to see what happened to you before you sent yourself out into the Everfree Forest. After that, I'll be able to see if your brother is guilty or not. Then, I'll take it up to Canterlot Supreme Court and see what all the jurors think." "But wasn't there a court with just Princess Celestia?" "From what I learned yes. But it's just LCC, Local Canterlot Court, not CSC." "How many judges are there?" "Twelve." Power is surprised by the high number, but quickly realizes that the higher the number of judges, the higher the representation of the opinion of Equestria. "I see you've caught on to a direct relationship." Power nods, but with uncertainty. "What're you going to do?" "I'll just go to your brother's house. Don't worry, it'll be our little secret. I'll just tell Mom and Dad that you and I will just be staying at a friend's house. Technically, it's not lying because, well, you're my friend. And it's as much your house as it is your brother's. And you consider your brother a friend. Don't you?" Power nods again. "Good."
1 Prologue Part 1"Hello?" The visitor of an apartment is unsure whether or not she has the right address. The earth pony's mane and tail are completely curled in white while her eyes are of the same yellow as her coat. Her cutie mark is the figure of a house. "High Glow, is it?" The pegasus stallion before the visitor nods, confirming the visitor's assumption. "So, what brings you here, Home Care?" High Glow's mane and tail are straight and blonde all the way through. He has slightly faded pupils with a thin, light brown iris around each. His coat is of an orange color and his cutie mark is a light bulb. "I've come to inform you about your brother under your care." "Would Power need to hear the news?" "Indeed, yes." "Okay I'll get him." High Glow walks to the door furthest to the right. Behind the door frame is a bedroom between another, to the right, and the bathroom, to the left. "Hey, Power. Someone's sharing news with us." The stallion leads a smaller pegasus with a light red coat. His eyes, mane and tail are exactly the same as High Glow's, complete with the slightly faded pupils. "So, what's the news?" "I'm here to tell you that some nasty, major rumors about you, High Glow, which are that you've been failing at strong supervision over your brother." "Well, this is news to me. Tell me more." High Glow shoots his faded eyes open. "These rumors were solely based on incidents that happened outside of school, including, but not limited to, hill rolls with older mares, lightning strikes and almost getting knocked out, hit in the head with a frisbee." "Even if I were there, none of those could've changed if I saw them coming. Most of them were because of the citizens here in Detrot. I won't fault them though. Accidents happen once in a while." "High Glow, these could be serious injuries that may be beyond medical assistance if it's bad enough! Do you want to risk going broke because of the continuation of these potentially serious injuries, much less being arrested for neglect?!? It's bad enough our economy suffered from that storm we had a year ago! Power needs a safer environment!" Meanwhile, Power slowly steps into the hall in worry of what may happen. "Power, get to the lobby, now! This could get bitter between me and Home Care. I'll come get you." And with that, Power disappears from view. "Okay, Home Care. First off, I do not neglect Power! I call him my brother and I'll do what it takes to keep it that way! Secondly, I don't go helicopter parent on him! He's already earned my trust in him and all it took was being my brother! I love him!" "I'm sorry High, but if rumors' reasons are true events that have transpired that the mayor of Detrot has heard about, then I have no choice but to take him away!" Home Care walks to the entrance, only to be stopped by a speeding High Glow. "No! I won't let you take him away from me! Who knows how much worse things might be for him?!? Plus, you, yourself, said that these were nasty 'rumors'!" "Stop blocking the door way and let me do my job!" "No. I've been where Power is now. Mom thought Dad was neglecting me, but even he knew he just trusted in me to be free. If family blood has to fall apart because of the law thinking, mind you, that a host is neglectful, everything else will too." "If you want this to go all the way to Princess Celestia, then keep doing what you're doing. I'll find a way out somehow." "Go ahead, tell Princess Celestia! I'm sure she won't believe you! Do you think that's going to change my mind?!? Of course it won't change my mind! I'll do whatever it takes to keep you out of the likes of him!" "Suit yourself." "But I will keep an LB eye on you in case she does, 'cause I'm willing to go to jail if it means keeping Power under my supervision!" And with that, both leave the apartment, one out the window, and one out the entrance. High gallops over to the lobby where Power is. "Power, we need to go right now! Home Care's on her way to Canterlot! I cannot risk Princess Celestia siding with her!" At Canterlot, High and Power manage to make it to Celestia's castle before Home Care can. High sighs. "Thank Celestia we flew all the way here." Unfortunately, their sigh of relief is cut short by the arrival of a tired Home Care. "How in Equestria do you get here so fast?!?" "Oh, no, not this mare again!" "Just let me get in there and we'll be on our ways." "No, Home Care. Don't go in there before me and Power." Suddenly, a pair of guards come by. "What seems to be the problem here?" "I'm being accused for neglect by somepony who believes some one sided rumor about me and my younger brother." One of the guards looks behind him. "Is this true, ma'am?" "Yes, it's true, but there's more to that rumor than High is letting on." "I see. Shall we see Princess Celestia about this?" "Yes," Home Care and High say in unison. "Follow us then." The two guards walk into the entrance of the castle with High and Power between them and Home Care. In the courtroom, one of the guards that have guided "Princess Celestia, may I bring in three residents from Detrot?" "You may. I am sure I have time for any citizen of Equestria." As soon as the guard leaves, he comes back with High, Power and Home Care. "Hello ponies. Anything I could help you with?" "Yes. I've been accused of a one sided rumor about me and my brother by Home Care." "And what is this rumor that you were accused of?" "Neglect." Princess raises an eyebrow in response. "Where did you first hear this from?" "It was me, your highness. And this rumor proves that this foal needs a safer environment. Take it from me, I want what's best for both Power and High." High gives a death glare to Home Care that says, you're lucky I can't give out personal attacks in front of Princess Celestia! "Princess Celestia, I also want what's best for Power. I'm willing to, as Home Care puts it, 'go broke from medical bills' and 'go to jail' if it means I provide the environment best for him." "Now, about those rumors... what happened that led to these kinds of comments?" "It was just a few accidents that happened. Plus, it wasn't as if he was underwater under a machine or anything. Just accidents that would've had no long term effects if not for these rumors. In fact, the rumor was the only long term effect that's happened. No scars, no change in paths, none of that happened. It was just a frisbee to the head, a lightning strike and a couple of hill rolls that were caused by a few mares. I don't fault anyone for these accidents." "Thanks for your input, both of you. I'll heavily deliberate on this." Celestia leaves the room heading to her throne.
2 Prologue Part 2Princess Celestia comes in after an hour and stands where she did when she was receiving the information she deliberated over. "Alright. I have reached a verdict to which all should be aware of. I find the defendant of this case guilty." With Princess Celestia's words, Power's eyes shrink as she continues on. By the end of it, he's on the verge of tears. "I may be aware that what you have intended, High Glow, is perfectly understandable, but what really influenced my verdict was that lightning bolt you mentioned. Home Care was right about some of the accidents potentially resulting in serious injuries. I hope you understand my decision." Now, Power and High hug each other in sadness that they have to part ways by law. High just sighs afterwards, still misty eyed. "I understand." "Oh, Power. I'm so sorry about this all. If nopony said anything about those accidents, you'd still be under my care." "High... no... this shouldn't be happening!" Power bursts into tears upon High's shoulder, hugging him in the process. "I tried to tell her life will always be worse if you're not under my care, but nopony in town ever listens. And because of that, I've lost you." High starts crying himself hugging Power back. "No matter what happens, I'll always miss you." "I don't want to go into foster care!!!" "I wish you didn't have to. I just hope you can handle your self." "Power, are you ready?" Looking up, a comforting on the surface Celestia appears in front of Power, who just tears up even more. "No..." And off Power runs out of the castle leaving a trail of tears behind. "Power..." High sniffles and looks down on the floor, closing his eyes. Power just runs, with no destination in mind. His only thought is to run. Run away from Canterlot and Detrot. He'll even fly if he has to. At the edge of the city, which he reaches, he does so. If losing the care of his brother didn't break his heart, he didn't know what would. After an hour or so, Power gets pelted with leaves and branches and gets stuck. He sighs. It's a good thing for him he won't be going where he doesn't want to go.
3 Crusader's Colt"Hey Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo!" Applebloom calls her fellow crusaders after school, who come to her quickly. "What's going on Applebloom?" Scootaloo is the first to respond. "Ah just wanted to take a trip down memory lane. Ah sort of miss makin' potions with Zecora before w'started Twilight Time. And I miss the beauty of the trail on the way to Zecora's and back home." "But isn't the forest dangerous?" Sweetie Belle asks. "Yes. But Ah think Ah've noticed a pattern there though. It won't be nearly as dangerous if w'just follow the trail." "Well, Applebloom does have a point. Maybe." "That's more like it, Scootaloo!" Sweetie Belle just sigh. "Fine, go into the forest where you risk getting destroyed." "If you come with us, none of us won't be alone since we have each other." "Okay, fine." "Besides, who knows what the Apples will need to make an apple related treat?" Suddenly, Applejack comes to the crusaders. "Oh, Ah'm so glad Ah found you three. We're about to start makin' a special apple pie and one of the ingredients we need is in and only in the Everfree Forest. Would you three get those while I get the apples and everything else needed to make it?" "What'd I tell ya, crusaders? We'll do it, Applejack!" "Ah hope y'all will make it okay." "Just worry about your pie. We'll get the ingredient. Tree sap, right?" "Oh, it's no ordinary tree sap, Sweetie Belle. This here tree sap is the kind that is only safe when applied to a very special pie." "Oh, I get it! It's zap sap." "Promise me that y'only go for the zap sap. Okay?" "Y'have our word!" At the Everfree Forest, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Applebloom all have crates to put the sap in. "I'm so glad you and Applejack wanted us to come here. I actually kind of miss this place." "Miss this place? Scootaloo, what about when we almost encountered a cockatrice?" "Exactly what I mean!" "Hey, Scootaloo. Ah think you're right. Once y'visit it enough times, the Everfree Forest actually looks kinda cool." "Sweetie Belle, can get those sap leaves?" "Hold on, now. Let's see if I could get a good grip on these." Sweetie Belle concentrates on removing the leaves off of the trees. But because they're stuck to not only each other, but the tree itself, she struggles, causing a branch to break off when her levitation becomes successful, only for it to close off when the branch breaks, surprising the crusaders. "Great, we got the sap. But how do we take it without the addition of this branch?" "Who knows? We may have an extra stick for makin' s'mores." "Only if Applejack's alright with us doing that." "Ah'm sure she will be, Sweetie Belle. There's nothin' like bringin' in an extra tool to make things easier." "I guess your right." "Of course Ah am. Now let's get this sappy stick to Applejack's!" Applebloom and Sweetie Belle start to head out with the stick of sap in one of the crates until Applebloom notices Scootaloo not following them. "Scoots, y'comin'?" "I-I'll catch you two later. I didn't get that much view of the forest." Applebloom may not realize it, but there's some quiet rustling in a bush that Scootaloo notices. It's coming from right on the other side of the trail of the forest. "Okay. Meet us on the way over before you run out of energy running from monsters." Sweetie Belle chuckles as she hears the rustling, thinking it's nothing more than a rodent. And just like that, Scootaloo is all alone in the forest. "Okay, now to find what's causing all that rustling across." Scootaloo inches closer to the rustling bushes. Right as she was about to touch the bushes, she notices something behind it. Something like a faded red with blonde on top. At first, the shape is unrecognizable through the bush. But Scootaloo removes the front of the bush to reveal a young pegasus. A colt to be exact. "Uh, hey there." The colt doesn't respond. "What're you doing out here?" The more Scootaloo thinks about it, the more she realizes this colt is really young, years younger than even Pipsqueak. The next thing she notices is a foul stench around the bush. Looking closer, the colt's hooves are trapped in a what looks like a long since congealed tan puddle. Now Scootaloo's head is a mess of questions. How did he get here? Why is he here? Why is he stuck in a solid puddle? How long has he been here? What should she do? Should she leave him and come back with her friends? Who'd she even tell? This hasn't happened before, so none of her friends know about him. Does she take him into the Ponyville Daycare Center? That's a stupid thought in the first place. Not only will he potentially get shots everywhere on him, but there's too much paperwork to handle. Go to Sweetie Apple Acres with him? That won't work. He might be accepted as an apple, despite not being an earth pony, having to do chores only earth ponies can do. She has only one choice. As her thoughts complete, she notices that the colt has started crying from her out loud question earlier. His mane is a huge mess, his pupils are slightly faded and he even has quite a few cuts, especially on his face, his lip area covered in tan. That's the final straw. Scootaloo gets behind the bush, getting the reaction she expected. Fear. The colt attempts to back away from the filly, only to be picked up onto her back. She may need the elbow grease of pull the colt out, but her voice is calm anyway. "There's nothing to worry about. I won't hurt you." Scootaloo comes out of the bush with the colt still on her back, racing out of the Everfree Forest.
4 Home and SchoolAfter Scootaloo drops off the colt at her house and helps heal his wounds and wash his face, she races over to Sweet Apple Acres just in time to see Sweetie belle and Applebloom. "Scootaloo! Where were you? I thought you were going to meet us on the way over!" "I was, but then I heard rustling in a bush and it turned out to be a colt making all the rustle in the bush. He looked injured so I took him to my house and took care of him because I was afraid of the side effects of any other choice of what to do with him." "Wai-what! Y'found a COLT?!? In the Everfree Forest?!?" "I did!" "What's his name?!?" Sweetie Belle asks. "I think it's something like Power Glow." "Power Glow. Interestin' name." "He didn't seem that vocal though. Maybe because he's probably years younger than Pip." "That actually would make a lot of sense." Sweetie Belle looks at Applebloom. "Hey, is Applejack in the kitchen?" "Yeah. Why?" Applebloom asks. "I wanted to see if we could have him enroll into our school." "Well, that sounds like an amazing idea!" Sweetie Belle jumps as her horn sparks. "Just go ask Applejack." "Okay, will do." Scootaloo gets into the barn in the living room. "Hello?" "Oh, hey Scootaloo! Fancy meetin' y'all here. Just put the pie in the oven. So, what d'ya need?" "I'm just wondering what it would take to enroll somepony into Ponyville Elementary." "That is a good curiosity there. All that needs to happen is that the pony who's watchin' over the filly or colt just have their signature on a paper that agrees about somethin' or other. That paper goes to the representatives of the school who sends the letter back letting them know whether or not they're enrolled. Why?" "A colt I found is going to be staying with me for a while." "Well, it's a might fine that y'took in this colt." "Thanks." "No problem, little filly." At home, Scootaloo comes to her parents, Scooter Tricks and Launch Pad. "Mom. Dad. I have something to ask." "Shoot it, girl," Scooter Tricks responds. "Did you happen to notice a young pegasus in the house?" "Which one? The one we see now or the one with the band aids on?" Launch Pad asks. "The one with the band aids." "Yeah, we've noticed. But why do you ask?" Scooter Tricks walks up to Scootaloo. "I wanted to see if we could enroll him into Ponyville Elementary." "Sure we could do that. Almost as if we're in the past." Launch Pad winks at Scootaloo. "Thanks." Scootaloo runs upstairs and arrives in the room she left the colt in. "Hi. I'm back, just like I said." The colt runs over to Scootaloo, head butting her afterwards. "Mom and Dad are about to enroll you in Ponyville Elementary. I hope you'll like it there. It's the friendliest place in Ponyville thanks to what caused my cutie mark." It is just at the moment when the colt takes notice of the shield containing a wing and a thunderbolt. "Good thing that tonight's not a school night. Now that Fall is starting, it won't be that hard for you to catch up compared to the Winter or Spring." The colt doesn't pay attention to Scootaloo, too focused on her cutie mark. But neither did Scootaloo with the colt looking at her cutie mark. Suddenly, taking a moment of silence, she notices the colt is not in front of her anymore. "Huh? Power?" "Wha- huh?" Power shakes his head and rubs the side of it with his left hoof, no longer looking at Scootaloo's shield mark. Scootaloo just laughs it off. "Were you looking at my cutie mark?" Power is unsure whether or not he was. Scootaloo giggles again. "It's alright. I have a cutie mark of the Cutie Mark Crusaders." Power is confused now. "It's a long story. I'll explain later." Scootaloo invited Power to sleep with her that night, which Power accepted for some reason, even though Scootaloo was expecting a no. However, Scootaloo never did ask about Power's past. The next morning is the perfect opportunity to ask. At breakfast, Scootaloo and Power meet at the table. What is set out on the table is a dish of pancakes and hay links each. "So, good news, Scootaloo. The colt's been accepted," Launch Pad announces. "Really?!? Has he?!?" Scooter Tricks nods at Scootaloo. "See, told you they'd get you enrolled, Power. Thanks again for doing that, Mom and Dad." Launch Pad nods. "No problem, Scoots." Power just looks down on to the ground. "Power, are you okay?" Scootaloo asks. "Mhm." "It's okay if you're not. It'll feel a lot better to say that if you truly feel that way, anyway." Power hugs Scootaloo misty eyed, who responds with a hug back. "Hey, if you feel uncomfortable, just come to me. I'm the one who found you." Wiping the tears away, Launch Pad looks at her daughter. It's as if she's in the past, with Scootaloo taking a role as a caregiver. Of course it made sense that her cutie mark is a shield with a wing and a bolt in it. "Are you alright, hon?" "Oh, Scooter Tricks. Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just proud of little Scootaloo. That's it." Scooter Tricks and Launch Pad give hugs of their own to each other. Over the course of the weekend, Power gets used to Ponyville. Lucky for Scootaloo, in Power's eyes, she's usually home alone. He even got to meet the other two members of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. He also noticed that the other two had the same shield for a cutie mark as Scootaloo. Now, it's Monday, the first day of Ponyville Elementary for Power. Over there is twenty five to thirty five school kids on the yard. "Power Glow, welcome to Ponyville Elementary. There may or may not be somepony who lives with the son of a former Wonderbolt." Power gasps in glee of hearing the Wonderbolts. One of the ponies in the yard has some relation to that aerial acrobatic team. Suddenly, the frantic Applebloom and Sweetie Belle come in. "Scootaloo! Have y'seen Tail Flight?!? Ah can't find her!!!" "Wait a minute. Has it already been a month?" Sweetie Belle thinks for a little bit until it clicked. "Oh, yeah. It has. We don't have to worry about her. I understand if she wants to stay home." "Actually, me too. I wonder if Power lost somepony important to him." As Scootaloo's curiosity comes out loud, Power looks to the ground again. "Oh, I take that as a yes, then." Scootaloo ends up wrapped in the fore hooves of Power. "Well, that seems too similar to Tail Flight's story for it to be Power's." Sweetie Belle becomes skeptical of Scootaloo's hypothesis. "But it still makes-" "Applebloom! Sweetie Belle! Ssh!" Scootaloo rubs Power's back in an attempt to calm him down. "Say, why don't we get on the playground before we get inside. Cheerilee doesn't need any depression now, would she?" Power likes the idea of winding down with Scootaloo in the playground, so he lets go and looks for a place to play. "Hello class. Hope you all had a lovely final summer weekend. And there's no better way of kicking off our autumn with the introduction of a new student. Everypony, meet Power Glow." The students give a round of applause for the young colt. It was a good thing that Cheerilee was told just to introduce the student. It seems as if everything that reminds him of his past seems to pull him down in the dumps, even the mention of Canterlot or Detrot. Up until lunch, Power just sits there listening in very carefully. Taking as many notes as he can out of a couple sheets of paper he took from the printer in the basement. Finally, when lunch arrives, Power feels like a new colt, like there is Hakuna Matata surrounding him. To the average rascal in comparison student, they'd probably feel very sorry for Power if note taking of all things cheers him up. But they pay no mind to it. Lunch break arrives when a storm is brewing, so the class heads to the basement for lunch. Over there, it gets pretty crowded with the press equipment present. So much so, that a few fillies and colts choose to eat at their desks, including the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Power. "Hey, Power. We were just wonderin'. Would y'like to visit Tail Flight after school today?" "Sure." "We'll take you there right after the 'belle' rings," Scootaloo says, to which Power starts to chuckle. "Not cool," Sweetie Belle responds. "R'lax, Sweetie Belle. It's all in good fun." Applebloom elbows Sweetie Belle, who barely notices. "We want Power to be happy here, right?" "I guess you're right." Sweetie Belle flicks her hoof away from her cheek. "Of course Ah am."
5 A Deadly AnniversaryAfter school, Power and the Cutie Mark Crusaders walk over to a house that has a Wonderbolt symbol on it. Scootaloo points to it. "Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, look! Is that the place?" "Oh, it definitely is! No other house in Ponyville has a Wonderbolt symbol on the front door." "Well, what're we waitin' for! Let's get in!" Scootaloo knocks on the door. The one who answers the door, though, surprises even Power, since she has no wings. However, the one answers the door is also surprised at who she sees behind the Cutie Mark Crusaders. "Hey Crusaders. This is quite a weird time. By the way, who's this youngster behind you all?" "I'm Power Glow." "Wow, what an impressive name." The pink earth filly smiles at the sound of Power's name. "So, what are you here for?" "We're here t'see Tail Flight." "Oh, right. She's in her bedroom, upstairs." "Okay. Thanks." The Cutie Mark Crusaders run upstairs with Power quickly behind them. "Hello?" another voice called in response to the CMC and Power running up the stairs. "Hey Tail Flight. Just came back from school. How was yer day off?" "Kind of surprising." "Really?!?" Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle look surprised to the response of a surprising day. "Yeah. It only felt like yesterday I got to stay here for the first time. Now it's been a whole month I've lived here." Now, Power is getting so curious about that symbol on the front door, he willingly starts to speak. "Hey, Tail Flight. I hear you're friends with the son of a former Wonderbolt. Does that explain the symbol on the front door of this house?" "Well, it would if it weren't for the fact that another friend of mine was a Wonderbolt himself. He was my idol." Power sighs, coming up to Tail Flight. "You're not the only one." "Really?" Tail Flight looks puzzled. "Don't you have your guardian who looks after you?" "I just got a new one. I don't want to talk about it." Sweetie Belle intervenes with Tail Flight and Power's conversation, "But you-" only to be stopped Applebloom's hoof. "Quilt off Sweetie Belle! Let 'em do what they please!" "Please. You can tell me. I won't think anything negative of it." Power sighs again, wiping a tear off this time. "The truth is... I moved out from my brother's apartment. High Glow was accused of neglect, but I know he wouldn't do such a thing. He was proven guilty. I didn't want to go into foster care, so I ran as fast as I could out of Canterlot. I even chose to fly when I had to. Then, I ended up in this forest or jungle or whatever it was for about a month." "Oh, is that where you were found?" Power nods at Tail Flight. "Scootaloo found me." "Well, here's the good thing. At least you (actually we) have ponies who look after you so you won't go into foster care." Tail Flight's right. Power's living much better of a life than he thought he would be after running away, even if it took about a month. That thought alone cheers him up. "Thank you Tail Flight." Power hugs Tail Flight snug, who returns it.
6 Scooting Towards a CaseScootaloo has now learned about how Power Glow got into the Everfree Forest in the first place. To her, this seems like something that mares and stallions should handle, not fillies and colts. But she's the one who found him. She knows to be loyal to her friends and their families. She'll do whatever it takes to help anypony out of a sticky situation. The next day, it is much better of a day out, so everypony has plans for the playground. "Aren't y'gonna come with us, Scootaloo?" Applebloom asks. "No, I'll stay in here. I have a plan for after school today." "A plan?" Power, previously following Sweetie Belle and Applebloom, turns around. "Yes, quite. Mind staying here?" "Not at all." Power returns to his desk. "So, my plan is to see what happened to you before you sent yourself out into the Everfree Forest. After that, I'll be able to see if your brother is guilty or not. Then, I'll take it up to Canterlot Supreme Court and see what all the jurors think." "But wasn't there a court with just Princess Celestia?" "From what I learned yes. But it's just LCC, Local Canterlot Court, not CSC." "How many judges are there?" "Twelve." Power is surprised by the high number, but quickly realizes that the higher the number of judges, the higher the representation of the opinion of Equestria. "I see you've caught on to a direct relationship." Power nods, but with uncertainty. "What're you going to do?" "I'll just go to your brother's house. Don't worry, it'll be our little secret. I'll just tell Mom and Dad that you and I will just be staying at a friend's house. Technically, it's not lying because, well, you're my friend. And it's as much your house as it is your brother's. And you consider your brother a friend. Don't you?" Power nods again. "Good."
