Broken Scooters

by LightFeather

Rating: teen
Tags: Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Sad, Nightmare Moon, Princess Luna, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Princess Celestia
Length: 31663

Cutie Mark crusaders prepare for the day, but Scootaloo gets injured on her way to the clubhouse.

My first My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fic.

After a stormy night in Ponyville, the Cutie Mark Crusaders are getting ready to gather at their clubhouse to try to think of how to get their cutie marks for the day. Little do they realize, that fate has other plans for Scootaloo, while a mishap with magic leaves Twilight Sparkle powerless.

Published 2012-06-14 09:24:03 UTC
Last updated 2012-11-06 16:54:27 UTC

Accidents

-Broken Scooters-
Written By
LightFeather/Eviljbrian

Please note that My Little Pony and characters within this story are © Hasbro and Lauren Faust.
Also note that this most definately takes place after the Canterlot Wedding. If you haven't watched through Season 2, you may know know some of the characters within the story.

Part 1 - Accidents

The sun was just beginning to rise over Ponyville, signaling the start of the day. All across the town the pony folk was starting their day. The sweet smells of freshly baked cakes, donuts and bread was emanating from Sugarcube Corner, thanks to Mr. And Mrs. Cake. Birds were beginning to sing their songs as Fluttershy tended to the breakfast of her many animals and Applejack was already hard at work down in Sweet Apple Acres, bucking trees for fresh apples for the market. Even Rainbow Dash was up early, clearing the clouds in the sky from the previous night's rainstorm in preparation for the nice and sunny day. The only ones who weren't up and moving yet was Twilight Sparkle and Spike, having stayed up late to study and learn a new spell yet again.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders each were getting ready to leave their homes. Sweetie Belle left Rarity's boutique to meet at their clubhouse. Apple Bloom didn't have far to go so she was preparing some snacks for her and her friends, with help from Big Mac of course.

Scootaloo smiled as she tightened the straps of her knee and elbow pads and put her helmet on, placing the chinstrap and lowering her goggles over her eyes. She went to her scooter and climbed onto it, fluttering her wings as they sped up, making their tell-tale buzz as she began to speed down the trail. She quickly gained speed as she rolled along the trail she usually took, performing her small stunts. A jump here and there, jumping off her scooter and clearing a low branch. Once she was through the first set of trees, she looked overhead and saw Rainbow Dash getting rid of the last couple of clouds in that area. Scootaloo watched Rainbow for a few seconds while riding her scooter before looking ahead of her, seeing a branch in the road that had fallen. She yelled out and tried to stop, but it was too late. Rainbow dash heard the yell and looked down just in time to see Scootaloo's scooter hitting the branch, sending both of them flying and crashing into a nearby tree with a sickening crack. She groaned with her vision a blur, seeing Rainbow Dash above her, trying to talk to her, and then everything went black.

Dash flew down to check on Scootaloo after the crash. "Hey kid. Ya ok? Say something will ya?" She looked along Scootaloo's smaller form and gasped out, eyes wide. Quickly she flew up and got a smaller cloud and very carefully lifted Scootaloo onto it along with the broken scooter. Flying quickly to town with the young filly resting on the cloud in front of her, worried about the girl "You'll be ok or my name isn't Rainbow Dash... I hope..." leaving her signature rainbow streak behind her as she flew.

At the Cutie Mark Crusader's clubhouse, Sweetie Belle was pacing back and fourth, and Apple Bloom was working on repairing some of the damage to their clubhouse from the storm the night before while trying to think of what they could do today to try to earn their cutie marks. "How about we try making potions?" Sweetie Belle asked. To which Apple Bloom replied "Nah. We already tried that, remember what happened on Hearts and Hooves day? Ohh! Ah know! How about..... no... we did that too... and where in the hay is Scootaloo? She's usually here by now."
"I dunno. It isn't like her to be late like this. I'm starting to get worried."
"Me too. What if she was kidnapped by a dragon, and she's waiting for someone to save her? We could be dragon slayers!"
"Uhmm... I don't think that's a good idea Apple Bloom. Did ya forget that Spike's a dragon? And he's the only dragon for a long ways."
"Oh yea... Ah forgot about that Sweetie Belle.... and Ah forgot you have a crush on him too." Apple Bloom grinned and giggled at that as Sweetie Belle blushed deeply.
"I.... I do not!"
"Do to. If ya don't then why are ya blushing like that?"
"I am not blushing.... it's just a little warm in here, that's all.."
Apple Bloom began to giggle and bounce around "Do to! Do to! Sweetie Belle likes Spike!"

It was about this time that Applejack opened the door, breathing hard "Girls! Grab yer saddlebags and let's get movin! Big Mac's outside with the cart, now hurry!" Apple Bloom lowered her head "Aww sis. What's the rush? We're waitin' for Scootaloo." It was then Applejack looked towards her sister, shaking her head "That's just it sugar cube. It's about Scootaloo. She's been hurt. Bad."

Both Sweetie Belle's and Apple Bloom's eyes went wide as they looked to each other before looking to Applejack again. "What!" Yelled Apple Bloom, "What in the hay happened?!" The girls grabbed their saddlebags and bolted towards the door and the cart outside, Applejack following "Ah dunno girls, but we're gonna git ya to see yer friend. Rainbow Dash took her to the hospital so Ah imagine she's gonna be jus' fine." Applejack started running along with her brother as he pulled the cart with the two girls in it.

It didn't take long for them to reach the hospital. Rainbow Dash was already in the waiting room when Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle rushed in, followed by Applejack. Sweetie looked up at Dash alongside Apple Bloom, seeing the aqua coated mare with the broken scooter in her hooves, "Where's Scootaloo? Is she ok? What happened?" "Applejack pulled the two girls to the side and put them into a chair as she looked at them "Now simmer down ya'll. Ah'm sure that Rainbow Dash will tell us what she knows but ya gotta remember that we're in a hospital and ya'll gotta be quiet in here."
It was then that Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity came in. They went over near Rainbow and AJ and looked around, noticing that Twilight and Spike wasn't there. "Uhmm.... where's Twilight? Didn't anybody tell her to come too?" Fluttershy asked out loud, at least loud for her. Applejack looked towards her "Ah told her and she'll be here soon." They all nodded and after a minute or two, Spike and Twilight arrived. The two took an empty seat as they waited as well, but both of them stayed unusually silent. Pinkie seemed to be the only one to notice. She knew it was a hospital, and could see their sad, worried expressions. A friend of theirs was hurt afterall... but Spike's usually so.... vocal, especially about his friends, but he's even unusually quiet..

As Rarity was about to say something, the doctor made his way into the room. The eyes of everyone looked towards him, Rainbow's eyes more than the others. "Well doc. How is she?" The doctor sighed a bit and looked towards the group, smiling at them. "Don't worry, she'll be ok. Good thing you brought her here as fast as you did. She's got a fractured leg but I think it'll heal in a few weeks. She's still unconscious though, but I wouldn't worry too much. Other than that just a couple cuts and bruises. If she wasn't wearing her safety gear, it could've been alot worse, but she does need her rest. I expect her to wake up sometime in the next day or two. I'll have to ask you all to come back later for now to check on her." All the ponies nodded in agreement, except for Rainbow Dash, who just stood and walked towards him. "Please doc. Can't she have at least one pony here for her when she wakes up?"

The doctor thought about it for a moment before nodding "Yes, I suppose I can let one of you stay with her." The Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle whispered to themselves for a bit, Applejack looking down at them with a raised eyebrow. "Now hold on there you young'uns. What are ya'll plannin' THIS time?" Apple Bloom held up her hoof for a moment as she finished talking in secret with Sweetie Belle, nodding to each other before walking towards the doctor, looking up at him "Well sir...." Sweetie Belle started "If only one of us gets to stay with her..." then she looked towards Apple Bloom. "We'd like for it to be Rainbow Dash. True that me and Sweetie Belle are her best friends, but Ah think it's fittin' that her rescuer should be with her."
Apple Bloom and Rarity both looked down at their sisters and smiled "Well Ah'll be. That's a mighty grown up decision ya two came up with." Rarity nodded and added in "I most certainly agree. It's most assuredly a sign of sophistication. Well Rainbow? What do you say?" Rainbow looked to the fillies and smiled at the two, nodding "Of course I'll stay with her. And when she wakes up, I'll be sure to send word to everyone." They all smiled as Dash stood and followed the doctor to the room Scootaloo was in. The rest of the group left, knowing their friend was going to be ok. Applejack and Rarity put Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle into the cart and he trotted back to Sweet Apple Acres. The rest of the ponies, and spike, made their way to the library. Spike and Twilight keeping completely silent the entire way there.

Rainbow Dash looked around the small hospital room. It took some talking, but the doctor agreed to put Scootaloo into a room to herself. It was a room just like the one she was in a while back, when she sprained her wing, with two beds, but the other bed was currently empty. She looked down at Scootaloo, smiling at her softly. "heh... your one tough kid Scoots.... I may have to take you under my wing and help you be almost as good as me when your all better." Dash then lowered her head to kiss the top of the girl's head carefully, moving a chair next to her bed and sitting next to her. "Don't worry kid. I'll be here when you wake up." She blinked and stepped into the hall before returning with two books, one being the book she was currently working on, 'Daring Do and the Lost Crusade' and the other being the first book in the series that she would read to Scootaloo later.

Apple Bloom sat in thought, her ears lowered with her head on her table "It's sad about Scootaloo... We gotta do something for her." Sweetie Belle nodded in agreement, "Yea. We're gonna hafta go tell Miss Cherrilee too. She's gonna be worried too. And we should do something for Scootaloo for when she gets out of the hospital" Apple Bloom opened her eyes and smiled "Yea. Ah think ah know one thing we can do for her. We can make her a new scooter. Ya saw how her other one was all broken up into pieces." Sweetie Belle nodded and thought "But what could I do for her?" She then sighed and laid her head onto their table. Apple Bloom placed some tools onto the table as she smiled to her friend, "Ah know! Why don'cha help me make Scootaloo's new scooter, and then we can write her a song and you can sing it!" Sweetie Belle looked towards Apple Bloom and shook her head "But you know I don't like singing in front of a crowd."

"Not to worry. There isn't gonna be too many ponies around to hear ya. And you gotta remember, this is for Scootaloo! Your singin' might just help her wake up sooner." To that suggestion, Sweetie Belle thought for a moment, nodding before looking towards her friend, "Ok then. I'll do it." Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom together lifted their hooves together and bumped them together, as they said in unison "For Scootaloo!"

As Twilight, Spike and the rest returned to the library, both Spike and Twilight went to the shelves, starting to go through the books, as if searching, tossing one by one behind them as they went. The other four watched curiously. "Twilight dear, I'd absolutely hate to point out anything, but if something's wrong, you can tell us." Rarity calmly said. Pinkie Pie, of course, was bouncing around. "Yea Twilight! We're your friends, and if there's a problem, you know you can always turn towards your friends because that's what friends are for, isn't that right? Huh? Am I right?" Applejack lassoed a rope around Pinkie and pulled her back over, hog-tieing her hooves together. "

As excitable as Pinkie is, she's right. Ya gotta let us know what's wrong so we can help." Fluttershy just nodded. Twilight let out a defeated sigh, however, it came from the opposite side of the room, "Ok girls, fine, I'll tell you." They all looked towards Twilight, and then towards the direction her voice came from, directly towards Spike. Fluttershy hovered over next to him, speaking in her small and quiet voice, "Uhmm... excuse me Spike, but would you mind telling us why Twilight's over there but her voice is coming from over here?" Spike then gently pushed Fluttershy away, speaking, but it was Twilight's voice that came out. "That's because it IS Twilight." The rest of the girls stood in disbelief. "Twilight..." Applejack started, "If'n your here... then who's that over there?"

Their eyes shifted towards Twilight, who hopped down from the ladder and sat on the floor, head in hooves, just grumbling slightly before speaking up, Spike's voice coming from her mouth "It's spike! Who else would it be? As much as I like Twilight as a friend, I wouldn't want to be in her body like this!" Pinkie Pie opened her eyes wide and started rolling on the floor in laughter. "HAHAHA! Spike sounds like Twilight and Twilight sounds like Spike! That's the funniest thing I've ever seen!" Rarity's horn glowed softly as she used her unicorn magic to float one of Twilight's pillows over and letting it drop on Pinkie's face, muffling her laughs. Twilight, in Spike's body, spoke up, "I was up late researching again and I found a body transference spell. It pretty much takes two ponies, or in this case a pony and a dragon, and essentially swaps them, but I don't know how to reverse it. I don't even remember casting it, and even if I could reverse the spell, it would have to be up to Spike to cast it since he's in my body. Ohhhh, this is horrible."

Rarity went over to the dragon, placing an arm around her "OH twilight, you know we'll help you. Tell you what, I'll make a special trip to Canterlot to get Princess Celestia and have her come help. I'm sure she would know something to help you." Applejack nodded, adding in "Yea. Fer now, all ya can do is wait it out. Who knows, maybe ya'll will learn somethin' about each other." Spike looked up at Applejack and stood up, nodding "You know, your right. This will be a learning experience for the both of us. At least until we're back in our own bodies. Thank you girls." They all smiled before they began to laugh at the situation.

The sun slowly began to set, closing out the day. Both Twilight and Spike decided to share her bed, due to the unusual circumstances. Since Rarity had gotten on the first train she could get bound for Canterlot, Applejack invited Sweetie Belle to stay with her, to which the filly jumped at the chance, giving her more time to help Apple Bloom with their respective projects. Fluttershy had volunteered to take care of Opalescence, and had a little bit of a hard time at first due to the feline's nature.
Back at the hospital, Rainbow Dash set the book aside, not having progressed too much in it due to her vigilance over the wounded filly in the bed next to her. She didn't stir much, only breathing slowly. Dashie brought a hoof up, wiping a tear from her eyes as she leaned down, kissing the girl's head before laying her head nearby, slowly drifting to sleep, and yet somehow feeling a little bit responsible for what happened yet knowing that it was an accident too. All she could do, is to be there for her.

Up in Canterlot, it was late when the train pulled into the station. Rarity got off and began her trek towards the castle where the princesses resided. Judging from the time, more than likely she would run into Princess Luna before she would meet Celestia, sighing to her self. "I so need my beauty sleep... I'm usually in bed by now..." Rarity hung her head low. All the shops were closed, so she couldn't do a little side-trip shopping so she wasn't too distracted. However with her head hung low and how tired she was, it didn't take her long to bump into some pony.

"Oh I'm so terribly sorry. I just arrived in Canterlot and I am not used to being awake this late so please, excuse me." It was then that rarity heard a very familiar and sophisticated voice. "Ah! Miss Rarity! What a pleasure it is to bump into you again." Rarity blinked and opened her eyes as she looked up, blushing as she gazed at one of Canterlot's elite, one she had met before. "Oh! Mr Fancypants, what a pleasure it is to.... uhmmm... bump into you again." She smiled as her ears folded back, remembering the events of their last meeting, where she had gone to Canterlot, and the outcome of him meeting her friends from Ponyville.

"Oh, but let me help you up dear Rarity. Now pray tell, what brings you to Canterlot so late?" Rarity sighed a bit as she looked towards the castle. "Truth be told Mr Fancypants, I came to see Princess Celestia, and to ask her to help my friend Twilight." Fancypants nodded and began to walk with her towards the castle. "Now now Rarity, take your time and we will walk together and catch up. And tell me what has happened."

The walk took longer than intended, but they arrived at the main castle gates. An armored pony greeted them, his eyes peering at first Fancypants, then Rarity before smiling and nodding to allow them entrance. "Hello Rarity. It's nice to see you again." Rarity smiled at him "Nice to see you too Shining Armor. Or is it Prince Shining Armor now, since your married to Princess Miamore Cadenza?" Shining Armor chuckled "Shining Armor is fine. And you know you can call her Cadence. But since your here so late, I'm guessing something has happened?" Rarity nodded "Yes.... it's your sister actually." Shining Armor was in front of her in an instant, lifting her up and giving her a small shake "What? Something's happened to Twi? She's not hurt is she? If she is, Celestia help me I'll find who did it and make them pay!"

Rarity groaned and shook her head to clear the slight dizziness from getting shaken. "Don't worry, she's not hurt. Just a little magic mishap is all. She sent me to see Princess Celestia about a solution." Twilight's brother shook his head "Well, Celestia's gone to another town with Cadence, talking to some of the people there about the changelings that got away. But I can take you to see Princess Luna. She might be able to help." Rarity nodded, "Well. It's a start at least. Very well. Let's go see Luna." And with that, the trio made their way to the throne room in the Midnight Tower.

Luna's throne room looked much different than her sister's. Instead of the reds, golds, and purples of Celestia's throne room, Luna's throne was silver, the long rug that rested atop the onyx tile floor was purple with a deeper violet along the edges, matching the upholstery of her throne. The walls were painted with a dark blue color, but decorated with shimmering lights that mirrored the various constellations of the sky, and the water of the fountains glowed with a blue light. Where Celestia had pink flowers on either side of her throne's front, Luna's were blue, and of course a pair of her own royal guards were there. A pair of grey stallions with yellow slitted eyes, both wearing dark blue and black armor.

Luna looked at the trio that entered, nodding after hearing the predicament Twilight is going through. "We are grateful that you came to us for assistance, however I know not of a spell that could undo what has been done. But we will assist you in going through the library until Celestia returns, perhaps something may be there. But for now we will have a room prepared for you Rarity." She nodded towards one of the guards, who turned and left to do just that. Rarity bowed down as she smiled "Why thank you your majesty. "

Luna smiled at Rarity. "Please, just call us Luna. Twilight and her friends are always welcome here. Now off to your rooms and get some rest. It will take a good while to search the library for the spell you seek. In the meantime, I will send word to Celestia about Twilight, and ask for her counsel and guidance." And with that, Rarity, Fancypants, and Shining Armor left. After a short goodbye, each went their separate ways. Rarity to her room, Fancypants to his home, and Shining Armor back to his post, but they all agreed to help search the library in the morning.

Friendship and Loss

-Broken Scooters-
Written By
LightFeather/Eviljbrian

Please note that My Little Pony and characters within this story are © Hasbro and Lauren Faust.
Also note that this most definitely takes place after the Canterlot Wedding. If you haven't watched through Season 2, you may know know some of the characters within the story.

Part 2 - Friendship and Loss

A new day was beginning in Ponyville. Sweetie Belle yawned sleepily as she was woken up by Applebloom. She looked out the window to see the sun was just barely peeking over the hills nearby Sweet Apple Acres, and then pulled her pillow over the top of her head. "Applebloom... it's too early to wake up...." She could smell freshly made pancakes, which caused her to think that it might not be a bad idea to wake up... in another ten minutes.

Applebloom just rolled her eyes and bit the blanket under Sweetie Belle, giving it a tug and spilling her friend onto a floor with a thud. "This here's normal wake up time fer us on th' farm Sweetie Belle. Besides, Ah' thought that we should go check on Scootaloo a'fore we go to school. Apple Jack is gonna put some treats in a bag fer Rainbow Dash fer us ta take ta her too."

Each of the suggestions, but more the sudden drop from the floor to the bed than anything, had Sweetie Belle up and going, after rubbing her head that is. She followed Applebloom to the breakfast table and took a seat, smiling at the stack of pancakes nearby. Apple Jack took one plate over for Sweetie Belle, and then one for Applebloom, drizzling syrup over them lightly. "Thar ya go girls. Eat up. I reckon' ya got big plans after school, don't ya?"

Both of the fillies nodded together and began to eat. Sweetie Belle blinked at the strange, but good taste of the pancakes. "These pancakes are extra yummy! What did you put in them?" The two sisters chuckled smiled before saying together in unison "Apples of course!" The shared response of both Applebloom and Apple Jack had all three of them laughing.
Soon after breakfast was over, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle began to walk down the path that led through the orchard and back to Ponyville. They waved to Apple Jack and Big Mac, both already working on bucking apples out of trees, pausing only to return the wave. Sweetie Belle looked towards Applebloom. "So, after school, we're gonna get the stuff we need right? What does the list say again?"

Applebloom pulled a small list from her saddlebag and looked through it. "Ah need wood... we got plenty o' that in the barn. Some paint, wheels, somethin' fer the handle. Ah'll have to get Scootaloo's old scooter to look at it and see everything Ah need. We're gonna hafta go to the toy store and hardware store too. Oh. And a trip inta Evertree Forest."

Sweetie Belle blinked at the suggestion, her eyes wide "You mean the haunted forest?" "T'aint haunted. Ah go there alot to see Zecora. Maybe she has something that can help both of us t' help Scootaloo. And we gotta tell her what happened too." Sweetie Belle nodded, still looking uneasy as they continued to walk towards the hospital. "I know! I just.... don't like the rest of the forest, that's all. But I'll do it if it's for Scootaloo."

It took a bit of walking but they arrived at the hospital. They looked up at each of the numbers, scratching their heads when Nurse Redheart found them. "Well hello there little ones. Can I help you find something?" Sweetie Belle smiled at the nurse and nodded. "Yea. We're here to visit our friend Scootaloo. Oh! And to bring some snacks for Rainbow Dash too." The nurse smiled and nodded. "Of course dears. Just don't stay too long. You don't want to be late for school. Only a few minutes."

Rainbow Dash was asleep in the chair, her forelegs on the bed with her head upon them. The door to the room slowly creaked open and the two fillies slowly entered the room to see their friend. Rainbow Dash yawned as she opened her eyes, rubbing them with her hoof as she saw the girls. "Huh? Oh... hi Applebloom, Sweetie Belle. Here to check on your friend huh?

The two girls just nodded, looking at Scootaloo. Sweetie Belle just sighed a bit. "Yea. She still hasn't woken up, has she?" Rainbow Dash just shook her head, reaching up to softly move some of Scootaloo's hair from her eyes. "Nah. Not yet anyway. But don't you worry girls. If she does, you'll be the first to know." Applebloom nodded, pulling out a small bag from her saddlebag. She moved around and gave it to Dash. "Here. Mah sister thought ya could use somethin' to eat, so she made ya some snacks."

Rainbow Dash looked into the bag and smiled, taking out a small tart to eat. She smiled at the girls before getting up, stretching her legs and wings. "Tell your sister thank you for me when you get home. Now I think you two should go to school. Come by later though. I'm sure Scoots here misses you two." The two girls nodded as they left the room, leaving Scootaloo and Dash alone.

It took the two friends longer than usual to get to school. Normally they would ride in a small cart or wagon, which was pulled by Scootaloo on her scooter, However, with both Scootaloo and her prized possession out of commission, they had to walk. As they arrived, they barely had time to talk to Snips, Snails, and Peppermint Twist before Cherrilee came outside. "Come on little ones. It's time for school." All the children ran inside, taking their seats at their usual spots. Snips and Snails sitting near each other, as well as Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, as usual.

Cherrilee looked across the room, noticing Scootaloo's vacant seat. Her gaze turned towards the other two crusaders. "Applebloom? Sweetie Belle? Where's Scootaloo?" The two friends looked towards their teacher, their ears folded back as they answered in unison, "The Hospital." Cherrilee's eyes went wide at that for a moment and the other kids talked to themselves. "Class, class. Settle down. I'm sure that the girls will tell us what they know."

Sweetie Belle nodded as she stood, looking to her classmates and then her teacher. "All we know is what Rainbow Dash told us. Scootaloo was on her way to meet us yesterday morning when her scooter hit a branch and crashed her into a tree. The doctor said she'll be ok in a few weeks. She has a broken leg and some scratches and bruises, but she didn't wake up yet."
Cherrilee's eyes went wide again. "She's not awake? Oh, that can't be good. It sounds to me like she's had a concussion." The younglings looked to each other, shrugging before Applebloom raised her hoof. "Miss Cherrilee? What in tarnation's a con.... con.... what you said?" Cherrilee shook her head a moment before smiling at her class "A good question Applebloom. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. It's caused by a blow, or a sudden force, to the head or body, or any other injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull."

Cherrilee smiled at the class and continued, "In Scootaloo's case, it's when she hit the tree in her crash. Although there may be cuts or bruises on the head or face, there may be no other visible signs of injury. You don't necessarily have to pass out to have a concussion. Some ponies that get them don't remember what happened right before the injury. With the proper rest, ponies usually recover fully, although some recover in a few hours, others could take a few weeks."
Diamond Tiara grinned, the snotty and prissy filly acting smug. "Ha! I knew that feather-head would get hurt. One less blank flank to see." All the other ponies looked towards her in shock, even Silver Spoon was in shock. Sure, Diamond Tiara was stuck up and looked down on most ponies, but what she said was just cruel and mean.

Applebloom jumped up, getting in close to Diamond Tiara, glaring at her. "What did ya just say miss prissy-pants?" Diamond Tiara stood, her eyes locked in the same glare at the pony in front of her "You heard me!" Cherrilee looked at the two and went over to them. "That's enough girls. Applebloom, back to your seat. Diamond Tiara, I'll see you after class. In detention!" Sweetie Belle held back a snicker as Applebloom returned to her seat.

"Now class. Today, I want all of you, with the exception of Diamond Tiara, to make something special for Scootaloo. To let her know we're all thinking of her." Her gaze shifted towards Diamond Tiara, a gaze that had the young, rich pony sinking into her seat "And as for you, you can start on your detention assignment by writing 'I will not make fun of ponies in the hospital' 100 times and by thinking about what your going to say when I talk to your parents."
The rest of the class laughed before going to the round art tables in the back of the room. Sweetie Belle took some lined paper and began writing some words before scribbling them out. Applebloom had a white paper, starting to draw out a rough picture of the scooter she was going to build. They were soon joined by Snips, Snails, Twist, and even Silver Spoon. Diamond Tiara was by herself at her desk, grumbling at her assignment.

The five friends looked towards Silver Spoon curiously, wondering why she joined them there. "Look... I'm sorry for Diamond Tiara. I know she wants her way all the time and we make fun of you, but what she said was just mean. I didn't think she could be THAT mean." Applebloom looked towards Silver and smiled. "Ya don't have ta apologize fer... her...." the way she said her sent a shiver along Snips and Snails' spines, "She jus' better be lucky Miss Cherrilee was here or I was gonna wollop her good."

Snips, Snails, and Twist all nodded their heads, they know how much Applebloom cared for her friends. They also know that since Applebloom works on her family's farm, she's much stronger than other fillies and even stronger than most colts her age, so it wouldn't take much for her to put Tiara in her place.

Snips looked towards the two crusaders. "So. What are you two gonna do for Scootaloo?" Snails, Twist, and Silver nodded in agreement, looking towards the two as well. Applebloom spoke first. "Well. What ah was thinking, was that since Scootaloo's scooter broke, ah'm gonna build her a new one. Ah just need to go all over Ponyville fer the parts." Sweetie Belle sighed, her head lowered slightly, "And I'm writing her a song, but it's not going well. I think I should visit Fluttershy and ask for her help." The four nodded to the two, commenting on what great ideas they had.

While Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were thinking about their own projects, most of the other kids made various cards of all kinds of colors, some with paint, others with crayons, even some that sparkled from glitter. By the end of the day, there was even a small clay pony that resembled Scootaloo, and even Featherweight got a picture of the entire class and framed it. Twist decided that when she got home, she was going to make enough candy for a small bag just for Scootaloo.

Silver Spoon wondered what she could do. She wasn't too talented at art before she had an idea, getting a bag and going over to Cherrilee, looking up at her. "Miss Cherrilee. I wasn't sure what I could do until just now, but now I think I know. Since Applebloom wants to build Scootaloo a new scooter, can I collect some money to help her?" Cherrilee smiled and nodded "That's a wonderful idea. Go ahead." Cherrilee reached into her desk and pulled out five bits, putting them into the bag. "There you go. That should be a good start."

Silver Spoon walked around, whispering to each pony in her class. Each one nodded and went to their desk to get one or two bits and put them into the bag. Diamond Tiara however, just stuck her nose up at the idea. Silver Spoon shook her head at her friend and sighed before going over and placing the bag onto the table, sliding it over towards Applebloom. "Applebloom. Take this. I did a small collection of bits from everyone here to help you get what you need for the new scooter. I'm not sure what else I could do."

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were stunned, smiling at Silver. "Ah reckon this'll be more than enough to get the parts Ah' need. Thank ya Silver Spoon." Sweetie Belle nodded. "Yea. I think that's the nicest thing we've seen you do." Silver Spoon just blushed, her head lowered slightly. "It was nothing, really. It's going to take some time to make up to Diamond Tiara though." Applebloom shook her head "Well. She is your friend, but even if she doesn't want to be anymore after today, we'll be your friends." Silver Spoon just smiled and nodded.

The rest of the day at school went by quickly and uneventfully. Once over, all the children filed out of the classroom in glee, with the exception of Diamond Tiara. Cherrilee gave Silver Spoon a note to deliver to Diamond's parents. She took it and put it in her bag before catching up with Applebloom and her friends.

"So. Going to see Scootaloo now?" Applebloom shook her head. "Not yet. Me and Sweetie Belle hafta go and git the things ah need for Scootaloo's new scooter. Ah gotta go to Evertree Forest too and see Miss Zecora." Sweetie Belle smiled and nodded. "Yea. And I gotta go visit Fluttershy and ask for her help too. But we'll get everybody when we go see Scootaloo later on."

Silver Spoon just nodded and smiled "Ok! I should take this to Diamond Tiara's parents too." She just sighed softly while Snips, Snails and Twist walked over to her before Twist spoke up. "We'll go with you. It'll be better that way." Silver nodded again. "Thank you. Ya know. Your not that bad." Applebloom smiled to Silver. "Ya'll just need ta git ta know us better s'all. But we better get movin' so we kin get this stuff done."

Everyone nodded to each other, going their separate ways, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle making their way into town. "So where we gotta go first Applebloom?" Applebloom thought for a moment before she got an idea. "The sports store ah think. Scootaloo usually goes there t' git new wheels for her scooter. Maybe the pony there will know what to do." Sweetiebelle nodded and followed along quickly.

It didn't take long for the two girls to find the sporting goods store. They slowly opened the door and entered the shop. They looked around with wide eyes, gazing at the various equipment. Different types of balls, protective equipment, bikes, skates, skateboards, and even scooters. Sweetie Belle nudged her friend towards the counter.

Behind the counter was an earth pony. His coat was tan and his main and tail were yellow with a red streak going through them, his eyes hidden by a pair of sunglasses. On his flank was the image of a skateboard. He seemed to be on a skateboard as well, balancing on the front two wheels as he spotted the girls before hopping off and kicking the board to fly into the air before he caught it.

"Whassap..." he began before he recognized the two. "OH! Your the other two CMC's aren't ya? Scootaloo talks about ya all the time when she's here. Tell her that her new wheels are here, will ya?"

Applebloom lowered her ears slightly and sighed "Actually Half-Pipe, she's not gonna be doin' much fer a while. She's hurt 'n in the hospital right now." Half-Pipe lowered his sunglasses a bit. "Bummer. Lil Scootaloo hurt? What a drag man. What happened?"

Sweetie Belle looked up at him. "We were gonna meet day before yesterday, but on her way here she crashed into a tree and she hasn't woken up yet. Her scooter's broken to pieces too. That's why we're here. Applebloom's gonna try to make a new scooter"

Half-Pipe nodded as he though. "Hmmm... easiest way to make a scooter.... I'd say is a skateboard and put a handle on it, but I think you already have a plan. Still, bummer about her scooter bein' broke. It was a gift from.... well.... let's just say someone close to her." He turned and looked through some drawers behind him.

"But I think I can help you out still. I have a small book that tells the basics of making scooters and skateboards. I'll let ya borrow it for a while. Tells you what parts you need. Speaking of which..." he started to walk over to some shelves, looking through them, picking out several parts and some wheels, putting them onto the counter.

"These are the wheel assembly parts used for scooters. And these wheels are same high-quality wheels that are on Scootaloo's scooter when she brings it in. When you finish building it, bring it here and I'll help you out, ok?"

Applebloom smiled to him, setting the money for the parts onto the counter. "Thank ya kindly Mr. Half-Pipe!" Half-Pipe thought for a moment, taking only half the price and giving Applebloom the rest of the bits back. "Here. I'll only charge ya half since it's gonna be for Scootaloo." He reached down and rubbed Applebloom's hair, causing her to giggle before putting the bag of parts into her saddlebags and waving to him.

"Thank ya again Mr. Half-Pipe. When ah git done, ah'll bring it to ya t'look at!" She hopped out the door and smiled towards Sweetie Belle "He's pretty cool. Maybe he can help us get our cutie marks later." Sweetie Belle nodded as she smiled. "Yea! I think we should head back to your place though. It's getting late and I think you still have stuff to do too. I'll help you with it too."

Applebloom thought for a moment and nodded. "Yea, that's true. Luckily the hardware store's on the way back t' the farm. We'll stop in so ah can git what ah need from there too." Sweetie Belle nodded as they made their way down the street, stopping for a quick snack along the way. Soon after, they arrived at the hardware store.

The bell rang as the entered the older store. A fairly old pony perked his ear up. His coat was brown and he had a grey mane, wearing heavy glasses. "Eh? Who's there?" Applebloom went over to the counter as she peeked over the edge. "It's me Mr. Ten Penny!" The older pony smiled, adjusting the glasses on his face.

"Ah! If it isn't little Applebloom. What kin I do ya fer? If it's about the supplies fer th' farm, we're still waitin' on them." Applebloom giggled and shook her head. "No sir, Mr. Ten Penny. I'm here for some stuff to make Scootaloo a new scooter."
Ten Penny brought his hoof up to tap his chin. "A new scooter eh? I think I kin help ya. Some rounded screws, a couple of nuts... I'm guessin' ya have some wood already too." Applebloom nodded and pulled the magazine from her saddlebags, opening the page to the parts list and sliding it onto the counter. "Here's the list Mr. Ten Penny. And yea, Ah already have wood at home and gonna see Zecora later fer some help too."

Ten Penny nodded as he looked through the list. "Hmm.... yes, I think I have most of these things. And judging by this magazine, ya'll done visited that Half-Pipe whippersnaper. Sweetie Belle nodded "Yea. He's going to help make sure that it's put together right."

Ten penny nodded once again as he hobbled into a back room. Applebloom looked to Sweetie Belle "His family's been in Ponyville since it was settled. They came here the same time as our family and we've been tradin' ever since after they done helped with Sweet Apple Acres." Sweetie belle just nodded as Ten Penny nobbled from the back room with two bags, setting them on the counter.

"Here ya go Applebloom. 27 bits. I also put some stuff in that yer sister and grandmother was wanting. You be sure to tell Granny Smith I said hi." Applebloom put the money on the countertop, smiling at him and putting the bags into Sweetie Belle's saddlebags. "Of course Mr. Ten Penny. Ah'll be sure to do that. And thank you very much!" Ten Penny opened the register with a ring, sliding the bits inside before it closed. "Such a good kid. Just like her sister."

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle walked through the gates of the farm. After the hardware store they stopped to see Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash to check on them. Rainbow looked exhausted, and no apparent change in Scootaloo's condition. They stayed for a little while before making their way back home. Most of the work for the day had already been done. Big Mac was taking the cart of apples to the barn when he stopped to wait for the kids.

"Hop on girls. It's a long walk and ya look like your carrying alot." They readily agreed and climbed onto the cart, enjoying the ride back. Granny Smith was asleep in her rocking chair. Applebloom will tell her Ten Penny's simple message of hello when it was dinner time. They went into the house and were greeted by Applejack. Applebloom lowered her ears as she stepped towards her sister.

"Ah'm sorry we didn't come home sooner. We wanted to get the stuff fer the new scooter fer Scootaloo and then we went to see her and Rainbow Dash." Applejack just smiled to her sister, nodding to the pair. "Heck, Ah figured that's what was takin' ya'll so long. Ah woulda done the same if'n it were any of th' girls too." She pulled her sister close and hugged her.
"Oh yea. Applejack. Ten Penny had givin' us some of the stuff that you and Granny Smith were wanting too. It's in the bags with our stuff." Applejack nodded and helped empty the saddlebags before nudging them to the table. "Come now Applebloom. You too Sweetie Belle. Ya'll stayed out late and I kin repect that, what with Scootaloo in the hospital an' all. But ya'll still got yer homework to do. Go on and get it done while we get dinner done."

The two girls sighed and nodded, slowly going to the table and starting on their homework, only stopping for dinner and to help with the dishes before working again. After that was done, it was bath time. Applejack just finished the tub with warm water and a little bit of apple-scented bubble bath as the two younger girls jumped in, Applebloom after pulling her bow from her hair.

Sweetie Belle looked towards the two sisters. "Ya know. I think something might be wrong with Rainbow Dash."
Applejack just blinked. "Wha'cha mean sugah?"

"Well, It looked to me like she was really tired and worn down. I don't think she slept very much since she started to stay with Scootaloo."

Applebloom nodded. "Yea. Ah don't want her gettin' sick from not gettin any sleep. Everypony needs to sleep sometime and it'll catch up to her."

Applejack nodded to her sister. "Well girls. When you two mosey on ta bed, ah'll go and talk to Rainbow, try tae git her to git some sleep."

The girls nodded and finished washing. They climbed out of the tub and dried themselves off before making their way to Applebloom's room for the night. "G'night sis."

"Good night Applejack!"

Applejack smiled at the two, closing the door. "G'night girls. Don't ya stay up too late either. Ya'll still got school and that scooter yer buildin' too."

The girls nodded and climbed into bed, falling asleep in a few minutes. Applejack made one more peek into Applebloom's room before pulling her hat onto her head and walking to the door. "Hey Big Mac! Ah'm gonna go to the hospital and see Rainbow Dash. Think ya can watch the girls till Ah git back?"

Big Mac just nodded. "Eeeyup."

"Thanks. Ah won't be gone long." And with that, she left for the hospital.

Rainbow Dash had just nodded off, exhaustion finally overtaking her. Even though she was in the chair next to Scootaloo, her head managed to find it's way onto the bed. Two hours in, her ear twitched as she woke up after hearing some rough coughing. She rubbed her eyes to look at the clock before looking towards Scootaloo, the filly's skin having gone pale. Dash immediately went to the call doctor button.

"Hello? Is anyone there? I need a doctor here now! Scootaloo's pale, she's coughing, she's coughing up blood, she..."
Dash's eyes went wide as she dropped the small box with the button, her hoof shaking. There lay Scootaloo, but she wasn't breathing

"N-No.... S-stop that... this isn't funny..."

Tears welled in her eyes as she sniffled, trying to revive Scootaloo, trying to help her breathe.

"Scootaloo... c'mon wake up kid.... breathe, cough, anything!"

The doctor rushed in and gasped. He called the nurse and she had to pull Dash back as the doctor wheeled Scootaloo's bed out the door, calling for other doctors. "I need help here and prep the O.R. STAT!"

Rainbow Dash just shook, tears running down her face as she shook her head.

What.... what happened... what went wrong? The doctor said it was just a broken leg, but...

Dash brought her hoof up to rub the tears from her eyes before sliding the chair to the window, looking up towards the moon. She stared at it a moment before she began to do something uncharacteristic to her, something very unlike her. Rainbow Dash, buried her face in her hooves, and began to sob to herself.

It wasn't much longer after that when Applejack stepped into the room. She saw Scootaloo's bed was missing and her eyes went wide. She stepped in further, looking towards the window and walking over to Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow.... Ah know Ah'll not like the answer, but where's..."

Rainbow Dash turned and wrapped her forelegs around Applejack, burying her face into the workhorse's neck as she sobbed. "T-They took her... I fell asleep, but then I heard her coughing, and she was coughing up some blood, she was pale, and then she stopped breathing"

Applejack closed her eyes and turned her head. She was right, she didn't like the answer, but she wrapped her hoof around to rub down the back of Dash's neck. "Ah'll stay with ya 'till we hear word. Ah'll get the others after." Dash nodded while holding onto Applejack, her whole body shaking.

Applejack had spent almost an hour staying with Rainbow Dash, comforting her and trying to calm her. It was a minute after that the doctor opened the door, slowly stepping in. He slowly looked up towards Apple Jack, his expression one of sorrow. Apple Jack's pulled her hat off her head, swallowing the lump in her throat as Rainbow Dash looked towards the doctor.
"D-Doc? W-What is it? Is.... is she..."

With how brave she was, usually filled with courage, she found it hard to finish her sentence, not wanting to finish her thoughts. The doctor just lowered his head, shaking it slowly.

"The extent of Scootaloo's injuries were worse than we initially thought. I'm sorry Miss Dash.... I'm afraid she's gone..."
With that the doctor backed out of the room, leaving Applejack and Dash alone. Dash just stared at the door, her eyes wide as her body trembled again, Applejack holding her close with tears in her eyes as well.

"Ah'm sorry Dash. Ah'll go get Twilight and have her send fer Rarity. This sure isn't gonna be easy to tell the young'uns fer sure."

Applejack stayed with Rainbow Dash for a while longer, before slowly leaving for the Library, her hooves carrying her swiftly through the night. Rainbow Dash, however, just sat there, crying, broken. How could this happen and with one so young?

A week had passed. Celestia and Cadence cut their trip short once they received word from Twilight. Cherrilee declared that there would not be classes for the week when she received word. The class was there to say goodbye to their friend, even Diamond Tiara. Soon, there were only a handful of ponies left. Applejack, Applebloom, Rarity, and Sweetie Belle. Rarity and Sweetie Belle were wearing a lavish black veil over her face, and had made appropriate attire for the others.
Applejack was next to Applebloom, one hand holding a black hat very much like her normal one to her chest. She was there for her sister as well, who was wearing a black bow in her hair and crying softly. The two younger girls were also wearing different capes. The capes were black, with a midnight blue pony over a silver shield.

Applejack pulled her hat on just as it had started to rain. She looked to Rarity, nodding slowly, who returned her nod. "C'mon girls. It's time we git goin' before the rain picks up." She slowly turned, walking alongside Rarity back towards town. The two girls placed a hoof on the gravestone in front of them.

"Ah'll sure miss ya Scootaloo. Ah promise to come back and see ya all the time."

"Me too Scootaloo. Every day. I don't even want my cutie mark anymore if it would bring you back."

Applebloom nodded and rubbed her eyes, the two girls slowly walking away, stopping to give one more look behind them before catching up to their sisters. Overhead, a cyan pegasus flew upwards into the clouds, leaving a rainbow trail behind her. She flew higher than she thought possible, thinking before she stopped.

Entering a free fall with tears in her eyes, she angled herself downwards, her speed reaching terminal velocity as she pierced through the clouds, cutting a hole enough to let a beam of sunshine glow upon shine through. She didn't bother opening her wings as she fell faster, rapidly approaching the ground. She just curled herself and held her legs to herself as she cried and fell.

The sunlight, it's warm and gentle glow emanating from the hole in the clouds, cast it's light upon the gravestone. Leaning upon the stone, was a new, red scooter, with a normal Cutie Mark Crusader cape tied to it, along with a paper inside a frame with words written upon it. The stone itself having an inlay of a red heart made of ruby dust. The words engraved were short, but one could see the care of thought behind them.

Rest Peacefully
Scootaloo
May your spirit soar the skies
And your memory forever in our hearts.

Nightmares, Dreams, and Awakenings

-Broken Scooters-
Written By
LightFeather/Eviljbrian

Please note that My Little Pony and characters within this story are © Hasbro and Lauren Faust.
Also note that this most definitely takes place after the Canterlot Wedding. If you haven't watched through Season 2, you may know know some of the characters within the story.

Part 3 - Nightmares, Dreams, and Awakenings

How could this have happened... she was so young still...

Rainbow Dash sniffled as she sat on a cloud high above Ponyville, looking down towards where Scootaloo was laid to rest. She brought a hoof up to wipe the tears from her eyes, ignoring the sounds of hunger her stomach made. She hadn't eaten since that day, hadn't slept, she hasn't felt like it really, the only thing she felt was the strong aching deep within her chest.

I don't want to live this way.... I let her down, let everyone else down

Rainbow Dash's mind was broken. She could ask the others for help, but what would she say? How would they be able to help her? Somehow, everything she thought of would end in her own failure. She held in her hoof a folded note. One final goodbye. She just let it drop off the cloud as she looked over. Someone will find it, and it will find it's way to the others.

I guess, only one thing left to do now.... goodbye everyone...

She looked over the cloud as the note slowly fell to the earth. Apple Jack and Rarity were just leaving Scootaloo's grave along with the remaining two Cutie Mark Crusaders. The trio of foals, set out a year ago to try to find their cutie marks, but now, only two were left. She stood, stretching her aching wings as she took flight, making her way higher and higher into the sky until she flew through the grey rain clouds and into the sunlight.

One more thing to do... and I'll have to fly higher than ever before...

Upwards she flew. She arranged the hole with the head of the Cloudsdale Weather Factory, said it was for the one that passed on. The pony in charge approved, and granted Dash the favor for her hard work. She climbed higher and higher, flying higher than the tallest point of Cloudsdale, and even higher than Canterlot's mountain peaks.

Goodbye everyone...try to watch over each other without me...

She then let herself fall, slowly angling her head downwards as she continued to gain speed, folding her wings to her back. She sniffled as the wind raced by, mixed in with her usual rainbow trail were her tears. She broke through the clouds, causing some to dissipate completely, puncturing a hole to let the sunlight cast it's glow upon the grave.

Terminal velocity.... no turning back now... 10... 9... 8....

She continued falling,, slowly curling and holding her legs to herself, causing her to begin to spin and spiral towards the earth. The letter, the wind having blown it to smack Apple Jack in the face. She read it and gave it to Rarity before looking towards the sky, seeing the cyan pegasus falling.

7... 6..... 5.... almost there

Rarity looked at the note with wide eyes, gasping, opening the door to the library to tell the girls to get inside. As they did Twilight went to the door, hearing Rarity's urgency. Rarity let Twilight read the note and they left, closing the door behind them as they searched the skies for Rainbow Dash.

4... 3...

Apple Jack continued to run towards where she thought Dash was falling. Dash was reckless, but Apple Jack knew that the mental state of Dash was in question, knew she was blaming herself for the accident. Apple Jack knew as well, that she couldn't make it to Dash in time.

2....

Dash swallowed hard, curling in on herself tightly as she spiraled, the ground rapidly approaching. she would hit on the outskirts, wouldn't hurt anybody else. she couldn't do that. Not anymore. Apple Jack turned the last corner as she ran to the outskirts, running as fast as her legs could take her.

1.... goodbye everyone...

With that she hit the ground with a thud, just in time for Apple Jack to see her. She lay there, the ground wet beneath her, her wings and other bones in her body visibly broken. Apple Jack rushed over, crying, lifting her head up. Dash's vision hazed and growing dark as she looked up at Apple Jack, seeing one she cared for the most one last time before her eyes slowly closed, and she lay still in Apple Jack's hold.

"Dash! Ya can't do this ta us Rainbow, wake up! C'mon Rainbow Dash, wake up!"

Apple Jack's words echoed in her ears as she groaned. Her eyes slowly opened. She knew the room. It was a room at the Hospital. The room was dark as well, the only light coming in was the moonlight filtering through the windows. She slowly sat up, groaning and wincing at the sharp pain in her head.

"ughhhh... w-what happened.... How did I get back to the hospital?"

Apple Jack raised an eyebrow as she looked at Rainbow Dash in question.

"Uhhh... Rainbow? Ya been here a while now. Ya must'a hit yer head pretty hard when ya fell Rainbow Crash."

Rainbow Dash shook her head, eyes closed.

"A crash like that should've killed me...."

Apple Jack rolled her eyes and stood up, looking down at the pegasus.

"Uhhh... Dash. Why don't ya take a good look at where ya are."

Slowly Rainbow Dash opened her eyes, her head still aching as her vision slowly came into focus. She turned her head and looked around slowly. What was she doing on the floor? They could've put her in a bed at least. Then she looked to the chair next to her, laying on it's side. She sat up slowly as she looked at Apple Jack, tears beginning to well in her eyes.

"Apple Jack? What's going on? I hit the ground so I must be dead or something, and I promised myself I would watch Scootlaoo in the afterlife... oh no.... I... I'M IN TARTARUS! Where did I go wrong? What happened? How could I end up here?"

SMACK

Apple Jack slapped Dash's cheek and sighed, shaking her head. "Now hold on there sugar. What's all this about? What's all this about Scootaloo in the afterlife? She's right there sleepin' all peaceful like, although the way you were goin on, ya could've raised the dead or somethin."

Apple Jack opened her eyes and slowly rose to her feet, looking at the bed. There, laying and sleeping soundly, was little Scootaloo.

"Now Rainbow. Why don't we go get ya a cup of cocoa and you can tell me what in tarnation you were carryin' on about."

Rainbow Dash sighed in relief as she nodded slowly, opening her eyes to walk with Apple Jack. The night shift nurse on duty was kind enough to take them to the small dining area usually reserved for the doctors, as well as providing each one with a mug of warm cocoa. Apple Jack took a sip and looked towards Rainbow, still trembling slightly.

"So Rainbow. Ya wanna tell me what happened?"

Rainbow Dash just sighed, closing her eyes and looking down at the mug in her hands.

"I... kinda had a bad dream I guess."

"That's nothin' to be ashamed of sugar. We all have them from time ta time"

Rainbow Dash just shook her head.

"No... when I get them.... they always turn out horrible... I get those Night Terrors I think. "

"Wanna talk about it? Ya know Ah'm here fer ya."

Dash took a ship as she began to recount her nightmare.

"It was bad AJ... I dreamed that Scootaloo was worse than they thought. I woke up and she was coughing up blood. She looked pale and then stopped breathing. Then you came in. After that, the doctor came in, said that they couldn't save her. Next thing I know, we all paid our respects... well, everyone except me."

Apple Jack looked towards her friend, sliding closer and placing an arm around her.

"Ah'm sorry sugar. I had no..."

Rainbow Dash interrupted her.

"I was on a cloud above, watching the services. A week had passed. After you and Rarity left to take Sweetie Belle and Applebloom home, I dropped a letter. I don't remember what it said. Next thing I know, I flew higher than I thought possible. Then I just.... kinda fell. I knew the ground was approaching and I... didn't want to open my wings to stop myself. I hit the ground hard. I knew I was going to die from it, but didn't care. The last person I saw... was you AJ."

Apple Jack took her hat off and set it on the table as she pulled Dash in close, bringing her hoof to rest upon Dash's.

"That's some nightmare Alright. Ah didn't know ya got them so bad."

Rainbow Dash nodded, laying her head on Apple Jack's shoulder. "At least this one wasn't as bad as that one I had about Pinkie Pie killing me and using me to make cupcakes."

Apple Jack nodded as well as she held her friend close. "Ah know. Ya disappeared fer a while and went ta therapy fer it. Heck, ya avoided Pinkie fer a good while after that. It took ya a while before ya opened up and told us about it."

"So AJ? Why are you here so late anyway?"

"Ah came cause the girls were worried about ya. An' ta be honest, Ah am too. Ah know you care fer that lil filly in there, but ya need yer rest too. Ah'll stay here tonight with ya. How's that sound?

Rainbow Dash sighed and nodded, finally taking a sip of her cocoa.

"Thank you AJ. I... uhmm... I'm glad to have you as a friend."

Rainbow Dash blushed deeply at that, lowering her head as Apple Jack held her from behind, smiling.

"Ah know sugar. Let's git ya back ta the room and let ya git some sleep. Ah'm sure the doctor can give ya something ta help ya, and Ah'll be here with ya."

Rainbow Dash nodded, smiling as they walked back to the room. Once they entered, Apple Jack took her hat off and hung it on one of the bedposts before sitting upon the bed. Dash let out a small yawn, her eyes slightly red from lack of sleep as she stretched, sliding to lay in bed, resting her head in Apple Jack's lap. Not a moment later, the doctor came in with a syringe.

"Miss Dash. I've been made aware that you've been having trouble sleeping? I have something here that will help."
Dash looked towards the doctor and nodded, before looking at the syringe, swallowing the lump in her throat as she paled at the sight of it. Apple Jack looked down at her worriedly as the doctor approached.

"Rainbow Dash. Ya ok?"

"Yea... it's just.... I... don't like needles, that's all."

Apple Jack smiled, looking down at Dash, stroking her mane. "Don't ya worry none. Just focus on me and ya won't feel a thing. I promise ya."

Dash swallowed hard and nodded, looking up at Apple Jack while the doctor stuck her with the needle, causing her to wince as she felt it pierce her skin and the medicine entering her body. The doctor pulled the needle out and left the room to dispose of it.

"There ya go. That wasn't so bad, was it?"

"It.... stung a little bit... but I guess..."

Apple Jack smiled as she leaned down, placing a soft kiss to Dash's forehead as the pegasus drifted off.

"Sweet dreams, dear Rainbow Dash."

She blushed as she leaned back on the bed, her hoof stroking down along Rainbow's mane, the other pulling her hat back on and down over her eyes as she soon drifted to sleep as well.

Scootaloo groaned softly, slowly sitting up and bringing a hoof to her head.

"owww.... that was some crash... I wonder what happened..."

She slowly opened her eyes, seeing herself in a cage of red bricks and black iron bars. She also happened to notice that she was wearing a toga, sandals, and a crown of gold laurels in upon her head.

"W-Where.... Where am I?"

It was then that she heard a beautiful voice.

"You are in Tartarus my little one. But time is of the essence. You must escape and rescue me. I will aid you as I can."
The door to the cell glowed with a soft light, and in front of Scootaloo appeared gold unicorn horn on a headband.
"Take this enchanted horn. Do not worry, it is not a real unicorn horn, but it will aid you as you escape by throwing magic bolts. I will explain along the way, but for now you need to escape."

Scootaloo wasn't sure what was going on, but she didn't want to stay there. She took the weapons and began running down the hall. With the help of the mysterious voice calling for her, she was able to sneak her way out of the prison. She looked around and only saw one path.

"But.... whoever you are... how am I going to get out of here? I can't fly!"

"Do not worry. You have the skills to do so. Just be careful of your footing. Use your arrows to defend yourself."

Scootaloo sighed softly, nodding, making her way upwards, jumping from one platform to the next. She never killed anything before, but if she wanted to find out what was going on, she had to defend herself. Her biggest problems came in the forms of giant snakes with wings and giant floating eyes. She stopped when she saw a skeletal pony in a purple robe.

"Careful!" the voice warned her. "That's a Reaper. There's more than just him, but if they see you, they'll shout and call
miniature versions of themselves to attack you"

"That's... just great to know mysterious voice.."

"Please. Call me Palutena. Once you reach the top of this area you can rest and I will explain more."

Scootaloo nodded, arrows flying from the bow she was given. It took time, but soon she came upon an area of purple bricks. She made a dash for the door, slamming it shut behind her and sliding down, sighing softly. It was then, that a ghostly image of a pure white alicorn with green hair appeared in front of her. Her dress was gold and white, her hair flowing and hovering behind her head was a glowing cyan circle with three feathers on either side of it.

"Good work Scootaloo, although it is just beginning. I have been taken prisoner by the queen of Tartarus, Medusa. I need you to help me."

"But why me? I'm just a kid."

"Because your soul is pure and I know you love adventure."

Scootaloo chuckled to herself, nodding. "Yea. I can't argue that. So.... uhmm... Palutena was it? How do I free you anyway?"

The alicorn just smiled at her, nodding. "A fair question. There are three labyrinths, and inside each one, guarded by Medusa's commanders, are three treasures that you must obtain. They are the Silver Armor, Arrow of Light, and Pegasus Wings."

Scootaloo just scratched her head. "But... I have wings and a pegasus... what do you mean by that?"

The image of Palutena smiled. "The Silver Armor will protect you from Medusa's gaze, else it would turn you to stone. The Crown of Light, has the ability to dispel her illusions. And finally the Pegasus Wings will allow you to fly without rest. The first commander you will fight is Twinbellows. A two headed dog demon. He is the guardian of Tartarus."

"So first I have to get past this Twinbellows, and the other commanders to save you?"

Palutena nodded. Scootaloo slowly stood, making her way towards the exit.

"Consider it done!"

"Wonderful! I will help you as my power holds out. Once you reach the Palace in the Sky though, you are on your own."

Scootaloo nodded, beginning to ascend once more. As she climbed, she destroyed more of the forces of Tartarus, increasing her strength, and to her surprise she found magic hammers. She slipped one into her belt for safekeeping, and each additional one disappeared, the one she tucked away giving a glow for each one picked up. It was a long, hard climb with many dangers, but soon, she found herself in front of an ominous and dark fortress. She entered the main entry hall and stopped to take a breather.

"Now Scootaloo. These fortresses are filled with many dangers, but also has few rooms that can be of aid to you. At least one shop, and usually a hot spring. But there is one danger you must watch out for. Well, two actually."

"And they are?"

"One are monster nests. They're large empty rooms, but they're filled with at least 8 monsters at once. They are usually fairly weak and will fall with an arrow or two. The biggest threat you face are what are known as Eggplant Wizards."
"Eggplant Wizards? What are they?"

"They're... well... Eggplant wizards. They are slow but if your hit with one of their eggplants, you will be cursed to walk as an eggplant. Should that happen, you will be unable to attack. The best bet is to make your way to the nearest hospital. The unicorn there will remove the curse."

Scootaloo felt a bit nervous at the thought, but simply nodded. If she wanted to make sense of what was going on, she'd have to continue. She made her way to the door, opening and stepping into the first room. One by one, large skulls began to fly around. One hit Scootaloo, knocking her down, but she concentrated, the horn's magic shattering the creature. She stood and took out another two, then four, then six. Soon, the room was quiet and empty.

"It's going to get worse, isn't it Palutena?"

"But of course. I never said this would be easy, but on the bright side, the next room has a map. It should help. And two of the centurions are there as well. Break them free and they will aid you."

"I know, I know.

Scootaloo entered the room, blasting the few enemies within before taking hold of the scroll. She walked over to one of the two statues and tapped on it before raising the hammer, bringing it down to shatter the stone, releasing an armored unicorn.
"Thank you for your assistance. We will meet you in the chamber before Twinbellows."

"Uhh..... sure... no problem."

With that the unicorn ran off
.
"They're.... odd huh?"

Palutena chuckled. "It's ok. They're soldiers of few words, but they have it where it counts."

Scootaloo nodded, making her way through the maze-like dungeon. She fought many enemies along the way, smashing statues to release centurions as she found them. The navigation was hard, even with the map for as it was said, the place is a maze. It took some time, and visiting the hospital to remove the Eggplant curse at least twice along with a break in the hot springs. Soon, she was wiping the sweat from her forehead while she stood in the chamber before Twinbellows.
"He's gotta be in there. It's so hot."

"He is. I'll send three of the freed centurions to aid you. Anymore than that and it would be dangerous for you and them."
Scootaloo sighed and nodded. Raising, she made her way towards the door, her hoof steps echoing in the empty room. Behind her, three centurions followed her in formation. As she approached the door, it slowly swung open, the room within glowing red as the heat from Twinbellows escaped.

Scootaloo charged into the room and skidded to a stop. The door slammed shut behind her, her eyes wide as she looked up at Twinbellows. The two-headed canine growling as it slowly approached the group, the flames upon it's back raising.

"T-That thing's as big as an ursa minor!"

The beast roared and began it's attack...

Rarity yawned as she made her way back to her room in the Canterlot palace. She had spent all day trying to find the book she needed to help Twilight's predicament. Her hooves moved faster as her eyelids grew heavier, not wanting to fall asleep there in the hall. it was about that time that she bumped into someone.

"Oh my! I'm so terribly sorry, excuse me!"

"Oh! Well, hello Rarity. What brings you to Canterlot?"

Rarity gasped and opened her eyes, slowly raising her head to see the alabaster coated princess in front of her.

"Oh! P-Princess Celestia! I'm so terribly sorry."

Celestia just let out a giggle, smiling, looking down at Rarity.

"I suppose that you've been here a while."

Rarity chuckled nervously as she nodded.

"I have. If we may, I'd like to return to my room. I would be more than happy to tell you what is going on there. That is if you would like Your Highness."

Celestia nodded as the two of them went to Rarity's room. They each took a seat by the table, a pot of warm tea already prepared and sitting on it. Rarity poured a cup first for the Princess, then one for herself before taking a sip.

"So Rarity. Why are you in Canterlot?"

"oh, it's a long story. First Scootaloo got hurt, but that's not why I'm here. I'm actually here for Twilight and Spike. You see Princess, it seems that Twilight stayed up late studying and somehow her and Spike have switched bodies. Thing is, she doesn't seem to remember how she did it."

Celestia nodded as she took a sip of her tea. "It seems to be that Twilight had... "Sleep Spelled" so to speak. You see, when she was little, there were times when she would inadvertently cast a spell while she was asleep, usually if she studies too late."

Rarity giggled and nodded slowly as she took another sip.

"So I'm here to try to find a spell to reverse it. She thought it would be in the Canterlot Library."

Celestia just smiled, looking at Rarity. "Relax. I can easily reverse the process. But do stay a while. I think both Twilight and Spike can learn from this."

Rarity sighed in relief, nodding. She thought though, she should stay another day in Canterlot. After all, Princess Celestia knows how to reverse the magic. She might as well pick up a few things for her designs that's only found in Canterlot since she's here.

--

Applebloom woke up in the middle of the night with a yell, sitting up in her bed. She breathed heavily and looked around, slowly. Sweetie Belle groaned softly as she awoke, rubbing her eyes.

"Applebloom? Why are you awake?"

"Oh.... Ah jus had a nightmare's all. It was like Discord, Nightmare Moon and Chrysalis all came back at the same time... and..... oh shucks, Ah don't remember now. It's gone."

Sweetie Belle hugged Applebloom and pushed her down onto the bed.

"Well I can tell ya that won't ever happen. Not while our sisters and the other Elements are around anyways."

Applebloom smiled and nodded, letting out a sigh. "Ah guess yer right. Doesn't help me from worryin' about Scootaloo."

Sweetie Belle nodded and yawned as she laid down again, closing her eyes. "I know. Let's go back to sleep. Good night Applebloom."

Applebloom closed her eyes, pulling the blanket back up to her neck. "Good night Sweetie Belle."

--

Scootaloo made her way into the empty chamber. The stonework was blue of this Labyrinth and as she drew close, three Centurions appeared with her. She stood before the doorway to Pandora. She faced off and claimed victory over Twinbellows, gaining one of the Sacred Treasures. Now, the battle was inevitable for the second. It was a long walk through Gaia, the Overworld before she finally arrived to the Abernathy. At least she didn't have to worry about falling, at least not falling far.

She sighed, a small fireball circling around her now golden horn with two floating diamonds circling her, offering her extra protection as well. The three special abilities gifts from some training rooms she stumbled across, with large stone slabs flying at her from every direction.

"So Palutena. Is there, ya know, what should I know about Hewdraw?"

The voice of the Goddess sounded in his head. "Hewdraw is a large and long snake-like dragon. The Centurions are fairly useless against him since he'll bounce around the room. The lava pools inside doesn't help much."

"So.... how do I kick his tail?"

"Just move and fire. And another thing, his only weak spot is his head."

Scootaloo groaned. "And that's supposed to make me feel better?"

"Sorry Scootaloo. Good luck!"

Scootaloo sighed and entered the chamber with the Centurions behind her. She heard the roar of the dragon as it jumped out of the farthest lava pool and and into another. She took Palutena's advice and made her way to the center of the room. The dragon's pattern seemed easy, it jumping up high before falling to the floor. It had no breath weapon, so that was blessing.

The centurions easily fell to the beast's jaws as they kept charging into him. She angled her horn and delivered a bolt a magic, striking the beast's head. The dragon roared in defiance, but it didn't change it's attack pattern. Scootaloo rolled her eyes, still blasting at the dragon. As she fought, more and more centurions fell to it's attack before it was just her and the dragon.

"Ok you big ugly worm! Come get me!"

Scootaloo yelled and charged at the dragon, angling the horn she wore and delivering a final blast to the dragon, the beast roaring and exploding, leaving behind the large, square chest. Scootaloo panted heavily, groaning as she sat to rest.
"Good Work Scootaloo! One more treasure to go. Welcome to Sky Land. Pandora awaits."

--

Big Macintosh walked into Applebloom's room. He brought his hoof upon his younger sister, waking her up. She yawned and slowly opened her eyes to look up at him.

"Ugh... time to wake up fer school already?"

Big Mac just nodded. "Eeeyup."

Applebloom sighed and nodded, bringing her hoof over to wake up Sweetie Belle. She then went over to brush her hair at her mirror, soon joined by Sweetie Belle.

"Hey Applebloom. Where's your sister at?"

"Ah guess she stayed with Rainbow Dash at the hospital."

Sweetie Belle nodded. Once they got done and finished breakfast, they made their way to school for the day. Everyone was asking how Scootaloo was doing. Cherrilee stepped in to begin the day's class. She sat some papers on her desk as she smiled to the children.

"Now class. I'm happy to say that the time's come to announce our yearly pageant. It's going to be in a month so I'm sure everyone will have time to think of what they want to do should they wish to enter. Now with that out of the way, open your text books..."

Finally it was lunch time. The kids cheered as they all rushed out to eat and play with their friends. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle sighed as they were thinking about the pageant.

"So.... what do ya think we could do?"

"I dunno Applebloom. I don't really want to do it without Scootaloo though.*

Applebloom nodded in agreement as she thought.

"Well.... we could head on over to see Twilight fer an idea."

Sweetie Belle nodded and smiled at her. "Good idea. We'll go see her after school!"

Scootaloo delivered the final blow to Pandora with a few centurions left. She went to the casket that held the sacred treasure and tapped on it. The first two caskets appeared in a golden light. She looked to either side of her at the centurions, who just nodded to her.

"Well Palutena, I have all the treasures. What do I do now?"

All she heard was silence.

"Uhmmm.... Lady Palutena?"

Again silence, that is before the two centurions stepped up next to her.

"Scootaloo. I fear that Palutena's ability to speak with you has run out. It's time to use the three treasures. Medusa awaits in the Sky Palace."

Scootaloo nodded and opened the three caskets containing the treasures. The treasures vanished before appearing on her. The silver armor, elaborate armor in appearance similar to Nightmare Moon's, save silver. The Crown of Light appeared atop her head, it's appearance similar to Princess Celestia's save for the glowing gem in the center. Finally, the Pegasus wings replaced her own, the magical wings each as big as a fully grown pegasus.
Scootaloo stood for a moment and nodded before stretching her wings, flapping them, beginning to fly. Using the combined magic of the Golden Horn and the Crown of Light, she blew a hole in the ceiling of the labyrinth, flying upwards and out at incredible speed. Higher and higher she flew until she arrived at the Palace in the Sky. Her eyes opened wide at the swarms of enemies within.

C'mon Scootaloo... you can do this...

With a sigh she began her assault, flying into the swarm. To her surprise, the beams of light she fired from her horn traveled straight through several enemies. She smiled at that, flying, weaving and shooting as she could. She easily found the corridor that led to where Medusa must be, but it was too heavily defended. She'll have to pass by and come back again once she thinned the underworld ranks more.

The enemies she encountered ferocious. Flying starfish, or were they flowers? She couldn't tell. Harpies, blocks falling from above. She weaved, dodged and blasted at them all with the ability of the Magic Crown. Soon she found her opening, flying at high speed down the corridor. There, at the end, was a giant, monstrous pony head. It had only one eye and instead of hair for it's mane, there were dozens of snakes.

"Well, well, well. The ssso called hero finally ssshowsss herssself."

Scootaloo blinked, frozen for a moment but shook her head as she gazed at the monster before her.
"Medusa! I defeated your commanders! Your minions are on the run! Surrender and free Palutena, or you will pay the price!"

Medusa grinned and laughed. "You think your tough? I think it's time to teach you a lesson and to strip you of your wings. Permanently!"

With a roar, Medusa started her attack. Scootaloo dodged and weaved as she could, the monster's gaze spreading from her eyes towards Scootaloo. While her armor protected her, she still had to avoid the giant snakes flying from Medusa's head. Scootaloo threw the empowered magic at Medusa, most attacks just bouncing off. One bolt hit Medusa's eye, causing her to shriek out in pain.

Scootaloo smiled at that, continuing the assault, scoring hit after hit. Scootaloo was injured as well, breathing heavily. She closed her eyes and concentrates, empowering the horn, a bolt of magic flying towards Medusa. It struck her eye once more and the monster roared, the giant head flashing before turning to stone and the eye shattering, Medusa's true form, that of a grayish green pony with snake-like hair falling into a heap. Scootaloo flew into the head and through the hole behind into a chamber. The gold chains wrapped around Palutena shattered, releasing the goddess.

Palutena opened her eyes as Scootaloo approached, standing and smiling at her before releasing a large wave of magic, clearing the palace of the remnants of the underworld army and Medusa's influence. Scootaloo bowed before Palutena before looking up at her. Centurions flew around above them, dropping rose petals.

"Scootaloo. You've overcome great obstacles and challenges, and you saved not only myself, but all of Angel Land from the forces of the underworld. Come with me if you please."

Palutena made her way into a chamber behind her. Scootaloo smiled, the three treasures fading from her with a golden light, hidden within their caskets once more. Palutena was standing in front of a large fountain of clear, but glowing water. Scootaloo walked over to stand with her.

"Behold. The Fountain of Insight. Peer into the water and behold how you arrived here to begin with."

Scootaloo looked up at her curiously before climbing up, placing her fore hooves on the edge of the fountain and looking in. The water shimmered. It showed Scootaloo that fateful morning, of her on her scooter, as well as the crash that ensured. It also showed Rainbow Dash, rushing her to the hospital and keeping watch over Scootaloo. She brought a hoof to rub the tears from her eyes.

"Scootaloo. Do not worry. You will rejoin them once more. You will awaken."

"Lady Palutena. Thank you. I knew that my friends cared for me, but to care for me so much. Will... will I be able to remember you?"

Palutena giggled as she nodded slowly. "You will, but it will be merely as a dream. It will be fresh in your mind for some time. I wouldn't dream removing memories and dreams from one. But there will be things you won't remember. Are you ready Scootaloo?"

Scootaloo again, wiped some tears from her eyes, nodding slowly. Palutena slowly leaned down, placing a soft kiss to Scootaloo's forehead as she removed the unicorn headband. To Scootaloo, everything slowly faded into a bright white light.

--

Rainbow Dash yawned and stretched as she slowly awoke, letting out a soft groan before cuddling in close to the warm body with her. She heard a nother yawn before opening her eyes, seeing the coat of orange beneath her. She then blushed as she heart the familiar southern voice above her before slowly looking up at Apple Jack's face.

"Good mornin' Sugarcube."

"Uhmm.... Good morning Apple Jack.. did you... stay with me all night?"

"Ah sure did dear."

Rainbow Dash blushed, lowering her head a bit as she smiled.

"Uhmm... T-Thank you AJ."

She slowly looked up, her eyes meeting Apple Jack's, the both of them blushing lightly. Their eyes closed partially as their faces drew closer and closer, only inches apart now before they both heard a soft groan nearby. They looked towards
Scootaloo's bed as she stirred, slowly bringing hoof to her head.

"Ugh..... my head.... is hurting so much..."

Apple Jack and Rainbow both looked at each other before going over next to Scootaloo's bed, watching as she woke up.

"Hey Scoots. Welcome back kid."

Rainbow Dash smiled, bringing her hoof to brush some of Scootaloo's hair from her eyes as she looked towards Apple Jack. Apple Jack, smiled and pulled her hat onto her head, nodding before leaving the room to get the others.

Scootaloo's eyes opened slowly, looking up at Rainbow Dash, sitting up slightly, still hurting.

"Rainbow Dash? what... What happened?"

Twilight's Troubles

-Broken Scooters-
Written By
LightFeather/Eviljbrian
Please note that My Little Pony and characters within this story are © Hasbro and Lauren Faust.
Also note that this most definitely takes place after the Canterlot Wedding. If you haven't watched through Season 2, you may know know some of the characters within the story.
Another note, please read my other chapters as well. :)

Part 4 - Twilight's Troubles

Once school had let out, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle saw Apple Jack standing, waiting for them. They quickly ran over to her, looking up at her curiously while they carried a bag of cards and gifts for Scootaloo from the class with them, the bag a little heavier than they thought. Apple Jack picked the bag up and started carrying it, smiling at the girls.

"Hey ya'll. Guess what? Scootaloo's awake now. Ya'll can stop by and see her if'n ya want. We jus' can't be stayin' very long though. The doctor says she still needs to rest another day or two to make sure she's ok."

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle cheered and started running towards the hospital as fast as they could. Apple Jack ran with them, easily keeping pace with the fillies. it didn't take them very long to reach the hospital and up to Scootaloo's room. The girls went over to give their friend a hug, being careful of the cast and where the bruises might be.

"Glad yer awake Scootaloo. We missed ya!"

"Yea! We couldn't be the Cutie Mark Crusaders without you!"

Apple Jack smiled as she went to stand with Rainbow Dash. Dash looked towards AJ and blushed lightly.

"So.... I'm guessing you told the others?"

"Ah sure as heck did. Pinkie's preparing a party for when Scootaloo gets to come home of course, and Fluttershy's feedin' her critters. Twilight and Spike are comin' though, and Ah left a note for Rarity."

Twilight and Spike made their way through the door. Twilight made her way to Scootaloo's bedside as Spike hopped over onto Apple Jack's back.

"Hi girls!" Twilight said, but it was Spike's voice coming from her. The three young fillies looked surprised, as did Rainbow Dash. Spike just laughed, but Twilight's voice coming from his mouth.
"We kinda switched bodies. Don't ask."

There was silence for a moment before Rainbow Dash started to laugh, followed by the children. Dash looked over towards Twilight.

"I can't believe it Twi! That's pretty funny. How long ya been like that?"

"The morning that you brought Scootaloo here. So about... three days? It's been quite a learning experience, but I'm ready to get back into my own body now."

Spike looked over to Dash and nodded. "Yea. So am I."

Applebloom looked towards Spike. "So why not tell us what happened?"

The other two CMC nodded in agreement as Twilight hopped off Applejack and went over, climbing up onto the bed as Twilight began to tell her story.

"Well girls, let me tell you. It wasn't easy at all. I won't bore you with the first day, since we were together that day and all I did was go through the books in my library."

--- Day 2 ---

I was the first one to wake up, as usual. Both me and Spike shared my bed over the night since I couldn't really get comfortable in his bed. To be totally honest I'm not sure how he does it or how dragons in general can sleep on stone or gold or gems or anything like that, and come to think of it...

TWILIGHT!

Ok, ok! Anyways, I woke up and I tried to wake up Spike. You know how he is about sleeping, and waking him up is always hard. We had a long day ahead of us, but we had to get some breakfast first.

I went around to gather up our usual breakfast, pulling the ladder around the kitchen since I didn't have my magic and Spike couldn't use it. I got us some bananas, apples and oranges and cut them. Having fingers certainly made holding some things easier, but I couldn't carry as much as I did without my magic. After I put the fruit on the plate, Spike finally showed up, dragging a small box behind him.

"Good morning Spike. I have some fruit ready for breakfast. What's in the box?"

"Oh! Morning Twilight! I thought that since your in my body after all, that I think you should try out a couple of gemstones."
"Spike? I'm.... not sure I could eat gems. Even if it is with your body and your gems."

"But Twilight! You can at least give a couple of them a try. And you know how important it is for us dragons to eat a couple gems now and then. You'll be surprised at the flavors that they have!"

I just rolled my eyes and giggled a bit, nodding as I climbed up into a chair, eating a piece of apple.

"Ok Spike, you win. But after breakfast, ok?"

"Deal!"

We didn't eat much the day before so I guess we were kinda hungry. Ate more than we usually did for breakfast because of it. Spike let out a small burp, and I only looked at him.

"Spike!"

"Oops! Excuse me."

"So, what kind of gems do you have for me to try?"

Spike tossed the small box onto the table and titled it over, a couple of gemstones tumbling out.

"Let's see.... a ruby, there's a sapphire, an emerald, an opal, and an amethyst."

Spike slid the ruby over to me. I picked it up and looked at it slowly, gazing into it's facets. I know that the gems were given to him by Rarity for his help in finding them. The gems given usually had some sort of imperfection that Rarity would find. But Spike didn't care, he'd eat them anyways.

"Ok Spike.... here goes."

I brought the ruby up and sniffed at it's scent, raising an eyebrow. I put the gem into my mouth, biting into it and chewing it, surprised that I was doing so. I ate the gem and swallowed before my eyes widened. I jumped out of myseat as I yelled out, a stream of fire flying from my mouth. Spike fell to the floor, holding his sides as he laughed hard.

"HAHAHA! You... You should see yourself Twilight! That's pretty hilarious! Wait till I tell Rainbow Dash this one!"

"HAHA! That IS pretty funny Spike! I'll have to remember this one!"

"I thought ya would like it Rainbow Dash."

"Spike! Rainbow! Can I continue my story?"

"Ok.... hehe... but it's still funny."

I quickly ran for a glass of milk, drinking it quickly to quell the inferno in my mouth. I was still sweating a bit as I looked towards Spike.

"You mean you KNEW?"

Spike wiped a tear from his eye.

"Of course I knew Twilight, but most dragons usually don't get burned. At least it wasn't a Fire Ruby. That would've been worse!"

I sighed and made my way back over to the table, picking up the Sapphire. Once more I studied it before I tossed it into my mouth, eating with a crunch. I tried to brace myself for any unpleasantness like with the ruby, but to my surprise, it was very sweet, sugary, almost like some rock candy. I smiled at that before I nodded to spike.

"That was... pretty good actually. I can see why you like sapphires so much."

Spike nodded.

"Yea. They're sweet and that makes them great for deserts like that Sapphire Cupcake that the Cakes made for me for my birthday."

I licked my lips, odd that I was doing so within Spike's body. I reached over and picked up the opal. My eyes sparkled as I moved the gem, taking in the various colors.

"I can't say I've never had such an appreciation for gems and jewels before."

I tossed the opal into my mouth, noting that it was softer than ruby or sapphire. I closed my eyes as I chewed slowly, taking in both the texture as well as the flavor of the gem.

"Mmmm.... tastes like... mixed fruit. I do have to say this would be my favorite so far. I do love fruits after all."

"Yea. I know. Try the emerald next."

I nodded to Spike as I reached over, taking up the Emerald. I inspected it as I did with the other gems before taking first one bite, then another, eating the stone slowly. I smiled at the taste, as I chewed on the stone before swallowing it.
"Mmmm... something I would save for winter, or a nice cup of hot cocoa. Mint always goes well with hot cocoa."
Spike thought for a minute as he smiled.

"Ya know, I don't think I thought of that. I may have to try that later."

I nodded to him before I took the last gem, the amethyst. I looked at how purple it was and how the color was close to my eyes. I brought the gem up, biting into it but stopped and yelled out as I felt a sharp pain in my mouth. I dropped the gem, holding the side of my face as I trembled.

"T-Twilight? What's wrong?"

"nnngh.... I dunno Spike. I tried to bite into the gem but then it hurt."

"Oh no! What do you think's wrong Twilight?"

"I'm not sure. We'd better go to the dentist."

Spike looked at me in shock as I climbed onto his back.

"The dentist? A-Are you sure?"

"Yes spike. That's what he's there for. And when he asks a question, I'm going to need you to answer it for me."
Spike's ears drooped as we left the library.

"Well... ok... but I don't dentists..."

"They're not so bad Spike."

We slowly made our way to the dentist's office. Spike wasn't keen on the idea, but I didn't give him much of a choice. We arrived and the doctor was able to see us right away. I went over and hopped into the chair while Spike sat in a nearby chair. After a few minutes, a grey unicorn with a tooth on his flank came in.

"Ah! Hello Twilight. Hello Spike. What seems to be the problem today."

"Good morning Doctor Molar. And I know you hear my voice coming from Spike, but somehow I seem to have changed places with him so to speak. Spike's over in my body."

Doctor Molar looked stunned but he shook his head, chuckling a bit.

"Ok Twilight. So, what brings you here today under these... uhmm... conditions?"

"Well you see, I was eating some gems after breakfast. A ruby, sapphire, opal, and emerald. I went to bite the amethyst he brought for me, but then I felt a bad pain in my tooth. I was hoping that you could take a look for us?"

"Of course Twilight. Spike, have you had any problems before?"

Spike thought before shaking his head.

"Not that I know of. And I eat gems all the time. I am a dragon after all."

Doctor Molar chuckled. "Well I wouldn't expect anything less Spike. Dragons commonly eat gems. Now, let's take a look."
I opened my mouth as the doctor took a look inside. He used his magic to lift some of his instruments and to give some light. He tapped on my teeth one by one. I let out a yelp as he did tap one and gave it a small nudge.

"Well there it is. I'm afraid that I'll have to remove that tooth."

Twilight nodded as Spike swallowed hard.

"R-Remove my tooth?"

"Why of course Spike. It won't be your last though. Your just starting to lose your baby teeth is all."

We both nodded to him as he numbed my mouth around the tooth. After he made sure that I couldn't feel anything, he picked up the forceps and gripped the tooth. I felt the wiggle and tug before it popped free and then he put some gauze in my mouth and told me to hold it there. I nodded and did so as he washed the tooth and put it in my hand.

"I'm sure you can tell Spike what to do with that when you guys switch back. I do suggest going home and resting though. Once the magic wears off, you'll still hurt for a while.

I nodded and hopped off the chair, shaking his hoof. Both me and Spike left, making our way home, me in a little bit of pain of course.

Once we got home, I gathered some parchment, ink and a quill with help from Owloiscous. I took the quill, dipped it in the ink and tried to write. I took a look at the parchment and shook my head, crumpling it up and tossing it behind me before I tried to write again. No matter how many times I tried, my writing just turned out horrible.

"ugh.... can't study like this... and being a boy too..."

"Well it's not easy being a girl either Twilight! I mean, I had a little trouble using the bathroom!"

I giggled and blushed a bit, nodding.

"Well I did too Spike. I mean, I studied anatomy before, but not quite like this. Then again it wasn't draconic anatomy either."
I winced as I put my hand to my cheek, groaning. The pain returning full force.

"Well Spike.... owwww... I should try to teach you a little magic."

"Wait! Me? Magic? Are you sure?!"

"Of course silly. It'll be an experience for you to learn. Just some easy stuff though. Basic levitation."

Spike nodded as I sat upon the edge of the table.

"Now Spike. Since this is your first time, and you know how easy it is when I get out of control. Anyways, I want you to look at one of those paper balls and concentrate on it. Imagine itself lifting into the air."

Spike nodded, turning to look at one of the crumpled pieces of paper nearby. He looked and gazed at it, trying to concentrate. After a minute he sighed, shaking his head.

"It's no use Twilight. I don't think I can do this."

"Of course you can Spike. It just takes time and practice"

Spike nodded as he looked towards the wads of paper once more, his eyes narrowing as he began to concentrate. Soon, the horn atop his head began to glow as one of the paper balls began to slowly lift into the air.

"Twilight! I did it!"

I smiled at him and nodded.

"Good work Spike. Just keep practicing that for a while. I'm gonna lay down and take a nap... my mouth is starting to hurt..."
Spike nodded to me and waved.

"Ok. Have a good nap Twilight."

I climbed up to my bed and I went to sleep. It wasn't until later that my eyes opened and I felt a small gurgling in my stomach. I sat up and woke up Spike.

"Spike! Hey Spike! Wake up. I.... I'm not feeling too great."

Spike sat up with a yawn, I could tell he was a bit exhausted from the small bit of magic training I had him do. Even minor telekinesis can take it's toll on a beginner.

"What's wrong Twilight?"

"I'm not sure.... I think I have an upset stomach... URK!"

I held my stomach as I almost felt sick. I felt something, not sure what raise within me. I tried to hold it down. Spike came over to me.

"Twilight. Don't' hold it down. Just let it out. It'll be ok, trust me!"

I looked into his eyes and nodded. I closed my eyes and let out a small burp, something that I wouldn't normally do. With it came a small blast of green fire. I watched as the fire twisted and a scroll appeared and fell into my lap. I removed the seal and read it.

Dear Twilight Sparkle.

I am truly sorry that I did not notify you sooner as I was away with Princess Cadence in royal duties over in Manehattan when Rarity arrived. However, she appraised my sister of your situation.

I most certainly know of a way to restore you and Spike to normal, but I will have to do so in person. I will arrive in the next day or two, although Rarity will be arriving much sooner than I.

I do believe that you will see this as a learning experience for both you and Spike, and of course I will want to hear of what you two learned while being each other. Use the time and learn what you can and I will come fix everything soon.

Your Mentor,

Princess Celestia

I sighed as I fell backwards on the bed, closing my eyes. I turned and climbed down to the floor to get a quill and paper. I wrote, or at least wrote the best I could.

Dear Princess Celestia.

I thank you in that you know of a way to restore Spike and myself back into our own bodies. And to be honest I'm unsure how it happened in the first place. However, we both feel as if we've learned much about each other in the short time Both of us will be more than happy to tell you what we learned about being each other.

Your faithful student ,

Twilight Sparkle

The handwriting was bad, but at least it was legible. I rolled the scroll and placed the band around it before looking to Spike.
"So.... uhhh... Spike. How do you... you know. The fire to send the scroll to Princess Celestia?"

"Oh, that's easy. Just think of where you want it to go, take a deep breath, and blow. It's almost like whistling except it's deeper down inside."

I nodded and closed my eyes. I took a deep breath before blowing like I was blowing a bubble. A small green flame made it's way past my lips and lit the scroll aflame, sending it to the Princess.

"Wow. That wasn't so hard. Now, let's go back to sleep Spike. I'm sure we'll have a busy day tomorrow again."

Spike nodded as we laid back down and closed our eyes, drifting to sleep. It was morning when we heard Applejack knocking on our door to let us know Scootaloo woke up. And so we came here as soon as we could.

The three young fillies laughed a bit, Scootaloo still weak, lay back on her pillows, letting out a yawn. Applebloom looked to Scootaloo.

"Oh! Scootaloo! Miss Cherrilee told us that the pageant's comin' up. What ya'll wanna do this year?"

The girls thought before Scootaloo got an idea.

"How about something about the Princess?"

Spike smiled and nodded. "That's a great idea. Which one?"

Scootaloo spoke up. "Celestia."

At the same time Sweetie Belle gave her reply. "Luna!"

They stared at each other for a minute.

"Celestia!"

"Luna!"

"Celestia!"

"LUNA!"

Twilight walked over and put her hands up to quiet the two.

"Girls, relax, it's nothing to argue over. And I have an idea, if you want to hear it."

The girls calmed down and nodded, looking to Twilight.

"How about you do something about them both?"

Applebloom got an idea then as well. "Ah think that would be a good idea Twilight. Scootaloo. You can be Celestia. Sweetie Belle, you can be Luna. And why not do a story about how they were together and how Luna became Nightmare Moon."
Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo nodded.

"Yea! That's a wonderful idea!"

Scootaloo nodded.

"Yes but how will we know what happened then?"

Applebloom sighed and shook her head.

"Did ya'll fergit that Twilight lives at the library? And that she talks to th' Princesses all the time?"
Twilight just smiled at them.

"Of course I'll help you girls. And I'm sure that Princess Luna and Princess Celestia will be happy to help as well."
They all smiled as the doctor came in.

"Ok everypony. Time for you all to go. After all, I need to do a check on Scootaloo and she still needs her rest."
They all nodded, Applebloom and Sweetie Belle of course lowered their ears, but nodded as they slowly left. The doctor did a few tests on Scootaloo to make sure she was doing ok before giving her something to eat. The hospital food tasted bad, but her hunger caused her to eat everything. Afterwards she lay down and closed her eyes, drifting to sleep for the night, Rainbow Dash following her lead into slumber.

Applebloom's Gift

-Broken Scooters-
Written By
LightFeather/Eviljbrian
Please note that My Little Pony and characters within this story are © Hasbro and Lauren Faust.
Also note that this most definitely takes place after the Canterlot Wedding. If you haven't watched through Season 2, you may know know some of the characters within the story.
Another note, please read my other chapters as well. :)

Part 5 - Applebloom's Gift

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were at school for the day. They smiled, looking at their friends that sat nearby them at the craft table in the back. Applebloom was drawing several pictures of some scooters, as well as writing ideas down for the trio's pageant. As she was doing that, both she and Sweetie Belle were talking to their friends.
Silver Spoon smiled at the two girls. "Scootaloo's awake? That's great news!"

Sweetie Belle smiled and nodded. Secretly, she hopes that Diamond Tiara's ok, but at the same time, learning a lesson about how to treat others.

Twist looked up. "So have you guys decided what your going to do for the pageant?"

Applebloom nodded. "Yea! Somethin about the princesses. We dunno what yet."

Snips looked towards the girls. "That sounds cool!"

Snails joined him."Yea. If you want, we can help when you got it figured out!"

Twist and Silver nodded in agreement.

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle smiled at the kind words. But like her friend Sweetie Belle, she was hoping that Diamond Tiara was doing ok, and at the same time, she was thinking about both the scooter she was going to try to build later that day, as well as the idea for the pageant. Cherrilee stepped inside to begin class. Applebloom raised her hoof after everyone went to thier desk.

"Miss Cherrilee! Ah got somethin' to say."

"Oh? Well, go ahead Applebloom."

"It's about Scootaloo. She's awake now."

Cherrilee smiled at the news as Diamond Tiara sulked her way into the classroom. "Take your seat Diamond Tiara. And Applebloom just told us Scootaloo's awake, so I think we should take a small field trip at the end of the day to visit her and to take the things everyone made for her."

The class cheered at the idea. Not for the sake of getting out of class early for the day, that was just icing on the cupcake. The class was happy that they could visit the hospital and see their injured friend. "Now class. There WILL be a few rules we'll have to follow when we get there. First of all, it's a hospital. There's going to be sick or hurt ponies there trying to get well, so you MUST be quiet. You'll have to stay with me while we're all there, so no wandering off. And there's not too much room in the rooms there, so everyone will get to spend a few minutes with Scootaloo, but only one at a time.

"Yes Miss Cherrilee."

"Good. Now let's go ahead with today's lesson."

With that class commenced. As they were learning their lessons for the day, it seemed as if time itself had slowed to a crawl. Several unbearably long hours later, at least in the eyes of the children, Cherrilee stood.
"Ok class. It's time to go. Gather your things and we'll be on our way."

Everyone smiled, packing thier things into thier bags for the walk to the hospital. It was a fairly long walk from the school, but the children didn't seem to mind. Some even started to play games with each other as they walked. Soon enough they arrived at the hospital. They kept quiet as Sweetie Belle and Applebloom led the class to where Scootaloo was. "Ok children, now remember. Only a few at a time."

They all nodded as Applebloom and Sweetie Belle waited outside Scootaloo's room. Only two went in at a tie, starting with Snips and Snails. It was about this time that Applejack showed up, smiling to the teacher and class.

"Why good afternoon Miss Cherrilee. Ah see ya brought the class to visit Scootaloo."

Cherrilee smiled. "Hello Applejack. Yes, I thought that they would want to see thier friend since she's awake."

Applejack nodded in agreement. "That's a wonderful idea."

Applebloom thought for a moment before walked over to Cherrilee and Applejack.

"Miss Cherrilee? Applejack? If it's ok with ya, can ah go home and work on my gift for Scootaloo?"

Cherrilee smiled at Applebloom. "Well, I don't have a problem with it, but that would be up to your sister."

Applejack nodded. "Well Ah don't have a problem with it. Seems like Cherrilee and the class are gonna be here fer a while at least."

Applebloom smiled and hugged her sister before trotting off quickly, she made her way back to the farm and her clubhouse, setting out the wood and supplies, as well as the tools she would need. After looking at the broken, and now dismantled scooter, as well as the drawing she made and the magazine she got from Half-Pipe, she set to work. She began to smooth and shape the wood using a plane tool.

After the hard work of using that to shape and smooth the wood she went to work sanding it, again using a sanding tool. She leaned down to blow the sawdust off the wood and continued. Finally, she was satisfied with the overall shape. Afterwards, she turned the scooter's base upside-down and took a few measurements, marking several spots with a pencil.
Once the measurements were made, she drilled holes in the spots that were marked. Applebloom turned the scooter's body onto its side and fed screws into teach of the holes through the top. It was on these screws that she mounted the rear wheel truck, and onto that, a pair of wheels. She repeated the process for the front wheels, making sure the screws and nuts were tightened as much as she could. And now came the harder part.

Applebloom measured and drew a line going diagonal across the upwards slant of the front of the board, and then did it again to draw an x. It was here that was the center. She used a different tool for this hole, as it had to be bigger for the handle, and so she chose a one inch boring tool to add the proper hole. Once she had done so, she sanded the interior of the hole.

She picked up a piece of pipe that Ten-Penny sold her, and put one large bolt on the end, screwing it down untill it wouldn't go any further. She placed the threaded section of the pipe into the hole, and added another bolt to the underside to secure it into place. The scooter was taking shape, just a few more parts to add. She pulled the scooter and sat it onto the floor, rolling it back and forth, testing the wheels.

Applebloom nodded as she was satisfied by the outcome. She took a T-connector and screwed it onto the top of the pipe, then took two shorter pieces of pipe and screwed them onto either end of the connector for the handle. She tightened all the connections and smiled. Applebloom picked up her saddlebag and tossed the handle grips into it before walking outside with the scooter.

Diamond Tiara sighed as she slowly entered the room with Scootaloo. She wanted to talk to her alone, for this at least. It wasn't easy for her to be here, she didn't even want to come, but she had something to say so she might as well say it. Rainbow Dash was absorbed into her book, so Tiara made her way to sit next to Scootaloo.
"Hello.... bla..... I mean.... Scootaloo."

Scootaloo sat up a small bit as she looked towards the other filly next to her. "Hello Diamond Tiara. Here to make fun of me because I'm hurt?"

Diamond Tiara turned her head away. For some reason, those words hurt. "No. Listen, Scootaloo... I'm sorry you’re hurt and all... and.... I'm sorry for how I act towards you and your friends."

Scootaloo blinked and looked towards Diamond. "What do you mean?

"I mean... I'm sorry I'm so mean all the time.... I.... I can't help it. I think it all comes from when I was younger.

Scootaloo blinked and put a hoof on Diamond Tiara's shoulder.

"Wanna talk about it?"

Diamond Tiara sighed and closed her eyes.

"I... I guess I'm jealous of you and your friends. Look at you. You’re trying all kinds of different things to get your cutie marks. You've already done more things than the entire class combined. Me? Look at my cutie mark. I had it for a while now."
Scootaloo thought back and nodded.

"How did you get your cutie mark anyway Diamond Tiara?"

Diamond Tiara looked up. "Well. I got it after I won a beauty pageant over in Manehattan. They're kinda like Rarity's fashion shows.... but a lot more big-time. It's not just fashion but how you act. I'm not sure what I did, but I got it after I won that show and wore my Tiara for the first time. Other fillies that were in those contests were mean too, so.... I was just as mean right back to them. Needless to say, I didn't make many friends because of it."

Scootaloo nodded and reached her good hoof out to Diamond Tiara. "Well... we'll be your friends. I'll tell the girls and I'm sure they'll give you a chance, but you have to be nicer. That's why everypony doesn't like you. If you were nicer, more ponies would like you. And when we go on our next cutie crusade, we'll bring you along. I gotta warn ya though; it can be messy at times."

Diamond Tiara looked down at Scootaloo's hoof before taking it into hers, shaking it with a smile and nodding. "Ok. Deal. I'll.... give it a try."

Applebloom looked around warily as she walked along the path through the Everfree Forest. It wasn't the first time she's gone to see Zecora, and she'll visit her more. Not many ponies usually will, but she considers the tribal zebra a good friend. Zecora had some plants growing along the small pathway that led to her hut that would keep the timberwolves away, but that didn't stop them from watching from afar, and to Applebloom, that was close enough. Soon though, she walked into Zecora's hut with the scooter.

Zecora looked up from her cauldron with a smile. "Applebloom, it's great to see you. But where are your friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo?"

Applebloom smiled at Zecora, setting the scooter to the side for now. "Hello Zecora! Scootaloo crashed her scooter against a tree and she's hurt in the hospital. She just woke up yesterday after being asleep for a few days. Miss Cherrilee thinks she had a concussion. And she broke her foreleg too"

Zecora looked at her in surprise. "Such an injury cannot be treated lightly. But the doctors will fix her up rightly. I would ask what brings you to my humble abode, but that scooter that you brought is what I behold."

Applebloom nodded and brought the scooter over to Zecora. "Yea. Ah built it fer Scootaloo. Ah thought that you might have a mixture that ya can put on the wood to make it stronger."

Zecora walked over to inspect the scooter, running her hoof along the wood of the base. "It is quite an odd thing you ask, but I think I have something just right for this task. This wood is already strong from what I can feel, but I have a mixture that will make it strong as steel."

Zecora walked around her hut, gathering the necessary ingredients, sprinkling them into her cauldron one at a time. Once the ingredients were in, she took a rope and threw it over one of the beams to her roof before tying one end to the scooter. She then used it to lift the scooter up, and then into the cauldron where the potion was bubbling gently.
"For a while the scooter should soak in the mix. And something for Scootaloo I can fix."

Zecora got a mortar and pestle, adding a few herbs and berries, mixing them. "This mix is to ease any pain in her head, while she rests in her soft bed. To heal concussion it takes time, but afterwards she will feel just fine. Take this and have her drink every drop, then the pain in her head should stop."

Applebloom nodded, watching Zecora put the mix into a gourd of water and corking it before shaking it to mix. Zecora set it aside and began a new mixture. "A broken bone takes time to mend, so this remedy, with you I will send. A broken bone takes great time to heal, but this potion cuts the time by a great deal."

Applebloom scratched her head as she watched Zecora work. "You mean to say, that this potion gets rid of her headache and that one fixes her leg in a few weeks instead of a few months?"

Zecora smiled and nodded, pouring the mix into another gourd and sealing it and putting them into Applebloom's bag. "With those you should take great care, as there is not much there. The scooter about now should be done. Once you add the handles, it is ready for some fun."

Zecora and Applebloom both pulled on the rope, the scooter being pulled out of the cauldron. Using a hook, Zecora pulled the scooter so that it would set upon the floor to dry. The mix had also caused the wood to take on a slightly metallic blue color, and the handlebars to become silver. Once it was both dry and cool, Applebloom tested it once more, making sure everything worked. With a nod she smiled to Zecora and gave her a hug.

"Thank you Zecora! Ah dunno what we would do without your help."

Zecora returned the hug before sending Applebloom on her way. "I care for you all, as you can tell. Now you go see Scootaloo, and tell I wish her well."

"Will do, Zecora. Bye!"

And with that, Applebloom made her way back through the forest and to the hospital, the scooter in her hooves. Sometime later, Applebloom was approaching the hospital just as Cherrilee and the class was leaving. They all stopped to see Applebloom and the scooter she built. Cherrilee looked at the scooter, then to Applebloom.

"Oh my! Did you make that?"

Applebloom nodded as she smiled. "Yep. Ah sure did."

"Well then Applebloom. I must say it looks wonderful."

The rest of the class smiled and looked at the scooter, giving one compliment after another. Even Diamond Tiara gave a little bit of a smile. She had to admit, Applebloom did a great job on it. After a wave, she made her way to the hospital, taking the scooter to Scootaloo's room and peeking inside, seeing Sweetie Belle there too.

"Scootaloo. Ah got somethin' here fer ya."

Scootaloo blinked and looked towards the door, along with Sweetie Belle and Rainbow Dash. "Ah know that it's not the same as yer other scooter, but ah saw how broke it was so... Ah built ya a new one."

Applebloom opened the door fully and walked in with the new scooter. Scootaloo looked at it and smiled, pulling Applebloom into a hug. "Thank you! It looks great, almost like mine. But I'll still keep it, even if it's broke. It still means a lot to me."

Applebloom smiled and nodded. "Oh! Zecora made these drinks fer ya. She said that one will help yer head, and that the other one will help yer leg heal faster."

Scootaloo nodded, taking one of the gourds and uncorking it, drinking it down before doing the same with the other. She put them back into Applebloom's bag and smiled. "That tasted kinda good. Better than that regular medicine anyway."
There was a knock on the door. Before they could answer, it opened. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna made their way into the room. Celstia smiled as she saw the three girls and Rainbow Dash. "Well hello my little ponies. I hope you’re feeling better Scootaloo."

Scootaloo smiled as she nodded, laying back in her bed. Rainbow Dash walked over to the princesses and bowed her head. "P-Princess Celstia! Princess Luna. What are you doing here?"

Celestia tilted Dash's head up before sitting nearby, her sister sitting next to her. "Well, I came to Ponyville to fix Twilight and Spike's problem. They're back in their own bodies, and they learned a great deal about each other. Then Twilight told me of three young fillies that want to do a story about us for the upcoming pageant."

Luna flattened her ears and sighed, nodding slowly. "Yes.... it was.... a darker time, not only for Equestria but especially so for us. And myself, even more so. I still regret the jealousy and hate that I had back then."

Celestia tilted Luna's head up. "It's ok dear sister. I forgive you. You were not yourself and were corrupted in a way. But I'm glad to have you back. But first, I see that Applebloom has finally gotten her cutie mark."

The three girls blinked before looking at Applebloom's flank. Sure enough, there was a cutie mark. It was a red apple with a white flower behind it, and crossing the front of the apple was a hammer and saw. Scootaloo smiled. "When did you get it Applebloom?"

Applebloom shrugged and tried to think. "Ah dunno. Had to have been sometime between when I built your new scooter and here. Ah built it, took it to Ten Penny to look at, then took it to Half-Pipe to look at. After that Ah went to Zecora's and then came here after showin' it to Miss Cherrilee and the other kids. All of them said nice things about it and that made me feels real good cause I like fixin' and buldin' things."

Sweetie Belle smiled. "That must be your talent. You fixed up our clubhouse when it was a disaster back when your sister gave it to us. You built that and I think you fixed a few other things."

The three girls smiled before Appleblom hugged the other two. "Don't ya worry none. Ah'll still do whatever it takes to help ya get yers too."

They smiled before they turned their attention to Celestia and Luna, who smiled back. Sweetie Belle explained to the princesses. "We wanna do a story of you for the pageant next month and we'd like to hear something about you two."
Luna nodded. "We are pleased and flattered young one. Very well, for we shall tell you a tale..."

Celestia held her hoof up to Luna. "Awwww, but Tia. We were going to tell them about our time spent on the moon for those thousand years."

Celestia only giggled at her sister. "Luna, my dear sister. Perhaps it will be best to speak of what happened before that." Luna thought and nodded in agreement.

The three girls nodded as they sat, and listened carefully to Princess Celestia. "This is a story of long ago. Before Nightmare Moon, and before the two of us found the Elements of Harmony. This.... was a time during Discord's reign..."

Sweetie Belles Debut

-Broken Scooters-
Written By
Light Feather/Eviljbrian

Please note that My Little Pony and characters within this story are © Hasbro and Lauren Faust.
Also note that this most definitely takes place after the Canterlot Wedding. If you haven't watched through Season 2, you may know some of the characters within the story.

Another note, please read my other chapters as well. :)

Yet another note: This is my take on another part of Equestria history. The song within, all credit for that goes to Ponyphonic, and it was this song that gave me the inspiration for this particular chapter.

Yet another note (last one I promise) due to this chapter's nature, do remember that it's the children's pageant, and it is the young ones acting it out, even though I will be using the names of who they are playing as.

Part 6 - Sweetie Belle's Debut

It had been a long month for Scootaloo. Her cast was removed a week ago, and it was difficult to get around and learn her lines for the pageant, but somehow she had managed to get through with a little help from her friends. Now, it was night time, and only minutes until the curtain rises. Scootaloo was dressed as Princess Celestia. Her makeup covered her body, her coat white and her she wore a flowing, pastel rainbow wig. The sun was painted upon her flank. Spotting two Alicorns in the audience, she reached up to fix her golden tiara nervously. "Oh... my... gosh! T-The Princesses are here! Both of them!"
Sweetie Belle blinked, poking her head out as well. "What?!" She was a bit less noticeable as she took a peek, having dressed as Princess Luna. Her coat painted dark blue while her hair colored a lighter shade of blue with sparkles to represent the night sky. Atop her head was a black tiara. "I... I'm not feeling good all of a sudden."

Zecora pulled the two little ones back and smiled at them. "No not be afraid of their many eyes. Your tummy just has the butterflies. That feeling you have, I figured on a hunch, so I mixed a cure inside the punch." The zebra pointed to several cups of punch set on a table off to one side of the backstage area.

The two girls quickly dashed over and took a cup of said drink and swallowing it down quickly. Twilight walked over to Zecora and chuckled. "There's not really any potion in that punch, is there?"

Zecora just smiled and winked. "Not one drop. But if they believe there is, their sick feeling will stop."

Backstage, Applebloom was testing the ropes for the sun, moon, and a few other props she had built. While she was doing so, as well as explaining the workings with Twist to help out, both of them were also in costume as well. Applebloom was wearing a horn and antler on her head, and her tail had been braided and wrapped. She was going to be representing Discord. Snips came along to help as well. Both he and Twist were wearing gold armor and helmet, for they were Celestia's guards.

Off to the side, Snails was helping Silver Spoon with her costume. Both of them were wearing black armor and helmets, with a pair of bat-like wings on their backs and fangs in their mouth. They were to be playing as Luna's guard.
"I look ridiculous!" came from the side. Diamond Tiara came out, wearing a pair of insectile wings, her whole body black and mane green. She was going to represent the changeling queen at the time. "Why do I get to be the Changeling Queen?"

Applebloom sighed and looked towards Diamond Tiara. "Because, Scootaloo is being Celestia and Sweetie Belle is being Luna. And besides, you always said that you would want to rather be queen than princess.

Diamond Tiara sighed and nodded. In truth, for how bad she treats the other girls, this could be a form of punishment, but it was still a part of the story. Cheerilee clapped her hooves together. "Ok everypony! Get to your places! It's time!"

With that all the children rushed to get to each of their spots, as Zecora made her way to the front of the stage to begin the show.

"Welcome each and every friend, stay with us until we end. This is a tale that had long since passed, reenacted by our young cast. A long-forgotten bit of history, wrapped in the shrouds of mystery. The tale begins during reign of Discord, one that could no longer be ignored. As we open our first scene, the Princesses talk with the Changeling Queen. Stay with us and very soon, you will see the rise of Nightmare Moon."

Zecora laughed much as she did on Nightmare Night, throwing a small bit of powder to the floor, the powder creating a bright flash, and Zecora was gone, just as the curtain begins to rise.

The lights turned on, shining upon the first scene. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Diamond Tiara were sitting at a small table, acting out their parts as the Princesses and Changeling Queen. With them was each of their friends, in the costumes of each of their guards. Diamond Tiara brought her hoof onto the table. "Tell us why we should help you Celestia? Why should we help stop Discord?"

Scootaloo looked towards Diamond Tiara. "Because, Queen Crystallia, nopony likes how things are with him running it. And you even said it's not good for your changelings."

Diamond Tiara lowered her head. "Ok, fine. We'll help find these gems you think have this mystical power. But once we do the ritual to help create them, we'll be leaving. Even if you do win, the distrust for my kind grows and I need to protect us."
Sweetie Belle nodded. "That's ok. We understand. After your help, me and Tia can use the power ourselves to stop Discord. It will be easier with your help, but you need to protect yourselves too."

Diamond Tiara nodded and grinned. She turned to walk off one way, and the others walked the other way as the curtain fell to change the scene. Already, they were moving the pieces of scenery to resemble a cavern.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo walked onto the stage as the curtain rose. Sweetie Belle looked over to Scootaloo. "Why are we in the caves under the castle anyways?"

Scootaloo walked a bit more, looking around and behind one of the wooden rocks before looking towards Sweetie Belle. "Because we have to find these gems to put the powers into. There’s some that can hold magic inside them. We don't have long to look though. Let's split up and look."

Sweetie Belle nodded, she walked two steps and stopped. She yelled out as a trap door opened underneath her. Scootaloo went over. "Luna? Are you ok?"

Sweetie Belle nodded as she climbed back onto the stage before setting a gem down. "Yea. I found one of those gems."
Scootaloo smiled and reached behind another piece of scenery, pulling out another gem, putting it with the first. "Here's another. Two more."

Sweetie Belle nodded as they walked a little bit more. They turned back and walked back across. Sweetie Belle pointed up. "Up there! Another one!"

They nodded and closed their eyes. While they did, Twilight used a small bit of her own magic to make the costume horns glow with a small aura for a moment. Applebloom, up in one of the rafters, dropped two gems onto the stage in front of them.
Scootaloo scooped up the gems and smiled "Good work. Let's hurry and get these back"

Sweetie Belle nodded and the two went offstage as the curtain fell. Everypony was busy instantly to set up the next scene. Fluttershy had a small tray with six small glass cases, each one a different color. Several fireflies hovered by her. "Ok guys, do you remember what you have to do? Three of you in each case."

The fireflies nodded, three flew into each of the glass cases before it was closed. Fluttershy walked over and set them on the table in the middle of the stage. "Ok little fellas. The three of you in the purple case start glowing now. When all of you know the cases are hovering, then the rest of you can start glowing, ok?"

They all nodded as Fluttershy walked backstage, watching, hoping her small friends will be ok. But she knew they would be. Twilight and Rarity were standing with her, ready to do their part as well. Diamond Tiara, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle took their places around the table as the curtain rises, starting the next scene.

The three girls stood around the table, looking down at the gems. Scootaloo looked up towards Diamond Tiara and Sweetie Belle, nodding to them. "These gems should work well. All we have to do is fill them with the essence of harmony. Doctor? Remind us, which essences should we put into the gems?"

Off to the side, a young colt, one whose coat had been made a tawny brown with an hourglass on his flank and wearing a tie pulled out a scroll, looking at it. "From what is written here, the essences are to be of honesty, loyalty, laughter, kindness, generosity, and magic."

Sweetie Belle nodded slowly. "Then let's begin sister."

Diamond Tiara grinned as they lowered their heads and closed their eyes. Twilight her magic to make each of the girl's false unicorn horns glow while Applebloom up in the rafters pulled strings one by one to pull the gems into the air, the fireflies in each of the cases one by one began to glow. Off to the side, Zecora put some powder in a bowl of water, creating a small fog across the floor of the stage.

Applebloom one by one carefully lowered the cases onto the stage. Scootaloo opened her eyes. "There. It is done. The crystals are now.... I believe they will be called the Elements of Harmony. With luck, they will stop Discord's madness."
Applebloom picked up a cone and started to laugh through it, her voice echoing the stage. "Now now, do ya'll really think ya kin stop me that easily? I dare ya'll to try."

Diamond Tiara backed out, smiling "My work here is done. You two, are on your own. Have fun with these.... elements.... you so call them, although I do not think that they will work."

Scootaloo turned towards Sweetie Belle while Diamond Tiara and her changelings walked off the stage. "It's all up to us now to stop Discord. Let's hurry up and go put a stop to his problems."

The curtain fell. As it did, everypony was getting the scenery changed from the inside of a castle, to a field outside nearby a mountain. The colored cases were suspended once more as Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo stood at their spots, Applejack moving to sit in a small throne that she had made with a glass of chocolate milk on a table nearby. The curtain rose.

Applebloom clapped her hooves before taking a sip of the chocolate milk, one hoof draped over the armrest of the chair.
"Well done Celestia. Ah don't think that these.... things... are going to help you much at all."

Scootaloo stepped closer. "Discord. With these, the Elements of Harmony, we will put a stop to you!"

Applebloom stood up, moving over towards Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. "Ah don't think so Celestia. I don't think that they have the power you claim."

Sweetie Belle stood next to Scootaloo. "Yes they do, and we shall use it to defeat you. Come sister, let us hurry and be done with it."

Scootaloo nodded and the two closed their eyes. The lightning bugs inside the crystal cases glowed as offstage, Pinkie fired her party cannon, a large amount of streamers flying before they hit Applebloom, causing her to stumble back. She got up with a small groan and smiled, standing. "You see Celestia, your so called elements cannot stop me!"

As Applebloom laughed, up above one of the other colts in the class opened a bag of flour before pouring it down, most of it getting all over Applebloom.

Sweetie Belle pointed towards Applebloom as she stopped laughing, holding still.. "Sister. What is happening?"

Scootaloo stepped over to Applebloom and lightly knocked on her head. "Discord... he's been turned to stone. Now, we must fix the problems of the world that his chaos has caused and restore order.

Sweetie Belle nodded, the curtain closing once more. They quickly changed the scenery back to that of the castle, more specifically, a bedroom with a balcony. Off to the side was a stand with some black armor and a helmet, and the green gem was glowing on the night stand. Only Sweetie Belle was on stage. The backdrop was changed to a white one with small sequins and glitter, a light blue light shining from behind to simulate the evening, and Applebloom pulled a rope, pulling the sun over it. Once things were set, the curtain rose.

Sweetie Belle stood at the balcony, leaning upon its railing, letting out another sigh as she looked down over it. "Another night drifts by.... I wish more would appreciate it..."

Silver Spoon stood offstage, holding the cone to project her voice. "Oh dear Princess Luna. You are blind after all."

Sweetie Belle lowered her head and closed her eyes. "What do you mean? I've been hearing you since we defeated Discord, so what is it you’re trying to prove?"

"Why take a look. All the ponies of Equestria, are out and around during your sister's daytime. But when it comes to your glorious night, they are nowhere to be found. Why should your sister have all the glory. By all means, it should be your's. After all, you bring the night, as well as the beautiful stars above. All ponies should see the beauty that the night brings."
Sweetie Belle let out a sigh, bringing a hoof to wipe her eyes. "Yes.... it is true. I work hard with not only the moon, but the starts, the constellations, but nobody sees it. How could I let them?"

"Why the choice is easy. You make them. Make the night last forever, and soon they will see that you are better than your sister."

Sweetie Belle opened her eyes, nodding "I will. I thank you for your council. Soon, they will see that I am better."
With that, a pony offstage began to play the piano. Sweetie Belle swallowed hard and closed her eyes, knowing deep, this was her moment, as she began to sing.

"Now the hour has come at last
The soft and fading light
Has crossed the west horizon
And has bidden us goodnight
And what a lovely night it is
To walk a moonlit field
To see the softer shades
That are by starlight now revealed"

Applebloom finished moving the sun downwards, behind a cutout of a large hill, while the moon was pulled upwards from behind the same cutout as the color of the stage lights shifted to deep dark blue, the light reflecting off the sequins and glitter giving the appearance of starts in the night sky. A spotlight began to shine upon the moon.

"So why is it that now,
When all is quiet and at rest
When candles glow and all the world
Is at its very best
The ponies of Equestria
Should lock themselves away
To shun the moon and wait instead
For Sister's sunny day?"

Backstage everyone helped with the scenery. The sun slowly emerged from the hill as the lights slowly changed to light blue and white. The moon, slowly lowering behind the hill, but stopping leaving little under half exposed.

Together the whole class, in perfect practice sang one line. "In umbra Luna est"

Sweetie Belle continued to sing her song.

"Am I so wrong to wish that they
Would see things like I do?
And am I so wrong to think
That they might love me too?
Why shouldn't they adore me?
Is it not within my right?"

Sweetie Belle turned, stepping off the balcony and into the bedroom half of the stage, walking to a vanity and using her own magic to levitate her necklace off and onto the top of the table.

"I'll not be overshadowed!
Mine is not the lesser light!
I've waited long enough now
For them all to come around
And though the Sun may plead and threaten,
The Moon will stand her ground!"

Sweetie Belle used her young unicorn magic, pulling the jet black helmet off of the mannequin and placing it atop her head, as well as the matching breastplate before stepping back out onto the balcony.

"And all will know the wonder
Of my dark and jeweled sky
When all the world is wrapped
In an eternal lullaby"

Applebloom worked hard, pulling the ropes to raise the moon, bringing it up to in front of the sun, eclipsing it as the lights changed, darkening, once more as the backdrop went from day to night once more, this time another spotlight shining from behind the sun to simulate the Diamond Ring stage as well as the Moment of Totality of a full solar eclipse.

"So say goodnight at this,
The final setting of the sun
Tomorrow dawns in darkness
The nighttime has begun!"

The whole class, once again, ended the song, with a single word, as practiced as the last part they did together.

"Nocte!"

With that, the curtain slowly fell The audience stomped their hooves at the song, at Sweetie Belle's voice, many of them drying their eyes, and dear Princess Luna, sobbing on her sister's shoulder. "I'm so sorry Tia. I shouldn't have let her control me like that."

Celestia smiled, patting her sister's back and comforting her. "It's ok dear sister. You were not yourself, and I forgive you a hundred times over."

Backstage the castle props were changed, a small dais was placed in the middle of the stage, preparing for the final scene. Sweetie Belle gasped as her classmates patted her, telling her she did great at the song. Sweetie Belle, smiled, hopping around. "That was great! That was nearly as bad as I thought it would be!"

Rarity smiled at her sister, her and Twilight quickly using their magic to change her makeup, making her coat black as coal with dark blue eyeliner. After they were done, she made her way to the stage, taking her place on the dais, the showdown between Celestia and Luna was at hand.

The curtain slowly raised, the lights dim as Scootaloo slowly walked onto the stage with her two guards. "Sister. What is the meaning of this? You must lower the moon immediately!"

Sweetie Belle stomped her hoof before turning to face Scootaloo as her own two guards walk up. "No! I will not! We are tired of it! We raise and lower the moon, we bring the night, our sky jeweled and nopony sees it! They will now! All will see the sky of Nightmare Moon!"

Sweetie Belle laughed as Scootaloo stepped closer "You have changed sister. I am not sure what had caused this change, but if you will not do so willingly, then I will have to take matters into my own hooves."

Sweetie Belle looked to Scootaloo. "Really? What are you going to do about it?"

Scootaloo and her guards changed forward, beginning to clash against Sweetie Belle and hers. Small lights flashed across the stage to show a magical exchange between the two princesses.

"You cannot win sister. I am more powerful than you and your sun!"

Scootaloo lowered her head towards Sweetie Belle. "Then I shall imprison you in my solar shield!"

Applebloom and a few other classmates smiled as Sweetie Belle backed up onto a small platform. Sweetie Belle pressed a small button on it, and the sides of it came up to make a small box around her. "What is this? Release me at once!"

Scootaloo stepped over to the golden box, lowered her head as the boxes to represent the Elements of Harmony slowly lowered. "I'm sorry sister, but you must be stopped.... although it pains me to do so I have no choice. Princess Luna.... no... Nightmare moon. Until your lesson is learned, as ruling Princess of Equestria, you are hereby banished to the moon you love so much."

Sweetie Belle banged on the sides as the box began to rise upwards "You will not get away with this! In one thousand years, the stars will help me. I will be free once more, and I will bring upon night time eternal! I WILL BE BACK!"

Scootaloo turned around and looked upwards. "I hope so... and that you will have changed back by the time you return."

With that, the curtain closed and lights went bright. As the entire class gathered upon the stage, Zecora walked from behind the curtain. "With that one and all, comes the end, of our Princesses, whom we call friend. Discovering the Elements of Harmony, and ending Discord's trickery. Afterwards Princess of the Moon, who fell corrupt all too soon, upon hearing the mysterious voice, to which Celestia had little choice. Battling one's sister to her disdain, and banishment did Celestia ordain. Returning once more after a thousand years, once again to fuel everyone's fears. With Elements of Harmony to end her reign, the new bearers easing her pain. Free of the corrupted taint and now able to use restraint. Now both Princesses we all love, as well as both of their skies above. Now the tale is at an end, now let's applaud our young acting friends."

With that, the curtain rose and all the children smiled at the applause from the ponies that were there. Applebloom stepped to the front, giving a bow alongside Diamond Tiara. Afterwards Scootaloo moved forward to the center stage, her wings buzzing as she did a back flip and bowing as the cheers grew. But then Sweetie Belle stepped forward, and the crowd got exponentially louder. She smiled and waved, before rubbing some tears from her eyes. Once the curtain call was done, the curtains closed for the final time that night while the cast met at Sugar Cube Corner for Pinkie's after-party.

Sweetie Belle yawned as her and Rarity got home from the party. All she wanted to do was to crawl into bed and fall asleep, but she wanted to get the makeup off first so her sister wouldn't complain.

"Sweetie Belle! You will NOT be sleeping in my sheets with that makeup on, just think of the mess it would make, and we can't have that. Now to the bathroom with you."

Sweetie Belle's ears flattened as she lowered her head. "Yes Rarity..."

She managed to start the shower and got it to a respectable temperature as she began to scrub herself clean of the various colorings that coated every inch of her body. She scrubbed the soaps into her coat and mane, rinsed, and repeated the process several times. Even though her sister had shampoos and soaps that were made for such a task, she still had to repeat the process to make sure everything was gone. Once she was confident enough that she had gotten as much as she was able to out, she shut the water off and grabbed a towel to dry herself off before going to the large mirror on the wall.
Rarity was at her desk, going over the designs for her latest masterpiece. She drew the outline of the dress she was working on before she heard a scream from upstairs, causing her pencil to create a jagged line and glasses to fall off her face. She quickly ran upstairs and opened the door to the bathroom. "Sweetie Belle? Whatever is the matter? What's wrong?"
Sweetie Belle looked towards her sister and hopped up and down. "Rarity! I did it! I got it! Look!"

She turned and showed her flank to her sister. On it, was the image of a vintage style microphone, and two pink heart-shaped eighth notes connected by a bar. Rarity smiled and hugged her sister. "See. Didn't we tell you that you would get it. You did sing quite marvelously and I wouldn't be surprised if you were asked to sing with the orchestra that Octavia's in."

Sweetie Belle giggled and blushed, hugging her sister. "Thanks sis. I can't wait to tell my friends!"

Rarity hugged her sister before pushing her off to her room. "There'll be time for that later. For now, you go on to bed. You had a long night."

Sweetie Belle smiled and yawned, nodding slowly. "Ok Rarity. Good night!"

Rarity smiled and turned out the light of her sister's room after she went into bed. "Good night little sis.

Scootaloo to the Rescue

-Broken Scooters-
Part 7 - Scootaloo to the Rescue
Written By
Light Feather/Eviljbrian
Please note that My Little Pony and characters within this story are © Hasbro and Lauren Faust.
Also note that this most definitely takes place after the Canterlot Wedding. If you haven't watched through Season 2, you may know some of the characters within the story.

It was a week after the pageant. Cherrilee thought it would be a good time to do something fun for a nice class trip. She took suggestions and it was voted that they go camping, as well as make it a study trip. The class was split into two groups. This group had the Cutie Mark Crusaders, as well as Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, Snips and Tails, and Twist. They were led through the Whitetail Woods by Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Twilight Sparkle. Applejack's dog, Winona, barked as she happily ran alongside the group. The other group had Cherrilee, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy, and they went into the northern half of the forest.

The forest itself was split in half by the pathway used for the Running of the Leaves. While Cherrilee's group went towards the northern half of the woods, the other group decided to venture into the southern half. After some time, they were led to a clearing in the trees. It was wide and spacious enough for everyone's sleeping bags and tents, had small stream along the edge, and a good view of the sky.

Rainbow Dash flew up and kicked the few clouds that were in the sky away. This would give them a better view of the night sky, since the trip's a learning experience as well. Applejack went to work gathering a few fallen branches and breaking them into smaller pieces before making a small pile in the center of the clearing, then proceeded to gather more wood. Twilight smiled and was going through one of her many checklists while the children were setting out their sleeping bags.

They smiled as they sat and ate some of the food they brought with them, small apple pastries and sandwiches. As they ate, they watched as the golden glow of Celestia's magic slowly lowered the sun, as Princess Luna rose the moon. Since they were far from town and any major city, the stars seemed to shine more brightly than they noticed.

Twilight stood, smiling at the children. "Now everypony, gather around. This is another reason for this trip. I'm going to teach you some basic Astronomy, or in better words, some of the easier to find constellations and even using the stars to find your way back home."

Diamond Tiara grumbled softly, turning her head away. She didn't want be outside, didn't want to sleep on the ground, didn't want to listen to an egghead talk about the stars. She just didn't want to be there at all. However Daddy Rich had thought it would be a good idea for her to go.

Twilight smiled at the young colts and fillies that gathered around her "Now these are some of the easiest to find stars and constellations. That one up there is Orion, the Hunter. Can any class tell me what makes that constellation one that is easily identifiable?"

Sweetie Belle raised her hoof. "Oh! Is it those three stars right there?"

Twilight giggled and nodded. "That's correct. Those three stars are called Alnitak, Alnilam, and Mintaka. They make up what's known as the Belt of Orion. The other stars the make up Orion are Betelgeuse, Rigel, Bellatrix, and Saiph. The constellation is most easily seen in the winter months."

Twilight scanned the night sky as her eyes widened, grinning as she pointed her hoof. "Now that group of stars there. It's called the Big Dipper. There's a lot of special facts about it, but you can see why it's called that because it's in the shape of a spoon. One interesting fact about it is that it also makes up a part of another constellation that has the same name of one of the Great Celestial Beasts. Snips? Snails? Do you know which one I'm talking about?"

Snips and Snails blinked and backed away before Snails finally spoke up. "Uhh... t-the Ursa Minor?"

Twilight smiled and shook her head. "Nope, but you are close. The last star in the tip of the handle makes up the nose for the constellation Ursa Major. Now, look at the two stars that make up the edge of the bowl of the dipper. If you follow those stars due north, you'll find the brightest star in the sky. Does anyone know what that star is called?"

Applebloom raised her hoof this time. "Ah know Twilight! It's called Polaris."
Twilight nodded "Very good Applebloom. That is indeed Polaris. Not only the primary navigational star in the he sky, but also part of two constellations: The Little Dipper and the Ursa Minor. Now to find your way home if you don't have a compass, is to look to the stars and look for Polaris. It hangs high in the north, high above the Crystal Empire."

Twilight continued to talk about the stars and constellations, with the attention of the school children, but also Rainbow Dash seemed interested as well. After all, if something WERE to happen, it would be nice to find a way back home. Applejack spent the time shifting the dirt in the middle of the clearing to make a shallow pit, with which she filled with wood.

After the minor lessons had been completed, Twilight lit the small pile of wood into a basic campfire, the flames casing a soft flow in the middle of the clearing. Dash took two buckets and brought them back filled with water for later.

The CMC were talking to each other, how to help Scootaloo get her cutie mark, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were talking, and Snips, Snails and Twist were roasting marshmallows. It wasn't long until they gathered around the fire to tell some ghost stories.

Rainbow Dash spoke up first. "So, who's going to go first for the stories?"

Applebloom raised her hoof. "Why don't Twilight go first? Ah'm sure that she's read lots of ghost stories!"

Everyone nodded and looked towards Twilight, who lowered her head in embarrassment before smiling and nodding. "Ok. I think I know of one."

Everypony gathered around as Twilight began her story, using the magic of her horn to weave a ghostly image of the story just above the fire. "In a far off land, in a castle by the Northern Sea, lived a lord who had two daughters. The elder daughter, dark, and younger fair. As what happens at times, the maidens were rivals. However, the younger sister did not know it, and the elder would not admit it. But soon, something happened between them that caused a ghost to speak."
Twilight paced around the circle, continuing her story. "A young lord came courting. Properly, he paid formal address towards the elder sister, however his eyes strayed to the younger. He rode by her on outings, danced with her in the hall. All the while, the dark gaze of the elder sister followed him, making no complaint, and biding her time."

Twilight smiled, looking over the young fillies and colts. "Early one morning, the elder maiden asked her sister to walk with her by the seashore. As they strolled, the fair sister spoke about the dashing visitor. The elder sister said little, but at a place where the waves beat against massive rocks, she acted. With a swift kick, she knocked her sister off balance, and into the sea."

Twilight continued, walking slowly, her horn glowing softly. "The waves crashed against the younger maiden head, the icy foam washing through her hair. She rose to the surface, gasping for air and screamed to her sister... but there was no response. She only heard the roaring of the waves, and the cries of the gulls as the circled overhead. The dark sister stood upon the rocks, as motionless as a statue. With a steady gaze, she watched her sister hopelessly struggle. The young maiden sank, rose once more and cried weakly once more, and then sank again beneath the water."

Twilight grinned, weaving her tale for everyone. "The dark one kept her vigil for some time, watching the violent waves of the sea with satisfaction. She then ran home to her father's hall and, weeping, spoke a false tale, speaking of how her sister slipped on the rocks and drowned. Everypony searched the shore for her, but could not find her body. They mourned in the following months. Afterwards, the young lord, bereft of the fair sister, sought consolation with the dark, which was gladly given."
Twilight walked once more, speaking softly "However the fair sister's body, having been shifted by wind and tide, had drifted along the shore and into a calm lake, far from her father's lands. A miller at the lake's edge had spotted the golden mane beneath the surface, and gently pulled the body from the water."

"It so happened that a wandering minstrel, a harper famed through the land, was staying with the miller. He helped the kind colt give her a proper burial. However, moved by her beauty, he cut three strands of her golden mane, and strung them into his harp."

"A short time after, the Harper took his leave of the miller and went on his way, traveling from castle to castle to sing before the lords of the land. In the months that followed, the harp played for the minstrel, with a tenderness that brought tears to the eyes of it's listeners, and the Harper grew to cherish the golden strings."

"In his travels, he came to the stronghold of the maiden's father, although the harper did not know it was such. The minstrel was welcomed, and they ate, as was the custom then. Later in the evening, when the fires were lit, and the flames casts shadows within the halls, the man drew out his harp and set it before him, making ready to sing. The dark sister sat upon a bench to listen, with her father on one side, and on the other, the young lord she loved."
"Before the Harper could touch them, the golden strings shimmered in the firelight, trembling on their own. A sweet familiar voice echoed the hall, and when the dark sister heard the words it sang, she grew pale and afraid. Her fate had come upon her, and she knew it."

"Farewell to the lord my father," the harp sang softly. "Farewell to my lady mother."

"The harp paused, everypony watched it in horrified silence. Then the strings spoke once more, loud and wailing this time..."
Twilight cleared her throat, having taken lessons from Princess Luna, she had learned the Royal Canterlot voice, which she used. "AND WOE TO MY SISTER WHO MURDERED ME!."

At the sound of Twilight's voice, the young fillies and colts screamed out, some were shaking before they all laughed. Twilight smiled and giggled as she released her magic, the image over the fire slowly fading into the night.

Applebloom sat back up after having fallen on her back, giggling at her sister who was shaking a small bit. She finally spoke after catching her breath. "That was pretty good Twilight! Ah think Ah got a story too.."

Applebloom stood, beginning to pace back and fourth as she started her story. "There are legends... Legends of terrible creatures... creatures that haunt yer very dreams and nightmares... and this one is no exception."

Applebloom continued while Applejack tossed another log onto the dim campfire, sparks flying upwards into the air. "This creature, nopony knows whether he exists or not, 'cause those that've seen him... seem ta vanish or git spirited away, or even have their very memories taken from them."

"The Slender pony. He is said to have the appearance of a very tall, very thin pony in a black suit. Not scared yet? Well just ya wait. He towers, about as tall as Princess Celestia, or even taller. His face, if ya kin call it that, is white... with no eyes... no nose... no mouth... not even ears and mane, although some done gone and said that he can transform into whatever scares ya th'most."

Applebloom stood, waving her fore-legs in the air slowly. "His legs, they can grow, and stretch to grab his victims... and bend in un-natural ways, and kin have claws that he uses to scratch at the windows of children. While he haunts everyone that's got th' misfortune of seein' him, he prefers to devour those that are sixteen or younger. He is also said to have wings of shadowy tendrils, that he can use to ensnare anypony that he seems interested in."

"He's a silent stalker, and likes hidin' in plain sight, en' usually spotted in wooded areas. It's these areas where he can blend in, hidin' with the trees and dark corners in a forest. When he finds his victim, he follows them home. And if you see him in a window, he can hypnotize ya t' walk into his hooves. When seen it's from a distance... but when he's close enough t'git a good look at, that's when he slinks into yer home, appearing in dark hallways."

"Some forests that he may go in, jus' like this one... a pony may have th' misfortune of finding papers. Papers that are clues to Slender pony's existence.... or they may be traps, hiding with the strange scribbles a form of magic, that helps him track ya down even faster. Ya see, there's nopony... that has been able to return with the papers to study them."
"When yer captured, ya will wake to see Slender pony standing above you. He will ask ya one question... and if yer lucky and git it right... he breaks all yer legs. If yer wrong.... then he slowly sticks his fingers down yer throat, and slowly pull out yer heart.... and ya won't ever... be seen... again."

Snips and Snails hugged each other as they trembled, but they didn't tremble as much as Diamond Tiara. Scootaloo giggled. "That was a great story Applebloom!"

Applejack looked towards Rainbow Dash, who was already asleep in her sleeping bag. "It sure was. An' ah think that Rainbow has th' right idea. It is late and time to hit the hay. To yer sleepin' bag."

All the children groaned but nodded, slowly moving to each of their own sleeping bags and sliding into the warmth. After making sure everyone else was asleep and making sure that the campfire was completely out, Twilight slid into her sleeping bag, while Applejack slid her's next to Rainbow Dash, laying with her before drifting asleep.

At a point in the night the wind had picked up. Over in the other camp, everypony was sleeping comfortably in their sleeping bags. Cherrilee, ever the teacher, had brought some papers with her, some homework assignments that she's been needing to grade. As the wind picked up, the papers had been scattered and carried off in the wind.

Diamond Tiara tossed and turned in her sleeping bag, muttering incoherently in her sleep. She trembled and woke up with a yell, having woken up with a nightmare. She looked around and calmed down with a sigh. "Only a dream.... stupid camping trip...."

Looking around she picked up her own saddlebags and started walking into the forest, back towards the direction they came from. As she walked, she looked towards the sky, sighing as some clouds covered parts of the sky. She continued walking, looking around, unsure of where she was going now. Still she walked.

Diamond shivered as another gust of wind blew by, yelping out as one of the papers from Cherrilee's camp smacked into her face. She pulled it off and looked at it, but unable to see it for what it was, she yelled out and dropped the paper, running. "AHH! SLENDER PONY!"

She ran, looking behind her on occasion and finally saw the forest open up. But as she was leaving the forest, she looked behind her once more and stumbled on a rock, her tiara falling to the ground as she tripped and fell, rolling down a steep incline until she finally came to a stop with a groan, knocked unconscious. And there she stayed through the rest of the night.

As was custom every morning, Princess Luna lowered the moon, and Princess Celestia rose the sun. Applejack was the first to awaken, having lived on a farm her whole life she was used to waking up at dawn. Applebloom was the next to awaken. While Applejack woke up Rainbow and Twilight, Applebloom woke up Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

Rainbow flew up to start clearing a few of the clouds from the sky and Applejack went to gather some of the fruit they brought for breakfast. Twilight started to wrap each sleeping bag. She blinked as she looked at Diamond Tiara's sleeping bag, then did a quick count of the students. "No.... no, no, no ,no, no. This can't be happening!"

Applejack walked over to Twilight. "What's wrong sugarcube?"

Twilight looked towards Applejack, panic on her face. "She's missing. I can't believe it! How can I let this happen? She's my responsibility! If they find out, I'll have to move! I'll be banished! And Mr. Rich will own the library!"
Applejack struck her hoof across Twilight's face, just enough to sing and snap her out of her panic. "Thanks AJ. I needed that. But what will we do? Where could she have wandered off to?"

Rainbow Dash returned, and went over to the other two. "What's going on?"

Applejack looked towards Rainbow. "Diamond Tiara's gone missin'. Me an' you are gonna go find her. You can look from th' sky and I'll cover th' ground with Winona. She'd be able to pick up her scent. Twilight, ya stay here with the young'uns."
While Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow Dash talked, the rest of the children gathered around to talk amongst themselves. "Why do ya'll reckon she ran off in the middle of the night?"

Silver Spoon looked towards Applebloom. "She didn't want to come in the first place. Her daddy made her and said she could learn something."

Scootaloo shook her head. "I'm gonna go looking for her. I'm faster than Applejack on my scooter so I can cover more ground."

Applebloom nodded. "Good idea. the rest of us will stay here. You move in the direction mah sister and Winona goes.
Sweetie Belle nodded and smiled. "Just don't get too far. We don't want anything happening to you too.

Scootaloo nodded and strapped her helmet on and pulled the wagon off her scooter, buzzing her wings as she watched Winona sniff Diamond Tiara's sleeping bag before howling and running off, Applejack chasing quickly and Rainbow already in the sky, searching. Scootaloo waited a moment before speeding past Twilight and after Applejack.

Twilight held her hoof out and yelled "SCOOTALOO! WAIT!" and let out a sigh. "Well... at least she'll be with Applejack. What could possibly go wrong?"

She looked towards the remainder of the children. "Ok everypony. Let's get everything else together and make our way to Cherrilee's camp, to let her know what happened."

They nodded and worked together, cleaning and packing the campsite.

Scootaloo had managed to beat Applejack to the edge of the forest and turned to follow the ravine towards Ponyville, her wings buzzing behind her and wind howling through her ears, with her practicing and training with Rainbow Dash, she began leaving behind an orange, purple, and blue blur behind her. She spotted a small glimmer ahead and skid to a stop, hopping off her scooter to pick up the object: a silver and diamond encrusted tiara.

"Scootaloo! What in tarnation are ya doin out here? Ah thought we told ya'll to stay with Twilight!"

Scootaloo turned and looked up at Applejack. "I'm sorry Applejack, but more of us looking the faster we can find her. And look. I jut found this! It's Diamond Tiara's. Think she fell in there?

Applejack looked at Scootaloo and sighed, shaking her head. On one hoof, the filly disobeyed them, but on the other hoof, if she was in Scootaloo's position, she would have done the same. She then looked at the tiara and down along the ravine's edge. "Ah reckon' she might've. There's some skid marks that she could'a made..."

That was all Scootaloo needed to hear before hopping on her scooter and started down the ravine, using her wings and scooter to control her momentum. Applejack gasped and called out. "Scootaloo! What in tarnation are ya doin?"

Scootaloo, now at the bottom of the ravine looked around, seeing some hoof prints nearby. "It'll be easier for you to pull us out, And she was here... looks like she went.... that way! She might be hurt."

Applejack called back. "Jus' be careful sugarcube! I'll follow ya from up here!"

Scootaloo nodded and started to follow the hoof prints, Applejack following the edge of the ravine and chasing after Scootaloo. Scootaloo sped along the floor of the canyon, smiling as she finally stopped next to Diamond Tiara. "There you are! Everypony was worried about you? You ok?"

Diamond Tiara wrapped her hooves around Scootaloo and sobbed softly. Scootaloo smiled and held Diamond Tiara till she sniffed and stopped. "It's ok Diamond. We'll get you back."

Diamond Tiara looked up at Scootaloo and nod, but they hugged each other tightly as they heard a loud roar. As they looked up, they trembled at the sight, a four headed hydra slowly making it's way towards them. They scrambled to get to the Scooter, Scootaloo looking at Diamond Tiara, the latter limping slightly. "Your gonna have to get on the front part so I can use my wings!"

Diamond Tiara nodded and got onto the scooter, holding onto the handlebars near the center. Scootaloo got on behind her and used her hoof to start herself as her wings slowly started buzzing as she used them, beginning to make their way down the ravine with the hydra chasing.

Diamond Tiara trembled as she bit her bottom lip. "Scootaloo! I thought you said you could go fast!"

Scootaloo rolled her eyes, her eyes narrow as her wings continued to buzz, gaining speed slowly. "I did, but I'm carrying you on here too!"

With that, Scootaloo narrowed her eyes, swerving to avoid the larger rocks as her wings continued to buzz louder and louder as they traveled faster and faster. The wind howled in their ears as Scootaloo's eyes closed tightly. Soon they were speeding by, narrowly avoiding rocks and branches, leaving behind a trail of orange and blue flame in their wake. Scootaloo spotted Applejack and called to her. "APPLEJACK! GOT DIAMOND! HYDRA CHASING!"

Applejack ran to the edge and saw Scootaloo speed by, leaving behind the fire trail. Trailing behind them was the hydra. Her eyes widened at the sight of the beast. She whistled loudly and within seconds Rainbow Dash flew down. Applejack called out to the pegasus, "Rainbow! Go git Fluttershy and Twilight! I'll try to slow the hydra!"

While Rainbow sped off to get the other girls, Scootaloo tried her best to continue to weave and dodge, but the terrain was getting worse. It didn't take long before they struck a rock and were sent flying, tumbling across the hard ground and rocks as her scooter smacked into a boulder, the handle bending while the young girls lay on the ground unconscious.

Applejack had ran along the ravine in time to get in front of the charging hydra. She spotted the girls, laying on the ground and took her rope, making a lasso and tossing it onto the ground. As the beast stepped into the lariat, Applejack pulled the rope. She had hoped to try to trip the beast, but was yanked with it, being pulled along the ground as she held the rope, her hooves digging into the dirt and mud as she tried to restrain the beast.

Applejack felt the rope's burn as it slid from her hooves, looking on in horror as the beast raised it's heads above the unconscious fillies. Each of it's heads licked it's lips and began their rapid decent, intent on easy prey. Applejack covered her eyes with her hooves, unable to watch as the beast's bared it's sharp teeth.

As the heads lowered towards the fillies, they were stopped at the last moment by a shimmering purple barrier. Applejack opened her eyes when she heard a familiar voice. "Awwww yea! Good goin' Twi! I couldn't have planned it better myself!"
Twilight looked over the ravine, holding the barrier, using all her strength to do so. "Fluttershy. Your going to have to go down there. It's taking everything I have to hold this barrier."

The butter-colored pegasus nodded as she went down in front of the hydra. "oh... uhm.... excuse me Mr hydra, but would you be so kind as to go back home? That is... if you don't mind?"

The hydra's three heads just glared at her before roaring loudly into her face. Fluttershy tumbled back a bit before straightening herself and flying back back towards the hydra, her eyes narrowed slightly. "Oh no, you did NOT just roar at ME mister! I came here to help these children get home, and what do I find? YOU CHASING AND SCARING THEM! WHAT do you think your MOTHER would say if she saw you acting like this?"

The hydra tried to turn it's heads away, which only aggravated Fluttershy further. "LOOK AT ME WHEN I'M TALKING TO YOU! ALL THREE OF YOU!"

The three heads looked at Fluttershy, staring at her glaring eyes before whimpering softly and beginning to cry, letting out small roars that Fluttershy seemed to understand. "There there. We'll get you back to Foggy Bottom Bog where you belong, ok?"

The beast nodded before starting to walk back the way it came, Fluttershy smiling at the other girls and nodding to them as she flew beside the hydra. "Get the girls and take them to the hospital. I'll take him home."

Twilight, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash just stood there at the scene, their mouths gaping open before nodding, Twilight using her magic to levitate the injured fillies and the scooter out of the canyon, starting towards Ponyville with Applejack. Rainbow went back to tell Pinkie and Cherrilee that the girls have been found and were going to the hospital.

Several days later, Scootaloo let out a light groan as she slowly opened her eyes, Everything was blurry but slowly came into focus. She recognized the room as the hospital room, but her vision was still hindered by a bandage over one eye. She slowly closed her eye before sitting up with a gasp. "Diamond Tiara!"

Scootaloo heard a voice coming from the doorway. "Jus' ya simmer down a bit. Both you and Diamond been through alot. She's jus fine. She's in another room with her daddy."

Scootaloo looked to the door and saw Applejack before laying her head back upon the pillow, her eye closing partially with a yawn. "I'm glad she's ok."

Applejack nodded before almost being knocked over by Applebloom and Sweetie Belle. "See? Ah told ya she was awake!"
Sweetie Belle just rolled her eyes at Applebloom. "Ok, ok. I was wrong."

Scootaloo smiled at her two friends. "Glad to see you too girls. How long was I out for this time?"

The other two girls went over to the bed. Applebloom thought for a moment. "Ah reckon that you were out for about.... four days this time Scootaloo."

Scootaloo nodded and sighed softly. "I had to help Diamond Tiara. If it was anyone else, I'd still do the same."

Sweetie Belle smiled and hopped up and down. "Yea! And it got ya yer cutie mark too!"

Scootaloo opened her eye at that and sat up, looking towards her friends. "What do you mean?"

Sweetie Belle pulled a small mirror from her saddlebag and gave it to Scootaloo, who positioned it to see her flank as Applebloom talked to her. "Yea! My sister said you were goin' so gosh darn fast, that ya make the ground catch fire behind ya and that she had a hard time catchin up with ya!"

Scootaloo looked towards Applebloom before looking through the mirror at her flank Her eyes brightened as she smiled, a tear coming from her eye. Upon her flank, was her cutie mark... a wheel like what was on her scooter, with a flame coming from behind it.

And leaning in the corner of the room, at least for now, was a blue scooter with a broken handle.

Epilogue - Applebloom

Dear Princess Luna

My preparations are well underway in constructing the stage for this year's Summer's Sun Celebration. So far everything is going according to plan in terms of supplies. It will be great to see and hear Sweetie Belle sing again, and great to see Scootaloo.

My sister is eager to see everyone coming home. I just wish that Granny Smith was here to see this year's celebration. It just isn't the same since she passed last year... of everybody that's come and gone, I do so miss Granny Smith the most, but it's nature's way.

Since that time, I had taken over the duty of making the Zap Apple Jam every year. With Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo helping, that batch turned out as good as Granny's. And to think that I was embarrased by Granny Smith when she taught me how. Everyt ime I remember her, it almost makes me cry.

But Applejack told me not to be sad. Granny Smith is always watching over us and the farm along with Ma and Pa. And it reminds me of a lesson I learned back when Ma and Pa passed.

The lesson is this: even though everyone must leave your life at some point, as long as you keep hold of the memories of the good times with them, they will never leave your heart.

It's a lesson I will hold most dear. I will always remember Ma, Pa, and Granny Smith, and know they will never leave my heart and know that they are watching me and my family. I hope I soon meet a nice gentlecolt and have a filly of my own to pass on the lessons Granny gave me.

Pinkie also asked me to invite you to a party after the celebration. It'll be at Sugar Cube Corner, like always and I hope to see you there! But for now I should go and make sure Snips and Snails are working on gathering the stage materials. I will see you all soon!

Sincerely

Applebloom

Epilogue - Sweetie Belle

Dear Princess Celestia

I must thank you for the honor of choosing me to sing at the Summer Sun Celebration this year. I will do my best to use my voice to my fullest ability. No doubt that my sister will have a new dress made for me as well and it will be as elegant as all of her other creations.

I have missed seeing everypony in Canterlot and Ponyville and I am glad to be returning home again this year. No doubt that Applebloom will be building the stage for me and I've always loved her handiwork. It wll great to see the rest of the Crusaders again.

After the celebration I plan on taking a break from touring to spend time with my sister and friends. It's going to be great seeing Sweetie Belle and Applebloom again after being gone for so long. I'm sure Scootaloo is planning something reat for us to do, some crazy adventure. And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.

My friends mean the most to me. They were there when I got my cutie mark, and again when I got the offer to sing. Of course I was still a filly then so I turned it down. I wanted to at least finish school and spend time with my friends while I'm young.

That brings me to the other reason for this letter. Another lesson on friendship I learned long ago and carry with me at all times.

"Your only young once, so it is best to enjoy your time you have with your friends. Be there for them, and they will be there for you"

I need to go and begin writing my song for the celebration. I will see you then and give my sister my regards when you see her next!

With love and golden voice

Sweetie Belle

PS. My dearest Spike says to say hi to Twilight for him and that he'll be here soon!

Epilogue - Scootaloo

Dear Twilight Sparkle,
It has been some time since I have written to you. I do hope things are going well for you as Princess Celestia's Minister of Magic. Everypony here in Ponyville misses you since you moved back to Canterlot. We always look forward to the times we share when you do visit, no matter the reason.

Anyways, I want to thank you. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement when me and the others were trying to get our cutie marks. It was one heck of an adventure.

After I got mine, we thought that we weren't the Cutie Mark Crusaders anymore. We wondered what to do now. But you gave us a good bit of advice. You said "Girls. Just because you have your cutie marks, doesn't mean your adventures are over."
You also told us "You are still young. You had fun trying to find your cutie marks. You had fun doing it and got to experience many things. Nothing will stop you from continuing that."

And you know what? You were right. Just because one chapter of our life closes, doesn't mean it's the end of the story. There is much more to experience.

I thought that getting my cutie mark would be the best day of my life, even if it caused me to be in the hospital again. Boy I was wrong. Not long after that I was adopted. By the great Rainbow Dash no less! (Mom says hi)
Mom always said that I was one of the best things in her life. When she married Applejack, she grew even happier. I'll admit it was strange, and they got some strange looks, but as long as they're happy, they didn't care. It was strange that one of my best friends became my aunt too!

It wasn't too long afterwards that Mom joined the Wonderbolts! She loves the thrill and excitement of being with them, but for her, me and Applejack come first.

I was in some extreme sports compititions and was winning! After my fourth win in the competition in a row, I rode my scooter alongside Pony Hawk and it was great! After that I became the first extreme sportspony for the scooter. I love the excitement as well. But even with all that, I still make time for friends and family. I thought I would write to you, about learning a lesson that I've learned many times.

No matter how far away you are, how busy you are, or what you do, always make time for your friends and family. Because they are the ones who share your experiences with, and make those experiences much better.

I need to go for now Twilight. I'll write back soon, I promise! I'll visit when we come to the Summer Sun Celebration next month. For now, I need to finish planning things to come home. Hope to see you and everyone soon!

Your favorite speedster

Scootaloo