Twilight’s Love Volume Two: Rainbow’s Love

The world started to become real again. There was, at first, only the color gray and a distinct buzzing/ringing in her ears as everything slowly came into focus. The shock of what her sister had told her was nothing Rainbow Dash was ready for.

On the deepest of levels, she was devastated. She literally felt as if part of her had indeed died. Before opening her eyes, she was already accusing herself if she’d been a proper mother and kept and loved her child, he might still be on Celestia’s good earth.

These thoughts shot through her mind as she struggled to consciousness.

As she was able to open her eyes, she felt she was laying on something soft, both her fore hooves were being held.

The world came into focus and there on either side of her were her sister and Twilight. Both had looks of concerns on their faces.

She recognized she was in the castle’s hospital ward.

“Are you okay Honey?” asked Twilight, stroking Rainbow’s forelock.

Rainbow looked at her purple wife then her sister, all the sorrow hit again. Her eyes filled with tears. She released the hooves holding hers as she turned on her side and buried her face into the pillow and wept hard.

Rainbow felt a small hoof on her shoulder. Apparently Rainbow had been out long enough for Twilight Velvet to have brought Scootaloo to the castle.

Scootaloo realized what her new mother and hero was going through. She felt Rainbow’s pain as soon as Twilight had told the filly the bad news while Rainbow was out.

“Mom?” said a little voice.

Rainbow turned over and saw Scootaloo looking at her, there were tears in her eyes as well. Rainbow’s eyes glowed and the filly was levitated to her, Rainbow held her tight.

It was another shock for Sunshine, her sister, a Pegasus, doing magic.

“I’ll be okay Squirt,” said Rainbow.

“I love you mom,” said Scootaloo holding tightly to Rainbow.

“I know,” said Rainbow tightening her embrace, “I love you so much.”

Both were crying.

“Let’s give them some privacy,” said Princess Celestia.

In a nearby waiting area, Twilight and Sunshine had a seat to wait. The princess excused herself with duties to take care of, but she had tea sent to the two mares.

“Did the filly call Rainbow... Mom?” asked Sunshine.

“Yes,” said Twilight, “Rainbow has been Scootaloo’s hero and mentor for some time now. But when Scoot lost another foster family, and the third one this year, we decided we should take her in.

Especially since Rainbow started to have nightmares about her foal. She’s been suffering guilt and pain from her decision to some degree from when it first happened. She’s been lamenting the loss of her foal from the time she gave him up, and to be honest, the loss of her only family, you, has been hard on her as well.”

Sunshine looked ashamed at this revelation, Twilight continued.

“She was just starting to feel good about her life, but I’m sure this’ll knock her back down.

But Scootaloo and I love her and we’ll be there to support her.”

Sunshine was surprised, she had some preconceived notion Rainbow was still reckless, irresponsible, unreliable and most of all unfeeling.

“So how did this happen?” asked Twilight.

“I received a visit early this morning from the Medical Examiner’s Office. Apparently the colt had been found dead in his bed at the Cloudsdale Children’s Home.

It was determined he must’ve had a congenital heart defect. They said there wouldn’t have been any pain, it would’ve been peaceful.

It did bring something to mind when they told me this. About four years after Rainbow graduated high school, there was a colt Rainbow had... Had...‘Been with’ many times. He died of a mysterious heart attack at a young age...”

“Moon Chaser,” said Rainbow who had walked in while her wife and sister were talking. Scootaloo was at her side. “I always suspected he might’ve been the father.”

“Rainbow!” said Twilight, rushing to Rainbow and giving her a hug and substantial kiss.

Sunshine was surprised but pleased to find Rainbow had a pony who obviously loved her so much and a foster daughter who adored her. She was also happy to see Rainbow returned the emotions in kind.

“I’m okay Lover-Pony,” said Rainbow giving Twilight another quick kiss.

Twilight led Rainbow to a sofa, Scootaloo sat with her, holding her hoof.

“Sunshine,” said Rainbow, “I’m so, so, so sorry for my decisions in the past. I realize I’ve made many ponies lives miserable. I always thought I’d get away with everything, but they always came back to ‘bite me’.

I thought the nightmares and the pain of missing you were punishment enough.

But now...”

Rainbow’s eyes were starting to mist over again.

“Now I have the guilt knowing if I would’ve kept him, Storm Cloud might still be with us.”

“Oh Honey!” said Twilight putting a foreleg around her neck.

“Rainbow,” said Sunshine, “to tell the truth, I half expected to find you and tell you the news and you wouldn’t even react.

But to see you with a wife, although I never expected you’d be married, especially to a mare. And I mean nothing by that, just with your past it’s a bit of a surprise. But I’m so glad you have a wife like Twilight who obviously loves you so much. Plus you having a daughter who loves you as well. I see you’ve become a pony mom and dad would’ve been proud of.

And after the way I’ve treated you, it probably doesn’t mean anything to you. But I’m proud of you too.”

Sunshine started to cry, Rainbow looked at her sister got up and walked to her and hugged her tightly and kissed her.

“I’m so sorry sis," said Rainbow, “I’ve missed you so bad.”

“I’ve missed you too," said Sunshine, “I should’ve been there for you.”

“I love you sis,” said Rainbow.

“I love you too,” said Sunshine.

The two just held each other as if trying to make up for all the missed hugs of the past.

The photo of Storm Cloud, Sunshine had brought with her, was by her seat. Scootaloo saw the photo.

“That’s him,” said Scootaloo, “The pony I saw in my dream!”

“What’s she talking about?” asked Sunshine.

“Last night,” said Scootaloo, “I had a dream. In it, I was asleep in my new bed when I heard a pony come in the room. I looked and it was a Pegasus colt about my age. He was brown with a red, yellow and blue mane and tail.

He walked up to me and said;

‘I’m so glad you’re here. Please take care of my mommy for me, I’ll never get the chance now. Tell her it’s not her fault, I’m not mad at her and I’ll always love her.”

Sunshine was taken aback, the time and description was exact. Could it have been the spirit of Storm Cloud giving his blessing to Scootaloo, and forgiveness to Rainbow? She never really believed in such things, but this was hard to discount.

A guard came to the door and told everypony the princess requested, if they could, to see her in the Throne Room. The guard did express the princess said it was a request and not to be taken as a command.

The group was led to the Throne Room and the guard left them alone at the door. There on their thrones were Princesses Celestia and Luna. This time Sunshine was in enough frame of mind to realize Twilight and her sister must have some close connection to the princesses. Once again, Sunshine was impressed.

Celestia saw the group and beckoned them in. They bowed before the dais, but before they could say anything, Princess Luna flew down to Scootaloo.

“There’s my little dreamer,” said the princess, giving Scoot a hug.

“Hello again, Princess Luna,” said Scootaloo returning the hug.

The rest of the ponies just looked.

Scootaloo had to explain the dreams she had had at the camping trip. Rainbow knew about the bad dream part, but because of her being afraid of being thought a liar, she’d omitted the part about Princess Luna.

Plus Luna had checked in on her dreams from time to time enough to make it feel she and the princess were really friends, this verified it wasn’t just dreams.

“There are special dreamers,” said Luna, “they have another kind of sight. They’re able to see things and know things which aren’t normally perceived in the waking world. Ponies like Scootaloo are rare and their dreams must always be taken seriously.

It’s my duty to watch over these special ponies. Especially now that she’s my niece.”

Scootaloo was surprised. She suddenly realized that she had not only mothers and grandparents, but uncles and aunts including Princesses Celestia and Luna.

Luna then hugged Scootaloo again, kissed her on the forehead, then flew back to her throne.

“Rainbow Dash,” said Celestia, “are you doing any better?”

“Yes, Highness,” said Rainbow, then looking at her sister. “With the help of all my family, I’ll be okay.”

“I’m glad to hear it” said Celestia, “I know such a thing can be devastating, but it’s good to have family to help. I hope, despite the gravity of the event, you’ve patched up things between your sister and yourself.

I know just how hard it is to be estranged from a sister.”

Luna and Celestia looked at each other and smiled.

“At least I didn’t have to wait a thousand years,” said Rainbow with a smile.

Sunshine looked lost.

“It’s a long story,” said Luna with a giggle.

“So,” said Celestia, “was it just a social visit when you came here this morning, or was there something else I could do for you?”

Twilight was about to say it was just a get acquainted visit for Scootaloo when Rainbow spoke first.

“It was just a visit to introduce Scootaloo to you. But now, I’ve something I need to ask.”

“What’s that, Rainbow my Dear?”

“Twilight and I’ve done a lot in your service, Your Highness. And often at great risk to ourselves,” said Rainbow, “I also know you, as princess, don’t owe us anything, and we owe you our respect, loyalty and obedience, which we’ve steadfastly given.”

“But?” said Celestia with an eyebrow raised.

“I know it probably isn’t right or proper. And I know I’ll get a lecture from my wife later. But with our helping to save Your Highness, your sister and Equestria on several occasions, I’d like to call in a solid; ‘You Owe Me’.”

Twilight, Sunshine and Luna gasped at the audacity, but Celestia only smiled. She did appreciate boldness.

“We shall hear the petition,” said Celestia, reverting to formal and official speech to show she was taking Rainbow seriously.

“I know the adoption process is often long and drawn out,” said Rainbow, Scootaloo’s ears perked up. “So I’m formally requesting, in light of our service to you, Twilight and myself be granted immediate adoption, and permanent guardianship of Scootaloo.

I swear on my life and by my love of my family and of Your Highnesses, I’ll be the parent I should’ve been.”

Celestia smiled.

“I’ll make a pronouncement on this in just a moment,” said Celestia. “Sister, will you have the guard summon my secretary please?”

“Right away, my sister,” said Luna leaving.

“There’s one pony I must talk to before I make a decision.” Said the princess, “Scootaloo, please come with me.”

Scootaloo looked at Twilight and Rainbow, they both nodded to say it was alright and there was nothing to fear.

Celestia led Scootaloo to a small anteroom and closed the door behind them.

“Please Scootaloo,” said the princess, “don’t be afraid and don’t worry about how to act around a princess, I’m sure Twilight will teach you proper ceremony and rituals later. For now, just relax and be yourself. After all, I’m soon to be your aunt.”

Both Celestia and Scootaloo smiled at that.

“Yes ma’am,” said Scootaloo, still trying to be on her best behavior.

“I want to ask the most important question first. Do you want to be adopted by Rainbow and Twilight?”

“More than anything!” said Scootaloo almost shouting, then remembering herself, “I mean, yes ma’am.”

Celestia smiled;

“Don’t worry about it,” said the princess trying to get the filly to relax. “I said to be yourself.

I do want to know if you have any conditions you wish to impose upon this compact?”

“I beg your pardon ma’am,” said Scootaloo not quite following the more formal speech patterns.

“Is there anything special you wish to add to this?” Said the princess with a smile, trying to make it easy on the filly.

Scootaloo thought for a moment then she smiled.

Celestia and Scootaloo came back into the Throne Room, the princess told the filly to go back with Rainbow and Twilight.

Raven was waiting on the dais between the two thrones. Celestia took her seat.

“Rainbow,” said Celestia, “because of your service to the House of Celestia, I’ll forgo the executioner...

This time.”

Rainbow looked shocked, Luna snickered.

“There hasn’t been an executioner in Equestria for at least twenty centuries,” said Twilight leaning over and whispering to Rainbow.

“Shh!” said Celestia to Twilight with a mischievous gleam in her eyes. She may be the absolute co-ruler, but she did like to mess with ponies’ heads sometime.

“I’ve considered your petition, and I’ve consulted the one pony this will affect the most. She’s made a request.” Celestia then turned her gaze to the little filly;

“Scootaloo?”

“Mama Rainbow, Mama Twilight, I’ve never had a family name, and I’m excited I’m goin’a have one. But I’d also like to have a middle name.”

“A middle name?” asked Rainbow.

“Yes, a middle name, Rainbow Anne,” said Sunshine giggling.

“So funny, Sunshine Marie,” said Rainbow.

It was Twilight’s turn to snicker.

“What’s so funny about middle names, Twilight Louise?” asked Celestia.

Twilight lowered her head sheepishly.

It appeared Luna was about to add something to this but Celestia looked at her sister and said;

“Remember the moon, little sister.”

Luna got the message, but she smiled at the bogus threat.

“I do, I remember it very well, Celestia Mildred,” snickered Luna.

“That will do, Luna Hildegarde!” said Celestia, as always getting the last word in.

Luna blushed, she hadn’t thought this through.

“Mildred? Hildegarde?” said Rainbow and Twilight quietly to each other.

“Continue sweetheart,” said the princess.

“If it’d be okay,” said Scootaloo, “I’d like to be Scootaloo Storm-Cloud Dash. The Storm and Cloud would be hyphenated.”

Twilight and Rainbow looked at each other, then they looked at Scootaloo. There were smiles on all three.

“It’d be our honor,” said Rainbow.

“I concur,” said Twilight.

“Raven, take this down:

I, Celestia Rex, do hereby grant full adoption and custody of the Pegasus Pony Scootaloo Storm-Cloud Dash to Rainbow Anne and Twilight Louise Dash.

(Celestia had to get that dig in and make it official!)

However, the Crown reserves the right to check in on the family to make sure of the propriety of her upbringing.

Given this day, under my hoof, etc...etc...”

There was a strange feeling which came over Scootaloo, It was love, pride, joy and something else she’d never felt before.

The princesses came down and there were hugs all around.

“Raven will have a copy of this with my official seal before you leave. She’ll forward a copy by courier to the Ponyville Children’s home as well.”