I'm Still Here

Chapters

Rainbow's Proposition
Clubhouse
Sore
Sunrise - Part One - Town
Sunrise - Part Two
Sunrise - Part Three
Birthday
Scootaloo's House
Rainbow Dash's Proposal
Get the Message
Rainbow Dash's Home
Violet Snowdrop
Manehatten
Scootaloo's Family
One Month Later
The Custody Battle
I'm Still Here
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash Reconcile

Rainbow's Proposition

Some considerable time had passed by since Rainbow's visit to the hospital, and especially so after the encounter she had with Scootaloo, whom she found in the waiting room in an awful condition.

Albeit, after a full examination for any other injuries other than her broken leg, which she admitted to getting from a scooter stunt that went southward, Scootaloo was discharged from the hospital with a few small plasters on scrapes and small cuts on her sides and barrel, and a sling to support her leg.

Now, both she and Rainbow were back at her cloud palace back in Cloudsdale, which, during the journey, with Scootaloo on her back, the scene at the hospital was repeating itself over and over, like a constant video loop that kept bringing her back to the same question: ''Where are her parents? Why was she all alone? Just...why?''

First, though, the only concern in her mind was watching the filly and making sure she was comfortable.

When they arrived at her home, Rainbow decided it was best to set her down on one of her comfortable sofas, all the while thinking about what she was going to do with her.

To be honest, she didn't know what to do, or if it would even make any kind of difference, given the circumstances. True, she has known Scootaloo for a very long time, and even hung out with her once or twice, yet she couldn't recall one single time she had seen her with her biological parents.

She could have only assumed at the time that they were busy working, but given what she saw in the young filly's eyes, it was clearly more than that. She seemed to cringe heavily and tear up whenever the word 'parents' was said around her.

A pang of pity and sympathy hit Rainbow's heart hard at that thought.

Snapping from her thought bubble, Rainbow looked back to her sister, sat on her haunches on the sofa with her arm still suspended. From her own experience with having to wear a sling after one of her own accidents, she knew that it could ache after a while.

Quickly scanning through the room, Rainbow spotted a small, blue cushion with a winged, yellow thunderbolt sewn into it and grabbed it, asking Scootaloo to raise her arm slightly so that she could position it beneath her sling for extra comfort.

''Well, Scoots, I guess you're gonna have to stay with me until I find out what's going on with you and your parents.'' Rainbow said, noticing a disheartened atmosphere appear around the filly, seeing her slump slightly. She didn't bother to look up, instead keeping her eyes anywhere but at Rainbow Dash. She felt small underneath her gaze.

Seeing her like that made Rainbow's insides tighten with hidden guilt. Thinking as fast as a lightning bolt, Rainbow gained an idea, one she knew would at least distract Scootaloo's mind from her troubles.

Without warning, Rainbow picked up the filly in her front hooves, placing her lightly atop her back and began trotting away, ignoring the protest from her back legs.

Even though the cloud surfaces of her house were plush and bouncy, they were reinforced with specialized smart-material that was held in place through magical enhancement, a sort of trick that made the material think it wasn't a liquid, but a solid. Whereas on any ordinary cloud without the reinforcements added to it to make it extra sturdy, it would feel as if her hooves were not any different than normal.

Rainbow mentally cursed herself for having the installments. She only bought the installments because of the weight of her house being a risk to the caving and collapsing of the foundations, should a harsh barrage of weather hit and end up having a devastatingly crush-effect on the house.

''W-Where are we going?'' Scootaloo asked in pure confusion. She heard Rainbow give a small chuckle from below her.

''You'll see.'' Is all she said, plain and simple.

This was actually the very first time Scootaloo had seen the interior of the house of her idol and big sister, and it was beyond words.
It was designed in the traditional construction method to the many cloud homes in Cloudsdale, but had a more...royal and grand vibe to it. That goes especially for the decor and paintings that hung about the place.

As Rainbow carried Scoots along, she took time to observe and take in the atmosphere around her, and some part of her brain told her that Rainbow was doing this to show off her possessions and life. Typical Rainbow.

From what she saw and knew already, it was clear that Dash's heart belonged to the Wonderbolts, with their flags and iconic winged lightning bolt symbol pretty much slapped on just about every surface and wall, plus a small mantle piece and shelf with autographed pictures, both framed and laminated.

If Scootaloo thought that was amazing, she hasn't seen anything yet. Trotting through a corridor, Rainbow stopped at the entrance of a large, very spacious room. It was almost like the inside of a cloud church, behemoth in capacity and roof up high, specialized glass skylights built into the ceiling to illuminate the room in an angelic aura.

At the far end of the room, two large, wooden doors stood, almost similar to the ones on Twilight's castle, but made from a rich, dark black-brown wood with golden trims that ended in curls and wisps, gently and smoothly caressing the borders and around the door handles.
Lined up perfectly parallel to each other with generous gaps inbetween, large, glass display cases proudly showed off both collectibles and the most expensive and cherished Wonderbolts merchandise, while some housed personal possessions of Rainbow's.

Scootaloo stared on in pure awe.

With a smug smile, Rainbow asked, ''Like what you see, squirt?''

Scootaloo answered with her mouth hanging agape. That was good enough for Rainbow.

''Ha, thought so.'' She said before trotting off. ''Come on, let me show you something.'' She said, looking up to the filly on her back before continuing with her trotting towards one of the many display cases occupying the room.

''See this?'' Rainbow said, motioning a front hoof to the item inside the case, illuminated by a soft, warm light built into the top.

When Scootaloo looked at the item on display, she knew right away what it was.

It was a sleek, blue Wonderbolt jumpsuit, complete with the signature symbol of the flying team and yellow zig-zag lines that mimicked lightning strikes that trailed from the neck down to the flank region of the jumpsuit.

It was fitted onto the frame of a ponyquinn, a snug fit, completed by the special-issue wind goggles strapped comfortably around the head of the ponyquinn.

''I-Is this your jumpsuit, Dash?'' Scootaloo asked in awe. She heard Rainbow give a proud, light-hearted chuckle.

''Sure is, kid.'' She could sense the beaming smile of pride emerge upon her lips. ''It'll be staying put while the Wonderbolts are on break for the season, but when the time comes, it's gonna be coming back with me.''

''Say, Dash, what's that?'' Scootaloo pointed with her uninjured hoof towards another display case, it too housing a ponyquinn in a firm standing position, its front left hoof raised in a saluting gesture.

Instead of Wonderbolt attire, this ponyquinn was adorning an old-styled, pale-navy coloured military uniform, the standard colour of the Cloudsdale Air Guard. Atop its head was a Commander's cap, also of the same colour with a smooth, shiny black brim. In the centre of the hat, a pair of golden wings extended out to their full lengths at either side of a thunderbolt of the same material, the symbol of the Air Guard.
On the uniform, a small, silver badge read out the name 'Commander Rainbow Spectrum'.

Scootaloo eyed this curiously. ''Rainbow, who's that?'' From below her, she could hear the voice of Rainbow at whisper level. Although she didn't catch it completely, she could easily make out the words ''I love you, Daddy.''.

Oh. Right. Rainbow's Dad. Ah, that explains a lot.

''That, squirt, is my Dad's Air Force Commander outfit. He worked that job since even before I was born, and rose through the ranks like a knife through butter. He's the reason I became what I am. I remembered that I always wanted to be like him as a kid, but now look at me, I'm a Wonderbolt.'' I still wish he was here to see me perform with the team... ''Anyway, that's not exactly what I brought you here for. Let me show you what it is I wanted you to see.''

Taking a turn towards the large doors at the end of the room, Rainbow Dash headed towards them, lightly pressing a hoof against the body of one of them and pushing it open with little to no effort.

When the door opened fully, Scootaloo could finally see what was hiding behind the doors. It was an overly-large room, fixed up with a skylight dome that was raised high from the ground and two expertly sculpted support pillars located just in front of the door, holding up a cloud arch with equal expertise.

In the centre of the room was a large oval bed, big enough to accommodate even the biggest and tallest of ponies. The sheets were blue-grey with a shiny embroidery of Rainbow Dash's cutie mark in all of its harmonious glory.

One could tell from a simple glance that it was crafted with great care and expertise, much like most of the palace was. The stitching was top-notch, the colours were of high-quality and most of all, the softness was way off of the charts!

Scootaloo found this out when Rainbow set her down on the top of the sheets, her weight causing them to sink slightly inwards around her haunches.

Taking in her surroundings of the pristine, well-kept room, Scootaloo noticed that the room had, like most other rooms, Wonderbolt memorbilia and racing-based items and collectibles. Along one of the walls on the right side of her from the bed, a large, grand frame with a golden border dipicted the Wonderbolts team in all of their glory, wings spread and haunches raised in the start-off poistion with their faces showing nothing but pure determination and the promise of success to their onlookers.

The ones in the picture were, starting from the bottom up, Spitfire, Soarin and Fleetfoot. Noticing something on the shoulder of Spitfire, Scootaloo squinted her eyes a little, focusing on it, soon realizing that it was an autograph from each of the three in the picture. A chill of fangirlism zipped through her spine at the sight.

Rainbow took notice and gave a left-sided smile at her. ''So, how'd you like it, Scoots? Comfy enough for ya?'' Scootaloo smiled happily, indicating her answer to her idol, much to Rainbow's amusement at her giddiness. ''Ha, knew you would.'' Rainbow smiled before taking a seat next to her, sighing in relief at finally getting the chance to remove the aching pressure from her bandaged-up rear hooves.

Slowly pulling herself around from her sitting position into a laying position on her belly, Rainbow Dash cringed slightly as her injured wing brushed the sheets before curling herself around so that Scootaloo lined up with her midsection.

''Scoots? Howcome you never told me about them?'' Rainbow's eyes took on a hint of hurt. With all that they've been through together, even after that night at Rainbow Falls when they went camping and became 'sisters', she still didn't want to talk about it? While it did hurt Rainbow on the inside, almost like the feeling of a hoof clutching her heart, she can respect why she didn't talk. She only wished that she knew sooner rather than later.

Scootaloo didn't say anything for a few moments. With her head hung low, a small duo of tears managed to escape her eyes and stroke down her cheek before dripping off of the end of her muzzle and onto the bed sheets.

What did I get myself into? I thought I could hide it from her, but why now, of all times? Celestia, help me...

A heavy rollercoaster of thoughts rocked around in Scootaloo's brain, causing her to feel slightly light-headed. She could sense the hurt radiating from Rainbow's body, and she would be lying if she said she didn't feel the least bit guilty.

True, she did trust her, but that was only when it was necessary for her to give out her trust to her, such as when the derby race came up and she asked for her assistance with building a cart. But this? No, it wasn't necessary. She knew in the back of her mind that she couldn't badger Rainbow for every little need she had, especially in this case, but what were her options at this point in time other than to crack her own ice?

With a sad, slow sigh through her nostrils, Scootaloo eventually spoke. ''R-Rainbow? Pr-prom-promise you won't get m-mad, okay? Please?'' She began uneasily, finding herself struggling to get her voice to leave her lips.

Rainbow nodded once, waiting patiently for her to continue.

''Truth is, I-I d-don't... ha-have any p-parents...'' She said the last few words quietly, barely above a whisper. Even the very thought of the word transformed her blood into flakes of ice and her heart to cringe.

Rainbow's eyes went wide with shock at what she was hearing. She sincerely wishes that her ears were simply playing tricks on her and that it was really something not as awful as what came out of the filly's lips. No parents? As in...she's an orphan?

Rainbow's mouth opened a few times, but closed just as soon as it did. Across from her, the disheartened expression behind Scootaloo's eyes deepened. Eventually, after moments of silence and a small sniffle from the filly, Rainbow pulled her in closer for a hug, resting her chin atop her head, losing her muzzle in her frazzle of scruffy purple.

''Jeez, Scoots, I-I had no id-idea.'' Is all Rainbow said as she comforted her sister. ''Why didn't you tell me?'' She pulled away to meet her eyes, and for once, she looked embarrassed as she softly scratched the back of her neck with her uninjured hoof.

''I just figured it wasn't your problem, Dash. I know we're not bio-whatchamacallit, or anything, but to be honest, you're the closest t-thi-thing to f-f-fam...family that I-I have.'' A burning, rose blush arose on her orange cheeks with embarrassment. She never was one for mushy stuff or any form of expressing affection.

Dash didn't blush. Instead, she did what any loving sister would do, related by blood or not. She wrapped her up in a hug and didn't let go. Scootaloo squirmed in surprise at first, but later settled into it, only managing to get her own free hoof barely half way around Dashes neck as she attempted to hug her back.

The warmth radiating from Rainbow's body and transferring to Scootaloo's made her forget about her own coldness, and for the first time in a long time, she felt peace and comfort. She had Dash as a sister, and that was one thing that could never be taken away from her. Family was something that you're not just born into, it's your bonds with other beings, how your chemistry shares similarities, much like love of a different kind. It's who sticks by you and where your loyalties lay.

Rainbow Dash is the Element of Loyalty. She defines 'Loyalty'. What she had to say next was something that completely caught Scootaloo off guard.

''Listen, Scoots, it doesn't matter if we're related or not, but I wanted you to know that I'd have you as a sister, any day. We both have our differences, sure, but the real reason I brought you up here is because I couldn't leave you alone down there.'' Rainbow said firmly, a warm radiance behind her magenta orbs. ''There's just one thing that I want to know first, squirt: how long have you been alone, and where have you been staying?''

Her body visibly tensed and for a moment, her breath seemed to catch in her throat, cutting her voice to silence for a brief moment before she took in a long, heavy breath and spoke up. ''F-For about a couple or so years...''

Rainbow's ears shot up straight. ''W-W-WH-WHAT!?'' Rainbow exclaimed, eyes almost shooting from her sockets in pure and utter shock. WHAT?! B-B-But why didn't she tell anypony?! Not even me, nor her friends?! I can't believe what I'm hearing right now! How in Equestria could nopony have known about this?!

Scootaloo flinched hard at her outburst. ''Why didn't you tell anypony?! Not even Sweetie or Apple Bloom?! Where have you been all this time?!''

Scootaloo eventually caved, her eyes bursting with hot, streaming tears as she exclaimed, ''Because it's not their p-problem, okay?! I cou-couldn't have a-asked the-them for h-help! I j-just couldn't! Not even you!'' She sobbed uncontrollably, barely able to contain a single tear. ''Not Applejack, not Rarity, not Twilight, not even Fluttershy! Especially not you! It's not right! I co-couldn't ask them!''

Rainbow could not believe her ears. The normally spiffy, confident and tenacious Scootaloo that she knew was now reduced to tears and left with a broken, heavily saddened heart. Seeing her like this now hurt worse than the truth. How was she supposed to know? More importantly, how did Scootaloo survive on her own for so long? She looks just as well as any other pegasus filly her age, and she seemed to be healthy, so what's the story there?

''Scoots, you are my problem, kid! You're my sister, and it's my job - no, my responsibility to watch out for you! I can't just leave you like this! What kind of bearer of the Element of Loyalty would I be if I did something like that, eh?'' She said, holding Scoot's shoulders. ''I need you to listen to me, okay?'' Scootaloo nodded. ''Alright, good. Scoots, when I became your sister, I said I would watch out for you and keep you safe. That makes you my problem. Where have you been living, kid? Not under a bush, I hope.''

Scootaloo wiped her eyes and snout. ''N-No, of course not. I-I've been living in the c-clubhouse.'' She said, her nerves slightly calmer. ''It's not very warm during the winter, but I had no place else to go, so what other options did I have?''

Seriously?! You mean aside from AJ or Rarity, or anypony else you knew, the clubhouse was the only option to you, kid? That's crazy! What if you fell ill with a cold or the flu or something, or worse?! Rainbow rolled her eyes. ''You have friends, kid.'' Is all she said, nudging Scoot's shoulder with her muzzle. ''I honestly can't believe what I'm hearing, squirt. What you did was dangerous and you basically were risking your life over a proper home with a solid roof and constant warmth for a clubhouse. What were ya thinking, kiddo? Do you have any idea what could have happened to you out there? What if somepony came along and kidnapped you, or worse?''

Scootaloo felt ashamed and gave a helpless sigh. ''I'm...I-I'm sorry, Rainbow...'' She said quietly.

Rainbow wiped her eyes. ''Don't be sorry. You're safe now, and that's all that matters. You're staying with me.'' Scootaloo's ears shot up and a spark of disbelief entered her eyes.

''W-What?'' She squeaked out, causing Rainbow to chuckle.

''You heard me kid. You're staying with me.'' She playfully nudged her shoulder. ''What, you think I was just going to toss your flank back into the cold? No sister of mine is gonna suffer if I have my say about it.'' She said proudly, and Scootaloo wasted no time in latching her hoof around her neck and hugging her excitedly.

''Y-You mean it?! I get to s-stay with you?! Here?!'' She practically squealed in delight, all sadness and glumness instantly vanishing from her system. ''Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, Rainbow Dash!'' Scootaloo beamed happily. ''But, uh...where am I gonna sleep?''

Rainbow chuckled. ''This used to be my old room, kid. You can consider it your own, from now on. I'm only down the hallway from here and to the right, so don't worry about the cloud-crawlers.'' She snickered behind her hoof jokingly, and Scootaloo pulled an unamused face as her lips pulled into a mock frown.

''Seriously, Dash, come on. I'm thirteen, not four. Cloud-crawlers don't exist, they're just an old, made up creature from a story parents tell their kids to scare them.''

''Oh, really? Then what's that behind you?!'' Rainbow pointed a hoof and gave a frightened face, causing Scootaloo to gasp in fear and snap her head to face behind her only to stare at a blank wall where nothing was apart from a few small boxes of personal belongings of Rainbow. With a laugh, Rainbow fell into a laughing fit, clutching her chest as she did so. Scootaloo only gave her an angry glare of unamusement.

''That...that wasn't funny!'' She retorted, much to her sister's greater amusement and entertainment.

''Looks like somepony got proved wrong, sis!'' She continued to laugh.

Rainbow laughed for a good few minutes before she eventually calmed down and wiped her eyes with a hoof and ruffled the filly's hairy playfully, furthering her unamusement. She glanced up to the night sky through the glass dome above her head, watching the stars twinkle and gleam with their unique beauty alongside the white lantern of the moon lighting the way for them, a majestic sight to behold. ''Well, it's getting late, Scoot. I think it's about time we go to sleep.''

''Aw, but I was having fun!'' She protested. ''Do we really have to sleep, now?'' She complained further. Her answer was a nuzzle behind her ear and the flick of Rainbow's multi-colour tail as it wisped around her flank and waist, almost like a protective cocoon. From the warmth she felt in her idol's embrace, she couldn't help but feel herself slowly settle into it, resting her head against Rainbow's midsection, her head turned in a way that her cheek was pressed lightly into the silk-like forest of her sister's mane that hung by her neck. For the first time in what seemed to be forever, Scootaloo finally felt warmth and comfort.

Within mere seconds, she found that her eyes were starting to slide shut under their own heaviness. It was only now that did she realize how tired she actually was. It wasn't too soon that she began to let out short, soft breaths, indicating her departure into dreamworld.

Curling her head around to face the now departed Scootaloo, Rainbow saw her lips curve into a cute, small smile as she slept peacefully. With a mental sigh, Rainbow turned her attention up to the sky, peering out through the glass and to the stars, her thoughts running rampant in her mind like a plaque.

She thought back to what she had heard from the filly earlier, about what she meant by ''I don't have any parents''. What could that possibly mean? Her mind was cloudy as to exactly what she meant by that. Are they no longer among the world of the living? Did she ever know them? Any and all questions she may have had buried in her mind after their talk, she aimed to find out the true answer. Not just for her sister's sake, but for her sake, too.

When tomorrow comes, Rainbow made herself a promise that she was going to go and talk to somepony about what she had discovered tonight, and to be specific, that somepony was a certain farmer pony, one whom Rainbow was going to have to have more than a few words with.

Clubhouse

Author's Note

Sorry this took a fair while to get out there.

I've had a bad week, to say the least.

===========
Please tell me if I have missed any spelling errors, and I'll get right back to it! Better late than never!

-Ribe(Dan)

Clubhouse

Knock, Knock, Knock

Three soft taps sounded at the door belonging to a cottage located on the outskirts of Ponyville, audibly dampened out by the thickness of the door.

Within the passing of a few moments of waiting, the door creaked open softly to reveal a smiling pegasus pony with a long, curtain of pink mane, a yellow coat resembling butter, and a tri-pink butterfly cutie mark. With happy, turquoise eyes, the pony greeted the two in front of her.

''Oh, good morning, Rainbow.'' She said with a smile, finding that beside her rainbow-maned friend was another pony, a filly with a vibrant orange coat and purple mane, with eyes to match. ''And you, too, Scootaloo.'' Scootaloo smiled back and waved her uninjured hoof in greeting. ''What can I do for you?''

''Morning, Fluttershy. Don't suppose you have a moment?'' Rainbow asked.

''Sure. Something the matter?'' She asked, to which Rainbow dismissively waved her hoof.

''No, no, nothing like that.'' Rainbow lied with half of a heart. ''I was wondering if you were free to watch over Scoot, here, while I go to Sweet Apple Acres to talk with AJ?'' That caught Fluttershy's attention.

With a tentative raise of her eyebrow, she asked, ''Do you mind if I ask why? Nothing bad's happened, has it?'' Fluttershy scanned Rainbow up and down carefully, her thorough eyes taking in every last detail of her figure, especially in her eyes, almost as if she was trying to read her thoughts. She seemed to pay extra attention to both her own and Scootaloo's injuries with curiosity and concern.

A pang of guilt hit the cyan pegasus's heart at know that she was about to lie to one of her most dearest and closest friends. ''Uh...no. N-Nothing's wrong, 'Shy, there's only one thing I need to ask her.'' She said, trying her best to sound not dismissive about the truth, failing miserably in doing so. ''So, can you watch her for a while? I shouldn't take too long. Please?''

Fluttershy took one last scan of Rainbow, detecting her south-ward attitude and demeanor. She knew her friend well enough to know that when she was acting out of the ordinary, but wisely kept quiet, no matter how much she wanted to say something to her.

''Sure, Rainbow.'' She eventually said, her voice remaining casual and smooth. She giggled when Rainbow ruffled Scootaloo's hair with a hoof.

''Be good for her, squirt. I won't take long.'' She said, to which Scootaloo smiled warmly. Before taking her leave for Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow said her goodbyes and thanks to her fellow pegasus.

At the Apple's Farm

Over at the vast, open fields of Sweet Apple Acres, not a single cloud interrupted the peace of the clear skies, the sun providing a comforting warmth over the vibrant green leaves that hung from the many wooden limbs on the trees around the orchard.

The rural area surrounding the land was used to grow various vegetables, ranging from carrots, lettuces and potatoes all the way to the most renowned, delectable apples that the farmers who own the area are well known for.

They have been here ever since the pre-founding period of Ponyville, and the farm house that sits slap-bang in the middle of the land was the first building to exist, a red-bodied, wooden farm house that the residents of the land occupy.

Not far off from the house itself was the barn, of equal colour, with a touch of white paint around the borders and around the grooves on the large doors that allows entry.

One of the owners of this land was Applejack, a friend of Rainbow Dash's that shares an equal reputation for stubbornness and loyalty, yet the most renowned thing she is known for that is signature to her character as a pony is honesty - the exact same as her element: The Element of Honesty.

Currently, Rainbow Dash was making the distant journey all the way from the entrance of the farm's white, wooden entry gate towards the farm house. It made her hooves hurt and ache, sure, but the only thing that made the pain bearable was her thoughts tuning out her senses at what she was here for.

Today, the plan of the rainbow-maned pegasus was to live up to her own Element, seeking to find the truth of what she found out the night before from her sister, Scootaloo. What itched in the back of her mind was the ignorance of the knowledge of the situation with the filly. Applejack gave the clubhouse where she used to hang around as a kid to the Crusaders, whom also all hang around in said clubhouse, so how can they not notice anything amiss with their friend?

With that thought in mind, along with a slight burn of anger in her veins, Rainbow Dash arrived at the porch of the farm house. With a knock to the door, she heard the voice of none other than Granny Smith call to her to come inside. Upon entering the house, lightly closing the door behind her, Rainbow felt the never-ending homely atmosphere surround her in all of its warmth.

Not only were the family known for their mastery in baking and cider brewing, they were also holders of their current reputation around town because of their kindness and welcoming gestures to everypony.

Currently, the residents of the household were Big Macintosh, the older, bigger brother of the family that normally tends to the orchards during harvest time, Applejack, the second oldest sibling to Big Mac, whom also works the fields, and Apple Bloom, the baby of the family. While she wasn't actually a baby, she was still a foal, of around fourteen, a year older than Scootaloo was. Granny Smith is the 'adoptive mother' of the three siblings and original descendant of the first Apple Family members that inhabited the land. She's the one whom took care of the three during the harsh period of their parents passing.

The living room of the farm house was decorated with contrasting, medium-dark beige wooden planks that ran halfway up the walls before it transitioned into green wallpaper with small, white markings and curls on it. The floors on the interior also shared the same aspect of wooden planks.

It was clear that the house was old from a single glance on the inside, yet, by well-kept maintenance work, it looked as if it has just had a fresh lick of paint applied to its body. From this, anypony that ever laid eyes on it would know right away that the Apple's are very fluent in maintenance and repairs.

Granny Smith, an elderly, green coated and white-haired mare with a pie for a cutie mark and a red-apple-on-yellow knot scarf, smiled invitingly at recognizing the visitor of her home as Rainbow Dash. She beckoned her to come inside and greeted her from her rocking chair across from the entrance of the home.

''Well, howdy, there, young'n. Not seen you in a Timberwolf's age. What brings ya here?'' She inquired, still holding her warm smile. Rainbow gave a low chuckle.

''Hey, Granny. I was looking for Applejack.'' Rainbow said, to which Granny's amber eyes brightened.

''Of course, deary, your friend's in the kitchen.'' Granny said with a motion of a hoof to the right, pointing towards an archway that led to the kitchen area of the building where a table and chairs were set out, of a size approximately enough to accommodate around six or seven ponies.

''Thanks, Granny.'' Rainbow nodded her head in thanks and headed off towards the kitchen area of the house where Applejack was coming into view from a short ways from the dining area. She was tending to something on the stove, and from the sweet, tangy aroma that filled the air and drifted into Rainbow's snout, she knew right away what she was doing. Cider.

The fresh, sweet and slightly tangy juice from the apples that were freshly bucked from the trees in the orchard were being used to prepare the delectable beverage, their scent hanging in the room. It practically danced around Rainbow, almost teasingly.

Shrugging it off and forcing herself to block out the smell, Rainbow set herself to carry out her reasons for being here. She needed to talk to the orange farmpony, and now was going to be the soonest she knew she was going to get to do so.

''Applejack?'' Rainbow called, seeing her ear twitch in acknowledgement of her name being called. ''Can we talk?'' From her position at the stove in the kitchen, Applejack was stirring the cider mixture around with a wooden spoon, allowing the brew to incorporate its signature flavour. However,after hearing her friend call her name, she gently slowed down and stopped stirring and released the spoon, allowing it to rest against the side of the pot it was being used in.

Turning to face her rainbow-maned friend, Applejack smiled her signature smile and pushed up her trade-mark, brown Stetson from her brows to her forehead. Rainbow, however, did not. As a matter of fact, she looked to be angry. Although, not too much that she was conjuring up steam from her ears and nostrils. The emotion that Applejack could sense the most of from her was in her eyes. She knew right away what it was. It was hurt. Pure hurt.

''Howdy, Rainbow.'' She greeted, meeting eyes with the frowning pegasus. ''Uh...something wrong, sugarcube?''

Before Rainbow could answer, the voices of two ponies outside the kitchen area could be heard, getting louder and louder as they gradually became closer. With both Applejack and Rainbow turning their heads to face the source of the voices as they entered the kitchen, they saw that it was none other than fellow Crusaders, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

They both stopped their conversation and remained still when they saw the expression on both other present pony's faces. Apple Bloom raised a brow in concern at her older sister.

''Applejack? What's goin' on?'' She asked, looking between the two, and then at Sweetie whom simply gave a left-shouldered shrug.

Of all the times...

A calm, firm appearance made its presence in the emerald eyes of Applejack, and she gently brushed her orange fur at her shoulder very briefly.

''Don't worry, sis, nothing's wrong. Rainbow just came to ask me something.'' She said, her voice calm and measured. ''Why don't you go up to your room or go outside while we talk, sugarcube?''

That didn't settle well to the younger earth pony's ears. Never ever has Applejack, her older sister, ever requested her to vacate to her room like this. Not once, unless something was very wrong, or there was some kind of emergency taking place.

With a tentative glace to each other, both Sweetie and Apple Bloom shared uncertain expressions, brows raised. Since they were kids, their curiosity easily takes charge of their brains, much like when the smell of cookies infiltrates their muzzles, they want to go straight for it. It acts as a form of kid-nectar.

However, in this case, neither one of the young fillies was naive enough to be dismissive to the fact that something was indeed wrong.

''S-Sure...'' They both agreed in unison, their voices slow as they glanced over to find that worrysome glint in Rainbow's eyes as they back-peddled out of the room slowly.

It wasn't too soon that the two heard soft creaking of ascending hooves on the stairs and the follow-up of a door closing with an audible but not loud resonating bang.

Turning back to face her loyal friend, Applejack regained a worried and inquiring appearance. ''Dash? What's troublin' ya?'' She asked, waiting in a patient suspense. To her surprise, the angry gleam in Dash's eyes transformed into an inquisitive glare that bored into AJ's eyes like a drill made of brain-searching nanites, rummaging for an answer.

''Did you know?'' Is all Rainbow said, her voice low and almost quiet. This seemed to catch the farm pony completely off guard, and she visibly flinched back a little at the unusual tone her friend has adopted.

She took a step forward, leaving Applejack no choice but to back into the stove, rump-first and leaving her no place to go.

Rainbow was now only a short length off making contact with her muzzle, now. She could practically smell and feel her warm, off-minty breath.

''Did. You. Know?'' She asked again, clearly dressed in angry anticipation for a response.

Confusion built itself up even further in the back of Applejack's mind. She had know idea what her friend meant by those words. Know of what? Something she wasn't aware of? She truly had no idea what was going on, right now.

''Kn-Know what, Rainbow?'' She asked, gently pressing a hoof to Rainbow's breast, lightly pushing her back so that she could stand up straight again. Thankfully obliging, but still keeping hold of her posture, Dash continued to stare into AJ's emerald eyes.

''Did you know about Scootaloo?'' She asked, this time being the very last. Applejack's ear twitched.

''Uh...N-No?'' She eventually responded, her voice slow. This seemed to grind the pegasus's gears. ''What exactly do ya'll mean? Ah still don't get whatcha tryin' ta say, Dash.''

''You're going to tell me you had no idea, none what so ever? Even after the past couple years, you're still gonna tell me you had not the slightest clue?'' Rainbow said, narrowing her eyes at the orange mare, finding herself unable to believe her.

''About what?!'' Applejack said firmly and confusedly. She had no idea what was wrong with her friend or what she was accusing her of lacking knowledge for, but she could, however, read that something has upset her, and deeply, at that. ''What's wrong with ya, girl? What's gotten ya'll upset all o' a sudden?''

At that, Rainbow seemed to lose some of the anger that was burning behind her magenta orbs and a hint of calmness took place. It wasn't usual for her, seeing as she usually put up a defense for her egotistical and tomboyish personality whenever she was challenged, but for this, there was simply no need to be the stubborn one. Especially when it was related to her sister's well-being.

''What's the matter is that I found my sister alone in the hospital a couple days ago! She was hurt and upset!'' Rainbow said, almost gritting her teeth. Applejack's face took a twist of shock and worry at the news, her eyes becoming softer.

''Scoots was in the hospital? Alone?'' Rainbow nodded. ''Well, where was the filly's Ma and Pa? Are ya'll meanin' to tell me that a young filly, hurt and upset, was all on her lonesome in the hospital, not a trace of a guardian?'' She asked, feeling a pang in her heart.

All Rainbow Dash could do was look down for a brief second, remembering that day. ''I found her because I was there for my accident.'' Dash leaned her body to Applejack, with her injured and bandaged wing held securely to it, showing it to her. She gave a slight cringe at the sight, yet couldn't help but give a quiet chuckle.

''Good gravy, girl, you're practically a full-time patient at that hospital with alla those fancy tricks and whatnot.'' She grimaced lightly at the stitches above Rainbow's collar when she caught glimpse of them. ''Ah really wish ya'll would be more careful when yer flyin'.'' She said lowly. Rainbow ignored it.

''I don't get it AJ. My little sister has a broken hoof she supposedly got from practicing tricks on her scooter, manages to find her way to the hospital, and where are her parents? Worst yet, she won't tell me about them! Heck, I've barely ever seen them in all the time I've known the kid!'' Rainbow wiped a hoof to her eye. ''I feel so useless...''

A light and delicate hoof touched against Rainbow's chin and raised her head. Meeting Applejack's eyes, she found a sense of tranquil, although, it didn't do much for her troubled mind.

''Ya'll ain't useless, Rainbow. Now, why would ya'll go an' think like that?'' A sigh escaped Rainbow and she used what strength she had in her to keep her posture from letting her confident side drop. Some of her previous anger found its way back into her voice when she next spoke.

''How did you not know, AJ? About the clubhouse? How did you not have the slightest clue that Scootaloo, my sister, and yours and Rarity's sisters' best friends not know that she was sleeping in their clubhouse!? HOW?!''

The gears in Applejack's mind could practically be heard grinding as she tried to process this new information that was brought into the light. All she could do was stare with wide eyes at her rainbow-maned friend, her blood seemingly running cold with shock and concern. Scootaloo? Living in the Crusaders' clubhouse? By the name of Princess Celestia, Applejack hoped she had heard that wrong.

She didn't have a clue what to say. Heck, she could barely even think at this moment. She took a good few minutes in regaining her composure. Turning her back towards Dash for a moment to switch off the stove and save the cider from becoming ruined, she took off her Stetson hat and placed it to her chest as she turned back to face Rainbow, a sad expression plastered upon her face and eyes. Looking past the sadness behind her eyes, Dash could find what was known as truthfulness in her intentions.

''S-Sugarcube, Ah swear that Ah didn' have a clue as to what's goin' on with Scoots. That is the honest truth.'' She said, lightly popping her Stetson back atop her head and mane, pushing it back a little. Placing a hoof on Dash's shoulder, she could feel her tense beneath her cyan coat. From this, she knew that she was clearly and greatly disturbed, and possibly also feeling helpless: one thing that the normally confident and strong Rainbow Dash wouldn't ever be feeling.

Despite what she may be feeling right now, the emotion that was rising to the surface of her skin the most was anger, something that, throughout the years, Dash has managed to keep herself from exploding with, but under the circumstances of the past couple days to the present, she found herself unable to contain the majority of it.

Applejack saw her lip trembling as a growl emanated from her throat. ''Easy, there, partner. Take it easy.'' She said carefully, unable to make sense of what was rolling around in Rainbow's mind. ''Ya'll need ta chill out. Breathe, Rainbow.''

As Dash moved, she grit her teeth from the stiffness that had built up in her back legs. She turned around, not saying a single word as she made for the backdoor, overlooking the forest area in which the Crusaders' clubhouse was situated. As she left, she didn't bother to close the door, almost as if she was intending and beckoning for Applejack to tail her.

Swallowing a solid lump as heavy as iron in her throat, Applejack breathed out heavily before catching up to her friend, on route to the clubhouse.

The Clubhouse

''Dash! What're ya lookin' for, exactly?'' Applejack called to the pony in front of her, only just steps away from entering the clubhouse, her hoof contacting the door a brief moment before she pushed it open and entered. The farm pony sighed, shaking her head in bemusement. ''Land sakes...'' She muttered, making her own way up to the clubhouse by trotting up the painted, green wooden planks.

Upon entering the clubhouse herself, she found that Rainbow Dash was inspecting every last gap, wall and floor and tabletop in the small, wooden room, thoroughly skimming through what she could in hopes of finding trace, hair or tail of evidence that Scootaloo was here recently.

At the back of the room, a small, dark-wooded podium about the size of a foal stood, with the Cutie Mark Crusader logo carved onto it within a shield. At this point, Dash was acting like a bloodhound, sniffing and snooping around for even the smallest evidence of existence of an item or anything with Scootaloo's mark on it.

Tapping her hooves around the podium as if she was Daring Do about to take the Sapphire Stone, Dash peered behind it, finding a small shelf built into the middle of it, two medium-sized storage compartments visible, one above, one below. The top shelf held nothing of interest or anything that may trail back to Scootaloo, but the bottom shelf, however, did have something. Or rather, two things.

A red and gold CMC cape and a sleeping bag, the same one that Rainbow recognized from their trip to Rainbow Falls some time ago.

Bingo.

With a caring hoof, Rainbow took possession of the two items, looking them over. First, she held the cape up in her hooves. Under and over, she checked it, from the blue and yellow CMC badges on the sides, and eventually to the right side of the cape, where a small tear was visible. If she could recall correctly, Fluttershy was babysitting the three Crusaders one night as they had plans for a sleepover at Rarity's boutique, but she offered them a place at her cottage because of Rarity having a large order to complete by the next morning.

Apparently, from what she heard about the ordeal, the three of them went out after one of Fluttershy's chickens after it got out of the pen and into the Everfree Forest. During their chase, one of the capes got torn on a fence pole, and that cape was Scootaloo's.

Yet, despite acknowledgement of this, it didn't prove that Scootaloo has been sleeping here. The only other object that Rainbow had to redeem her answer was the sleeping bag.

''Rainbow!'' Applejack said, coming through the door and closing it behind her. ''Do ya'll mind explainin' what yer lookin' for in here?'' She inquired, a confused and stern expression carved onto her features, her lips turned down in a frown.

Rainbow simply ignored her and unfurled the sleeping bag, upon doing so, spotting something made out of paper drop out of it as the folds flattened out.

Applejack seemed to notice, too, sharing a confused and curious glance with Rainbow. The two blinked at the item on the floor.

It was a book. A diary. (At least, from what they could tell.). It was hard-backed and dark royal-purple in colour, the cover marked with the word 'Diary' on the upper-middle, white in colour and in a bold, standard font.

The world seemed to hang on in their shared suspense as Dash reached out a hoof and picked up the small, hard-backed diary in her hooves. Applejack joined her, positioning herself on her haunches beside Rainbow, both fixated on the book.

Pushing the cover so that it turned and flopped, revealing the inside page, Rainbow found exactly what she was looking for:

Scootaloo's Diary

Please do NOT touch!

It was just the very thing that Rainbow Dash had hoped of finding, and if anything was going to give her any answers to her own questions about her sister, this had to be it.

With another turn of the page, both friends found that the date in the top left of the corner read August 7th, entered last year. The current date was May 12th

...It seems like I've been here forever. Sometimes, I wonder if they left me because of me. What kind of parents could like me, never mind love me? Being home never feels the same, anymore. I never want to see it again. The last time I was home, it was only to get a few things of mine. My sleeping bag, my scooter, my Crusader's cape and this diary.

Continuing reading the text, both mares could clearly make out what looked to be small, splotches that were unmistakably from tear drops, scattered about the page in various areas, some even smudging the writing a little.

I don't know if I should tell Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle about it, or if I ever will. I guess they might figure it out for themselves, one day. So far, I don't think they know, or if they chose not to say anything, but ever since leaving home for good, I'm now living in this clubhouse. It's the only place that makes me feel safe and happy.

Applejack gasped in horror at what she was reading. The same could not be said about Rainbow Dash.

She kept re-reading that line; I wonder if they left because of me. What kind of parents could like me, never mind love me? It made her heart sting intensely. The typical reaction of anypony that would steel themselves to read such a thing would feel disheartened, but this was Rainbow Dash.

She didn't feel sad or doleful, nor did she feel angry. She felt disgusted.

Never has she ever read nor heard anything like this before! It made her feel sick to her stomach. Her parents abandoned her. They shirked her. Out of the blue. Just like that. Left her to fend for herself, alone and scared, without any sort or type of reason as to why they simply up-and-left. It's...

''Sugarcube?'' Rainbow Dash felt cold and clammy, despite the warmth inside the clubhouse, as Applejack found out when she wrapped her hoof around the back of Rainbow's neck. She pressed her cheek into her friend's own cheek as she remained still. The concern she held in her mind for her friend cancelled out her own rocky thoughts.

''Why're ya'll going through Scoot's stuff?'' A voice said from the doorway of the clubhouse. When both mares looked up from the book, they saw that the owner of the voice was Apple Bloom. On her face, she wore a worried expression. Behind her, Sweetie Belle could be seen, sporting the same expression as her fellow Crusader.

''Apple Bloom! Ya'll mind tellin' me why ya'll were standin' in the doorway?'' Applejack asked, getting up and scowling at both her sister and Sweetie. The two backed up a few paces as the orange farm pony approached, ears plopping back guiltily.

''A-Ah wasn' snoopin', AJ, honest.'' Apple Bloom said, feeling dwarfed beneath her older sister's gaze. ''We were jus' curious! All Ah heard was somethin' about Scoots!'' She admitted, feeling tiny and scared from that scolding glare in Applejack's eyes.

''Ya'll shouldn'ta heard nothin', you two! It's not the kinda thing for youngun's like yourselves ta get into.'' She said with a disapproving frown.

''Sorry, sis...Ah didn't mean nothin' bad...'' Apple Bloom whimpered slightly.

''Y-Yeah...sorry, Applejack.'' Sweetie apologized, feeling ashamed.

Applejack dropped her glare down to a soft, neutral expression. ''Apology accepted, girls.'' She turned back towards Rainbow, seeing that she was looking over the diary entry again. She only looked up after a few moments of finishing a sentence she was reading to face the two other Crusaders.

She pulled herself up, gritting her teeth at the pain in her legs, eventually getting herself onto all fours and placing the diary on top of the podium before she hobbled towards the girls.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie watched her limp slightly, concerned when they saw the stitches and bandages, but even more so at that glare in her eyes. That was never a good thing, especially in Rainbow's case.

''You didn't know, either?'' Rainbow Dash said simply, her tone of voice failing to hide any and all traces of her irritation and low-boiling anger. The two girls flinched at her voice. They looked as if they would rather try and speak to a Timberwolf than to Dash when she was angry.

''K-Know what?'' Apple Bloom asked innocently, although cautious.

''About Scootaloo! Did any of you know that she was here?! Sleeping and living in this clubhouse?!'' She glowered, ignoring the ache in her shoulder and legs from her tensed muscles. ''Tell me!''

''Rainbow! Knock it off! Don't talk to my sister or her friends like that!'' Applejack warned in an even bigger scowl, her face contorted in a frown of anger towards the pegasus. ''You're scaring them!'' She motioned a hoof to the shaking and whimpering fillies.

Rainbow only turned around with an audible grunt, approaching the podium and collecting the diary, followed by the other items belonging to Scootaloo, barely wasting any time in storming through the door in a huff and down the ramp. In any other circumstance, her exit would have been executed with a lightning-speed bolt of wing power that launched her out of sight in an instant, but given that she couldn't actually fly at the moment, she couldn't exactly do that for the time being.

''Applejack? What...what was t-that all about?'' Sweetie Belle asked through her shock. Applejack could only frown, herself still uncertain about the whole ordeal with the pegasus and the situation with Scootaloo.

''Ah have no idea, sugarcube. Ah've got no idea.'' She said quietly, watching the figure of her pegasus friend walk off into the distance from the doorway of the clubhouse, becoming smaller and smaller. ''No idea, at all.''

Sore

Fluttershy's Cottage

The cottage that Fluttershy lived in was peaceful and quiet. Well, at least as quiet as a house is when you live with many various species of wild and domesticated animals and creatures, some with stranger characteristics than others.

Fluttershy, a timid, fragile pegasus with a big and soft, yet strong heart, took in these creatures, her destiny being that of a unique and treasured ability to talk to animals, as well as being able to understand what they're saying. She didn't own these animals, in a sense, she merely provides shelter and warmth from the elements of the outside landscape.

Why she chose to live in a cottage directly on the very rim of the Everfree Forest was beyond anypony's guess, yet be that as it may, most and many who knew the pegasus assumed it was as a symbol of her quiet nature as a pony. She didn't talk much nor say much to anypony, and no pony from nearby would venture close enough to the Everfree Forest under any circumstances, so hence the reason of her being further away than most of the general population, although, not enough to be referred to as 'isolated'.

Her living room was nothing short of quiet, the only break in the silence being that of either a wall clock ticking away or a bird or two chirping and singing. There was walkways, perches and stairs, all designed for the purpose of the design of different creatures and animals alike, built to support their bodies and mass.

She even had around a few birdhouses and bird tables set up around the house, both hanging gently from the ceiling by 'C' hooks or simply by a stand.

Scootaloo sat across from her host on one of her comfy, green and plush sofas, a warm but not scalding cup of hot chocolate in her hooves. Yes, that's right. Hooves. Not only was Fluttershy a miracle worker to some extent with animals, with being able to understand their language and all, but she was also self-trained as a veterinarian for when her animals required medical care, ranging from skills to aid critters with simple ailments like a cold or itches or lice all the way up to the top-step of the ladder towards fixing and supporting bones, including breaks in the skin.

Once completely inoperable and temporarily disabled, her left hoof that she broke during an accident on her scooter was healed. Or at least, enough so that it could be moved like normal. After a small amount of ointment to sooth the injury and healing agent that was rubbed into her skin, a warm radiance could be felt, almost like a tingling sensation, akin to when a fuzzy, fluffed-up dog rubs up against one's body. Of course, being the expert that Fluttershy is, she advised that, while the limb could now be moved freely and normally to the most extent, she should work around using it and consider not using her hoof as much periodically. It may not have been to bad of an injury, but regardless, it would need some proper time to fix up completely to release the tension and stiffness it was given by being propped up in a sling.

Animals came in all different shapes, sizes and builds, and, thankfully, the training and knowledge gained and provided by the butter pegasus herself proved to be much more than useful in terms of pony anatomy, with her being familiar with simple and complicated bone structures of animals and having probably the sharpest eyes she has ever seen on a pony when it comes to judgement and diagnostics on a situation or circumstance. Of course, not as sharp as the eyes of the one and only Rainbow Dash, whom had eyes as sharp as crafting knives that never lost their accuracy or strength.

Ha, nopony beats my sister so easy! Scootaloo giggled internally to herself with that thought in mind. She glanced up, catching sight of the tail of what she recognized as a hummingbird, the vibrant aqua-blue feathers heard rustling as it made its way to a nearby perch by the wall, landing with petal-soft precision. It ruffled its glorious, luminescent feathers before it began preening them with its long, smooth black beak.

Scootaloo smiled at the bird for a moment. She took in its beauty and could understand why the mare across from her adored and loved these creatures so much. It was her passion and her life, her destiny. Who she's meant to be in this world.

Scootaloo pondered on that for a few moments, staring blankly down at her mug of hot chocolate, feeling the warm radiance transfer from her mug to her hooves, sending a pleasant tingle down her spine and body.

I wonder what my destiny is, now. She pondered. I mean, the only thing I have in life besides my own self is my scooter and Rainbow Dash. The only friends I've ever had was and are Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. What's my purpose in life? What am I meant to do now that I'm practically all alone and...useless?

''Is something the matter, Scootaloo?'' Fluttershy asked gently, finishing taking a sip of herbal tea before placing it back on its respectable saucer before setting it down on the small, wooden table sitting between her and the filly. It would appear that the sharp eyes of the pegasus mare caught on to her quiet behavior, an anomaly in the usual pattern of the brash filly's personality. In some ways, Scootaloo actually reminded her of a younger Rainbow Dash.

She noticed the filly's ear twitch slightly, and her purple eyes traced up from the steam rising from the hot drink in her hooves to meet up with the butter pegasus's turquoise orbs, that caring and warmth annoyingly inviting.

Under any other circumstances, Scootaloo would simply disengage acknowledgement to the conversation and brush off her emotions as if they were nothing more than dust particles that meant nothing. However, as much as that was in her usual demeanor, her thoughts traced back to the conversation she and Dash had that night at her cloud mansion, when she asked her about her parents.

Her eyes flattened in feeling a pang of pain in her heart at the emotion that flushed through her at the thought. With an awkward scratch of her neck with a hoof, she used her other free hoof to set down her own mug before mustering her now steeled nerves to look backup to the older pegasus.

Her mouth opened, about to speak, but, however, before even a single sound, let alone a sentence could be uttered, the door to the cottage was heard opening, followed by a soft slam that signaled its closure.

Both ponies present in the room glanced over to the door, finding none other than Rainbow Dash standing with a bewildered expression so deep on her face that it was haunting.

Draped over her back was what the small, orange filly recognized instantly as her cape, easily distinguished from the other two by the visible tear in its fabric on the side. Further along her back, slightly overlapping the cape and keeping it held down, was Scootaloo's sleeping bag.

All the while, Rainbow never took her eyes off of the filly, and when Fluttershy took a brief moment to glance from her life-long pegasus friend to the now almost cringing and tensed filly, she noticed that that haunted look from the face of Rainbow has now found a place on Scootaloo's own.

Dash stopped a short couple of inches away from the edge of the table and shrugged off the sleeping bag from her bag hearing it plop on the floor with a heavy thud from its weight, followed by using a front hoof to pick off her crusader cape and hoofing it over to the filly.

From her seat, Fluttershy scanned her over, immediately piecing together that something was indeed wrong. Was what she needed to go talk to Applejack about a bad time? She pondered thoughtfully, but her thoughts aside, she was mainly focusing her attention to her friend's mood and expression behind her eyes.

They were like glass. Glazed over, slightly-blurred glass. A clear and obvious indication of crying.

A frown crawled its way to Fluttershy's lips. She wanted to ask then and there what happened, but decided against it, for the sake of Scootaloo, whom still held a mix of gratitude for having her personal belongings returned to her, combined with some fear and sadness in her heart after meeting eyes with Rainbow Dash.

Her face seemed to be paled over, her normally rosey eyes reddened and puffy.

''So...um...th-thanks, Rainbow.'' Scootaloo said placing her cape aside on the couch next to her. Rainbow didn't respond. She couldn't respond. As a matter of fact, it seemed that her voice has disappeared entirely. She barely even managed to acknowledge the filly. Instead, she turned around, keeping her head down as she turned and walked straight passed Fluttershy on the sofa behind her, heading towards the stairs.

Her steps were almost limp, at a slouch as she trudged her way up the stairs. Both ponies downstairs could have sworn they heard a failed attempt at her hiding a sniffle.

Within a short period of time, a door was heard closing softly, the soft 'click' of its closure echoing quietly through the cottage.

Taken largely aback, both remaining pegasi could only stare at each other in shock and worry at what they both witnessed, although the gears in Scootaloo's head were grinding together what really happened at the farm, and she barely needed to ask to know what happened. This was her fault.

''I'll go check on her.'' Fluttershy said, picking herself from her seat and heading towards the stairs.

Scootaloo was alone now. She slouched back heavily in her seat, sighing out loud with her head resting against the back of the sofa, her hoof pinching the bridge of her nose. ''Why'd I have to be so stupid!?'' She said, agitated. Her voice wasn't at a shout, but it was loud. ''This is all my fault! What's wrong with me?'' She let herself fall forward, resting her elbows on her knees as she held her head in her hooves. ''I'm such a dodo.''

She glanced momentarily to her CMC cape and frowned. ''Who am I kidding?'' She touched a hoof to the patch of the cape, tracing over the logo. ''I'm no Crusader. This isn't Dash's problem, and certainly not anypony else's problem, either. No wonder my parents left me.'' She rubbed her eye with a hoof, feeling a tear tingle in her ducts before breaking free and stroking her cheek in a bell-drop and landing on her hind leg. ''I suck.''

Upstairs - Fluttershy's Bedroom

Meanwhile, upstairs in her bedroom, a yellow and cyan pegasus sat on the edge of a bed. Fluttershy had her wing draped across Rainbow's shoulders and hanging loosely over her side. She found it as the most fitting gesture, seeing as this is what Rainbow used to do for her when they were both in flight camp and was given a hard time by the bullies and other ponies who teased her mercilessly.

Currently, Rainbow had her rump sat on the bed whilst her body was hunched downwards, her hooves rubbing her temples. To the touch, she was cold, but the warmth from Fluttershy's body and wing fought against it, much to her comfort.

''H-how can they not know?!'' Rainbow said through gritted teeth, leaning up to face her friend. ''I just don't get it! For over two years and nothing! How in Equestria can anypony be so oblivious to something like that?! HOW?!'' A small trickle of tears slid down Dash's face, and she made no effort to hide them from sight. ''I don't know what to do!''

Fluttershy leaned her cheek into the crook between Dash's shoulder and neck. ''I'm really sorry, Rainbow. The poor girl's been through so much. No filly deserves that kind of life, no matter who they might be.'' She said softly and sympathetically. Dash turned her body to her, holding a front hoof to Fluttershy's shoulder.

''That wasn't even the worst of it.'' From beneath her right wing, Rainbow raised it up and reached a hoof under, Fluttershy's eyes following her hoof to fall upon something made out of leather. Upon slowly pulling it out from under the security of her wing, Rainbow held the object in her hooves, showing it to Fluttershy and causing her to gasp.

Her eyes fell over the front of the diary belonging to none other than the filly downstairs. This was Scootaloo's personal diary.

''Rainbow! You can't just take things that don't belong to you! You're invading somepony's privacy and thoughts! How do you think she would feel if she knew?'' Fluttershy asked in shock, her usually measured and angelic voice amped up to a serious whisper. ''Where did you find this?''

Rainbow ignored the last question. ''If that was your sister down there, her life in tatters, what would you do?'' Rainbow protested, her own raspy voice taking on a much more serious and dedicated tone. Fluttershy's mouth sealed shut, completely gotten there. She couldn't argue, nor could she bypass her on that one. If she had a sister with the same problems, she would do the same thing, for the sake of her well-being.

She was true to her Element, I can at least give her that much. Fluttershy thought.

Opening up the diary and holding it between the two of them in a position that Fluttershy could read what was in it, she only read the first few sentences from the first paragraph before her eyes began to well up with tears of sympathy and a pang of anger was felt heating up her heart like a small furnace in disgust once her eyes landed on the line about her parents.

I wonder if they left because of me. Of all the things she could have heard from either the mouth of a foal or by their writing, this was by far the worst thing she has ever read. What kind of monster abandons and neglects their own children?

''O-Oh, my...'' Fluttershy whispered like a ghost, her hoof touching her lower lip in disbelief. Her eyes fell on the date written at the top of the page. August 7th. It was entered a year ago. On the inside, Fluttershy could feel her stomach tie in a knot and her lungs shiver with her shaky breaths, dressed heavily in disbelief and disgust. A tear fell from her eye, lightly rolling from her eyelid and down her cheek.

With her hoof, Rainbow wiped it away and looked her in the eyes, a sad, helpless appearance visibly shown. ''What do we do? Heck, what am I meant to do with her? I can't just something like this slip my attention! It's not in my blood or my Element!'' Rainbow said, frowning. ''What can we do?''

Fluttershy tapped her chin thoughtfully. ''Well, does she at least have somewhere to stay and sleep?'' She asked, to which Rainbow nodded.

''I found her at the hospital and took her in after we had a little...chat.'' Rainbow said, placing her words carefully and delicately. ''She told me about her parents and that they abandoned her, and they haven't been seen around since.'' She explained.

''Did she write anything else?'' Fluttershy asked, feeling a little bit guilty at asking the question, but curious to know if there was any more evidence that could prove helpful in fixing the problem with Scootaloo's family.

With a tug of her lips, Rainbow pulled a frown and turned the page. There, written at top in the left-sided margin on the page, was the date. August 9th. A couple of days after the previous entry.

The two pegasi shared a glance before reading.

Last night, I couldn't sleep. No idea why, but I couldn't. My thoughts were giving me a headache. I keep thinking about what's going to become of me in the future. Look at me - alone, defenseless and almost friendless. I've never dealt with this kind of stuff before, and I barely feel like myself.

To clear my head, I went out into the fields at Sweet Apple Acres and did some star gazing to take my mind off of things. Rainbow Dash recommended it to me a while back, and as surprising as that sounded coming from somepony as awesome as her, it helped. Watching the stars was something I never considered to be relaxing or stress-relieving. It seemed more like something as mushy as a thing two ponies would do on a first date. Ew, talk about sappy.

''Poor kid.'' Rainbow said quietly and leaned her cheek into Fluttershy. ''I've gotta do something for her, 'Shy.'' Rainbow said pulling herself from the bed. Not a moment too soon, as her hooves touched down on the floor, did she feel a painful surge course through her hind legs and through her nerves.

Clenching her teeth, Rainbow fell backwards and back onto the bed, the impact causing her friend to jump and cry out in surprise at the accident, her body bouncing on the bed as vibrations ran through her like a small stampede.

''Ow,ow!'' Rainbow cried out, rubbing her hind legs with her hooves.

''Are you alright, Dashie? Anything hurt too badly?'' Fluttershy asked in concern, eyeing her bandages. She never did ask about how she got them.

Dash scratched at her cheek momentarily. ''Y-Yeah, fine, 'Shy. Hurts a little, that's all.''

''Let me see.'' Her friend asked, moving down to the bandages wrapped firmly by gauze and supportive bandages. On her knees, she gently pulled at the top of the bandage where it was secured on Rainbow's hoof with medical tape and slowly and carefully unwound the bandages and gauze, peeling it off like how an apple sheds its skin when put into an apple peeler, shedding off in a spiral-like pattern.

She did the same with the other hoof once she was done and placed the used, dirty bandages aside. Finally able to get her first look at her friend's hooves, she could see why she was in pain.

Cuts, bruises and even small gashes that were held together by small strips of medical tape adorned her legs, giving off the impression that the injuries definitely weren't earned by something as simple as tripping or falling over. Knowing Rainbow Dash since she was a foal herself, Fluttershy could remember many times in which Dash managed to hurt herself performing tricks and air stunts. She giggled to herself at some of the memories playing in her mind.

Honestly, I don't know how she keeps on going with the way she ends up in hospital all the time. She thought innocently to herself. Oh, well, it's just Dashie being Dashie, I suppose...

Expertly inspecting her wounds, she noticed that they weren't cleaned as good as they could have been, and although she could see that they didn't show any signs of infection, they seemed to be healing well. With the softest touch she could manage, Fluttershy lightly touched Rainbow's leg.

It would appear that without being able to fly to stay off of her hooves, she was left with no other alternative to get around, and the resulting strain she put on her hind legs from moving around too much has caused quite a fair amount of tension in her muscles and left her feeling stiff.

Carefully, Fluttershy's hooves gently touched to the top of Rainbow's hoof, a touch off of where her leg started, and applied gentle yet firm pressure to it, moving her hooves in a small, smooth circular motion. She could practically feel the heat from the blush that ignited on her friend's cheeks, although she wasn't looking up, and she smiled.

Her tensed muscled got even more tense at the touch of her hooves to her leg. She knew all too well that Rainbow never liked anypony near her hooves or make contact with her in any way that may invade personal space or where she doesn't like being touched in particular. (Don't comment on that.)

''Try to relax, Rainbow. You're really tense.'' Fluttershy asked calmly. As she started moving her hooves down her hoof. The tension in Rainbow's leg seemed to rub straight out with the correct pressure and motions of expertly-trained hooves. Although Rainbow wouldn't ever admit it, she thought to herself, man, 'Shy gives awesome massages. Why she never chose to work at a spa, I have no idea.

Repeating the process on her other leg to relieve her tension, Fluttershy made a quick trip downstairs to grab a small bottle of healing liquid, the very same one she used on Scoot's leg. It was in a small, blue glass bottle with hexagonal patterns and a cork lid. Whenever a bottle like this is used, it is usually crafted by none other than Ponyville's friendly neighbor in the Everfree Forest, Zecora, a female zebra whom practices potion brewing and uses her knowledge to conjure up helpful medicinal potions to sell to ponies that need it.

It may have been brewed by a zebra that ponies thought to have been some type of witch (a few still do, to the present) and don't trust her brewing, but those who knew her personally, such as the Main Six, did trust her. As a matter of fact, Fluttershy found that her potions work wonders for treating animals with both physical injuries and ailments.

Pulling out the cork with no effort, Fluttershy held out a hoof and used her other hoof to tip the bottles contents onto it. Rainbow's nose scrunched at the sight - and smell - of it.

It wasn't a foul smell, but it was still strong enough to make one think their nose just disintegrated from the inside out. It was almost like a sour apple aroma, mixed with a medium concentration of fish oils and something else that Rainbow couldn't quite put her hoof on. However she may think about it, at a random guess, the apple scent was to probably try and mask the original smell of the liquid. Quite clearly, it didn't work its magic. As a matter of fact, it made it smell somewhat worse.

Following up from the scent leaving the bottle, the liquid eventually came out. The liquid itself was almost resembling the texture of gel or putty, although it was hard to specify what exactly. It was a thick red in colour, almost the same hue as blood, and, in the light in the room coming from the window, a green tinge could be seen reflecting from the surface of the liquid.

Collecting enough to cover her hoof in a very thin layer, Fluttershy requested that Dash sat still as she rubbed it into her leg. Upon contact, it felt freezing, but soon began to tingle and even burn in the slightest. It felt akin to what the sun hitting your cheek felt like on a hot Summer day.

Thankfully, the small hoof full of the smelly gel was enough to cover all wounds on both her legs. They were tingling with actual heat at first, but it calmed down to a soft, pulsing tingle, then eventually, nothing. Staring down at her legs, Rainbow couldn't believe her eyes.

Most of her wounds were gone! Zap! Gone! Non-existent! They were actually healed in a matter of seconds! The remaining wounds were only the larger ones, turned numb from the effects of the gel, which Rainbow was more than thankful for.

She stared at her legs with wide eyes, giving them an experimental wiggle, feeling no pain, whatsoever! This is amazing! I can actually walk again! I could kiss Fluttershy right now! She blushed at the thought. Did I really just think that? She thought to herself.

''Rainbow? Are you feeling alright?'' Her fellow pegasus friend asked after noticing her embarrassed blush. ''Do you need to lie down?'' Rainbow shook her head dismissively, grinning warmly in thanks.

''You kiddin'? I can walk again! I feel great!'' She said with a beaming smile. Come on, 'Shy, buy into it, already, my freakin' jaw hurts! Fluttershy stared at her confusedly but then smiled.

''Happy to hear it. Now, don't you think we should get back to...this?'' She pointed to the diary laying on the bed, slightly sunk into the comfy mattress from its weight. Rainbow's ears dropped and her happiness buried itself twelve-feet under.

''Oh. Yeah, right.'' Rainbow picked up the diary, tucking it away under her wing. ''Fluttershy.'' She held onto her friend's shoulders. ''Please don't tell anypony else about this. For Scootaloo's sake, we should keep quiet for now until we at least figure out what to do with her, starting with her parents. Besides, I think she needs to have some time to clear her head.'' Fluttershy nodded slowly.

''I agree. She's lucky to have a sister like you, Dash.'' She said with a gentle smile. Dash could only smile back. ''We should go back down, now. She's probably waiting for us.''

Fluttershy's Living Room

Returning to the living room of the cottage, the pair found Scootaloo on the sofa, laying on her back with her Crusader cape over her body, her head sticking out at the top and her left hoof dangling motionlessly from the side. Her eyes were closed and her mouth hung open, a small, soft snore emanating with every slow, relaxed breath she took, her slowly rising up and down as she did so.

They both smiled at the sight. ''Looks like somepony's worn out her batteries for the day.'' Rainbow said in a whisper, not wishing to wake up her peaceful sister. ''She deserves a rest for once.'' She said, gently sitting beside her, making sure she didn't wake her up in doing so. ''I can't imagine what she feels like.'' She touched a hoof with care to Scootaloo's mane, giving it a small stroke.

Fluttershy took her place on the sofa across to Rainbow. She didn't speak, but instead nodded. ''You know, if you'd like, you can stay here. I-If you really want to...'' She said in her casual, shy yet angelic voice, hiding half of her face behind her pink curtain of mane.

''I'd like that,'' Rainbow said with a smile, but then waved a hoof dismissively. ''but I wouldn't feel right about it. I mean, we don't want to be in the way or anything.'' Fluttershy only pouted.

''Pfft! Not at all, Dashie. I'd be delighted to host the two of you! Besides, we don't really see each other as often as we used to, so I'd see this as an opportunity to catch up some more, including with Scootaloo.'' She motioned to the sleeping filly. ''Poor dear has been through so much lately, and it seems like she could do with her mind being taken off things for a change.''

''You sure we're not a problem?'' Dash asked, brow raised. Her friend only shook her head. ''Well, then, what would you say to hanging out together around town tomorrow? You know, once this lil' squirt has finally woken up?'' Rainbow rubbed the filly's head gently, ruffling her mane a little.

Fluttershy giggled quietly. ''I think that sounds like a wonderful idea, Dashie.''

Sunrise - Part One - Town

Author's Note

It's alright! I'm not dead!

Howdy-do, ya'll! Been a pretty long time and had some fairly lengthy delays with this one, and I'm afraid there will be many more to come up until around Christmas time during the holidays! Been occupied with creating a bunch of scripts and a show prompt for a performance pretty soon, around December-ish time.

Bear with me on this one - it'll be a two parter for now, and is possibly slightly rushed and short in length, (annoyingly) but don't despair, once the second part is out and edited, the two will be merged into one big hunker-chunker of a chapter!

Oh, and if there are any errors in here, such as misspellings, please do point them out, and I'll get right on it.

=====================
- Ribe (Dan)

Sunrise - Part One - Town

Early morning daylight split through the darkness of the inside of the cottage, bringing in with it a warm radiance that replaced the cold temperatures on the inside of the household with a comforting heat.

A few chitters and scampers and squabbling could be heard as the ears of three sleeping bodies in the living room of the cottage stirred awake as the sunlight made contact with their cheeks, like the warming touch of an angel's hand. A small purple eye lazily raised and closed a few times, eventually opening them and allowing a small, silent yawn escape her lips.

From on the sofa where she was sleeping, cradled in the soft, cyan hooves of her sister, the orange filly felt her muscles relax under the inviting, cozy sensation, a feeling that was rare for her to feel. Glancing behind her, she saw that Rainbow Dash had her chin resting peacefully by the filly's side, snuggled between the plushness of the sofa and her orange fur.

She smiled before facing the sofa across from her, seeing the homeowner of the cottage snoozing lightly, an undisturbed smile upon her lips as her chest rose and arose softly. Her pink curtain of mane was hung in a droop over one of her eyes, leaving the other, remaining eye visible. Whilst it was closed, the filly could sense the tranquil behind it.

A pair of birds flew overhead, their wings gliding with grace against the air as they flapped with great delicacy, the animals landed on a perch affixed to the wall, their well-kept claws on their feet holding them with security as they watched the trio in the living room. Scootaloo stared up to them, noticing that the birds were hummingbirds. One was a light green with black underside feathers on its wings. The other was similar in appearance, but instead sporting vibrant blue feathers with a splotch of white located a short ways beneath its beak, at tap above halfway upon its throat.

It stared back to the filly, returning her gaze. It lifted up a wing and scratched at its feathers with its long, black beak. With a small ruffle of its feathers, the bird puffed itself out, a few small and loose feathers falling free from its body and landing on the floor below.

One of the tiny pieces of feather came to a rest on Scootaloo's nose, lightly touching down on the very tip of her muzzle. She scrunched her nose and became cross-eyed as she stared at the lone feather, her breath causing it to brush gently against her nostrils as she breathed.

It tickled. She felt a tingling in her nostrils, like she had a mouse or other furry critter wafting its hairs on the very edge of the entrance to her nose. She huffed in a breath a few times and her eyes began to itch along with the sensation.

Before she could even have the time to react fast enough, the two mares on both of the sofas in the living room jumped up in surprise and panic after the small filly gave an almighty sneeze that could put the roar of a Manticore to shame.

Rainbow Dash managed to let out a fast and almost unintelligible ''Huh?! What?! Where?!'' in a single hyperactive sentence before she fell from the air and crashed to the floor in a heap. Directly on her injured wing.

A scream of agony erupted from her lips as a searing pain bolted through her nerves, like a bunch of nanites scurrying through her bodily fibres.

Fluttershy's own panicked mind set into panic and concern as she saw her closest friend on the floor. Forgetting her earlier scare, her mind sent her to Dash's side in a snap, hurriedly pushing the table away from next to where she landed in the process to give her more space.

She knelt down beside Rainbow and lightly wrapped her hooves around her side, giving herself a firm hold of her barrel and centre for her weight. With a smooth yet gentle lift and heave, Fluttershy managed to pull her into a straight position, with her belly and chest facing the floor. The injured pegasus let out a few moans and groans of pain gushing throughout her body as her friend lowered her down into a laying position.

''Hold still, Dashie.'' Fluttershy said soothingly, a hoof lightly touching the middle of Dash's back and her other touching around on her head to check for any cuts to her head region. After pushing around a few patches of multi-hue mane around to search and make sure that she hadn't hit herself on the table on the way down and earned herself a nasty gash, Fluttershy breathed out in relief at seeing that she was all clear. ''Oh, good, your didn't hit your head. I was worried.'' She said softly.

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth, her eyes clamped as she could still feel the pain pulsing. It wasn't as consistent as it was a minute ago, but it was still enough to feel like she just got kicked in the side by a buffalo.

''Rainbow Dash! I-I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to-!''

''Save it!'' Dash snapped, suddenly and unexpectedly cutting her younger sister off. Scootaloo felt her eyes tingle at knowing she upset her older sister. Never in her time of knowing the pegasus that she idolizes and admires has she ever taken on this form of harsh tone with her. Not once has her voice ever been raised towards the young filly, and now that it has happened, she felt herself take a few large strides backwards out of fear, her lips clamping together in a seal.

Rainbow's rose eyes only glanced to her before rolling towards the other pegasus, whom was now undoing the bandage to Dash's left wing. Just from glancing at it in all of the enveloping bandages, one could easily tell how much discomfort it was causing her.

Carefully unraveling the layers of bandages and gauze, Fluttershy could hear Dash squirm a little, although it sounded as if she was attempting to muffle her own pain through a mask of toughness. The bandages she obtained from the hospital were bound around Dash's barrel tightly, and due to the knowledge that Fluttershy knew there wouldn't simply come off with an idle tug, she found it necessary to quickly grab her medical box from a kitchen cupboard and return in a matter of seconds.

It was a simple, white box made out of plastic and it had a red cross on the lid, each corner of the red cross detailed with pink butterflies, equal to the ones adorning Fluttershy's flanks.

Pulling out a pair of medical scissors, she began to cut the bandages off, starting by clipping a safe distance below her wing and then making another incision above her wing, completely detaching the patch covering her wing and allowing it to be removed. With care, she gently peeled it from her friend's wing, placing the dirty bandage to the floor next to her and she removed the remaining part resting on her back by simply pushing it off of her, letting it land on the floor on the opposite side of Dash.

''Oh...oh, my.'' Fluttershy whispered, getting her first glance at the injuries that were concealed only moments ago. She lightly brought a hoof to the underside of the damaged wing and slowly and carefully pulled it towards her, allowing it to unfurl. A few twisted and split blue feathers fell free as she did so, and only then did she notice the bumps and raised parts in the wing. It was more than obvious that the forceful blow she took has done more than simply sprain her ligaments and wing muscles.

It may not have been the worst type of injury that Rainbow Dash managed to inflict upon herself when an aerial stunt went southwards, but it was certainly a painfully unpleasant feeling. It reminded her of a time that she first started practicing her techniques as a teenager, hoping to impress the Wonderbolts one day, only to find that it was harder than it looked, resulting in an ending in which she nearly lost one of her wings permanently. Despite her past experiences with stunt making, she was very far from willing to give in to the pain, and she has stood her ground ever since.

From her previous experiences with helping her fellow critters and animal friends, she knew that this wing was undeniably broken, in more than two areas. The middle of her wing was raised up, and some parts were even pushed out to the sides, a clear indication that her bones were indeed broken.

''H-Hey! Ow! Stop it!'' Rainbow seethed through her teeth, cringing visibly at the touch of Fluttershy's hoof to her fractures. ''That hurts!''

''Oh, I know it hurts, Dashie, but I have to help you.'' Fluttershy said softly. She inspected the wing further, frowning heavily.

''What?'' Dash asked impatiently, taking notice of her frown.

''Wait here.'' Fluttershy said, releasing her hold on the wing.

Fluttershy had left the room and ascended up the stairs towards her bedroom before Rainbow Dash could make a retort. Now the only ones that were left in the room was Scootaloo and Rainbow. The filly stared at Dash for a moment, but tore her gaze away when she noticed the glare burning behind her rose eyes. It was more than clear that she wasn't in the mood to talk to her, nor acknowledge her. She was practically a ghost to her at this point in time.

The filly bit her lower lip and hugged her tail, burying her chin into it as she plopped her flank down on the floor. It brought her some warmth, but all she felt was cold on the inside.

She stared upwards towards the small perch where the two hummingbirds were sitting, watching the scene before them.

This is your fault, you dodo. Dash doesn't like me anymore.

It wasn't me who sneezed. A voice said innocently, though with a slight cocky hint to it.

Wait, did you just speak to me? Scootaloo asked internally, her mind rolling in disbelief. Am I really talking to a hummingbird?

Why, yes you are. Well spotted, little chicken. A small, tweety voice chuckled. Didn't you know that all animals can talk?

Scootaloo's eyes widened. Chicken?! Who are you calling a chicken, chick?! I'm a pegasus! Like you, I have wings! She retorted, pouting at the bird. The same, small and almost sing-song-like voice chuckled back.

A pegasus? Now, that is a proper joke. Who are you kidding, you can't even lift your hooves from the ground. It said, mockingly, much to the young filly's annoyance.

Scootaloo scoffed out loud. Oh, really, now?! I'll show you!

She unfurled her small wings from her sides, allowing them to fan out to their full lengths, all of her feathers standing out in alignment. Her feathers were well-preened and kept in good health, and eyeing the bird, she gave one last pout before she began to flap.

Her small wings buzzed and she pumped them as fast as she could, only a small amount of air managing to be produced by the force of every flap.

She stood there in a take off stance, mimicking the posture of a Wonderbolt and over around a minute or so of building up her momentum, she managed to lift her hooves off of the floor, but only about a few inches at the most as she hovered. Her breath was cut short in a short amount of time after lifting from the floor, and she huffed and puffed, her lungs burning from the lack of oxygen and energy, causing her to drop back to the floor with a loud thud, landing in an orange heap.

She panted and gasped, small beads of sweat trickling from her brow. She looked up to the hummingbird again, seeing that it was hiding its beak behind its wing, almost as if it was covering up a snicker.

Correction: a pegasus that can't hover. It said, its tone as a mocking laugh. A shame, really. I'm amazed and surprised that Rainbow Dash even took you in, never mind adopted you as her sister. I'd be embarrassed.

Small tears built up behind her eyes. She could feel them burn along with the anger in her heart for her set backs. And now she was being laughed at by a bird? By the love of Celestia, she truly did feel pathetic.

She wanted to cry then and there, but the only thing holding her back from doing so was knowing that if she did, she would always be seen as weak and pathetic in front of Rainbow Dash. That was the last thing she would ever want on her list of embarrassing life moments.

She wiped her eyes, still feeling the stare of the bird on her skull, bearing down on her like torches melting her brain. ''Screw you.'' She said.

''Uh, what?'' Dash said from behind her. ''What was that, kid?'' She asked, and Scootaloo twirled around on the spot with a gasp, surprised. Her cheeks burned with a blush and she had trouble bringing her eyes up to Dash, feeling minuscule under her gaze.

''I, um...how much did you see?'' She asked lowly, scratching her hoof.

''More like ''How much did you hear''.'' Dash said with a raised brow, giving the filly a scowl of disapproval. It was right then that Scootaloo took hint of her overhearing what she said, and her nerves immediately steeled.

''I'm sorry.'' She said quietly.

Dash's hoof came up to Scootaloo's chin, raising it up to face her. ''Jeez, relax kid. Look, sorry I snapped at you earlier. It just happens, sometimes.'' She gave her a single-hoofed hug. ''Anyways, Fluttershy fixed up my wing with that creepy cream stuff, so breakfast is on me, this morning. What do ya say to that, squirt?'' She asked, pulling out of the hug to look at the filly with a warm smile, something Scootaloo would never get tired of seeing.

It was almost motherly in radiance.

Looking past her smile and down to her side, she could see that her injured wing had indeed been treated with the expertise of Fluttershy's medicinal knowledge, and instead of having it tightly secured to her side, it was only covered in a thin layer of bandages with patches of gauze and padding with dressing where it was needed the most. Seeing as the fractures were nothing too serious from the blow her wing took from the fall, Fluttershy estimated a logical healing and recovery period of at least a couple of weeks, possibly less if she was lucky and took good care of herself in the meantime.

''That sounds awesome!'' Scootaloo said enthusiastically, hopping on the spot and hugging her cheek with Dash's hoof in thanks. From behind the pair, Fluttershy watched them with a twinkle in her eyes, one of warmth at the sight, and a smile found its way to her lips. ''Can Fluttershy come, too?''

Rainbow chuckled, looking behind her to the yellow pegasus. ''Of course, kid. It's the least I can do after all she's done for us. What do ya say, Flutters?''

A slight blush arose on her cheeks at hearing her old nickname, and she hid her face partially behind her drooping pink mane, only a single eye remaining visible to look over to her friend. ''Oh, I wouldn't want to get in the way. I could just stay here and look after my animals.'' She said dismissively, a typical reaction when one would ask her something such as what Dash was asking.

It was in her nature, after all, and Rainbow thought it was rather adorable like this. GAH! I mean...nope, did not just think that. I did not just think that...

''Nah, come on, 'Shy, you're more than welcome to, and besides, it's about time I show my gratitude.'' She said with a grin, moving to her friend's side and wrapping a hoof around her neck, pulling her cheek closer to hers. ''It'll be fun. Besides, at what point do we get chance to hang out like this? Since I can't fly, we might as well make the most of the time we have!'' Fluttershy scratched behind her ear in thought after hearing that.

''Well...when you put it like that---AHH!'' Fluttershy yelped as Dash threw her head beneath her body and hoisted her up onto her back without warning, making a dash for the door and picking up Scootaloo as she did so, taking her by the blind-side and performing the same action as with Fluttershy, tossing her onto her back in front of the older pegasus.

''Good enough for me! Come on, lets get a move on!'' She announced, the added weight on top of her being forgotten as she broke her speed into a gallop, heading out of the door and away from the cottage homestead and towards the town of Ponyville.

End of Part One

Sunrise - Part Two

''These are amazing! You know just how to do 'em right, Pinkie!'' Dash complemented her pink-coated party-going friend as she hoofed up another forkful of all-butter pancakes with almond drizzle, topped with the juiciest of blueberries and strawberry chunks. As a matter of fact, even both Fluttershy and Scootaloo were enjoying it, having ordered the same thing.

''Aw, it was my pleasure, Dashie! Besides, it doesn't hurt to enjoy a little sugary goodness every now and then!'' Pinkie said with a prize-winning smile of pride as she smiled warmly at her friends. She even giggled when she noticed Scootaloo submerge her face into the top of her stack, almost as if she was playing bobbing for apples.

It was still relatively early in the morning, so Sugarcube Corner was mostly vacant at this time, all with the exception of Pinkie, the Cakes' and Rainbow's group that were all sat at the same table at the side of the bakery, located a short ways from the counter where Pinkie was currently behind, baking up a fresh batch of cinnamon swirls, judging from the smell of it.

The time passed by rather slowly and the group of ponies ate in silence. The only sounds that were infiltrating the silence was the ambience of nature in the outside world. The birds were all waking up and greeting the day with their songs and the residents of the town of Ponyville were doing the same.

The sounds of chatter and market stalls being deployed could be heard in the distance, preparing for yet another busy day of work. Although the time was still rather early, Ponyville wasn't known for being a lazy town. The second Celestia's sun breaches the horizon, pony-after-pony will already be making their start to the new dawn. There was never a minute to lose.

Whilst Scootaloo was busy finishing off her breakfast on the other side of the table from Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, the pink-maned mare turned to her friend and asked, ''So, Rainbow,'' She began, her voice a whisper as to not allow the filly across from them hear their conversation. ''About when you went to Sweet Apple Acres, did you say anything to Applejack?''

''No,'' Rainbow began, fully aware that it was a lie. Well, technically, a half-lie. ''Well, maybe not exactly about...you know what,'' She said, motioning with her eyes over to the orange pegasus across from them, still busy in the middle of eating. ''She didn't know about her living in the clubhouse.'' She said, frowning. In her gut, she could still feel a burn of anger. It wasn't much, but it was there.

A part of her felt the need to give Applejack a smack upside her head and the other wanted to confront her on her absence of knowledge on the situation.

''Oh, dear,'' Fluttershy whispered, touching a hoof to her lips. Her eyes directed over to Rainbow Dash's lips and she gave a small raise of her brow. ''Oh, Dashie? Hold still, you've got something on your lip,'' She said, gently moving a hoof over to pick off a small spec of pancake that was resting on her lower lip and tucked into the side.

''Uhm, thanks?'' Rainbow said slowly, feeling a wave a heat tinge her cheeks as she found herself staring deeply into her friend's soft turquoise eyes. Fluttershy stared back, herself blushing. In the middle of their staring, a small voice broke them out of their trance.

''Hey! Dash? Fluttershy?''

The pair of pegasi blinked as they were brought back into reality and they turned to face the young filly across from them, whom was looking back at them with a raised brow.

''What's up, squirt?'' Dash asked, still feeling her blush.

''I was wondering, would it be alright if I can hang out with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom? It's been a while since we've last had the chance to spend any time together.'' Scootaloo asked with pleading eyes.

''Sure, we can swing by the farm later, kid,'' Dash said, ignoring the pang of guilt in her chest. Perhaps I could apologise to Applejack and her sister while I'm at it, she thought to herself. Picking herself out of her seat and leaving Fluttershy and Scootaloo on their own for a moment, Dash proceeded towards the counter where she handed Pinkie Pie some bits for the food.

''Thanks, Dash!'' Pinkie thanked her with a beaming smile and a wave of her hoof as she walked off back towards the table.

''So, then, are we all ready?'' She asked, looking between her two companions. The pair nodded and picked themselves out of their seats and headed towards the door. As Rainbow followed suit, she gave one final thanks to Pinkie Pie before leaving the bakery.

In the back of her mind, Rainbow couldn't help but find herself to be combatting her thoughts on Scootaloo's parents. The diary kept flashing in front of her eyes, a particular sentence repetitively being spoken out loud in her head.

Sometimes, I wonder if they left because of me. What kind of parents could like me, never mind love me? Being home never feels the same, anymore. I never want to see it again.

Her mental voice read the sentence over and over, itching at the base of her skull. A plethora of emotions circled about the mare's heart. The very knowledge that such an entry was written at the hooves of a filly, one she considers her sister, wrenched at her heart. It made her eyes sting and her nerves itch with an angered heat.

If there was anything that Dash wanted to know, it was where were her parents? Why did they abandon their only daughter? What possible reason could any pony in the wide, wide world of Equestria have for leaving behind a child with no means of defence? The very fact that ponies could have such a black, stone-encrusted heart made Rainbow sick to her stomach.

In front of her, Fluttershy and Scootaloo were walking off in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres. Coming up beside the butter mare, Rainbow gave her shoulder a small nudge as she walked with her.

''Fluttershy, do you think you can stay with Scootaloo at the farm? I think I need to talk to Twilight to see if she can help us.'' She said, keeping her voice out of earshot of the filly. Fluttershy's lips parted a few times as if to say something, but she decided against it. ''I won't be long, I promise.''

Without a chance to say anything, Rainbow had already departed and headed off towards Golden Oaks Library.

=== Golden Oaks Library ===

In the large, hollowed out tree that served as both her home and the local library, Twilight Sparkle, a lavender unicorn with a royal purple and pink-striped mane and tail sat at her desk with a quill floating in her magical pink aura, scribbling down on some parchment.

Her faithful assistant and dragon friend, Spike, had left her alone to make a trip to Carousel Boutique to help Rarity with her work. This wasn't something Twilight wasn't used to. Of course, it wasn't something Rarity wasn't used to, either. As a matter of fact, the entire town knew about his crush on the fashionista unicorn.

Every so often or when Twilight had no need for his assistance with her studies or his chores were completed, he would always head on over to the Boutique to check up on Rarity. The puppy-like affection he displayed for her never ceased to make Twilight giggle.

Just as she was finishing up with her writing, a series of knocks sounded at the door. She blinked and placed the quill into a nearby ink vial.

Trotting over towards the door, Twilight opened it to reveal a serious-looking Rainbow Dash. Without an invitation, the rainbow-maned mare entered the home of the unicorn and skipped with the pleasantries. Twilight frowned as she watched the pegasus enter her home, closing the door with her magic.

''Um, good morning?'' She said slowly, albeit, her tone housing a small fraction of annoyance. Walking over to face the other mare, she was finally able to get a good look at her features. She did not look happy. ''Rainbow? Is something wrong? You look like you've got something on your mind.'' Twilight said, raising her brow in concern.

Rainbow radiated with unease as she stared into the purple eyes of Twilight. In her mind, the previous few days were sapping at her thoughts and she struggled to find a way to form them into words. She gave a sigh and spoke softly.

''Twilight, yes, something is wrong,'' She began, continuing to stare into Twilight's eyes. ''Long story short, I really need your help.''

Alright, so far, so good, Rainbow.

''Oh?'' Twilight blinked in surprise. ''Do you want to talk about it?'' She asked delicately, to which the prismatic-maned mare gave a small nod. With her hoof, Twilight motioned for her to follow her up to the second floor, leading her towards a small area where a table and some chairs were set out.

The only other objects on the second floor were Twilight's night sky-themed bed and sheets and Spike's basket. Once the pair pulled out a chair each and were comfortably seated, Twilight broke the ice.

''Alright, so what's on your mind?''

Okay, Rainbow Dash, try to keep it together. Be strong for your little sister, Rainbow told herself, already feeling a bubble of unease arise in her gut. Stay strong.

Taking in a breath to calm her nerves, Rainbow Dash forced herself to look into Twilight's eyes as she spoke. ''It's about Scootaloo.'' She said, her voice evidently stressed. In her natural raspy tone, there was a trace of shakiness that didn't go undetected by the lavender unicorn. Her ear twitched.

''Scootaloo? What have the Cutie Mark Crusaders done this time? Did they go venturing off into the Everfree again?'' She asked, worry arising in the back of her mind.

''It's nothing to do with the Cutie Mark Crusaders or the Everfree, Twi. It's just about Scootaloo,'' Dash said, her tone off and tired. ''Twi, a few days ago, I found out something that I wish I never did.'' The unicorn across from her didn't say anything. Patiently, she sat and waited for Dash to continue, lightly rolling her hoof. ''Scootaloo has been living in the clubhouse on Sweet Apple Acres.''

The atmosphere in the room turned cold as those words left Rainbow Dash's mouth. Not a single sound pierced the veil of silence other than the quiet breathing of the two mares present. Twilight's lip trembled a few times, yet words never left her mouth. Rainbow supposed she couldn't blame her.

''Where is she now?'' She eventually asked, her voice emotionless.

''She's at Sweet Apple Acres with Fluttershy,'' Dash said.

''So, I take it that she's the only one that knows about this, aside from Applejack?'' Twilight asked. Rainbow shook her head.

''That's just it, Twi. Applejack didn't know that she was living in the clubhouse. Not even her friends knew about it. She never told them,'' Rainbow said with a bitter sadness. She could feel a heat behind her eyes, a warm tingle that she was all too familiar with. Fighting them off as best she could, she told Twilight about the diary and what she knew about the situation.

Of course, Twilight's mouth hung agape in a mixed contortion of shock and disgust. Her own eyes had grown moist, but she managed to keep herself in one piece. ''Dash, that's horrible! And she lived like that for a few years?!''

''I'm afraid so. I found her on her own in the hospital waiting room with no trace of a parent or guardian. Not even a sibling. I took her in after she got patched up,'' Dash said, wiping her eyes and giving a soft sniffle. ''I don't know what else to do, Twi, so that's why I came to you.''

Twilight gave Rainbow an unreadable stare. ''Dash, I know how much Scootaloo means to you, but I don't think there's anything I can do for her. Even if there was, I don't know if I could help you. I'm sorry, Rainbow,'' Twilight said, coming over to Dash's side and offering her hoof to her shoulder.

Rainbow felt helpless and her heart ached. She could feel the tears begin to burn behind her eyes, yet she wouldn't dare let them break through.

''You can't even send a letter to Princess Celestia?'' She asked, her eyes hopeful. Twilight only shook her head.

''No, I'm afraid not. Princess or not, I doubt there's anything in her power that she can do to help with Scootaloo. Besides, even if I were to send her a letter, what would I tell her?''

''You should tell her the truth!'' Rainbow said, suddenly shooting up out of her seat and slamming her hooves down on the table top, causing Twilight to jump back in surprise as Dash glared at her, her eyes like magenta daggers.

''Rainbow! Look, I know you're upset, but I can't do anything to help you. If there was, I would, you know that!'' Twilight said, watching the pegasus with concern.

Rainbow, however, refused to listen. In her current state of mind, she wasn't willing to listen or reason. Instead, she gave Twilight a final, hurt glare and stomped her way down the stairs and out of the front door of the library with a reverberating slam, leaving a flabbergasted unicorn behind.

*** *** ***

A loud slam of the door to the farmhouse reverberated as Rainbow Dash trudged in with her head hanging low, her lips pulled into a frustrated, helpless frown. Her ears were drooped down as she entered through the Apple's kitchen storm door and she passed through the open archway into the living room, where all of her friends were seated.

Applejack and Fluttershy were involved in a conversation about something that went unnoticed by Rainbow Dash, whom was drowning in her deepest thoughts to find the need to care, and there was Granny Smith, rocking absentmindedly in her rocking chair, as usual. From where they were seated on the couch at the opposite end of the room, Fluttershy's head momentarily turned from Applejack's to face Rainbow upon her arrival.

''Rainbow Dash, you're back!'' She said, smiling, but her sweet smile soon pulled into a frown as she noticed the soured expression on Rainbow Dash's face. ''Rainbow? Is everything alright?''

Fluttershy then picked herself from her seat and headed on over to Rainbow, stopping in front of her worriedly. She eyed her for a moment and she observed her face. It was more than obvious that something was bothering her, and Fluttershy had learned to pick up on Rainbow's bodily movements and characteristics whenever something was getting to her and dragging her down. Seeing her like this, she was naturally concerned. She saw it in Dash's magenta eyes, the helplessness.

''Dashie?'' Fluttershy asked her quietly, dropping her voice down to a whisper. ''What happened? What did Twilight say?''

''Nothing,'' Dash replied glumly. ''Nothing happened. Twilight can't help us,'' She said with a sad sigh. ''Where are The Crusaders?'' She asked, upon noticing their absence from the room. She had expected to see them the moment that she arrived.

''Don't worry, they're all upstairs in Apple Bloom's room,'' Fluttershy said. ''I figured it would be best if they stayed up there to spend some time together. Celestia knows that it'd do some good for Scootaloo to have her mind taken off of her situation for a while,'' She said sadly, her heart going out to the young pegasus. Dash sighed.

''I don't know what else to do, Fluttershy,'' She said. ''If she told us sooner, then we might stand a better chance at helping her, but I'm all out of ideas! I'm not sure what else we can do to help her or if anypony can shed some light on this,'' She said, glancing momentarily over Fluttershy's shoulder to view Applejack. ''Somepony must know something, at the very least. Shouldn't they?''

Fluttershy's hoof raised itself up and touched lightly against Rainbow's shoulder, her eyes vibrant and caring as she stared almost motherly into her eyes.

''It'll be alright, Dashie,'' She said assuringly. ''We'll find a way to help her, sooner or later. All we can do now is make her feel comfortable and safe. She deserves to feel appreciated and loved for a change,'' She said, and Rainbow's ears raised a little, he soft and ginger tone of Fluttershy's voice brushing away some of her doubts. She didn't know what it was about her voice, but, whenever she heard it, it always sent tingles down Dash's spine, and she felt safe, warm and happy. It was one of the things that Dash loved about her the most.

''I suppose you're right, Flutters,'' She said, using her friend's nickname. Fluttershy giggled at the use of the name. That was another thing that also tickled the lining of Dash's stomach - Fluttershy's sweet, little giggles. It warmed her right up every single time, warm like a Hearth's Warming fire and as sweet as one of Pinkie Pie's cupcakes. ''And Applejack?''

Applejack's head turned to face Rainbow Dash upon hearing her name. Dash then walked around Fluttershy and came to a stop in front of the orange farmpony. Applejack climbed off of the couch and she stood in front of the cyan mare, her green eyes curious about what she was going to say.

''Applejack, I owe you an apology,'' She said, her eyes momentarily glancing down in shame.

''Apologise for what?'' Applejack asked, confused.

''For taking my anger out on you. I know that I shouldn't have accused you like that, but I was just so angry and frustrated about Scootaloo that I...well, you know how I can get sometimes,'' She said, blushing embarrassingly. ''I'm really sorry, AJ.''

Applejack's hoof found its way beneath Dash's chin and she slowly raised it up, prompting Dash's eyes to make contact with hers. She found that Applejack was smiling tenderly and that her eyes housed an understanding expression, long accustomed to the brash pegasus' behavioral pattern and antics.

''Well, shucks, sugarcube,'' Applejack began. ''Don't you go fretting about it. Fluttershy's already let me in on what's been goin' on with you and Scootaloo, and I guess I'm sorry, too. You know, for not realising somethin' was up sooner.''

No sooner did Applejack pull Rainbow Dash into a friendly embrace, holding her closely and tightly, resting her chin on her shoulder. She was able to feel how tense and knotted the muscles in Rainbow's back had become, and it concerned her. Applejack did feel guilty about not noticing something out of the ordinary sooner, but she wondered on if something similar happened with one of her own flesh and blood, how worried she'd be if it was her own sister up there and alone in that clubhouse.

Applejack dreaded the thought, feeling tears prick at her emerald eyes at the thought of her little sister stuck up there all alone through every single season, cooped up and fighting for warmth and survival against the elements. She pictured little Apple Bloom huddled in a dirty, unwashed sleeping bag, her tiny form shivering and shuddering as the cold bit and clawed at her fragile being, stealing away what little warmth she had managed to conceal in the insulation of her sleeping bag. She quickly shook the dreadful thoughts way.

In a way, she couldn't blame Dash for the way that she reacted and how much it was affecting her, mentally and physically. The stress didn't go unnoticed and it practically glowed behind her eyes, heavily masked and pushed away, concealed from view of the others, but it was still detectable and evident. Rainbow Dash was in pain over the matter, and it was clear that she was taking the discovery pretty harshly.

That poor girl, Applejack thought. She loves that filly to bits, and anypony can see it. I can't imagine to know what it must be like for her to go through.

''Thanks, Applejack,'' Rainbow Dash said, pulling away from the friendly embrace. ''It means a lot to me. To both of us, actually,'' Rainbow motioned between herself and Fluttershy. ''Fluttershy offered to help me with taking care of the little squirt while we figure something out, and we're both at a bit of a loss. The kid's been through so much, and it's been tough on her,'' Rainbow momentarily glanced towards the stairs to the right of the living room, checking that nopony was spying before she spoke again. ''I've read her diary, Applejack,'' Applejack's body twitched at that.

''You what?'' She asked, surprised, but keeping her voice down. ''Ya'll went and read Scootaloo's diary and invaded her privacy? Dash, how could you?'' She said, her tone holding light traces of anger at knowing that Dash could have stooped so low. Rainbow sighed.

''Yeah, yeah, I know, Fluttershy already gave me a lecture,'' She rolled her eyes. ''But what was I supposed to do? Applejack, if that was your sister caught up in all of this mess, then what would you do?'' She asked, and Applejack's face became thoughtful, and her eyes became softer and pondering. The question at put her at a stalemate, and it showed clearly on her perplexed face.

''Well, shoot, I guess you've got me there,'' She said, defeated in her reasoning. ''But it still doesn't excuse you from rummaging around in some pony's private life, Dash! She doesn't know, does she?''

''No, of course not!''

''Well, what if she does?'' Applejack countered. ''Did you stop to think how much it'll hurt her feelings when she finds out that you went snoopin' where you weren't supposed to be sticking your nose?''

''Oh, for...'' Rainbow was getting angry now, heat rising to her cheeks. However, she managed to hold it back, forcing her anger back down and taking a deep breath to recompose herself. ''I'm not proud of it, AJ, but I didn't have a choice! It was obvious that something is wrong here, and all I want to do is help her. When we were at the hospital, Scootaloo told me that she broke her hoof riding her scooter and that she didn't have any parents, but when I read her diary, she said that they abandoned her!'' She said, stepping closer towards Applejack as she nearly pushed her snout up against her own.

From behind her, Fluttershy's hoof gently touched upon Dash's side, prompting her to glance back at her. Fluttershy's eyes were full of a sad but understanding emotion. She knew where Dash was coming from, and she only wanted to help her, but she knew it wasn't going to be easy.

Applejack's face became unreadable as she tried to think up an answer, but her brain had failed her. Fluttershy had only told her what she knew, only mentioning that Rainbow had brought home Scootaloo's personal belongings from the farm and that she had turned up on her doorstep a day after leaving the hospital, but not about Scootaloo's parents leaving her to fend for herself. How in the world could any parent leave their only child like that? How? The very idea struck a chord in Applejack's heart, and it angered her, wounding her and giving way to a deep sympathy for the young girl.

Being family oriented, Applejack couldn't even begin to attempt what it must feel like to be abandoned by your parents, or any of your kind, for that matter. As far as she knew, Scootaloo didn't have any blood relatives living in town or close to Ponyville that could care for her, and if she did, she wouldn't be able to reach them, anyway. What if somepony with rotten intentions came along and kidnapped her, or what if she became sick and had no place to hide so that she could recover and regain her health? Looking back on it all, it amazed Applejack that the little girl was even still alive!

''Her parents abandoned her?'' Applejack finally said, her voice hollow. In her eyes, Rainbow saw that there was a glimmer, a deep sadness, an emotion that the tough farmpony never displayed. She was good at hiding her emotions and keeping herself in-check at the right moment, but this story had moved her something fierce.

''I'm afraid so,'' Rainbow said. ''I'm trying to figure out where they might be. I don't know if they're still in town or if they moved somewhere else, and I'd sure like to know what kind of a lame excuse they have for abandoning their only daughter like that!'' Dash said, anger once again flaring behind her eyes, causing them to burn and glow hotly.

''Simmer down, sugarcube. Look, no matter what, you need to keep it together, for Scootaloo,'' She said soothingly, patting Rainbow's shoulder. ''You won't be able to help her all at once, and you're going to have to accept that. All you can do now is keep her happy and comfortable until you can figure something out. One day, you'll find an answer, Dash. And I'll help you any way that I can if it means that we can gain some closure on the matter.''

Rainbow Dash remained still as she processed Applejack's words, and the cogs and mental gears within her brain began to turn and click as she broke each and every word down. A part of her was restless on the matter of getting to the bottom of the mystery surrounding Scootaloo's parents abandoning her in the way that they did while the other told her to listen to Applejack and to be reasonable about the subject.

Scootaloo looked up to her as both an idol and a big sister, and Rainbow Dash knew that, deep down, she had to set a good example for Scootaloo if she was going to be the one looking after her. It wouldn't be very sisterly of her to not be responsible for her, would it? Besides, she didn't have a clue on how long it would take to settle the issue of Scootaloo and her parents and getting a straight answer on the matter, and she did have to make some preparations for the duration that they might spend together in both her own home and Fluttershy's home.

For Rainbow Dash, money wasn't much of an issue, seeing as her Wonderbolt status and her weather team supervisor job on the side brought in a steady enough income to support a large family, and, being a single mare, she typically had more bits laying around than she knew what to do with. She had more than enough to buy a few things for her dear little sister to make her happy and comfortable in the meantime, and she was going to do all that she can to ensure that she has a happy life and a healthy lifestyle.

Rainbow Dash, with thanks to Fluttershy's professional medical knowledge and care, can even transport the little filly back and forth between homes, allowing her to spend time with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle during the day while going back up to her cloud home to spend the night. However, despite her wing feeling better, and as much as it might have irked her, Rainbow knew that she shouldn't be flying anytime soon, and that she should wait at least a week or two before putting strain onto her bones and muscles before they can have the chance to set properly. It was a lesson that she had learned the hard way from stunts in the past.

''Thanks, Applejack, but what about Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle? Don't they know about this? I mean, they did see us in the clubhouse going through Scootaloo's things,'' Dash said, weary for their knowledge on the matter.

That day when Rainbow confronted Applejack and headed into the clubhouse that Scootaloo had been sleeping in for the past couple years of her life, Apple Bloom and Sweetie had stumbled in at the wrong time. It was hard to truly understand how much they heard and what they knew already. It was something that they were too young to comprehend, and it would only lead to disaster if they knew the truth about their friend. It was best to leave it until another time to come clean, and, even then, maybe not at all.

''Don't you worry none, you two,'' Applejack said to both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. ''They don't know anything about it.''

''So, do you want to go ahead and tell Scootaloo it's time to head back home, or do you think they can wait a little longer?'' Applejack asked, and Rainbow Dash smiled.

''No, if it's alright with you, I think it'll do her some good to spend some time with her friends. The girl deserves a break,'' She said.

''I agree,'' Fluttershy nodded. ''So, um, I was wondering...if the kids are going to be here for a while, would you like to come back to my cottage with me, Rainbow? I think I should give your wing another application of that healing cream to make sure it heals up well.''

''Huh? Oh, yeah, sure, sure,'' Rainbow Dash said, glancing at her lightly bandaged left wing. The fresh gauze and the healing cream did seem to be doing it some good, and it didn't ache or hurt as much as it did the previous day. ''Will you be alright watching them for a while, Applejack?''

''Not a problem, Dash. Watching out for all three of them isn't any harder than keeping track of Apple Bloom by herself, so you needn't worry about hurrying on back,'' Applejack said confidently.

''Great! See you later, then, AJ!'' Rainbow Dash said, looking forward to being able to spend some time alone with Fluttershy. They didn't have much time to spend together, and, under the circumstances, a little alone time to catch up was just what the doctor ordered.

*** *** ***

Back at Fluttershy's homestead, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were upstairs in her bedroom, Rainbow resting comfortably on her stomach atop the plush sheets of her friend's bed. It wasn't as comfortable as the cloud beds that Dash was accustomed to, but she still found herself to be melting into the cushiness of the sheets.

Fluttershy was sitting beside her, gently humming to herself while she slowly and carefully worked at Rainbow Dash's injured wing. She had peeled back the fresh layers of gauze and bandages she had applied the other day, and she was currently working in some of the healing cream she had gotten from Zecora. After this application, Rainbow Dash's wing was sure to be back to its original state, enabling her to fly once more, albeit, with a couple or so days to allow the healing cream to take effect and work its way into her bones and muscles.

Rainbow winced a little as Fluttershy's tender hoof nicked against a slight bump in her wing were she had bruised it, and she always soothingly hushed her, and she suddenly forgot about the pain. She didn't know how Fluttershy did it, but she was an absolute miracle worker when it came to medical attention, and she had this natural motherly vibe about her that apparently worked just as well with ponies as it does with her animals. It was a rather interesting quality she housed, and it made her very approachable and trusting.

''Feeling better?'' She asked Rainbow as she finished rubbing around her wing, making sure to work in the cream around every last inch of her injured wing.

''I'll say!'' Rainbow said with a smile. ''My wing feels great! At this rate, I'll be back in the skies in no time!'' She said with a longing tone in her voice, anxious for that day to arrive. Fluttershy tutted and gently tapped her shoulder.

''Not so fast, Rainbow Dash,'' She began, confusing the cyan mare beside her. ''Not on my watch, you're not. Your wing still needs time to heal, Dashie, and you'll still be grounded for at least a week until you regain all of your strength. You need to rest that wing and keep it unstrained, otherwise, you'll be right back where you started,'' Fluttershy said, motioning down to her wing, and Rainbow winced as it gave a twinge.

The magical properties in the healing cream produced a light burn on Rainbow Dash's wing, an invisible fire in her nerves, as it absorbed into her skin and worked its way deeper into her system. It didn't hurt, the heat being no different than if she were standing in front of an open hearth, and it tingled, almost tickling her with unseen feathers, and it gave a twinge of minor pain here and there as her aching muscles unknotted themselves and her bones slowly reset into position.

''You sound just like Dr Stable,'' Rainbow Dash grumbled.

''It's for your own good, Dashie. Once that wing heals up, then you can fly around as much as you like,'' Fluttershy said, tenderly smiling down at her while she transferred her hooves to her back and she began to apply pressure, gently rubbing them in circles.

''Fluttershy, what're...''

''Shh, just relax. You're really tense, Rainbow,'' Fluttershy said soothingly as she began to press a little harder, working her way from Rainbow's rump up to her middle back. She had done this procedure multiple times in the past with her animal patients, mainly, Harry the Bear, when she had to remove kinks and knots that had formed in his muscles. She didn't like to brag, but it always did the trick when it came down to pushing the reset button on a patient.

Rainbow Dash's ears flapped and her eyes fluttered as she melted into Fluttershy's expert touch, losing herself in the circles as they released blissful sensations that she had never experienced before. Resist as she might, it was futile, and her tough exterior proved no match for Fluttershy's hooves as they continued to press into her strained back, ironing out the creases.

''How's it feel?'' Fluttershy asked from over her shoulder.

''Mmm,'' Rainbow murmured, finding it hard to put up a fight as she was worked over. When her friend's hooves worked up into her middle back area, releasing the tension that had built up around her wing area, right between her shoulderblades, oh, Celestia, forget about it!

Man, even Aloe and Vera don't give massages half this good! Rainbow thought inwardly. Fluttershy's an absolute miracle worker! I never knew that she had such firm and professional hooves for this job! I've never felt anything like it before! Oh, right there, Fluttershy, that's it, right...oh! There it is!

Rainbow Dash released an audible moan of pleasure as Fluttershy pressed into her flesh directly between her wings, unfurling a giant knot as her hooves circled around it and applied pressure. The tip of Fluttershy's hooves were like magical wands, bringing the highest form of euphoria and ecstasy wherever they poked and prodded, and, as much as Rainbow would never like to admit it, she found herself enjoying herself and the bliss that her mind was rolling around in.

Oh, she found my soft spot!

Rainbow could have sworn that she heard Fluttershy giggle at her reaction, and she quickly blushed and pursed her lips together. She suddenly felt embarrassed and exposed, her guard let down and allowing her soft side to spill through the gap, something that she fought to remain hidden, especially around her friends.

''Oh, Dashie, it's alright,'' Fluttershy began, catching on to her sudden change of mood. ''If it feels good, then there's no shame in showing it. You'll feel better once your muscles relax and you get some rest.''

Fluttershy's hooves began to work around Rainbow's neck area now, and the nerve endings in the back of her neck were all crying out for her tender touch. Once again, Dash's lips parted, unable to resist as her personal masseuse rubbed and stroked expertly around her shoulders and the back of her neck. Never in all of her life did Rainbow Dash ever expect somepony such as Fluttershy to be this fantastic at giving massages!

Fluttershy was quiet and timid, afraid of her own shadow and usually reluctant to enter into a conversation. As long as Rainbow Dash has known her, she has never seen Fluttershy perform any kind of act such as the one she was involved with right now on another living pony. She usually reserved this kind of therapeutic treatment for her injured animal friends, never letting even her closest friends see this side of her, but Rainbow Dash was apparently not just one of her closest friends. Rainbow Dash was Fluttershy's best friend in the whole world.

Rainbow Dash's head gingerly lowered itself onto the plush sheets beneath her as her muscles all gave a relaxed sigh, and her eyes fluttered drowsily as her body felt like it had been giving a thorough and deep cleanse. She felt like a newly-oiled gate, all freshened up and as loose as a goose. She didn't realise how tense her body really had become, and in the middle of her strained mind trying to stretch itself in all directions to find a solution to help Scootaloo, only to run into dead ends and empty answers, she had forgotten about her own personal needs and requirements.

The added stress of finding Scootaloo that day in the hospital all alone had kicked her mind into overdrive and set her out to find answers without a shut down switch to snap her out of it. Rainbow Dash didn't know just how much she needed that tension release, and she instantly felt a million times lighter than she did once Fluttershy's hooves had worked their magic on her.

Man, that felt so awesome! Rainbow Dash thought blissfully, biting her tongue between her teeth as her cheeks became rosy and her eyes half-rolled into the back of her skull in the middle of the pleasure coursing through her. I wouldn't mind having seconds! I feel like I can sleep for a millennium right now! Fluttershy, you beautiful mare, you're a miracle worker.

''F-Fluttershy!'' Rainbow Dash managed to push out as she fought against the temptation of losing herself to sleep in the cushiness of Fluttershy's bed. ''That was amazing! We should do this more often!''

''I figured as much,'' Fluttershy giggled cutely. ''Do your wings feel any better?''

Rainbow Dash gave her wing an experimental and gentle flap, flexing it first at the tip and then bending it slightly in the middle. To her surprise, she didn't feel any pain from the minute movement in her muscles or hollow bones. As a matter of fact, they felt great! Factory fresh, actually! They felt like they had been replaced with a more durable set of wings and the bones beneath the flesh felt reinforced and more durable, but that was probably just the healing properties talking as they worked on fixing the damage to their structure.

''Are you kidding? They feel great!'' Dash said, grinning. ''They feel brand new, and it's all thanks to you, Flutters!'' Rainbow Dash pulled herself up and she didn't hesitate to throw her hooves around Fluttershy's neck and pull her into a hug.

''I'm glad to hear it,'' Fluttershy said, nuzzling Rainbow's cheek before pulling away. ''So, I know that you've been under a lot of stress with Scootaloo and her parents,'' Rainbow's eyes dimmed a little at that, but Fluttershy held her shoulder and continued. ''And I was wondering how you're holding up.''

This was another one of those things that Rainbow loved about Fluttershy - she was always so selfless. If she saw that somepony else was sad and in need of some help or a friendly ear to vent into, then she would be the first one in line to ask if said pony wanted to talk about it and get it off of their chest. It was no different with her friends, but when it came down to Rainbow Dash, having known her the longest out of all of her friends, she could read her like a mere text book.

Rainbow Dash had this little thing where she would kick at the ground or drag her hooves and pout her lips while hanging her head low whenever she was sad or upset by something, and Fluttershy noticed it very frequently as a filly. Whenever something was bothering Rainbow Dash, her ear would twitch and her eyes would become dim and less vibrant, and she would become distant and anti-social. And whenever she was feeling helpless and lost due to an obstacle or a set-back in her life, she would usually hang out on clouds and lose herself in her thoughts, sometimes never coming down until the day was done.

Fluttershy had learned all of these from her time growing up with Rainbow, and considering that she was her only friend growing up, they hung out more frequently, which gave her more opportunities to scout out her individual emotions and pay close attention to her mood swings. By this point in time, there was no emotion or little trait or detail in Rainbow's being that went unnoticed by Fluttershy's eye, and seeing her upset actually hurt the butter mare, and she wouldn't feel better until she can offer her assistance.

''Well...'' Rainbow began, clearly unprepared for the question. ''I'm fine, I guess. I'm feeling much better now,'' She said, pointing down with a hoof towards her wing. ''How about you? Are you feeling okay?''

''I'm alright, Dashie. Thanks for asking,'' Fluttershy said appreciatively. ''But it's you that I'm worried about. You've hardly even given yourself the chance to rest since the day you came here with Scootaloo. You're going to burn yourself out at this rate.''

''I'll be fine, Fluttershy. Don't worry about me,'' Rainbow said reassuringly. ''But, as much as I hate to admit it, Applejack's right about one thing.''

''What's that?'' Fluttershy asked. Rainbow's ears drooped.

''I can't help her all at once. It's impossible, even for me,'' She gave a defeated, tired sigh. ''I can't just ignore this, Fluttershy, you know that. I can't let it go like it's no big deal, and there has to be something that we can do about this. Like Applejack said, I can't do everything all at once and I have to stay strong for Scootaloo. I don't like waiting for the answer to come and find us, Fluttershy. I feel like there's so much more that I could be doing right now!'' Rainbow's hooves lightly threw up and bashed onto the cover's of Fluttershy's bed with a soft pompf!

''Oh, I know, Rainbow,'' Fluttershy cooed, leaning in and pressing her cheek against Rainbow's. ''But nopony knows when an answer will turn up or when,'' She said sadly, and she held Rainbow's hoof while she snuggled into the side of her, generating warmth. She didn't realise how cold the cyan mare had become, despite the warm temperature inside of the room.

Being this close to her, minus the tense muscles and skin, Fluttershy sensed the impatience surrounding the prismatic mare. It was thick and it lingered around her like a toxic cloud, but she supposed she couldn't blame her. Aside from being able to detect the emotions of Rainbow like a bloodhound sniffing out a missing foal, Fluttershy could smell the rain on her being, a rather typical scent for a pegasus. She smelled like the dampness just before a downpour and her fur contained undertones of an earthy smell, along with some kind of sweet, fruity smell, presumably some kind of conditioner or perfume that Rainbow was wearing, like blue raspberry.

''You really love her, don't you?'' Fluttershy eventually asked, cradled between Rainbow's neck and her hoof. Rainbow Dash gave her a surprised expression from the question, but she also seemed to be a little taken aback by it.

''Of course I do,'' She said confidently, somewhat flabbergasted that she could even be asked such a thing. ''I love and care about that filly more than anypony else can even comprehend, Fluttershy! As far as I know and as far as she knows, I'm all that she's got in the way of family!'' Rainbow Dash said, her voice now taking on an angered, semi-annoyed tone. ''Why wouldn't I stand by her through all of this? For crying out loud, I'm her sister, Fluttershy! Without me, she'll still be living in that clubhouse and freezing to death! She likely wouldn't survive another winter!''

''Rainbow Dash!'' Fluttershy said, her voice amped up to just under a shouting level, enough to snap the other mare out of her tangent.

Rainbow Dash fell silent almost immediately, and Fluttershy pulled away from her, now staring hard and firmly into her eyes, begging her and pleading for her to listen. Although Rainbow's eyes were hard with determination, she knew that she had to listen to what Fluttershy was about to say to her, whether she like it or not.

''You listen to me, Rainbow Dash,'' Fluttershy grabbed her by the shoulders and steeled her nerves. She felt Dash's muscles tense beneath her hooves upon making contact with her body. ''You need to stop beating yourself up about this, and you need to stop right. This. Instant!'' She shook her friend's shoulders with each word, rattling her like a ragdoll in her firm but loose grip.

''You know you can't go back in time and change the past, and what's done is done, you're going to have to accept that, Dashie! You're right that Scootaloo likely wouldn't survive much longer on her own, but if you want her to pull through this, you need to learn to hold yourself together and stop letting your anger take control of you! You're better than this, Rainbow Dash! You need to learn to swallow your emotions and save it for another time, but right now, Scootaloo needs you and you're going to be of no use if you keep going about this the wrong way!''

Fluttershy pressed her snout up against Rainbow Dash's and she stared at her long and hard while Dash remained speechless, shocked and surprised by the sudden motherly-strict firmness in Fluttershy's voice. The level of depth and bite in her voice as she spoke locked Rainbow's attention onto her, reeling her in, forcing her to listen to reason. She has never seen this side of Fluttershy except in the dire moments that it becomes necessary, and it scared her. Oh, did it scare her deep down inside, and she knew that she was right.

Fluttershy never acted in this way unless she knew that she really had to, and with Rainbow Dash in this very moment, it was one of those times. Rainbow Dash didn't like to admit it or open up about it, but she knew that she had a bit of a temper problem, and she's known this ever since her days as a filly. She didn't know where it came from, but she never was good with concealing her emotions, often leading to scraps here and there in the Cloudsdale schoolyard. Ever since becoming friends with Fluttershy, she has gotten a little better at keeping herself collected and calm under pressure, but there was this off moment when she would snap every now and again if provoked in the correct way.

And so, in this moment, rather than say anything, Rainbow Dash did the only thing that she could think of - cry.

Rainbow Dash's eyes welled up and her lips trembled while her nose wrinkled a few times. Eventually, she succumbed to her repressed emotions and they all came surging up in a giant tidal wave of pushed back feelings, and she threw herself into Fluttershy like a helpless little foal that had dropped their lollipop in the middle of the street.

Fluttershy, being the motherly and caring type, began to shush her and pat her back soothingly, giving it a gentle caress to calm her down. Rainbow Dash buried her face into Fluttershy's soft chest and she bawled away, releasing all of her emotions, both recent and not-so-recent, her floodgates crumbling and her guard completely let down.

''Oh, Dashie,'' Fluttershy cooed as she rubbed the cyan mare's back tenderly, cradling the mare in her hooves while she leaned into her. ''No, no, it's alright, Rainbow, don't cry,'' Fluttershy said, resting her chin atop Rainbow's head. She began to stroke the back of her head, lightly running her hoof along her silky, multi-coloured mane.

Rainbow Dash cried in Fluttershy's embrace for almost twenty minutes, hardly showing any signs of stopping, and her tears only became more frequent and faster as she cried harder. Eventually, after a few more minutes, Rainbow's tears of woe and internal sorrow slowly ceased and she became calm enough to take control of her breathing. She finally regained the ability to speak and she hugged Fluttershy tightly as she spoke.

''I-I'm sorry, Fluttershy!'' She sniffled. ''I've b-been so selfish! I'm s-s-so so-sorry, Fluttershy!'' She gave a racked sob as her body shuddered and she held back a sniffle. Fluttershy only continued to cradle and cuddle her, comforting her with a pat on the back.

''It's alright, Dashie. Don't worry about it,'' She said softly, gently pulling Dash up so that she could face her fully. Her magenta eyes were now red and puffy, her blue cheeks matted and stained with tears leaking down her face like miniature waterfalls. She looked like a hurt child, and her pupils were large and puppy-like, a clear display of her internal misery and helplessness. ''It's alright,'' Fluttershy repeated.

''But it's not!'' Rainbow retorted. ''No, it's not! What about Scootaloo? How's she been dealing with this?''

''We'll worry about that later, Rainbow. There's still plenty of time to sit her down and talk this out, but our main concern right now is making sure you're fully rested and back in good health. Understand?'' She asked, her voice never wavering once out of its motherly firmness. Rainbow Dash sniffled and she wiped her nose.

''Uh-huh,'' She uttered.

Fluttershy wiped the remaining tears away from her eyes and she smiled sweetly at her. ''Good,'' She said, and she hugged Rainbow briefly before she slowly layed her back down onto the bed beside her. ''We've got a while before we go and pick up Scootaloo from Applejack's farm, so how about you stay here and rest for a while?''

''That sounds nice,'' Rainbow Dash said, smiling gratefully towards her most gracious host. Fluttershy, now that Rainbow was seeing her clearly in the afternoon sunlight pouring in through the window of her bedroom, was angelic in appearance and posture.

From those heavenly pools of warm turquoise eyes to that sweet and tender, white-toothed smile to those flawless and adorable cheeks and that flowing curtain of pink mane, she was a gorgeous and pretty young thing. She had never noticed it before, but in the glowing orange-yellow aura of the sun's light, Fluttershy's eyes glowed brightly as she was hovering slightly above her as she laid herself down in bed, like a guardian angel watching over her. She was always there for her, night or day, and Rainbow Dash knew that she could always count on her.

There was literally no other place that Rainbow Dash would rather be right now than right here in the presence of her dear Fluttershy the Angel Pegasus.

Fluttershy, you're so beautiful, Rainbow thought. What did I ever do so right to deserve a friend like you? I swear, one of these days, I'll make sure that you know just how much I appreciate you for all that you've done. You're everything to me.

Not a moment too soon did Rainbow Dash feel her eyes grow heavy and slide closed slowly. In the presence of Fluttershy, she felt safe and protected in this little cosy cocoon known as her cottage's main bedchamber, and all of her worries were left outside of the walls of the comfortable confines of the butter mare's hospitality, separated by wooden walls and care, love and peace. She loved it here.

She felt Fluttershy's hoof make contact with her head as her hoof began to gently caress her mane up and down, coaxing her into a peaceful slumber. Rainbow Dash didn't put up a fight or show any resistance towards the act of affection, and she let out a content, relaxed sigh as she allowed peace to overtake her, carrying her off to the realm of sleep.

''You deserve a rest,'' Fluttershy said, curling up beside her. She wrapped her long, pink tail around her flank and she extended a wing to drape over Rainbow Dash's back for added comfort and warmth. She saw Dash's lips curl into a small smile at the contact of her yellow-feathered wings making contact with her body, and the sight warmed Fluttershy's heart.

Applejack wasn't going to be expecting them back for at least an hour or two, so they both had a little time to spend until they had to pick up Scootaloo. Fluttershy was going to make every minute count, and she knew that Dash would appreciate the company. And so, Fluttershy snuggled herself up beside Rainbow Dash on top of the bed and she rested her head next to hers, right before she closed her own eyes and drifted off to sleep.

Sunrise - Part Three

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Birthday

Author's Note

Okay, people, now we're getting somewhere! It's about to get real from this point onwards!

Birthday

=== One Week Later ===

A week after Rainbow's startling discovery about Scootaloo's living conditions, the months had turned colder, a typical transition between the transition from Summer to Autumn. The days still carried with it a warm, gentle morning with rays of bright sunshine, and the skies had started to become clearer while the air remained crisp.

Autumn was a fine time for witnessing the best and most romantic sunsets, a scene just perfect for lovers to share and enjoy each other's company. There was nothing more special than sitting on a soft, woolen blanket spread out on the green grass nestled between two large oak trees, protected by their canopy of dried, orange, yellow and brown leaves while they fall and land on the ground around you while the sun dipped down over the horizon.

Autumn was also a time for Ponyville locals to partake in The Running of the Leaves, a tradition enjoyed by Ponyvillians for decades, and it has been a local event for every single year after ten years of the town being founded. Of course, The Running of the Leaves was an event which Applejack partakes in alongside of Rainbow Dash, but, this year, Rainbow Dash wasn't going to be joining her.

Rainbow Dash, after a week of healing, had finally regained the majority of her health. She felt spry and ready to take on the world, but even she had to admit it to herself, despite her nagging desire to ignore her 'doctor's orders', meaning Fluttershy, that she wasn't in much of a shape to join in. Her rear hooves may be feeling better, but the damage done to them internally was still a problem in the works of getting fixed, and they were still a bit sore from her failed stunt.

Besides, Rainbow Dash didn't mind too much. It wasn't like she would die if she missed one race, was it? Although incredibly reluctant to allow her athleticism and bold mind get the best of her, she defused any idea of pushing her body so soon after her accident, not wishing to worsen her condition and relapse back where she started. Anywho, she had Fluttershy to keep her company, so life was good.

Rainbow Dash's wing, also nearly completely regenerated, was still a little bit sore, and she often found it to be uncomfortable at times whenever she was trying to sleep. In her time of need, her personal doctor, none other than the butter mare herself, had allowed her to stay in her cottage with her along with Scootaloo. And so, that's just how life was at the moment - slow but very pleasant and peaceful.

While Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy shared Fluttershy's bed during the night time, of which was Fluttershy's idea rather than Dash's, and of which also followed massive protest from the cyan mare, insisting she was just fine on the couch, Fluttershy insisted, and Rainbow eventually caved in, Scootaloo slept in the guest room. It was only down the hall from Fluttershy's room, so they were always close in case she ever need her or Dash.

The spare bedroom wasn't much, and it hadn't seen any use since Fluttershy had bought the cottage and moved into the premises. It was once her sewing room, but it didn't last longer than a few years. She was far busier with her medical care and general routine caring and tending to her animal friends to take the time to indulge in her hobby on the side, so it was thus cleared out.

There was only a small bed, a dresser, a bureau with a fixed mirror, a bedside table and a small window gazing out towards the Everfree Forest. Scootaloo seemed to be entirely grateful and appreciative of the butter mare's charity and her inviting nature, and she would often blush whenever Scootaloo thanked her for all that she's done, which was a very frequent event, but Fluttershy didn't mind one bit. The girl was only showing her gratitude after having a life of hardship, after all.

Sometimes, during the middle of the desolate and silent night, while Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were dozing off to sleep, they could have sworn that they heard Scootaloo crying to herself while she curled herself into the fetal position under her covers, tail wrapped around her and her face buried into her hooves. The first time it happened, Rainbow Dash had poked her head through the door and investigated the source of the noise, but it quickly became apparent that Scootaloo wasn't awake. She was crying in her sleep.

''N-No, Mummy, n-n-no, Daddy, don't leave me!'' She once mumbled in her sleep, tears squeezing through her tightly-clenched eyelids, running down her face. Rainbow Dash's heart throbbed at the sight, and she entered the bedroom silently while the filly continued to toss and turn uncomfortably beneath her red-coloured bed sheets and she gently climbed atop them before she slipped beneath them to be with her sister.

Rainbow wrapped her hooves around the filly to prevent her from tossing and rolling her way out of the bed, and then she would wrap her tail around her little body, covering her completely, protectively concealing her like a rainbow-coloured cocoon. She would still be mumbling to herself and crying in her sleep, but she seemed to calm down and settle her nerves when she felt the presence of Rainbow.

''Shh, it's alright, Scoots, I'm here,'' Rainbow cooed into the little filly's ears, gently stroking her bed-tangled purple mane. It did the trick, and Scootaloo did indeed cease in her crying and melt into Rainbow's embrace. Rainbow didn't know how bad she could possibly be hurting on the inside, having always had a mother and a father in her life, but, by a quick judgement of the distress the little filly was in, she could only imagine that it was tearing her up inside and her heart must feel as if it was pushed through a paper shredder.

This happened almost every single night since Fluttershy had offered Dash and Scootaloo a place in her cottage, and it was sometimes worse than other times that she cried in her sleep. Whenever she would cry or bawl while she slept, the main symptom of a broken heart sourced from a missing parent figure in her life, Rainbow Dash would always be her crutch, and she would always be there for her. No matter what, Rainbow Dash made an oath to be there for the little filly whenever she feels alone and scared, and she always spent the night with her whenever she heard her cry.

Some nights, Scootaloo would even awake screaming, and she would burst into tears afterwards. The scream was short-lived, but Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy would enter to find her sitting upright in bed with her hooves over her eyes, tears rolling down her little orange cheeks. Being the most experienced with her animals and having an understanding on how to deal with these situations, it was Fluttershy that normally offered her shoulder to the filly, and she would snuggle up next to Scootaloo, cooing into her ear and holding her close.

''M-M-Mum and D-Dad! I was dreaming that they both l-left me in my house and they locked me inside before walking away! They were both laughing at me! And they just left me there!'' Scootaloo wailed, and she would immediately erupt into endless tears. Fluttershy was horrified by her words, deeply affected by the dream that Scootaloo had described to her and Rainbow Dash, and she was disgusted that anypony's parents could be so cruel and heartless.

But then Fluttershy wondered on if it was a dream or a repressed memory that Scootaloo's young mind had archived from years of neglect. Could Scootaloo be suffering from nightmares caused by her repressed memories of her parents while they were still around? It sounded plausible enough, sure, but Fluttershy quickly swallowed away the thought, hoping that not even Scootaloo's parents would do such a thing to their only daughter.

The night that Scootaloo had this nightmare, both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash comforted her and they stayed by her side all night, curling their bodies around her and wrapping their tails protectively around her small frame. With both ponies present, the filly found it easier to fall asleep, and it only took her moments to settle down and become peaceful once more. Dash even noticed that there was a smile curled up on her small lips.

While Fluttershy managed to fall asleep next to Rainbow, Rainbow Dash couldn't find solace, and she was forced to remain awake with a plague of thoughts burning through her mind. Although tired, the thought of Scootaloo being left alone in her family home by her parents haunted her. In fact, it irked her, making her feel peeved, even.

I swear, if I ever get my hooves on those two, they'll be sorry! Rainbow Dash thought inwardly, huffing lightly through her muzzle. They'll be sorry that they ever hurt Scootaloo like that! They don't know what a wonderful daughter they have, and I suppose they'll never know.

It was a little bit odd to Rainbow Dash - she had known the filly ever since she first became friends with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, and through that time, while she was already good friends with Applejack and Rarity, she has never once heard Scootaloo mention her parents once. She never spoke about them, hinted about them, asked Rainbow to meet them or her parents to meet Rainbow, and she never asked Sweetie or Apple Bloom to play around at her house. It all seemed very suspicious to Rainbow Dash.

Was Scootaloo telling the truth for how long she's been homeless?

No, Scootaloo wouldn't lie! That's just ridiculous! Scoots has no reason to lie to me! Right?

Whatever the reason, Scootaloo still didn't know that Rainbow Dash had a hold of her personal diary. She naturally assumed that Scootaloo might inquire upon its whereabouts upon not seeing it amongst the rest of her belongings brought over from the clubhouse on Sweet Apple Acres, but that day has yet to come. It wasn't something that Rainbow Dash was proud of, and she was actually quite ashamed about it, but Dash knew that if she wanted to find some answers, it was the only lead she had.

Rainbow Dash hadn't looked at it since she skimmed through the pages with Fluttershy, but she had this feeling that she was going to be looking through it once again sometime soon, even if she knew she had no right to do so. It was the only thing that she could think of, and if Scootaloo wasn't willing to speak about it, then maybe she might have written about it instead.

Applejack was right, Rainbow Dash thought. I have no idea what Scootaloo's going to say when she finds out that I've been snooping through her diary. But she'll forgive me, right? All I'm trying to do is help her, even if it means going through her personal thoughts and feelings. I hope she'll come around when she sees that I'm doing this because I care about her. I don't want the kid to be riding the rails forever, and there's only one way to do that.

Rainbow Dash brushed Scootaloo's hair and she nuzzled her cheek before whispering beside her ear, ''Whatever it takes, I'll make this right, kid. Your parents may have left you, but I'm not going anywhere. I love you, sis.''

*** *** ***

It was early in the morning when Rainbow Dash had decided to head down towards Sweet Apple Acres to see Applejack about something important. Fluttershy had stayed behind at her cottage with Scootaloo to keep her company, and after spending some time in the past babysitting the orange pegasus and her friends, she was left in good hooves. Rainbow wouldn't be gone long, anyway.

As she walked along, Rainbow's hind legs were noticeably more free and unknotted in her muscles, and they were easier to maneuver. They may still be a little sore and uncomfortable from time to time, but they were strong enough to support her body weight. Normally, she would fly towards Applejack's home, but that was still out of the realm of options.

Once she had arrived, she spotted Applejack hauling a wooden bucket with a steel bracket into the barn, filled to the brim with apples of various, vibrant colours. Her mane was disheveled and tangled in some places, entangled with small twigs, tree bark and leaves. Sweat was dripping and dribbling down her face, and she looked simply exhausted.

''Applejack!'' Rainbow Dash called as she made her approach, and then the farmpony stopped upon hearing her name, turning around to cast her eyes towards the cyan pegasus heading up the dirt road towards her.

''Well, howdy, Rainbow, you're here mighty early,'' Applejack said, almost surprised to see her friend at this time of the day. ''Somethin' I can help you with?''

''Actually, yeah, that's why I'm here,'' Dash said as she came to a halt in front of Applejack. ''Oh, um, you got a little...'' Dash reached up a hoof upon getting a closer look at Applejack's features, and she pulled a couple of twigs out of her sweat-matted blonde mane and she corrected her wonky Stetson.

''Oh, don't worry about it, happens all the time during the morning harvest,'' Applejack said dismissively, although, thankfully, for the gesture. ''Now, you said that there was somethin' you needed?''

''Yeah, and it's about Scootaloo,'' Dash said, and Applejack's eyes instantly grew curious, wondering what favour she was going to ask of her. ''Scootaloo's birthday is coming up, and I wanted to do something special for her, y'know? I want to do something to let her know how much we all appreciate her and take her mind off her parents for a while.''

''Well, shucks, that's really sweet of you, Rainbow. How's she been doing, anyway? Coping alright, I hope,'' Applejack asked, but Rainbow's expression saddened and her ears drooped.

''Not so well, AJ. After we moved in with Fluttershy while we both get back on our hooves, Scootaloo's been having...nightmares,'' She said. Just saying that made her heart ache.

''Nightmares?'' Applejack's face became concerned. ''What about, if you don't mind me askin'?''

''Her parents,'' Dash said. ''Almost every night in the past week, Scootaloo's been crying in her sleep and she sometimes wakes up screaming. Everytime that she does, I come in and I stay with her for the whole night just to let her know that she's safe, otherwise, she ends up freaking out.''

Applejack's face was warmed by the affection that Rainbow displayed towards the young filly but there was an expression of sympathy behind her emerald eyes, one of great worry. Like everypony else, since that day that Dash came in to confront her, Applejack hasn't been able to clear her head from her haunting thoughts about the filly, and she felt guilty about not noticing anything out of the ordinary sooner. If she did, then she might have been able to help the filly.

It really touched her heart, and she could relate to it, too. With her own sister, when thunderstorms come around the orchard, the kind that usually creates such loud bangs and crashes that leave a pony jumping out of their skin and the walls of the house rumbling, threatening to cave in from the violent shaking, Apple Bloom cries and huddles herself beneath her sheets. She would sometimes scream so harshly that she would fall out of bed and bang her head on the floor or the wall.

Whenever the storms come over the farm, Applejack always came in to comfort her. To Apple Bloom, Applejack was very motherly and caring, similar to Fluttershy in many ways, and she did the same thing as Rainbow Dash, wrapping herself around her little sister and letting her know that everything was going to be alright and that there was nothing to be afraid of. It was almost like some kind of hardwired instinct that made sisters and mother-figures act automatically, leaving no time to think, to help their kin in their time of need, and it was because of that that Applejack could empathize with Rainbow Dash on a close level.

''Rainbow Dash, you really love that filly, don't you?'' Applejack said. ''As far as I or anypony else can tell, you two are like peas in a pod, and that girl's darned lucky to have you,'' Applejack held Dash's shoulder and she smiled warmly at her. ''And, if you ask me, that girl thinks the world of you, Rainbow. You and I both know that there's nothing that you wouldn't do for her, and it's clear how much you care about her.''

Rainbow Dash couldn't hide her blush, and she glanced away, embarrassed, averting her gaze from Applejack's, but it only amused her, and she chuckled at her reaction. Applejack's orange hoof found its way beneath her chin and she gingerly turned her head back around to face her.

''Now, come on, there's nothing wrong with showing a little affection every now and again, Rainbow,'' She said, and then she released her hoof from Dash's chin. ''Now, what's this special thing of yours that you had in mind for Scootaloo? I'd be happy to help any way that I can.''

''Well, the reason I came over here was to ask you if I can use your barn for Scootaloo's birthday? I mean, it's big, there's plenty of space, and this way, she'll be able to play with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.''

''You know what? I think that's a dandy idea!'' Applejack said brightly. ''Why, I'm sure that Scootaloo'll love having a chance to play with her friends again, and I'd be mighty obliged to offer you my barn, Rainbow. So, when is her birthday, anyway?''

''In a few days,'' Rainbow said. ''The squirt doesn't have any idea what we're planning, so I'd like to keep it a surprise.''

Actually, it never did occur to Rainbow Dash until earlier on in the week to ask Scootaloo about her birthday. It made her feel awful on the inside for not thinking to ask her sooner, but she had found out about the kid's birthday from her diary, not something she was proud to admit. When she found the entry, Rainbow Dash very nearly ended up in tears.

August 15th,

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday, you terrible daughter, my parents don't love me, happy birthday to me. I'm not celebrating my birthday this year. Today, I turned nine. It's my second year without my parents, and I feel so alone without them, even if they never showed me that they loved me. The only thing that they bothered to get me was my scooter, but that's about it.

I didn't have anypony to make me a cake or anypony to sing happy birthday or even any friends to spend the day with. I haven't even told Apple Bloom or Sweetie Belle about my birthday, and they didn't ask me, anyway. Not even Rainbow Dash has asked me about it yet, but that's alright. It's not that important or significant, just like me.

I wonder if my parents think about me. Probably not, but I like to think that they do at times, even if they both hate me. Why else would they have abandoned me? I guess it was stupid of me to think that they would ever care enough to think about me, but that's alright. I just wish somepony was here with me.

Actually, if she's being completely honest, Rainbow Dash didn't very nearly cry, she did cry. She sobbed, even. She found it hard to sleep after that night, and she has felt guilty about it ever since. She never knew that such a young filly could be in so much pain and forced to be tormented by her thoughts about her neglectful parents. Rainbow Dash hasn't even read a novel sadder than the words written by Scootaloo's own hoof! This...it was something else entirely.

''Look, Applejack, there's something else that I want to ask you,'' Dash began, giving a heavy sigh. ''Remember when I came back to the farm after leaving Twilight's library? Well, I hate to own up to it, but I had to read her diary again to know when her birthday was,'' Dash rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly.

''Dash...'' Applejack's face deadpanned, and she gave a sigh as she smacked a hoof to her forehead, emphasizing just how much she was frustrated by this news. ''What did I tell you about rummagin' around in places where you shouldn't be? Y'all are gonna end up hurting her feelings if you keep invading her private life!'' She said, eyes hardening at the shameful pegasus in front of her.

''I know, AJ, but there's nothing else I can do! I know it's wrong and that it's invading somepony's private life, but I couldn't just go up and ask her about it!'' Dash threw her hooves up, glaring back at Applejack.

''And why's that?'' Applejack's brow raised. ''Ya'll afraid that she'll find out that you've been snooping in her personal belongings?''

''No! Well...yes, partly, but mainly because it wouldn't be much of a surprise if I asked her! She'd catch on if I just went ahead and asked her, you know! Scootaloo can learn quick when she pays attention to something, Applejack. Besides, I promise that I'm going to give her the diary back one day,'' Dash said, but Applejack's stare hardened.

Applejack's eyes remained still and steel-like, calculating and sharp. It was obvious that she didn't believe the words of the cyan pegasus one bit, and it was in Applejack's nature to see through a lie or dishonesty as easy as peering through transparent glass, and nopony was going to be able to pull the wool over her eyes. She was too smart and sharp for that to happen.

Rainbow Dash, in her time of knowing Applejack, has been able to observe her most subtle body movements and pick up on what they meant. AJ wasn't an emotional character, and she certainly did not show it to her friends, but there are times when Rainbow's trained eyes can pick up and detect on her mood through her movements and expressions, no matter how hard Applejack tried to mask them.

Whenever Applejack was upset, her ears would be slightly drooped, but hardly noticeable, and her eyes would always be glossy, almost polished-looking. Her lips would be neutral, but Dash new that she was secretly wearing a frown beneath it. When Applejack feels happy, she normally hums to herself while she bucks trees for the harvest season. When Applejack feels hot and flustered, about ready to buck somepony's head clean off of their shoulders, her eyes appear as hard as marble and they almost glow with anger while her nostrils are flaring and her lips are tightly pursed together.

This was one of those moments, except it was turned down a couple notches.

''And?'' She said, momentarily hardening her stare. ''I hope that ain't all you're going to promise.''

''And,'' Dash added, sighing, knowing that she wasn't going to be getting out of this jam so easily. ''I promise that I won't go snooping around in her diary anymore. There. Happy?''

''Very,'' Applejack said, her stare softening and her glare disappearing, replaced by that warm and welcoming expression that was standard-issue for the farm mare. ''And don't think that I'm not going to be keeping a close eye on you, Dash. It's not the first time you've broken a promise to me. Remember?''

''Oh, for Celestia's sake! How many times do I have to apologise for that?'' Dash groaned and she rolled her eyes. Applejack was talking about that time when the two of them ran for The Running of the Leaves, when she 'cheated' by flying. Of course, by 'flying', Dash was catapulted through the air after getting stuck in tree sap, which, technically, isn't flying if it doesn't involve the use of her wings. ''I already told you that I wasn't cheating!''

''Like hay you weren't!'' Applejack countered. ''I said specifically no flying! And you went right on ahead and ignored me, didn't you?'' She glared at her again, and Dash glared right back. ''Golly, girl, why do y'all always have to fight me on this one? You know I'm right!''

''But you're not! Applejack, you hogtied my wings, remember? I couldn't fly! I was thrown through the air!''

''Likely story,'' Applejack snorted. The two of them pressed their muzzles together and they glared burning daggers at one another, barring their teeth. And, just like that, they both erupted into laughter, sharing a hearty laugh.

''All in good fun, right?'' Rainbow Dash said, wiping a tear from her eye.

''You said it, Dash,'' Applejack brushed her hair back over her ear, the strands tangled from working. ''No hard feelings. Truce?''

''Truce,'' Dash agreed, and they shared a hoof shake. ''But don't think I'm going to let you off the hook, AJ. I've still got plenty of fight left in me, you know.''

''Don't flatter yourself. So have I. And I'll be willing to prove it next year when the next Running of The Leaves event swings by next year. You in?''

''You bet I'm in!'' Dash said without reluctance. ''And then we'll see just who the better mare is!''

Once again, the duo laughed.

''So, I'll see you in a few days?'' Applejack asked.

''I'll send Pinkie Pie your way soon. If anypony can pull this party off perfectly, then it's going to be her. She's got a plan for just about anything,'' Dash said, feeling a tingle of unease sliver up her spine. Some of the things Pinkie has pre-done preparations for are just...unsettling. It was actually kind of scary how many gizmos, gadgets, toys, decorations and nick-nacks she has scattered around, but that was just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie, so nopony dares question her methods or madness. It was wiser just to accept it.

''And Applejack?'' Dash looked over her shoulder as she was trotting away. ''I'd appreciate it if you kept this entire mess with Scootaloo and her parents out of earshot of the others. I don't want her to feel uncomfortable or smothered.''

And, just like that, Rainbow Dash headed away from Sweet Apple Acres, on-route back to Fluttershy's cottage to check in on her little sister. There was still the matter of a little surprise that Dash had in mind that she wanted to discuss with Fluttershy. Picturing the wide, ecstatic grin on Scootaloo's face when she finds out what Dash's big idea was warmed the mare's heart and brought a smile to her lips.

''This is going to be the best party the kid's had so far.''

*** *** ***

Today was the big day - the fifteenth of August, Scootaloo’s birthday.

In the few days leading up to the event, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Applejack had been busy making arrangements and plans to make this the best birthday party that she’s ever had, and Dash had been pulling serious weight around in order to make it so. In fact, she wasn’t allowing herself to rest until she was completely satisfied that it would run smoothly.

Applejack had been clearing the barn in order to set up some tables, chairs and a drink stand, stacked with a couple of barrels full of crisp, flavourful apple juice, pressed straight from Big Mac’s apple juicer, and a couple full of cider for the adults. While Applejack was busy arranging the tables and chairs, Pinkie Pie was asked to come around to plan most of the decorations and festivities, including games like Twister, Pin the Tail on the Pony and apple bobbing. She was also in charge of pinning up streamers, balloons, banners and the birthday cake. Nopony but her had seen it yet, and, of course, with Pinkie being Pinkie, she wanted it to be a surprise, and, knowing her, it was likely to be a colourful masterpiece of sugary goodness. That girl sure knew her way around the kitchen!

Fluttershy was helping Rainbow Dash arrange her big surprise for her, something that she had kept closely guarded and under wraps from the little filly back at the cottage. She had kept it stowed away in Fluttershy’s closet, which was thankfully big enough to accommodate the scale of the custom gift that they had each been building. Scootaloo wouldn’t ever step hoof inside of Fluttershy’s bedroom, so it was the perfect hiding spot!

Rainbow Dash was very proud of the end result, and it did take some time to have the parts ordered and delivered in time for the event, and it had only just seen completion in the previous day. She knew Scootaloo would love it, and she couldn’t wait to see the large, tocky grin on her little face when she sees it. Hopefully, all of that hard work and effort to track the parts down would be worth the wait. Dash didn’t care how must it cost her, bits being no problem to her. All that mattered to her was giving her little sister the best day ever, especially if it meant that she could be happy for even just a little while.

She had also kept her promise to Applejack, the one about not reading any more pages in Scootaloo’s personal diary. She already felt like she had violated her private life enough as it is, and she made plans to give her the diary back sometime during the party. She had this swollen, sad feeling in her gut about how it might go down, but that was to be expected, and Rainbow found herself to be regretfully succumbing to Applejack’s numerous warning about how the filly might react when she figures it out that her big sister and mentor had been snooping around in her private life and belongings.

When the party was about to go underway, Scootaloo and her Crusader friends along with all of Rainbow Dash’s friends and some of the Ponyville townsfolk whom they were close to would be attending also. All of her friends have been working in silence, keeping their plans and arrangements under wraps until the time was right. Scootaloo had so far not suspected a single thing, and that was exactly how Dash had planned it to go.

When it was time to head on down towards Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow Dash had asked Scootaloo to tag along with her under the impression that they were going for a friendly visit to see her friends. Everypony else was already over there and waiting for them to arrive to announce the big surprise.

‘’So, what are we going to do today, Dash?’’ Scootaloo asked her as they were making their approach towards the white picket fence that served as the entrance of the farm and home of the Apple Family.

Dash remembered that Scootaloo had written in her diary that neither her friends nor herself had inquired upon her birthday, and she kicked herself mentally for not letting it cross her mind sooner, and it pained her to look the filly in the eyes upon knowing this fact. Of all of the times she had in the past, she never once considered the idea of her little sister’s birthday, it it gave way to a rotten feeling in her stomach area. As far as the young girl knew, she still didn’t know it was her birthday, but she was hoping to make up for that today.

‘’Oh, I’ve got something in mind for you, Scoots,’’ Dash said evasively, and it caught the orange pegasus’ attention, her body noticeably perking up, ears twitching.

‘’What do you mean?’’ She asked, her voice carrying undertones of curiosity and childish excitement.

Thankfully, as she was about to answer that question, they had arrived at the large, red-coloured barn doors of Applejack’s barn, and Dash stopped to stare down at the filly with a knowing smirk as she placed a hoof to the door latch. Scootaloo watched her silently.

‘’You’ll see,’’ She said. ‘’Now, come on, squirt, after you,’’ She said, tapping her on the rump with one of her wings as she prompted her inside of the barn.

Thankfully, every single light inside of the barn was turned off, and, through Dash’s trained eyes, she squinted through the dark to catch sight of the figures of the ponies hiding. They were all waiting for the signal in the form of the barn door closing to indicate the beginning of their cue. And before Scootaloo could inquire what they were doing in Applejack’s pitch black barn, Dash shut the door behind her, yanking it shut with her rear hoof and signalling for their cue.

‘’SURPRISE!’’ Everypony shouted in unison as they all popped out of their hiding places, and all of the lights in the room flicked to life through the use of unicorn magic, courtesy of Twilight and Rarity, and the sudden change in brightness caused the orange filly to instinctively shield her eyes from becoming blinded. She raised one of her small forehooves over her eyes and squinted, trying to get her eyes to readjust to the light.

All along the rafters, sides, stables and behind the tables, ponies, family and non-family-related, popped out, wearing colourful party hats and holding twirlers and party horns. Some of these ponies included regular friends of the Mane Six, such as Miss Cheerilee, Berry Punch, Roseluck and the rest of The Flower Ponies, Snips and Snails, Pina Colada and Dinky Hooves, along with some of the other school children.

Streamers hung in colour accordance to Scootaloo’s mane and coat colours, radiant and vibrant in orange and purple, scattered about the barn’s interior at the experienced hooves of Pinkie Pie. In the very back of the barn, there was a large banner bearing the face of the young birthday girl, placed slap-bang in the centre, the words ‘Happy Birthday, Scootaloo!’ Highlighted in bright orange text outlined with deep purple.

It was clear that an abundance of effort had been put into this entire event, and it showed clearly. Once Scootaloo’s eyes had refocused themselves to view the spectacle before her, she couldn’t stifle back a surprised gasp, largely taken aback by how much her friends whom she considered her family had gone out of their way to do all of this for her.

Before Scootaloo could so much as get a word in, Ponyville’s very own party planner had come up to her and enveloped her in a bone-crushing hug. It lasted brief moments before she practically shoved a part hat onto her mane.

‘’Happy birthday, birthday girl!’’ Pinkie said in her chipper tone. ‘’Remember to fill up on cake!’’ She said, grinning so wide that it was almost eerie how her jaw was managing to remain in one piece.

In the background, Scootaloo’s eyes came to rest upon Sweetie Belle’s and Apple Bloom’s, both of their happy faces adorned with smiles. The two of them made their approach from the back of the barn and they each gave their friend a friendly hug in unison.

‘’Well, can you believe it, Scoots?’’ Sweetie Belle began, motioning all around the barn with her white hoof. ‘’The big one-o!’’

‘’Yeah, what do y’all think? This was all Rainbow Dash’s idea!’’ Apple Bloom chimed in, and Scootaloo turned around to face the cyan mare, staring up at her with a confused yet grateful expression.

‘’You?’’ Scootaloo asked. ‘’You set all of this up?’’ Rainbow Dash grew tense at the question, but she tried to conceal it. She felt her guilt begin to seep in, and it was gradually becoming worse by the minute.

‘’Y-Yeah, of course I did, squirt!’’ Rainbow said, trying to swallow back her shame, although she knew that it likely made her reaction seem a little forced and unnatural. She could only hope that Scoots never caught hint of it. ‘’I wouldn’t be a very good big sister if I didn’t do something special for my little sister’s birthday, now, would I?’’

Scootaloo eyed the mare curiously, narrowing her eyes for a brief moment in suspicion, as if she detected some anomaly in Rainbow’s character. She was very fond of Rainbow, and she looked up to her almost obsessively, and it goes without saying that she thought the world of the mare, but, never has Scootaloo ever detected even the slightest bit of angst in her being. Dash was always so cool, calm, collected and firm, carrying herself strong and proudly, and Scootaloo almost immediately caught onto the unease written behind her magenta eyes, no matter how subtle she tried to make it.

Better yet, Scootaloo knew that Dash didn’t and couldn’t know her birthday. That was because she never told her. She hadn’t even mentioned it to Sweetie Belle or Apple Bloom, so she detected something was amiss almost right off the bat. However, Scootaloo kept her mouth shut.

Instead of questioning it, Scootaloo rather said, ‘’You kiddin’? This is awesome!’’ She then hugged Dash around the neck, and it surprised the cyan mare how strong she really was when she yanked her down to her level like an orange-furred anchor. ‘’Thanks, Dash!’’ She thanked her, right before letting go. Dash rubbed her neck with a hoof and gave a nervous smile.

‘’No problem, kid. Now, go on and mingle, I’ll be hanging around with the others,’’ She said, and Apple Bloom and Sweetie exchanged grins with each other before dragging Scootaloo along with them to get into mischief, giggling together as they ran off.

Alright, Dash, the sooner that this ends, the sooner you can stop being so nervous! Did you see that look in her eyes? It doesn’t take a genius to know that she knows something’s up! Applejack’s never going to let me live it down if the squirt figures out what’s really going on!

Momentary hiccup aside, Rainbow Dash recomposed herself and she looked forward to meet the eyes of Fluttershy. The butter mare looked in her direction, too, right from where she was standing off to the side of the barn where she was accompanied by Applejack. Her eyes said it all - she had picked up on it, too. Dash slowly trotted over to join them.

‘’You noticed it, too?’’ She asked Fluttershy. She only nodded slowly.

‘’Noticed how young Scootaloo eyeballed ya because she obviously knows somethin’s not right?’’ Applejack deadpanned. Rainbow Dash sighed.

‘’That bad, huh?’’

‘’You’re playin’ with fire, Dash. Y’all jus’ better hope y’all don’t dance too close and get burned,’’ The farmpony said, grimacing as she shook her head in disapproval. ‘’How long do ya think y’all can keep up this charade?’’

‘’She’s right, Dashie. Sooner or later, Scootaloo will sense what’s going on,’’ Fluttershy said, and it felt like Dash had just been body-slammed by a manticore.

‘’It’s not jus’ her, Fluttershy, y’all also took a look at her diary, an’ it doesn’t matter if ya did as much snoopin’ as Dash or not, y’all still did it,’’ Applejack said, forever wearing that disapproving scowl, and it made Fluttershy hung her head in shame. She knew that Applejack was right, both of them did, and it wasn’t helping matters with how much she was rubbing salt into the wound that was slowly splitting wider and deeper the longer they kept lying.

It made Dash mentally slap herself. She knew that she should have listened the moment that Applejack told her to give Scootaloo her book back, but, being the stubborn mare that she is, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that she wouldn’t listen. She knew deep down that it was going to cost her gravely with harsh consequences, such as losing her little sister for good once she finds out how much of a no-good, lying, trust-breaking snoop. And she knew that she would deserve whatever reaction the filly might toss her way in the very near future, no matter how painful.

You don’t hold back any of those punches, do ya, AJ? How many times do I have to tell you that I’m sorry?

‘’I’m…I’m going to give her the book back. Tonight,’’ Dash said lamely, eyes downcast like a little child caught with their hoof in the cookie jar. Fluttershy shared the same expression, and Applejack glanced between them both, but, instead of glowering over them with bitter judgement, she appeared to be sympathetic.

‘’See that ya do,’’ Applejack said. Like that, she was off, heading towards the back of the barn where she joined the rest of her friends and mingled with them.

Dash groaned and pulled down her eyelids with her hooves, giving a stressed sigh and plopping herself down on the ground. Fluttershy sat beside her and draped a comforting wing over her back. She began to rub a hoof over her back to soothe her, knowing how guilty she felt.

‘’Ugh!’’ Rainbow grunted, out of frustration more than anything. ‘’What am I going to do, Fluttershy?’’ She asked her, momentarily glancing up to stare her friend in her concerned but warm turquoise eyes. ‘’She’s going to find out and she’s going to hate me!’’ She then covered her hooves with her eyes while Fluttershy shushed her.

‘’She’s not going to hate you, Dash,’’ Fluttershy assured her. ‘’She’ll still love you no matter what, I know she will. She’ll get over it eventually,’’ She said, and Rainbow looked back up and frowned, feeling as rotten inside as a diseased apple, like she had poisoned and tainted her good word and violated what part of her was supposed to show care, love and support to those who needed it.

‘’I hope she doesn’t feel too mad at me. We need to give her the book back, Fluttershy. Tonight. Or Applejack’s never going to let me live this one down!’’

*** *** ***

‘’So, what’ve ya been up to? I can hardly remember the las’ time we all hung ‘round together!’’ Apple Bloom said as she was sat around a small bale of hay with her two Crusader friends. They were nearer to the back of the barn than everypony else, situated inside a small stable that was officially away from the party for a more private conversation, a chance to catch up.

‘’Yeah, I missed having the chance to ask Rarity if we can all have a sleepover at her boutique! It’s been kinda lonely without you around, Scoot,’’ Sweetie Belle said, her kiwi-coloured eyes shimmering as she stared at her friend.

‘’Aw, come on, are you guys going soft on me, now?’’ Scootaloo said with a mock grin, prompting her two friends to giggle. Apple Bloom playfully knocked her shoulder.

‘’Well, come on, spill!’’ The farm filly said, to which Scootaloo tilted her head, wondering what she meant. ‘’What’s been keepin’ ya? We ain’t seen hide nor hair of y’all in over a week since up ‘till now, so somethin’ must be goin’ on. Am I right?’’ She flashed her eyelids at Scootaloo in a girly fashion, hoping that her answer was on the scoreboard.

Normally, Scootaloo would be happy to allow her friends in on her life and her solo expeditions in hopes of finding her life meaning, but, in this case, she didn’t have a clue on how to bring light into the situation. Neither of them knew nothing about how her life was in shambles and of the events that transpired at the hospital, which then led her to be in both Rainbow Dash’s and Fluttershy’s care. She wanted for more than anything to allow them in on it all, but she knew that she probably shouldn’t. She didn’t want to burden anypony more than she already has.

Then again, they were both Scootaloo’s best friends in the entire world. Nopony knew more about her than the two sat in front of her, and their awaiting faces, fixed with curiosity, concern and hope that everything was alright, ate into her heart. She couldn’t tell them, not now, not like this. She wasn’t ready to let them in just yet.

‘’S-Sorry, but I can’t go into it right now,’’ Scootaloo said, not knowing what else to say, especially when it came to avoid being a liar. Apple Bloom was like a blood hound for lies, so she’d pick up on the bitterness of her words in a heartbeat! It must be an Apple Family thing.

However, Apple Bloom only eyed her closer, her eyes becoming slightly harder, eyelids narrowing a little as she gazed into her friend’s face, taken aback by her response. It made Scootaloo nervous. Even Sweetie Belle was given her the stink eye.

Okay, so Apple Bloom can smell a lie a mile away AND sniff out somepony who’s trying to be vague about lying. How in the world did I not see that one coming?

‘’An’ why’s that? I was under the impression that we were all friends?’’ Apple Bloom twirled her hoof around in the air, motioning to all free of them sat in a circle. Now Scootaloo was feeling pressured.

‘’Hey, don’t say that!’’ Scootaloo lightly hit her hooves against the top of the hale bale they were sat around, feeling her gut sink at the farm filly’s words. ‘’Of course we’re still friends, dingus, it’s just…’’

‘’Don’t you trust us?’’ Sweetie Belle intervened, leaning in and raising her brow at the orange filly. Coming from her, it was more of a gut punch. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle have been friends since way before Apple Bloom transformed their duo into a trio, and they therefore had a golden-laced sisterly bond.

‘’N-No! I mean, yes, of course I trust you both, it’s just that…’’

‘’Just what? Did you find somepony else to hang around with?’’ Sweetie asked.

‘’No, Sweetie, I didn’t find a new group of friends! I keep telling you, it’s not like that at all!’’ Scootaloo said, feeling the familiar burn of anger swell up within her gut, her patience quickly dying down and loading the cannons. ‘’If you’ll let me tell you…’’

‘’Tell us what?’’ Apple Bloom asked yet again, now leaning over the table so that she was almost in front of Scootaloo’s snout, as was Sweetie Belle.

They’re not going to stop until they get an answer, Scoot! Quick, for Celestia’s sake, do something! Do something before one of them makes you spill the beans!

‘’Both of you just STOP!’’ Scootaloo half-shouted, pushing up her hooves against both of her friend’s chests and shoving them back away from her personal space. She huffed and puffed and her cheeks grew hot while her nerves were forgotten for a moment. If there was one thing that she couldn’t stand, it was having her personal space invaded, and she hated it more than most anything. She hated it as much as she thought her parents hated her, so that would push it right up to Number One on her Hate List.

Both of her friends were taken largely aback by the sudden act of aggression, the two of them sitting there motionlessly, faces blank while they blinked, surprised. They had seen Scootaloo flip her lid a number of times, but nothing quite like this. Usually, it was nothing more than a momentary burst of hot air, a bit of minor vandalism involving her scooter or maybe a verbal insult, but it was never an act of aggression directly towards either of them.

‘’S-Sorry,’’ Scootaloo apologised meekly, shying back slightly and becoming sheepish. She immediately felt bad about it, but she was unable to control herself sometimes. Like Dash, when she was at the cottage and Scootaloo accidentally made her fall on her broken wing and she lashed out at her, Scootaloo was no different. ‘’But you two are getting on my nerves! I can’t tell you because I’m not allowed!’’

‘’But why’s that?’’ Apple Bloom inquired, once again becoming curious, but being weary this time to not press too hard or to come on too strong. ‘’We jus’ wanna help ya, Scoots. You know that we’re not gonna force ya to fess up to anythin’ that y’all are uncomfortable with sharin’,’’ She finished, to which Sweetie Belle nodded.

‘’We were both worried about you after Rainbow Dash came into Sweet Apple Acres and had an argument with Applejack,’’ Sweetie said, and that peeked Scootaloo’s attention, making her ear twitch.

Rainbow Dash was at Sweet Apple Acres? Howcome she never told me about this? What was she doing over there?

‘’Rainbow Dash had an argument with Applejack? What did she say?’’ Scootaloo asked delicately. Apple Bloom shared a glance with Sweetie, almost uncertain if they should say anything at all at the risk of stirring up trouble. But, then again, didn’t she have a right to know seeing as it involved her?

‘’We…didn’t really catch much, we kinda just walked into it when it was happening,’’ Sweetie Belle said, scratching the back of her neck with a hoof. ‘’Apparently, Rainbow Dash came over to the farmhouse really upset by something and thought that Applejack had something to do with it, so they yelled at each other for a while,’’ Sweetie explained.

‘’Rainbow Dash yelled at Applejack?’’ Scootaloo asked, disbelief washing over her. She knew that the two tomboys had a history of being at each other’s throats to prove who was the better athlete, but that was all in good, friendly spirits. This…this sounded like the polar opposite!

‘’As true as the deep blue,’’ Apple Bloom said, nodding her head. ‘’Ah’ve never seen Rainbow so upset before! By the time we got there, my sister asked us to leave an’ go to my room, an’ we managed to hear everythin’ from up there! All we caught ear of was your name and Rainbow askin’, ‘’Did you know?’’ to Applejack!’’

Oh, no, could this be…? No, surely, it can’t be what I think it is, right? Right?

‘’And then Rainbow Dash headed out back into the clubhouse and went rummaging around. We only got there at the last minute, but Applejack was already in there and we heard her telling Dash off. We caught her snooping through your stuff,’’ Sweetie Belle said, and that’s when Scootaloo’s face grew pale and her emotional power line was severed. She went as blank as a slate, so cold and clammy that she thought that she had shape-shifted into an ice cube.

‘’Uh, Scootaloo? Y’all alright over there?’’ Apple Bloom asked concernedly upon noticing the sudden, dramatic change in the filly’s demeanour. She was as white as a sheet, so pale that it was almost plausible to say that she had turned into a ghost.

‘’N…N-No,’’ Scootaloo mumbled out in a hollowed voice.

Oh, no, no, no, no! No, this can’t be happening! They know about it?! So, that explains how everypony knew it was my birthday today! Rainbow Dash…she…she went through my stuff and practically raided the clubhouse? Oh, no! MY DIARY!

Just like that, it wasn’t a moment too soon that a hard, thick lump of ice had formed in the back of Scootaloo’s throat, and every single instinct in her body and brain told her to high tail it out of there and race to the clubhouse. She had to make sure, doubly sure, that this was all nothing more than a fabricated white lie! There’s no way that Rainbow Dash would ever invade her privacy, right? She knew that Dash had brought some of her things to Fluttershy’s cottage, but she had never actually rummaged through it to check it was all there, so there was an off chance that she hadn’t seen or read through it yet!

In a swift motion, Scootaloo’s mind had made itself up. She felt like she was about to implode, her little heart thumping like a piston in an overdriven combustion engine, on the verge of hyperventilating. That was it, she had to get out!

Both of her friends watched on in shock and surprise as their orange pegasus friend began to make a bolt for it with great haste out of the back stall where they had set up an impromptu meeting area. She was gone in a flash, a few of her little orange feathers snapping free from her wings from the high-octane speed she had zipped off with.

‘’Scootaloo, wait!’’ Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom yelled in unison.

But it was too late. Their friend had gone.

*** *** ***

‘’And then I said, ‘Oat meal? Are you crazy?!’’’ Pinkie Pie said, erupting into laughter, her friends soon joining in around the table where they were all sat in the middle of the barn.

The party was going along smoothly and without incident, and everypony was having a wonderful time mingling and playing games with each other. The games that Pinkie Pie had set up were all being enjoyed by the school children, and even Miss Cheerilee was hosting the games, making sure that everypony was playing by the rules and remaining friendly.

Everypony’s laughter around the table was dying down, everypony except Rainbow Dash. Rainbow was too busy having a hard time shaking her nerves away and the angst from her earlier conversation with Applejack. She was trying as hard as she could to drown out her inner guilt and trembling nerves, but it was a vain effort, only seeming to sour her mood further.

Sitting beside her was Fluttershy, and she was also sharing Dash’s guilt, although hers was not running as deep. She didn’t read into it as much as Rainbow Dash did, but Applejack was right; she did still look at what the little filly had written in her diary. She watched as Rainbow Dash limply picked up her mug of half-drank apple cider and took a gentle, slow sip before placing it back down with a soft bang.

‘’Hey,’’ Fluttershy whispered, leaning over slightly to speak into Dash’s ear. ‘’How’re you holding up?’’

‘’Lousy,’’ Dash mumbled back, turning to face her pegasus friend, her face plastered with poorly concealed misery. ‘’I can’t stop worrying,’’ She said, being careful to keep her voice low to refrain from letting Pinkie Pie hear her, whom was sitting to her left.

‘’It’ll be okay, Dashie,’’ Fluttershy smiled sympathetically, trying to be reassuring, but Dash didn’t buy it.
‘’Will it, Fluttershy? Will it really be okay?’’ Rainbow Dash deadpanned. ‘’Applejack’s right, I’m a—-Hey, wait, is that Scootaloo?’’ Rainbow stopped and blinked, glancing over Fluttershy’s shoulder as something caught her eye.

Fluttershy also turned her attention behind her, towards the open barn doors, and, making a dash for the exit as fast as her little hooves could carry her, was Scootaloo. She had a panicked and startled expression on her face, and it was very evident that something was very wrong.

Behind her and running up to try and catch up to her was Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, each calling her name and begging her to stop. Some ponies in in the barn had taken notice and stopped their private conversations to turn their heads towards the running fillies, wondering what was going on. In Dash’s mind, she had this sinking feeling that made her want to vomit. She had an idea what was wrong.

‘’Oh, dear,’’ Fluttershy murmured, and, as she was turning back to face Dash, there was a brush of strong wind as Rainbow Dash had bolted after her, moving at such speed that the gust was powerful enough to blow back Fluttershy’s mane.

The butter mare was startled by the sudden departure of the cyan mare, and her leave had caught the attention of everypony at the table, and even a few of the onlookers, whom began to murmur amongst themselves. Twilight had an especially worried expression written on her features, remembering the time that Dash came to her and told her everything about Scootaloo’s living situation. She gave Fluttershy a concerned look. However, when Fluttershy’s gaze landed on Applejack’s, she saw that the orange-coated mare held a knowing but sympathetic expression.

As much as Fluttershy hated to admit it, she knew that the face read out as ‘’I told you so’’, and, through Applejack’s crystal clear expressive facial features, it cut deeper than any blade into the mare’s heart. Somehow, it was as if Applejack knew this was set to happen.

Fluttershy simply hardened her glare at the farm pony for a moment before she herself exited her seat and hovered out of the barn to find Rainbow Dash.

*** *** ***

‘’Scootaloo, stop!’’ Sweetie Belle called to the sprinting filly in front of her by at least two seconds. She was too fast to catch up to, and even Apple Bloom was having difficulty pushing herself forward, almost out of breath and running on fumes.

Scootaloo didn’t care enough to so much as glance over her shoulder. She simply kept her head trained forward and her mind set on her main objective - to go to the Cutie Mark Crusader clubhouse, where she kept her personal diary hidden.

Once she had reached it, taking her no less than five minutes to reach the end of the South Orchard where it was situated, Scootaloo rushed up the green-painted staircase and practically barged her way past the thick oak door, causing it to slam into the wall on the interior.

Feverishly, the young girl began to frantically glance about, searching for her things. The only items occupying the small room that served as the CMC headquarters were the podium they used for their meetings, the hoof-drawn map of Ponyville and a large steamer trunk stocked with all of their pencils, crayons, paper, capes and other essentials. Her personal items were nowhere in sight.

She darted to the very back of the room to view behind the podium. She usually left her sleeping bag rolled up just behind it, tucked neatly into the bottom storage compartment of the podium along with her cape. Scootaloo typically hid her diary in her sleeping bag, rolling it up inside it as she packs it away, knowing that nopony would notice it was there, and it became her go-to hiding spot ever since she figured that one out. However, it was not there.

Oh, no, no! Where could it be?! Oh, where is it?! Come on, Scootaloo, think! It has to be somewhere around here!

Anxiety began to itch and prod at Scootaloo’s brain, making her become more antsy and nervous the more her findings turned up empty. She began to rummage around the place, throwing aside the podium with a loud bang, opening up the steamer trunk and tossing its contents about the place behind her like a mare possessed, but soon giving up after finding no trace of her diary. She was quickly running out of places to look, and her panic was soaring high right now, and she was on the brink of hyperventilating to the point of blacking out.

‘’Oh, pony feathers! Where is it?!’’ She said to herself.

It was then that she paused to think, trying to pick through her brain for an answer. She knew that Dash had brought her sleeping bag and her cape to Fluttershy’s cottage after she came back from Sweet Apple Acres, but then she…

Scootaloo froze, her blood chilling in her veins as a realisation dawned on her. Her diary, it wasn’t there when she unfurled her sleeping bag after Dash gave it to her! She began to bite her hooves, her breathing becoming short and rapid while her pulse pounded in her ears.

Horse apples! No, this can’t be happening! Can this be true? Did Rainbow Dash, my big sister, actually find and read my journal?! Oh, no! This is bad! Like, really, really bad!

At that moment, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom came rushing in, and they both shared the same, worried expressions. Their shared worry developed into something much worse once they came to bear witness to the painfully nervous face of Scootaloo, looking as if she was ready to implode.

‘’Scootaloo, there ya are! What’s gotten inta you?’’ Apple Bloom asked concernedly, coming towards the shivering pegasus, as did Sweetie.

‘’What happened? Why’d you run away like that?’’ Sweetie asked, wanting nothing more than to make sure that her best friend was alright and healthy, even though she knew that she most definitely wasn’t.

The only thing about this situation that was kept in the dark was Sweetie’s and Apple Bloom’s knowledge on her staying in the clubhouse at night on her own, a troubling and shocking thing they learned from their walking in on Applejack and Rainbow Dash arguing. They didn’t know if they should let Scootaloo know about that, or even if she’d listen to them, but they had this distinct feeling that Scootaloo had a very good idea about it.
Before they could be given an answer or take another step towards the trembling Scootaloo, both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy came through the front door, no less concerned than the Crusaders. Scootaloo’s eyes hardened once she saw Dash make her entrance into the clubhouse, and she felt something arise within her that she had never felt towards her; anger. Pure, hot anger. Hurt.

‘’Scootaloo, I—-‘’ Dash began, but was cut off.

‘’You…’’ Scootaloo breathed slowly and angrily, and it made Dash freeze at the venom that dripped from her words. ‘’…H-How could you?’’

Easy there, squirt, easy.

Rainbow Dash’s heart hurt at the tone of voice from her little sister, the little lonely girl that adored and idolised her so much, the one who’d always be there to watch her practice and perform her stunts in the skies above Ponyville. The longer that she took to reply to the girl’s question, knowing full well what she was talking about, the harder those betrayed purple eyes became, and it was scary.

‘’S-Scoot, i-if you’d just l-let me e-explain…’’ Dash began, but was again cut off.

‘’I trusted you!’’ Scootaloo cried, eyes beginning to burn with hot tears, welling up and threatening to pierce the barrier. ‘’Sweetie and Apple Bloom told me about how you argued with Applejack at the farm!’’

Rainbow glanced at the two fillies, and they both blushed sheepishly, ashamed for letting that one slip. Fluttershy lightly tugged at Dash’s shoulder, stepping between her and Scootaloo, should things get uglier than they already are.

‘’Now, Scootaloo, I know that you’re pretty upset, and I’m sorry that Rainbow read your diary, but her heart was in the right place. She only did it because she cared about your well-being,’’ Fluttershy said soothingly, trying to defuse the situation, but that angered look burned once more behind the filly’s eyes like a purple inferno.

‘’Because she cares about my well-being?!’’ Scootaloo shouted, stamping her little hooves harshly against the ground, causing the timid mare to back away in surprise with a gasp. ‘’And I suppose that you also snooped around in my diary, too?’’ She pointed an accusatory hoof at the yellow-coloured mare, and Fluttershy held a hoof against her chest, against her slowly cracking heart. ‘’Of all ponies, h-how could yo-you, Fluttershy?!’’ Scootaloo sniffled. ‘’I trusted you, too!’’

‘’Scootaloo, p-please! You’re my little sister! All I want is for you to be happy!’’ Dash reasoned, but the little filly scoffed, bemused by her words. She was now the angriest Dash has ever seen her.

‘’And invading my private life is supposed to show me that?’’ Scootaloo sneered, huffing as tears began to roll down her little face. ‘’Is that why you suddenly cared enough to throw me a party? All these years, you nevercared enough about me to ask me when my birthday was, and now you know because you read my diary! Some big sister you turned out to be, huh?!’’ She snarled at her, so hot and boiling to the brim with rage and hurt that Dash half-expected her to blow a gasket or for her to disintegrate through the floor of the clubhouse.

Behind Fluttershy, Scootaloo’s two Crusader friends cowered back, their backs pressing up against the wall as they held each other in their hooves, fearful about how this confrontation was going to end. Neither of them had ever seen Scootaloo’s boiling point reach such heights before, and the pony they were staring at was unrecognisable as their friend. She was a complete stranger.

Rainbow Dash didn’t know what to say. She knew all too well that she was in the wrong, and she might have just dug herself a hole too deep even for her to crawl her way out of. She was clueless on how to reason with the filly, not knowing how to turn the situation around. Her lip trembled, and Dash could honestly say that she felt defeated, lost and cold. She never intended to hurt the little filly so badly, but, here she was.

‘’I’m…I’m sorry, Scootaloo,’’ Rainbow began slowly, feeling herself begin to tear up. ‘’I n-never meant to hurt you, squirt. You know that I wouldn’t do that to somepony like you, don’t you? I only did what I did because I had no other choice! You have to listen to me and understand, Scoots, we all care about you, and we only want what’s best for you,’’ Dash explained, hoping to get through to the little filly, placing her words delicately. She didn’t want to press too hard and lose her little sister forever.

Scootaloo didn’t respond for a moment. She continued to huff and puff while tears dripped and rolled down her face, hot and dribbling from her cheeks and tip of her muzzle, bell-bottomed droplets full of heart and pain, bottled up from years of hurt, neglect and emotional torment. She glanced between he faces of her fearful friends and then to Fluttershy, trying to think of something to say, just looking for some advice on what she should say.

They betrayed your trust, Scootaloo, Her consciousness spoke to her. If you let them help you, then you’ll get hurt again, just like with your parents. They betrayed you, their own daughter, and they hurt you. How can you trust these ponies, knowing what they did? If you stay here, you’ll only be allowing yourself to go through the same pain you went through two years ago. Are you really willing to let that happen again? She asked herself, tentative about the thought, pondering about it. Well? Are you?

That was the last straw for her.

Scootaloo glared hard at both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. She stepped forward and she rubbed her eyes, sniffling heavily and trying to withhold her tears of hurt.

‘’No,’’ Scootaloo said firmly, her little, achy-breaky heart torn in half. ‘’No, I can’t trust you, Rainbow Dash. You broke my trust and you betrayed me,’’ Scootaloo saw Dash’s lips tremble, and she could practically hear her heart ripping apart behind her ribs. ‘’I…I can’t talk to you right now,’’ Scootaloo then began to head outside of the clubhouse, but, before she did, she stood still for a moment and faced everypony in the clubhouse one last time before saying, ‘’Goodbye.’’

Like that, Scootaloo went running away and she never looked back. She disappeared out of sight and nopony present could find it in themselves to blame her. They all contributed to this moment becoming a reality, and that little fact was enough to bring about a shame that was unfathomable to most ponies. This was all their fault.

Apple Bloom had to restrain Sweetie Belle by pulling her back when she tried to run after Scootaloo, to try and stop her and talk some sense in her, but it was of no use. She had just lost one of her closest friends.

Fluttershy draped her wing over Rainbow Dash’s back to comfort her, and all Dash did was hang her head in shame, her eyelids clenched shut tightly as tears began to leak free. This was all her fault, and she knew it. All she wanted to do was help her little sister and make her happy again, to let her know that ponies care about her and that she’s loved, and what happened? She ended up hurting her and betraying her trust. She never meant to, she really didn’t, but, despite her better judgement, she failed to understand the consequences of her actions.

She was paying the price for it. She had just lost her little sister and her friend, and there was nothing she could do about it. No amount of sorry would ever be enough to make up for her mistake. She only wanted to let Scootaloo know that she’s sorry and that she still loves her.

You’ve really done it this time, Rainbow Dash, you block head. You’ve screwed up big time, and now you’re going to have to pay the consequences. How could you have been so blind and selfish?

Rainbow Dash gave an audible sniffle as Fluttershy gently rubbed her shoulders soothingly, wanting to see how the broken hearted mare was holding up. She looked up to face Fluttershy, and the broken, miserable face of the cyan mare furthered her concern.

‘’Oh, Fluttershy…’’ She breathed. ‘’What have I done?’’

Scootaloo's House

The party at Sweet Apple Acres was cut dramatically short after Scootaloo’s realisation had taken place. She had left in such a huff that everypony was taken aback. All of the ponies attending the party were departing, sharing hushed, concerned murmurs amongst themselves about what had happened.

The only ponies left inside of the barn were Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack and the rest of their friends, along with Mrs Cheerilee. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were inside of the farm house, under the supervision of both Big Mac and Granny Smith.

The poor girls, it wasn’t any of their fault. They were both simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, and it was an act of dumb luck that they stumbled in on Rainbow Dash and Applejack arguing like that, hearing something they should never have caught ear of. Nopony could blame them for how they were feeling.

Everypony was seated at the back of the barn, huddled around one of the wooden tables that had been set out earlier, and everypony was eying Rainbow Dash concernedly, worried about how silent she had been since Scootaloo had lashed out at her. She had her head hung down low and she was trying to fend off her tears and keeping her emotions in check, not wanting to appear weak or defeated, but she had little success.

‘’Now, Ah told y’all that this would happen eventually,’’ Applejack said bluntly, her tone annoyed. ‘’If’n y’all jus’ had any sense an’ listened to me, none of this would’a happened!’’

‘’Don’t you think I know that?!’’ Rainbow Dash scoffed and then snarled as she raised her head for the first time in a long time, glaring hot, magenta daggers at the farm pony, taking her aback. Right now, she was in no mood to be scolded by the remarks and comments from her main competitor. ‘’I’m not stupid, AJ, I heard you the first time! We get it, this is all of my fault and now Scootaloo hates me! How many times are you going to lay into me when I keep telling you that I’m sorry?!’’ She slammed her hooves against the table, ignoring the pain that rang up her hooves as a result.

‘’Um, forgive me, darling, but are we all missing something here?’’ Rarity injected her own question into the conversation before a fight brewed up. ‘’Anypony care to shed some light on all of this drama?’’

‘’Yeah, what’s going on?’’ Pinkie Pie asked, glancing about the table. ‘’I don’t like all of this secrecy!’’
Fluttershy and Twilight shared a glance. Out of all of their friends, only the two of them along with Rainbow Dash and Applejack knew of Scootaloo’s situation. Ever since they found out, they had all kept it under wraps to refrain from having it get blabbed about to the wrong ponies. In this circumstance, having Cheerilee present made things a tad more harder and even a little awkward.

Miss Cheerilee was a kind and honest pony, and she cared dearly for each of her students like they were her own children, so it seemed only right that she should be allowed in on it, too. Being Scootaloo’s teacher, it meant that she had constant supervision over the filly when she’s at school, and she would always be there to support her in her time of need. That being said, she was trusted enough by Rainbow Dash and the others to be let in on it. It was about time to come clean.

‘’Well, we first found out about a little over two months ago,’’ Fluttershy began. ‘’Rainbow Dash came over to my cottage with Scootaloo after leaving the hospital. She told me that she found Scootaloo sitting all alone in the waiting room by herself, unsupervised by anypony,’’ She said sadly.

‘’I couldn’t leave her there, girls, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if I let her stay there on her own,’’ Rainbow Dash spoke up, catching Applejack’s eye.

‘’You did the right thing, sugarcube,’’ She said, for once offering a sentence that didn’t contain a snide remark to further ruffle Dash’s feathers.

‘’And that wasn’t the worse part,’’ Dash began, once again feeling her emotions take over as she thought about it.

‘’What happened?’’ Rarity asked, hoping that it wasn’t anything too serious. Beside her, Cheerilee also waited patiently, a worried expression upon her face.

‘’After I took her in and brought her to Fluttershy’s cottage, I found her diary and I found out that Scootaloo’s parents abandoned her,’’ She said, and Cheerilee, Rarity and Pinkie Pie gasped in unison, not prepared for the news. ‘’To make matters worse, she’s not even got a home to stay in. She’s been living in the Crusader’s clubhouse for two years all on her own, and no pony’s noticed once!’’

‘’My word! That’s dreadful! Are you certain?’’ Rarity asked, to which Rainbow deadpanned and gave her a raised brow before motioning towards her eyes.

‘’Does it look like I’m joking?’’

‘’B-But…that’s so horrible! Nopony to tuck you in or to say goodnight or to give you a goodnight cuddle is terrible!’’ Pinkie Pie said, mortified. ‘’Nopony to talk to or to keep you company, or—-‘’

‘’Alright, Pinkie, I think we get the picture,’’ Cheerilee said, gently pressing her hoof over the pink mare’s mouth to silence her. She then looked towards Rainbow Dash. ‘’And I’m assuming that Scootaloo now lives temporarily with you, correct?’’

‘’Well, not just me. I’m also staying with Fluttershy at her cottage, so she took us both in to watch over us,’’ Dash explained.

‘’So, for the time being, you’re both taking on the role of her guardians?’’ Cheerilee asked. Rainbow and Fluttershy nodded. ‘’But nopony knows where her parents are or even their names?’’

‘’Beg pardon, Miss Cheerilee,’’ Rarity said, coughing gently into her hoof. ‘’But shouldn’t that be your department? I’d assume that you’d know who they are seeing as you’re the poor dear’s teacher, so you must have met her parents at least once for parental consultation evenings?’’ Rarity asked, confused as to how she wouldn’t know their names.

It never occurred to anypony until then, but it was common knowledge that new students at buildings of educational learning and academic studies should at least have consent from from the parent of the student to be enrolled there. There should at least be some evidence of Scootaloo’s parents on her enrolment form, be it a signature, a home address, contact details in the case of emergency, anything that identify them as their parent.

However, Cheerilee shook her head, a sad frown curling on her lips as she eyed the pearl white unicorn.

‘’No, I’m afraid not. Scootaloo has always made up some excuse on why she couldn’t attend every parental consultation evening in the past two years. I think we now all understand why,’’ Cheerilee said helplessly. ‘’So, I’m sorry, but I don’t know anything about her parents or what their names are. The only thing that I know about Scootaloo’s parents is that they lived in Ponyville, not far from the market,’’ Cheerilee said, hoping to prove helpful to fill in the holes of the mystery.

‘’Why didn’t you say so?’’ Rainbow Dash said, a bit agitated. ‘’Couldn’t you have told us that sooner?’’ She asked in a semi-annoyed tone. Cheerilee only held her frown.

‘’I’m sorry, but that’s all I know. I wish I knew more, but I don’t have any other documented paperwork full of details or personal information that are of any use,’’ Cheerilee said regretfully.

‘’Do you at least know which house it is, Miss Cheerilee?’’ Rarity asked. Miss Cheerilee tapped her chin in thought, trying to recall.

‘’I’m not entirely sure, but I think it’s the one right on the edge of the town, on the other side of the park,’’ She said. ‘’It’s the fully detached residence with blue paint, you can’t miss it,’’ She said.

‘’Hmm, do you reckon that Scootaloo will be there?’’ Fluttershy asked.

‘’I think it’s our best bet!’’ Pinkie Pie said. ‘’You all saw how upset she was! And you know what ponies say, ‘home is where the heart is’, right?’’ She asked, but Rainbow Dash shook her head dismissively at the thought.

‘’I don’t think it’s that simple, Pinks,’’ Rainbow said. ‘’Scootaloo hasn’t been there since her parents abandoned her. She stayed at the clubhouse because she was trying to avoid going back home. I doubt that she’s going to be there. It sounded to me like she hated being there even when her parents were still living there.’’

‘’Well, it couldn’t hurt to try, Dashie!’’ Pinkie Pie said, forever remaining optimistic, hopeful that it wouldn’t lead to a dead end. Pinkie had a knack for being right about these kind of things, and her hunches have always paid off in the past. ‘’I’m sure that little Scooty is probably over there right now, someplace where she knows nopony will disturb her. At this point, what have we got to lose?’’

Hmm. Pinkie Pie does have a point. Scootaloo could be anywhere right now, and it is plausible that she might be at her house where she knows nopony would think to look for her. But, still, that doesn’t mean that she definitely is over there! For all we know, that little filly could be huddled under some bridge or camping inside of a cardboard box down some dank, creepy alley right now! We need to find her!

Rainbow Dash gave her friends a helpless look, glancing over to Twilight for a brief moment. Twilight was the one that was good at making plans and forming arrangements, the smart one in any situation imaginable. Twilight had the means to contact the Princess of Equestria if it was necessary, and she has some powerful, well-known ponies in her connections. If anypony could help out, it’s her.

‘’Twilight, do you think you can help me with this one? If we’re going to search for Scootaloo, I want your help. You’re the reasonable one, so I think you’re the best bet for Scootaloo to come around and listen,’’ Dash said, and, while Twilight appeared to be flattered by her words, she frowned.

‘’It’s not that easy, Rainbow,’’ Twilight said, her face becoming stern. ‘’Applejack was right; you defiled somepony’s privacy by rummaging through their personal belongings. I’m afraid that, if you want to patch things up with Scootaloo, you’re the one that’s going to have to be the voice of reason. Only you can earn back the trust you’ve lost with somepony dear to you,’’ Twilight said.

Rainbow Dash hated to hear what her friend had to say, but she knew in her heart of hearts that she was correct. There was nobody else to blame here for Scootaloo storming off in the way that she did but herself, and it was up to her to make things right.

‘’Twilight has a point, Dash,’’ Applejack said. ‘’Little Scootaloo looks up ta ya like a big sister, an’ anythin’ that y’all can say will sound better comin’ outa yer own mouth rather than Twilight’s,’’ She said.
‘’So, in the meantime, I think everypony should each take different parts of town and search for Scootaloo. I’d hate to think of how dangerous the world is out there for a filly all on her own,’’ Twilight said, and everypony around the table nodded in agreement. ‘’Fluttershy, try going back to your cottage and see if Scootaloo went back there,’’ Fluttershy nodded and then patted Rainbow Dash on the shoulder before taking her leave. ‘’Applejack, check around the orchards on the farm,’’ Applejack nodded and took her own leave. ‘’Everypony else, search around Ponyville and try and see if you can find any trace of Scootaloo. Check places where you think she might go. While you’re all doing that, I’m going to accompany Rainbow Dash and find Scootaloo’s house.’’

It was all settled. Everypony had their individual tasks at hand, and they were all going to stop at nothing until the little filly was found. In the state that she was in at the time she took her leave in a huff, she shouldn’t be left all alone. And, just like that, the search party had begun.

As everypony left, Twilight held Rainbow back for a moment so that she could speak to her. She gave her a concerned expression and worry sparkled clearly in her eyes for her well-being. It was no secret that everypony was able to sense the stress radiating from Rainbow Dash’s being, lingering so thickly it was impossible to not take notice of it.

Twilight had noticed it since the night she came into her library, and it was very apparent from the moment that she stepped through the door that she was in distress. Seeing her now, after all all of this time has passed since that night, it had escalated into something much more than distress. At the rate she was going, Rainbow Dash was going to burn herself out to the point she can’t function properly.

Rainbow Dash hardly ever allowed her guard to slip down so low that the pain underneath her tough, confident exterior was exposed, but the events that had lead up to her shocking discovery had weakened it and allowed it to break through. Rainbow Dash was having trouble keeping it together, and that worried Twilight.

‘’Rainbow Dash,’’ She began delicately, touching a hoof to her shoulder as she looked her in the eye. ‘’Are you doing alright? You look like you haven’t slept properly for at least a couple weeks!’’ She motioned to her eyes. Rainbow blinked tiredly, brushing it off.
‘’Huh? N-No, it’s nothing,’’ Rainbow lied. ‘’I’m alright, Twilight, I’m just a little beat,’’ She said, but Twilight obviously didn’t buy the lie. If anything, it irked her.

‘’Rainbow…’’ Twilight cooed.

‘’What? Really, I’m fine!’’ The pegasus persisted.

‘’No, you’re not!’’ The lavender unicorn grabbed both of the mare’s shoulders and shook her lightly, staring into her eyes with a firm, hardened gaze, her large black pupils made out of steel. ‘’Dash, you look terrible! I know that you don’t like admitting to weakness and I know that you’ll do anything if it means that Scootaloo will be happy, but you need to listen to me!’’

Rainbow Dash could feel another variant of the same lecture Fluttershy gave her coming on.

‘’You’re not all there right now, are you? All of this stress is pushing you down to your breaking point, and you’re going to crack if you keep pressing on at this rate! Everyone’s worried about you, Dash, especially Fluttershy!’’ Twilight said, and Dash went stiff in her hooves, sadness washing over her as the words sunk into her stubborn skull. ‘’Is that what you want, Rainbow? To worry Fluttershy and constantly have her worry if you’re going to be alright and standing the next day?’’

‘’N-No…’’ Rainbow Dash squeaked out.

‘’Then stop pushing yourself too hard! Everypony needs you in one piece, and, if you’re not going to do it for us, then do it for Scootaloo. We all know how much she means to you and how much you care about her, but the only way you’re going to be of any help is if you stop beating yourself up over her. Can you do that?’’ Twilight asked, releasing Rainbow and waiting patiently for her to answer.

‘’Y-Yeah,’’ Rainbow responded shakily. ‘’Yeah, I can do that. And Twilight?’’

‘’Hmm?’’

‘’Thanks. I don’t know what I’d do without friends like you around to keep me in line,’’ Rainbow said gratefully. Twilight smiled and gave the mare a well-needed hug.

‘’It’s alright, Rainbow. That’s what friends do; they look out for each other. Now, come on, we’ve got to go and find Scootaloo,’’ Twilight said, getting up to prepare to head out.

‘’Right behind you.’’

*** *** ***

With the search party underway, following a thorough sweep through the town of Ponyville and its surrounding areas, Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle made haste on their journey through the main park of the town.

It was about halfway through the afternoon, the sun at its peak in the sky, slowly lowering down behind the horizon, gradually settling in for the nighttime. It had brought along a cool chill, too, comforting but also numbing against the skin of the two mares, especially Rainbow Dash. Without sleep, her lack of energy, below her usual, optimal levels, she was more vulnerable to the bite, but her feathers and thick coat provided a little insulation, so it wasn’t too much of a bother. Still, she was able to feel it enough to acknowledge it, but not enough to complain.

The park was relatively quiet at this time of day, only a handful of ponies left wandering around for a stroll to either enjoy the scenery or to embrace nature and the great outdoors. The smell of daffodils and damp soil filled the air, gentle but somewhat warming, an essence that was familiar to Dash. Being a pegasus, she was very accustomed to the aromas of the wilderness, and it made her feel like she was in her element, seeing as Pegasi normally spend their time outdoors out of natural intention due to their species. No Pegasi spends their time indoors all of the time, none of them being able to remain in the confines of anyplace for too long at the risk of becoming stir crazy. It was partly the reason why Dash found it hard to sit still half of the time.

Walking along slowly beside Twilight, slightly lagging behind her due to lack of energy, her hooves tired and drained, almost limp and stringy, Rainbow Dash had her head hung down just enough so that she wasn’t able to see Twilight’s head. She would only worry if she saw the glint of sadness behind Rainbow’s eyes, and she didn’t want the unicorn to fret about her. She was trying to think of what to say to Scootaloo when they find her, if they find her at all, that is. There was no guarantee that they will be met with success by searching through Scootaloo’s house.

It was funny, actually, the fact that neither Rainbow Dash or any of her friends, not even The Cutie Mark Crusaders, have ever seen or been inside of the orange pegasus’ home residence. Nopony had ever inquired upon it, not even once. Rainbow didn’t know what to expect when she eventually arrived. Would it be rundown, maybe a little ransacked? Would it be like any other welcoming, friendly Ponyvillian home on the outside, yet the inside is somepony’s idea of a living hell? Any guess could be right or wrong, but the guessing game didn’t have to wait long, for Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle had reached the edge of the town beyond the park.

There weren’t that many houses on the borderline of the town, totalling up to three in total, all fully detached residences, and all of them appeared to be lived in, judging from their pristine exterior walls. They were all a random distance away from each other, sitting just beside a stream that was directed around the village, a peaceful and tranquil sight with calm, mellow water so crisp and clear that it brought about an image of inner peace, going with the flow. There was a small, narrow stone bridge creating a way of passage over it, too, an old but structurally sound construct built when the town was still being built and gaining popularity.

On the other side of the river was a large forest, not untamed and as wild as The Everfree, but quite the opposite. It was a place some ponies often venture out to for long hikes and trips to spend the day in the sun, either just for the sake of hiking or for camping out. It was an ideal place for anypony with a taste for adventure and exploring, and it was safe, too, free from pony-preying Timber Wolves and other dangerous creatures known to reside within The Everfree. As isolationist as this area of Ponyville might be, it was certainly a great place to admire the scenery, which was visible through every angle through the windows of the houses built around here.

Miss Cheerilee had mentioned that Scootaloo’s house was the one that was painted in a blue colour on the exterior, so that was the one that Twilight and Rainbow wanted to look out for. The house on the left was made out of your average Ponyvillian construction, complete with brown-painted timber that bordered the house and reinforced the white-coloured lime and hay dry walls in-between, sheltered with a straw roof. The house on the right was no different, following the exact same theme. However, the dirt path beneath the hooves of the two mares also winded ahead of them and off towards a third house between the other two, sitting directly beside the stream.

Rainbow Dash and Twilight knew that this house must be Scootaloo’s family home, being the only one left that they haven’t ticked off or checked out yet. Following the dirt path up ahead to stand at the front porch of the house, they both took in the exterior of the house, curiously scanning it over and taking in its detail.

Like Miss Cheerilee had said, it was indeed blue in colour, sky blue, to be exact. Its outer walls definitely had seen better days, having clear signs of wear and tear as a result of having a long, abusive life against certain weather conditions and lack of maintenance. The paint covering the usually-white dry walls were covered in the blue paint, but the ageing and fading through ultra violet rays had paled them, transforming it into a sickly, pale grey in colour, making the home look ill and diseased.

This home had the same appearance as a pony with a terminal illness on their death bed in the hospital days before they croaked. As horrible as it might be to think about, it was fitting, given that the house was meant to accommodate a loving, healthy family, but it instead housed nopony and likely nothing to evidence a happy existence on the inside, a broken, shattered home overflowing with a bitter, sad, depressing river of misery.

The windows were all dirty and had the properties of frosted glass from the build up of grime, dust and dirt through the time the home had been abandoned for. The shutters around some of the windows were battered and the wood was chipped and splintered, likely from a powerful wind storm or a downpour, eaten by the elements. The front porch, after a pair of small steps that lead to the front door, had a little sitting area, a two-pony hammock supported by a wooden frame gently swaying in the afternoon wind, the red-coloured cushion tied down to it filthy and torn in places, a consequence of dampness and improper care.

When Rainbow Dash and Twilight saw the house, they felt an air of sadness surround them, as if it opened up a vortex into a world of bleak despair and hardship, like the area was tainted with the events that happened here leading up to Scootaloo’s parents abandoning her. It was as if Mother Nature had witnessed and preserved the emotional torment, storing it forever in its memory bank.

Of course, there had to be a reason for her parents leaving her, seeing as it was uncanny how any parent would leave their child without reason behind it, but, at this point, no matter how important it might be, Rainbow Dash wished that it wasn’t something criminal, or worse. If that was the case, and they did anything, anything to their little girl, Dash was going to throttle them and beat the living Tartarus out of them. She was going to make them sorry they were ever born.

The pair shared a look, and Twilight didn’t say anything, but she read Rainbow’s thoughts behind her eyes. She knew she was uneasy about being here, feeling more like a trespasser than a friend and worried sister. What was she hoping for once she steps through that door and finds Scootaloo, anyway? Forgiveness? That she’d come running into her betraying, deceiving hooves like nothing had happened? No, that little filly had every right to be angry at her, and Dash had no right to ask her to come back.

Be that as it may, Rainbow still had the right to care about her, and she didn’t see it only as her responsibility to look out for the young girl, but rather as her duty. After all, she did make an oath to watch over her and take her under her wing that night when they went camping and she saved her from drowning in the rapids.

If there was any reason to be here, whether or not she reserved the right, it was to remain true to her oath, and she had no intentions of stepping down. That girl needed her, but Rainbow Dash needed her more.

Approaching the front door of the house, Rainbow came to a stop in front of the front door. It, like the rest of the house, was weathered and beaten, the paint chipped and flaking away, peeling off in patches. Rainbow’s magenta eyes took notice of a door mat in front of her hooves. Welcome!, it read.

I hope that still applies to me, Rainbow Dash thought inwardly, feeling uncomfortable.

Raising one of her hooves to try the door handle, which had rusted over, Twilight’s hoof quickly reach up to stop her. Confused, Dash tilted her head and saw that Twilight was giving her a hard expression.

‘’Dash, wait!’’ She began. ‘’Before we go in, I need you to promise me something.’’

‘’Can’t it wait?’’ Rainbow said impatiently with a roll of her eyes before motioning to the door with a nod of her head. ‘’The longer we leave her, the more she’ll be alone!’’

‘’I know, but hear me out. Please?’’ Twilight asked pleadingly, and Dash gave a sigh.

‘’Ugh, fiiiiiine.’’

‘’Good. Look, I know that you want to patch things up with Scootaloo, but, if she’s in there, do you promise not to try and force her to come back with us? She’s shaken enough already,’’ The lavender unicorn spoke delicately, not wanting to ruffle her friend’s feathers further, but the cyan mare in front of her scoffed, offended.

‘’What are you talking about? Force her?! What in the hay’s wrong with you, Twilight?’’ Dash said, pushing the other mare’s hoof down with a light shove.

‘’All I’m saying is that you have a tendency to be bull-headed and careless at times when it’s not necessary,’’ Twilight said truthfully, knowing the rainbow mare well enough by this point in time to understand her line of reasoning.

‘’You sound exactly like Applejack, you know that?’’ Rainbow scoffed, annoyed and insulted.

‘’Look, just don’t do anything to drive her away any further, otherwise, you might never get another chance to make things right. Do you promise you’ll keep a level head?’’

‘’Oh, for…fine. I promise, Twilight,’’ Dash agreed reluctantly.

‘’Good. You know that I’m always going to be here to back help you if you need me, so don’t do anything you’ll regret later,’’ She used her magic to push down the door handle, and, to her surprise, it was unlocked. On any other day, that would be a bad sign, but, in this instance, it was a good sign, meaning that somepony had entered here recently.

Rainbow Dash followed suit behind Twilight and shut the door behind them, entering what was the main hall to the home. There was a short corridor in front of them, a set of stairs at the end, leading to the second floor of the building. A pair of open archways lead into the other sections of the house, the left one into the living room and the right one into the lounge. As far as Twilight was able to tell, it looped around, presumably, through the kitchen, which was at the back, and through to the lounge.

The first thing that both of the mares noticed was that there was no electricity. It was expected, considering that nopony has set hoof in the home for a little over two years. Dust particles drifted around in the air, musty and tickling the inside of the mare’s muzzles. The entire house reeked of it, and there was another scent that was masked slightly by it, but it was still detectable, like a dampness or wood rot.

Twilight and Rainbow Dash glanced around their surroundings, trying to find anything of significance, anything to tell them that they weren’t alone in here, holding hope that there was a trail leading to Scootaloo’s whereabouts.

‘’We should split up,’’ Rainbow Dash said. ‘’One of us should take the downstairs while the other takes the upstairs,’’ She suggested, thinking strategically. Every second counts, and getting things moved along quicker and more efficiently was paramount.

‘’Alright,’’ Twilight said, for once seeming to like Dash’s way of thinking. ‘’And remember what I said earlier,’’ She said, her tone warning, but Dash waved a dismissive hoof at her and blew a silent raspberry.
‘’Yeah, yeah, I heard you the first time; no getting ahead of myself and forcing Scootaloo to come back with us, yada-yada…’’ She said, and she slowly made for the stairs.

Rainbow Dash, before heading up the stairs, stopped briefly to glance back at her wings. As before, under her ‘doctor’s orders’ from Fluttershy, she was told not to use her wings until they could have the chance to regenerate fully.

Zecora’s medicinal healing cream had accelerated the healing process at a tremendous rate, and, although her wings were back to their former glory, she was still advised to wait a little longer. But, naturally, forced to remain hooves-on-ground was driving the mare crazy. After all, it wasn’t like her wings were hurting anymore, was it?

Rainbow Dash unfurled her wings slowly and carefully, giving them a few test flaps and flexes, making sure that everything was up to par with her usual standards. She felt no twinge of pain or a pull along her muscles, meaning that the swelling had vanished entirely, but she had not yet tested their power to make sure they were capable of supporting her weight.

Alright, wings, don’t fail me now! No matter what Shyster says, I’ve got to fly!

And that’s what she did; as always, Dash lightly flapped her wings and effortlessly managed to hover off of the ground, her years of experience and constant workout regime making it an effortless feat. She thankfully still didn’t feel or notice any pulls, swelling, sore sensations or sprains in her wings, and she smiled to herself.

Ha, Fluttershy, you beautiful mare, I’m back in the game thanks to you! I swear, when I see her again, I might just grab her by her adorable, cute cheeks and give her a smooch! Oh…d-did I just think that? Rainbow Dash blushed, but quickly shook her head and focused back on the task at hand. Hey, that’s twice you’ve let your mind slip! Oh, this line of thought’s driving me crazy…

Quickly vanquishing her thoughts from taking over once more, Rainbow Dash hovered her way gingerly up the stairs. Her wings were a little stiff and out of commission for not being used as often as normal, but she made it up with ease, coming to a landing that opened into another corridor.

This corridor was long and dark, the walls decorated with colourful wallpaper, depicting of clouds and sunshine against a blue sky. It was the type of decor expected of those native to Cloudsdale, and, despite actually living high up in a city made entirely of clouds, Pegasi typically decided to deck out their homes with sky-themed decorations, furniture and culture. As some natives put it, ‘’Sky life is the best life’’.

There were three doors in this corridor - two on the left and right sides, presumed to be bedrooms, and one at the very end, likely to be a bathroom. One of said rooms had to be Scootaloo’s room, and she had to be there.

Surprisingly, pictures, as were expected in any other household, were not framed and hung against the walls. Rainbow Dash wasn’t sure what to expect, but she at least thought that there would be at least one framed family photo, but she was sadly mistaken. In some sense, it bit into her heart so bitterly and harshly that it made her feel winded. Winded and angry.

Rainbow Dash walked slowly and nimbly through the corridor, doing her best to ignore the musty scent wafting up her nose with little persistence. It was surprising how strong and thick it seemed, almost as thick to make her think that a pony was ghosting her and swatting it directly into her face. And, oh, Celestia, did it stink! Rainbow wasn’t sure how to place the smell or how to describe it, but she’d have to go with damp decay. The smell associated with rot and grime.

Rainbow frowned when she glanced around at all of the doors, pondering to herself which one to try first. All she wanted to do was waste as little time as possible and find her little sister before nightfall, because, this time around, she knew that Scootaloo wouldn’t be seeking refuge inside of the clubhouse. If she’s not here or in the town, then it’s a dead end street with no alternative route.

Man, which one of these is Scoots’ room? Better yet, which one is her parent’s room? If I don’t find Scootaloo, then I might be able to find something about her parents while I’m here…
Rainbow Dash turned towards the door on the left and placed her hoof to the handle, mentally preparing herself and drawing in a heavy, long breath before exhaling through her nostrils. Door Number One, she was going to reveal the prize on the other side.

After pushing the handle and opening it, Rainbow Dash peeked her head in and tried to scout out the contents of Door Number One. There was a small window that allowed warm, gold-coloured afternoon light spill into the room to illuminate it, but Rainbow Dash frowned upon realising that all Door Number One opened up to was a small bathroom.

Dang it! Maybe the other door will turn up something good?

Turning to face the door on the right, Dash opened it and peered inside, sticking her head in. This room was large in size and it was fully illuminated by the sun breaking in through a pair of large windows at the back of the room.

There was a large double bed pressed up against the wall to the right, the bedsheets un-made and messy, like the ponies sleeping in it hadn’t bothered to take care of it. It quickly became apparent from the presence of the double bed that this room belonged to Scootaloo’s parents.

The bed wasn’t the only thing that was unkempt, the entire room was filthy! Both old and new bedsheets rested on the floor to the left by a dresser, tossed carelessly into a pile, and the dresser they were next to had its drawers yanked out forcefully, all of them left hanging on their sliders with their cavities empty. There was also a glimmer on the carpet, something shiny and large, reflected by the sun’s bright rays.

When Dash fully entered the room, she soon came to understand that it was shards of glass producing the glare from the sun. When she looked up above the dresser, there was an oval mirror, large in scale and hung against the beige wall, and it appeared to be shattered. Roughly half of the entire mirror had been hit hard by something solid with brute force, and, when Rainbow Dash looked at the mirror’s remnants littered all over the wooden floor, another item caught her eye.

Curious, Rainbow Dash squinted her eyes and kneeled down to pick it up and inspect it, finding it to be a piece of paper that had previously been pinned up against the mirror before it was broken. When her eyes adjusted to witness what it was, she felt her heart sink, her innards deflating. It was a photograph. Specifically, a photograph of Scootaloo’s parents.

At first glance, her parents appeared to be regular, friendly and loving ponies. The resemblance was crystal clear between the both of them and their offspring, Scootaloo’s father’s coat being a sunset orange colour, his mane and tale being a scruffy, purple colour while his eyes were a vibrant blue. The mother was no different, sharing the exact same facial structure as her daughter, so smoothly curved and prompt. Her coat was a dark royal purple in colour while her mane and tail were ice white with two-tone purple and pink highlights, and her eyes were a frosty blue in colour.

They both appeared to be an ordinary, simple and family-oriented couple, presumably a husband and wife, but there were no further pictures to confirm their marital status. Rainbow Dash expected to see Scootaloo in the picture, but she wasn’t present. What kind of parents don’t even have a single picture of their only daughter?

So, these are the two sorry, heartless excuses of parents that abandoned my little sister, huh? Well, somepony better have some answers, and they better be good answers, too! I’d love to hear what these two worthless daughter-abandoning losers have to say for themselves when I get my hooves on them! They won’t be so cruel when I’ve got my hooves wrapped around their throats!

Taking the photo, Rainbow Dash folded it up and she proceeded to tuck it underneath her wing, as she did with the diary, and she continued looking around for answers. All the while, Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but allow her thoughts to drift off, wondering what in the name of Celestia happened here.

The mirror’s been broken by something or someone AND the entire bedroom looks like it’s been ransacked, OR somepony was in a hurry to get out. Nothing makes any sense here, and all I have is a photo of Scootaloo’s mum and dad, but there’s nothing here to tell me where they went or why they left in the first place. Maybe Twilight will—

‘’Rainbow!’’

‘’GAH!’’ Rainbow Dash gave a girly squeak of surprise, her heart nearly leaping out of her chest as she practically threw herself around on the spot to face Twilight. In the middle of her panic attack, Rainbow’s ribs were aching from how harshly her heart was pumping and thumping away behind it, and she glared at Twilight angrily. ‘’Celestia’s sake, Twi, you nearly gave me a flippin’ heart attack!’’

‘’Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you, Dashie,’’ She said apologetically, albeit, with a hint of amusement in her voice. ‘’Oh, my, what happened here?’’ Twilight asked, suddenly taking in the sight of the defiled, ransacked bedroom. ‘’It looks like a stampede ran through here!’’

‘’I’m not sure, but something tells me that somepony left in a hurry,’’ Rainbow surmised. ‘’Any luck finding Scoots downstairs?’’ She asked hopefully, but Twilight shook her head regretfully.

‘’No, nothing. The entire house appears to be empty, actually. I think that her parents must have taken most everything with them when they left, like they moved towns,’’ Twilight said, trying to think logically.

‘’Well, we can investigate further after we find Scootaloo, Twilight. Right now, she needs to be our top priority!’’ Rainbow Dash said, exiting the room with the purple unicorn in tow. ‘’There’s one last room to try out before we call it quits. Come on!’’ She said, heading forward towards the door, knowing that, if Scootaloo was in this house, this is where she’d be. This had to be her bedroom, and if she turned out to be absent, then it was almost certainly game over.

Before Rainbow Dash was able to bring herself to push down on the handle to open the door, she stopped for a moment as her ear twitched, picking up on something on the other side. She paused briefly, tuning her hearing into it to pick up on it again, to make sure that she did hear the noise, and, when she remained silent, she heard it again.

Somepony was on the other side of this door. And they were crying.

Rainbow Dash recognised the sound as sniffling, and it sounded like it was coming from a young foal. It was then that she picked up on it as being Scootaloo! She would recognise that filly’s crying anywhere!

‘’Y-Yo-You’re such a d-dodo,’’ Scootaloo sniffled between words, as if she had been crying heavily for the worse part of an hour, her voice haggard and sore-sounding. ‘’R-Rainbow Dash doesn’t l-love me any-anymore! It’s y-your own fa-fault for being s-so stupid!’’

Rainbow Dash’s heart throbbed at her words, and it made her eyes water. Never in her life has she ever heard such words of sorrow and heartache come out of such a young filly’s mouth. She especially never expected to hear them straight from young Scootaloo’s own breath.

‘’Y-You’re all a-alone again. F-First Mum and Dad l-left and now D-Dash has left. You’re a-all alone ag-again,’’ Scootaloo gave a heavy, racked sob and Rainbow heard her shuffle around on the other side of the door. ‘’Both Rainbow and Fluttershy lied to me! T-They lied to me! Itr-trusted them, and t-they’ve be-been lying to me this whole time!’’ Scootaloo bawled, her words stained with hurt and pain. Betrayal dripped from her words so coldly that it hurt Rainbow’s heart.

From beside her, Twilight touched a hoof against Rainbow Dash’s shoulder in a supportive gesture. A single tear began to roll down Dash’s face, hanging on for a moment on her cheek before dripping down onto the floor. Twilight gave her a sympathetic frown, her own heart going out to the little filly.

‘’Oh, Rainbow Dash…’’ She cooed gently, noticing how heavily Scootaloo’s words were pummelling her left and right.

‘’S-She hates me,’’ Rainbow breathed in a hollow voice. ‘’She hates me, Twi!’’ She repeated, swallowing hard and hanging her head, at a loss for words or ideas. ‘’Wh-What do I say to her? What do I do?’’

‘’I can’t help you there, Rainbow Dash. But I’d start by gently letting her know that you’re sorry. I know it seems like she hates you, but I know how much she means to you and how much you mean to her, so I’m positive that she’ll listen to you,’’ Twilight said as reassuringly as she could, hoping that it’d settle Rainbow’s pesky nerves.

‘’But what if she doesn’t? What am I supposed to do then?’’ Rainbow persisted, becoming anxious.

‘’Rainbow,’’ Twilight was firm. ‘’Tell her that you’re sorry. Just go in there and tell her that you’re sorry for what you did and she’ll forgive you. I promise that you’ll see that I’m right.’’

‘’And if you’re not?’’ Rainbow said briskly, not believing the unicorn.

‘’Don’t worry, I won’t be,’’ Twilight continued to say confidently, and it irked Rainbow Dash to the core. She didn’t like being poked and prodded by Twilight’s big words and her almost criminally accurate hunches and statistics. Regardless, Rainbow Dash bit her lower lip and she caved in begrudgingly, sighing and reaching up a hoof to the door’s handle.

‘’By the way,’’ Dash said, momentarily turning back to face Twilight with stoney eyes. ‘’If you’re wrong, you’re going to be picking up the pieces later.’’ With that, Rainbow slowly and quietly opened the door to the bedroom and entered.

Scootaloo’s bedroom wasn’t big or small, but of a medium size, big enough for about two small ponies, and the first thing that Dash noticed was that she was curled up on a small bed, facing away from her. She hadn’t heard her enter.

The room, needless to say, was barren. There were hardly any decorations present, not even any personal artefacts. All that she had was a rickety, old wooden desk to study at that was pushed up to the wall at the far left of the room, a single Wonderbolts poster pinned to the wall in front of the doorway and an open closet that was spilling out with scooter parts and tools to tinker with. She literally had nothing else, not even any games or books to keep her entertained.

Jeez, has her room always been this bare? Rainbow thought to herself, appalled. Her parents didn’t even give her any luxuries or any form of entertainment whatsoever? What kind of ponies are they?!

Scootaloo still hadn’t heard her enter. She was facing the wall on top of her old, musty bedsheets in the fetal position, curled into an orange-coloured ball with messy, unkempt hair, her small purple tail wrapped around her flanks. Even from where Rainbow was standing, watching her sympathetically, wanting nothing more than to console her, she could feel the coldness radiating off of her small body.
Rainbow Dash felt useless and saddened by seeing the girl like this. She couldn’t take it anymore, so she very slowly and quietly stepped lightly towards the old oak-framed bed on which Scootaloo was curled up on. The floorboards of the room creaked and groaned, but the girl’s sniffling and crying drowned out the noise.

Reaching the end of the bed, Rainbow Dash did like she had done so many times whenever Scootaloo was experiencing night terrors, horrific flashbacks of her home life, reliving the abuse she had been forced to endure for years, and she climbed next to her. She knew that she was more than likely caught in the act with her added weight on the mattress, but Scootaloo didn’t budge.

Scootaloo wasn’t crying so harshly anymore, her tears reduced to dribbles and small bell-bottomed remnants that were slowing down to a crawling halt. She sensed the presence of another pony, and she tensed up, flinching noticeably, as Rainbow Dash gently touched a hoof against her back from where she was sitting on the edge of the bed.

She began to lightly stroke the filly, trying to let her know that she was here for her, that she wasn’t going to leave. Rather than acting like a supportive sister, Rainbow Dash had to act in the way a mother might, which was a tad difficult for her as a pony, seeing as that was Fluttershy’s expertise, but that was what Scootaloo needed now. Dash may not be a parent, but, if she wanted to do this right, then she was going to have to try and be responsible and, as Twilight put it, ‘not bull-headed’.

‘’W-What do you want?’’ Scootaloo asked numbly, clearly not wanting for Rainbow Dash to be here. Her voice was dry and cracked from her constant sobbing.

‘’I…we were worried about you,’’ Rainbow Dash said as she continued to lightly comfort the filly by massaging her back and shoulder. Scootaloo sniffled once more and she half-turned herself over so that she could face Rainbow directly, and Dash noticed how red, puffy and bloodshot her eyes were.

‘’How did you know I was here?’’ She wiped her eyes.

‘’Miss Cheerilee said that your parents lived here. Everypony else went out looking around town for you, too, squirt. You really scared us, but…listen, I wanted to tell you that I’m sorry, Scoots. I never meant for this to happen. Can…Can you forgive me?’’ Dash asked hopefully, doing her best to remain composed, but, deep down, she really wanted to do nothing else but snatch up the little filly in her hooves and hold her tight.

Scootaloo didn’t breathe a word. She turned herself fully around atop her sheets, lazily facing the rainbow-maned mare in front of her and she pulled up her legs from under her as she allowed herself to plop onto her haunches. Her face was written with hurt and pain, sadness and distrust, and it glowed clearly behind her amethyst eyes that she was having a hard time accepting the apology.

‘’N-No,’’ Scootaloo said slowly, wiping the side of her nose, which had become runny. Her eyes narrowed slightly at Dash, annoyed that she could still possess the audacity to ask for forgiveness after what she did. ‘’No, I can’t!’’ She repeated, anger once again arising on her face. ‘’Not after what you did!’’

Alright, Rainbow Dash, keep it cool, keep. It. Cool. Remember what Twilight said…

‘’Scootaloo, please…’’ Dash began, only to be cut off by Scootaloo slapping her hoof away. Dash was surprised by how forceful the strike was, and it actually hurt. She retracting her hoof, snapping it back to her body and rubbing it, taken aback.

‘’For all these years, I’ve done nothing but look up to you, Rainbow Dash! I looked up to you because I wanted to be exactly like you one day. I wanted to be you because you aren’t afraid of anything and you don’t give up, and all I ever wanted was to be accepted by you, but…but then I realised that I couldn’t trust you,’’ Scootaloo said that last part in a deflated tone, her ears drooping. ‘’Out of all of the ponies I’ve met, you, the cool, daring and loyal Rainbow Dash, failed me!’’ Rainbow Dash flinched at that. ‘’You turned your back on me like my mum and dad did! You stopped being loyal to me, and you betrayed me!’’

Scootaloo’s small hooves pushed hard into Dash’s stomach as she said those last three words, shoving her her away from her, tears once more breaking free from her eyes. She was angry, peeved, even. She was an orange-coloured ball of pure fury, and Rainbow Dash couldn’t expect no less from her, mainly because she knew that she had every right to be furious. She held the orange filly’s hooves and gently held them, trying to defuse her and cool her down.

‘’I know, Scoots, I know, and I’m so sorry about what I did. You have every right to hate me,’’ Rainbow Dash said guiltily. ‘’And I don’t expect you to forgive me. But you still deserve to know that I’m sorry, and I’ll always love you, Scootaloo,’’ Rainbow Dash’s guard was let down as she spoke those last words, and she never expected herself to cry, but she did.

Scootaloo, of course, was caught off guard by seeing this. She had never once witnessed Rainbow Dash cry, and, oddly enough, she found herself feeling sorry for the mare. Sure, her anger was still soaring sky high, but her head was cooled slightly once she saw how truly sorry her idol and mentor was for her actions.

Jeez, I made Rainbow Dash cry, Scootaloo thought to herself. I can’t believe that I actually made her, the tough and confident Rainbow Dash, cry! And it feels…strangely good. But…after all she’s done for me, all I want is for her to stop crying. If it weren’t for her and Fluttershy, I wouldn’t have a home to go back to, and Rainbow Dash did apologise, so maybe she truly is sorry that she stole my diary.

Scootaloo pouted as she watched the mare’s face become awash with tears, her eyes now flowing, much like hers had done earlier. She still hated her guts for invading her privacy, but this was still the same mare that very honestly saved her life and took her in, made her feel wanted and loved. She wanted her to sorry and be sincerely apologetic, but she never wanted her to cry like this!

Oh, Rainbow Dash, please stop! Stop crying, please! I never wanted to hurt you this badly! Please, I’m sorry! Scootaloo pleaded in the back of her mind. Please, big sister, I’m sorry!

‘’Rain-Rainbow Dash! Please, stop!’’ Scootaloo begged, reaching out her hooves and wrapping them around Dash’s barrel, pulling herself against her body in a hug. ‘’Stop crying, Rainbow Dash! Please, I forgive you!’’

But Rainbow Dash didn’t stop. She kept going and going, her heart aching fiercely and weighing heavily inside of her chest, an anchor full of pent-up stress and strain, yearning for release. Shortly after Fluttershy had given her that massage, her reset button had been pressed, but, shortly after, with her ongoing discoveries of Scootaloo’s parents, the released tension had built up yet again. It was starting to push through Dash’s tough exterior more often, and Scootaloo could see it for all it was: agony.

‘’Rainbow Dash…’’ Scootaloo cooed softly, hugging the mare’s chest closely, snuggling her cheek into her breast. ‘’I’m sorry,’’ She said, starting to feel herself cry again.

‘’N-No, you’re r-right, Scoots, I did fail you,’’ Rainbow Dash said, feeling herself calm down enough to speak. She held her hooves against the filly’s shoulders and she pushed her away from her chest so that she could directly look her in the eye. ‘’I shouldn’t have taken your diary, but I only did it to find out what was going on with your parents. You know I’d never go behind your back like that to hurt you, right?’’

‘’Y-Yeah, I know,’’ Scootaloo said. She even smiled faintly.

‘’And don’t be mad at Fluttershy, either, kid. She never read anything, so it’s not her fault. I only let her in on it to see if she could help you, and I promise that I’ll give you back your diary as soon as we get back to Fluttershy’s cottage,’’ Rainbow Dash said, ruffling Scootaloo’s mane, prompting her to giggle. ‘’And besides, we never did finish rapping up your surprise party, did we? And there’s still a little something that me and Fluttershy threw together to give you, too,’’ Dash said, playfully smirking at the filly, seeing her eyes light up.

‘’Wait, really?!’’ She asked, genuinely surprised by this news.

‘’You betcha,’’ Rainbow Dash chortled. ‘’We were going to give it to you after the party ended, but…’’ She rolled a hoof in the air, indicating the unfortunate situation.

‘’Hey, Dash? Listen, I’m sorry I yelled at you and Fluttershy earlier. I just…lose control of myself when I get angry sometimes,’’ Scootaloo said with a blush of embarrassment.

Heh, like somepony else I know.

‘’Aw, come here, squirt,’’ Rainbow Dash scooped up the filly and gave her a tight, comforting embrace. She held her close and snuggled her cheek into hers, wrapping her wings around her and massaging her back gently. She had wanted to hold her like this since the moment she walked in and witnessed her curled up in a crying, sobbing mess on her bed, and now she was finally able to do it.

It was an odd sensation to Dash, but there was a feeling brewing up deep inside of her chest that felt warm and cheerful, something that she’d never experienced before. It was connected to the little orange-furred filly currently being held in her own hooves, the joy it brought her to embrace her. She never considered herself to be anything more than a sister to the filly, but a sister wasn’t exactly what she required in this period of her life. What Scootaloo so desperately need in her life was a loving mummy and daddy, two ponies to be there for her and to help her when she grows up and discovers new things both about the world and about herself.

Rainbow Dash felt embarrassed about it, but she couldn’t deny that she’d love for Scootaloo to be her daughter. Although they may not share the same blood, they were both undeniably alike in many aspects, and that was one of the routes in their solid connection. It was similar to Twilight’s relationship to Spike, a somewhat motherly bond, seeing as she was the one that raised him as her own and encouraged him to learn and experience new things.

This is actually kinda nice, to be honest, Dash though. I know that I might have upset her more than I intended, but I can’t help but feel lucky to have such a sweet girl in my life. I’m no mother, but I can at least try to be one for her, right? It’s not like her no-good parents are around to object, is it? Even if they were, what would they care? They didn’t care enough to stay, so what does it matter, anyway?

Rainbow Dash’s brain seized.

Oh, Celestia! That’s it! I’ve got an idea! But who do I tell about it? Fluttershy? Maybe. What about Twilight? Hmm, no, actually, I think Twilight will likely pull another one of her ‘grand lectures’ and bore me half to death with her plans and big words and yada-yada…

Speaking of Twilight, Rainbow Dash glanced towards the door that she had entered through, seeing that it was open slightly ajar. Twilight’s dark purple eye was poking through, only just visible enough to view the two ponies hugging on the bed. She had a sweet, proud smile on her face, and, if Dash wasn’t hallucinating, she could have sworn that she saw Twilight’s eyes shimmering with tears. She had witnessed the entire scene play out and was moved by it, but, rather than be embarrassed by allowing the unicorn see her soft side, Rainbow Dash simply smiled back and mouthed, ‘’Thank you.’’.

Twilight Sparkle gave the cyan mare a nod and her horn began to light up, and, like that, she disappeared in a burst of purple-coloured magic light, presumably teleporting back to the farms to tell everypony that they’ve found Scootaloo. If anything, Rainbow Dash was glad that it was her that had found her first.

The others are probably waiting for us, but they can wait. I think I’ll just stay here with Scootaloo for a little bit longer. We can always catch up on what we missed, anyway. What’s another five minutes gonna do? Rainbow Dash glanced down to the smiling filly in her hooves and cocooned by her large wings. I wonder if Fluttershy will agree with my idea. Knowing her, she’ll worry and try to talk me out of it, but I have to try, don’t I? I’m sure she’ll understand, but I can’t do this alone if she’s not in. I hope she feels the same way about this.

*** *** ***

Back at Fluttershy’s cottage, the second that Rainbow Dash headed through the front door with Scootaloo, Fluttershy was already rushing up to them, her eyes full of concern and worry.

‘’Oh, thank goodness, you’re back!’’ She said, hugging Rainbow Dash firmly around the neck. ‘’I was so worried!’’

‘’Hey, hey, shh,’’ Rainbow Dash quickly hushed her, motioning to the little filly sleeping on her back, her little forehooves dangling down the sides as she was laid snoozing between Rainbow’s wings. ‘’Come on, let’s go upstairs, we’ll talk about what happened,’’ Dash said, and Fluttershy gently took ahold of the sleeping filly from Dash’s back and held her in her hooves, hovering off of the ground.

The two mares headed up the stairs and into the spare bedroom which had become Scootaloo’s room, and they had tucked the little filly underneath the covers. When Rainbow Dash watched Fluttershy put the filly to bed, she was standing in the doorway, noticing a warmth arise in her chest again. Fluttershy was so motherly and tender when it came to her animals and her day job, and she was no different with children.

Besides, it wasn’t only watching her put Scootaloo to bed that brought a warmth to her chest. Rainbow Dash’s cheeks burned brightly as her eyes caught Fluttershy’s posterior while she was leaning down to kiss Scootaloo’s forehead to say goodnight. Rainbow admired her sleek curves and her trim figure, and she couldn’t help herself!

No, stop it, you naughty mare! Rainbow chastised herself. Stop looking! We’ve talked about this! Yes, Fluttershy is a very pretty mare, we know! Quit staring before you get caught, stupid!

Rainbow Dash shook her head and quickly looked away, shooing her blush from her cheeks. It was all in good time, too, for Fluttershy was about to turn around to face her, and she didn’t have an excuse ready on deck to use, so she considered herself lucky. Fluttershy, however, did notice that something was off by the sheepish expression on the other mare’s face.

‘’Dashie? Is something wrong?’’ She asked, raising a brow, and Dash knew how awkward she must have looked. Her lips were caught somewhere between an awkward, crooked smile and a grin, and she assumed she appeared indecisive on whether or not to smile or laugh.

‘’N-Nothin’,’’ She eventually said, quickly recomposing herself. ‘’So, um, anyway, where was I? Oh, yeah! I…I wanted to ask you something! That’s it!’’ Rainbow said, feeling sweat begin to form on her forehead.

‘’Oh?’’ Fluttershy said, and it was unclear if she had caught on or if she was pretending to not notice. ‘’What’s on your mind?’’

‘’Um, actually, can we go inside your room? I don’t want to wake the kid up,’’ She said, pointing her hoof in the air to motion towards Scootaloo’s form beneath the covers.

‘’Of course, Dashie,’’ Fluttershy said, heading out of the room and into her own bedroom. Before Rainbow Dash left Scootaloo’s room, she went towards her bedside and she lightly caressed her mane before she leaned down and kissed her on the forehead.

‘’Sleep tight, kid,’’ She whispered into her ear. The little filly’s lips curled into a relaxed, happy smile at her words. On her way out of the bedroom, Rainbow Dash turned off the light and gently shut the door behind her. That kid deserves a rest for once.

In Fluttershy’s bedroom, Rainbow Dash entered to find her sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting patiently for her to join her. Rainbow’s pesky brain once again triggered a secondary line of thought and provoked her by thinking how adorable Fluttershy looked, her long, brilliantly silky pink mane draped down the sides of her cute, beautiful cheeks and muzzle.

Thankfully, Fluttershy didn’t take notice of the glimmer of desire behind Rainbow’s eyes, and Dash found herself biting the inside of her cheek as she once again scolded herself for letting her improper thoughts take over. Before they had the chance to invade her brain once again, she took a seat beside Fluttershy and gave her a curious but cautious look.

‘’You…you’re making that face again, Rainbow…’’ Fluttershy pointed out, and the other mare frowned.

‘’Huh? Oh!’’ She straightened herself out, feverishly rubbing her hooves over her face and ruffling up her mane and fur on her face. No matter how hard she might have scrubbed at her face, the awkwardness would never be scraped away. ‘’Nevermind that! I have something else to talk about!’’ She said, and she unfurled one of her wings and plucked out the photograph she had found earlier.

‘’What’s this?’’
‘’That’s Scootaloo’s parents,’’ Dash explained. ‘’I found it on their bedroom floor, and it looks like they left in a hurry, too! That house was a complete and total mess!’’

‘’Oh, dear, that sounds terrible!’’ Fluttershy said with a frown. ‘’So, what happened?’’

‘’I’ll tell you later, Shyster. Right now, I have something really important that I need to ask you. About Scootaloo.’’

‘’I’m listening,’’ Fluttershy said patiently. Rainbow Dash leaned over and she held her hooves, preparing herself for what she was about to propose. The butter mare in front of her gave her a curious, attentive expression, her beautiful, warm turquoise pools eagerly waiting to hear what she had to say.

Man, I love her eyes. It’s hard to not get yourself lost in them sometimes. No wonder she became a model and Rarity didn’t. The girl’s got the goods, for sure!

‘’Fluttershy, I know this is going to be a long shot, but here’s what I was thinking…’’

Author's Note

Was it what you were expecting?

Rainbow Dash's Proposal

‘’You…you’re serious?’’ Fluttershy asked, astonished by what she had been told. Not in a million years would she ever think that Rainbow Dash would suggest such a thing.

‘’Yes! It makes perfect sense!’’ Rainbow said, lightly gripping the timid mare’s shoulders. ‘’We’d both be perfect for it!’’

‘’Oh, I…I don’t know, Dashie. It’s a big responsibility!’’ Fluttershy said, tentative about the entire proposal and all of the hardships that it was sure to endure. It wasn’t something that any regular pony would be able to accept overnight.

‘’I know, but we’re both responsible ponies, aren’t we? I know we can both pull it off if we try! Will you at least consider it? We’re all she’s got, you know!’’ Rainbow Dash reasoned, pushing the conversation further. Fluttershy sighed at knowing that she wasn’t going to be getting out of this one without a fight.

‘’Foals are not as easy to care for as animals, Dashie. Yes, they may both require care, food and water expenses, but it’s nothing as easy as taking care of a baby bird or a little woodland critter. There’s insurance, doctor’s bills and immunisation shots, school plans…’’

‘’Pfft! Details!’’ Rainbow blew a raspberry. ‘’Besides, if we do adopt her, money won’t be an issue for us, Fluttershy! I mean, you do realise that I live inside of a cloud palace, right? I make more than enough for all three of us, so don’t worry too much about it!’’

‘’I still don’t know, Rainbow Dash. I couldn’t ask you to spend your own money for us both, it wouldn’t be right,’’ Fluttershy said, although, she was touched by her friend’s offer. ‘’And, aside from everything else, adoption takes months, sometimes years, to get all of the paperwork finalised! It wouldn’t happen overnight, Rainbow!’’

‘’I know that, Shyster! Please, help me help her! Fluttershy, you’re my best friend, and I know that you’ve got a way with any creature, including ponies! Scootaloo adores you as much as me. Well, maybe not as much as me, but you get the point,’’ Dash said, and she held Fluttershy hooves tenderly, giving them a light squeeze. ‘’Fluttershy, you’re the sweetest, most caring pony that I’ve ever met, and you’re so motherly when it comes to your animal friends that it never ceases to amaze me. Trust me, there’s nopony more perfect or suited for this job than you. I wouldn’t ask you if I didn’t think you had it in you, and you know it.’’

Fluttershy didn’t speak, move or breathe. Her cheeks flushed, tinged with pink, flattered at her words. Nopony had ever told her that she was sweet and motherly before, and it was the last thing that she expected to hear from Rainbow Dash’s mouth! Even still, despite what she might be told, Fluttershy wasn’t sure if this was going to be a good idea.

In the past, Fluttershy had once thought about what it would be like to have foals of her own with a stallion, curious to experience motherhood at a front row seat. She loved any and all creatures, but she knew that children were not like the woodland creatures and other critters that she was used to caring for on a daily basis. After her experience of having The Cutie Mark Crusaders for a sleepover that one time, she knew how much of a handful they could all be, but all Rainbow Dash was proposing was to adopt only one of those three.

One child was still a massive responsibility and a burden to bear, especially given that she was still a pre-teen. As kids get older, they tend to go through phases and periods of rebellion, disobedience, angst, mood swings, adaptations and growing pains. Scootaloo was still far from scraping near any of those phases, but it was still an event that needed to be prepared for.

‘’Scootaloo has settled in quite well, I suppose,’’ Fluttershy reasoned. ‘’And she does seem to enjoy staying here with us,’’ She then gave a long, drawn sigh and she faced Rainbow Dash worriedly. ‘’But what about her parents? What happens if they come back into town looking for her?’’

‘’Then they’ll have me to deal with! I’m sure that everypony else will back us up if that does happen, but they’ve been out of the picture for so long that I wouldn’t count on it, Fluttershy,’’ Rainbow said confidently. ‘’But if they did, I doubt that they’ll care, but if they decide they want their daughter back, we can easily take the matter into court and get them locked away!’’

‘’Rainbow Dash, that’s a terrible thing to say!’’ Fluttershy said disapprovingly. ‘’Look, no matter where they are or what anypony else says, Scootaloo is still their child and not ours, so we wouldn’t have any chance of gaining custody.’’

Oh, dang, she’s right about that one. We’re only friends of Scootaloo, so it’s true that we wouldn’t have a single chance or a hearing.

‘’Well, maybe, but you didn’t see her house, Fluttershy! When the ponies at the courthouse hear about her living conditions and how they treated her, then I’m sure they’ll all listen to us! Heck, we might even be able to persuade Princess Celestia to side with us! If she’ll listen to Twilight, then she’ll listen to us!’’

Fluttershy blinked. She knew how badly Rainbow Dash wanted this case to pull through in her favour, how much she cared dearly for the little filly who’s life is in shambles. She hasn’t given herself the chance to rest since when she first discovered her all on her own inside of the hospital with a broken leg. It would kill Dash inside if anything should happen to Scootaloo that could bring her harm or misery, and she wasn’t going to stand by and let anything happen to her.

Fluttershy was moved by how much she cared for her, and she herself cared for the little filly, too. She was a sweet, caring, smart young girl with a potentially bright future. She had so much talent and love inside of her, but she never had anypony in her life to encourage her to show it or express it. Perhaps Rainbow Dash was right in trying to file for adoption. If they were her legal guardians, then they would have full custody of her and they would always be able to be there for her if she needed them at any point in her life.

‘’Rainbow Dash,’’ Fluttershy began slowly. ‘’You really love her, don’t you?’’

‘’Of course I do, Fluttershy! I’d do anything for her in a heartbeat, and I’d do the same for you, too!’’ Dash said confidently.

‘’And…I’m still not entirely sure, but, if you’re willing to try and give her a better life, then I’ll be more than happy to stand by you all the way,’’ Fluttershy said, and as soon as the words left her mouth, she found herself locked in a bearhug from Rainbow Dash, tackled onto her back and pinned against the bedsheets.

She squeaked in surprise as Dash buried her face into her cheek, nuzzling her and pushing herself so hard into her body it felt like she was trying to merge their bodies together to become one in the same. She was hugging her so tightly that Fluttershy’s lungs were getting choked and restricted by her friend’s strong hooves.

‘’Oh, Fluttershy, you beautiful mare!’’ Rainbow Dash said, pulling away from Fluttershy for a moment and raising herself so that she was above her, grinning with wide, excited eyes. ‘’You’ll really help? You’re serious?’’ She asked enthusiastically.

‘’Y-Yes, of course I will,’’ Fluttershy replied, still riding out through the surprise tackle. She was even more surprised when Rainbow Dash leaned down and kissed her on the cheek in a grateful gesture before she hugged her yet again, loosely this time.

She didn’t know what to say or what else to think about what Rainbow Dash had proposed. As a matter of fact, the idea to one day be a potential legal guardian or a parent was simultaneously exciting as it was frightening, and Fluttershy didn’t do well with holding it together under scary or nerve-wracking circumstances. Becoming a parent is no joke, and it doesn’t matter if it’s your child or another pony’s, it is equally as challenging.

On the other hand, being able to raise a pony with the help of Rainbow Dash eased her nerves significantly, knowing that it wouldn’t be as much of a challenge if it was only herself doing most of the heavy lifting. Scootaloo was sure to have a bright, happy future home life with them both, and getting to share the same roof along with somepony she idolises such as Rainbow must be an exciting thing to boast about!

‘’So, do you want to…?’’ Dash began, motioning to the bed with her eyes. Fluttershy’s eyes became confused for a moment but then they widened for a split second as she realised what Dash was hinting at.

‘’Oh! Sure, it’s getting a bit late,’’ Fluttershy said, and, as she was lifting the sheets up to gingerly slide herself beneath them, Rainbow Dash grinned mischievously, her tongue lolling outside of her mouth as an idea came to mind.

Out of nowhere, Rainbow wrapped her hooves around Fluttershy’s waist and she practically threw herself under the covers with her, making the butter mare give a big, girly squeal at the sudden contact. Rainbow cackled all the while, giggling and tickling the mare in her hooves as if she were a mere teddy bear.

‘’D-D-Das-Dash! S-Stop! It ti-tickles!’’ Fluttershy pleaded, giggling herself and fighting in vain to fend off Dash’s onslaught of tickles and pokes and prods. She would have stopped, but Rainbow was having too much fun losing herself in Fluttershy’s spout of uncontrollable giggles to hear her.
Man, her giggles are like hearing angels sing! She’s got such a beautiful voice, even when she’s laughing or giggling! It always makes my heart sore to hear her!

Rainbow Dash couldn’t lie to herself - she undeniably and undoubtedly loved Fluttershy’s vocal tone. She was always left swooning for days afterwards after she spends time with her, unable to get it out of her system. Sometimes, Rainbow Dash didn’t only tickle Fluttershy, prank her or tease her for the sake of it, but she rather did it on purpose, just for an excuse to hear her lovely, angelic voice and to see her adorable face.

If she had the chance to live with her under having custody of Scootaloo by order of the court, Rainbow would spend almost every waking minute and hour intentionally teasing and pranking Fluttershy to lose herself in her reactions and voice. She had always been so dreamy and beautiful to her, and she couldn’t hide it.

Eventually, she ceased in her barrage of tickling, her lungs deprived of oxygen and rendering her rasping for breath. Fluttershy’s face was red and frozen in a smile, her cheeks like cherry tomatoes from uncontrollable laughter, her eyes bright and shimmering with tears. Even under the darkness of the sheets, her eyes were still so very radiant and gorgeous, mesmerising, even.

Rainbow Dash was over the top of her, her hooves planted on either side of her head while Fluttershy’s had come to a rest on Dash’s shoulders. They both stared at each other while they panted, occasionally giving a breathy chuckle, getting it out of their system.

Although her cheeks were glowing and red from heat and laughing, Rainbow Dash’s trained, keen eyes detected signs of blushing, and she also noticed that Fluttershy’s eyes had become dreamy and entranced. The tow of them stared at each other, lost in each other’s eyes, completely lost to the world.

Rainbow Dash’s eyes are so beautiful, Fluttershy thought to herself while she was pinned by the rainbow mare. I can’t believe that I’ve never noticed them before. And she’s so close to me, too. She…She’s so warm…

Fluttershy couldn’t help herself become lost in a world of her own. She didn’t have it in herself to deny that she had been somewhat arrogant towards Rainbow Dash’s beauty and sleek bodily curves and angles until sometime in the previous two months. She had been unable to resist her own temptations against checking her out, and it made her feel ashamed on the inside.

I wonder what she’s thinking about, Rainbow Dash though. I wonder if she’s thinking the same about me as I do about her. Oh, man, that’d be so awesome if she was! And she smells really good, too! Is that…cinnamon?

‘’S-So…’’ Rainbow Dash began slowly, not really wanting to move off of her. The bedsheets all around them were ruffled and unkempt from their wrestling, the pillows creased and the mattress cover wrinkled and pulled out from beneath it. But neither of them cared about that. They were too lost in the moment and each other’s eyes, gone.

‘’So?’’ Fluttershy asked back, her breath shaky as her lungs did their best to replenish themselves of fresh oxygen.

‘’So, come here often?’’ Dash used the cheesy pickup line mockingly, causing the mare beneath her to erupt into a fit of raspy giggles. ‘’Need a hoof, missy?’’ Dash brought up one of her hooves as an offer, placing it above Fluttershy’s own.

‘’If you’d be so kind,’’ Fluttershy accepted her hoof and they both rolled onto their sides, facing each other as they laid on the mattress together.

Fluttershy’s long pink mane was so dishevelled and stuck on end that it was cute and alluring, melting Dash’s tender heart. Whenever Dash saw her mane like this, it always sent her innards aflutter. She wanted so badly to caress it and run it through her hooves, to brush it over and around her ear.

I love her mane when it gets ruffled, Fluttershy thought as she took in the state of Rainbow’s own mane. I wonder if she’d mind if I brushed it? Probably. I’ve always loved her mane colour and how it gets when she gets it sweaty and messy during her training exercises.

‘’Hey, um, Rainbow Dash?’’ Fluttershy began delicately, glancing down for a moment to see that her hooves were still intertwined with Dash’s, holding them firmly but loosely.

‘’Yeah, Flutter-Butter?’’

‘’I wa-was wondering…’’

‘’Yeah?’’ Dash asked, slightly pushing her face closer to Fluttershy’s. She did the same.

‘’And it’s al-alright if you say n-no,’’

Dash leaned in closer to her.

‘’Yes?’’

She gradually grew more excited.

‘’If you’ll, um…’’

Is…is this really happening?! Rainbow Dash wondered. Like, am I dreaming right now, or is she really about to ask what I think she’s going to ask?!

‘’Yeeeees?’’ Dash stretched, now only a centimetre away from touching Fluttershy’s snout.

‘’Talk to Twilight tomorrow about adopting Scootaloo?’’

Oh, yes, Fluttershy, I…oh. Wait, what?!

‘’Uh…’’ Rainbow Dash trailed off, trying to fend off her perplexity. ‘’S-Sure, Fluttershy…’’

Dang! DOUBLE dang! I seriously thought that she was going to ask me something else! All of that build up just for THAT?!

A mix of crushing disappointment and sadness coursed through Rainbow Dash’s mind as she felt shut down, very positively expecting Fluttershy to pop a bigger question than the one she came out with. Once again, Rainbow found herself let down by her more dominant emotions taking ahold of her mental reigns, and she kicked herself internally for it. She now felt very badly hurt and crushed on the inside, but she didn’t allow it to pierce through the surface so that Fluttershy was able to see it.

She then quickly turned away from Fluttershy and faced the opposite direction, not wishing for her to face her tears that were slowly leaking out, dribbling down her cheeks. Behind her, she felt movement on the bed as Fluttershy shuffled around and lightly touched her shoulder.

‘’Rainbow? Is something wrong?’’ She asked upon noticing the sudden mood change of the pegasus.

‘’No,’’ Dash said quickly. Thankfully, she managed to hide the tears in her voice. ‘’I’m alright, don’t worry about me.’’

‘’I…Oh. Okay,’’ Fluttershy said, taken aback as she retracted her hoof. ‘’Well…goodnight, Rainbow Dash.’’ And then Dash heard her turn around, facing the wall, much like herself.

‘’’Night,’’ Dash said numbly in return. She clenched her eyes a few times as she attempted to cut off her tears of hurt, wanting to actually cry out loud, but her pride abolished her from doing so.

Little did Rainbow Dash know, she was not the only one with their thoughts plaguing them to no end, for Fluttershy was also sharing her same mindset as she was facing the wall. Fluttershy wasn’t crying, though, she was simply concerned and contemplative.

Phew, I nearly slipped, Fluttershy thought. I’m sorry, Dashie, I was nervous. And was she about to kiss me?

Fluttershy bit her lip as her thoughts trailed off. She felt the bed shudder as Rainbow Dash gave a wracked, shaky breath, what she knew from experience was a stifled cry. She felt terrible for rejecting her true question and letting her down like that, but she was afraid to speak up. She’s never been one for romantic confessions or public speaking, and when it’s a touchy subject like this, that goes double.

Hmm, I wonder if Rarity is free tomorrow? She might be able to help me solve this. After all, she reads all of those romance novels, so she might know a thing or two more than me. I think I’ll head around and see if she’s free.

And, like that, giving one final glance over her shoulder to see the cyan mare behind her, Fluttershy sighed inwardly and she felt her eyes slide closed. Tomorrow was going to be a very busy day for both of them.

Get the Message

When tomorrow morning came around, Fluttershy had left a little early and left Rainbow Dash to watch over Scootaloo for a while. Rainbow had mentioned that she was going to bring Scootaloo over to Sweet Apple Acres to see if Applejack could watch over her and the other two Crusaders for a play date while she headed to The Golden Oaks library to see Twilight.

Scootaloo was sure to enjoy spending some quality time with her two friends, especially after the bombshell that had ended the surprise party almost as soon as it had started. Having some peace and a distraction from her usual thoughts would be nice.

Fluttershy, after last night, had been feeling a bit uncertain, thoughtful and nervous all at once. Uncertain because of how Rainbow had reacted to her question, thoughtful because of her strange, new feelings and nervous because she didn’t know what it all meant. She had never experienced any of these feelings so strongly before, and it was making her feel fluttery, queasy and slightly excited on the inside, tickling her stomach lining.

Once she had arrived at the front door of Carousel Boutique, she wondered on how to break the news to Rarity, curious and hopeful for any light that might be able to be shed on her thoughts and feelings. On the way over here, she had ran through the same questions again and again and again and again, memorising what she wanted to say, playing through it all on an endless loop, picking out the deeper details she wanted to delve into and discuss.

She inhaled deeply and then she knocked on the front door. It was early in the morning, so the shop wasn’t officially open for business at the moment, but Fluttershy knew that the owner would be up. She always was, and she knew this because this was the time that they’d normally spend together for their spa date, usually meeting up ahead of time to share a spot of tea together.

‘’Com-iiinnng!’’ The sing-song voice of Rarity called, and it wasn’t a moment too soon that a blue aura glowed over the diamond-shaped door handle and it opened to reveal the unicorn. She was wearing her silk pajamas, a little garment she enjoyed wearing on a Sunday morning. ‘’Oh, Fluttershy, my darling, good morning!’’

‘’Good morning, Rarity,’’ Fluttershy replied friendlily.

‘’And to what do I owe this pleasure, dear? Would you like to come in? I’ve got tea brewing on the stove, if you’d like to partake?’’ She offered, stepping aside for the mare to enter her home upon invitation.

‘’Yes, that sounds lovely. Thank you,’’ Fluttershy said gratefully, the sound of tea sounding positively delightful at this time.

‘’It’s Ceylon, if that’s alright with you,’’ Rarity told her, leading her into her kitchen. She pulled out a chair for the mare and offered it to her. Fluttershy gladly accepted it while the pearl white unicorn took her own seat across from her.

Rarity always appeared so crisp and fresh as a daisy in the morning. Her face was forever so youthful and smooth-skinned, the short fur around her cheeks, face, eyes and mouth so vibrant and lush. Fluttershy didn’t understand why a girl such as Rarity, with all of her glamorous natural beauty and stunning complexion, used excessive amounts of makeup. It was always lost on her why she never chose to go out in public as herself instead of spending hours on end gussying herself up to make herself presentable when she already had the looks to rock anypony’s mind.

Due to the time of day, Rarity hadn’t yet applied any mascara or eye shadow, and Fluttershy was certain that she was the only pony to witness her like this aside from Sweetie Belle. She would never let any other pony catch sight nor hair of hair otherwise. As she puts it, ‘’It’s not proper for a lady to be seen when she isn’t one-hundred percent presentable.’’

‘’So, how is everything, Fluttershy, hmm? I trust you’re doing well, yes?’’ Rarity asked politely, cupping her hooves together on the table in front of her as she eyed the mare in front of her.

‘’It’s been…difficult,’’ Fluttershy answered honestly. She had no other words to describe the past two months with these sudden changes she’s had to accept. Rarity became sympathetic, understanding.

‘’Oh, I understand what you mean, Fluttershy. When Scootaloo left the party so soon, it was a shock to all of us. I can’t believe that Rainbow Dash found her in such a sorry state! The poor dear. How’s she coping at the moment, if you don’t mind me asking?’’

‘’Scootaloo’s doing fine, thanks. She’s much better now that we’ve talked things through, but, um, if you don’t mind, I came around because…I wanted to ask you about something,’’ Fluttershy said nervously, glancing down as she twiddled her hooves over each other, playing with them and avoiding making eye contact with Rarity.

‘’Oh, is that right?’’ Rarity questioned, intrigued. ‘’Is something the matter? You seem awfully tense,’’ She pointed out, motioning towards Fluttershy’s hooves.

‘’I-It’s nothing r-really, Rarity, but I’d like to talk to you about Rainbow Dash.’’

‘’Who, Dashie? Has something happened?’’ Rarity asked concernedly.

‘’Um…you could say that,’’ Fluttershy mused. ‘’But I was curious; how, um…how do you know i-if another pony has fe-feeling for another?’’ She asked, knowing how childish it must sound at her age. A full-grown mare asking romance questions? Now, that was pathetic, and that was how Fluttershy felt having to ask somepony like Rarity about it. Alas, the fashionista simply grinned.

‘’Why, is that a blush I’m seeing?’’ She asked deviously, almost obnoxiously teasingly, and it didn’t help that she felt the need to bat her eyelids for emphasis. ‘’Oh, come now, Fluttershy, sweetheart, it’s nothing to feel embarrassed about asking,’’ She assured her. ‘’Tell me, what’s on your mind?’’

It was then that Fluttershy began to divulge details of the previous night, mentioning how Rainbow Dash had acted and how she had responded to Fluttershy at times. She tried to give as much detail as possible, hoping that it would help somewhere down the line, but, by the time she had finished telling her story, Rarity sat still.

‘’That, uh…that’s pretty, well, it’s, uh,’’ Rarity stammered, not sure which words to use and which not to use to describe what she had just heard. Eventually, she settled upon the word ‘’Strange’’, not knowing what other word might be appropriate. After all, she didn’t want to offend or insult Fluttershy.

‘’Mmm-hmm,’’ Fluttershy hummed, not sure of it herself. ‘’I thought you might know how to talk to her about it. You know how Dashie can be sometimes. Last night, I tried to speak to her about it, but I panicked and I said something else instead, and she seemed so disappointed and sad by it that she didn’t speak the rest of the night!’’

Now, this was a conundrum indeed. Rarity knew all of the signs, the subtle hints, the gestures, the works, and everything did point to your average crush’s pointers and signals, but it was hard to determine anything from what Fluttershy had told her. Rarity knew love when she saw it or heard about it, and there was no doubt in her mind that this was Rainbow’s way of displaying her affection.

‘’Fluttershy, dear,’’ Rarity leaned over the table and she placed her hooves atop of Fluttershy’s. ‘’Tell me, and please be honest; do you have feelings for Rainbow Dash?’’

Fluttershy felt sick. Nausea hit her from ever angle, threatening to turn her stomach inside out. She felt like she was being disemboweled. Butterflies tickled her tummy, her heart began to pound hard and anxiety flooded her system, making her want to shrink back and hide herself from the world. She didn’t know what it felt like to be in love, but she indeed felt something whenever her ears tuned to the sound of Rainbow Dash’s name or when she was in the presence of the mare. Was this what being in love actually felt like, or was it her nerves talking?

‘’I…I don’t know,’’ Fluttershy answered shakily. She was clueless on how to answer her. ‘’I think I do. I mean, she’s always been there for me and she makes me feel special, and…’’

‘’Alright, alright, that’s a good sign,’’ Rarity brushed her off, getting indication enough for a definitive answer. ‘’And do you enjoy spending time with her?’’

‘’Of course I do! Ever since she first brought Scootaloo into my cottage, we’ve been closer than ever!’’

‘’I see. And does she enjoy spending time with you?’’

‘’Rainbow Dash? I, um, I think so, Rarity. Whenever she’s around me, she always acts so different, not like when all of the girls are together,’’ Fluttershy explained, and Rarity cocked her head.

‘’Oh? How so?’’

‘’Rainbow acts…more playfully. She always teases me, tries to make me smile, keeps me company, that sort of thing. She’s never acted like that before when we were fillies, so I wasn’t sure how to place it.’’

‘’Ah, well, I think I’m more than certain of what’s going on here,’’ Rarity said knowingly. ‘’It seems to me, Fluttershy, that our little Dashie has developed a crush on you!’’ She playfully nudged the pegasi’s shoulder.

Fluttershy’s breath caught in her throat, and her eyes widened. Her fluttering heart became a full-on whirlpool of emotions, stricken but somehow joyful at the same time. Was this what Rainbow Dash’s actions were tracked back to? Has Fluttershy truly been this naive to pay attention to them? Better yet, were her ears deceiving her?

‘’R-Rain…Rainbow Dash has a cru-crush on m-me…?’’ Fluttershy swooned, feeling light headed and nauseous. She raised a hoof to her clammy forehead as the realisation sank in, and it took the words to be breathed through Rarity’s mouth to finally make sense.

Rainbow Dash was in love with her. And Fluttershy was very possibly in love with her, too!

Oh, my! Fluttershy’s mind was racing, in its own daze. Rainbow Dash has a crush on me! She has a crush on me, she has a crush on me, she has a crush on me, she has a crush on me! Oh, dear, what do I do, what do I do?! I think I’m…

A near-silent breath escaped Fluttershy’s lips at about the same time as the steam kettle boiling in on the stove in the background began to whistle loudly, a fitting emphasis for the mare’s shaken thoughts. It was hardly heard to the mare’s ears, however, as she found herself beginning to lose consciousness, her entire body becoming limp.

‘’Fluttershy!’’ Rarity called desperately, startled as she soon realised that her friend was about to pass out. As she had done on many occasions, Rarity levitated over her red velvet-padded chaiselongue and quickly brought it into her kitchen in the nick of time so that Fluttershy could collapse safely and comfortably onto it.

She dropped like a sack of bricks on top of it, one of her hooves fixed over her eyes in a swoon, one of her hind legs hanging limply over the side twitching. Rarity frowned and she used her magic to silence the hissing steam kettle before pursing her lips and staring at the cold form of the Pegasus before her.

‘’A lady is always prepared for such an occasion when one does get so steamed.’’

*** *** ***

Rainbow Dash had her head planted firmly into her hooves as she sat across from Twilight Sparkle in her study room, a little area of the library that had a number of small shelves, writing utensils and a private sector to refine one’s learning.

They had been at this for a while, debating over a course of action. It wasn’t going as smoothly as Rainbow had initially planned upon, and she found herself to be locked beneath the glare of the unicorn in front of her, whom was displaying the same amount of tentativeness as Fluttershy when she had asked her the same question last night.

‘’All I’m saying is that it’s going to be a whole lot harder than you realise,’’ Twilight reasoned, trying to talk some sense into Dash’s thick, stubborn skull. ‘’And asking Fluttershy to help isn’t just something that you can ask of a pony, Rainbow Dash! It’s a massive responsibility!’’

‘’Don’t you think I know that?’’ The prismatic mare tiredly glanced up to view the unicorn, making only her eyes visible. ‘’I’m not an idiot, Twilight, I know how to take care of a foal. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m awesome at almost anything, and me and Scootaloo really connect, so I don’t think there will be anything to worry about!’’

‘’But what about your finances? And your job as a Wonderbolt? How do you plan on taking care of a filly if you’re going to be away half of the time?’’ Twilight questioned, and Dash blinked, unprepared for the question.

Rainbow Dash hadn’t actually taken the moment to step aside and think about it. It never occurred to her, managing her time accordingly for what meant most for her on her priority list. She hadn’t been a Wonderbolt for too long, and she knew she had to make a lasting impression if she wanted to remain as part of the team, but she had to come to terms with the possibility that it may potentially not be an option.

‘’Huh, I…I hadn’t thought about that,’’ Rainbow admitted with a blush, stumped, but she soon regained vibrancy as an idea surfaced in her mind. ‘’Oh! I could leave her with Fluttershy until I come home! Yeah, that can work, right?’’ Twilight gave a ‘tsk, tsk’ of disapproval and she facehooved.

‘’That doesn’t seem fair to Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash,’’ She said with a scowl. ‘’Like I said, you have to be more open with your options if you want to make the time for things that matter most to you, especially when it comes down to your friends and family. You can’t ask somepony to look after another pony on such short notice and expect them to be fine to it. That doesn’t sound like something a good friend would do, does it?’’

‘’No…’’ Dash sighed in defeat, but she was still not going to be shut down so easily. She wanted this to happen, and by Celestia, if there was a way, she was going to find it! ‘’Well, if you’re such an expert, what do you suggest?’’

Twilight gave a thoughtful expression, levitating over a scroll of parchment and an ink well with a quill. She magically opened up and straightened out the fresh scroll on the table in front of them, and Dash watched her curiously as she scribbled something down onto it, wondering what her idea was.

‘’Have you ever considered writing down all of your options on a list and then checking off the ones you’ve already tried until you find a more suitable option?’’ Twilight asked with a smile, but Dash chuckled at her and waved a hoof at her in amusement, not surprised that she was going to ask such a thing.

‘’No offence, Twilight, but that’s your answer for almost everything,’’ Rainbow Dash gave a short laugh, but Twilight gave her a sharp glare, shutting her up instantly. ‘’Oh, um, sorry.’’

‘’Yes, well, having a list always helps to keep you prepared. It’s what I used to do when Princess Celestia had me as her student back in Canterlot whenever she assigned me a test. When I got nervous and I had trouble remembering anything, I made a bunch of lists to help me keep track, and it’s never steered me wrong!’’ Twilight said proudly, forever true to her nerdy love of literature and learning.

Is there anything that she doesn’t have an answer for? I swear, she has a plan for just about everything! Rainbow Dash thought inwardly. Then again, as much as she has hated school since her younger years, it was true that Twilight had always been so in-check, collected and prepared for any academic task, and it was all mostly thanks to her obnoxiously long and detailed lists.

‘’Do I look like an egghead?’’ Dash asked jokingly. ‘’Come on, Twilight, you know that I’m not good at following a list without getting ‘bull-headed’,’’ Twilight giggled, but she humoured her and she gave her a warm, assuring look.

‘’Lists aren’t only for nerds, Dash. Trust me, once you try following one, you’ll wonder how you ever dealt without one! Now, why don’t you try telling if there’s anything you’re worried about and stuff you’ve already tried or considered, and we’ll see where it takes us?’’ Twilight offered, levitating a quill above the paper.

Rainbow Dash stared at her for a brief moment and she blinked, but then she smiled mischievously. She cupped her chin and she spoke,

‘’Alright, then. First order of business,’’ Twilight readied herself by putting the quill against the paper, ready to start scribing for her. ‘’Meet less nerdy ponies named Twilight.’’

‘’Mmm-hmm, yeah, uh-huh, I—-hey!’’ Twilight said, finishing up writing her friend’s words before she realised that she had been had. Rainbow Dash burst out laughing and she fell out of her chair, erupting into hard, girly giggles. Twilight only sighed and giggled, too, feeling ashamed of herself for thinking that Dash wouldn’t be so childish.

I should have expected no less from her, Twilight thought. It looks like we’re going to be here for quite a while.

*** *** ***

‘’How long was I out?’’ Fluttershy asked as she touched a hoof up to her clammy forehead, still feeling the nauseous sensations swimming about in her skull. Rarity had helped her sit upright on top the chaiselongue, and she was now levitating over a fresh cup of Ceylon tea.

‘’Only about three minutes,’’ Rarity said, setting the cup of tea and saucer it was resting on into Fluttershy’s hooves. She had set her own cup aside on the kitchen table and she took a tender sip. ‘’You gave me quite a scare, darling! This early in the morning, a good scare doesn’t do wonders for one’s complexion,’’ She said, but soon came to her senses when she caught the wounded look from Fluttershy. ‘’Oh, I’m terribly sorry, dear. I probably shouldn’t have pried too far.’’

‘’It’s fine, Rarity,’’ Fluttershy said, taking a sip of her own tea. ‘’I’m sorry that I had to bother you with my feelings like this. Perhaps it’d be better if I left and…’’

‘’You’re not a bother to me, sweetie,’’ Rarity said, as if insulted at the thought. She set her tea aside and she levitated Fluttershy’s own cup and saucer aside, resting it beside her on the chaiselongue and being careful not to spill it. ‘’Having a one-to-one talk always helps to keep your mind fresh and stress-free. Bearing stress without any proper form of release can wear a lady down, and it’s simply dreadful for your complexion, so I don’t mind opening a friendly ear to you, dear.’’ Rarity then leaned over and held Fluttershy’s hooves.

‘’Listen to me, Fluttershy, I know that you’re having a hard time processing all of these new and strange feelings about Rainbow Dash, but I have to ask you - do you at all feel like there’s any common ground between the two of you? Say, something that only Rainbow can give you and only something you can give her?’’ Fluttershy cocked her head at that, confused.

‘’Um, what do you mean?’’

‘’What I mean, dear, is something that makes you feel special to each other, a unique part of their being that attracts you to them in a way that nopony else can manage but themselves. For example, let’s say that your feelings of attraction towards Rainbow Dash are linked to either a certain aspect of life that you both share a common interest in. Such as Scootaloo.’’

Fluttershy hadn’t thought about it like that. She wasn’t a romantic type of pony, and she had always been so clueless on revelations of and about love and experiencing what it felt like to be loved by somepony else. She had never been in a relationship before, so it should come as no surprise that she’d have no inside information or knowledge on the matter or what makes a functioning, healthy relationship. She knew next to nothing about the whole concept of romance.

Sure, whenever Fluttershy saw a happy couple sharing a meal or a cup of coffee or maybe a romantic picnic together in the park, she’d always smile and feel happy for them. It always warmed her heart to witness other ponies being affectionate to each other, and the only affection that she knew was the maternal, caring type that she often used with her animal friends, which was similar but not so intimate.

When it came down to it, Fluttershy did feel the same way about Scootaloo as Rainbow Dash did, and the whole discovery about the poor filly’s living conditions had indeed brought them so much closer together and reinforced their relationship. In these past few days, all of these little moments when Dash would tease her or playfully joke with her swam right over her naive little head. She never thought anything of it, just Rainbow Dash being Rainbow Dash, and so she never questioned it. Until now.

Were all of those moments Rainbow Dash’s way of trying to clue her in?

‘’Oh, I, um, I don’t…don’t know,’’ Fluttershy said, feeling heat arise on her cheeks again. ‘’Rainbow Dash has been more playful around me than usual, so I guess? Do you think that’s what it is?’’ She was surprised when Rarity’s eyes lit up with relief and she gave a hefty sigh before holding her shoulder.

‘’Yes, of course it is!’’ She said, as if long-awaiting for her to finally get the picture. ‘’Scootaloo is one of those things that yourself and Rainbow Dash share a common concern and passion for! And I’m sure that there are other things that you share a common interest in, correct?’’ She asked with a coy wink, and Fluttershy hid her beet red face behind her long mane, now completely sheepish.

‘’Rarity!’’ Fluttershy said embarrassingly. ‘’We’re only friends!’’

‘’If you say so, dear,’’ Rarity said with a cheeky smile. She knew all of the signs when she say them, and Fluttershy displayed every single one of them as plain as day. It was always so warming and tingly to witness young love brewing on the horizon!

‘’I’m sure that you’ll find that the two of you have many more things in common that’ll bring you closer together in the near future. Perhaps a number of things have already brought you closer but you haven’t realised it yet, hmm?’’ She was giving her that coy, devious smirk again, and Fluttershy was sick of seeing it.

Rarity might be right be Rarity might also be wrong about my strange feelings when I’m around Rainbow Dash, so there’s still the possibility that it’s nothing, Fluttershy told herself, wanting to believe it if it meant that the feelings would come to an end. And Rainbow Dash maybe doesn’t feel the same way, so I’m getting my hopes up for nothing. I…I think I need a drink…

Fluttershy picked up her saucer with her cup of tea on it and began to sip slowly and quietly at it as she contemplated what Rarity had told her. The tea had become lukewarm in the time that she had allowed it to sit, far from the temperature that she typically enjoyed drinking it at, but she was too distracted to care about that right now.

Rarity sensed this and she piped up, about to propose something. She had a sip of her own tea and then spoke up.

‘’I’ll tell you what, Fluttershy; you seem a little tense and wound up. I know that today isn’t our usual spa date, but I think a little trip down to the Ponyville Spa will do wonders in perking you right up again!’’ She said brightly, and Fluttershy smiled at the idea, finding it promising.

‘’That sounds lovely, Rarity. I think I need to loosen up and get my mind off of things for a while.’’

‘’Splendid!’’

And I’m sure that Rainbow Dash will appreciate how fresh you’ll be once the spa date is over, too! Rarity thought inwardly, mentally giggling to herself. She’ll not only appreciate it, but I’m sure that she’ll love it!

*** *** ***

Back at Fluttershy’s cottage, Rainbow Dash had been to Applejack’s farm to pick up Scootaloo. She had let her ride on her back the entire way, and she had flown back rather than walk back. It was much faster, and being forced to walk everywhere irritated her. To her, it was either wings or nothing.

Scootaloo had been involved in another one of her crusades with her fellow Crusaders, this time trying to find her talent in agriculture, which mostly involved her getting drenched in a mixture of mud, compost and leaves. Applejack was kind enough to allow her to wash it off along with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, whom fared no better. Naturally, all three fillies turned up empty hoofed in their adventure, much to their dismay.

Shortly after arriving back to the cottage, Rainbow Dash had decided to give Scootaloo the surprise present she never had the chance to be given. It had been stored in Fluttershy’s cupboard a few days before the surprise party was due to start, and it was a challenge to order all of the parts required to get it assembled in time.

Rainbow Dash, due to having a few connections around Cloudsdale and in some areas of Equestria, was thankfully able to track down everything that she needed, and she knew that Scootaloo would love what she has waiting for her. Truth be told, Dash was feeling excited about seeing it again, and she truly loved how it turned out.

‘’Alright, Scoots, close your eyes,’’ Rainbow Dash said as she escorted the little filly into the bedroom, shielding her eyes with both of her wings. ‘’No peeking until we get there! Wouldn’t wanna spoil the surprise, would we?’’

‘’What is it?’’ Scootaloo asked in a giddy voice, clearly excited about what was happening. Ever since Dash had told her about this surprise back at her house, she had found herself to become restless and enthusiastic about what it was. Now, a present from Rainbow Dash? That was just about the most coolest thing of all time!

‘’You’ll see in a second, squirt,’’ Dash chuckled as she came to a stop in front of Fluttershy’s bed, right where the gift was leaning against the footboard. ‘’Are you ready?’’

‘’Come on, Dash, quit stalling! I wanna see it!’’ Scootaloo hopped on the spot anxiously.

‘’In that case…surprise!’’ Rainbow Dash said as she unveiled her wings from the little filly’s vision and allowed her to witness the sight before her. As expected, Rainbow heard her gasp, her mouth hanging agape as she stared at the item in front of her, taking it in in all of its glory. She couldn’t believe her eyes! Never in her wildest dreams had she thought that she would ever see one of these things, let alone actually own one!

It was a Cloud Buster Special Edition sky scooter, specially designed for sky racing. It was essentially a hybrid that could be deployed on both the ground and in the sky, capable of hovering and reaching incredible speeds of up to eighty miles per hour! They were top of the line scooters produced specifically for racing, and only the best teams ever owned them.

In Cloudsdale, where the sport made its debut, very quickly gaining popularity, sky scooter racing was a very popular sport enjoyed by Pegasi from all around the world. The Special Edition models such as the one Dash had put together for her was one of those exact model of scooters.

The shape of the body itself was oval shaped, the underneath rounded for better aerodynamics and increased wind resistance, enabling it to glide smoothly through the clouds and make tight, sharp turns with a single, smooth motion of the rubberised, grooved handlebars. The wheels of the scooter were medium-sized and treaded with smooth grooves for a smooth, comfortable ride on the ground, and, if need be, they were fully detachable and retractable to quickly transition for its desired purpose.

Being a Special Edition, the paint scheme on this scooter was unlike any average Cloud Buster, expertly coated in a sonic blue paint job that glowed vibrantly, almost neon. Against the sonic blue paint, it had white stripes flicking up from the handlebars all the way down the sides of the body, coming to form a V shape at the tail of the scooter. It was a hard piece to get a hold of, but Rainbow Dash had managed to deliver on her promise to pull it off.

Rainbow Dash remembered that she had wanted this exact model when she was just a foal, back when the sport was invented, and she recalled how blown away she was by the sheer awesome appearance of the scooters. Alas, she never gained the luxury of owning one, no matter how much she pestered her parents to try her chances of becoming an owner. She figured, if she couldn’t enjoy the chance to own one herself, then maybe she could make up for it by allowing Scootaloo to enjoy it.

‘’I-Is that…?!’’ Scootaloo stammered, at a loss for words. She was speechless, gobsmacked and so caught up in her shock that her brain had temporarily switched off. To any filly, this was a better stroke of joy than running into your favourite celebrity in the streets, and the joyful expression that was plastered all over Scootaloo’s little face made it worth every single bit.

‘’You bet it is, kid,’’ Rainbow Dash said, coming over towards the scooter and pulling it away from the bed to present it to the filly. She held the Cloud Buster by the handlebars and offered it to her. ‘’So, what do you think? Wanna take it for a spin?’’

Scootaloo wasted no time in climbing aboard the platform of the scooter, standing on her hind legs as she reached up to grab the handlebars, giving them a test squeeze. They were perfectly contoured to her hooves, ready for action. Scootaloo felt tears of happiness begin to sting her eyes as she looked up to face the grinning face of Rainbow Dash.

‘’This is so awesome, Rainbow Dash! You’re the best big sister ever!’’ She said, and she eagerly reached up to hug the older pegasus, whom chuckled at her reaction. ‘’Thank you so much! I love it!’’

‘’He, I knew you would, Scoots. Just be sure to thank Fluttershy, too, alright? She also had a helping hoof in making this thing happen, so I can’t take all of the credit!’’ Dash said, but, seeming to forget something, she quickly headed into the wardrobe where the scooter had been stored and retrieved another part to the present. ‘’Don’t forget this, kid!’’

Placing it in Scootaloo’s little orange hooves, the filly turned it around in her grasp to inspect it, eyes widening once she realised what it was. It was her very own racing helmet, colour coordinated to the Cloud Buster, the white stripes on the sides of the helmet customised to read her name in deep purple decal, making it truly her own. She smiled as she placed it atop her head, pushing it down around her mane. It was a perfectly snug fit.

This was by far the best present she had ever been given! Although she still had her old scooter downstairs that was gifted from her deadbeat parents, literally the only thing they bothered to spend money on for her, the Cloud Buster was definitely the winning ribbon of the two! This was all the more cooler because it was gifted straight from Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy themselves, and there was nothing better in this world that she could ever hope for. She loved this!

‘’Rainbow Dash, you’re awesome!’’ Scootaloo said, running up to throw herself around Dash’s neck and barrel like an orange torpedo.

‘’H-Hey, hey, careful!’’ Rainbow Dash giggled, weary of the added bulk to the filly’s head as she was wearing the helmet, afraid of clonking her on the chin. ‘’All I want you to promise me is that you’ll take good care of it, Scootaloo. It wasn’t an easy scooter to find, you know. Buuuut, because you’re my little sister and I trust you completely, I know that you’ll take good care of it. Right?’’ Rainbow asked, giving the girl a nudge in the shoulder.

‘’I promise, Dash! I’ll constantly keep it in good condition and I’ll always keep it oiled up and ready to roll!’’ Scootaloo said, eager to not disappoint her idol.

‘’That’s good to hear because I was wondering…how would you like to go flying with me when I practice my stunts? I’ll teach you how to fly this thing like a true sky racer!’’ Rainbow Dash said, holding the handlebars of the Cloud Buster with a proud, stern expression, so confident that Scootaloo’s face lit up in an instant.

Rainbow Dash wants to teach ME how to fly?! Oh, my Celestia, this is so cool! Rainbow Dash is going to teach me to fly! Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are going to be so jealous about this when I tell them the next time I go over to Sweet Apple Acres! And I can’t wait to show them the Cloud Buster, too!

‘’Yes!’’ Scootaloo practically shouted, jumping for joy, and Rainbow Dash mused to herself that she reminded her of a mini, orange-coloured Pinkie Pie riding through an incredible sugar rush, a ticking time bomb of joy, excitement and adrenaline. ‘’I’d love to! Can we go tomorrow? Can we? Can we?!’’

‘’Whoa, whoa, Scoots, tone it down a notch on the excitement, will ya? Save some of that pump for the fields! Trust me, if you stick with me, you’ll maybe become as good a flyer as me someday! Wouldn’t that be awesome?’’ She grinned.

‘’Would it ever!’’

‘’Glad you think so. Now, come on, how about we get a head start on those flying lessons before Fluttershy gets back? I’m pretty sure that she’ll flip her lid when she sees that I’m violating doctor’s orders by flying earlier than I’m meant to,’’ Dash said, momentarily getting a mental image of a rampaging Fluttershy screaming her head off and roaring while stamping over and crushing miniature houses around Ponyville in an anger-induced rage.

And that was the first time that Scootaloo had ever been happy.

Rainbow Dash's Home

Tomorrow had arrived, following not long after the awkward events from yesterday. It was early in the afternoon when Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Scootaloo had vacated the cottage to venture up to Cloudsdale, Scootaloo hitching a ride on Dash’s back.

All three of them were inside of Rainbow’s cloud palace, and it felt wonderful to Dash to be stepping back into her homeland, back amongst the clouds and the rest of her kind. It’s been far too long since she’s been back into her house, and she had forgotten how tranquil and gentle the touch of a cloud was beneath her hooves, much unlike the cold, hard ground of the surface.

The best thing about living in a house made entirely out of water vapour is that I don’t have to worry about dusting or cleaning anything, Rainbow Dash thought as she headed through the large, tall wooden doors of her royal home, entering the main lobby area.

Her home was grand and extravagant, fit for royalty, and the scale of her home for just one mare was titanic compared to any regular housing accommodation. One of the perks of living in Cloudsdale was that residents could buy out specific air space, such as with landlords down on the surface, and they were granted free reign to design their own homes however tall, wide, simple or complex they desired it to be. As a matter of fact, that was where that term, ‘’The sky’s the limit’’ came from.

Rainbow Dash had designed this house with her own two hooves, and it had taken her years to complete it entirely. She wanted something that screamed her name, something to display clearly to all that ‘This is Rainbow Dash’s home!’ As they view it around the greatest city in the sky. If she was going to live anywhere, she was going to make it live up to her standards, to be as awesome and as cool as she is, and she was sure that everypony in the city and on the ground knew it, able to see her home for miles.

She had bought grand and somewhat ridiculously large statues and statuettes of The Wonderbolts and their team memorabilia. In front of her two doors that served as the entrance, the lobby had a giant statue of a proudly-standing Wonderbolt in their flight suit, giving a firm salute with their head facing up to the skies. There were also variants of the same statue in small pair of alcoves in both the left and right walls of the lobby, illuminated with a presentation light that was built into the ceiling. One was of a Wonderbolt in a flying position and the other one was saluting.

Ah, yes, she had missed coming back to this house where all of her prized trophies, personal possessions, memorabilia and Wonderbolt history trinkets were. It brought endless amounts of joy to her face everytime that she trotted on by and saw them, and she knew that Scootaloo was sure to enjoy them, too.

One day, that kid’s gonna take over the skies as a Wonderbolt! I just know it! Dash thought.

‘’This place is lovely, Dash,’’ Fluttershy complimented, in awe of the grand decor and layout. ‘’It must have taken forever to build.’’

‘’Yeah, but when you’re the best, you’ve also got to have a house that lets others know you’re the best,’’ She said, tufting her mane and flicking it behind her ear. ‘’But I have to admit, although I built this house to be big and to live up to my name, it feels a little too big for just me sometimes,’’ She added sadly.

‘’Oh, it must get awfully lonely,’’ Fluttershy sympathised.

‘’Yeah, but I think I don’t have to worry so much about that now, do I?’’ Dash gave her friend a flank bump, and they both shared a giggle. ‘’So, why don’t I give you the grand tour? I know you prefer to live on the ground and all, but let me show you that sky life is just as cozy! A few days with me will make you wonder how you ever moved down to the ground!’’

‘’Rainbow Dash, Rainbow Dash!’’ Scootaloo came running up to them with a beaming grin on her face. She was riding on her Cloud Buster, her helmet strapped around her small head. ‘’Can you take me out to look around Cloudsdale later? I’ve never been able to look around before!’’ She asked with large, puppy eyes, and both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash giggled.

‘’Sure we can, squirt. We’ll all go out someplace later on. Right now, I’m going to show Fluttershy around.’’

‘’This is gonna be so cool! Thanks, Dash!’’ Scootaloo then swerved around on the spot, bolting down the hallway on her scooter, gliding her way through the long, vast corridors of the home.

‘’I think she’ll be fine on her own for a while. Let the kid enjoy herself while we head into the kitchen for a drink. I think I have some tea, if you’d like some?’’

‘’That sounds nice, Dashie.’’

*** *** ***

‘’Fluttershy! Fluttershy, we’ve got them!’’ Rainbow Dash called as she came dashing into the living room, holding something in her hooves. ‘’They’re finally here!’’

‘’What’s here?’’ Fluttershy asked, sitting on one of the many cloud recliners around the wide, open living area of the house, located directly next to the kitchen.

‘’The adoption papers! Twilight actually managed to get in contact with a pony from The Canterlot Orphanage and she talked them into sending her some forms! Can you believe it?!’’ Dash asked, practically shoving the documents into Fluttershy’s snout.

Fluttershy wrinkled her nose and she blinked, feeling an itch where it had contacted with her muzzle. She gave the documents a curious glance and she focused her eyes to read the writing on it.

‘’’Child legal guardianship form’,’’ Fluttershy read the header. She had a gander at the rest of the documentation, noticing all kinds of blank boxes, information boxes, national insurance, child support, everything that a potential parent might need. At the bottom, there were a few text boxes reading ‘’Signature of parent / parents’’ and ‘’Witness signature’’.

‘’See, what did I tell ya?! Twilight would come through for us! Now all we have to do is to fill it in and have somepony notarise it to make us Scootaloo’s legal guardians! Won’t that be awesome?’’ Dash said energetically, pumped that this plan was destined to see fruition, but Fluttershy sighed and caused Dash’s features to drop. ‘’What’s wrong?’’

‘’Rainbow, it’s wonderful that Twilight was able to come through for us, but…don’t you think this is all a little too easy? It seems like there’s more to this that we’re not realising, Dashie.’’

‘’Like what, exactly? Twilight told me that having somepony sign that letter would legally put Scootaloo into our custody, and, the last time that I checked, Twilight never gets anything wrong!’’ Rainbow said, throwing her hooves forward.

‘’No, I’m not saying that Twilight is wrong, Twilight is great at what she does, but what I’m saying is that it’s not going to be as simple as signing a piece of paper and then the decision is final,’’ Fluttershy explained delicately. ‘’Rainbow Dash, have you ever done any research into how adoption and custody of a child works?’’

‘’I…no, I haven’t,’’ Dash admitted. ‘’But there’s an orphanage here in Cloudsdale, so maybe somepony there could help us?’’ She offered, hoping to find more than empty answers. ‘’No matter what, we’ve got to try, right? For Scootaloo.’’

‘’If you think that’s what’s best, Rainbow. Somepony must have information to help us, and maybe they can see if we’re eligible.’’

‘’Eligible?’’ Rainbow scoffed at that word. ‘’Come on, Fluttershy, of course we’re eligible! We’re representatives of The Elements of Harmony, and we’ve literally saved the world from Nightmare Moon, so, yeah, I don’t think ‘being eligible’ will be something we have to worry about!’’

Fluttershy stared at her with a disapproving but understanding look. She knew that Dash had a history of being bull-headed, and she had more experience than any other their friends to know it. She was a hard mare to talk down, and it made Fluttershy learn not to engage at times, but now wasn’t one of said times.

‘’Rainbow…don’t you remember what I told you?’’ She began. ‘’You know, about thinking about Scootaloo’s well-being? About not getting ahead of yourself and setting yourself up for disappointment?’’

Rainbow was confused. What was she getting at?

‘’Yeah, why?’’

‘’I’ve already told you that you shouldn’t get yourself too caught up in the moment, and that you should be prepared for not hearing what you want to hear. If you go down that path, you’ll always be beating yourself up for no reason, and it’s not good for you, Rainbow,’’ Fluttershy reminded her, giving her a sympathetic smile.

‘’Are you still going on about that?’’ Dash asked with a grimace. ‘’I thought I said that I heard you? Look, I’ll listen to what you have to say, but I’m still not going to give up on doing what’s right for Scootaloo.’’

With that, Rainbow Dash took her leave and Fluttershy heard her head outside of the front door, off on her way to the Cloudsdale orphanage. Fluttershy, now that she was alone, allowed herself to sag down in her seat, covering her face with her hooves in a deadpan mood.

‘’Celestia, so help me…’’

*** *** ***

‘’And what can I do for you, Miss Dash?’’ The mare in front of Rainbow Dash asked, sitting behind a desk in a poorly lit office. It wasn’t very big or very furnished, but it was clean and adequate enough to give it a sense of profession and etiquette.

The mare that ran this office was the owner of the orphanage, Miss Harshflow, and, despite her misleading name, she seemed to be a pleasant and well-rehearsed mare. She was significantly older than Rainbow by at least ten years, putting her about mid-aged, and she showed signs of it.

Miss Harshflow had a rounded but firm chin, pronounced cheekbones and a dark, royal blue coloured coat, contrasting with her diamond-coloured eyes. Her mane was a silver shade that held a twinkle in the light coming in through the window behind her, facing out into the streets of Cloudsdale. To add to her sense of authority and sophistication, she wore a black custom-tailored suit, clearly stating her place within the building.

Rainbow Dash, as her eyes looked over her shoulder to view the wall behind the mare, noticed that multiple pictures hung from the magically-enhanced and stabilised concrete walls supported by the clouds. They were all depicting of young fillies and colts, no older than Scootaloo, and Dash assumed that they were children that were housed at the orphanage, and some of the photos included pictures of the children with mares and stallions, their adoptive parents.

The photographs were crowding the entire wall space around the owner’s desk, completely invading the wall to the point where it made Dash wonder how all of them managed to fit there. It was enough to tell her that Miss Harshflow was a very passionate and committed mare to her trade, and she took great pride in finding her children the most appropriate families that will treat them right and bring them the happiness they could only dream of.

‘’Are you looking to adopt a child? If so, we have some excellent and well-behaved children that will love to see you—-‘’

‘’N-No, I’m not here to adopt,’’ Dash stopped her, waving a hoof as she was seated in front of her desk on a cushioned and backed chair. The mare in front of her blinked and waited for her to continue. ‘’I’m actually here because I want to ask you some questions about a friend,’’ She said.

‘’A friend? Does she work here, you mean?’’ Miss Harshflow asked curiously, pursing her lips and leaning in on her desk, resting her chin on her hoof.

‘’Not exactly, no, I was more or less referring to a young filly that I’m taking care of at the moment named Scootaloo. I’m trying to find out what my options are if, say, I wanted to gain legal custody of her?’’ Dash asked, and Miss Harshflow’s face suddenly went blank, her eyes becoming calculating.

‘’You mean that you want to try and gain legal guardianship of her?’’ She asked. ‘’Miss Dash, if you don’t mind me asking, what makes you think that I can help out with your problem? I would have assumed that her parents would be the ones to—-‘’

‘’Her parents abandoned her,’’ Dash said flatly, and Miss Harshflow became still, frozen. She looked like somepony had slapped her clean across the face.

‘’I…beg your pardon?’’

‘’Scootaloo’s parents, they abandoned her and left her for dead,’’ Rainbow Dash stated again. ‘’I only just found out a little over two months ago. I found her all alone in the hospital with a broken leg and she told me what had happened. She’s been on her own for two years,’’ Dash explained, and each word that she uttered seemed to drive a knife further into Miss Harshflow’s heart.

Miss Harshflow, having worked in social care in the past and after switching her role to the leader of the Cloudsdale Orphanage, had heard some pretty disturbing and often heartbreaking family stories where the child is normally the worst victim, but this was beyond words! Most of the stories she’s heard in cases of child abuse and abandonment related to either relationship troubles between the mother and father, stress induced by tough, demanding work placements or sometimes substance abuse.

She had taken in some of the children from those cases and placed them in her care, and she had even tutored some of them herself to give them a proper education. She never liked to poke her nose into rough situations, but when it came down to children, she had to take action out of concern for their well-being and their mental health. It was why she felt the need to establish the orphanage and offer her guidance to those that needed it the most.

‘’Oh, my! That’s awful! Hopefully, you do realise the seriousness of this situation, and I must ask that you be truthful about all that you know in order for me to help you, Miss Dash,’’ Miss Harshflow then pulled open one of the massive drawers on her desk and she pulled out a scroll, quill and ink well. ‘’So, if you wouldn’t mind, and no matter how difficult it might be to divulge in details, I need you to tell me everything so far,’’ She requested.

And Rainbow Dash obliged, starting her side of the story from the very beginning and to the present day. She discussed finding Scootaloo at the hospital unsupervised, taking her home, about some of the diary entires detailing from Scootaloo’s own mind how her parents treated her, how she’s been living in secret inside of The Crusader clubhouse, absolutely everything.

Miss Harshflow jotted down everything exactly as Dash had described them, adding all of the minor and major details for future reference, and Dash watched her face while she scribed her words. She constantly gave pained looks, a twinge here and there, especially when Dash told her about the state of Scootaloo’s house. That had hit her worse than anything else she had been told, and her face contorted into one of disgust and sadness.

‘’And, as I’m meant to understand it, young Scootaloo is currently in the care of yourself and one Miss Fluttershy?’’ Miss Harshflow asked as she finished scribing, looking up from the hefty amount of writing she had written down to face Rainbow Dash.

‘’Yeah, Fluttershy knows everything that’s going on, too, and she’s been a great help with taking care of Scootaloo,’’ Dash confirmed.

‘’And what relationship does she share with you, Miss Dash? Are you two…?’’ She asked, hinting at the obvious, to which Dash suddenly blushed and she rubbed the back of her neck.

‘’Are we…? Oh! No, no, it’s not like that. We’re both just really close friends, and we’ve known each other since we were kids.’’

‘’Oh, that’s alright, I had to make sure, in the event of a future case whereupon I need to clarify your relationship,’’ She told her, but her lips gave a smile at her reaction, a somewhat cheeky one. ‘’Miss Dash, from what I’ve heard, I hope you know that this is a very serious and troubling case that can’t go on being ignored any longer. From what you’ve told me, the actions of Scootaloo’s parents could have very well lead to her death, and that is a very serious crime with dire consequences, one of which is a lifetime imprisonment,’’ She explained, features grim.

‘’I understand, Miss Harshflow, and I want to make them pay for what they did as much as anypony does, but nopony has seen them since they left Scootaloo on her own. They could literally be anywhere right now!’’ Dash stressed, lightly banging her hooves against Miss Harshflow’s desk.

‘’Hmm, you’re right,’’ She began to say thoughtfully. ‘’But don’t you worry, there are ponies out there that are incredibly thorough and professional at running an investigation to pick up any trace they might have left behind. You wouldn’t think it, but child abuse in Equestria is a very repetitive occurrence and crime that mostly goes unpaid for and unnoticed in some areas, and it’s ponies like you that can help to bring justice for helpless and defenceless children that need protection,’’ Miss Harshflow said gratefully, happy that Dash came to see her.

The appreciation glowed behind the old mare’s age-dimmed eyes, making them appear vibrant and radiant once again, and it became very apparent how deeply Rainbow Dash’s story had affected her. She was a very caring pony, and Dash was able to see it in her body language, all of the emotions she had felt herself shortly after finding out the truth, and it was nice to see that they both were on the exact same wavelength.

‘’Thank you, Miss Harshflow,’’ Rainbow Dash said gratefully. ‘’So, what’d happen to her parents if they get found?’’ The mare in front of the cyan mare cupped her hooves together and she gave her a stern expression.

‘’Considering that they’re willing to be compliant, they will sit trial and their fate will be decided in a court of law through a jury of their peers. From what you’ve told me, the evidence won’t work in their favour, I’m afraid, so their chances of getting off spending time in prison for their crimes are slim,’’ She said, pleased by the idea, as was Rainbow Dash. ‘’Now, Miss Rainbow Dash, with your consent, I’d be willing to hand over all that you’ve told me towards a friend of mine in social services, a mare by the name of Violet Snowdrop, and she’ll get back in touch with me within a few days to let me know what she can do for us.’’

Rainbow Dash thought carefully about this. She had only just met this mare, and, as nice and as inviting as she was, this was some very serious and personal information regarding her little sister, and she instantly felt cautious about sharing it so openly. Then again, if social services got involved on the matter, then the chances of getting what she wanted for the young girl who’s life was in shambles would increase dramatically!

At this point and at this stage, what was there to lose? Eventually, Rainbow Dash sighed and she reached over a hoof to Miss Harshflow, and they shared a firm hoofshake.

‘’Alright, you have my permission to send it,’’ Dash said, hoping that this was the first step in achieving justice.

‘’Thank you, Miss Dash,’’ The older mare thanked her. ‘’I’ll be sure to keep in touch with you as soon as Violet Snowdrop gets back to me. And don’t worry about Scootaloo, because, if she has ponies like you looking out for her, then she’s in good hooves.’’

‘’Sweet! I’ll go and let Fluttershy know right now! Thank you!’’ Rainbow Dash leaned over and gave Miss Harshflow a brief hug before she exited the office.

Violet Snowdrop

Author's Note

And now we meet a new character whom will prove crucial to this story's outcome!

Violet Snowdrop

==== Three Days Later ====

Three days had passed by ever since Rainbow Dash’s visit to the Cloudsdale Orphanage, and the time in which she was waiting for any updates had passed by slowly, almost obnoxiously so. She wasn’t one for waiting and she wasn’t known for being of the patient variety of pony, so it was gruelling to her mind for having no choice but to be forced to wait.

The only single thing in the world that made her not raise a complaint was that sweet, loving, caring and tomboyish little filly that she had taken in under her wing. She had been enjoying herself so much in the past few days since arriving at Rainbow Dash’s home, and it was like a dream come true for her. She had idolised Dash ever since she first discovered her performing tricks and stunts in the fields so long ago, and she could be considered her biggest fangirl, so when she found out that she was going to be living with her idol? Well, let’s just say that she had smiled the largest and widest she had ever done in her entire life.

Fluttershy had taken a few runs from the sky and down to the surface again multiple times in the day to check on her animal friends and her personal pet, Angel Bunny, having to feed them and make sure they are all well and happy without her around as much. Speaking of Fluttershy, she had adjusted quite well to living in the sky on a temporary basis, especially for a pony afraid of heights.

She was unusual for a pegasus, and it was extraordinary for a Cloudsdale native to prefer to be grounded. Sure, a few did live in Ponyville, but they were not afraid of flying or the idea of flying in the same manner of the timid, butter-coloured mare. Rainbow Dash knew that it was partially due to her traumatic humiliation at Junior Flight Camp, how badly she was teased, jeered at and alienated by the rest of her peers. That kind of bullying, harassment and endless taunting had left more than a few mental scars on the poor mare, and it made Dash sick to her stomach for what those punks did to her.

Anywho, she wasn’t going to be forced to stay in the sky with the rest of her kind, and her mind was made up that she wanted to remain grounded the day that she had earned her cutie mark after finding out she had the ability to communicate with animals. Her parents even supported her all the way, and they funded a portion of her rent when she was old enough to move away from home, and Fluttershy was eternally grateful for their support of her choices. Her parents were the nicest and warmest ponies Dash had ever met.

Scootaloo had been getting a few flying lessons with her new Cloud Buster, and she had developed a possessive taste for speed, much like her idol. She may not be able to fly at the moment, but she was still a very agile and perceptive pony with killer reflexes, an aid with her scooter riding. Rainbow Dash had found herself to be quite impressed with her progress, and she was always happy to cheer her on and support her all the way, giving her tips and pointers.

When she was a filly, she had quite a few issues with getting the correct amount of balance and power to support her entire body, and it did earn her more than a few bruises and dents here and there, but she always pulled through. Learning to fly is something that all Pegasi go through in their life at an early age, and Scootaloo hadn’t ever been taught to fly by her parents, as per tradition, and it was because of that that she was still grounded. If they had bothered to care, then she would be soaring high by now.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had been sleeping in the same bed, too. Although Dash lived inside of an extravagant palace decked out with many, many rooms, most of which were empty, Fluttershy preferred to share the same bed chamber. For one, Rainbow Dash, rather than blushing at sharing the same bed as her oldest and closest friend (and crush), didn’t object.

‘’I kinda like snuggling with you, Shy,’’ Rainbow Dash had said to her with a blush, feeling childish for thinking this way. The idea of spooning and cuddling with a pony, be it mare or stallion, always made Dash gag in disgust and she’d stick her tongue out at such idea, but after she had her own taste of it, she began to wonder how she ever dealt without it.

She smells like strawberries and cream, Dash thought to herself. I swear, she does it on purpose! She knows I love both of those things, and she only does it to tease me!

In any event, it has been a slow but wonderful few days. It was nice that things were calm and collected for once rather than all over the place with one pony screaming or telling another pony off, and all three of the ponies felt like a small but happy family. The idea of having a functioning family was highly appealing in the back of Rainbow Dash’s mind, but she didn’t see herself as the motherly type. It wasn’t because she felt too tough on the outside to be the type, but rather because she simply didn’t know how.

Although, the idea of one day having both Fluttershy and Scootaloo merge together to form a family had a certain charm to it, a nice and pleasant ideology behind it. The possibility of one day sharing the happiness of most families made Dash feel giddy on the inside, and knowing that it wasn’t off the table made her all the more optimistic for her chances of making it work out.

Today was a day that had been long anticipated by the cyan mare, for it was the day when Miss Harshflow had promised that she’s let her know when her associate, Violet Snowdrop, had had the chance to review her file. This was the very day which she had been waiting for since she had brought Scootaloo into her care, and she had very much so hoped for something more than a mere statement promising action. She wanted results, and today was the day that those results were due to be delivered!

As expected, Rainbow Dash heard a knock on her front door, and she had dashed over in order to see whom it was. When she opened it, she had expected to bear witness to perhaps a mail pony carrying a letter addressed to her, but she was surprised to see that it was actually Miss Harshflow.

‘’Good afternoon, Miss Dash,’’ She greeted courtly. ‘’I trust that you’re doing well?’’

‘’Miss Harshflow? What’re you doing here?’’ She asked, confused at her presence. The older mare gave a tug on her black suit jacket at the collar to unfurl it as she gave a soft smile.

‘’I promised to deliver you Violet Snowdrop’s message, did I not? I’m here to deliver it,’’ She said, reaching into her suit jack to withdraw a letter. ‘’She got back to me this morning with a letter,’’ She presented it to Rainbow. ‘’She told me that she’s enclosed her business address and contact information inside if you need anything else. And remember, Miss Dash, if you ever seen any guidance from me, I’ll be more than happy to provide you with what assistance I can,’’ Miss Harshflow said politely.

She gave Rainbow Dash a wave goodbye with one of her wings and she bid farewell, flying off into the distance. Rainbow Dash looked down at the thick, manila envelope that she had been given, and she felt a tad disappointed, hoping for a little more than a mere letter, but it was better than nothing. Shutting her front door, she tucked it beneath her wing and she headed back inside to read it.

Rainbow Dash flew into her bedroom and she sat herself down on her bed before she tore open the seal on the envelope. She pulled out a slip of paper and she held it in her hooves. On the top of the letter was a stamped-on logo in red ink that depicted of a crest with a horseshoe with a heart inside of it, which Dash recognised as the logo associated with social services. The letter read,

Dear Miss Rainbow Dash,

It has come to my attention that my friend and associate, Miss Harshflow, has had a recent meeting with you to discuss the living arrangement of a filly by the name of Scootaloo. Today, I am writing to you to let you know that I have received and reviewed the statement which you have created explaining the situation to the best of your ability.

To start things off, let me begin by saying that I was appalled and greatly disgusted by the details which you had shared regarding young Scootaloo. Miss Haysworth has told me that you are now Scootaloo’s unofficial guardian, along with the assistance of a mare named Fluttershy for the time being.

As a social worker, my job is to ensure the well-being of all ponies, whether they are children or adults, and I take my job at the Manehattan branch very seriously and directly. With the details that you have shared consensually with my associate, it is my duty to take this case head on and to get down to the bottom of the issue, starting with finding Scootaloo’s parents. To do this, I am pleased to say that I am going to be making a trip down to Ponyville to address the situation head-on to make an assessment.

Please, do not be intimidated or uneasy when you are asked any questions, as they may prove useful in solving the case. Child abuse in Equestria is a cruel and unforgivable act, and it will not be tolerated. With your valuable assistance, it will be possible to put any and all child abuse cases to a permanent end.

I look forward to meeting you and young Scootaloo the following morning to begin your assessment. If you have any questions about social services or if you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Kind regards,

- Violet Snowdrop

Rainbow Dash finished reading the letter and she felt anxious to offer what help she can if it meant that she could help Scootaloo out faster. Violet Snowdrop sounded like a responsible and professional mare with an outstanding reputation at the trade, which was a great, big green flag in Dash’s book, so she was eagerly awaiting for her arrival for her verdict.

*** *** ***

There was a light knocking against the front door of Rainbow Dash’s house the following morning after she had received the letter from Miss Harshflow’s associate. Fluttershy was out with Scootaloo down at her cottage as per her request, so the filly had no idea what was going on, naive to any of this. She’d be let in on it later, but not until the time was right.

Heading towards her door and opening it, Rainbow Dash was met with the face of whom she assumed must be Violet Snowdrop. She was a pretty mare, a pegasus with a light coat, lighter than Dash’s own, almost to the point where it resembled a faint daphne blue, and her mane was a silky sheet of flowing silver, much like Fluttershy’s mane. She had kind and inviting cerulean eyes, glowing with a motherly radiance, the type that tells you ‘’it’s going to be okay’’, making any pony immediately feel at peace.

Rainbow Dash had taken notice of her cutie mark, too, seeing that it depicted of a violet-coloured halo above a snowdrop, true to her name. She had a sweet and innocent vibe about her being, but she also had one of professional essence and trusting. If anything, this cute, warming mare held the same vibe as Rainbow’s dear Fluttershy, so close to almost exactly resembling her that it was startling.

‘’Hello,’’ She greeted, her voice as soft and as delicate as a peck on the cheek. ‘’I’m Violet Snowdrop, a social worker from the Manehattan branch,’’ She introduced herself formally. ‘’And you must be Rainbow Dash, the mare that made contact with my business associate, Miss Harshflow.’’

Whoa, either I’m crazy or Fluttershy’s got a twin she knew nothing about! A cute twin, too, Rainbow Dash thought to herself, hiding her blush, quickly shooing it away.

‘’Y-Yeah, I’m Rainbow Dash,’’ She said, reaching out to shake Violet’s hoof. ‘’Come in,’’ She invited her inside, Violet giving her a few words of thanks before she closed the door after her. ‘’So, you’re a social worker that works with Miss Harshflow at the Cloudsdale Orphanage, huh?’’

‘’Mmm-hmm, I am,’’ Violet replied with a soft hum. ‘’I’ve read your letter, and I knew right away that I had to do something to get involved. I’m very passionate and committed to my role at my job, and I take everypony’s best interests to heart, as I’ve heard about you, too,’’ Violet said professionally, smiling at Rainbow Dash. ‘’And are both Fluttershy and Scootaloo home at the moment?’’

‘’No, they’re down at Fluttershy’s cottage in Ponyville,’’ Rainbow Dash said, and Violet gave her a confused look, tilting her head.

‘’Fluttershy’s cottage? Oh, so you don’t…’’

‘’No, no, we don’t live together,’’ Dash added quickly. ‘’We kinda take turns spending the night at each other’s house because I owe her a favour. It’s a…long story,’’ Rainbow Dash blushed sheepishly.

‘’Oh, it’s quite alright. I had to ask to be sure what the living arrangement is like between yourself and Fluttershy. If you don’t mind me asking, in the letter, it mentioned that Scootaloo’s parents abandoned her? I was wondering if you’d like to take a trip down to the surface with me to show me to their house, seeing as we might find something of interest inside that could point to her parents’ whereabouts,’’ Violet Snowdrop requested, and Rainbow Dash visibly tensed.

The idea of entering that abandoned, solitary home filled with broken down memories and dreams, void of happiness and the promise of a functioning family haunted Rainbow Dash to an immeasurable scale. But she found a comforting presence behind Violet’s eyes, mesmerising her and giving her a strong reassurance that it was going to be alright. If it’d help get to the bottom of the mystery, then how could Rainbow object?

‘’I suppose I don’t have a choice, do I?’’ Rainbow asked, half-jokingly. ‘’Follow me, then. I’ll show you to her house.’’

*** *** ***

‘’So, Violet Snowdrop, huh? That’s kind of an unusual name. No offense,’’ Rainbow Dash said as she was walking beside the social worker mare up the dirt path towards Scootaloo’s house.

Violet Snowdrop, apparently used to the question and the confusion that came with it, simply smiled and she chuckled a little at Dash. She turned to face her as they slowly made their way up the dirt path, and her eyes, now that Dash was seeing them in the light of the bright morning sun, were extremely charming and ecstatic with light and life.

‘’None taken. A lot of the colts and fillies I work with tend to ask me about my name, and they usually tell me that it doesn’t fit a Manehattenite, and they’re right. You see, Rainbow Dash, I’m not from Manehatten originally,’’ She said, and Dash raised her brow.

‘’Wait, you’re not? Then where were you raised? Fillydelphia? Manehoover?’’

‘’No, I’m from Cloudsdale, one-hundred percent born and raised,’’ She clarified, and Rainbow Dash was surprised by that. ‘’All of my family were originally from Cloudsdale, so I ended up spending the majority of my pre-teen life there.’’

‘’If you loved Cloudsdale so much, then why’d you leave?’’ Dash asked, almost shocked that a pony could ever leave the greatest and most grand city in the sky. The idea to her was ludicrous.

‘’Being a social worker in-training had its ups and downs,’’ Violet said with a sad, reminiscent sigh. ‘’My training was in Cloudsdale, where there used to be an office for social work, but then everypony got transferred over to Manehatten when the owners decided to switch locations. Apparently, there was more work to take up in the big city, so I unfortunately had no other alternative but to leave everything behind,’’ Violet explained.

Ah, she was transferred! Well, that explains quite a bit! Celestia knows I know how that feels, Rainbow Dash thought about her position in The Wonderbolts, thinking about being away from home again once the season starts up. She’d back back training in a matter of months, and then it’s back on the road for her, but she dreaded saying goodbye. Unfortunately, there’s a downside to everything, and being a Wonderbolt had its downfalls as well as its perks. I’m right there with ya, sister.

‘’And what about Miss Harshflow? She said that she knew you, but I have this feeling that it’s more than a simple business arrangement,’’ Dash mentioned, allowing her curiosity get the better of her. Nonetheless, Violet actually appeared to be pleased that she asked.

‘’Who, Flowie?’’ Violet asked. ‘’Oh, that’s a long story. We’re both like you and Fluttershy, in the sense that we’ve known each other for a very long time,’’ She explained, but Rainbow’s ears were having trouble deciphering the way that Violet had addressed Miss Harshflow.

‘’Whoa, whoa, hold up! Did I hear that right? ‘Flowie’?’’ Dash asked in a perplexed state, finding humour in the name.

‘’Flo Harshflow. She was always so embarrassed by her first name, so I began to call her Flowie. It’s a nickname that stuck, so that’s how we address each other from time to time,’’ Violet said with a playful snicker.

‘Flowie?’ Huh, that’s pretty adorable, actually! They do the same thing as me and Fluttershy, and they’ve known each other almost as long as we have, too! This is almost scary. Almost.

Before the pair was able to reach any further discussion into their childhood memories, they had both stepped directly in front of the battered and weathered pale blue-painted house they had been heading to. It was a ghastly sight, and Rainbow Dash suddenly had short nickelodeons playing in her head with scenarios placing this house as the main attraction in a horror film, with silhouettes dancing behind the dirty windows and ghostly apparitions playing outside.

Rainbow felt nothing shy of uncomfortable and creeped out while she was standing outside of it with Violet Snowdrop. Like when she arrived here with Twilight during the search party, she felt a coldness surround her, an air of sadness that lingered around the house on Creepy Creek. It was like the land around the area had been forever tainted by the neglect and abuse that had taken place beyond the door on the front porch.

Violet Snowdrop took in the scene before her, and it was clear by the uncomfortable face she was making, her nose scrunched up and her lips tugged into a frown, that she felt it, too. She gave a visible shiver that didn’t go unnoticed by Dash’s keen eyes, and she appeared to be sad. She hadn’t even scratched the surface yet, and there it was - the face of sadness.

‘’It’s been abandoned for over two years,’’ Dash told her. She didn’t feel the need to mention that she had been here with Twilight or that she had fallen out with Scootaloo over invading her private life.

‘’I can see that,’’ Violet said slowly. ‘’Is it unlocked?’’ She followed Rainbow Dash as she headed up the two steps leading to the porch, and Dash pushed a hoof against the body of it to open it with a creak, opening it for her.

They both stepped inside of the darkened home, only lit in small pockets by sunlight pouring in through the dirty windows. It was a dark, dank and musty-smelling home that had certainly seen better days. In the way it sat, it held a disconnected, humble and lonely vibe to the social worker, and she, after years of experience in her line of work, has learned to pick up on such scents. It moved her so deeply that it hurt her heart, and she suddenly felt tears sting her eyes.

Violet Snowdrop, as collected as she knew she must present herself as a strong and confident social worker, met her folly every now and again, as rare as it might be. In some of her cases involving the more serious aspects of neglect leading to child abuse and abandonment, most of which involved alcohol or stress related to work placements, she had even broken down and cried. Of course, she only did such a thing once she was behind closed doors and out of sight.

This one child she had met, a lovely little girl named Lucky Clover, such a sweet and innocent little thing, had gone through such a horrible ordeal involving things that Violet wouldn’t dare dream about. She was only eight -years-old at the time she was admitted to Manehatten A and E, but, ironically, despite her name, she never emerged again. She had her parents to thank for that, and they were thankfully sentenced to life in prison.

Not a day goes by where I don’t think about you, Lucky-Ducky, Violet said, thinking about her nickname that she’d given her. If only I hadn’t been too late. Sometimes, I see you in my dreams and you’re still laughing and playing, and you’re always so sweet and nice.

Violet quickly shooed away her thoughts, not wishing to have another breakdown here in front of her client, no matter how much the memory made her want to cry. She would do that later when she was alone.

Violet had brought along her small notepad, which she had reserved for her small trips to make a jotted list of her findings. It had saved her skin more times than she cares to recall, and it had always turned up a lead whenever she evaluates whatever she’s written down. Right away, Violet’s expression soured once she took in the main hallway and the state it was in.

Rotten, damp floorboards, layers upon layers of dust, the lingering, unavoidable stench of wood rot and decay, the smell of corroded copper and plumbing, the list goes on. She jotted down these details with a small but handy quill she liked to travel with. It wasn’t as big as other quills, and it made packing light a breeze, so it became her faithful friend.

Hmm, I wonder if the house was in this state even before the ponies living here left, Violet thought inwardly while Rainbow stood behind her, observing her curiously and waiting for her to speak.

Violet touched a hoof against a loose floorboard that was partially sticking up from where it was housed in the floor, the end splintered and rickety. It had rotted to the point where it was about ready to crumble to dust. Upon contact with the social worker’s hoof, it crumbled to pieces and gave an ear-piercing snap that made both ponies cringe.

Unstable flooring and foundations, Violet scribbled down onto her handy-dandy notepad. She inspected the walls closely, and, in the darkness, with only minimal light entering through the windows to give her vision, she noticed something. Black marks were trickling down from the very top of the wall, a deep, disgusting-smelling watermark that indicated her suspicions on there being water damage from destroyed, decayed plumbing systems.

Water damage and corroded pipework, She added to her list. Violet crinkled her nose as she glanced around for more issues to inspect and diagnose.

Rainbow Dash, from where she was standing by the open doorway, watched the mare intently. Rainbow didn’t want to be here, and she wanted to avoid it as much as Scootaloo did. She didn’t understand exactly what horror Scootaloo might have endured, and she didn’t possess the nerve to ask her face-to-face.

Wow, Violet’s really going to town on this place. She reminds me of Twilight when she’s conducting some kind of science experiment. And Violet’s got a pretty rockin’ body—-whoa! Simmer down, there! Dash blushed and coughed into her hoof, not going noticed by the mare she was thinking about. Where did that thought come from? You like Fluttershy, stupid! Flut. Ter. Shy. Keep your head in the game, will ya?

‘’Hmm, there doesn’t appear to be any furnishings…’’ Violet mused to herself, tapping her quill against her cheek a few times. ‘’It’s like whoever lived here left in a hurry,’’ She said to herself thoughtfully. ‘’Maybe there might be something upstairs?’’

Violet Snowdrop began to hover her way up the stairs, Dash following after her to supervise. The stairs weren’t as sturdy as they could have been, and the water damage that made a frequent appearance in the house didn’t place the odds in their favour of holding and supporting the weight of a fully-grown mare.

Upstairs, Violet Snowdrop was walking slowly through the corridor at the top of the landing, her head constantly glancing about both left and right. She had entered through the door to her right, the one belonging to Scootaloo’s parents, and Rainbow stopped behind her, standing outside.

‘’Oh, my…’’ Rainbow heard her mutter beneath her breath. ‘’What happened in here?’’ She asked herself, scribbling down on her notepad. She headed towards the broken mirror upon noticing the broken shards of sharp, jagged class spread across the floor.

Violet’s cerulean eyes were scanning over the remaining portion of the unbroken glass built into the frame, taking note that it was specked with black spots. As dreadful as it might be, Violet knew what they were, but she pursed her lips and kept silent, scribbling it down onto her notepad.

Old blood stains on mirror, possibly from child, She wrote, hiding it from Dash. There weren’t many splotches of it to indicate any serious harm might have been done, but it was still obvious that something did take place here. The possibility that it could belong to Scootaloo made her blood run cold.

Rainbow watched as she skimmed through the unmade bedsheets, upturned the mattress and looked beneath both of the indented, flattened pillows. Violet left no stone unturned as she began to rummage through the drawers in the dressers, finding them all to be empty, and she sniffed around like a bloodhound, searching for even a tiny spec of evidence.

Finding nothing, Violet came towards Rainbow Dash and she frowned, defeated. She placed her notepad beneath her wing, tucking it away until she needed it again.

‘’Nothing,’’ She said regretfully. ‘’There’s another room at the top of the corridor, so we should check that one next,’’ She said, pushing past the cyan mare and up to the room that, unbeknownst to her, belonged to Scootaloo, but Dash didn’t bother to tell her that she knew.

Like before, once Violet had entered through the door that was open slightly ajar since Rainbow’s and Twilight’s visit here, she had stopped a few paces in to take the room in fully. It wasn’t as dirty as the other rooms, nor was it as barren, but it was still on the unhygienic side, the aroma of mild decay enough to make one gag.

The one thing that seemed to peek an interest inside of Violet was the rickety, old wooden table at the far left corner of the room, the one decked out with a number of tools that Scootaloo used to maintain her scooter. There were a number of small, faded metal oil cans that were leaking the black, crude substance all over the table on the edge, one of them having fallen over and drooling down onto the carpet. It had caked itself permanently into the carpet and created a small slog, and it absolutely stank.

Violet took out her notepad from beneath her wing and she began to scribble on it again. She appeared to be concerned about the amount of loose screwdrivers, pliers, oil cans, screws and other sharp objects that were scattered around the room, the result of Scootaloo being a bit of a grease monkey when it came down to keeping her old scooter in top-notch shape. She often made a mess whenever she was tinkering with it, and Dash knew that for a fact.

Next, Violet checked out the bed and the small closet which was spewing with old scooter parts, which posed as a very easy health hazard, not suitable for little fillies. If one were to trip on any of those parts, they were liable to sustain injuries of a serious degree, anywhere from a broken bone or to a deep, potentially life threatening laceration. Violet surmised that everything that she’s seen so far pointed towards pure neglect and carelessness, and she found herself wanting to leave the house for a breath of clean, fresh, untainted air.

Some ponies shouldn’t have children, Violet thought to herself bitterly. From what I’ve witnessed here today, I wouldn’t count on Scootaloo’s parents having any chance of parole. These conditions are simply deplorable and mortifying!

‘’Rainbow Dash,’’ Violet Snowdrop asked as she slowly turned around, finishing up with jotting some notes down. ‘’If you’d please follow me back outside, there’s a small matter that I’d like to discuss with you,’’ Violet then proceeded to leave the house.

I don’t like this place.

Now that they were outside, the air was noticeably fresher and easier on both ponies’ lungs. The social worker had tucked the notepad beneath her wing again and she held a frown as she faced Rainbow, her features visibly distraught.

‘’Now, with what I’ve seen, it’s worse than I imagined from your letter,’’ Violet began, coughing into her hoof, still feeling the foulness of the air clogging up her lungs. ‘’I’m mortified, Rainbow Dash, absolutely mortified by what I’ve seen here today. I’m sure that you understand the seriousness of the situation, as do I, and I would like to make you a proposal.’’

‘’What kind of proposal?’’ Rainbow inquired, her interest sparked.

‘’You see, as well as being able to offer my social services to anypony in need, a part of my training involved counselling young children. With your consent, and going off of what I’ve seen, I was wondering if you’d be open to the idea of me counselling Scootaloo. The poor dear must have gained some pent-up emotions from the horrific conditions she’s been kept in,’’ She said sympathetically.

It struck Rainbow Dash as funny how both Miss Harshflow and Violet Snowdrop openly shared a passion for children and their well-being, so selfless when it came down to their mental and physical health. She was such a sweet mare to offer her assistance, and Rainbow Dash felt inclined to accept, but she was stopped by the idea, feeling somewhat nervous and unsure about the concept of counselling. Wasn’t counselling for whackos in nuthouses and whatnot? It sounded like the type of thing Twilight did when she hooked up Pinkie Pie to her fancy machine to try and pin-point the source of her Pinkie Sense in order to understand it.

‘’Counselling? Are you sure that that kind of thing is for a filly? How would it even help her, anyway? What good does talking about your problems do?’’ Rainbow Dash asked, feeling put off by the idea.

‘’Oh, it makes quite a difference, Rainbow Dash! Sometimes, you’ll find that speaking openly and unpressuringly about your problems can take a heavy weight off of your shoulders, and that goes especially when it comes to young children,’’ Violet spoke professionally and fluently. ‘’Children have such innocent and fragile minds, ones that are susceptible to the more uncouth side of thinking through the world we live in. I’ve offered my services to a number of my clients, and it has worked wonders for them in opening up and coming out of their shell. Tell me, has Scootaloo ever experienced night terrors or episodes of anxiety?’’

No, mummy, daddy! Don’t leave me! Rainbow Dash remembered the filly’s voice as she cried and trembled beneath her bedsheets, pawing at the air and mumbling beneath her breath. It had left an unremovable mark on the daredevil’s heart. Her little sister’s screams were still resounding within her eardrums, and it made her heart twinge painfully.

‘’Um, a few times. Usually about her parents,’’ Rainbow admitted with a sad sigh. ‘’She doesn’t speak about her home life, and she never mentions her parents.’’

‘’I see,’’ Violet became sympathetic at hearing this, offering her hoof to Dash’s shoulder to show her that she cares. ‘’And have you ever thought about asking her to talk about her feelings, or if she had anything she wanted to get off her chest?’’

‘’N-No,’’ Dash said. ‘’I’ve thought about it, but I didn’t know how to bring it up. I didn’t want to pressure her or make her tell me anything she’s uncomfortable with sharing. I couldn’t do that to her.’’

‘’And that’s completely natural,’’ Violet assured her. ‘’Sometimes, it’s difficult to tell somepony how you’re feeling, and it’s only natural to have feelings of anxiety or fear about coming clean and opening yourself up.’’

Jeez, tell me about it, Rainbow thought sarcastically, thinking about her and Fluttershy.

‘’A friendly, one-on-one talk can do wonders, Rainbow Dash, and it can make you feel lighter and more relaxed, reduce your stress and keep your mind at ease. If you’re willing to entrust Scootaloo’s mental well-being into my counselling, I can guarantee you that I’ll do my best to see if there’s anything Scootaloo would like to get out in the open,’’ Violet offered, her kind and charismatic eyes joined by her warm, friendly smile soothing Dash’s nerves.

‘’You won’t force her to admit anything, will you?’’ Dash asked sharply, but it didn’t faze the mare.

‘’Not at all. Allowing somepony the time to open up of their own accord is a number-one priority in making them feel comfortable with sharing inside information,’’ Violet explained. ‘’I can assure you, Rainbow Dash, that you have nothing to fear.’’

Man, she sure knows how to melt somepony’s heart, I’ll give her that. Those eyes of hers, they remind me so much of Fluttershy’s and her hospitality. I wonder if she’s thinking about me now…

Rainbow Dash gave the mare in front of her a skeptical look, biting her lip while she momentarily glanced away in thought, not certain that she wanted to subject Scootaloo into the care of somepony she’s just now met. As assuring and as professional as she was, not to mention cute, she still wasn’t sure that Scootaloo was ready for this.

‘’Does Scootaloo have a say in this, at least?’’

‘’Of course! If Scootaloo agrees and considering that you’re still willing, I’ll be prepared to offer my services to her free of charge,’’ Violet said friendlily, her award-winning smile winning over Rainbow’s heart.

‘’I’ll ask her, then,’’ Rainbow said. Violet’s eyes brightened.

‘’Wonderful! I’ll be in staying in town for a while, so I’m always free to offer my services at any time of the day. Once you’ve had a chat with Scootaloo, you can find me at The Ponyville Inn.’’ Violet said.

Manehatten

Author's Note

And lo and behold, wonder no longer who these two ponies are and what they've been doing in the meantime, as you're about to find out!

Manehatten

The weather was overcast over the skies of the suburban city of Manehatten, The Big Apple of Equestria, a city known for its noisy, busy and restless streets, running as rampant as an enraged bull. Stark business owners, stiff-lipped market stall ponies and generally corrupt and sharp, hoity-toity civilians all made up this grand city, and they all thrived around the rich cultural heritage of its big league performing arts, entertainment and fashion districts.

There was a low grumble of thunder that gave way to a light vibration through the rocky ground, followed by a light pitter-patter of rain, little beads of glass-like coldness. It was due to rain for the next couple of days in the big city, and most ponies were likely to spend the rest of their time inside their homes for the duration of it while they wait it out. Those who dared to enter the pouring rain as it gradually began to worsen were mostly bar patrons, theatre snobs and art gallery enthusiasts looking for a more productive and sophisticated way to wait out the storm.

Outside of those groups of select Manehattenites were a pair of ponies living inside of a dainty, run-down apartment complex window nearest to the top of the building. From this far up from the ground, they were nearly scraping the gunmetal-coloured sky, getting a front row seat to the rainstorm that was sure to rock the city within the hour. The vibrations from the nearing thunder were so vigorous that the thin window panes in their frames were barely clinging on for dear life, rattling and clanking where they rested.

From somewhere outside, the voices of taxi driver ponies were heard shouting, calling out against the rain, refusing to give in in spite of the weather. That was the Manehattenite way - strength in numbers and a stubbornness that knew no rival.

‘’Look at those ponies down there,’’ The first pony said, a stallion, staring down through the dirt-covered window of the almost-bare apartment. ‘’Fools, the lot of ‘em,’’ He grumbled.

‘’I told you that we should have moved to Fillydelphia! Even Las Pegasus would have been nice! Don’t you think I’d like to be over there, playing slots and having a ball?’’ The second pony, a mare asked in an annoyed tone. Her husband turned on her, giving her the stink eye.

‘’Can it, Silver Star!’’ He barked. ‘’You know that we didn’t have enough money to make it that far, and even if we did, what makes you think that I’d go to somewhere as flashy as Las Pegasus?’’ He gave her a snarl, and she bit her lip.

‘’Well, it’d still be better than here!’’ She retorted. ‘’And it’d be better than listening to you moan…’’ She added that last part quietly.

‘’What was that?!’’ Her husband snapped.

‘’Um, n-nothing!’’ She quickly said innocently, blushing. ‘’But why did you bring us here, Hardy?’’

‘’Because it’s as far away from Ponyville as we could afford to go! And it’s as far as we can get from that little runt,’’ Hardy Wetwool grumbled bitterly. ‘’For three Celestia-damn years, I’ve worked to earn a promotion that’ll earn us some more money, and I bought us that little house on the edge of Ponyville! But what good was it, Silver Star, huh? It did nothing but cause us more and more problems than we knew how to handle, and then you had to get yourself pregnant, didn’t you?’’

Silver Star was sitting in a bug-ridden chair covered with holes and ripped, discoloured upholstery in the corner of the apartment. It was only a one-bedroom and one living room deal, and the meant that there was nowhere to hide whenever her husband was like this. She knew how to hold her own in an argument, but Hardy was tougher and bigger than her, so taking a fighting stance was all the more difficult.

She gave him a sour, hurt expression, grinding her teeth at him. She hated it when he spoke to her like this. Silver Star didn’t even want to be here with this retch, she would have rather taken her chances running through the Tar Swamps on the other side of Equestria nearer to Saddle Arabia. Being in the same room as her obnoxious husband was cluttering up her mind.

‘’Excuuuuuse me?’’ She asked with distaste. ‘’Did you suddenly forget who you’re talking to, Wooly? I’m your wife!’’ She glared at him, and she ground her teeth harshly, about ready to defenestrate him and leave him for the rats to chew on. ‘’And I never wanted to leave Ponyville! We abandoned our daughter, Hardy, our only daughter! And what for? A better life?’’

‘’That little runt was your doing, not mine! If you hadn’t let yourself get pregnant, then we wouldn’t be here fighting for our lives!’’ Hardy growled at her, and he took a heavy-hoofed step towards her, at about the same time that a loud roar of thunder sounded. It made Silver Star flinch, but she still held a solid glare.

‘’Oh, is that right? And what about Scootaloo, Hardy? What did we leave her behind for? If anybody’s fighting for her life, it’s her, and you know it! She’s our little girl, and we shouldn’t have left her, but no, you wanted to leave the ‘dead weight’ behind, didn’t you? Didn’t you?!’’ Silver Star roared like a wild animal, thrusting her nose into her husbands as she barred her teeth at him, about ready to explode.

Hardy Wetwool didn’t flinch or back down, and he held his ground, disapprovingly hardening his glare at his wife. That’s what he loved about this mare; she was as tenacious as she was stubborn. She really was full of fire and fury when she was irked or rubbed the wrong way, and it made Hardy smile.

‘’You’re a regular little spitfire, aren’t you?’’ He asked with a sly grin. ‘’You’re something else, Silvy, you know that?’’

‘’And you’re a dirty, selfish, daughter-abandoning, wife-disrespecting animal!’’ She fired her own shots back. ‘’Look at us, Hardy, we’ve lost! Look at how we’re living!’’ She motioned around the living room.

The floorboards were termite-eaten and the dry walls were peeling and chalky, so cracked and old that it made Silver Star wonder how they were still managing to support their own weight. A ratty, old mattress covered with stains, marks and scuffs was placed through the door opening up into the small, cupboard-like bedroom, the only item filling it aside from a couple of empty tin cans. They had a perfect life back in Ponyville, and what did they leave for?

Ponyville was where they said they wanted to raise a family, where they said they were happy, where they told each other that they wanted to settle down. Silver Star, despite how she feels about him from time to time, loves her husband, but he hadn’t been the same ever since his job at Cloudsdale’s weather factory got more demanding following his promotion to factory manager. The job paid the bills, that much was true, but it caused a snippet of Hardy to disconnect and die on the inside.

Hardy didn’t drink and he never allowed himself to stood that low in order to cope with the added pressure that came with his responsibility to oversee the every function, requirement and work ethic at the factory. Instead, he disconnected himself from what was his family, including his daughter. He had seemed to stop paying attention to her overnight, to the point where he could be said to have stopped loving her.

Scootaloo’s eighth birthday was when they had left her, but Silver Star, as her mother, was reluctant to leave her. Hardy, when Silver had tried to grab her little girl and to take her with them, had slammed her against the mirror in her bedroom, shattering it into oblivion. Even now, Silver remembered how his large, barrel-like chest heaved against her own chest, how hot and savage his breath was against her face. She was terrified, like a tiny bug beneath a pony’s hoof, sure that he was about ready to give her a beating.

‘’No, we’re not taking that brat with us! Understand?’’ He had bellowed into her face, and she didn’t manage as much as a shaky nod and a tremble of her lip, utterly petrified to object any further.

‘’Hardy, you can do or say whatever you like, but there’s no denying that we’ve lost this round. We’ve hardly got any money left, we’ve got no connections in the city and we’re out of food and water. If we stay here any longer, then I’m afraid that we’re going to be in serious trouble,’’ Silver Star said, sighing and giving her husband a blank, burned-out stare. ‘’Hardy, I can’t do this anymore.’’

Hardy Wetwool gave his wife a look, wondering what she meant by that. He no longer felt anger towards her, just curiosity mixed in with a knowing sense of dread. He had a feeling he knew where this was going.

‘’What…what are you talking about?’’

‘’Hardy…Wooly, I’m leaving you,’’ Silver Star said bluntly. She then got up and she proceeded to turn her back on her spouse, heading towards the door to the apartment. ‘’And if you’re wondering where I’m going, I’m off to find our daughter to see if she’s still alive. If you stop being so selfish and you find your common sense again one day, then come and find me,’’ She said, and she simply left.

‘’Silvy! Silver Star, don’t you dare walk out on me!’’ Hardy hollered after her, chest heaving as he took short, heavy breaths, flaring his nostrils as he caught her tail disappearing around the corner. ‘’SILVER STAR!’’

And then Silver Star slammed the door behind her.

Scootaloo's Family

Author's Note

A little window into the home life of Scootaloo from her own point of view...

Scootaloo's Family

Inside of The Ponyville Inn, Violet Snowdrop was sitting inside of her room, sat at one of the two desks set out for guests of the inn to use. She was sifting through her notes from her visit with Rainbow Dash to Scootaloo’s parent’s house, giving them a thorough inspection. She was still haunted by the state of the house and the living conditions the home was left in.

Still, she had remembered Lucky Clover, how her family had acted towards her, how harshly they treated her. Lucky’s home was no different than Scootaloo’s, but it didn’t appear that there had been a massive struggle as with Lucky. Violet could see her now, that charming and playful little girl with the grey coat and emerald green mane with the shamrock-coloured streaks in it, matching her vibrant and youthful eyes.

Violet Snowdrop wasn’t able to forget about it, nor was she appropriately armed with the necessary passive attitude to forgive and overlook what had happened to her. She wasn’t about to allow the same fate to befall Scootaloo.

Knock-knock

A light rapping sounded on Violet’s room door, causing her to jump slightly in her seat, breaking her train of thought.

‘’Who is it?’’ Violet called, and the door creaked open, a head of Rainbow mane poking through the crack. Violet brightened upon seeing the cyan mare again. ‘’Oh, Rainbow Dash! So nice to see you again!’’ Violet said, picking herself out of her seat and heading towards the entrance of her room to greet the other mare.

‘’Is it a bad time?’’ Rainbow Dash asked, not wanting to intrude upon her social worker friend. Violet was all smiles when she opened the door fully to face the mare completely. She waved a dismissive hoof.

‘’Not at all, Rainbow Dash. So, what brings you around? Any news about Scootaloo?’’ She asked, to which Rainbow smiled and nodded, but there was still a tentative essence about what she was agreeing to.

‘’Actually, yeah, I spoke to both Fluttershy and Scootaloo, and Scootaloo says that she’s willing to speak to you about her feelings. On the condition that I stay with her,’’ Rainbow Dash said, and Violet didn’t object to it. In fact, she welcomed the wishes of the filly.

‘’If that’s fine with Scootaloo, then I see no reason to say no,’’ Violet said. Rainbow Dash then stood aside and she revealed the young filly standing by her side, understandably nervous about this meeting. Violet’s lively cerulean eyes brightened once she saw the face of the young girl standing beside her client’s hooves, feeling her heart warm up. ‘’Aw, you’re such a sweetie!’’

Violet leaned down and she levelled with the filly, making eye contact with her, finding her to be adorable. Scootaloo managed a weak smile, but she rubbed her foreleg uncomfortably, not saying anything.

Violet really loves children, Rainbow Dash thought to herself, glancing down at Scootaloo and the social worker getting acquainted. It was a warming sight, but Rainbow’s main concern was how her sister was going to open up, how she was going to respond to whatever questions Violet had for her. Regardless, she was going to be there for her every step of the way.

‘’H-Hi,’’ Scootaloo greeted her tentatively.

‘’Aw, don’t be afraid, Scootaloo. We’re only going to sit down and talk together, and Rainbow Dash’s going to be there, too. Would that be alright?’’ Violet asked comfortingly, quite obviously used to this reaction through years of experience.

‘’I guess so,’’ Scootaloo said, comforted by the presence of Rainbow Dash.

‘’Come on in, you two, we’ll get started shortly,’’ Violet invited the pair into her room and shut the door behind them.

The rooms at The Ponyville Inn were all similar and of about medium size in space, offering enough living space for two or three ponies. In Violet’s case, she only had the double bed, crafted by the smooth, expert hands of an experienced carpenter, the sheets atop the mattress a velvet red in colour. The only decorations in the room were a couple of paintings depicting of rural landscapes and meadows and a mahogany desk that Violet’s travelling notepad and quill were placed upon.

Violet directed Scootaloo over to her bed and Rainbow Dash sat beside her, draping her wing around her small shoulders to let her know that she was here for her. Violet retook her seat at her desk and she pulled out her notepad and quill, resting it on her lap and keeping it at the ready, willing to wait as long as she needed.

‘’It’s alright, sweetie. Take your time and start at the beginning,’’ Violet said soothingly, noticing how uneasy the filly was. Scootaloo glanced up to meet Rainbow Dash’s eyes, seeing that they were calm and warming.

‘’Go ahead, Scoots,’’ She said unpressuringly. At her words, the filly gave a sigh and forced herself to remain composed and relaxed. She turned to face the social worker mare in front of her and she gave a frown.

‘’W-Well, it all started when…’’

*** *** ***

‘’Honey, where are you? I have good news to tell you!’’ Hardy Wetwool called cheerily as he entered through the front door of his family home, coming into the main corridor and placing his large briefcase aside.

‘’Hardy, is that you?’’ The voice of his darling wife called, coming in through the archway that sectioned the living room from the kitchen of the house. She wasted no time in running up to her husband and giving him a hug and a kiss on the lips. ‘’How was work, dear?’’

‘’Tiring, as always,’’ Hardy said with a sarcastic chuckle. ‘’Where’s Scooty? I’ve got some great news to tell you both!’’ He said, and his wife gave him an intrigued raise of his brow.

‘’Scootaloo! Come downstairs! Your dad’s home from work!’’ Silver Star called up the stairs, and Scootaloo came buzzing down the stairs moments later, skidding to a halt directly in front of her father’s hooves with a beaming grin.

‘’Dad, you’re back!’’ She said, hugging her small body around one of his legs. Hardy leaned down and he hugged his daughter before he leaned back up to face his wife again.

‘’That’s right, and I have something to tell you, sweetheart. I finally earned that promotion I’ve been working hard for!’’ Hardy said, but he wasn’t finished. ‘’And that means that I’ve managed to earn enough money to buy us this house!’’ Hardy said with an ecstatic grin.

‘’That’s wonderful, dear!’’ Silver Star praised.

‘’That’s so awesome!’’ Scootaloo cheered with a girly squee of joy.

‘’The only problem is that I’ll be working later than usual,’’ Hardy added the catch sadly, knowing the consequences of the promotion he’s been working up to. He had begun his job at the weather factory as a mere desk jokey, then up to a supervisor, then up to an office worker, then a machine floor worker where he assessed risks and hazards, and, after that role, he had landed the top position after years of sucking up to the boss; factory manager.

The weather factory was not an easy (or a safe place) to run, and few ponies realised how much work and effort actually goes into producing weather conditions such as rain, thunder and lightening. Many ponies put their life at risk every day to produce such weather patterns, and a few of them had actually had enough bad luck at times to be sent over to the emergency room with electricity burns and frost bite. With Hardy Wetwool as the manager of the factory, he planned to turn things around for the better and to make the workplace more efficient on production.

‘’Aw, dear, that’s awful,’’ Silver Star pouted sympathetically. ‘’Don’t you worry, dear, it’s what you’ve been working so hard for, right? If it’s what you’ve been striving for all of these years, then maybe you should take it one step at a time and go for it, huh?’’ She encouraged, rubbing his shoulder.

‘’Does this mean that we can’t play ball anymore, Dad?’’ Scootaloo asked sadly, ears plopped back over her skull as she gave him her best puppy eyes, pupils shimmering.

‘’It’ll be alright, Scoots,’’ Hardy said as he leaned down and tussled his daughter’s mane. ‘’We’ll still have plenty of time to play ball after work, so don’t you worry, kid,’’ Hardy reassured her, and she brightened a little, showing a smile.

However, that was far from the case, as Hardy would later find out. This was only the beginning of the troubles that were sure to arise with the added pressure of being the factory manager, and it was going to take its toll on the family. In particular, young Scootaloo was going to be caught in the middle of the worst of it.

A week had passed by after Hardy Wetwool had announced his promotion to his wife and daughter, and, while they were overjoyed at having paid for the house and making it rightfully theirs, Hardy was having a hard time finding time to relieve his stress. At first, his first few days had been fairly ordinary and smooth in the running, but it showed on his strong, sturdy face that the stress was starting to crack through on his features.

Hardy’s face had started to age prematurely, and he was only thirty-two-years-old, wrinkles beginning to creep in on his forehead, his orange fur beginning to lose its colour and play out. It was hardly noticeable to most ponies that only took an absent-minded glance at his face, but, with his wife and daughter, when they got a good look at him every single day when he came home at 11:00 PM, five hours past his previous working hours, they saw it for what it was.

After the week had passed by, his symptoms were worsening at an alarming rate. His wrinkles had become noticeable, his cheeks had become more prominent and thin, his mood had shifted from loving and caring to restless and constantly anxious about keeping organised. Silver Star couldn’t count how many times she had entered their bedroom to find him sifting through his work documents, salary payments and workplace records full of detailed reports on how the weather factory had done in the previous months up to the present.

‘’Have I got this ready for tomorrow? Did I already check this one off? Is everything in order for the meeting tomorrow morning? Is everypony’s health and safety requirements up to date? Do the wages need to be updates, and have I already payed them through?’’ Hardy Wetwool would be doing this almost every single night that he came home, leaving almost immediately to vacate to the bedroom to collapse onto the plush bed, exhausted from constantly zipping back and forth like a pony-shaped yo-yo.

Hardy’s new promotion had left him becoming disconnected from the family. Silver Star was beginning to grow worried about him, seeing that all of this added stress wasn’t doing him any good. Her heart hurt seeing her husband struggle like this in order to keep his family happy and financially stable, and she felt terrible for him.

Scootaloo, on the other hand, was antsy most of the time, wondering where her dad had gotten to. Scootaloo would always be asking her mother, ‘’Do you know when Dad’s coming home?’’ or ‘’Is Dad home yet?’’, but she never was given an answer.

Scootaloo had once entered the bedroom her mother and father shared to see her father spread out on top of the bedsheets, lifeless and drained. His black-coloured business suit was a disheveled mess that desperately required the TLC of a hot iron, and his tie was sagging and loose, as if it could sense his stress.

‘’Daddy? Are you awake?’’ Scootaloo asked upon stepping inside of the room, tentative about waking him up in case he was resting. ‘’Dad?’’ She had stopped when she entered the bedroom a few paces, seeing his rear leg twitch, and he began to stir.

‘’S-Scootaloo?’’ He mumbled, hardly intelligible. ‘’W’dya want?’’ He asked groggily.

‘’I want you to come play with me,’’ Scootaloo asked, the loneliness evident in her voice. Her father audibly groaned and he began to shuffle around on top of the sheets.

‘’T-Tired. Go play with your mother,’’ Hardy grumbled, clearly not in the right mood to tolerate his daughter. He shifted himself around atop the bed so that his back was facing her and so that he had his legs curled into his chest.

‘’But Mum’s busy, Dad. Can’t you just play with me for a little while?’’ She asked, eager to spend time with him. A part of her heart wanted to bond with her father, to remain close like they always had in the past, but she had no choice in getting to spend any time with him at the moment because, whenever he wasn’t working, he was sleeping. And it upset her.

‘’No,’’ He replied glumly, starting to get irritated. ‘’Leave me alone for a while, Scoots.’’

‘’But Dad——‘’

‘’I said, ‘leave me alone’!’’ Her father barked at her, snapping upright in bed to face her with hot, burning, purple-coloured irises. Scootaloo backed up with a start at the hoarse, angry tone in his voice, and she instantly became fearful.

Scootaloo’s eyes welled up and they became warm and tingly, her ears drooping and her lips trembling. She looked like a lost and wounded puppy, so hurt and taken aback by how her father had spoken to her, so out of line and character to how he’s always been with her, that she found herself to be speechless.

Scootaloo sniffled noisily and she rubbed her eyes, wiping away some of her tears, and then she ran out of the room in a hurry. Hardy heard her begin to sob loudly on her way down the stairs, and he heard the front door slam as she left the house to retreat somewhere away from the house.

Finally able to sleep now, Hardy shrugged his shoulders and he gave a breath of relief, thankful that he was once again at peace.

That was only Scootaloo’s first brush with the stress weighing down upon her father’s shoulders, and it was yet to venture into the deep red territory. After a month had passed, neither Scootaloo or Silver Star recognised Hardy Wetwool as the hard working, dedicated husband and father he once was. It was as if he had been replaced by an imposter, completely erased and a monster was injected into the role he was supposed to fill.

Scootaloo was in her bedroom when it happened, the moment when she realised her father had completely become lost and numb to her. It was sometime during the middle of the night, although Scootaloo wasn’t sure of the exact hour due to not owning an alarm clock. Her mother usually woke her up when it was time for school, so she didn’t have a use for one.

Scootaloo was huddled into a small, orange ball beneath her bedsheets, cuddling herself to fend off the cold, all the while shivering and her ears tuned in to the conversation that was taking place through the wall of her room. She didn’t hear most of it, but the parts she did catch wind of made her spine crawl and tingle coldly. She had wrapped her tail around her body and around her cheek, and she balled herself up tighter from fright each time she heard it.

‘’I said ‘no!’’’ She heard her father yell, but she wasn’t sure what he was declining exactly. His voice shook the floorboards and reverberated throughout the entire house.

‘’H-Hardy, s-sweetheart, pl-please listen to—‘’

‘’For the last time, I said no, and that’s final!’’

SMASH!

A titanic crash that was followed by a series metallic clanking sounded, so loud and sudden that it caused Scootaloo to give a startled whimper and she began to hug herself so tightly that her muscles began to ache. A million thoughts ran through her tiny, innocent mind, wondering what could have produced such a massive crash, and she was instantly concerned for her mother’s health and safety, not knowing if the crash had involved her or not.

There was a rattling, as if the hooves of somepony were sifting through a sea of broken glass and a box of drawing pins, the sound of something that was obviously in a million pieces, but Scootaloo didn’t know what it might be. She was too scared and too shaken to lift her head up, and all she wanted was to hug herself to feel safe and secure, and she felt herself begin to rock back and forth whilst she cried to herself.

What’s happening?! What’s happened to my daddy?! Scootaloo asked herself, crying heavily but silently. Dad wouldn’t ever yell at me before, and it’s like he’s a different pony! Why has he been so mean to me and Mum? What’re they doing in there?!

She was only left to ponder on what was happening. None of this made any sense to her naive mind, and she was too young to understand any of the complex situation or what was really going on behind closed doors. Her mother seemed to know more about it, but she never had the nerve to ask her, afraid that her father might waltz in and cause trouble.

Scootaloo missed the loving and caring father that she used to know, the one that’d always be up for a game of catch outside or to take her and her mother out someplace to eat around town, the one that was always there to cheer her up whenever she was feeling blue. She wanted that father back, not whatever he has turned into now. She wanted her normal, loving family back.

*** *** ***

Violet Snowdrop had finished writing down the details as Scootaloo spoke about them, and Rainbow Dash noticed that she was pulling soured, disgusted expressions like before. Rainbow had also been pulling faces, and she was in disbelief at what information Scootaloo had divulged to them.

Rainbow Dash had been in her father’s horseshoes before, but she had always found ways of coping with the stress and added pressure that came with the title and responsibility that was expected to come with it. As a recently-made Wonderbolt, the stakes were always high for her, but she always had the inner strength and confidence to tackle them head-on, but in Scootaloo’s father’s case, he sounded like he was buried beneath a mountain of responsibility, and he dealt with it in the wrong way.

She felt Scootaloo’s body tense through the nerves in her wing that was draped around her shoulders, and she felt her shudder. Her eyes were becoming moist, and Rainbow saw that as reason enough to pull her into a hug, of which the little filly showed no resistance to accepting.

‘’Hey, hey, it’ll be alright, Scoots,’’ Rainbow consoled her. ‘’I’m still here,’’ She rubbed her back and she faced Violet Snowdrop. ‘’I think we better stop here today, Violet. We should give Scoots a chance to take a break for a while.’’

‘’That’s quite alright,’’ Violet Snowdrop said understandingly, placing down her quill and notepad for a moment to pick herself up from her seat and make to come in front of the filly. ‘’I completely understand. Opening up is always a huge step in the right direction, but it isn’t without its own emotional stress,’’ She said, addressing Scootaloo. ‘’It’s alright, sweetheart. If you don’t want to tell us anything else, you don’t have to. We can always come back to it whenever you feel comfortable.’’

Violet gave the filly a motherly and tender smile, and Scootaloo smiled, wiping a tear from her eye. The social worker had a natural connection with any filly or colt in the world, and Rainbow supposed that it was her talent, much like Fluttershy has a way with all animals in Equestria. (Well, the one’s that don’t try to eat you, that is.)

Rainbow Dash was amazed at how fluently Violet could intertwine her thoughts and mind with the filly and speak on such a mutual level, able to understand and become one with her. It was all behind those kind eyes of hers; the deep, caring and vibrant blue that promised safety and comfort to those that needed it the most, a sense of calm and peace.

She has such kind eyes, Rainbow Dash thought. She really does look a whole lot like Fluttershy, too, and I can’t get over the similarity! I mean, look at those eyes! And that body, too! Man, she’s rockin’! Oh, wait, did I really just think that? Rainbow sighed mentally. Get a hold of yourself, girl, we’ve talked about this…

‘’Rainbow Dash? Are you feeling alright?’’ The voice of Violet Snowdrop knocked Rainbow out of her trance and she blinked, noticing that the mare was staring at her concernedly and confusedly, and it was then that Dash realised that she had been staring into space.

‘’Huh? Oh! Yeah, I’m f-fine! Really!’’ Rainbow Dash blushed and stammered, coughing into her hoof distractedly. ‘’So, um, I guess we’ll see you next week? If Scootaloo’s feeling well enough to come back?’’

Violet gave her a look for a moment, trying to decipher her body language, to decode their meaning, but she soon recomposed herself and returned to being professional and understanding. She smiled and said,

‘’That’ll be okay with me. You both know where to find me if there’s anything you’d like to discuss,’’ She offered politely, and Rainbow Dash picked up Scootaloo and placed her onto her back once she had picked herself up from the bed.

‘’Alright, c-cool, I, um, guess we’ll be seeing each other soon, then!’’ She coughed into her hoof nervously yet again, fighting in vain to remain collected. ‘’Thanks, Violet!’’ Rainbow finished before she quickly exited the room and closed the door behind her, leaving a flummoxed Violet Snowdrop staring at where she had been, blinking.

Violet smirked to herself once she was alone, knowing fully what had just transpired between her and Rainbow Dash. A blush arose on her pale-coloured cheeks and she giggled to herself.

‘’Hmm, she’s so modest. I know that look, and I know that she does, too.’’ Violet gave a cheeky grin to herself. ‘’I wonder…’’

One Month Later

It was now the middle of September, which meant that Scootaloo has officially been living with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy for shy past four months. It was beginning to get colder as it entered into the Winter season, but, for Scootaloo’s young being, she couldn’t have been warmer.

For the first time in two years, she’s had a true chance to experience a functional and loving family again, and she felt happy to be here. She had spent so long remaining glum and miserable, so cold and isolated from the rest of the world in her makeshift ‘apartment’ in the CMC clubhouse that she feared she would never be happy again, but she was happy to be proved so very wrong. This was probably how every other child in Ponyville felt, how being a child was supposed to feel.

Scootaloo had spent the majority of her time in Fluttershy’s cottage, spending time in the spare bedroom the butter mare had gone out of her way to make into her very own. Living at her house was rather calm and cosy, and, despite being the quiet type of pony, Fluttershy was a gracious and welcoming host, always putting the filly before herself, which Scootaloo was incredibly thankful for. As far as the ponies she knew went, she viewed Fluttershy as her mother, even if her real mother might still be out there somewhere.

She thought about her mother quite a bit, seeing as she was the one that held a sense of reason and common decency. She knew that her mother loved her, but she couldn’t wrap her head around why she had left with her father, why she, the mother, the word ‘Celestia’ on the lips and hearts of all children in Equestria, would abandon her. She was meant to protect her, keep her safe and happy, give her a reason to smile, and all she did was make her cry and wish she had never been born.

On the brighter side, Scootaloo had headed back to school after a very long absence, and she had already been back for a week. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were relieved to see her again after their last reunion went southwards, and it was great to have the trio back together again. The two girls were practically lost and incomplete without their third member in their group, and all of them were going to make their time together last this time around.

Rainbow Dash had asked that Miss Cheerilee keep an eye on her during the lesson, in the event that something is amiss or if anything bad happens to her. The last thing that the filly needed was a mental breakdown in front of all of her peers due to her insane amount of emotional stress that no child should have to be forced to be burdened with. Of course, Miss Cheerilee, as kind and as sweet-hearted as ponies come, agreed to let Dash know if anything was out of the ordinary with her little sister.

Outside of School, Violet Snowdrop had been giving Scootaloo private counselling to make sure she was in the best state of mental health, that she was coping alright with all of these sudden changes. As far as she knew, Scootaloo hadn’t a single clue what Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were planning behind her back, and that was the plan for the moment.

She’ll find out one day, but only when she’s ready to hear the news. All ponies that knew about it were all wondering the same thing: how will she react to the news?

Thanks to Violet’s expertise, Scootaloo’s progress has taken a tremendous leap in the right direction, and she’s gradually learned that she could trust the social worker, and so, she opened up to her. She gave her deeper and more intimate details about her home life, starting from when they first moved into the house, fixing it up and later buying it to call their own. Everything beyond her father’s promotion to factory manager sounded like a happy, average childhood, one that should be expected for a filly of her age, but it all degraded once Scootaloo spoke about after the promotion was issued.

Rainbow Dash had been with her, too, but Scootaloo had insisted on going by herself to The Ponyville Inn to visit Violet Snowdrop for her weekly visits. Naturally, Dash was a tad reluctant at first, but she eventually allowed her to go by herself, knowing that she was going to be safe and in good hooves. Violet was incredibly good with kids, so she knew she had nothing to worry about, but that didn’t prevent her protective side from kicking in.

It was quiet with the filly being gone so much. Now that she back at school with her friends and also attending weekly counselling sessions with Violet Snowdrop, Rainbow Dash found her days to be quite lonesome. It felt like when she was living all alone in her cloud palace in Cloudsdale, and it reminded her how bleak things used to be before she ran into the filly at the hospital.

Man, that seems like so long ago that I found her there, Dash reminisced. I wonder how long it’s gonna be until we find her parents and have them sit trial? Soon, I hope.

Rainbow Dash was alone in her house, trying to suffer through the day until the orange filly she was looking after finished today’s session of school. It wasn’t due to end for another three hours, so finding something to do to occupy herself was really grinding her gears. She never liked waiting, and she had a reputation for being impatient at times, a little trait she had picked up from her father.

Apparently, reading Daring Do had lost any and all appeal to the pegasus while she was laid on top of her bed. She had the book opened up in her hooves and she was focusing on the words, but she found it impossible to take it all in. She felt like somepony had tossed a rock at her head and knocked something loose on the inside of her skull. Getting herself immersed in a world of action-packed adventure featuring her favourite ‘fictional’ character just wasn’t doing it for her today.

‘’Grr!’’ Rainbow Dash groaned in frustration, tossing her book aside. It flopped against the cloud wall and dropped to the floor with a series of flapping as the pages curled and the book snapped itself shut. ‘’I’m so bored!’’ She complained. ‘’There’s gotta be something around here to do!’’

Only that there wasn’t.

Normally, Rainbow Dash would skip ahead to flying around to clear her head, but she didn’t feel like it. She had gotten used to flying with Scootaloo and her Cloud Buster, personally instructing her on how to get the hand of flying and the basics. She had found that flying in a duo was more fun than flying solo, and now that she didn’t have much time to spend with her little sister, her options had officially run out.

The progress the filly had made was nothing short of impressive, and Dash took pride in how much effort that the young, aspiring flyer was displaying, and she reminded Dash of her younger self. She was so stubborn and resistant against all of the odds being thrown at her, and, like Dash says, ‘’If I’m going down, I’m going down flying!’’. Scootaloo was a literal, orange and purple-coloured duplicate of herself, and Rainbow loved it.

She wasn’t an easy mare to impress or to gain approval from, but that filly had a certain brand of moxie and gumption about her that was so persistent to her being that she had earned the cyan mare’s stamp of approval. And she was getting pretty amazing at taming her Cloud Buster, too. It was much different than riding her rickety, old piece of wooden junk she used to scurry through the streets of Ponyville in, but she was still tackling it like a pro, and she was a natural at it.

Wait a second, that’s it! A lightbulb flickered to life over Dash’s head. Fluttershy’s still free! I can go spend some time with her instead! She always makes time for her friends!

With the idea in mind, Rainbow Dash unfurled her wings and she zoomed out of her bedroom window and towards the surface, hoping that Fluttershy’s company would kill her endless stream of boredom.

Once she had reached the door of the mare she had been sharing custody with, she knocked a few times on the door. It wasn’t long before the door opened and she was greeted by the welcoming, friendly face of her friend on the opposite side.

‘’Rainbow Dash! Come on!’’ She said eagerly upon seeing the cyan mare. Whilst her tone was chipper, Dash had this distinct sense that Fluttershy was relieved to see her standing on her front porch, somehow knowing that she was just as bored as herself in the absence of the filly that had brought a light into both of their lives.

Fluttershy’s living room was warm and cosy, and she had a fire burning in her small fireplace, enveloping the room in a pleasant warmth. Outside was relatively cold for this time of the year, seeing as it normally didn’t get colder until the middle of October, but the weather factory had planned on an early start this year. In that context, the inviting heat emitting from the fireplace was welcome.

There was a tea tray sitting on the coffee table in front of Fluttershy’s lounge chair, cushioned with thick layers of plush fabric, the perfect spot to relax and lose one’s self in their own mind. It took a quick observation to understand that Fluttershy had been trying to read a book prior to Dash’s arrival, and she had been having better luck at becoming immersed into the story, unlike Rainbow Dash had.

A part of that made her envious against her friend’s laid-back demeanour, but she couldn’t fault her for it. It was a part of who she was, just like being impatient and restless was a part of Dash. Regardless, Fluttershy appeared to be glad that Rainbow had stumbled into her home at this time, and she faced her with a beaming smile.

‘’So, I take it you’re bored, too?’’ Dash asked with a knowing smirk, nudging the mare’s shoulder. ‘’Come on, Shyster, admit it!’’ Fluttershy giggled when Dash’s hoof nudged her chest playfully.

‘’It’s…strange without having Scootaloo around so much,’’ The mare admitted, her expression shifting into a sad one for a very brief moment. ‘’I guess we’ve both gotten so used to her being around that it’s odd not having to look after her so much. But, um, I’m glad you’re here now, Dashie,’’ Fluttershy said with a weak blush.

That makes two of us, Shyster, Dash said to herself.

‘’Oh? Why’s that?’’

‘’Well, I’ve been thinking about you,’’ Fluttershy said, her blush noticeably deepening.

‘’Yeah, well, it doesn’t surprise me,’’ Rainbow said with a stretch and a mocking sigh, draping her wing over Fluttershy’s back. ‘’I am pretty unforgettable. Y’know, and I’m awesome, so it wouldn’t surprise me if everypony in town always thinks about me.’’

‘’Oh, hush!’’ Her friend giggled at her antics, lightly shoving away her wing, prompting her to join her in her round of girly giggles. ‘’No, I meant I’ve been thinking a whole lot about us,’’ Fluttershy clarified, but it furthered Rainbow Dash’s curiosity.

‘’’Us’, huh?’’ She said. ‘’Wow, I didn’t realise that we were an item yet!’’ She joked.

‘’Anywho, if you’d like, I have a teapot full of tea? It’s just come off of the stove, so it’s still hot,’’ Fluttershy offered, to which Rainbow sat herself down on the couch across from her lounge chair.

‘’Sure, why not?’’ The cyan mare accepted the hospitality of her caring friend and she was poured a cup before being handed it on a pristine, pricey-looking white saucer with floral patterns decorating the edges.

Fluttershy poured herself another cup, filling one she had already set out at an earlier time. She retook her seat across from Rainbow and took a gentle sip of the hot beverage, one of her favourite teas, Earl Grey. Rainbow wouldn’t normally admit to such a thing, but she had found herself to be developing a taste for the type of tea also. She was starting to prefer it over her usual morning brew of black coffee, and she found it to be more settling and easier on her stomach in the morning.

The warmth of the tea as it pooled around in her stomach the first thing in a morning always brought with it a relaxing and euphoric feeling, akin to when she’s in the presence of Fluttershy or when they cuddle at bedtime. Yep, there was nothing more suitable to coach a pony out of a sleep rather than the soothing warmth of home-brewed tea fresh from the teapot, especially when said tea was Fluttershy’s own creation. Now, that was something!

Rainbow Dash sneaked a few glances up from her cup to view Fluttershy between sips, and she noticed that Fluttershy was doing the same. There was an odd tension in the room between the two mares as they sat and sipped in silence, but, unbeknownst to Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy was thinking about a little something she had been plagued with for months. After her chat with Rarity about it, the mare had noticed a significant increase in the appearance of these strange feelings, and it only happened when Rainbow was around her.

I think she knows, Fluttershy said to herself, silently and sneakily glancing back and forth from her cup and the pegasus across from her. She has to know. I mean, it can’t only be me, can it? What if Rarity was right about how she’s been acting towards me in the past few months? Oh, dear, should I have even told her that I wanted to talk about us?! It’s so soon, isn’t it? Oh, Fluttershy, you loud mouth, why can’t you learn to be quiet?

However, despite her fears, Rainbow didn’t take notice of her sudden shift of attitude. She appeared to be stuck in her own circle of thought, endlessly coming back to the same question as the one brewing in Fluttershy mind: ‘’Should I tell her?’’

Mare up, Rainbow Dash, come on! You’ve both known each other since forever, so there’s no way that she’s going to think you’re weird or reject you if you tell her! Question is, does she feel the same way about you as you do about her? What if you make a move and she turns out to not think about you in that way, huh? What do you do then? Never speak to each other again and agree to a pact of silence that’ll last until the day you die of old age? Actually, no, that’s stupid.

Rainbow Dash began to feel awkward sitting in silence and remaining quiet. She sat there with her hooves firmly wrapped around her teacup, and, whilst she was staring at Fluttershy, her body bathed in the flickering glow of the orange flames, she felt her cheeks flush.

She was so majestic, how beautifully her coat and mane glowed in the orange light, how much it brought out her turquoise pools, causing them to almost appear like neon stars. She had seen her before like this in the sunlight during the early hours of the morning, and she viewed her as the same in this light. Fluttershy was a pretty mare, above the average standard of most female ponies that Rainbow’s seen, and she saw it as adorable how modest Fluttershy was about it, as if she didn’t really see herself in the same way that Dash did.

You really are gorgeous, Fluttershy. No wonder I fell for you pretty hard. So…what am I supposed to do about it? What do we do about it?

‘’Hey, Fluttershy?’’ Rainbow began, setting down her teacup and saucer on the coffee table in front of her. The butter mare’s eyes gazed up to face her as she was in the middle of sipping her tea, attentive. ‘’Did you want to ask me something?’’

‘’M-Maybe,’’ Fluttershy asked, placing down her own cup and saucer.

‘’Care to elaborate?’’ Dash asked, raising a brow at her.

‘’It’s just…did you ever want to tell somepony something really important but you kept stopping yourself because you were afraid of the answer that you were going to get?’’ Fluttershy asked, her tone firm but carrying a hint of nervousness behind it, like she was highly tentative about asking the question.

Rainbow Dash only blinked, not prepared for the question. Of all of the things she could have asked, she picked the one thing that Dash had no way of prepping herself for, and it wasn’t because she was clueless on what she was getting at, it’s because she knew exactly where she was going with this.

Yeah, Fluttershy, I have. But I’m not afraid, I’m terrified.

‘’Um, you could say that,’’ Rainbow said quietly. ‘’But why? Is something bothering you, Fluttershy?’’ She asked, playing dumb.

Fluttershy was noticeably uncomfortable with the subject, and her cheeks were constantly alight with a tinge of warm pink, her eyes becoming downcast and sheepish. She hid behind her long pink mane to try and obscure her face from Dash as she spoke up.

‘’No, I-I mean, yes, there is something b-bothering me, but I’m…not sure how to talk about it,’’ Fluttershy said meekly. She remembered the conversation she had with Rarity when she first felt a strong presence of the same feeling that was causing butterflies to flutter around in her stomach. ‘’And I think it involves…you.’’

‘’Huh?’’ Rainbow’s ear twitched. ‘’What’dya mean? ‘It involves me’?’’

‘’Rainbow Dash, I don’t know what I’m feeling. I’m not very good with this kind of thing, but it’s not a bad feeling. Whenever I’m around you, I feel…happy. I like spending time with you, and with Scootaloo coming into our lives, the feeling’s been stronger than ever whenever you’re around,’’ Fluttershy told her, and she managed a small smile as she tilted her head up.

Oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh! Is…Is Fluttershy saying what I think she’s saying?!

‘’Likewise,’’ Dash agreed. ‘’We haven’t spent this much time together since we were foals taking turns at our parent’s houses! I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed being this close to you, Fluttershy, and I can’t thank you enough for helping me take care of Scootaloo. You’re a real friend, you know that?’’ Rainbow said, feeling the butterflies flutter around in her own stomach.

Fluttershy had picked herself out of her seat and transitioned herself over to the couch so that she was sitting directly beside Dash, the fireplace spitting and crackling in front of them, providing a comforting warmth that brushed their hind legs while they sat. The mare had seated herself so that she was facing Rainbow Dash and making eye contact, giving her a sweet, calming smile.

‘’It’s alright, Dashie, I don’t mind. You don’t need to thank me. I’d do anything for a friend like you,’’ Fluttershy said, and then Dash tensed, her muscles gaining the physical properties of solid iron as the butter mare leaned herself into her side, snuggling up to her.

She placed her small, nimble chin so that it was resting between the crook of Dash’s shoulder and cheek, nestled comfortably while her mane brushed against Dash’s. She felt nervous making this bold move, but she didn’t count on Dash accepting it, knowing how she felt at times about this kind of affection. After all, even good friends cuddle from time to time, so what was the harm?

Oh, wow! Rainbow Dash does smell like raspberries and strawberries! It must be her conditioner. She smells so lovely, and her coat is really soft! I never expected that she would ever be so plush and comfy! With a coat like this, she must be a regular at the spa for one of Aloe’s treatments!

Rainbow Dash glanced down at the mare leaning into her and making herself at home, her magenta eyes in disbelief whilst her mind was running rampant with girly giggles and ecstasy.

Oh, my gosh! I can’t believe that this is really happening! The mare of my dreams is cuddling me! She’s really cuddling up to me and making herself comfortable! This is so. Awesome!

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had cuddled together in bed every now and again, spooning to retain warmth and to make themselves comfortable enough to sleep, but this was different in every aspect. When they cuddled in bed, it wasn’t an act of affection or lovey-dovey emotions for one another, it was nothing more than a friendly embrace, but what Fluttershy was doing was on the other end of the spectrum! This was an honest and true act of affection that Dash never expected the mare to display.

She looked down at her, seeing that she had closed her eyes, losing herself to the bliss of being this close to her. Rainbow wasn’t much of the romantic type, so she didn’t know what to do at this point. The only time that she’s seen anypony romancing their wife or girlfriend while embracing like this was around town when she was out for a walk around the park. She supposed that it wasn’t indecent of her to apply some of the acts she’s witnessed in this scenario.

Ever so slowly, Rainbow Dash lightly reached a hoof over and brushed Fluttershy’s mane lightly, allowing her luxurious, moisture-locked mane to glide around her hoof. She had an amazing mane that was so silky that it felt like she was touching an angel’s aura. She hadn’t taken much time to lose herself in its plushiness before, but she found herself to be loving it.

Fluttershy appeared to be loving it, too. She leaned into her friend’s touch, eliciting a blissful-sounding hum and moan as she began to smile warmly. Dash would be a liar right now if she said that her moans of pleasure and relaxation didn’t send her heart into a tailspin. Whenever she was like this, it made her heart simply melt like a cheese toastie.

‘’That feels nice,’’ Fluttershy cooed, her voice almost a purr. She opened her eyes, half-lidding them so that she was able to make eye contact with Rainbow Dash. ‘’You like my mane, don’t you?’’

‘’Duh!’’ Dash scoffed sarcastically, blowing a small raspberry. ‘’Your mane’s amazing, Flutter-Butter! I don’t like it, I love it!’’

‘’You’re sweet,’’ Fluttershy said softly. ‘’But I want to ask you something, Dashie,’’ She said, appearing to be nervous again.

‘’Anything, Fluttershy. I’m all ears!’’

‘’How do you feel about…us?’’ She asked delicately, not knowing any better on how to ask her more directly. She was hoping that her facial expression tied in with her words were enough of an indication.

‘’Fluttershy,’’ Rainbow Dash began, looking down at Fluttershy as she held her cheek, gazing lovingly into her eyes. ‘’I feel closer to you right now than I have in my entire life. In a way, Scootaloo moving in with us has brought us closer and opened my eyes to something much, much more than I imagined. You’re my best friend, Fluttershy, and…a-and maybe I like to think of you a little bit more than that,’’ Dash added that last part with a bright, burning blush.

Rainbow rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly, not used to being this sentimental and open about her feelings. She wasn’t the type to display affection so openly to most ponies, but, then again, Fluttershy was not one of those most ponies, was she? She was the one pony whom Dash was closest to above all else.

‘’Aw, Rainbow Dash, I didn’t realise you felt that way,’’ Fluttershy cooed, hugging the cyan mare. She was moved by her words, and she felt her heart behind her chest being sent aflutter, a sweet and inviting sensation welling within her. She was starting to think that Rarity was more than correct about her feelings towards the mare she was cuddling. ‘’And…I want to…need to tell you something, Dashie. Please?’’

‘’Sure. What is it?’’

‘’Rainbow Dash, I…I don’t know what it is that I feel towards you exactly, but I want to find out. It only happens when you’re around, and I always feel like there’s a migration of butterflies tickling me, but when you’re not around, I can’t stop thinking about you. When I think about you, I always wish that you’re here with me, and I sometimes dream about you, too. But I don’t know what any of it means.’’

Rainbow Dash didn’t speak. She couldn’t speak. She had no idea how to begin to attempt to respond to her friend’s words. Looking into the sweet, loving eyes of Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash saw her own reflection in her large, shimmering puppy-like pupils. Deep down inside, this news brought an overwhelming joy into her heart, her hope of one day sharing mutual romantic interest with the butter mare arising.

I don’t believe it! Did Fluttershy just tell me that she like-likes me?

‘’I think I know what it means,’’ Rainbow Dash said smoothly, and she raised Fluttershy up so that they were level with each other. Their muzzles were only inches apart and their eyes were trained intently on each other, wondering who was going to be brave enough to make the first move.

The world seemed to sit completely still around them, in its own heavy anticipation, waiting for somebody to break it, and the fire in the background continued to crackle as the flames danced over the wooden logs. The smell of the soot and fire combined with the scent wafting from Fluttershy’s mane, like chocolate chip cookies and cream, and Rainbow Dash’s, smelling like sweet, crisp strawberries, brought its own, unique twist of euphoria into the mix, and it was like a romantic mystery was taking place.

The mystery part being that the pair knew that they had feelings for each other, but the way to go about deciphering and acting upon those emotions had yet to show itself to them, to come out of the shadows. The air lingered with it, similar to the moody atmosphere that hung around Scootaloo’s abandoned family home, except this one was its polar opposite, so sweet and fine, reminiscent of the first bite of an apple sweet, but the taste never wore off on one’s taste buds.

Fluttershy did as she had done before, glancing between Dash’s eyes and her lips, finding herself to be wanting them more than anything else in the world. She wasn’t sure what it felt like to be in love with somepony, but all she knew was that she had this unexplainable desire to press her lips against Rainbow Dash’s, to savour and taste them, just to feel them upon her own.

Rainbow Dash was doing the same, but her eyes were visibly hungry for it, starved for months and left to wonder what they felt like for a torturous amount of time. Being away from Fluttershy for so long had driven her completely insane, almost to her breaking point, and she had so desperately wished she had the courage to mare up and come out with her feelings already, but, even now, months later, she was still finding it hard to find the true words. She didn’t want to muck anything up and end up making an imbecile out of herself.

Quest for romance, huh, Rarity? Was that the phrase you used once? Rainbow Dash thought. She had also visited Rarity a while back, but she hadn’t mentioned it to anypony. And Rainbow also had no clue that Fluttershy had been to see her, either. Nonetheless, that didn’t stop the unicorn from offering a friendly ear, but most ponies knew that Rarity was a bit of a gossip.

Still, keeping conversations private between friends was tough when you had the option of either choosing Ponyville’s fashionista and known diva or the bubbly, hyperactive party planner. Then again, Pinkie Pie, despite being loud and free, had enough respect for others that she found it impossible to spill the beans on any secrets she might have been told. That was a part of her Pinkie Promise Guarantee, and she wouldn’t betray any of her friends, no way, no how.

Go on, Rainbow Dash, make a move! You’ve always been a team player, so go ahead and take the plunge! Now’s your chance!

Rainbow Dash gradually brought her face closer towards Fluttershy, and she did the same. They could now feel each other’s warm breath making contact with the tips of their muzzles and brushing their fur, being delivered in quick, short-lived pulses of tea-scented warmth.

Oh, my! We’re so close! Fluttershy thought, hardly able to comprehend anything else in this moment aside from the impending smooch that she was about to share with Rainbow Dash. I’ve never kissed anypony before. Aw, what if I’m terrible at it?

‘’R-Rainbow, wait,’’ Fluttershy said reluctantly, pulling away from her and touching a hoof to her chest. Dash gave her a dejected look, disappointed, but she was attentive. ‘’I-I don’t know about this,’’ She said, ears plopping down over the back of her head.

‘’Huh? What do you mean? I thought that you—-‘’

‘’No, n-no, um, it’s not about that, it’s, well, it’s just…I’m not sure. You know, that I feel the same way about you. Sorry,’’ Fluttershy apologised sheepishly, feeling bad for knowing that she had likely hurt her friend’s feelings by getting her hopes up again.

‘’Oh,’’ Is all that Rainbow Dash said. Her voice was so shallow to Fluttershy’s ears that she could have sworn that Rainbow had died inside, that it was only fumes carrying through her larynx at this point.

‘’Aw, no, Dashie, please don’t be mad at me, I never meant to—-‘’

‘’No, it’s fine. I understand, Fluttershy,’’ Rainbow said sadly. ‘’You don’t like me, do you?’’

‘’What? No! No, that’s not what I meant at all!’’ Fluttershy gave her friend a wounded expression. ‘’Why would you ever think that? Of course I like you, Dashie, but I just don’t know if I feel the same way about you yet!’’ Fluttershy said pleadingly, hoping to get through to the stubborn mare. ‘’Please don’t take it the wrong way, Dashie, because I do like you, but I’m not sure if I’m ready to go that far at the moment. I’ve never had to do this before!’’

That’s what she said, Rainbow Dash thought jokingly, trying to amuse herself to find the silver lining in this situation.

‘’You…haven’t?’’ Rainbow Dash asked. ‘’I…how? How is that even possible?’’ She asked, somewhat taken aback by that. ‘’You’ve never—-?!’’

You’re kiddin’, right? Fluttershy’s not ONCE ever been told by either a mare or a stallion that she’s cute and attractive?! How is that possible? That’s the craziest thing I’ve heard in my entire life!

‘’You’re serious?’’

‘’W-What?’’ Fluttershy asked, unsure of where this was going.

‘’Fluttershy, look at you!’’ Rainbow lightly prodded her in the chest and motioned with her hooves up and down her barrel. ‘’For Celestia’s sake, have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror, girl?!’’

‘’Um, no, why? Should I have?’’ Fluttershy asked innocently, apparently naive as to what Dash was getting at. Rainbow only facehoofed.

‘’Fluttershy, you’re hot! Like, insanely hot!’’ Dash said, grabbing a hold of Fluttershy sleek, smooth shoulders. ‘’Like, so hot that it drives me insane! You’ve got a rockin’ bod, you’ve got a flawless mane, gorgeous eyes and an alluring voice, and you’re so sweet and kind! How in the name of Celestia have you never ONCE been called attractive?!’’ She asked, shaking her, appalled and shocked by what she had been told.

Fluttershy certainly did not expect those words to leave Rainbow Dash’s lips. She blushed brightly, her cheeks beet red, and she blinked at the cyan mare as she was being firmly but loosely gripped around her shoulders. Her heart was thumping away behind her ribs, butterflies tickling the lining of her stomach again, and she felt nauseous, but not in the way that made her want to keel over and vomit.

‘’Uh…’’ Fluttershy managed, hardly audible through he shock that was flooding her system, in a disarray. She was trying to process the words as they drifted on through her mental processing station, but they were hardly able to pull themselves through in time to emit a coherent response.

‘’I-I don’t know!’’ Fluttershy eventually said, cheeks burning so hot they could almost melt the cushions on the couch they were both sitting on. ‘’You…really think that I’m attractive?’’ Fluttershy asked meekly.

‘’Yes!’’ Rainbow Dash said instantly. ‘’Fluttershy, for the past three-to-four months, you’ve been ruffling my feathers with how attractive you are! You’re all I can think about, night and day, and spending more time with you has only made it worse!’’

‘’Oh. I’m sorry,’’ Fluttershy began, upset that she’s been causing her friend so much emotional distress, unbeknownst to her.

‘’No! Don’t be sorry! That’s not a bad thing, Fluttershy! The only bad thing about this is that I’m in love with you and it’s driving me crazy not knowing if you feel the same way or not!’’ Rainbow Dash said, giving the mare a shake.

‘’…What?’’ She breathed. ‘’You’re…You’re in love with me?’’ She asked quietly. Rainbow Dash nodded, blushing.

‘’Yes, Fluttershy, I am! I’ve always felt this way about you for as long as I can remember, and I was really hoping that you felt the same way about me,’’ Rainbow admitted, her facial expression once again taking on a look of sadness.

Fluttershy gave her a sympathetic look, flummoxed by her best friend’s confession and love for her. She didn’t have the slightest clue on what she should say next, so, rather than saying something, she did something instead.

She pulled Rainbow Dash into a hug and she snuggled her cheek into hers, holding her close and rubbing the back of her mane with a hoof to comfort her. Rainbow Dash showed no resistance to the gesture, and she melted into her hooves, accepting her offer of consolation.

Fluttershy felt Rainbow Dash’s heart beat as her chest was pressed against her own, and she sensed that it was felt off. It felt as if a part of it had cracked open, and it was pumping out of sync, the sound of a broken heart, rejected and bruised. If anything, it only made Fluttershy feel worse.

‘’Oh, Dashie, I’m so sorry,’’ She apologised. ‘’I had no idea!’’ She clutched Rainbow’s body closer to hers, not wanting to let her go from her, fearful that she might run away and disappear.

‘’It’s fine,’’ Rainbow said, returning the hug, enveloping Fluttershy behind her wings and giving her a friendly nuzzle behind her ear. ‘’I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable. I’ve been a bit selfish to put you in this position,’’ Dash said regretfully.

‘’No, it’s not your fault, Dashie. You haven’t done anything wrong, and we’re still friends, so don’t worry,’’ Fluttershy reassured her. ‘’Listen to me, Dash; I know how you feel about me, and, although I’m not sure if I love you in the same way, we can always wait to see whatever the future holds, can’t we?’’ She said, and she pulled away to face Rainbow’s face.

‘’Yeah. Yeah, we can, Shyster,’’ Rainbow Dash said with a genuine but small smile. ‘’We can wait.’’

‘’Now, would you like to have another massage, Dashie? You feel really tense again,’’ Fluttershy observed, but Rainbow Dash gave her a dismissive wave of a hoof.

‘’No, I’ve got a better idea,’’ She began, giving the mare a coy, mischievous smile. ‘’I’m going to give you a massage,’’ She said. Fluttershy’s eyes widened in surprise for a moment, but then she began to blush and smile.

‘’Oh?’’ The butter mare said, surprised and flattered by the gesture to return the favour.

‘’Don’t worry, I’ll be gentle,’’ Dash said with a giggle. Content with the idea of being given a massage did sound rather appealing to the butter mare, and Fluttershy did feel a little bit stressed, so who was she to turn down such a pleasant offer?

Fluttershy laid herself out on the couch, resting her stomach down against the plush cushions, allowing her four legs to automatically outstretch with the rest of her as she prepped herself. Once she was fully spread out, Rainbow Dash was sitting beside her on the couch, enough room for her to have access to every section of Fluttershy’s tense, elegant and fragile frame. Just seeing her in this position made her lick her lips.

This is so sweet! Dash squeed on the inside. I’m going to give Flutter-Butter a massage! How cooler can this get?!

While Fluttershy laid her head down, chin nestled into the cushions of the couch, awaiting for Rainbow Dash to begin being her masseuse, Rainbow thought about where to begin. She hadn’t had any experience doing this kind of thing, seeing as she hadn’t ever been close enough to anypony to dare suggest trying it, but she had seen both Aloe and Vera perform it multiple times, so she only relied on her memory banks to do it right.

Rainbow Dash brought out her hooves and she began on Fluttershy’s lower half, starting shy above her slender and toned hips. She began as Fluttershy had done on her whenever she had offered it, starting by rubbing her hooves in small circles, applying very little pressure to ease into it. Beneath her, she felt Fluttershy shudder gently at her touch, and, for a moment, Dash was scared that she was doing it wrong and mucking it up for her.

‘’Ooh!’’ Fluttershy swooned. ‘’That feels nice, Rainbow Dash! Your hooves are so soft!’’ She complimented, and Rainbow mentally sighed a breath of relief, not expecting that kind of response.

Woo, that one was close! I thought I’d messed it up for a moment there! So far, so good, I guess.

Rainbow Dash began to press a little bit harder as she worked around Fluttershy’s smooth, perfectly circular rump, and she began to work a patter up her spine, leading up to her wings. She can’t believe how she never took any notice of it before when they cuddled in bed together, but Fluttershy had an amazing physique that knew no flaws, and Dash began to wonder to herself, ‘’How is this mare still single?’’

Rainbow had started to reach the point between Fluttershy’s wings, and she felt her body react once her hooves pressed down on the spot directly between her shoulderblades, the sweet spot between her wings. Fluttershy’s wings began to unfurl slightly at the sensation of somepony’s hooves touching down upon her ticklish area, and her lips parted slightly, a moan escaping from them.

Mmm! Hmm….OH! Ooooh! Hmm! T-That feels so good! Mmm, Dashie, please don’t stop, it feels so great! Aloe doesn’t give massages half this good, and she’s a professional!

Fluttershy moaned audibly in sensuality to Rainbow Dash’s tender, surprisingly delicate touch. The mare had expected her hooves to be hard and rough on her, but she found herself to be pleasantly surprised by her misguided judgement of her friend’s abilities. Behind that tough, confident exterior was a soft and caring mare that had a sensitive side, and that was one of the things about Rainbow Dash that went unnoticed by most ponies.

Fluttershy was finding it hard to contain herself and to keep her moans of intense exhilaration concealed, and the more she leaned into the touch of Rainbow’s tender hooves, the harder she was finding it to fight. Resistance was futile, and she simply couldn’t help it. She gave a long, dragging moan.

‘’Hmmmmm! Ooooooh!’’ She swooned blissfully. Her voice tickled and plucked away at Dash’s heartstrings.

‘’How’s it feel, ‘Shy?’’ Rainbow asked, and she was answered by another series of pleasurable moans as the mare was lost in her own world. Her face had the expression of somepony that was stirring out of a deep, rejuvenating slumber. ‘’I’ll take that as a ‘good’, shall I?’’

Rainbow giggled when she began to apply more pressure along Fluttershy’s spine, hearing a scratching sound start up beside her. A quick look downwards conformed the sound to be Fluttershy kicking her leg like a very happy canine being given a friendly scratch behind their ear. When Rainbow Dash saw it, it reminded her of Applejack’s dog, Winona.

Rainbow Dash finished the massage by rubbing the stress and tension out of her patient’s rounded, scrumptious shoulders, and she bit her tongue, the appendage half-lolling out of her mouth as she concentrated. Fluttershy’s body partially raised up from the couch as she began to ring them, firmly gripping them and giving them a push and a pull whilst she rubbed them, and the sensation, simultaneously rough and blissful, sent signals into Fluttershy’s ear, causing it to twitch.

Wow, Rainbow Dash, that feels so good! I never knew that you were so good at giving massages! I’ll have to remember to do this next time I give you one…

‘’Are you alright, Shyster?’’ Rainbow asked once she had finished up and slowly reclined herself back down onto the cushions of the couch. ‘’I’m not gonna lose you to Princess Luna, am I?’’ She joked, noticing her sleepy, relaxed and dreamy expression.

‘’Th-That was…wonderful,’’ She said sweetly, her voice as smooth as fine chocolate.

‘’I’m not surprised, I’m awesome at everything! Except maybe for baking,’’ Rainbow Dash said that last part quietly, knowing that she was no match for the culinary expertise of Pinkie Pie in the kitchen. She couldn’t wrap her head around it, how logic dictates that whatever Rainbow bakes magically comes out burned. It was like a cruel prank that nopony had the brains to figure out, not even Twilight.

‘’Anyway, Fluttershy, we’ve got a little over two hours before one of us has to pick up Scootaloo from school, so I was wondering if we could spend some time together in the meantime? It’s been really boring lounging around all day at my house, and, if I’m honest, I kinda wish that school didn’t start again for a while. I miss having that squirt around the house, you know?’’

‘’Oh, I know, Dashie, I miss her, too,’’ Fluttershy said, sharing the cyan mare’s thoughts. ‘’But don’t worry, school will be out again by the time it gets closer into Winter, so she’ll be back with us in no time.’’

‘’Yeah, but it can’t come fast enough, Shyster,’’ Dash said, smiling for her friend’s efforts to cheer her up and to chase away her winter blues. ‘’I never thought that I’d end up likin’ knowing what it’s like to share a house with my friends, but I have to say, it’s grown on me. For the first time, I know what it’s like to have a family.’’

Rainbow Dash wasn’t lying, either. She had a fond selection of memories from her childhood, and she had both a mother and a father, and it was one of the best and happiest moments of her life. But, she had always felt like there was a missing piece in the equation, and it’s kept her up some nights, provoking her to no end. She wanted to know what it was like to have a family of her own.

The topic always made her feel so embarrassed, making her blush at the idea, not thinking of herself as the motherly type or ‘wife material’. Her father used to always joke with her though her teenage years, ‘’So, Dashie, when’re ya gonna bring home a nice stallion to settle down with?’’, and it brought shame into her being.

For years, Rainbow Dash had pondered about it, always so ashamed to open up and come out to the ponies that she was closest to, and one of those ponies happened to be Fluttershy. Mares were meant to marry stallions, and that was the typical way of the marriage tradition. Two ponies meeting, falling in love, announcing their engagement, celebrating their big day with the two parts of families coming together to merge into one, having kids, ya-da-ya-da…

Coming out of the closet wasn’t her favourite topic, and she had her doubts on being accepted. Rainbow Dash had experimented maybe once or twice, not that she’d admit it, but she was confused and lost, unsure of where she stood in terms of her own sexuality, wondering about her orientation, and it had bothered her relentlessly as she entered her adult years. She was too embarrassed to ask her mother or her father about it, and she was still scared of asking them, terrified at the thought of being disowned or being completely chewed out and discarded from their lives.

She hadn’t visited them for years, and now that she knew where she stood, she felt proud of herself for finally having an answer, but, at the same time, her shame caught up to her. If Fluttershy one day became her marefriend, she had no idea how she would go about coming out to her parents about it, or if they’d accept her decision and support her like they have done for years.

Most ponies in Equestria were overly critical and judgemental about such a ‘taboo’ act of affection against two parties of the same gender, and it made coming clean all the more stressful and difficult. In such a rough scene on a delicate topic, Rainbow didn’t want to place Fluttershy in a situation where she would be mercilessly hated upon and torn to shreds both left and right. It wouldn’t be fair to drag her into it like that.

Fluttershy gave Rainbow an understanding look, her lips curled into a gentle smile and her eyes warm and glowing in the firelight, warm turquoise pools of heaven. She knew where she was coming from, and she felt for her.

‘’I do, too,’’ Fluttershy said. ‘’I’ve always thought of you as a part of my family, too, Rainbow Dash, and I don’t remember my home being this lively since before you and Scootaloo arrived. It’s been wonderful to spend so much time together and to catch up on all of the years we’ve missed out on since I moved from Cloudsdale. I wouldn’t have it any other way,’’ She then hugged Rainbow Dash.

They hugged for a few minutes, enjoying the embrace too much to want to break apart. Holding Fluttershy this close was somewhat of a dream of Rainbow’s, wanting to cradle her like she was her partner, close enough to feel their hearts beat together in sync. It was moments like these that Dash took the chance to savour and relish in, the part she loved the most.

‘’And Fluttershy?’’ Dash started, still hugging her.

‘’Hmm?’’

‘’Sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable back there. I know it was sudden, but keeping it a secret was grinding my gears. I’m not that good at dealing with controlling my emotions and keeping them in check, y’know?’’ Rainbow said awkwardly, but Fluttershy shushed her and held her tighter.

‘’Shh, it’s okay, Dashie. We all have trouble expressing how we feel at times, it’s nothing to be ashamed of,’’ She assured her. ‘’We’ll always be best friends, Rainbow, and I’m always going to be here for you,’’ Fluttershy then did something that froze Dash in her place. She kissed her on the cheek.

It was short-lived and light, but the tingling sensation of where her lips had been upon the cyan mare’s cheek ignited a whirlpool of girly giddishness that gave way to a flurry of emotions. It was a small affectionate gesture, but the concept of it meant so much more, and the fact that she had just been kissed by Fluttershy made Dash feel so fantastic on the inside.

S-She kissed me! Fluttershy, that beautiful mare, just Celestia-damn kissed me! I was kissed by Fluttershy! Can you say, ‘Best. Day. EVER!’?

Fluttershy giggled cutely at the flummoxed, gobsmacked face of Rainbow Dash, her lips frozen in a half-open position, her breath shallow and her eyes small from shock. She touched a hoof to her cheek and she still felt the delicate, loving lips of the mare ringing against her nerves.

‘’Feeling better?’’ Fluttershy asked coyly.

‘’Tonnes!’’ Dash said, beaming heavily. ‘’So, just curious, but…what do you wanna do now? We’ve still got plenty of time to kill!’’

‘’Hmm, I figured we could sit here for a while, drink tea and cuddle. It’s warm and cosy in here, don’t you think?’’ She batted her eyelashes seductively at Dash, giving her a half-lidded look while her lips were parted, showing that she was biting the inside of her lips on the left side.

You know exactly how to push my buttons, don’t you, Flutter-Butter? It’s not fair, not when you get to tease me this often!

Rainbow Dash didn’t possess the heart to decline her offer. After all, it was actually very toasty in her living room. The fire was appealing, and getting to snuggle with Fluttershy definitely caught her immediate attention, and drinking some of her home-brewed tea sweetened the deal all the more. Scootaloo wouldn’t be out of school for two hours, anyway, so they had plenty of time to cuddle.

Smiling, Rainbow Dash gave the mare a playful grin and she asked her, ‘’Alright, do you want to be the big spoon or the little spoon?’’

*** *** ***

Rainbow Dash, after having spent some quality time with Fluttershy, headed over towards the schoolhouse to pick up Scootaloo. She had arrived a mere few minutes before class was due to end, but she knew it’d soon pass, so being punctual was always a good trait.

It was noticeably colder by this time, about 4:26PM, and the time of the year brought with it a cold but not bothersome breeze. Personally, Rainbow Dash loved it this time of the year. It meant that the best season was creeping up, a time to enjoy hot apple cider and hot chocolate around an open fire, the smell of frosted pine, the start of snowfall, darker nights and wooly hats and scarves.

This time around, there was one thing that Rainbow looked forward to in particular, and that was getting to share this time with both Scootaloo and Fluttershy as a small but happy family. For the little filly, this was going to be a special occasion, too, mainly because she had spent two Hearth’s Warmings all alone and without anypony to celebrate it with. This time, it was going to be different and special, the way that it should be for a young girl of her age.

Well, her birthday did get cut short, and this is the perfect opportunity to make up for screwing up. Maybe me and Fluttershy can talk to the others and arrange something?

Rainbow’s thoughts were cut short as the school bell rang out across the playground. It wasn’t a moment too soon that the door to the small building owned by Miss Cheerilee opened up and all of the schoolchildren began to pour out in a cluster, most of them eager to hop straight into their evening plans with their friends.

Most of the schoolchildren’s parents were waiting for them along with Rainbow Dash, and they were all glad to see the smiling, happy faces of their foals after a long day. It made Rainbow smile, seeing them all so happy together, missing each other after spending hours apart to partake in their area of work, and it welled up a sinking sensation within the mare’s gut when she watched them.

In particular, she watched as a young filly, maybe around Scootaloo’s age, perhaps a year or two younger, ran up and hugged her mother, thrusting herself up with her wings to clutch around her neck and shoulders. They were both giggling and sharing an embrace for a moment, and Rainbow couldn’t help but have a thought suddenly enter her mind out of nowhere.

I wonder if that’ll be me someday.

It was a small, insignificant thought that was as absentminded as the concept of family orientation, not so complicated or unnatural to think of at least once in life, but it hit home with Rainbow Dash. She didn’t want to say anything to Fluttershy about it, but, from when she came into her cloud home and she began to fill up the empty void of her living space with her and Scootaloo, Rainbow began to ask herself the question more often.

She knew that they weren’t a family by any means of the word, but it was nice to think that they were. It brought her back into the conundrum that was the issue of finding out what her orientation was, ashamed and embarrassed to think that she should have these feelings of having a family of her own one day, especially when your average family was composed of a mare and a stallion, not a mare and a mare. There was no such thing as two mothers or two fathers, and that hurt her inside worse than any future alienation and discrimination could ever deliver if ponies found out.

‘’Rainbow Dash!’’

What a bunch of jerks, Rainbow thought bitterly as the idea in her mind began to dissipate. It’s so unfair and cruel, the way some ponies can treat others. What’s so wrong about being in love with somepony? It’s not as if there’s something wrong with me, is it?

‘’Rainbow Dash!’’ The voice called again, and Rainbow Dash snapped out of it, blinking a few times and coming around to reality again. She glanced down in confusion, but she settled down once she noticed that a concerned-looking Scootaloo was standing there, her neck wrapped in a two-tone purple scarf Fluttershy had knitted for her. ‘’Are you okay?’’

‘’Wha—oh! Yeah, I’m fine, Scoots,’’ Rainbow quickly shoved her thoughts aside and regained herself, putting on a neutral face. ‘’So, how was school? Anything fun?’’

Scootaloo didn’t answer her for a moment, instead giving her this unconvinced look, a raise of her brow that gave Rainbow the impression that she wanted to pry a bit more. For a young filly, she certainly wasn’t naive, the mare had to give her that much.

‘’It was alright,’’ Scootaloo said, drawing a long sigh. ‘’It’s always the same, old boring stuff every year. ‘’Geography and science’’ this and ‘’physics and history’’ that. If I wanted to learn any of that stuff, I’d go and see Twilight,’’ Scootaloo said with a roll of her eyes, smirking.

‘’Yeah, Twilight knows just about everything that there is to know about literally anything, but it’s better to not bring it up that you need help to her,’’ Rainbow leaned in and whispered into her ear. ‘’Trust me, you’ll end up with a case of the Egghead’s Syndrome!’’ The pair then shared a hearty giggle.

‘’But seriously, squirt, I know that stuff’s incredibly boring and all, but it’s important,’’ Rainbow Dash began as they started walking away from the school house. ‘’I was the same as you when I was in school, you know?’’

‘’Oh, sure,’’ Scootaloo said with a roll of her hoof through the air. ‘’And I bet Pinkie Pie was exactly like Applejack in school, too.’’

‘’No, I mean it,’’ Dash said, chuckling at the filly’s remark. ‘’For most pegasi working in the weather factory, learning about weather patterns and environments can be the difference between a peaceful winter or a drought. Believe me, when earth ponies plant their crops and they don’t have enough water to yield anything, it’s not a pretty story for the pegasi up top,’’ Rainbow grimaced at the idea of a pegasi vs Earth pony riot forming.

‘’Huh, I never really thought about it like that,’’ Scootaloo said. ‘’Sounds to me like you’ve already been infected by Egghead Syndrome!’’ She said, knocking Dash’s shoulder and giggling at the mock shocked face Rainbow gave her.

‘’Hey! I am not!’’ Rainbow resented the remark.

‘’Are too!’’ Scootaloo fired back.

‘’I’m not!’’

‘’Are too!’’

‘’I’ll make you eat those words!’’ Rainbow Dash said as she began to tussle the filly’s hair, giving her a boogie while they both laughed. Scootaloo had escaped from her hold and she had ran in front of her, sticking out her tongue at her and blowing a taunting raspberry.

‘’Catch me if you can, nerd!’’ She jeered, zipping off in an instant with Dash behind her, lips tugged into a challenge-accepting grin.

‘’Oh, it is so on!’’ She said as she darted after her, intentionally backing off in her strides to make for a more intense chase, enough to let the filly feel like she’s going to come out a champion.

They had entered the middle of Ponyville, cutting through the town square, the two of them breaking out in hysterics as they caught up to each other, feeling the rush of adrenaline kick in as Dash went in for the kill. She only missed Scootaloo’s hooves by a narrow gap, close enough to almost nick her rear hoof.

‘’I’m gonna getcha!’’ Rainbow said in a sing-song voice, and Scootaloo blew another raspberry in her face before erupting into a round of giggles.

‘’I don’t think so!’’ She called over her shoulder.

Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo continued in a game of cat and mouse for a short-lived few minutes through and around Ponyville Square, outside of the Town Hall, and Rainbow was directly behind the filly for most of the time.

Scootaloo glanced over her shoulder for a moment, seeing that Rainbow was still hot on her tail, a couple of metres back from her, but when she glanced back to view in front of her, her breath suddenly caught in her throat. The filly halted to a sharp skid, kicking up dirty and pebbles as she did so, her body freezing over as her blood chilled within her veins. She was sure that her heart had ushered in a new ice age as she stared forward, way up into one of the streets.

Rainbow Dash, not expecting the sudden halt, almost crashed into the filly, but she used her wings to slow her descent. She blinked confusedly, wondering what was going on, and then she saw how harshly the girl’s body was trembling and how small and fearful her purple eyes were.

‘’Scoots? Hey, what’s the matter?’’ Dash asked her, concerned that something was incredibly and very wrong with her, and she glanced back and forth between the filly and the direction she was staring off into. ‘’What’re you looking at?’’

Oh. My. CELESTIA! You have got to be kidding me! Is this real?! Scootaloo thought as she glanced forward. She’d recognise that pony anywhere.

‘’Scoots! Hello, anypony home in there?’’ Rainbow tried to coax her out of it, touching a hoof to the back of her neck, hoping that it’d do the trick. ‘’Hey! Earth to Scootaloo! What, did your ears freeze over?’’

‘’T-There,’’ Scootaloo said numbly, her voice rattled and shaken, as if she’d seen a ghost. She raised one of her small hooves to point forward towards the street that lead towards Fluttershy’s cottage.

‘’What?’’ Rainbow asked, still dumbfounded on what was going on. ‘’I don’t get it.’’

‘’Look!’’ Scootaloo said. ‘’It’s…’’

And then Rainbow Dash saw what had rattled the filly.

There, standing off in the distance and glancing about the streets was the pony she had seen in the photograph laying on the floor in Scootaloo’s house. She recognised that royal purple coat and ice white mane anywhere!

Rainbow watched her, a bitterness arising in her chest and invading her heart at the sight of her. She was currently chatting with another mare, but it was unclear at this point what she was inquiring about. Regardless of the reason, Rainbow Dash ground her teeth at the sight of her, her gut becoming inflamed by a slowly building rage of fire that was sure to unleash itself with merciless intent.

Rainbow Dash, not thinking, grabbed Scootaloo and threw her onto her back, bringing the girl over to the steps of Town Hall that lead up to the entrance, asking her to stay there. This way, she was both out of earshot if things turned ugly and she was safe from being noticed. Celestia forbid, if anything happened to that child…

‘’Hey! You!’’ Rainbow Dash growled as she came up the street towards the mare. The snarl in her voice caused the few ponies around her to turn their head and stare in her direction, a cloud of tension brewing in the air. They began to chatter beneath their breath as they watched the hot-headed mare make her approach.

The mare that Scootaloo’s mother was chatting to quickly backed away under Rainbow’s soul-crushing gaze, afraid the moment she say how vicious her snarl was. Right now, Rainbow’s anger was flaring like a miniature pony was pumping the clutch and selecting which gear to throw her into, waiting for the right moment.

‘’Who, m-me? I-I don’t want any trouble!’’ Silver Star back up a few paces and she was visibly fearful, unsure of who this mare was or what she wanted. Her nerves were still ringing from earlier, and this sudden hostility towards her from a complete stranger was pushing the bar.

‘’Well, you’re gonna get trouble if you don’t start talking!’’ Rainbow Dash growled at her, her tone a sharp, no-nonsense bark.

‘’I think you’ve got me confused with somepony else,’’ Silver Star said, mumbling.

‘’I know who you are!’’ Rainbow took a step closer to her, pressing her nose up against Silver Star’s, the mare getting boxed in with her rump pressed against the wall of a terrace house and Dash’s hot-breathed snout. ‘’And you better start telling me why you did it!’’

‘’D-Did what?’’

‘’You know what!’’ The cyan mare glowered at her, barring her teeth. ‘’You’re Scootaloo’s mother, aren’t you?!’’ She said, and Silver Star’s face visibly calmed, but she was still cautious.

‘’S-Scootaloo?’’ She breathed. She brushed her white-coloured mane out of her face and her frosty blue eyes gave Rainbow an inquisitive look. ‘’How…how do you know my Scootaloo?’’

‘My Scootaloo’?! Oh, this mare’s out of her mind! Don’t test me, lady! Rainbow Dash scoffed at her words, disgusted.

‘’Oh, I think you know how I know her. Because of you, I found her in the hospital, waiting all by herself, no parents, no guardians, no nothing! She was all on her own, and, as if that wasn’t enough for you, she’s been through Tartarus for two years!’’ Rainbow Dash’s chest was heaving as she pressed her snout harder into the mare’s face with each word.

Silver Star was stunned and ashamed, her ears pricking at the word ‘hospital’, an instinctual concern arising within her for her child. She gave the cyan mare a worried look, not trying to shove her away from her or to aggravate her further.

‘’Scooty was in the hospital?’’ She asked at a whisper, scared for what might have caused it. ‘’Oh, dear, is my baby alright?!’’ She asked, bringing up her hooves to grip Dash’s shoulders, but Rainbow shoved her back down with harsh force.

‘’She’s fine now that she’s got me and my friends, no thanks to you,’’ She spat at her, expression sour. ‘’You’ve got a lot to answer for, and you’ve got some nerve coming back here after what you did!’’ She told her, and Silver Star bit her lip while she rubbed her hoof tenderly, eyes becoming downcast and dim. She looked like a lost foal that ran away from home.

‘’I-It…It wasn’t my fault…’’ She mumbled meekly.

‘’No, of course it wasn’t your fault for leaving your daughter for dead of your own accord,’’ Rainbow rolled her eyes. The ponies that were standing nearby in earshot began to mumble under their breath upon hearing this, most of them commenting on how cruel it was. The townsfolk sounded as disgusted and appalled as Rainbow Dash felt on the inside. ‘’In my book, that makes you my problem, and you’ve got a whole lot to answer for!’’

Rainbow Dash grabbed the mare around her shoulders and she hoisted her up to her hooves in one swift motion, the speed of her agile hooves catching her off guard and causing her to squirm. Rainbow continued to glare at her and she prodded her in her breast, giving her a serious, firm knitting of her brow and a push.

‘’And you’re answers better be good, otherwise I can’t promise that I won’t throw you into Ghastly Gorge. Understand?’’ She asked firmly, and Silver Star gave a weak nod of her head once she realised the tightness of her situation, knowing that there wasn’t going to be any easy way out of this one.

‘’Mmm-hmm,’’ She responded, to terrified to use her vocal chords.

‘’Good,’’ Dash said.

‘’Hey, hey! What’s all the hubbub?’’ The voice of Applejack sounded over the few ponies spectating the area, and the mare soon came into vision. Her eyes widened once she saw the figure of Rainbow Dash standing amongst the crowd, and her head turned to face the frightened-looking mare that was being grabbed by her. ‘’What in tarnation is alla this about?’’

Applejack stepped forward and she came beside Rainbow Dash, giving her a disapproving stare, and she jabbed her in the side gently. Her emerald green eyes cast themselves over towards the mare in front of Rainbow and she became curious as to what was happening.

‘’Do y’all mind explainin’ what in the hay you think you’re doin’ here? Let that mare go!’’ Applejack said, trying to move to pry Dash’s hoof from Silver Star’s shoulder, but Dash shoved her back.

‘’Applejack, wait a second! This is one of Scootaloo’s parents!’’ She informed her, and Applejack stood stock-still for a moment, blinking and raising her brow at the cyan mare’s claim.

‘’Um, beg pardon? Did I jus’ hear that right?’’ She asked, sticking a hoof into her ear to make sure she didn’t have any hay or other substances clogging them up. ‘’I couldda sworn I heard y’all say this is Scootaloo’s ma?’’

‘’I did!’’ Rainbow Dash said desperately, wanting to make her friend understand the importance of the discovery. ‘’Applejack, you have to believe me! She is Scootaloo’s mother, and I can prove it!’’

Silver Star gave Rainbow Dash a sideways glance at that, and her heart dropped down in her chest, making her feel constipated and anxious.

‘’I found this at her Scootaloo’s house after her birthday ended,’’ Rainbow Dash unfurled one of her wings and pulled out the picture she had found dropped on the carpet. She had carried it around almost every day since she discovered it, and she had kept it on her being in the event that she ever ran into her parents or if they ran into her, as a form of evidence.

‘’Well, I’ll be,’’ Applejack murmured, inspecting the photograph and tilting her hat back. She glanced up from it to face the mare in front of her, seeing that she was shivering in her little horseshoes. ‘’What’s yer name, sugarcube?’’

‘Sugarcube’? Oh, come on, AJ, don’t you understand that you’re talking to a neglectful, child-abandoning parent?

‘’S-Silver Star,’’ She replied quietly.

‘’Applejack,’’ The farmpony tapped her chest, introducing herself. ‘’An’ I believe y’all’ve already been acquainted with Rainbow Dash,’’ She motioned towards the rainbow-maned mare with the cyan coat. ‘’Is that true, what Dash said?’’

Silver Star hung her head and she clenched her eyes, feeling them become moist and warm as she knew what was about to come. Judgement was knocking on her door, and she has had two years to acquaint herself with the consequences of what she knows that she did wrong, and she has had to live with the guilt every day since.

‘’…Yes.’’

Silver Star was undoubtedly apologetic, but it didn’t matter if she was sorry or not, because it was still too late. What’s done is done, and there was no way around it. Whether or not she wanted to take part in it, she still committed a serious crime that isn’t excusable or granted forgiveness with a pardon.

Applejack may have been the most understanding and reasonable of ponies in Rainbow’s friendship circle, but even she had to admit that there was a flare of anger behind those green eyes of hers. Applejack, being family orientated and so immersed in honesty and ethics related to sticking by your loved ones, took the admittance of Silver Star’s betrayal to her own child to-heart. To Applejack, there was no worse crime, and she wasn’t going to stand for it.

‘’Why would y’all do such an awful thing? To yer only daughter, nonetheless?’’ She inquired, her face sealed in a stern expression.

‘’I…I had no choice,’’ Silver Star mumbled.

‘’An’ what’s that supposed ta mean, missy? That’s no excuse for—-‘’

‘’I said that I didn’t have a choice!’’ Silver Star yelled at her, a couple beads of warm tears rolling down her cheeks. ‘’I didn’t want to leave her, but I had no choice!’’

Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash shared a glance, wondering what she meant. It was Rainbow Dash who piped up first.

‘’What do you mean, ‘you had no choice’? It seems to me like you’re trying to get off easy,’’ Rainbow said suspiciously, not buying into her games or antics. However, it only frustrated the mare.

‘’I’m not trying to do anything! All I want is to see my little girl again! I wanted to stay with her and keep her safe, but Hardy told me he’d hurt me if I didn’t go with him! You have to understand, I didn’t want any part of this, but he threatened me to leave her!’’ She cried, pleading that she was innocent and not in the wrong, no matter what the reason was behind it.

‘’Who’s Hardy?’’ Applejack asked. ‘’Is that yer hubby?’’ Silver Star nodded.

‘’Mmm-hmm, only he’s no longer the stallion I married. He’s completely out of his mind! Please, I don’t want to go to prison! I only want my little girl back, I swear! I love her! Rainbow Dash, please, you’ll tell me where she is, won’t you?!’’ She lunged forward and she grabbed Dash by the shoulders, her grip surprisingly strong, almost yanking the pegasus over.

‘’Hey, let go of me!’’ Dash demanded as she yanked the frantic mare off of her, forcing her backwards. ‘’Look, I don’t know what it is that’s been going on between you and your husband, but if it caused you to be dragged off and forced you to abandon your daughter to fend for herself, then I don’t think allowing you anywhere near Scootaloo is close to a good idea. Like, you have no idea what nightmare you put that filly through, and it’s because of you that she’s likely going to be stuck like that for the rest of her life!’’ Rainbow Dash snarled at her, fuming.

She was right to be angry, too. After witnessing Scootaloo’s quiet behaviour, night terrors, reluctance to speak openly about what happened, her pent-up anger and sadness and feelings of abandonment and betrayal, Rainbow Dash was going to do anything and everything in her power to ensure that it won’t happen again. If she possessed the power to step inside of young Scootaloo’s head, she dreaded what she’d find lurking in the shadows of her tainted mind.

‘’Easy, there, Dash, let ‘er go,’’ Applejack soothed the fuming cyan mare, touching a hoof to her back. ‘’There’s a time an’ a place for that, an’ neither’s here,’’ She told her. ‘’Now, why don’t y’all go on ahead an’ take Scootaloo home? She’s still waitin’ for ya by the Town Hall. I’ll take it from here, sugarcube.’’

Rainbow Dash seriously was reluctant to leave, but she knew that she’d blow a gasket if she stayed around in the same vicinity as this…filth. The word ‘peeved’ didn’t come anywhere close to how she was feeling right now, and she half-believed that her anger was going to explode, resulting with one of her hooves slamming underneath Silver Star’s jaw. As much as she’d love to give her a smack around the head to knock the loose parts back into place, Applejack was right.

Fluttershy had told her the same thing, about her anger, that is. Losing her cool right now in front of all of these ponies wasn’t the best way to portray her as a responsible pony taking care of a young foal, was it? And so, as reluctant as she was to resign from her standing point, Rainbow Dash gave Applejack a firm stare and told her,

‘’Fine. But don’t let her out of your sight! I don’t trust her one bit, Applejack, and you shouldn’t, either! Keep your eye on her!’’ And then she headed off towards where Scootaloo was waiting for her.

Once Rainbow Dash had stepped in front of Town Hall, the little filly was waiting for her, sitting on the first step with her front hooves between her hind legs, her eyes downcast. Upon hearing the older mare approach, she looked up and she was relieved to see Rainbow Dash coming back, but her face held traces of caution for what went on when she wasn’t around.

‘’Rainbow Dash, you’re back!’’ She got up and she hugged Dash’s front leg. When she pulled away, her eyes were visibly glossy and her lips were tugged into a frown. ‘’What happened with my Mum?’’

‘’Don’t worry about it, kiddo, it’s alright,’’ Dash said, hugging the filly back. ‘’I don’t want to talk about it. Come on, we need to go home. And Scootaloo?’’ Rainbow began as she picked up the filly and placed her on her back. ‘’You’re a good kid. I’m not going to let anypony take you away from me.’’

And Rainbow meant those words. From this day forward, Scootaloo was not only going to be her little sister, she was, in a sense, her daughter. And she was about to enter the biggest fight of her life to claim her as such.

*** *** ***

‘’Oh, dear,’’ Fluttershy murmured as she sat across from Dash on the couch. Scootaloo was sitting between the pair, and the butter mare’s hoof was resting comfortingly upon her shoulder. Rainbow Dash had given her the details on what had happened, and Fluttershy’s face was nothing short of concerned.

‘’I know, right! And then she demanded that I hand over Scootaloo to her! I mean, how stupid does she think I am? There is no way that I’m allowing her to take her back after what she did to her! If you ask me, that mare deserves whatever she gets!’’ Rainbow said bitterly, anger still present within her veins, burning and boiling her blood. The very nerve of Silver Star irked her, made her hooves itch.

‘’That does sound awful,’’ Fluttershy pouted. ‘’She didn’t hurt you, did she?’’ She asked Scootaloo, but the filly was too miserable to answer her, still trying to process the entire situation. She only caught the last part of the incident, mostly when the shouting started, loud enough for her to hear from Town Hall.

Scootaloo had her head hung low, and her eyes were large and sad, wounded-looking. She glanced up momentarily at Fluttershy, hoping to indicate an answer enough with her moping expression.

‘’See what I mean? Seeing her again made things worse!’’ Rainbow Dash draped her wing around Scootaloo’s tiny, cold form, pulling her closer towards her. ‘’It’ll be alright, Scoots, we’re not going to let her take you from us.’’

‘’B-But why’s she come back? Why has she come back to try and take me when she abandoned me? Why, Rainbow Dash?’’ She asked sadly, confused, old emotions of hurt arising again, emotions she had fought to remain hidden and drowned out.

‘’Beats me, kid, but with me and Fluttershy around to back you up, you don’t need to worry about her nabbing you away,’’ Rainbow Dash said confidently, assuring her with a smile. It brightened the filly’s spirits a little bit, but she still felt bitter and broken on the inside.

‘’But Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo is her daughter, and she’ll have more authority over her than we do. If it gets out of hand and Silver Star gets the police involved, we’ll have to give her back. I don’t see any way around it,’’ Fluttershy said helplessly, but Rainbow guffawed at her and rolled her eyes.

‘’’If it gets out of hand’?’’ She began. ‘’In what way can it get any more out of hand than it has already, Fluttershy, huh? And did you bang your head and suddenly forget that we’ve got Violet Snowdrop to back us up? If anypony can testify against Silver Star and her husband, it’s going to be her! Besides, her and Scootaloo get along great, don’t you?’’ She asked, looking down at Scootaloo and giving her mane a soft tussle.

‘’Mmm-hmm,’’ She hummed.

‘’Oh, I suppose you’re right,’’ Fluttershy said dumbly, feeling stupid for not remembering. ‘’But we still don’t have any idea where her father is or what he’s doing! If Silver Star’s back in town, then who knows where he could be?’’ She offered, contemplating the idea and taking all aspects into account. Literally anything was a possibility at this point.

Before the pair were able to further their conversation, there was a knock at the door, catching all three ponies’ attention. Once Fluttershy had asked who it was, there was a small but firm voice calling from the other side.

‘’It’s Violet Snowdrop,’’ The voice said, and, while Fluttershy gave Dash a confused look, Rainbow Dash’s face brightened and she hovered over towards the door to invite the pegasus social worker into the cottage. She brought her over towards the couch, where Violet addressed the mare and the filly sitting there.

On any other day, Violet Snowdrop maintained a formal, professional demeanour, but Rainbow Dash’s observant gaze caught her distressed, worried look. She was trying to conceal it, but it still managed to pierce through her barrier, and Dash had a pretty good idea why.

‘’And you must be Fluttershy,’’ Violet Snowdrop smiled up at the butter-coloured mare, offering her hoof towards her, both of them sharing a gentle shake. ‘’I’ve heard so much about you,’’ She then turned to face Scootaloo, concerned at how saddened she appeared, but she supposed she couldn’t blame her, given the circumstances. ‘’How are you feeling, sweetheart?’’

‘’Better now that you’re here, Miss Snowdrop,’’ Scootaloo told her, visibly perking up at her presence. Violet’s soothing pools of cerulean, heavenly bliss administered a painkiller into her hurt heart, and the child warmed up to her. ‘’But why are you here?’’

‘’I’m here to speak to Rainbow Dash,’’ She gazed into the magenta eyes of the cyan pegasus, lips tugged into a frown. ‘’I trust you know why I’m here?’’ Rainbow nodded. ‘’Good, then it saves time. I’ve been hearing the ponies talk around town, and everypony seems to be chatting and whispering amongst themselves that a certain somepony has come back to town, and that you caused quite a stir with her in the middle of the town square,’’ Violet said, pointing her hoof towards Dash.

Violet’s face had an annoyed tinge to it, as if disappointed in Rainbow Dash for lashing, but it quickly dissipated. She wasn’t a pony who’s job put her in a position to judge or blame ponies, but rather to show compassion and care, and, if she was being honest to herself, she didn’t have it in her to blame Rainbow for what she did. However, from an advantageous perspective, it muddled things.

‘’Miss Rainbow Dash…with Silver Star back in the picture, I’m afraid that it complicates things, for you and Fluttershy especially,’’ Violet said regretfully.

‘’In what way does it complicate things? She’s a horrible pony that waltzed back into town thinking that I was just going to hand Scootaloo back over to her!’’ Rainbow Dash huffed, getting frustrated.

‘’I understand your frustration, Rainbow Dash, but you must understand that custody battles often lead to lengthy, stressful debates that delineates consent from both the parents and the pony opting for custody. With how you handled Silver Star in the middle of town, I’m certain that she’s not going to be very compliant,’’ Violet said, disappointed. Her lips were tugged into a frown as she stared at Rainbow Dash, expecting her to say something.

‘’So, what, even after all of the dirt we’ve got on her and Scootaloo’s father, you’re telling me that that’s it?’’ Rainbow asked, dumbfounded. ‘’For Celestia’s sake, you’ve been to her house, Violet! You’ve seen what they’ve done to the place! And I’ve told you everything that I’ve found out from the very beginning, so how can you tell me that ‘that’s it’?!’’ Rainbow Dash seethed, but Violet didn’t flinch as the cyan mare had a mini hissy fit.

Fluttershy and Scootaloo were caught in the middle of the firefight of words, and it was a free-for-all at this point. They both glanced back and forth between the two ponies as they shot their responses back at each other, eyes darting between them and fearful for what it might develop into.

‘’I’m sorry, Rainbow Dash, but I’m a social worker, not a lawyer. In a court of law, it’s possible to say anything you please, but it’s pointless and meaningless unless you have the proper, solid evidence to support it. All we have is words on pieces of paper, without much of a backup,’’ Violet glanced to Scootaloo. ‘’Scooty, does you family have a lawyer?’’

‘’N-No. We didn’t have the money to hire a family lawyer, even when Dad got a promotion,’’ She told her. That put things in their favour.

‘’Alright, thank you, sweetie,’’ She turned back to Rainbow Dash. ‘’And do you or Fluttershy have a lawyer of your own, if I might ask?’’

‘’No,’’ Dash said. ‘’What does it matter, anyway? I don’t see what difference it’d make if we found somepony to help us,’’ Rainbow said. Violet rolled her eyes, having trouble thinking.

In some of her cases, she had taken issues into court only a few times, but it was only with very serious family difficulties that it became necessary. Lucky Clover would have been one of them, but it sadly never came to be. Violet Snowdrop had a number of contacts in the business, some of whom she’d met throughout her line of work to assist her when she required additional help with certain cases, and they proved to be a valuable asset to her when it came to bringing about justice.

Miss Harshflow was one of the most valuable assets she had on her side of the playing field, and she was her go-to business partner, a necessity for when it came to rehoming orphaned foals or young children whose parents were unfit or incapable of caring for them. Their paths crossed frequently, and Miss Harshflow’s contacts with ponies of authority gave Violet’s social worker cases an upper hand. If ponies didn’t have a lawyer of their own to support them in a court of law, then perhaps one of the contacts Violet had acquired may prove useful in stepping in.

‘’I had to make sure,’’ Violet told Rainbow Dash. ‘’You know, if it’s possible for you to find a lawyer or somepony else of authority, and on top of all that I’ve learned from working with you, we just might stand a chance.’’

‘’Rainbow Dash?’’ The voice of Scootaloo spoke up slowly, and every pair of eyes in the room turned to face her. ‘’What are you all talking about? What’s going on?’’

We all knew it’d be a matter of time until we had to come clean, Rainbow Dash thought. Wonder if the kid’s ready to hear this, or if she’ll understand what’s happening.

Rainbow Dash glanced towards Fluttershy, seeing that her eyes were neutral, but her lips were tugged into an unsure frown. She had wondered and worried about how the filly would respond to the news, too, and it had put fear into her veins, not sure if she was ready to understand. At ten-years-old, it was more than a lot to take in and comprehend.

Come on, Dashie, we both knew that we had to tell her eventually, Fluttershy’s eyes seemed to say. She needs to know what we’re planning.

Rainbow Dash gave a long, dragging sigh and she came in front of the young filly, kneeling down in front of her to meet her eye level. She then placed down one of her hooves gently onto the filly’s lap and she began to speak.

‘’Scootaloo, what I’m about to tell you is very important and very hard for me to explain, but because you’re grown up enough to understand, I’m going to trust you to listen,’’ Rainbow said, hoping that she wasn’t pushing the bar by telling her this. However, Rainbow knew that the filly wasn’t stupid and that she was a fighter, and the fact that she survived two years on her own in the face of daily danger proved that.

‘’Um, okay, Rainbow Dash, what’s wrong?’’ The filly asked, now curious about what kind of adult-security secret she was about to tell her. In the magenta eyes of her idol, she saw the trust gleam behind them, so crystal-clear but also tentative. Scootaloo knew that if Dash was going to let her in on something this closely-guarded and kept under wraps, then it was a very important piece of knowledge. And it made her feel honoured that she trusted her with it.

‘’Listen, squirt, after we took you in, me and Fluttershy have been talking a whole lot about it, and it’s the same reason that we sought out Violet Snowdrop,’’ She motioned to the social worker. ‘’Violet’s been here to help us try and find a solution that’d allow us to legally adopt you,’’ Rainbow Dash said, trying to summarise Violet’s presence here in the most simple of ways possible.

Scootaloo stared into the eyes of Rainbow Dash emotionlessly, her face as blank as a slate, so wiped clean and devoid of any real emotion that would allow anypony to know what she’s thinking or feeling. Her eyes were blank and locked in a neutral stand-still, processing what she had been told. The little filly glanced between the faces of all of the three mares present, attempting to take in all of this.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy want to adopt…ME?! The filly said to herself, unsure if she had heard them correctly. They want to adopt me?! That’s why they hired Miss Violet Snowdrop to come here, and they didn’t tell me about it?

‘’You…you want to adopt…me?’’ Scootaloo breathed after a long silence, hardly able to believe her ears. Rainbow Dash gave her a pleading look, hoping that she’d be able to understand how imperative it was for her to understand what was going on. It wouldn’t be right nor fair to her if they thrusted this upon her at the very last minute, and now was as good a time as any, now that Silver Star was back in the picture.

‘’That’s right, kid,’’ Dash said, patting her leg.

‘’Rainbow Dash and I figured you deserved to have a family that cares about you,’’ Fluttershy added. ‘’It broke our hearts when we found out how horribly you’ve been treated and how you’ve been on your own for so long.’’

‘’But…why do you want me?’’ Scootaloo asked, understandably cautious. ‘’Not even my own parents wanted me, so how do I know you won’t do the same to me?’’

Normally, such words would stab Rainbow’s heart and terribly stagger her on a personal level, but she knew fully well that the filly had a right to be cautious and weary. It hurt to an extent that she had to ask, but it wasn’t her place to judge, seeing as she likely would act the same if she were in her position.

‘’Hey, it’s me you’re talkin’ about, kid,’’ Rainbow nudged her shoulder playfully, giving her an uplifting smirk. ‘’Trust me, Scoots, some ponies don’t know how much of a good thing they’ve got in life, but I do,’’ Rainbow hugged the filly. ‘’And I wouldn’t be a very good representative of The Element of Loyalty if I left my little sister hanging, would I?’’

‘’We both love you, Scootaloo,’’ Fluttershy said as she joined in with the hug, snuggling herself into the filly’s side while Dash hogged up the front, and Scootaloo didn’t object. Her eyes began to water and she felt warm and tingly on the inside, overjoyed that the two mares loved and cared about her enough to want to call her their own.

Violet Snowdrop stood and watched with a touched heart, herself feeling a tad teary-eyed as she observed the touching moment between a potential family. Then again, all three of them seemed to already be existing as a family before Violet had arrived onto the scene, and knowing that they all got along famously gave the impression that they already were, in a sense, a functioning family.

For Violet, she can fairly say that she has never once witnessed such undying affection and a strong, solid love that Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had for the heartbroken, rejected filly. The display of love, in the eyes of the social worker, was no different than that of a love a mother should have for her kin, and it was evidently clear in this moment that their words were pure and unstained by deceit and lies. This was the real deal.

‘’I-I don’t kn-know what t-to say! Thank you!’’ Scootaloo sniffled as she pulled away from Dash and Fluttershy, so eternally gratefully that they both committed themselves to her like this. It made her feel wanted and accepted, like she was loved, which was really all she ever wanted.

For so long, the poor filly had convinced herself that she was unlovable and completely renounced of having a place in any family. Her days were spent alone for two years, and she, with a broken and heavy heart after she was left for dead, found it impossible to trust anypony, including those closest to her. All of those mornings waking up with hunger pains, scraping up scraps from the floor or sometimes from a bin, just willing to do anything to survive.

At school during lunchtimes, Apple Bloom used to always offer her half of her apple, or maybe a full one, seeing as Applejack always packed her a few of them every day. Bless that friend of hers, she was so caring and kind. Scootaloo never once brought a packed lunch or anything with her to eat at school, and the only reason she was still alive was because of her tenacity to scrounge what she could while having hospitable friends on the side that were willing to invite her around to eat with them, and she always considered herself lucky to have friends with such wonderful families.

Ever single day was a fighting struggle for the filly, and she so desperately wished she had the courage within her to speak to her friends and their families about what had happened, but the truth is that she was terrified. Scootaloo didn’t know where to begin with her explanation, how she would break the news to her friends, or how they might react. She didn’t want to be pitied and to be constantly fussed over to an obnoxious extent. And so, she simply decided to suffer in silence and kept herself hidden away.

In short, she did what she had to do. Maybe, with this new information coming into the light, all of those days would be long-gone and forgotten. No more hunger pains, no more soul-torturing nightmares, no more being frightened of wetting the bed, no more being afraid of encountering ill-intentioned ponies stumbling in on her while she was sleeping and, most of all, no more being alone and sorry.

‘’Don’t mention it, Scootaloo. We’d do anything for you, and you know that we’ll always be here for you, sweetie,’’ Fluttershy said kindly, lapping her wing around the filly’s shoulder.

‘’Yeah, we’re gonna stick by ya, kid, no matter what,’’ Rainbow Dash said confidently, ruffling the girl’s mane. A short cough from beside them caught their attention.

‘’Um, as much as I hate to break up this sentimental moment, there’s still the matter of Scootaloo’s mother to discuss,’’ Violet Snowdrop said.

‘’Oh, right, sorry,’’ Rainbow Dash said. ‘’Where were we, again?’’ Violet groaned.

‘’The part about having a lawyer, Miss Rainbow Dash,’’ She reminded her, becoming impatient. ‘’If you do not have one, then I can see about having one appointed to you once we open up a court case ourselves or if Silver Star herself decides to open one,’’ Violet said, trying to make her point clear to Rainbow Dash that success isn’t a guarantee.

Hmm, I don’t see somepony like Silver Star having the money to afford a decent lawyer, but, on the other hoof, it’s not like I’m short on bits to hire one myself. Perhaps I might be able to find one if I—- Rainbow Dash paused for a moment, suddenly remembering something. Oh! Yes! Rainbow Dash, you’re a genius!

Rainbow Dash grinned as she rubbed her hooves together, definitely not like a sinister villain in a crime movie that had just hatched a master plan, and she began to chuckle to herself. Violet and Fluttershy shared a confused glance, not sure if this was a good sign or not. They both looked at her like she had snapped and become insane.

‘’Um,’’ Fluttershy began, speaking softly. ‘’Are you okay, Dashie?’’

‘’I’m better than alright, Fluttershy, I think I know somepony who can help us!’’ Rainbow Dash began, loving this idea more and more.

‘’Really? Who?’’

‘’Princess Celestia!’’ Rainbow Dash announced her grand plan, but everypony simply blinked at her, expressions blank.

‘’Um, okay, I was not expecting that,’’ Violet began, sucking in air between her lips slowly while she recalibrated herself. ‘’And how do you propose to contact her?’’

‘’Twilight! Twilight has a direct contact with the princess, and she’s also her personal student, so she’ll have to listen to her!’’ Rainbow Dash explained. ‘’If I can talk to Twilight, maybe I can convince her to ask the princess to take our side in court! Once she hears about what’s been going on with Scootaloo, I’m sure that we’ll have our attention then, and, at this point, what do we have to lose?’’

‘’Hmm, maybe you’re right,’’ Violet Snowdrop said thoughtfully, touching a hoof up to her chin. ‘’Naturally, having somepony in a place of power can provide us with an advantage, so you might be onto something,’’ She said to Rainbow Dash, who was beaming with pride.

‘’Violet, trust me, with the princess on our side, what can go wrong? I mean, she’s Princess Celestia, for heaven’s sake! Pretty much everypony in Equestria loves her, so they’ll listen to what she has to say!’’

‘’Dashie,’’ Fluttershy spoke up. ‘’Do you really think that this’ll work? What if she’s too busy to help?’’

‘’Oh, Fluttershy, since when did you start doubting me?’’ Dash mock pouted. ‘’Knowing the princess, she’ll make the time once I let her in on everything that’s happened, and she won’t turn us down.’’

‘’Well, Rainbow Dash, if you think it’s worth a shot, then I think we should go for it,’’ Violet told her. ‘’And I’ll make sure to have all of my notes ready from Scootaloo’s counselling sessions and from what I’ve learned so far,’’ She then turned to Scootaloo. ‘’And you, sweetie, just stay strong and brave. We’ll see to it that this gets put right.’’

A few days after this day had ended, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had the biggest day of their lives waiting for them, and, for Scootaloo, it would be a day that would change her life forever.

The Custody Battle

Author's Note

Welp, here we go; the very last chapter!

I know this story may feel incomplete to some, but I have to make it very clear that a sequel, although planned, will likely not take place. I only finished this because I seriously couldn't let myself live a shameless life as long as it remained incomplete. If I do find the time in future life to begin the sequel, then I do hope that you'll still be hanging around to see it.

Let me know in the comments below if this happened in the way in which you all imagined it to take place, or if you envisioned something a little different than what it turned out to be.

The Custody Battle

Today was the big day of the court trial. The day that would define the future fate of the young filly, Scootaloo.

Rainbow Dash had pitched her idea to Twilight, and, while the unicorn was happy to help out, she had her doubts over the princess being able to offer her assistance on such a busy schedule with her royal duties. Thankfully, she had sent word back saying that she’d be delighted to offer her assistance for her number-one student. Her mind was doubly made up once she had been given a summary of the situation she’d be aiding by making her presence known, and the pure disgust the story of neglect and abuse brought to her made her feel sick on the inside.

The trial was due to take place in Canterlot’s Royal Court, a place of solving disputes and disagreements between two parties for over a hundred years. It had been a court of law since the day Canterlot had existed on the map, and it was a grand and picturesque establishment that matched the magnificent and formal decor of the great city it was built in. Needless to say, it had an outstanding reputation due to its faultless selection of judges that laid down the law with an iron hoof, thick brow and stern authority.

It was in Canterlot Royal Court that the trial was set to begin, with an hour to go before the fate would be decided of the filly in question and on everypony’s minds. Everypony was anticipating a good result, and talk about the presence of Canterlot’s very own Princess Celestia being there amped up quite a stir around the city. If she was going to be there, spectators knew right off the bat that the trial was beyond important.

Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Violet Snowdrop, Scootaloo and the rest of the ponies were all gathered together in one of Canterlot’s many dining establishments, seated together around a large table. The place they were in was, like the rest of the city, grand and very royal, constructed of white marble columns with elegant carvings and curves and deeply-coloured walls. This place, Marecino, was fitting the bill for Canterlot’s hoity-toity reputation.

Purple-coloured walls, mahogany tables with velvet-cushioned booths and stools, an open counter at the front, large windows peering out into the busy, classy streets of the city and classy, posh waiters and waitresses. Marecino had a pleasant vibe to it, and although the coffee was on the higher end of the price tag range, Rainbow Dash didn’t mind paying for her friends and Violet Snowdrop. Violet, being the sweet, young thing that she is, politely declined, deeming it not necessary, but, as Rainbow put it, ‘’You’ve been bustin’ your rump for me and Scootaloo, so I figure I owe you a little somethin’, right?’’

They were all discussing the trial that was about to take place, and conversation ranged from enthusiasm for the outcome of the session to words of concern for how it was going to play out. The biggest part of the conversation between the friends was congratulations over Fluttershy’s and Rainbow Dash’s announcement about their planned adoption of Scootaloo.

‘’Awe, Dashie, you’re such a softie!’’ Pinkie Pie had told her, giving her a playful nudge and a wink. ‘’Who knew that there was a sensitive heart beating beneath all of that pride, huh?’’

‘’That’s positively darling, darling!’’ Rarity said, making a little baby face at Rainbow Dash, touched that she’d be willing to go so far for somepony she cared so dearly about. ‘’I do admit, though, dear, how do you plan to finance all of the possible expenses? I mean, you did buy the coffee, so…’’

‘’Hey, don’t worry, Rare,’’ Dash said with a grin, taking a sip of her own mug of coffee. (Really, for the size of a regular coffee, which was roughly the same as a double-shot expresso in Canterlot, she did feel a bit cheated on the prices.) ‘’It’s in the bag! Don’t worry about a thing! You especially,’’ Rainbow glanced down at the orange filly sitting beside her, giving her a smirk.

Scootaloo was still a little too young for coffee, and Dash didn’t expect her to enjoy the bitter taste all too much of the high-caffeine drink, which, quite frankly, was strong enough to make Applejack buck trees for a year without tiring out. Instead, Scootaloo had her hooves gently placed around a mug of hot chocolate, which she gave an occasional, tiny sip, so minute that it almost seemed that she had turned into a mouse.

Great, as nice as it was of her to want to adopt me, I still feel like a burden, Scootaloo thought. As if that wasn’t enough, now I’m going to be burning a hole through her pocket?

‘’Well, I, fer one, am plum tickled that y’all are willin’ to do this fer Scootaloo, Dash,’’ Applejack said, sitting across from the filly. ‘’Why, I admit, I wasn’t thinkin’ that you’d be the type to adopt, y’know? I’m still surprised that ya decided to go ahead an’ set up a court trial!’’ Applejack said, but Dash gave her a quizzical look.

‘’And what’s that supposed to mean?’’ Rainbow inquired, bemused by her friend’s comment. ‘’AJ, from you, of all ponies, I can’t believe you’d say that! You know what pain and suffering Scootaloo’s been through, and I couldn’t allow it to continue, so of course I had to do something about it!’’ Rainbow felt hurt by Applejack’s words, literally feeling insulted by her, her, of all ponies.

‘’I’m jus’ sayin’, I never thought y’all would go this far, but I’m happy fer what y’all are doin’, and I admire ya, sugarcube. If not fer yourself an’ Fluttershy, who know’s what’d happen?’’ Applejack said, defusing the situation, and Rainbow’s face quickly declined back into a neutral expression.

AJ, I swear, you are just rubbing this in, aren’t you? One of these days, you and me are going to have a serious fall out. If I didn’t know any better, you’re doing this on purpose!

‘’Um, alright, then,’’ Twilight began from her seat at the far end of the booth, sitting on the outer edge opposite Pinkie, before this could escalate someplace ugly. ‘’So, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, how do you think it’ll go?’’

‘’Um, I’m pretty nervous, actually,’’ Fluttershy spoke up after placing her coffee cup back down, licking some of the beverage from her upper lip. ‘’What if we lose?’’ From beside her, Rainbow Dash nudged her and she held her shoulder.

‘’Hey, come on, Shyster, don’t worry so much! We’ll be fine! With Princess Celestia backing us up, what could go wrong?’’ Rainbow Dash said, trying to remain confident for the outcome of this court session, but there was a tinge of noticeable anxiety in her voice. She was confident, but she wasn’t so self-assured that she was deluded of the possibilities that might come up.

‘’Hey, Dash?’’ Scootaloo piped up.

‘’Yeah, squirt?’’

‘’Um, if this works out, do I…do I call you Mum?’’ Scootaloo asked, giving her a puppy-like look, the same expression she had given her upon running into her in the hospital, measuring up to the same amount of misery. Scootaloo had no clue where this arrangement would place her with Dash and Fluttershy, and, if the mares were honest, neither were they.

Huh. I’m not sure, actually, Rainbow Dash said to herself, thinking inwardly, perplexed and unprepared for the question. I’ve,,,not really thought about it. But why should it change anything between us?

Rainbow Dash turned to face Fluttershy, seeing that she was also perplexed by the question, and Rainbow’s eyes were wide, pleading, asking Fluttershy, ‘’Please, help me out here!’’. Fluttershy didn’t know what to say, and she gave Rainbow a helpless look, shrugging her shoulders, and the other mares around the table exchanged the same expression.

‘’Um, Violet? A little help here?’’ Rainbow Dash asked, noticing that the social worker had been uncharacteristically quiet from where she was sitting, just beside Rarity. Violet Snowdrop brushed back her mane as she thought, having dealt with this issue before, a surprisingly frequent occurrence.

‘’Scootaloo, do you think it should change anything between you and Rainbow Dash or Fluttershy?’’ She asked the filly in her soft and caring voice, her tone so heavenly that each word spoken felt like a kiss against the cheek.

‘’Well…I’m not sure. Rainbow Dash is like my big sister and Fluttershy…’’ She trailed off, looking at the butter mare, not certain where she stood and how she viewed her relationship to her. ‘’Fluttershy’s like the mother that I wish mine was,’’ She said, not knowing how to better place her.

Upon hearing this, Fluttershy’s face warmed and she gave a modest blush, flattered that she viewed her that way. Violet smiled, too, and the ponies around the table all appeared to be touched by the sentiment.

‘’And do you want it to change how you think of her?’’ Violet asked her, and the filly became thoughtful for a moment.

‘’No, not really,’’ Scootaloo said. ‘’But I do enjoy spending time with her, and she’s always so nice and kind to me.’’

‘’Oh, well, it’s my pleasure, Scootaloo,’’ Fluttershy said softly, giving the girl a soft smile. ‘’I’ve had plenty of experience taking care of my injured animal friends, so it’s no big problem, sweetheart,’’ She said, and the filly gave her a thankful and appreciative smile at that.

‘’Yeah, that’s my girl,’’ Rainbow Dash gave the butter mare a nudge in her chest with her elbow, and Fluttershy gave a cute eep! at the jab. ‘’Fluttershy’s, like, the best caretaker ever! And she’s super amazing at giving massages, too! She helped fix my wing faster than ever, didn’t ya, Shyster?’’ Rainbow asked her, smirking coyly at how much the mare beside her was blushing.

‘’Aw, come on, I was kiddin’,’’ Rainbow said, giggling, noticing the bashful expression taking over the mare’s features, and she hugged her. With her chin resting on Fluttershy’s shoulder, Rainbow’s face was in Rarity’s direction, and the royal blue eyes of the pearl-coloured mare caught Dash’s attention.

Rarity knew what Dash was doing, and she was a professional when it came to reading signs and viewing between the lines in one’s demeanour towards another. She gave Dash a knowing flicker of her eyelashes and a sly smile, hinting silently at her, and she couldn’t help but wonder if there had been any new developments in this crush of hers.

Rarity, without speaking, asked through her keen eyes, ‘’Are you an item yet?’’, and Dash’s face blushed dimly, thankfully going unnoticed by the others.

‘’Not yet, Rarity,’’ Dash transmitted her words back silently. ‘’And try keepin’ it low, will ya? Don’t let the others suspect a thing!’’

Taking the hint, Rarity nodded in understanding, but it was clear that she wasn’t about to let this one drop so easily. Oh, that Rarity does enjoy her teasing and her queries into the oh-so-mysterious cloud of bliss and joy known as love, doesn’t she? If she can’t experience it for herself with her own Prince Charming, then teasing and delving into the love life of others was the next best thing for her!

So long as she doesn’t poke into mine too often, we shouldn’t have an issue, Rainbow Dash thought, knowing how much that unicorn loved snooping around for some juicy gossip. That mare can’t learn to keep her trap shut with the other girls sometimes, unlike Pinkie Pie. At least she knows some restraint.

‘’So, Violet, now that we’re meeting you for the first time, where are you originally from, if you don’t mind me asking?’’ Rarity inquired, and the social worker gave her a welcoming expression, happy to oblige with filling her curiosity.

‘’Originally, I’m from Cloudsdale, but I’ve since moved to Manehatten along with my line of work,’’ Violet said, but then she paused for a moment, becoming bashful as she stared down at the steaming mug of strong coffee between her hooves. Her cerulean eyes of heaven watched the trails of steam waft up to the air. ‘’It’s kind of a long story. Are you sure you want to hear it?’’

‘’Oh, please, dear, I insist! Do go on!’’ Rarity said with bright eyes, and then the pair entered a long conversation, most of the ponies in the booth taking the time to tune in on this new friend of Rainbow Dash’s.

While the others were occupied with that, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Scootaloo were all sat together to entertain themselves for a while. The court session wasn’t due to open until another dragging forty-five minutes, so they might as well find something to do to pass the time.

‘’Hey, Fluttershy? Can I ask you something?’’ Scootaloo began, and the butter mare she had come to view as somewhat of a surrogate mother figure brightened, happy to offer her ear to the filly.

‘’Why, of course, Scootaloo. What’s on your mind?’’ She asked eagerly, hoping she would be of some help.

‘’Is it possible to, you know, communicate with animals, even if it isn’t necessarily your special talent?’’ Scootaloo inquired, and Fluttershy blinked, not sure how to answer that properly. She, being naturally gifted with her wild woodland companions, never thought about it as a side trait, given that it was something that only she herself knew she could do, at least, to the best of her knowledge.

‘’T-That’s, um, unexpected,’’ She said honestly. ‘’You mean as in a pony that can understand and speak to animals in the way I can but…not as a special talent?’’ The filly nodded slowly. ‘’Huh, I don’t know, but I suppose it’s possible. Maybe some ponies do have the ability to communicate with them, but very few can. Why do you ask?’’

Scootaloo became curious but a tad childish, knowing how daft it must have sounded inside of her head to ask such a thing. It wasn’t the normal type of thing she would ask of a pony, the contemplative side being so open and mysterious as a whole. Ever since her encounter with that hummingbird in Fluttershy’s cottage, the concept of animal communication had interested her and captured her imagination.

‘’I think that I, um, might be able to speak to and with animals,’’ Scootaloo said, not knowing how else to come out with it, but when the words left her mouth, Fluttershy’s eyes became excited and vibrant, keen to know more.

‘’Oh, you did? You can speak to animals, too? How do you know, and how long for?’’ She asked, now intently interested, intrigued by the filly’s experience.

‘’Your hummingbird, the green one, he…he kinda made fun out of me when I was at your cottage, back when me and Dash first moved in,’’ She said. ‘’I’ve known since then.’’ Fluttershy gave her a confused look.

‘’Mr. Hummingbird made fun out of you?’’ She asked with a raised brow, frowning. ‘’Oh, I’m sure he was only playing around, sweetie. He’s a sweetheart, really, but I might need to have a word with him when we get back if he’s not been very nice to you,’’ She said. ‘’He didn’t upset you did he?’’

‘’Only a little bit. He told me that…’’

‘’Psst!’’ A hiss sounded behind Rainbow Dash’s head, causing her ear to twitch at the sound of it. She felt the breath of the owner touch the back of her neck, and she jumped slightly in the back of her seat.

‘’Psst! Dashie!’’ The voice of Pinkie Pie said, from the empty booth beside the one all of their friends were occupying. Rainbow gave Pinkie a scowl and she knitted her brows at her.

‘’Pinkie! Don’t you know better than to scare ponies?’’ She hissed at her, voice a low, hushed scold.

‘’Sorry,’’ Pinkie asked, poking her head up from behind Dash, definitely not shady at all. (Sarcasm detected.) However, she went unnoticed as the other ponies were lost in their individual conversations. ‘’Quick, come over, I need to talk to you,’’ She said, and she was instantly grabbed by the shoulders and swiftly yanked into the booth with Pinkie.

‘’Hey!’’ Dash squirmed as she was firmly planted on her rump next to the party mare, her poofy mane bouncing with her swift movements. ‘’You coulda given me some warning before doing that!’’

‘’Sorry, Dash, but I want to talk to you,’’ She said, her grin never once leaving her face as she pulled Rainbow Dash closer to her, scooting her along on the velvet-cushioned booth seat, to the point she was almost touching her muzzle.

‘’Whoa, hey, too close, Pinkie! What do you want, anyway? Why are you being so clingy?’’ She asked, lightly shoving her away from her personal space, feeling suffocated. She never minded a hug, but with Pinkie Pie, a hug normally meant a death penalty by obnoxious hugging of the bone breaking variety.

Pinkie acted covertly, glancing left and right in rapid, darting movements, as if expecting somepony to be spying on the two of them, and she leaned in towards Dash, her hooves against the steel table in front of her. Pinkie beckoned Rainbow to move forward with a hoof twirling in the air, and once she was close enough, she asked Rainbow Dash,

‘’I’ve been watching you,’’ She whispered to the cyan mare, and before Dash was able to ask her what she was talking about, she added, ‘’You and Fluttershy.’’

That knowing, teasing smirk on Pinkie Pie’s girly, smooth lips provoked Dash’s heart, and she immediately felt her cheeks flare up in a rosey fire. She hadn’t anticipated that the pink mare would pick up on such a thing, but she was apparently not oblivious to the small hints and pointers sparking electricity between Rainbow and Fluttershy.

‘’You what?!’’ Rainbow almost exclaimed, eyes going small. ‘’Pinkie, you knew?’’

‘’Well, duh,’’ Pinkie said with a roll of her eyes, thinking that it should be obvious. ‘’It’s not that hard to pick up on, y’know? First, I notice how you look at Fluttershy and then I noticed how Fluttershy looks at you, but I thought to myself, ‘nah, it’s nothing,’ but then I saw how you two were acting when you were talking with each other, and then I thought—-‘’ Pinkie gasped for effect. ‘’Maybe they do have feelings for each other! See, I can tell because of how close you two always are, the fact that you’re sharing a house together, you’re both always together, you let Fluttershy give you massages and——‘’

Rainbow Dash shoved her hoof into Pinkie’s jabbering mouth, putting an end to her incessant waffling.

‘’Alright!’’ Dash said through her teeth, hoping that nopony heard any of that. ‘’Just stop talking so loud!’’ She pulled her hoof from Pinkie’s mouth. ‘’How long have you known?’’ She demanded.

‘’Oh, I’ve known for a long time,’’ Pinkie said with a coy smile. ‘’Since Scootaloo’s tenth birthday party.’’

You have got to be kiddin’ me! Dash mentally groaned. Pinkie Pie’s known about it for THAT long?! What else has she picked up on that I know nothing about?!

Rainbow Dash was flabbergasted, completely speechless, mouth partly agape. She felt as if The Friendship Express train had rammed her and sent her tumbling beneath its iron wheels. She felt her entire body become numb, almost paralysed by the pink mare’s knowledge of her affection for Fluttershy.

‘’Aw, Dashie, it’s alright,’’ Pinkie Pie began upon noticing the mare’s gobsmacked expression, gently closing her hanging jaw for her. ‘’I haven’t told anypony yet. Not unless you want me to,’’ She told her. ‘’I just wanted you to know that I’m very happy for you both! To be honest, I was kinda putting my money on Applejack instead of Fluttershy, and I owe Roseluck and the rest of the Flower Ponies bits for losing the bet, but I’m still so, so, so, so happy for you!’’ She gave Dash a warm, tight hug.

You’re joking, right?! Okay, so not only did she assume Applejack and I would get together, but she also had a betting pool with Roseluck and her friends going on as-well? Me and Roseluck are so going to have a chat when I see her again…

‘’So, what’s the plan? Are you gonna marry her, huh, huh, HUH?!’’ Pinkie asked ecstatically, likely already planning wedding scenarios in her twisted, warped mind of unthinkable craziness. Rainbow Dash backed away from her and blushed profusely.

‘’What, are you out of your mind?!’’ She squeaked. ‘’It’s too soon for that! Besides…we’re not exactly together yet,’’ Dash said in a depressed, sad tone, ears drooping slightly. Her words made Pinkie’s joy die down, too, and the mare became genuinely concerned.

‘’Huh? You’re not?’’ She asked her delicately, now becoming level with the cyan mare, calming herself down to the point where she was trying to be attentive to her friend rather than smother her with random questions. She was sincere and open-eared, eager for her friend to assimilate.

Rainbow Dash sagged and plopped her chin onto mahogany table top, eyes dim and glancing at Pinkie with self-pity. She looked like she had been slugged in the gut, and her facial expression was etched with internal turmoil.

‘’Pinkie, she told me she doesn’t know if she feels the same way about me.’’

‘’Wait, what?!’’ Pinkie said in a hushed tone, her surprise almost catching earshot of the others in the booth next door. ‘’She said that? That’s crazy!’’

‘’Yeah, but that’s what she said, Pinks. Fluttershy and I, we…we might not work out. And I’m scared that she’ll say no,’’ Rainbow admitted, pulling herself back up and resting her head in her hooves, facing an astonished Pinkie sadly. ‘’She knows I like her, too. It drives me crazy thinking about her.’’

‘’It’s alright, Dashie,’’ Pinkie consoled her, scooting up so that she was making contact with her, and she threw her hoof around Dash’s shoulders, offering her best support. ‘’If I know Fluttershy, she probably likes you, too, but she just doesn’t know it yet. You know her better than anypony, Dashie, so you should know that she only needs time to understand that she loves you, too. She’ll come around, you big softie,’’ Pinkie embraced the lovestruck cyan mare, and Dash found herself to accept it, returning it.

‘’Thanks, Pinkie Pie, but…what do I do if she says no?’’ Pinkie Pie gave Dash a reassuring look and she pursed her lips.

‘’Trust me, she won’t, Dashie. She cares about you too much to say no,’’ Pinkie said so surely and confidently, as if she had a magic mirror that peaked into the future and she had the power to tell what would be, what shan’t be and how it’ll be.

Pinkie’s Pinkie Sense hasn’t steered me wrong yet, Dash thought, skeptical about Pinkie’s words, no matter how assuring they might be. What if she’s right? But what if she’s wrong? Grr, this is stressing me out so much!

‘’Hey, Pinks? Listen, do you Pinkie Promise to keep this quiet? I don’t want anypony to know about this yet. It’s bad enough that Rarity knows!’’ Dash requested, and Pinkie performed her signature gestures.

‘’Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!’’ She finished her ceremonial gestures and she saw Dash smile gratefully.

‘’So, now that that’s out of the way…you thought that me and Applejack were going to get together? What gave you that crazy idea?’’

Pinkie Pie didn’t say a word. She instead sat with her hooves in her lap, clasping them together and staring Rainbow Dash straight in the eye, giving her a half-lidded expression. Her lips curled slightly into a faint smile while she watched Rainbow and she said,

‘’The AppleDash fans have spoken.’’

*** *** ***

‘’I’m so nervous!’’ Fluttershy fretted, practically shaking in her little horseshoes, biting her hoof between her chattering teeth. ‘’This is so scary!’’

The ponies were all inside of Canterlot Royal Court, and their session was due to start in only five minutes. It was likely going to be brutal and incredibly tough, the most grinding and gruelling time of all ponies’ lives.

Rainbow Dash was out of the area, on her way around to take her place before the session could begin, along with Scootaloo, and that left Fluttershy with Violet Snowdrop. Everypony else from their group of friends were already seated inside of the courtroom, as were a number of respected individuals native to Canterlot and its high society, including Princess Celestia.

‘’Calm yourself, Fluttershy,’’ Violet soothed her. ‘’Take deep breaths and exhale slowly,’’ She instructed her, and Fluttershy did just that. It seemed to do the trick, and Fluttershy slowly regained her composure. ‘’Feeling better?’’

‘’Y-Yes,’’ Fluttershy breathed. ‘’Yes, very. Thank you,’’ She said, now able to speak properly. ‘’I’m sorry, Violet, I’m just so anxious about how it’s going to go! There’s going to be so many ponies watching!’’ She began to shiver again at the idea of being in the spotlight of all of those staring pairs of eyes…

‘’It’s alright, Fluttershy. Relax, you’ve got nothing to fear,’’ Violet told her, her voice so inviting and soothing that Fluttershy instantly found herself to be lulled by her words. ‘’Pretend that nopony else is there aside from you, Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo. Can you do that?’’

‘’Y-Yes.’’

‘’She makes you feel safe and happy, doesn’t she?’’ Violet asked boldly, and she noticed and sensed Fluttershy’s body tense at her inquiry. Nonetheless, the butter mare didn’t intervene.

‘’Yes.’’

‘’And you care about her, don’t you?’’

‘’Yes.’’

‘’Then do it for Rainbow Dash. You can do this, Fluttershy. You have to make it through this, for both Scootaloo’s and Rainbow Dash’s sake. They need you, and they’re counting on you.’’

‘’You’re right,’’ Fluttershy said with a loud, deep and long sigh. Her eyes became steely. ‘’I can do this. I can do this, Violet. And we’re going to win!’’

‘’Ah, there you go, Fluttershy! That’s the can-do attitude that we need today! Are you ready to get in there and win Scootaloo’s guardianship?’’

‘’Yes!’’

‘’Good. In that case, stick by me once we go in there. You need to remember that there is no backing out once we step through those doors. I’ll be right next to you if you get nervous. It’ll be okay,’’ Violet Snowdrop said professionally, a chat she’s gone through many, many times in her career. Sometimes, ponies just need to be shown a little kindness.

*** *** ***

The main courtroom was impressive. Like the rest of Canterlot’s buildings and architectural designs, it too was built from white marble and expensive hardwoods, including mahogany and oak. Being as old as it was, the building had been given a few makeovers to spruce it up into a more modern standard, but the original walls, floors and decor were left unaltered and intact, lest ponies not forget a part of their history.

The smell hung in the air, too, the slightly musty scent that only age can bring about, and it was hanging out with another aroma in the air, one that smelled like fresh wood shavings and varnish, a result from the new renovations. At best, they were implemented perhaps a few weeks ago. It wasn’t overwhelming, but rather only just noticeable, and it was a rather pleasant scent. It constantly reminded you that you were inside of a court of law.

There was a semi-circle seating area, in the shape of a horseshoe, that bent around the back of the courtroom and hugged the walls, enough so that the seating area overlooked the main floor where the judged and the judger were to stand. Like any other courtroom, there was a stand for the witnesses to come up to speak their side of the story under oath, placed next to a high-standing podium which the judge was going to be standing to carry out the session and there was a secretary’s box next to that.

For the case of Princess Celestia’s visit, she was escorted by two of her stallion Royal Guards, clad in their gold-plated armour, one on either side of her, and they were all residing on the far right of the room. Celestia was sat upon her portable royal throne, her seat that dictated her position of authority and power in the magical land of Equestria. She was awaiting the start of the trial.

The rest of Rainbow Dash’s friends were seated in the spectator’s area, all together in a small cluster, three on the back row and three on the middle row of the three-row horseshoe. Only a few other ponies were present while they waited for the session to start, and more were due to arrive shortly.

Sitting up front behind an oak desk on the far right side of the room before the judge’s podium was Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo, awaiting the arrival of Fluttershy and Violet Snowdrop. They were unable to begin without them both, and they all required Violet Snowdrop’s invaluable assistance and her notes if they were to have an argument.

Violet and Fluttershy were heading up the walkway that passed between a wide split in the horseshoe seating accommodation to meet up with Rainbow and Scootaloo. While they were walking, Violet gave the butter mare a gentle nudge and offered her a comforting smile.

‘’Remember; stay strong. We’ll all win this if we stick together,’’ She told her, and Fluttershy nodded to her.

They both entered the main floor and took their seats next to Rainbow and Scootaloo, and both ponies looked their way intently, relieved that they were finally at the scene. Rainbow spoke first.

‘’Finally! What took you guys so long? We were worried that we’d have to start without you!’’

‘’I’m sorry, Dashie. I got a little nervous,’’ Fluttershy said meekly, blushing dimly. Rainbow gave her an agitated look.

‘’Now’s not the time to get cold hooves, Fluttershy! We’re almost ready to start! Get your head in the game, will ya?’’ Dash then turned to face Scootaloo, talking to her, but Violet and Fluttershy didn’t hear what she was saying.

‘’Don’t worry, it’s only because she’s as nervous as you are,’’ The social worker told her. ‘’It’s completely normal and understandable, I assure you.’’

‘’Hey, you four!’’ A voice called. When the ponies sitting at the same table heard the voice call to them, they all turned around to peer over their shoulder to find the owner of the voice. Rainbow Dash and Violet recognised the voice instantly.

It was Miss Harshflow. She was still wearing her black business suit with the white shirt underneath, her face just as bright and as friendly as ever while her eyes sparkled. She came beside the table and she briefly hugged Violet Snowdrop.

‘’Hey, Snowie! Long time, no see!’’ She greeted her associate and best friend. ‘’So, today’s the big day, huh? And how are you, Rainbow Dash? It’s been a while since our last encounter!’’

‘’Miss Harshflow! Good to see you,’’ Dash greeted her, pleased to see her again. ‘’What’re you doing here? I didn’t even know you knew about this trial!’’

‘’Snowie told me,’’ She momentarily glanced down to Violet with a smile. ‘’I thought I’d come along to offer my moral support. Oh, and you must be Fluttershy!’’ She extended a hoof to the butter mare, whom slowly and shyly shook her hoof. ‘’I’ve heard so much about you. And this last pony must be young Scootaloo,’’ She directed her attention to the orange pegasus, giving her a friendly expression. ‘’And how are you doing, little one?’’

‘’N-Nervous,’’ Scootaloo replied softly, not quite sure how to feel about being here, knowing that she was going to be in close proximity to the monsters known as her parents.

‘’Oh, well, don’t you worry, young one. We’ll all get you through this, I promise. Violet’s just the pony you need on your side to win, believe me. If there’s one mare I’d trust to give me assistance, it’s my Snowie,’’ Miss Harshflow said comfortingly, giggling with her best friend. ‘’Well, you all take care. Hooves crossed that this goes well, we’ll all be praying for you.’’

Miss Harshflow, after giving her kind words, headed up to join the rest of Rainbow Dash’s friends in the horseshoe, seating herself to await the trial’s beginning. And it was in good timing, too. The clock, an ancient-looking thing that had been kept pristine through the use of restorative magic, ticked by through the remaining minute.

Just another minute and we’re stuck here until we’re done, Rainbow Dash thought. Celestia’s sake, I’ve not been this nervous since I became a Wonderbolt! I can literally feel my hooves jittering about under the table!

Rainbow’s heart was thumping harshly, so loud she could hear it thump, pump and cathunk in both her eardrums and behind her ribs. It was beating so hard that it actually hurt, and she was half-sure of having a heart attack. Rainbow Dash could handle most forms of stress induced by peer pressure, but this, oh, this was on a whole new level!

Rainbow flinched lightly as she felt something lightly touch against her leg, and she blinked before looking down to her lap, seeing that there was a hoof touching her. She looked up to meet the comforting gaze of Fluttershy, her eyes so radiant and calming as her oasises of bright, warm turquoise flooded her with a stabilising soothing.

Fluttershy easily noticed how much Rainbow Dash was internally launching a firefight between her nerves and her rationability to think with a clear head. Upon entering those heavenly pools of glistening euphoria, Rainbow Dash found herself to be feeling calm and mentally restored, finding peace. She smiled at her dear friend and Fluttershy smiled back.

Beneath the table, Fluttershy’s hoof wrapped around Rainbow Dash’s own hoof, and she gave her a gentle squeeze to show her support. The pair of friends remained like that as the seconds ticked by on their final countdown to the time of judgement, and Rainbow Dash mouthed to Fluttershy, ‘’I love you.’’

‘’I know,’’ Fluttershy mouthed back. Although silent, the words sent Dash’s heart into a fluttering haze of tickling butterflies and girly glee. She needed it dearly, to hear her say that, and it eased her nerves instantaneously, and it was in good time, too, for the trial was about to start.

The judge had emerged from a pair of heavy, thick mahogany doors to the far right of the main floor of the courtroom, followed by his secretary. The secretary was roughly the same age as Rainbow Dash, or perhaps a year or two older, and her coat was a marble blue, her mane a done-up silver while her eyes were a strong and assertive copper. She clearly had a lot of experience at this job, as emphasised by her confident and firm posture and physique.

The judge himself was a strong-bodied stallion whose authority instantly washed over the room at his presence, and it became clear that he was a well-respected representative of the law and the justice that it demanded. Rainbow Dash felt intimidated by him as his heavy hoof steps echoed throughout the acoustics of the courtroom, en-route to his podium in the high stands.

His dark-coloured coat, a soot-like colour, was clad by a judge’s black robe and his black mane was adorned by a traditional judge’s white-coloured, powdered wig. As he approached his stand and he took his place behind the podium, his steel-coloured eyes gazed out over the crowd gathered today to witness the trial commence.

‘’All rise,’’ He commanded of the audience, his voice firm and powerful, the tone of a leader against a flock of loyal sheep. Everypony did as instructed, slowly picking themselves up to their hooves. ‘’I am Judge Iron Staff. Today, we are all gathered to pass on judgement to those whom broke the chain of authority laid out by Equestria’s higher powers of authority, and we are going to be allowing a hearing that’ll determine the fate of those in question. Today will be the trail of one Scootaloo, and her parents, Silver Star and Hardy Wetwool, versus a request for guardianship from Bearers of The Elements of Loyalty and Kindness, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.’’

The judge passed his eyes over the two mares, taking in their features, noticing their confident demeanours while they politely waited for the judge to continue speaking. A part of him seemed to be flattered to be aiding two representatives of The Elements of Harmony in his very own courtroom, but his mind soon switched back to the task at hand. They were just two regular ponies that were seeking justice from the system, and the judge was here to deliver.

Judge Iron Staff then addressed the young Scootaloo, whom was noticeably cowering slightly in her seat, and the respected judge offered her a soft, reassuring smile as he took her in. So young, so naive of the world, so neglected. Her eyes said it all, the pain she was swimming in, and it had become second nature to detect such sorrow after a long career in this line of duty. Cases that involved young, neglected and or abused children always stabbed harshly at his heart.

‘’Please, be seated,’’ Judge Iron Staff then asked of his audience, and they all did as they were requested. He then turned his head to his left where a second pair of large, heavy doors were situated, and he asked, ‘’Bring out the accused,’’ His powerful voice carrying. And then the doors opened, a couple of authority figures from Canterlot Police Department escorting in a shackled and scared-looking Silver Star wearing a blue-coloured jumpsuit.

She shuffled along as the chains restraining her hooves and preventing her from making a break for it clanked and scraped against the floor, the sound of the heavy links resonating. Her features were unkempt and frazzled, as if she had spent a rough night in the slammer. Her eyes were pale and dim, gazing around the courtroom, her eyes landing upon Rainbow Dash’s.

Celestia, rough night at the inn, Silver? You look terrible, but you deserve it for what you did. After today, I’m going to see to it that you never step hoof near Scootaloo ever again. End of the line.

Rainbow Dash gave her a dirty look, one that she felt clearly transmitted her disgust at her, and she couldn’t help but add a smirk into the mix, happy that she had been shackled with the threat of becoming a jail bird. She was finally about to get her due, and Dash hoped with every ounce of her being that Silver Star knew it.

Silver Star hardly had the nerve to glance down the line and look her own daughter in the eyes before her sentence was carried out. A part of Silver Star felt like she didn’t owe it to her to plead with her little girl, that she had no right to so much as glance at her, that it would be wrong to even think of attempting to make peace with her. Not after what she’s done.

The CPD ponies directed the mare over to the witness’s box, where she was forced down into a seat beside the judge’s high stand. She felt her heart give an audible throb behind her ribs as she began to expect the worst out of this case, knowing how it was going to end, no matter which way she tried to sniff it and alter her tale.

‘’State your name,’’ Judge Iron Staff commanded her, and the mare nervously coughed into her hoof. She turned her head shakily a few times, staring out over the faces of the ponies present to watch her burn behind their judgemental gazes of steel. Rainbow Dash’s friends, such as Pinkie Pie and Applejack, especially gave her dirty looks of pure and utter disgust and resentment.

‘’S-Silver Sta-Star,’’ The mare answered meekly, hardly audible and mousy.

‘’Louder,’’ The judge commanded her once more, and the mare obliged, albeit, with greater hesitation.

‘’Silver Star.’’

‘’Silver Star, mother of the victim, Scootaloo, and wife to the also accused, Hardy Wetwool, you have been accused of the crime of child abuse and neglect, as according to a testimony given by both the victim and friends of the victim,’’ The judge read from a bunch of papers on top of his podium, reading the details contained within their fibres, statements written by Violet Snowdrop. ‘’How do you plead to these claims?’’

‘’N-Not guilty,’’ Silver Star said almost immediately. That caused a series of chatter to arise amongst the spectators, especially the close friends of Rainbow Dash, and the cyan mare herself became agitated by this claim.

‘’You big liar!’’ Rainbow Dash barked at her, shoving herself out of her seat and slamming her hooves against the table, causing Fluttershy, Scootaloo and Violet to flinch at the sudden movement.

‘’Order in the court!’’ Judge Iron Staff banged his mahogany gavel against his podium a couple of times at the outburst, but he was not angry at the disruption. He instead gave a calm yet understanding glance to the cyan mare, giving her a firm look. ‘’Miss Rainbow Dash, before we move on into the area of judgement, everybody is entitled to have the right to a hearing. Understood?’’

Rainbow Dash’s lips silently moved for a couple of seconds, as if thinking about making some retort to further express her disgust, but, as she had been told before, there was a time and place to vent her anger, and neither was now. That was sure to come later, so she bit her tongue and pushed back her rage before slowly receding back into her seat.

‘’Yes, your honour,’’ She grumbled.

‘’Thank you. Now, Silver Star, in the most detail as you can manage, would you please mind explaining to this court why it is you believe you are not guilty of the crimes filed against you?’’ The judge requested of the accused mare, and she momentarily landed her eyes upon Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy was disgusted to her core by the mare, but she wasn’t making her true feelings known. She instead held a neutral and patient expression, keeping her mouth shut and her mind and ears open to hear her side of the story. Rainbow Dash was still giving her a dirty look, not one to overlook any and all tricks she might have jammed up her sleeve to talk her way out of this one, because she was not going to get off easy if the cyan mare had her say in the matter. She had waited for this day for so long to have it end so suddenly and not in her favour.

‘’I didn’t do it,’’ Silver Star said to the court after swallowing a lump in her throat. ‘’I did not abuse or neglect my daughter, your honour,’’ She defended herself, not making an effort to sound pleading or desperate. Judge Iron Staff raised his brow at her questioningly, hardy making it seem like he believed her, because he didn’t. He’s played this game before.

‘’Is that so? Well, Miss Silver Star, according to my notes given to me by the social worker assigned to your daughter, Miss Violet Snowdrop, a respected pony in the business, it would appear that you don’t understand the severity of your actions,’’ The judge said neutrally, sifting through some of his notes before reading out a few of the listed details.

‘’’Scootaloo was abandoned by her mother and father when she was eight-years-old, left to fend for herself when her parents left her to move away without her. Scootaloo has since had no place to stay, as she has secluded herself into a clubhouse on her friend’s farm where she has lived for two years all by herself.’,’’ The judge read out loud.

The ponies in the audience gave a round of gasps along with murmurs of disgust and shock at the details. For most, this was the first time that they had heard such a dreadful act that was due to a young pony’s parents being neglectful of their child’s well-being. To ponies like Twilight, Rarity, Applejack and Pinkie, whom were hearing the details in greater depth than before, it was heartbreaking and anger-inducing.

‘’’Scootaloo was traumatised by the abandonment to the point where he unofficial guardians, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, after taking her in, had mentioned the filly experienced night terrors relating to her mother and father abandoning her’,’’ The judge continued reading, and Silver Star bit her lip at these accusations, herself not knowing the extend of the damage she had inflicted upon her daughter, whether they were intentional or not.

‘’According to these notes, Miss Silver Star, the trustful words of Violet Snowdrop don’t hold any reason to be misjudged. All of these claims were spoken directly from the mouth of your daughter through a series of one-on-one counselling sessions, and the list goes on,’’ Judge Iron Staff flicked through multiple pages to emphasise his point, and Silver Star gulped. ‘’Young Scootaloo, if you would please, are these statements you made in any way fabricated?’’ He asked, addressing the young filly.

Seeking guidance, the young filly glanced with uncertain eyes up to Rainbow Dash, and the cyan mare draped a wing around her shoulders.

‘’Go ahead, Scoots,’’ Rainbow encouraged her. ‘’Just tell him the truth.’’

‘’N-No,’’ Scootaloo confirmed, and the judge smiled at her for her honesty.

‘’Thank you. And what say you, Miss Silver Star? Do you have anything to say, anything at all, to this court to defend your case and the charges placed against you?’’ Judge Iron Staff inquired, eyes shifting over to the convicted mare in the blue jumpsuit. The guilt flowing throughout her system was enough to lower her self-disgust to stop her from trying to defend her case. She knew there was no way out of this.

‘’Mmm-mmm,’’ She hummed sadly, her lips quivering as she glanced up, her heart sinking forever deeper into the pit of her stomach while her gall bladder began to itch, threatening to spew up a storm. Silver Star’s misty eyes gazed up like an abandoned, whimpering puppy left stranded in the rain as she looked towards where her daughter was sitting.

‘’I’m sorry, could you repeat that, please?’’ The judge requested, unable to take her incoherent response for an applicable statement of clarification for what had been asked of her.

‘’No, your honour,’’ She said, wanting nothing more than to keel over and die if it meant she would be free of this shame.

Scootaloo, as she met her mother’s gaze, became quite flustered by the nerve she had to so much as glance at her being. At the same time, she was glad that she owned up to what she did, and, no matter how hurt and betrayed the filly felt by her actions, it meant a lot to her that she owned up to her mistake. Even still, she had yet to pay her back for all of her suffering, and, if she had any love left in her heart for her, she’d go quietly.

‘’Wait!’’ Scootaloo suddenly called out, surprised at the volume of her own voice as she threw herself half-out of her seat, raising one hoof in the air whilst the other supported her weight on the table in front of her. All eyes in the courtroom immediately set themselves on her, and ponies began to mumble amongst themselves at her outburst.

‘’Yes, little filly?’’ The judge asked her, allowing this slight inconvenience. The filly scratched at her forehoof as she eyed her mother, wonder building up inside of her heart, an ache of curiosity.

‘’Why did you leave me like that? You still haven’t told me why you did what you did! Mum, don’t you love me?’’ Scootaloo asked, wounded, but that compared nothing to how Silver Star’s face shifted as she was asked the inevitable question that was sure to be shoved into her guilty snout.

Oh, Scooty, I should have known that you’d ask me that, Silver Star thought. There was no excuse, and her daughter wanted answers. In her current position, there was no way that she saw out of it, especially underneath the crushing system of authority that was working swiftly against her.

‘’It wasn’t my choice,’’ Silver Star said, tearing up. ‘’You’re my only daughter, Scooty, and of course I still love you. You’re my little girl, and there’s no excuse for what happened between me and your father. If there had been any other way, I wouldn’t have allowed this to happen!’’

‘’What ‘other way’? You left me! You left me!’’ Scootaloo cried, now angry, blood boiling. She pushed herself forward on the table, and Rainbow Dash had to firmly hold her by her hips to restrain her from proceeding any further. ‘’How could you?! Because of you, I had to survive on the streets, and I was so scared that I couldn’t even bring myself to tell my friends about it! But, you know what? It was a mistake that I was glad to make!’’ Scootaloo pulled herself out of Rainbow Dash’s grip and she stood on the table in front of her, able to address the entire courtroom from this angle.

‘’These ponies cared for me more than you or dad ever did! They took me in and cared for me, gave me someplace to sleep and eat, out of the cold of the streets, and they treated me like family. That’s more than you ever did for me,’’ She said, turning to face Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, both mares smiling warmly at her, touched by the sentiment. ‘’And it wasn’t just them, it was all of them,’’ The filly’s orange hoof motioned towards the rest of her friends in the horseshoe. ‘’All of them treated me like I belonged and showed me that I mattered, which is more than I can say for you,’’ Scootaloo spat those last words at her mother.

At the last part of her monologue, ponies in the courtroom gasped while others began to chatter, and the filly felt a massive weight lift off of her chest as she vented her internal steam war out, years of pent-up hatred. For just one filly, she was surprised how much hate and spite she had stored within her, and it was brewing up a storm that led to more negativity and bitter emotions than she knew, feelings she hadn’t experienced before. She knew nothing of their existence, but, after saying that, she felt good on the inside, saying what she had wanted to say for so long.

Silver Star sat with her mouth hung partially agape, and she gave a slight twitch here and there. She couldn’t believe her ears or that her daughter had said such a dreadful thing. As a mother, it stung worse than any insult that any other pony might toss in her face. And it made her angry.

‘’I hate you,’’ Scootaloo finished off her monologue, and she scowled at her now-glaring mother. Silver Star’s face was no longer sympathetic or even the slightest bit courteous, all of the respect, kindness and reserved energy she was known for non-existent. She growled audibly at Scootaloo and the rest of the ponies in the courtroom, especially at Violet Snowdrop.

‘’How dare you?!’’ She snarled like a rabid dog, thrusting herself over the stand she was in, the chains restraining her rear and front legs giving an ear-piercing rattle as she lunged. If it weren’t for them, then she would likely have darted over towards the mare she was glaring at. ‘’You put her up to this, didn’t you? DIDN’T YOU?!’’

‘’Rainbow Dash didn’t do anything!’’ Scootaloo defended her idol. ‘’Leave her alone!’’

‘’And you, you’re a little brat! After all of the things me and your father did to make you happy, including giving you that crappy scooter, how dare you disrespect me?!’’ Silver Star spat at her daughter, eyes now glaring, and she was so full of an overwhelming rush of adrenaline that it was like she was immune to the cumbersome weight of the chains around her legs.

The pair of CPD constables that had escorted her to the stand had rushed back onto the scene to pull her back and to restrain her in case things turned uglier. Even still, it didn’t stop her growling, and she was so enraged that she attempted to bite and nip the guards whenever they got close enough to her strong jaws.

‘’Hey!’’ Rainbow Dash hollered. ‘’She’s your daughter, you irresponsible wreck!’’ She chastised her disapprovingly, mortified that a mother would have the nerve to trash talk her own offspring like that. ‘’Scootaloo’s a wonderful little filly, and you and your pathetic husband would have known that if you took the time to notice sooner rather than later! If that’s how you treat your own flesh and blood, then maybe you should have never thought about becoming a parent! I, for one, am never going to forgive you for what you did to her, and I’d sure as Celestia do a better job of raising her than you did!’’ Rainbow Dash fired her shots with deadly, bitterly-dressed bullets in rapid succession, venting her own pent-up enragement.

‘’Dashie’s right,’’ Fluttershy joined in, picking herself out of her seat to join Rainbow Dash by her side, placing a hoof against her back whilst she touched the other against Scootaloo’s. ‘’Scootaloo has made some remarkable progress in coming out of her shell, and, with Violet Snowdrop’s help, she’s come so far in getting her life back on track, and we’ve all been doing our best to reverse the damage that you’ve caused,’’ Fluttershy scolded the mare with an equal bitterness.

Silver Star, ganged up upon, became even more enraged, the jugular in her neck so tight and pronounced, bulged with her strong and heavy heartbeat, her skin tense and about ready to split. There was no room for rationality in her heart for the mare in front of her, and the only thing she was able to think about was how nice it would be to plunge a dagger into her heart or to take a swing at her pretty, little cheeks.

‘’Shut up!’’ She snarled, spitting in the process while she struggled and wrestled against the constables trying to hold her back. ‘’You and your little filly-fooler marefriend! You wanted this to happen, didn’t you? Do you honestly think that I don’t know what this is about? I bet you only want the support money once you adopt my child, and you’ll discard her once you get what you want, won’t you? Isn’t that right, you dirty little birdie bitch?’’

Everypony in the courtroom gave a loud, powerful gasp at the usage of that last word, and Fluttershy, being the target of said word, held a hoof to her wounded heart behind her chest while her eyes shrank. Never, not in the years that she’s lived, has anypony ever uttered such a disgraceful, dirty word against her innocent being. And to be accused of only wanted to take custody of a child purely for financial gain was so far beyond insulting and discriminating that it wasn’t even worth trying to describe the sheer level of disgust and hate it conjured.

‘’Well, I never!’’ Rarity was heard in the background, mortified as she glanced between the rest of her shocked friends.

‘’Landsakes, how can a mother cuss in front of her own kin like that?’’ Applejack wondered, tongue stuck out in distaste.

‘’Oh, how dare she call Fluttershy that?! Not only is she a no-goodie-good-four-shoes, she’s also a meanie-mean-pants!’’ Pinkie Pie said, infuriated by what she had heard. Anger wasn’t one of her most frequent or common of emotions, but hearing another mare call her best friend something as discriminating and as dirty as that word made her insides crawl.

Violet Snowdrop had pulled Scootaloo closer to her, and, although Scootaloo was still young and not too experienced with the dirty word pronounced by her mother’s tongue, she knew what it meant. Violet had shielded her ears as she hugged her against her chest, a pre-caution in the event that any more swears were swapped.

‘’Hey! Don’t you ever speak to my marefriend like that!’’ Rainbow Dash shot back as she practically rammed her snout up against Silver Star’s, thrusting herself out of her seat behind her witness’s table in one powerful lunge. Her magenta eyes were glowing so brightly with an unholy hatred that they appeared like radioactive orbs, capable of burning through the most heat resistant materials.

Rainbow Dash has been angry, peeved, even, but this, this was by far the angriest she had ever been in her entire life, and all it took was for one dirty, unforgivable word to be uttered against the pony that she loved so dearly. If anypony in this world was going to badmouth Fluttershy like that, it was going to be from Rainbow’s own lips, not from some child-neglecting, foul and unethical mare who didn't know how much of a good thing she had until it was gone. Rainbow, with every ounce of the rage flowing within her, had ever sense to pick up and discard this sorry excuse of pony-shaped excrement out of the nearest window.

‘’Nopony badmouths my friends like that, and they certainly do not get to insult my marefriend! If you’ve got anything to say to anypony, you can say it to my face, and I’ll be glad to break your snout any day of the week, you low-life scumbag!’’ Rainbow Dash growled viciously at her, her word filter completely disintegrated and allowing the worst parts of her to break through. ‘’You have no right to call anypony out on who they are or what they’re all about, and you know nothing of how much an amazing pony Fluttershy or Scootaloo is! Those two ponies mean the whole world to me, and they’re both too good for somepony as unappreciative and dishonest as you!’’

Rainbow Dash was pulled back by a magical force emitted by Twilight Sparkle’s horn, and, while the lavender unicorn was stunned at how harsh Rainbow Dash’s words were, she mentally agreed with her. She had pulled her back from Silver Star’s muzzle, and she had entered the main floor of the court, and she was now standing beside her protege, Princess Celestia.

‘’You know what else, Silver Star?’’ Rainbow Dash began again. ‘’I feel sorry for you,’’ Silver Star’s face became blank at that, confused for a moment, and her eyes faltered, once again becoming reasonable. ‘’You had such a beautiful and loving daughter and a perfect life, and what did you throw it away for? You had ponies in the world that cared about you, and one of them is over there,’’ She motioned towards Scootaloo, cradled in the hooves of Violet Snowdrop. ‘’I love both of those ponies like they are my own family, and they give me a reason to live, for more reasons than just one. After everything that we’ve been through together, nothing, and I mean nothing, is going to make we want to give up on either of them. Even if one of them begins to hate me one day or if we never talk to each other again, that won’t change the way I feel about them, and it’s a feeling I wouldn’t trade for anything in this world.’’

‘’I used to spend my days with my head stuck in the clouds, and I was always so alone and trying to find meaning in my life. I don’t know what your reasons are for what you did or what few good things you tossed out of the window, but I’m telling you, there are things out there worth fighting for, even if it means putting your own neck on the line. Sometimes, you just have to see things from another perspective and think with a clear head, and it took me a number of years and a few months to figure out for myself what that sense of meaning was in my life,’’ Rainbow Dash said, turning around to face Fluttershy and Scootaloo.

Fluttershy’s face was so warmed and touched by the heartfelt speech that Rainbow Dash had given, and her eyes were large and shimmering, as were Scootaloo’s. Violet Snowdrop’s lips were upturned into a small smile, and her vibrant cerulean eyes gave Rainbow a proud expression, moved by her words. She always loved it when ponies, friend and families reconciled and spilled their feelings for perusal. It was not an easy feat, to find the correct words and place them in a delicate arrangement that appropriately expresses one’s personal afflictions, empathy, sympathy and honesty.

Pinkie Pie was tearing up, and her eyes were ready to sprout two twin fountains, being the emotional character that she is. She was so soft and sensitive on the inside, and it was moments like these that always triggered her, but it wasn’t because of the touching sentiment that Rainbow had given, it was because of the admittance of how she felt about Fluttershy.

She used the word! She used the word! Pinkie Pie chanted inside of her head. She called sweet, little Flutter-Butter her marefriend! You go, girl! That’s my Dashie!

The other pony that knew about Rainbow’s affections for her timid, nature-loving friend, Rarity, held a sense of pride in her heart for the cyan mare. She wasn’t one for cheesy, over-dramatical emotional tangents, but, credit where it was due, she had no clue how much of a sensitive sweetheart Rainbow Dash was. The only insight she had on a personal level with the usually brash and self-assured cyan mare was the day she came into her boutique to inquire about romantic feelings and managing through ‘the signs of love’, as Rarity put it.

Situations calling for dire circumstances, such as the one taking place, were always a green flag when it came to making such personal and or private emotions arise. There was always a perfect moment or scenario for them to crawl out into the open, seeping into view for the ponies that were meant to hear or see hints of affection, and Rarity was so proud that Rainbow Dash had chosen now to come clean.

‘’Them,’’ The cyan mare finished, still looking over to Fluttershy and Scootaloo’s forms. Twilight had released her from her magical grip, and she wiped a tear from her lavender eyes. Princess Celestia, the ruler of this great nation, had also become tearful, and she wiped her eyes, also.

Rainbow Dash, as she stared into the turquoise eyes of Fluttershy, losing herself in their vibrancy and the love that they displayed, she smiled tenderly, and her heart gave a throb. The butter mare, over the moon, gave Rainbow a soothing and alluring expression, one that could only be described as bedroom eyes, half-lidded and sweet, holding a high appeal to the desires of the cyan mare’s heart.

The one thing that had captivated Fluttershy’s heart was when Rainbow defended her honour, just as she had done back at Flight Camp before the big race that landed her her cutie mark, the day her destiny was revealed. Rainbow Dash had called her her marefriend, and the fact that she went as far to stretch her mental restraint, knowing that Fluttershy’s mind wasn’t yet made up about returning the affection, it meant a whole lot to her that she’d still say it.

She loves me so much, Fluttershy thought. Rainbow Dash really does love me so very much, doesn’t she? Aw, my sweet little Dashie, I…I don’t know what to say! Oh, my, how can I ever repay you for defending me like that?

Scootaloo’s eyes were moist, and tears were streaming silently down her face, but her lips were pulled into a small smile. She had always looked up to Rainbow Dash in a religious type of fashion, but to hear that she declared her a part of her family, despite not being related by blood, meant the world to her. The part where she had said that she and Fluttershy gave her a reason to live was only icing on the already very sweet cake. The flavour was one of heavenly worthiness.

Judge Iron Staff, as authoritative and as stern of a pony as he might be, was teary eyed, and he gazed down at the cyan mare, proudly smiling at her. He cleared is throat, catching the attention of everypony present in the courtroom, the moment passing and the spectators soon coming to remember that they were in a court of law.

‘’Ahem, yes, Miss Rainbow Dash, we do all thank you for that inspiring and lovely speech,’’ He began, regaining his firm and commanding tone. He glanced between Rainbow and Silver Star for a moment. ‘’But, given that this case is not yet over, I must ask that you retake your seat immediately,’’ He requested.

Rainbow Dash’s lips parted for a moment, thinking about making a retort, but she wisely remained silent and obliged, knowing that any wrong move further than the ones pulled today might prove degrading to her case. She seated herself back down beside Fluttershy, and Scootaloo hopped onto her lap to hug her barrel, giving her a friendly cuddle of thanks, and Rainbow Dash happily returned it.

I wish you were mine, Scoots, Rainbow Dash thought. If you were, then we could have avoided this whole mess. I love you, kid.

Twilight retook her seat, too, awaiting the judge to continue before any more disruptions could take place. Judge Iron Staff cleared his throat yet again and he picked up his gavel, placing it down on the podium before him in preparation for his final verdict.

With all that he has learned and heard today in his very own courtroom, Judge Iron Staff’s need for a jury to make up his mind for the fate of Silver Star was completely unnecessary. With the evidence handed to him by the trusted Violet Snowdrop, verbal admittance from Silver Star, Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, there was no doubt in his mind for what conclusion he wanted to deliver.

‘’By order of this court, I, Judge Iron Staff, hereby declare that Silver Star, under the offence of child abuse, neglect and an attempted act of violence in a court of law, is to be sent to prison for fifteen years without parole,’’ And then the judge raised his gavel and he slammed it down against his podium, making the verdict non-negotiable.

Silver Star’s eyes shrank for a brief moment, shock washing over her as her judgement was finalised and laid out before her. Just like that, with the bow of a tiny gavel that possessed such a massive impact, her life was deemed to change forever, anything and everything she might have had of any significance to her diminished in seconds. Her life has just been erased.

Silver Star, her rage once again returning, her eyes becoming marble-like and grainy, glared cold daggers dripping with deadly, pure venom into Rainbow’s magenta eyes. The very psychotic gleam in her eyes that was the result of a pony that had snapped on the inside sent shivers slivering up and down Dash’s spine, and she had never known that a pony was capable of appearing as heartless and sociopathic as Silver Star was being right now.

‘’I’ll get you for this. I’ll get all of you!’’ She hissed beneath her breath as she was being escorted out by the constables, practically dragging her along with her, all the while, her cold eyes affixed upon Rainbow Dash’s.

‘’Send me a postcard when you get there,’’ Rainbow Dash picked at her already-rustled feathers a little more, satisfied of the judge’s verdict. And then she was escorted completely out of the sight of the ponies in the room, brought back through the doors whence she had came, about to be transferred over to prison.

‘’As for you two,’’ Judge Iron Staff then addressed Rainbow and Fluttershy, giving them both stern and expectant expression, furrowing his brow. ‘’Under these unique circumstances, and given that we have only brought justice against one of the convicted in this case, by the power invested within me, until the other offender is found and brought to trial and before further action can be taken, I hereby declare that you may have a provisional custody of Scootaloo.’’ He then banged his gavel.

There was a round of cheers the instant the gavel hit the podium, and everypony present in the courtroom was jumping for joy. The sudden eruption of sounds of celebration was so loud that it was deafening, and literally every single pony began hugging each other and hopping about in place, screaming and ravishing in the sweet, sweet glory of the justice system.

Pinkie Pie had grabbed Rarity by the shoulders and yanked her into the air with her, bouncing hyperactively in place as she hugged her bone-crushingly tight. The pear mare, as fearful as she was for having her bones rendered down to power, showed no resistance, but she did gently hug her friend back.

‘’We did it, Rare! We got it in the bag!’’ Pinkie cried for joy. ‘’And Rainbow Dash is in love with Fluttershy! The prophecy is fulfilled!’’ Pinkie said, but Rarity was taken aback by that last part.

Oh, Pinkie, dear, you’re such a random soul, so much so that it’s adorable at times, Rarity thought inwardly, somehow finding her friend’s antics to be amusing.

At the front of the courtroom, Rainbow Dash was tackled by Scootaloo, and she locked her into a bone-crushing hug, almost trying to merge her being with her own DNA to intertwine them as one being in the same body. Rainbow Dash rubbed the filly’s back while she was pressed against the floor on her back with the orange-coloured ball of joy pinning her down, and she cuddled her with loving arms.

‘’Oh, Rainbow Dash, can you believe it?! You’re gonna be my guardian! I can’t believe it! Thank you so much!’’ Scootaloo said frantically, eyes watery and her lips beaming with a smile, and Rainbow Dash hugged her, ruffling up her mane.

‘’You’re worth it, kid,’’ Rainbow Dash told her. ‘’And don’t mention it. That’s what friends are for, right?’’ Rainbow said, and Scootaloo wiped her eyes.

‘’You’re more than just my friend, Rainbow Dash: you’re my family,’’ The little filly said, and her words, although small, warmed the cyan mare’s heart in the same way that Fluttershy’s voice gave her butterflies.

‘’Come here, you,’’ Dash pulled her in for another hug before giving her a noogie, and, once she was finished, she was pulled to her feet by Fluttershy. The butter mare stood still in front of her while her eyes glistened with pride and accomplishment, but there was something else behind them that Dash was having a hard time placing.

Fluttershy’s cheeks were lightly flushed, tinged with a very rosey shade of pink that was only just noticeable, and Rainbow Dash was lost in her eyes, the rest of the courtroom and the cheers of the ponies in it becoming mute. She was lost in the world of pleasant turquoise again, a heavenly hysteria that made Fluttershy the sole purpose of her existence.

‘’We won,’’ Fluttershy breathed. ‘’We won, Dashie.’’

‘’Yeah. We did,’’ Rainbow breathed, feeling her heart beat behind her ribs. It was strange; the noise in the room was deafening, but the small sound of her heart pulsing behind her ribs was the only noise she could hear.

‘’Dashie…I had no idea that you felt so strongly about us. Or me,’’ Fluttershy said, her tone sweet and flattered. The mare gave Rainbow a seductive expression, her teeth lightly biting her lower lip on the left side whilst she half-drooper her eyes, and Rainbow Dash found herself to be blushing at the sight.

You’re so hot, Rainbow thought. Fluttershy, you mean the world to me. I have no idea what I’d do without you around to keep me sane. How boring would my life be if I never met you that day at Junior Flight Camp?

‘’Oh. Well, I do. And I…I meant it, too. You mean so much to me, Fluttershy, and I, um….I love you,’’ Rainbow Dash said, not used to this mushy stuff, fearing that she was making a mess of it. And so, you could imagine her surprise when Fluttershy’s hooves lightly grasped Rainbow’s cheeks and she pulled her forward.

Fluttershy stopped only centimetres apart from Dash’s lips so that she could gaze into her eyes for a moment. Her warm, pulsing vanilla-scented breath became known to Dash’s muzzle, and she found it to be intoxicating.

‘’I love you, too,’’ Fluttershy breathed seductively. And then she closed the gap.

Fluttershy’s lips pressed lightly against Rainbow Dash’s own, and Rainbow’s entire body went into a state of shock, causing all of her muscles to seize up at the contact. It only lasted for a second when her brain was processing what was happening, and once Rainbow realised that Fluttershy was kissing her, her muscles relaxed once more and she melted into it.

Fluttershy’s lips were exactly as Rainbow had dreamed of them; soft and tender, so comforting and firm. They weren’t too thick nor too thin, and they perfectly moulded into Dash’s own lips, and the aroma of the vanilla from the creamer Fluttershy had in her coffee before the trial lingered on her breath and on her tongue. It was so irresistible that Dash found herself to be wanting so much more out of it, and she applied her own pressure back to deepen the kiss, wanting to ravish the moment as best she could.

Oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh! She’s kissing me! I’m being kissed by Fluttershy! Fluttershy’s kissing me! Can you say ‘dream come true’?! Rainbow Dash’s mind said, rolling around in a sea of euphoria. The amount of pleasure she was in at the moment was beyond comprehension, and she immediately thought that it should be illegal to feel so good!

Fluttershy was apparently enjoying it, too, a little more than she should, and she moaned into Dash’s mouth. She had secretly wanted this to happen so much earlier when Rainbow had started to develop strong feelings of affection and desire for her, and she had wondered and fantasised what it would be like to kiss another mare. Her conclusion? It felt wonderful.

Oh, my! Dashie’s lips are so smooth! Wow, they taste so good! Why didn’t we do this sooner? Fluttershy thought in amazement, astonished by the bliss she was getting out of this kiss. She was milking this moment for all that it was worth, and having the chance to savour Dash’s lips was causing all of her lust to seep out of the naughty corners of her mind, thoughts she had only recently discovered.

Rainbow and Fluttershy had both leaned into it, and the world had slowed down to a crawl around them, insignificant to them at this time, and they didn’t care to acknowledge anything else but each other. Right now, Fluttershy was the most important thing to Rainbow Dash, and she didn’t want this moment to be ruined.

By the time that the pair had finished their eager, passionate smooch, they both pulled away to stare each other in their eyes, gazing lovingly into them. Rainbow Dash’s cheeks were aglow, as were Fluttershy’s, and they both savoured the final moments of their very first kiss together, the closing chapter to all of their fantasies and contemplations of what it would be like to seal the deal.

Oh, man, if this is what love feels like, then sign me up! I never want it to end! Rainbow Dash thought. This is it, isn’t it? This is what true love is like! I’m in love with Fluttershy, and she’s in love with me, too! Aw, yeah!

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash blinked as they realised something. It had become quiet. Too quiet. They both turned their heads simultaneously to face the horseshoe where the ponies that had been watching the trial were seated. They were all staring at them with mouths hanging widely agape.

They had witnessed the whole kiss take place.

The blushes on both Rainbow’s and Fluttershy’s cheeks deepened, engulfing their entire faces. What made it all the more embarrassing was the Princess Celestia was also among those of whom had witnessed the kiss take place. As if it wasn’t bad enough having your best friends catching you sharing a kiss with your best friend, but royalty, too? Oh, how awkward.

‘’Aaaaand you owe me twenty bits,’’ Pinkie Pie broke the silence, nudging Applejack’s side. The farm pony gave a disgruntled mumble beneath her breath and she took off her hat, taking out a small sack that was concealed beneath it and tossing it at Pinkie before replacing it. ‘’Tee-hee! See, I told you so!’’

‘’Ugh, how does she know these things?’’ Applejack asked Rarity, and Pinkie shoved her face between the two, grinning widely with a winning smile.

‘’Always bet on blue!’’ The pink mare said, satisfied with the results.

‘’What? But that—-‘’ Applejack began, only to be stopped by Rarity’s hoof touching her shoulder.

‘’Applejack, dear, let her have this one,’’ She said, and the farm pony gave a huff.

‘’Oh, right, well, um, I think that we’re all finished up here,’’ The voice of Twilight Sparkle spoke up, picking herself out of her seat and attempting to bail her two friends out of this awkward situation that they found themselves to be a part of. ‘’Excuse me, Judge Iron Staff? Are there any further matters to discuss?’’

‘’No. We’re all finished here until further notice. Everypony is hereby dismissed,’’ The judge then lowered his gavel for a final time, ending the court session, to which everypony had taken their leave.

Once the ponies had all filed out, most of whom were swapping gossipy conversation about these new events relating to Fluttershy’s and Rainbow Dash’s attraction to each other, only Princess Celestia, Violet Snowdrop, Scootaloo and the other ponies were left.

‘’So, um,’’ Rainbow Dash began awkwardly, not knowing how to start a conversation after what had just transpired. ‘’What now?’’

‘’'What now?' Are you kidding me?’’ Pinkie Pie asked, somehow perplexed by how Rainbow could ask such a thing. ‘’Now we celebrate, that’s what! We’ve got to do something to celebrate you and Fluttershy finally getting it on, is what! Oooh! How about a pre-pre wedding planning party?’’ She asked, shoving her snout into Dash’s muzzle, only to be shoved away.

‘’What?! P-Pinkie! Too soon!’’ She said in a hushed tone, sucking breath between her teeth, beyond embarrassed. She already felt humiliated that everypony saw them kiss during the middle of a celebration, and it made her nervous for how others were going to react once they caught ear of it outside of the courthouse!

‘’I, for once, am delighted for you all,’’ The regal voice of Princess Celestia spoke up, and everypony turned to face her, the alicorn that stood as a symbol of hope for their great nation. ‘’Moreover, I’m proud by how you all stood beside each other today, and I was incredibly moved by your touching monologue, Rainbow Dash,’’ The Princess complimented her subject.

‘’It was nothing,’’ Rainbow Dash said modestly, not wanting to be made a fuss over. ‘’These two ponies mean everything to me,’’ She motioned to Fluttershy and the little filly, standing next to Violet Snowdrop.

‘’No, it was quite something,’’ Princess Celestia said, smiling with that radiant set of gleaming white, pristine teeth of hers, so bright they were like a substitute for neon signs. ‘’The love, affection, support and friendship that I’ve witnessed here today is the kind that Equestrians everywhere should all learn to enjoy, and you three show a very strong example,’’ She commended them. ‘’And you, Rainbow Dash, I must commend for your display of extraordinary valour against Silver Star and her discriminating behaviour today.’’

‘’She deserved it,’’ Rainbow Dash said bluntly. ‘’I only wish that we knew what happened to Scootaloo’s father so we could put this case to bed for good.’’

‘’Not to worry, my little pony, for some of my best representatives and scouts are currently on the constant lookout for his whereabouts as we speak. If anypony will find him, it’ll be them. And by the way,’’ the Princess started, a thought coming to mind. ‘’I wasn’t entirely aware that I had become an expression, an appropriate one, at least.’’

Rainbow Dash blushed, but she didn’t have any time to respond before she felt a tug against her hoof. She looked down to view Scootaloo, looking up to her curiously.

‘’Rainbow Dash? Who’s going to be supervising us?’’ She asked her, and Violet Snowdrop injected her voice into the conversation.

‘’That’d be me. As a social worker, and considering that my job here isn’t quite finished, I’ll be the one supervising you all until Scootaloo’s father is found and brought to trial. For her safety as well as yours, too,’’ Violet said, and Rainbow Dash smiled warmly, as did Fluttershy.

‘’It seems that you’re becoming a part of the family already, huh?” Dash nudged her shoulder, pleased by the idea of getting to spend time with the mare to get to know her better. She’d be more than grateful for her company, especially after she helped in getting one of Scootaloo’s parents behind bars.

‘’Oh, and that reminds me,’’ Violet then pulled out a small sack from underneath one of her wings, the same type as Applejack’s, and she handed it over to Pinkie. ‘’I also had placed a bet,’’ She said with a sheepish blush.

‘’Somepony’s gonna be eating cake to-ni-iiight!’’ Pinkie Pie said in a sing-song voice as she stowed away the tiny bag of bits into her springy, pink-coloured coiff. Rainbow Dash’s eye twitched as she stared at Pinkie, bemused that she had managed to convince her social worker to partake in her childish bet.

‘’Oh, come on!’’

And from this day forward, the ponies all left the courthouse, not as friends and mutual acquaintances, but as a big, happy family.

~ Fin ~

I'm Still Here

''And sign here...and there...all done! Well, congratulations, Miss Dash, You're free to go! Just remember to take it easy for a few days, and no flying! We don't wan't your condition to worsen, now, do we?'' Doctor Brown said firmly, a little smirk at his 'regular' patient.

Rainbow Dash sighed and ignored his smirk. ''B-But when I don't fly, I get all antsy! I won't have anything to do!'' She pinched the bridge of her muzzle with a hoof. ''I'm gonna be SO bored!''

As many times as Dr. Brown has seen Rainbow Dash come into the hospital on a regular basis, he was used to her behaviour and mareisms, a common part of her recovery routine each and every time she was signed out of the hospital.

''Now, don't worry, I'm sure you'll find something to occupy yourself as your wounds heal up.'' The Doctor said reassuringly, much to Rainbow's annoyance. With a glance to her stitches loacted near to her collar, Rainbow grunted softly, gently nudging the now expertly-sealed wound.

The rest of Rainbow's body was battered and bruised from one of her latest sky performance tricks, one that involved high speed and precision, the exact same one that landed her a place inside the infirmary.

She may be a brash and awesome pony, in her own words, but that didn't put any emphasis on the fact that she was as mortal as any other pony and capable of being damaged and wounded or having her bones broken.

Her left wing, now adorned with gauze and bandages, was secured tightly to her side, although not as much to cause discomfort or numbness. Inside her wing, she suffered a few minor fractures, disabling her ability to fly or hover.

Her back hooves were also wrapped up in bandages, due to many various wounds, ranging from scrapes to gashes, deep enough to draw blood, and although most was delicately cleared from her coat when she arrived, it had soaked lightly through the layers of gauze now concealing them from the elements and decreasing the risk of infection.

As tough as Rainbow was, by a mare's standards, she was never one to complain about the pain. Currently, the pain in her back legs put some strain into her voice and caused her to grit her teeth now and again, but she could toughen it out and bring herself to ignore it.

The only thing that Rainbow only ever seemed to complain about was the fact that with only one wing free to use, she couldn't fly. Any attempt in flying could, and would, worsen her condition and lengthen the recovery period. Something she wasn't willing to try, no matter how desperate she may have been.

''Thanks, anyway, Doc. Appreciate it.'' She said glumly, taking her leave from the hospital room she was in and entering the vacant hallway before beginning her trot towards the waiting room, on her way to the exit.

It was early morning outside, and the sun graced the sky with a gorgeous orange radiance, highlighting the clouds above in an angelic aura. As the hospital doors opened and a pair of ponies entered, a smooth, soothing breeze swept lightly through the hospital's waiting room and brushing through Rainbow's mane, ending in a tingle down her spine at the slightly cold sensation.

However, before she could make her departure into the outside world from the hospital, something stopped her from the corner of her sharp eyes.

Turning her head around to see what it was, she gave a silent gasp at the sight, identifying that 'something' as her one and only greatest fan, Scootaloo.

Her orange fur was unkempt and stuck out in places and her usually scruffy, purple mane was in tangles at the ends, almost as if she had been rolling around on sandpaper.

The most evident thing that gave a good enough reason to be in the hospital was written in her eyes. Even Rainbow could see it.
It was hurt. Pain. She was hurt somehow. That 'somehow' was what Rainbow guessed to be the reason that she was there for.

Scootaloo was slumped slightly in her seat with her right hoof supporting her left hoof, hanging loose and limp.
Worry and concern rising in her heart at seeing who she considered to be her younger sister, Rainbow approached her, taking a seat beside her on one of the many unoccupied cushions.

Scootaloo didn't seem to notice.

As a matter of fact, besides the two ponies behind the reception desk in front of them, there wasn't anypony in the waiting room.
Hearing Scootaloo squirm quietly to herself but not enough so that Rainbow couldn't hear it, Rainbow ever so gently nudged the small filly's back with a hoof, causing her to turn to face her.

For once, Scootaloo didn't gasp like she always would whenever she met Rainbow on the streets and begin saying ''Oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh, oh, my gosh!'' over and over again in an almost endless jumble of words all at once. Instead, the hurt look in her eyes stayed and she only gave a left-sided smile to Rainbow.

''H-Hey, Rainbow.'' She said weakly, her usual, piped-up attitude nowhere to be seen. ''What's up?''

Rainbow smiled. ''That's what I should be asking you, squirt. You okay?'' She asked, and Scootaloo didn't respond. She only looked down with a glum, pained expression. ''Scoot?''

Finally, Scoot looked back up to meet her older sister's eyes. ''I think I broke my leg. It hurts.'' She said plainly. ''I won't even be able to ride my scooter.''

With a hoof, Rainbow ruffled Scootaloo's hair. ''I hear ya, sis.'' She pointed to her bandaged wing at her side, causing Scootaloo to gasp. ''I can't do anything, either.'' She rolled her eyes.

''So...what happened?'' Scootaloo asked, now genuinely curious. Rainbow managed a smile.

''It's a long story, Scoot. Can't reveal any secrets, now, can I?'' She winked at her, itching her younger sister's curiosity.

''Aw, come on! Just between you and me? Please?'' She pleaded, but to no avail.

''Nu-uh. My story isn't important right now, squirt, but you are. How long have you even been here?''

Scootaloo took a momentary glance at the clock located above the exit of the hospital. ''Around twenty or so minutes.''
Rainbow blinked.

''Wait, you mean you're by yourself? As in, 'Alone'?'' Rainbow asked, shocked. Scootaloo cringed noticeably. ''Where are your parents?'' She asked. Almost then, she regretted doing so.

Scootaloo's eyes began to water, although this time, it was from a different type of pain that wasn't from her arm. Her eyes became heavy along with her tear ducts, but she never shed a single tear. Not even one.

With an observant eye, Rainbow could sense the tension in her muscles and her emotions seemed to radiate from her body. Behind those eyes of hers, she could plainly see beyond her pain. As a weather pony, Rainbow's eyes were trained over time to be sharp and agile, able to see things before they could come at her.

It was no different with Scootaloo.

''Aw, shucks, kid! Come here.'' Rainbow wrapped a hoof carefully around her, holding her around her lower back just above her waist and pulling her into a single-hoofed hug.

With her free hoof, Scootaloo returned the hug and pressed her cheek into the crook of Rainbow's neck. The two spent a short moment or two of silence in each other's embrace before Scootaloo was called by a doctor to be escorted to a hospital room to be examined.

With Rainbow's relationship to the filly, she was granted access to the filly's examination as a guardian. Even though the examination didn't take any more than up to twenty minutes to half an hour at the most, it seemed to go by slowly for Rainbow.

Her thoughts were of Scootaloo, thinking about and going over what happened earlier, diagnosing what she could about what she saw in the filly's eyes

On some levels, it worried Rainbow, and on others, it gave her some pride for her younger sister. Although she couldn't make a thorough conclusion to what she saw, she had a rough idea of what was dwelling behind Scootaloo's eyes and what she was feeling inside.

As young as she is, Scootaloo was always a tough, little filly. The fact that she could hold herself together like she did was a sight that made Rainbow feel two things in her heart - worry and admiration.

She knew that this wasn't going to be the last time she would talk about it, and she knew that Scootaloo probably knew that, too.

Scootaloo is Rainbow's sister, and it didn't change anything just because they are not biologically related, but either way, she is going to need her, now more than ever.

After all, it wasn't in Rainbow's nature to leave a friend hanging.

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash Reconcile

Author's Note

WARNING: May contain some suggestive scenes, of which were not intentional!

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash Reconcile

Rainbow Dash didn’t sleep that night. She couldn’t sleep. She was tired, sure, but she found herself to be restless. Her mind was elsewhere, stuck somewhere along the bent tracks without a way of passage, and it made her head hurt. She was beating herself up about earlier, how she had handled her conversation with Fluttershy when she had made the proposal to adopt Scootaloo.

Rainbow was a little sore after flying with Scootaloo in the fields outside of the cottage, herself doing most of the work to aid Scootaloo in her flights, seeing as she was incapable of flying at the moment. They had tested out the Cloud Buster and given it its maiden voyage, with Rainbow being the one to support the underside of the scooter and make it seem like Scootaloo was in control, to give her a taste of what it was like to be a sky scooter pilot. And she loved every second of it.

It amused Rainbow Dash how eager the little filly was to get herself back out there and in the skies so soon to give it another whirl. Dash knew the feeling herself; once you had a taste, even a tiny, little bite, a snippet, you found yourself endlessly hungry for more of it, you craved it and you thought of nothing but the need to satisfy the urge. Seeing Scootaloo so enthusiastic was heartwarming, and it made Dash feel old, remembering how long ago it was when she had her own taste of the sky and the wind ruffling her mane and feathers.

Thoughts of flight aside, Rainbow Dash was waiting for Fluttershy to come home. She hadn’t come back since she left this morning, and Rainbow Dash had no clue where she was. She wanted to go out and search for her, to find her and make sure that she’s alive and well, but she had the responsibility of looking out for the filly in her custody. She couldn’t simply up and leave the girl to take care of herself, could she? That wouldn’t be so responsible of her, would it?

Twilight’s still stuck in my head from earlier! Rainbow thought. I know that I can’t leave Scoots on her own, not like she can’t take care of herself, that kid’s strong and brave, like me, but if Fluttershy came back while I’m out looking for her, she’ll be furious! Man, where is she? I’m not sure how long I can take the torture of not knowing if she’s alright or not!

‘’Come on, Fluttershy, where are you?!’’ Rainbow muttered to herself beneath her breath. She kept hovering between the window upstairs in her bedroom that viewed over her front porch and garden path and her bed, finding it impossible to calm herself. ‘’Where are you? This is driving me insane!’’

She had expected the mare back during the early hours of the afternoon, or perhaps earlier, but the time was currently reading out as 09:15 at night, according to the clock ticking silently on the wall in front of the bed. This was more than enough reason to cause the cyan mare to worry for her friend’s well-being, and she wasn’t going to chill out until she had an answer on either her whereabouts or her status. It was making her heart hurt by this point.

Another second ticked by.

Still no Fluttershy.

And another.

Still no Fluttershy.

Dash darted towards the window peering out towards the dirt path leading to the front door.

Still no Fluttershy.

‘’UGH!’’ Rainbow Dash groaned loudly, pulling at her eyelids in mental frustration, tormented. She was beyond frustrated by this point, about ready to start climbing the walls and doing somersaults. This was more than soul-crunching, waiting for the butter mare to come back.

‘’Grrr! I can’t take this crap anymore!’’ Rainbow Dash was about to turn around and bolt out of the door to the bedroom, but before she made it out, she halted in mid air, freezing in place when she noticed the figure of Fluttershy standing there.

Well, Rainbow Dash was sure that the pony standing there was Fluttershy, but there was something…different about her.

Fluttershy’s mane, flowing and incredibly vibrant and silky-looking, was done up, as one might do when attending an important social event such as The Grand Galloping Gala. It was curled by both sides of her cheeks, similar to how Rarity styled her own mane, but in neat little corkscrews that hung down like elegant decorations on a chandelier. The top of her mane was smoothened and conditioned, the scent of strawberries blissfully emitting from it.

Her eyes had more depth to them, made more prominent with the aid of a light touch of mascara to give them more perk, and her eyelids were polished, more lively and shiny with a delicate brushing of clear eye shadow. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to be noticeable. Looking at her coat, Dash also saw that it had been given a preening and a thorough cleaning and grooming session, making it more fluffy and plush in appearance.

Rainbow Dash, while hovering in front of the mare, had her mouth hung agape, a soft blush tinging her cheeks. She couldn’t believe that the mare standing in front of her was indeed Fluttershy!

Oh, my…! Dash thought, hardly able to contain herself. What, huh?! She looks so cute! And…is that strawberries I can smell?

‘’F-Fluttershy?!’’ Rainbow Dash exclaimed, taken aback, although she was definitely intrigued. ‘’What’s all this about?’’ She motioned towards the butter mare’s perked-up features. ‘’More over, where have you been?! I’ve been so worried about you that I can’t sleep!’’

‘’I’m sorry that I made you worry, Dashie, but I was over at Rarity’s boutique for a little longer than I expected,’’ Fluttershy said, not feeling the need to mention any key details, such as the conversation involving the cyan mare in front of her.

‘’Well, couldn’t you have at least send me a letter or something to tell me that you’d be back late? What if something had happened to you?’’ Rainbow Dash asked, feeling a small flare of anger ignite in her gut, although it vanished as soon as it had appeared. ‘’But, uh, what’s all of…this?’’ Rainbow glanced around Fluttershy’s figure, scanning her both up and down, wondering on what the mare was up to.

Never has Rainbow Dash ever seen Fluttershy this done up since The Gala, and that was the only reason she’d consider gussying herself up like this. On any other day, Fluttershy’s wouldn’t put any effort into her appearance of the same magnitude as Rarity, save for maybe some flavourful conditioner, but this…what was she doing? Clearly, there was something at play, and Rainbow was suspicious as soon as she laid eyes on her. She wanted to know what was going on.

‘’Rarity and I went to the Ponyville Spa for one of our regular meet-ups. Aloe and Vera talked me into trying out a new look, so Rarity offered to do my mane for me once we left,’’ She explained. ‘’And you can fly again,’’ She pointed to her wings.

Rainbow Dash instantly let herself drop back onto her hooves, forgetting that she was in violation of her personal doctor’s orders. She blushed sheepishly and she scratched the back of her neck with a hoof, averting her gaze from Fluttershy’s to obscure her intense shame. She felt Fluttershy’s wounded scowl from where she was standing.

‘’Rainbow Dash, how could you? You know that you shouldn’t be flying around too soon without letting me check how your bones are healing up first!’’ Fluttershy said, her tone frustrated. ‘’If you put too much strain on your bones so soon, you’ll end up right back where you started, and I can’t promise that the damage won’t be permanent!’’

‘’I have to fly, Fluttershy, you know that!’’ Rainbow retorted. ‘’I’ve been walking everywhere on the ground for months, and it’s been driving me batty! I literally can’t stand being grounded, and I have to give my wings a few exercises to get them fixed up properly!’’ She argued, and Fluttershy gave her a disappointed, neglectful look.

‘’Oh, Dashie, is flying all that you care about? Is there nothing in this world that you love more than being able to fly?’’ She asked her, feeling heat well up in her gut, the first time that she’d actually gotten angry at the cyan mare. Rainbow glared at her, offended.

‘’What, no, of course not! Um, I mean, yes, there are things that I care about, and—-‘’

‘’Like what?’’

‘’For starters, both you and Scootaloo, and my position as a Wonderbolt,’’ Dash listed, but Fluttershy crinkled her nose at her.

‘’If we’re so important to you, then why haven’t you been listening to me? Hmm? How long have you been able to fly?’’ She inquired, taking a step towards the other pegasus, to which she stepped back nervously, feeling the pressure.

‘’Um…about a week?’’ Dash gave it a random guess, but the gradually hardening glare from Fluttershy made her heart skip a beat. ‘’B-But I haven’t been flying! Honest! I’ve only been limiting myself to hovering to flap the stiffness out of my wings!’’ She added quickly. As much of a lie as it might have been, with Dash refraining from mentioning her little flying lesson with Scootaloo, Fluttershy eyeballed her, trying to convince herself that it was the truth.

‘’Alright,’’ She began slowly, backing away from her face, but her lips were still contorted into a suspicious, disapproving scowl. Dash could tell that she was having a hard time buying her story. ‘’If you say so.’’

‘’I’m telling you the truth!’’ Dash said with a groan. No, she wasn’t telling the whole truth. ‘’Oh, you know what, nevermind! So, Fluttershy? There’s been something I’ve been waiting to say to you, but I don’t know if you want to hear it, because you’ll probably think I’m also lying about it, too,’’ She said, rolling her eyes, but Fluttershy chose to wisely ignore the snide remark.

‘’And what might that be?’’ Fluttershy asked, now clearly and visibly annoyed. Rainbow Dash gave a hefty sigh and prepared herself for what she was about to say.

‘’I’m sorry.’’ Fluttershy’s ear twitched and she blinked.

‘’Wait, what?’’

‘’I said ‘I’m sorry’,’’ Rainbow repeated. ‘’I’m sorry for throwing this whole adoption thing on top of you like a sack of cement. It wasn’t right to dump the weight on top of you out of nowhere like that, so I’m sorry, alright?’’

Fluttershy’s eyes fixed upon Rainbow’s, completely stunned and her face unreadable as she stared at her. It was a rare sight to witness, seeing the usually up-beat and strong, confident mare realising when she’s made a terrible mistake.

Fluttershy had been friends with her for almost the entire duration of her life to this point, and she was able to learned through that time when to tell if Rainbow was sorry, regretful, guilty or upset about something. Staring at her now, there was a pang of sympathy within the butter mare’s heart for her.

‘’That’s…nice,’’ Fluttershy said, managing a small smile. It was faint, but it was still sincere. ‘’But you don’t have to apologise. I know that your heart’s in the right place,’’ She tried to talk her down, but Rainbow, being forever persistent, didn’t allow it to happen.

‘’No, I do, Fluttershy!’’ Rainbow moved forward and took a hold of Fluttershy’s hoof before leading her over to the bed, sitting her down on the edge of it. ‘’You know that I’m not very good with managing my emotions, but I need to say this!’’

Fluttershy sat patiently, waiting for her to continue. She sensed the unease behind Dash’s being.

‘’I’m sorry that I had to make you bear the burden after all you’ve done for me and Scoots, and I’m sorry that I haven’t really been a very good or responsible friend lately, especially after you took us both in,’’ Rainbow Dash began, feeling sappy on the inside, one of her worst enemies that she rarely ever showed or displayed openly. ‘’You took me in and fixed my wing and Scootaloo’s broken hoof and you were always there to keep me together when I was falling apart. And I’m sorry that I didn’t take notice earlier how much I’ve been neglecting you, Shyster,’’ Rainbow Dash finished, eyes glistening with hope for forgiveness.

Fluttershy didn’t know what to say! She was at a loss for words, touched, moved and grateful simultaneously for the sentiment, but she also felt a sense of pride for the cyan mare for being so open and sincere. She knew how much trouble the rainbow mare had for expressing herself with her words and for owning up for when she makes a mistake, big or small, but even more so when she realises that she unintentionally hurt one of her friends in the crossfire. Fluttershy was proud of her for understanding that she hadn’t been fair, and that meant the world to her.

Oh, Dashie… Fluttershy cooed inwardly, and she smiled after Dash had finished her little monologue, almost on the verge of tears herself. If Fluttershy were to award points for effort, she would have given them all to Dash in a heartbeat for coming out so honestly and wholeheartedly.

Fluttershy wasn’t one for feeling or expressing anger too often, sometimes not at all, but she had felt stressed and pressured into going with Rainbow Dash’s plan, and it had hurt when Rainbow had threw her plan on top of her without asking for her consent or to acknowledge her feelings beforehand. All that mattered was that her friend had taken notice of her unfair mistake and apologised for it.

‘’Dashie,’’ Fluttershy began slowly, her tone sweet and quiet. Her face was no longer angry, but rather mellow and inviting, her lips graced by a friendly smile. ‘’You’re not a bad friend, and I don’t ever wanting you feel like you neglect me. I don’t remember my house being this lively since before you and Scootaloo moved in, and it’s certainly been quite the adventure, I have to admit,’’ Fluttershy giggled. ‘’I don’t mind taking a friend in need into my home when they really need my help, especially when it’s one of my closest and oldest friends,’’ The mare placed her hoof onto Dash’s lap and gave it a tender tap, to which Dash blushed.

‘’But I haven’t been fair to you, and I don’t feel right about it, Shyster,’’ Rainbow said with a sigh. ‘’I can’t just take advantage of your hospitality without at least giving you something in return for it. That’s not the kind of friend I am, and I won’t feel right until you accept it,’’ Rainbow said sincerely, but Fluttershy became dismissive, albeit, politely.

‘’Oh, no, no, you do-don’t have to do that,’’ She began, but Dash suddenly had an idea spring to mind and her face lit up.

‘’Ooh! I know!’’ She turned to Fluttershy and she held her hooves up to her chest, bringing her face in front of Fluttershy’s by mere inches. ‘’To even the score, you can spend some time with me at my cloud palace! Yeah, it’ll be so awesome! Plus, its got plenty of rooms that I don’t use because it’s too big for just me to fill up on my own, so this could work! What do you say? You in?’’ She asked hopefully, eyes glistening with optimism.

Wow, she really wants me to stay with her, Fluttershy thought. Aw, she’s so sweet when she wants to make things even with her friends. I know she feels bad and she wants to make things right, but is she really asking me to move in with her? This is a pretty big step. I’m not sure…

Please, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash thought as she continued to stare hopefully into the indecisive face of the butter mare, whom was contemplating the proposition. Please answer me, you’re making me nervous! I’d die if you declined, I really would! All I want is one, itty-bitty, measly chance to set things right and to make myself feel better. That’s all that I ask. Please, Flutter-Butter…

‘’I…’’ She began. ‘’Okay, Dashie. I accept,’’ Fluttershy said, and Dash almost immediately threw her hooves around her shoulders as soon as the words had left her mouth. She was ecstatic, overjoyed.

‘’Really, you mean it?!’’ Dash asked, astounded. ‘’This is gonna be so awesome! You’re going to love it, Fluttershy! We can stay up late and watch films, spend all night together talking, play games and—-‘’

‘’Um, Dashie, what about Scootaloo,’’ Fluttershy said, raising a brow. Suddenly, Rainbow’s face sank, realising that she had gotten ahead of herself again and gotten caught up in the moment, momentarily forgetting that she had a foal that she was responsible for.

‘’Oh, yeah, right,’’ She said sadly, sinking where she was sat, her shoulders slumping. ‘’Sorry, I guess I got a little excited there…’’ She blushed dimly. ‘’Speaking of Scootaloo, I went to go and see Twilight earlier, and she gave me this,’’ Rainbow Dash reached behind her to where the list Twilight had scribed for her was sitting on the bed.

‘’What’s that?’’ Fluttershy asked, eying the scrolled-up list as Dash brought it in front of her. Unfurling it, Rainbow Dash said,

‘’It’s a check list of possible options for adopting Scootaloo. We ran through everything that we’ve considered so far for how we can go about becoming her legal guardians, and I hate to say it, but Twilight’s brain full of egghead knowledge came through! We’ve narrowed it down to a single option! Wanna hear?’’ Dash asked with pride, and Fluttershy nodded, leaning in to listen as Dash read them out loud to her.

‘’Here it is: ‘Having legal documentation signed by either a living relative or parent to declare official, consensual guardianship of their child,’’’ Rainbow Dash turned to face Fluttershy with a beaming smile. ‘’You see? All we have to do is find a living relative of Scootaloo and have them consensually sign over guardianship of Scootaloo to us to say that we’re legally allowed to take care of her! If we do that, then her parents can’t have a say in the matter if they end up coming back some day!’’

‘’Oh, my…that’s…that’s amazing, actually!’’ Fluttershy said proudly, impressed. But then she frowned again, her brain considering another issue in the equation. ‘’But we don’t know if Scootaloo has any relatives, or if they live in town. What are we supposed to do if we can’t find anypony, or what if they’re unwilling to sign the papers?’’

‘’We’ll find a way, Fluttershy, trust me. There’s no way that I’m going to allow Scootaloo to continue living like she has for the past two years. I won’t stand for it! One way or the other, I’m not going to give up until I find a way that will say that we are her legal guardians, and whether or not her good-for-nothing parents like it, I’ll make sure that Scootaloo gets to stay with us!’’ Rainbow Dash said confidently, intent on making this work. ‘’I’m going to ask Twilight tomorrow if she can help me get in contact with somepony that can send us the adoption papers. If anypony can help us, it’s going to be Twilight. She’s got connections with Princess Celestia, for pony’s sake, so she’s got to have some way of getting us those papers!’’

‘’I agree, Dashie. That sounds like a wonderful plan!’’ Fluttershy said sincerely. ‘’I can’t believe how much thought you’ve put into this! I’m really impressed,’’ She said with a giggle, to which Dash gave a blush of embarrassment.

‘’Heh, well, yeah, but I can’t take all of the credit. Twilight did most of the work, I just sat there and told her everything I could think of, and, with Twilight being Twilight, she was able to give me some advice. That’s all,’’ Dash said, genuinely proud of herself for being collected and calculated with her thinking rather than pushing her driveshaft onto overdrive like usual.

Aw, nuts! I’m letting Twilight infect me with egghead disease! At this rate, I’m going to turn into her! Oh, what a nightmare that’ll be! What next, do I get a dragon assistant and constantly make overbearingly long check lists every time I have to prepare for an exam or assignment? Just…bleh.

‘’So, I know that I should have asked you this right from the start, but, um…will you be there beside me? Like you’ve always been?’’ Rainbow Dash asked. ‘’I can’t do this on my own, Fluttershy, and I really want you help, if you’re willing to offer,’’ Rainbow Dash held out her hoof to the mare.

Fluttershy smiled, not even thinking to respond before she placed her hoof into Dash’s. She smiled warmly at her, willing to support a dear friend in need.

‘’Yes, Dashie, I will,’’ She said. Rainbow gazed into the mare’s eyes and she felt her heart twinge as warmth embraced her being, so fuzzy and nice, like a warm hug on Hearth’s Warming Eve with a mug of hot chocolate and cream with chocolate sprinkles.

What would I do without you, Fluttershy? You’re such an amazing friend, and you’ve got gorgeous eyes—-hey, whoa! Tone it down a notch, girl, easy!

Fluttershy gazed back into her eyes, too, the both of them sharing a silent moment as they did nothing but stare into each other’s faces. She glanced down from her eyes to her lips a few times as loops of earlier in the day played back in her mind. She felt her cheeks grow warm as Rarity’s words floated back through her brain.

She really cares about me, doesn’t she? Fluttershy asked herself. She makes me feel so special, and she told me herself that there’s nopony else that she’s rather spend any time with but me. Aw, Rainbow Dash, you’re such a sweetheart when you want to be. And your eyes remind me of the pink roses that grow in my garden. Is…Is this what love feels like?

Man, I don’t know if you did this intentionally or not, Fluttershy, but you know that I love strawberries, and the smell of them wafting from your mane isn’t helping to ease my thoughts! And I have to say, your mane looks so sexy and alluring like this. I think I might ask Rarity if she can do it up like this more often…

Rainbow Dash was doing it, too, glancing up and down from Fluttershy’s eyes to her thin, smooth, inviting lips, wanting nothing more than to press her own against them. She so desperately wanted to delve into them, to give them an eager taste, to savour them and to take the time to lose herself in their warmth.

I wonder if she feels the same way. I mean, should I…? No! N-No, Dash, not a good idea! Yes, we get it, she’s extremely, criminally attractive, but you can’t just go around stealing smooches from ponies that catch your eye, especially if that pony is Fluttershy! She’s so quiet and timid, and even one display of affection given in the wrong way might make her never want to speak to you again! Learn to control your urges, missy! You’re starting to lose sense of reality!

It was true that Rainbow Dash had a crush on her. She had known she’s been in love with Fluttershy for as long as she can remember, but she hadn’t ever managed to muster up the courage to spill the beans to her. Romance was Rarity’s department, not Rainbow Dash’s. Rainbow’s department was speed and being awesome. All of this romance talk was starting to turn her into Rarity, and the thought made her feel sick.

‘’Uh, so…’’ Rainbow Dash began slowly, doing her best to fight off an incoming arson to her cheeks. Being this close to her romantic interest was starting to make her internal instincts take over, and it was driving her crazy, especially when she smelled just like her favourite fruit!

‘’S-So?’’ Fluttershy batted her eyelids, her heart thumping behind her ribs and aching with desire.

I wonder what her lips taste like. Do they taste like blue raspberry? Maybe blueberry? Oh, no, stop it, Fluttershy! This is no time to let Rarity get stuck in your head! Remember, you don’t know for sure if what you’re feeling is love or not! She probably doesn’t feel the same way about me, anyway!

‘’So, do you…do you want to stay with me?’’ Rainbow Dash asked, lips smiling hopefully and sweetly.

‘’I wouldn’t have it any other way, Dashie,’’ Fluttershy agreed, accepting her offer without resistance. ‘’By the way, Dash, you’re really tense,’’ She gave the mare a gentle squeeze, indicating the stiffness within Dash’s muscles caused by her emotional stress. ‘’We need to fix that. Lay down,’’ Fluttershy instructed.

Rainbow Dash did as she was told, not wishing to raise a complaint or to object to yet another one of Fluttershy’s masseuse sessions. She spread herself out flatly on her stomach, allowing her forehooves and rear hooves to extend to their full lengths. Rainbow Dash had to force herself to suppress a groan of bliss as she felt the gentle, loving touch of the other mare’s hooves press into the tight kinks and knots in her back.

Fluttershy’s hooves rubbed slowly and tenderly in small circles, expertly applying pressure up from Dash’s neck and working her way down her spinal column. Rainbow’s lips purred in total pleasure when she felt Fluttershy reach the soft spot directly between her wings, and she was hardly able to contain herself, moaning out loud as her stressed-out nerves were soothed by the magic of the tips of her hooves. As each knot unfurled, a relaxed sensation signalled in Dash’s central nervous system, like they had been dunked in angel dust and pure tranquility, like a tender and alluring kiss, so gentle and warm, almost coaxing her to sleep.

‘’Hmm-mmm!’’ Rainbow Dash moaned, losing herself in so much bliss that her eyes were almost rolling back into her skull, her ears giving little spasms as each knot was unfurled. To add into the taming of her nerves, Fluttershy began to hum softly and delicately to a jolly tune, similar to one that Rarity hums to herself when she works to fill out an order for a client.

Listening to Fluttershy’s sweet, soft, angelic voice while she worked her magic on her tense, taught muscles, Rainbow entered another state of nirvana that she never knew existed. She was so at peace, lulled and allured in a passionate, spectacular daze, that she had images floating around in her mind, tempting her with images of romantic clichés, ranging from bouquets of roses and warm, amorous hugs, loving kisses and sugar and spice and everything nice. She was in her own, cozy reality, a fantasy land equal to Pinkie Pie’s visions of sugarcanes, candy floss rainclouds with chocolate rain and marshmallow clouds. This was pure heaven!

‘’Ah…ummm, oh…’’ Rainbow continued to moan. ‘’Mmm, I…I wmuvyou…’’

‘’Hmm? What was that, Dashie?’’ Fluttershy asked, catching on to the absent-minded mumbling coming from the cyan mare, hardly intelligible but still audible.

‘’Oh! Uh—-nothing!’’ Dash quickly shut out her inner thoughts, burying them deep and throwing away the key. She never meant to utter those words, but she was thankful that Fluttershy never made them out correctly, otherwise she would be deep in the hole.

‘’Oh. O-Okay,’’ Fluttershy said awkwardly. ‘’You’re still really tense, Dashie. Try to relax, okay?’’ It was then that she leaned down to unfurl Rainbow’s injured wing, gently pulling it to the side to allow it to deploy itself automatically.

Despite the incredible amount of damage that Dash had sustained to her wing from her failed flying stunt, Fluttershy was pleased to see that her healing process had progressed well. It was hard to tell that she had broken her bones and that her ligaments were pulled and strained from intense amounts of pressure.

The entire surface of her wing, both underneath and topside, were once again smooth and flawless, everything magically healed and set back in place, all of the bones inside of them fixed and entirely repaired. Everything appeared to be in order, if not for a small amount of stiffness due to misuse during her healing period. It was with thanks to Zecora’s healing cream that her healing process had accelerated so much, and, if it wasn’t for her remedy, she would likely still be wearing a wing bandage and her bones would still be resembling grains of salt.

Fluttershy gave her wing a gentle rub with her elbow to massage it, and, with wings being the most sensitive parts on a pegasus’ body, Rainbow reacted immediately with a pleasant groan. It felt divine, like a pony was tickling her in a soothing way rather than a childish, playful manner. She almost felt like she was going to start kicking her leg up into the air in a circular motion like when you scratch a dog in their soft spot or that her tail was going to start wagging.

‘’How’s that feel? Anything sore?’’ Fluttershy asked with an amused giggle from Dash’s reaction.

‘’I-Oh-humm….’’ Dash mumbled. ‘’It feels wonderful, Fluttershy! I’ve never felt so good before!’’ She said, continuing moaning in euphoric utterances.

Fluttershy smiled while she worked Rainbow Dash’s wing over, moving over to the other wing once she was done. She worked her over for a few minutes, humming all the while and listening to Rainbow mumble hardly-intelligible words beneath her breath, and she found it amusing and cute.

She really seems to enjoy letting me touch her like this, Fluttershy thought. Sometimes, it’s like she enjoys it a little bit more than she should, but I can’t ask her about it. It wouldn’t be right. I think I’m letting Rarity get stuck in my head again! Come on, Fluttershy, you can do this. Try not to think about it. Don’t let your feeling for Dashie come into play when its not necessary.

But Fluttershy couldn’t help it. Rarity did get stuck in her head, and it was so repetitive and obnoxious that she was beginning to hate the unicorn for putting these delusions of love into her fragile mind. It such a pestering, poisonous line of thought since she had opened up about her feelings to the fashionista that she wished that she had a mute button implanted into her brain to shut them off. She almost regretted ever going to Rarity for advice, not thinking ahead for how it might end.

Fluttershy, hold it together! Rarity might be into her romance novels and such, but that doesn’t mean that she knows for sure that you’re in love with Rainbow Dash. But…what if I am?

Come to think of it, Rarity, in Fluttershy’s mind, had likely never actually had a true, first boyfriend, maybe aside from those schoolgirly crushes she gets on certain business stallions from time to time. They were really good, close friends, but Fluttershy found her low self-esteem crushes to be somewhat overblown and daft, almost laughable, but she would never say that. Besides, what did she know that wasn’t written in fiction?

Rarity might be right and Rarity might be wrong, but she doesn’t know what I’m feeling. If it’s love, then it can speak up for itself without somepony telling me that it’s there. If I’m in love with her, then I’m sure that I’ll know it! Won’t I?

‘’Hey, Fluttershy, is everything alright over there?’’ Rainbow Dash asked, noticing the silence from the mare. She quickly blinked and gave her head a shake as she realised what was happening.

‘’Huh? Oh, sorry, Dashie, I got a little lost in thought for a moment,’’ She said, blushing. ‘’So, I think we should turn in for the night. It’s late enough as it is.’’ And she wasn’t wrong. The clock on the wall was now reading 10:35.

‘’I guess you’re right. Come ‘ere, you!’’ Rainbow said with a devilish grin, gripping Fluttershy’s hips with her hooves and pulling her towards her in a swift motion. Like before, the mare yelped but with less surprise than last time, half-expecting this.

‘’Whoa, Dashie!’’ She said with a giggle. ‘’Not so fast!’’

‘’He, sorry. Although, if I’m being honest, I mostly do it on purpose because I think you’re adorable when you’re surprised,’’ Dash admitted, and Fluttershy’s face became bashful, but it only furthered Dash’s fun factor. ‘’Aw, see? You glow like a strawberry,’’ She said, right before she pulled her closer to her and she held her head in her hooves before placing her mouth next to her ear and saying, ‘’And I love strawberries.’’

If Fluttershy wasn’t blushing brightly before, she was certainly glowing now, almost bright enough to melt her way through the floors in her cottage and through the foundations. That statement caught her so off guard that she wasn’t prepared for it when Dash yanked her underneath the covers and she began to cuddle her.

‘’Hmm!’’ She squeaked. ‘’R-R-Rain-Rainbow D-Dash! I, eep!’’ She squeaked again when Dash nibbled on her ear teasingly, her hooves wrapped firmly around her back as she rubbed up and down her back lovingly, caressing it, particularly, around where her wings were, fondling between them where there was a little kink to it. Like with Rainbow Dash, it was enough to elicit an excited squee from the mare.

‘’You like that, huh?’’ Dash asked hungrily, giving it a firmer bite than before, which was enough to spark a fire within Fluttershy’s heart, one that she hadn’t experienced before.

‘’Rainbow Dash! S-Stop! I feel…!’’ Fluttershy couldn’t help herself. She gave a very loud and very pleasurable high-pitched moan, so unexpected that it caught Rainbow off guard. She stopped in an instant, and she blushed fiercely, giggling to herself beneath her breath while Fluttershy just appeared to be embarrassed, trying to hide behind her mane.

Rainbow Dash could hear her heart thump so loudly within her chest that she was partially afraid that it was going to explode out from her ribs. The girly squeal of pure excitement, bliss and arousal that had erupted from Fluttershy’s lips was unlike any other sound that she had produced before, and they were both sure that it was able to be heard throughout the entire house.

As Rainbow Dash stared into her eyes yet again, she felt a strong emotion brew within her, and she fought to keep it hidden. That noise had brought another kind of warmth to her heart and soul, deepening her already-intense love for her friend, and it made her want her even more.

Oh, my, that was…so adorable! I made Fluttershy reach her breaking point! At least I now know how to set her off for the sake of teasing! I’m going to have so much fun with this in the future!

‘’What was that noise?! I heard it all the way in my room!’’ A voice called from the doorway to the bedroom, and both mares beneath the covers unfurled the sheets from around them to view Scootaloo staring at them with large, concerned eyes.

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash blushed hard and they glanced at each other, biting their lips and wondering how much of that young Scootaloo saw. Hopefully, she wasn’t there to catch the whole scene play out, but from how sleepy her eyes were, it was clear enough to the mares that she had just woken up.

‘’What happened to you two?’’ Scootaloo asked, looking their bodies covered with disheveled fur and ruffled manes over with a confused look.

‘’N-Nothing, squirt,’’ Rainbow Dash said awkwardly, blushing still. ‘’Don’t worry about it, kid, it’s all over now,’’ She slowly picked herself out of bed and she tried to ignore the worried, mortified expression on Fluttershy’s face. ‘’Come on, I’ll put you back to bed.’’

‘’Are you sure that nothing’s wrong? I thought I heard a—-‘’

‘’Nope! I told you, don’t worry about it! It’s alright now! The…the chickens outside got spooked, that’s all! A cockatrice scared them, but they’re fine now,’’ Dash quickly ushered the little filly out of the room, running out of plausible excuses.

Fluttershy, left shuddering with her body half-covered by her duvet, sighed a massive, strong breath of relief, knowing how close of a call that was. She was laying on her back with her hooves behind her to support her weight as she sat upright on the mattress, a pillow that had drooped halfway beneath her during the cuddling, cushioning her lower back. Her mane was sweaty and partially matted to her face, drooping lazily in front of her face, her heart still pounding but not as harshly as before.

W-What happened? She asked herself, innocent to her foreign feelings. That was…magical! It felt so good that I couldn’t help it! Oh, my, I’m so embarrassed! We both woke Scootaloo up from her sleep, the poor dear! I didn’t mean to, but Rainbow nibbling on my ear just brought out so many good feelings that I wasn’t able to hide it!

Absentmindedly, Fluttershy slowly reached up a hoof to the ear that Dash had been playfully nibbling on, a wetness making itself known on the underside of her hoof. She brought it back down and she stared at it before giving a dreamy, relaxed sigh, inwardly ashamed of herself for allowing herself to give in to Rainbow’s advances so easily.

‘’Oh, Fluttershy, you’re such a loud mouth.’’