The Final Crusade

Chapters

Crusader down!
Explanations
Setting plans into motion

Crusader down!

The day was bright and clear. Birds sung and chimed a chorus of music as they welcomed the morning light. Like any other day Apple Bloom had been up for a few hours on the farm, doing her morning chores before breakfast and heading out to the school house. Taking a moment to sniff the flowers, Apple Bloom smiled to herself thinking “Today is ah perfect day…. for crusadin’!”

As she stepped in she was greeted by her teacher, Miss Cheerilee, as she does with all her students. “Good mornin’, Miss Cheerilee!” She trotted over to her desk and giving a wave to Sweetie Bell, who sat further back in the class room. Taking her seat, she glanced around the room for her other, winged friend, Scootaloo, but the filly wasn’t in sight. It wasn’t too odd, Scootaloo had been known to arrive right when class began and she had a good few minutes.

However those few minutes passed and the orange pegasus had not shown before the school bell chimed. Miss Cheerilee glanced at her attendance list. With a surprised look, she glanced up at her class and asked “Would any pony here know why Scootaloo isn’t here today? Apple Bloom? Sweetie Bell?” Both fillies glanced at each other; Scootaloo has never missed a day of school. Both replied with a shake of their heads. Cheerilee made a mark on her attendance sheet before beginning her lesson for the day.

“Ah hope everything is alright with Scootaloo” Apple Bloom thought as she glanced back to the empty seat then over to Sweetie Bell. Picking up her pencil Apple Bloom began to take notes on the day’s lesson. “Crusadin’ may have to wait another day.”

Later that day, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell met up once school had ended. “So, what do you think happened to Scootaloo, Apple Bloom?” Scratching her head with her hoof, Apple Bloom gave a defeated sigh, “Ah don’t know, Sweetie, she seemed fine yesterday. Hopefully she is not sick or somethin’.”

“Well, what should we do? We were going to do some crusading today.” Sweetie Bell practically squeaked. Scratching at the ground Sweetie Bell formed an idea, “What if, we go check up on her, see if she is ok ourselves?”

“That’s a great idea Sweetie Bell! We can go over to her place.” Apple Bloom bounced at the idea.

“Do you know where she lives?” Sweetie Bell asked. “I don’t think I’ve ever been over to her place.”

“Yea, Ah’ve been there once when she forgot a few things for trying out being pet groomers that one time. I wasn’t allowed inside unfortunately.” Apple Bloom grimaced at the memory.

“Oh Yea, I remember that one, didn’t turn up so well” Sweetie Bell chuckled. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” Sweetie Bell yelled and off they ran towards the location Apple Bloom remembered their Pegasus friend lived.

Coming to a stop at a simple little house at the far side of town, the two fillies walked towards the door. The yard was bare of any semblance of activity, save for the flower bed and small garden. Apple Bloom walked up to the door and gave a hardy knock. The two girls waited patiently for the sound of hooves approaching the door, but none came. The two girls glanced at each other before trying to knock again, but with no result.

After a few more attempts, both girls sighed, defeated. “Ah guess no pony’s home” Apple Bloom spoke first before turning away from the quiet house.

“Yea, I guess you’re right.” Sweetie Bell trotted behind her. “I hope everything is alright.”

“Ah bet it is. We just have to have faith that Scootaloo is just fine. Why don’t we hit Sugarcube Corner for a little treat? Ah’m sure we can come up with some great ideas for crusadin’ and bring them up to Scoots tomorrow.” Apple Bloom suggested, lightening the mood.

“Yeah! I heard Pinkie Pie was making something new today, I wanted try some.” Sweetie Bell picked up the pace. Both fillies made their way through town, spirits high and worries past, confident that they’d see their feathered friend tomorrow at school.

The next day both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell met outside the school house. “Those fruit tarts Pinkie made were really something weren’t they!” Sweetie Bell chimed with a small bounce. She licked her lips feeling as if she could still taste them.
“Uh Huh, They sure was. Ah was able to save some ah had brought home for Scootaloo. It sure was a bit hard convincing Big Mac not to eat them all. “Apple Bloom replied, opening her saddlebag to show off her goods.

“I hope we do see Scootaloo today. I’m just so excited to try out some of those new ideas we came up with yesterday.” Sweetie Bell opened the door to the school house, both fillies trotted through the door, greeting simultaneously “Good Mornin’ Miss Cheerilee!”

Cheerilee chuckled, “Good Morning to you too, girls.” She watched as they both went to their respective seats before turning to the board to add a few more notes to the agenda for the day. A few minutes passed as the bell rang right as the last student entered the door. Both girls beamed for a moment to see that it was, indeed, Scootaloo. But their faces feel with concern from the long face that their pegasus friend displayed.

Head down, eyes trained to the ground, Scootaloo approached Cheerilee and handed her a small note before proceeding over to her seat. Slumping into her chair, Scootaloo rested her head on her desk with a sigh, a blank look upon her face, though a slight puffiness was evident around her eyes. Apple Bloom gave Sweetie a concern looked from what they were witnessing from their usually proud and enthusiastic friend

Cheerilee read over the note, her ears feel back for a moment before nodding in understanding. She looked up to Scootaloo, calling to her softly, “Scootaloo, I’d like talk to you during recess.” The only response she received was a brief nod from the orange filly, before Cheerilee proceeded with the day’s lesson.

Not nearly soon enough, recess came around. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell got out of their seats and began to make their way to Scootaloo. “Girls” They both turned to Cheerilee, stopping in their tracks. “Now’s not the right time. I need to talk to Scootaloo, alone.”

Both fillies let out an awwwww. “But Miss Cheerilee” Sweetie Bell began.

Cheerilee shook her head “Not now. Just go out to play, you guys can catch up later.”

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell walked out of the class room, Cheerilee followed to close the door behind them before turning to Scootaloo to talk.

“Ah sure hope Scootaloo is alright, She looked really sad in there.” Apple Bloom kicked a rock as she and Sweetie Bell made their way to a table.

“I wonder what happened. I don’t think I have Ever seen Scootaloo so down, Do you think it’s really bad?” Sweetie Bell hopped onto the bench, bracing her head upon her hooves.

“Ah don’ know, Ah really just don’t know, Sweetie.” Apple Bloom followed Sweetie Bell’s lead. They both sighed, staring off as their other class mates played and had fun.

“You know what I think,” An arrogant voice piped up behind them, make both fillied grimace in annoyance. “I think Scootaloo is in big trouble. That yesterday she played hooky and that note was her parents telling Cheerilee of the deed that she had done. I bet Cheerilee is telling her punishment right now.” Diamond Tiara pranced by with her pal Silver Spoon, both laughing at the girls as they walked by.

“Now hold yur horses!” Apple Bloom yelled out, jumping onto the table. “Ah know Scootaloo and Ah know she wouldn’t have missed class if it weren’t for a good reason!”

“Yeah! You two better stop spreading lies like that. You don’t know what’s going on at all!” Sweetie Bell added in.

“Oh, like you two don’t.” Diamond Tiara smirked at the two defensible fillies. “There’s only one reason Miss Cheerilee would keep anypony from having their recess and that’s if a certain pony has been bad.” Both Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon trotted off before either Apple Bloom or Sweetie Bell could have another word.

Apple Bloom hoped off of the table, kicking the ground in frustration at the two snobby ponies. “Those jerks. Ah just hate how they act some times. It just gets me all steamed up.”

“I know, just try not to let it get to you. You know what they said isn’t true. We know Scootaloo better than they do.” Sweetie Bell comforted Apple Bloom.

“Ah know, Ah Know. It’s just not right, Ah tell ya.” Apple Bloom shook her head disapprovingly. “But you know what, enough of them. What should we do about Scootaloo?”

“Well, we got the treats from Sugarcube Corner. I’m sure that would cheer her up.” Sweetie Bell pondered, regaining her cheerful pitch again. “We’ll try catching her once school ends and find out what happened. I’m sure we can cheer her up.”

“Ah reckon you’re right.” Apple Bloom looked up at Sweetie Bell. “Ah just wish we could be in there right now, cheerin’ her up. Ah just don’t like seeing her so down an’ not bein’ able to help.”

Soon recess was over and Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell trotted in, seeing Cheerilee give Scootaloo a small pat on the back before going back to the board. Scootaloo was facing away from the door, head resting on her foreleg. Apple Bloom wanted to go over to her but as she glanced over at Cheerilee she was given a shake of her head, indicating that she should give Scootaloo some space.

As Apple Bloom looked over to her feathered friend, she saw as Scootaloo drew in a deep breath, rubbed her eyes on her leg before resting her head back down facing the blackboard. Her eyes showed a tint of red. Apple Blooms heart ached. Glancing back to Sweetie Bell, both exchanging worried glanced before turning their attention to Cheerilee as class started up again

Time passed too slowly for the crusading trio, but eventually school came to an end. All their class mates rushed out of the building, all rushing off to cause mischief or have adventures of their own. The three crusaders walked slowly out of the building, both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell watching Scootaloo, waiting for the right moment to speak.

Once outside, the trio stopped, Scootaloo sat on the ground, head hung low. Apple Bloom sat next to Scootaloo, Sweetie Bell sitting on the other side of their friend. Apple Bloom tilted her head downwards trying to get some eye contacted with their downed friend. “How’re ya doin’, Scootaloo?” She inquired.

“Not great…” Scootaloo grumbled back, head tilting to as to avoid Apple Bloom’s gaze.

“We got you some fruit tart from Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie made them.” Sweetie Bell offered with a bit of an upbeat tone as Apple Bloom slid the bag over to their orange friend.

“Um, thanks.” Scootaloo didn’t give the package any mind. “I’m just not hungry right now.” She sighed. “Can we perhaps talk at the club house?” She pleaded softly.

“Sure” Apple Bloom got up, grabbing the bag of tarts to put in her saddle bags before all three made their slow trek all the way over to their club house at Sweet Apple Acres.

Once there, the three place their saddle bags next to the door. Scootaloo sat in the middle with both her friends once again taking up the spots right next to her.

“Would you mind tellin’ us what’s wrong, we just hate seein’ you so down.” Apple Bloom gave Scootaloo an encouraging nudge before wrapping a hoof over Scootaloo small shoulders. She could feel as Scootaloo took in a deep yet shuttering breath. The young filly sat quiet for a few moments, biting her lower lip as her two companions waited patiently for a reply, trying not to pressure her for answers.

Another shutter, another staggered deep breath. The girls huddled around as a small sniffle emitted from their orange companion. A single tear drop fell to the ground as Scootaloo attempted to hide her face a little more.

“I… I’m” Scootaloo began, trying to collect herself to share the news she dreaded the most. With a grimace, followed by a few more tears she continued.

“I’m…. going to be moving…. in a month… away from Ponyville... to…to… Fillydelphia. “

Explanations

“WHAT?!” Both girls exclaimed in shock and horror. “You’re moving?!” Sweetie Bell squeaked, “Away from Ponyville?” Scootaloo nodded her head sadly.

“But, but why?” Inquired Apple Bloom; “Don’t your family like Ponyville?”

“Not that they care to notice,” Scootaloo pouted angrily, “They never have time to even take a look around. Dad’s making us move, he’s a business stallion, and his company makes him travel quiet a lot, so he’s barely home; now they want him to move to Fillydalphia so he can be closer to better opportunities.” Scootaloo stomped on the floor before rubbing her face with her hoof. Both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell embraced Scootaloo as she began to sob, muttering “it’s not fair.”

“Can’t yur dad just say no? What about yur mom and her business?” Apple Bloom inquired.

“No. To dad, this promotion is the ‘best thing’ to happen to him, and he won’t turn it down. He’s getting a raise and everything. All he cares about is work, work, work. He already barely has time for us. And Mom is agreeing with him. She can easily move to wherever he goes. She figures that she’d have better business in Fillydalphia,” Scootaloo huffed, irritated at her parent’s reasoning.

“Your family moves around a lot, don’t they?” Sweetie Bell asked. “I remember when you and I first met; you had just arrived to Ponyville, right before Diamond Tiara’s cute-ceañara.”

“Yeah… I think we’ve moved about four times that I can remember. And this is the first time I made some real friends in a place we’ve lived at...” Scootaloo began to sob again, her shoulders shaking. “I . . . I either haven’t had enough time in a single place to make any friends, or there just wasn’t anyone around that was my age. You guys are the first friends I have ever had, and I’m really happy here, and now they are taking it all away!” Scootaloo laid down on the floor of their club house, burying her muzzle into her forelegs fully as she cried.

Both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell looked at each other. Tears where beginning to form in Apple Bloom’s eyes, while a few streams of tears where already coursing down Sweetie Bell’s cheeks. It was fully hitting them both. They were going to be losing their best friend soon, and there was nothing they could do about it.

But that pain was being over shadowed by another; that their friend Scootaloo was hurting so badly due to this unfortunate event. They both laid down with Scootaloo, wrapping their hooves around her, enveloping her in comfort. “I never got a chance… to ask Rainbow Dash for flight lessons or at least advice.” Scootaloo sniffled

“Can’t yur dad teach you how to fly? “ Apple Bloom asked gently.

Scootaloo shook her head. “No, He’s just too busy and tired all the time. He’s just going to send me to a school in Fillydelphia.” Scootaloo sobbed. “There’s so much more that I want to do and have yet to accomplish. I’m going to miss a lot here, you guys especially. Watching Rainbow Dash do all her stunts and tricks, going over to Sugarcube Corner and being the first to try Pinkie Pie’s new treats.” Scootaloo paused for a moment, crying for a bit into Sweetie Bell’s shoulder. Apple Bloom stroke Scootaloo’s back with her hoof, trying to comfort her friend.

“And the worst yet,” Scootaloo continued “We haven’t even gotten our cutie marks yet. I’m gonna miss out on all our crusading and adventures. I’m gonna miss out on us getting our cutie marks together.” Scootaloo began to cry harder at that fact. Getting their cutie marks together was the original basis of their friendship. Even though their friendship was well beyond just a simple common goal, it still hurt Scootaloo that their friendship was going to end without them completing their original task.

What more can we do, thought Sweetie Bell. She buried her face in Scootaloo’s mane, crying softly so not to make Scootaloo feel worse. Once Scootaloo mentioned not being able to get her cutie mark with them, a small twinge hit her heart, but soon disappeared as an idea began to form. Slowly she lifted her head as she worked her idea around in her mind. Suddenly, with a smile, Sweetie Bell jumped to her feet.

“I have an idea!” she said; full of excitement and joy. Both Scootaloo and Apple Bloom looked up at her with wet eyes, staring at her with a mix of confusion and curiosity. Sweetie Bell positioned herself in a pose to show how much pride and confidence she had in her idea. “Scootaloo, before you leave, we’re going to get you your cutie mark!” she squeaked proudly.

Apple Bloom blinked before the idea sunk in her head. “Why, Sweetie Bell, that’s an excellent idea!” The depressing aura of the room seemed to begin to dissipate.

“Do... do you really think we can do that?” Scootaloo began to wipe her muzzle along her foreleg. “But what about you guys? I thought we swore to get our cutie marks together?”

“Well… this is an emergency,” Sweetie reasoned. “Apple Bloom and I can wait, right now we need to concentrate all our efforts on making sure you succeed in getting your cutie mark.”

Apple Bloom also stood, excitement filling her body. “Yeah, and If we happen to get ours along the way, then that would just be ah greater bonus! We want to see you get your cutie mark, and we want to make it happen. Heck, we already came up with a few ideas already.”

Scootaloo looked at her friends, both beaming with eager excitement. For the first time since she got the news about the move, Scootaloo was able to let a small smile creep upon her mouth. She nodded to both of them. “Alright.” Scootaloo cleared her throat so it wouldn’t be so raspy from the crying, “So, what did you two come up with?”

Sweetie Bell and Apple Bloom both tag teamed as they explained their ideas and how to implement them. Scootaloo listened intently, noticing most of the ideas sounded really fun. Although her friends were beginning to raise her spirits, she still felt the sadness inside. She knew, even if she got her cutie mark before leaving, it wasn’t going to change the fact that she was going to be separated from her friends and the first place she’s ever felt that she belonged in. Again, she began to think back to two days ago, when one little announcement seemed to turned her world upside down.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Two days ago, Scootaloo blasts her way from her friends, Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell, after their latest attempt at getting their cutie marks. Though their attempt had been a failure, Scootaloo wore a huge grin on her face as she made her way home. No matter the results, Scootaloo always had a blast with the duo. In whatever they did, be it dog walking or tight rope walking (5 inches off the ground, mind you,) they did it together and had loads of fun. Any filly would wish for adventures such as theirs. Only the Crusaders, united in friendship, had the courage and the creativity to try any and all stunts to get their cutie marks- and Scootaloo loved every moment of it.

Parking her scooter behind her house, Scootaloo brushed the sweat from her forehead before trotting to the front door. Opening the door, Scootaloo only made three steps inside before she heard her mother call out to her. “Scootaloo! Did you grow up in a barn? Don’t track dirt into the house, I raised you better than that.”

With a roll of her eyes and a quick glance down to her feet, she noticed she was indeed covered in quite a bit of mud. Not the worst condition she’s come home in, but a fair amount that her mother would freak out about. With an annoyed sigh, Scootaloo turned right around, walked over to the garden her mother kept, and turned on the hose to wash up.
Once free of dirt, she gave a good shake of her hooves to get as much moisture off as possible. Scootaloo walked back inside, where her mother was levitating a towel over to her.

Her mom was a sight to behold- a burnt orange Unicorn, mere shades darker than Scootaloo’s own orange coat. Her dark purple-blue mane that grew in gentle waves that laid delicately across her shoulders. Her tail matched perfectly and was held high, to where one could keep it from touching the floor. Gentle dark pink eyes smiled at her daughter before closing as she shook her head at the rambunctious filly.

“Make sure you dry off completely- I just cleaned the floor.” She turned towards a mop, now showing off her cutie mark- A brush and scissors crossed. Her mom was in the business of mane and tail styling. She had a little competition with both the spa and the Carousel Boutique, who also featured mane and tail styling services of their own. But none of them matched the level of expertise her mother could produce.

“I know, I know.” With a sigh, Scootaloo proceeded to dry herself off, making sure her hooves were nice and dry so she could walk around again. “Am I done now?” Her mother nodded. With a grin Scootaloo threw the damp towel in the air, her mother catching it with her magic. Levitating both towel and mop, Scootaloo’s mother walked into the kitchen to put the items away, mop in the broom closet, and towel in the conjoining laundry room.

“Better get started on your homework, Scootaloo- Dinner will be ready when your dad returns from work. He has a big announcement for you,” she called out as she levitated some carrots on a cutting board.

Scootaloo’s ears perked and she ran to the kitchen, “Wait, Dad’s gonna be home…. On time?” Her mother nodded with a smile. “Seriously? For dinner? Dad’s going to eat dinner… Wiiiiith us?” Scootaloo’s wings fluttered enthusiastically.

Her mom chuckled. “Yes. Now, you better get to work; you know how your father would like to see some good grades coming from you.” She quickly cut through the carrots and placed them into a bowl for later before levitating a few tomatoes closer.

Scootaloo jumped into the air before rushing over to the kitchen table with her saddlebags to begin working on her homework. The first assignment she brought out was math. “Math? Why does it have to be math?” Even with having to deal with homework, for Scootaloo, today was becoming the best.

A while later, while trying to figure out the last problem of her math sheet, Scootaloo’s ear flicked to the door as a familiar song came closer to the house.

“Scoot, scoot, Scoot to-my-loo, Scoot, Scoot, Scoot to-my-loo, Scoot, Scoot, Scoot to-my-looooo!” The door swung open as a male Pegasus entered the house, right foreleg presented dramatically as he finished his song. “Scoot to-my-loo, my daaaarling!” Scootaloo’s eyes widened before she sped lighting quick over to her father, nearly flying into his waiting hooves. Grasped into a hug, Scootaloo’s wings fluttered excitedly. “Welcome home, Dad!”

He chuckled at his daughter’s excitement. “Hey, Scootie, how have you been, little one?” He looked up to the kitchen doorway and smiled at his wife. “Hey, gorgeous, come around often?”

His wife chuckled as she approached her husband, “Well, you’re certainly in a good mood.” She nuzzled him before delivering a delicate yet passionate kiss.

“Oh, you know it.” He looked down at Scootaloo in time to see her making disgusted faces at their display of affection. He let her down before ruffling her hair making Scootaloo giggle.

Wiping his hooves on the welcome mat, he entered the house and set down the briefcase he had tucked under his wing. Scootaloo looked up at her father, waiting expectedly. She looked him over, as if trying to make sure he was really there, and not some sort or illusion or copy. His lavender coat was as neat and clean as ever. His muzzle had a darker tint to it with a velvety feel. His mauve colored mane with pink highlights, much similar to her own mane color, was nicely brushed back with not a hair out of place. His tail, matching his own mane, was kept to a medium length. And finally, his cutie mark of a cloud with a briefcase nestled safely within it.

Her father smiled down at her. “So, what has my little Scootie been up to? Not getting into much trouble, I hope.” He glanced up to see his wife disappearing back into the kitchen.

Scootaloo wrinkled her nose at her father’s favorite nickname for her. He said that it was a mix between her name and the word “cutie.” She chuckled a little in response to his question. “Nope, no trouble making here. Well, not since I accidently crashed into Daisy’s flower patch doing this totally awesome trick.” She blushed in memory of the embarrassing moment, hoof coming up to scratch at the back of her head.

“When was that… two weeks ago? That must be a new record for you.” He clopped over to the dining table and looked down at her homework. “School giving you any trouble?”

Scootaloo trotted after him. Climbing up to her chair she looked down at her math homework. “Well,” she began, taking another look at her last problem. “Aside from math, I guess I’m doing pretty well. It’s been a lot of fun.” She picked up her pencil, chewing on it a little as she puzzled over the problem.

Her father nodded. “Well, I’ll leave you to it then. I’m going to check up on your mom and dinner.” He turned and trotted off. He went inside the kitchen to meet with his wife, and in hushed tones they began to discuss something.

Soon dinner was served and homework was packed away. The family of three munched on the wonderfully prepared meal that was made for them. “Showw, Dahd,” Scootaloo said with a mouth full of food. Her mom gave her a look, indicating that she should swallow before continuing. Once the lump of food traveled down to her belly, she continued. “Mom says that you had an announcement to make.”

He nodded, swallowing his food before clearing his throat to begin. “Well, Scootaloo, I got something big to tell you.” Scootaloo’s eye widened and her ears perked up to focus in on him. “Well, I have been offered a promotion.” Scootaloo nodded, slightly hesitantly. “It looks like my company is in need of somepony to organize relations with another company out west, and they want me take the reins and oversee it.”

Scootaloo gave him a confused looked. “Uhhuh?” She blinked before taking another bite of her meal.

“It’s a big step for me… for us. It could lead us to a better, permanent position.” Her father was looking rather proud of himself as he glanced over to his smiling wife. “We will be moving to Fillydelphia within a month.”

Spitting out her food, Scootaloo reared up and slammed her front hooves on the table, eyes wide in shock. “WHAT?!” she yelled.

“Scootaloo!” Her mom reprimanded as she grabbed a napkin to clean up her daughter’s mess. “Don’t raise your voice at your father. And hooves off the table.” Scootaloo reluctantly sat back down, though she kept her sight trained on her father, disbelief and anger evident on her face, with only a small speck of fear and hurt visible in her eyes.

“Why do we have to move?” Scootaloo questioned in a raised tone.

“Because that is where the job is located, Scootaloo. I can’t commute out there from Ponyville like I do for my job in Cloudsdale. It takes a few days just to get there by train.” He told her, a bit surprised by her outburst. She never minded moving before. He worked long hours in Cloudsdale, with his general commute time being about an hour to an hour and a half just flying over. That alone tired him out to the point where all he wanted to do on his days off was to rest and relax. Though he loved his daughter, there just wasn’t enough time in the day to spend with her.

“Can’t you say no?” Scootaloo pushed stubbornly.

“Why, this is a great opportunity for us? We’ll be able to provide everything you need, get you into the local flight school, save up for college. We can be better prepared for any unplanned events, as well as be able to go on better vacations. The possibilities are endless with this job, and all we have to do is move. Your mother is already getting ready to close up shop.” He returned back to eating, attempting to end the discussion.

“You can’t do this! We can’t move!” Scootaloo yelled from her seat, tears beginning to form.

“And why shouldn’t he? We’ve done this before, and this is really the best thing that could happen for us. My salon won’t be as slow there as it is here.” Her mother defended her dad, her soft voice trying to reason with her daughter.

“I finally have friends here.” Scootaloo let it all out; tears began to fall down her face. She was angry, she was hurt, and she felt like her whole world was crumbing around her.

“Scootaloo, you can always make new friends,” her mom said matter-of-factly, “There will be other foals your age there. It’ll be a bit of a transition, but you can adjust.”

“NO!” Scootaloo yelled, now hiding her face from her parents. “I’m finally happy here. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Bell are my best friends. I can’t just replace them. I DON’T WANT TO MOVE!” And with that she hopped off of her chair and stormed off to her room, slamming her door in the process. Sounds of weeping could soon be heard from the room.

Both parents sighed as her mother brought a hoof up to her temples to rub a slight headache away. “Well, she didn’t take that too well.”

Her husband nodded as he looked towards Scootaloo’s room. “She’s at that age where even the simplest little things, especially changes, are overly dramatized,” he reasoned. ”She’ll get over it and realize it’s not as big of a deal as she’s making it out to be. When she’s older, she’ll realize that everything we did was for the best.”

“I suppose you’re right.” She smiled then sighed. “This is the best for her, and for us.” They both nodded in agreement before falling into silence for the rest of their meal, the only noise coming from Scootaloo’s room as she cried.

They tried to check in on her after dinner was finished and dishes put away. Scootaloo refused to talk to them, throwing her pillow in their direction before covering her head beneath her covers. With a sigh, her mother levitated Scootaloo’s pillow back to her, and they both wished her goodnight before heading to bed themselves.

The morning after, her mother knocked at her door. “Scootaloo, it’s time for breakfast-- you don’t want to be late for school.”
“I’m not going!” Scootaloo cried out, small sobs still heard from the room.

Scootaloo’s mother looked up at her husband with a worried sigh. He shook his head and bit his lower lip for a second. “Let’s leave her alone for a bit, and let her calm down. Go ahead and bring her to the salon, and I’ll meet you two there. Then we can go to Canterlot.” His wife nodded in agreement and they both left Scootaloo’s door.

Eventually Scootaloo calmed down enough to leave her room, full of hunger and a mighty need to use the little filly’s room. She made her appearance before her mother; her father was already long gone for work. Barely looking up, Scootaloo got herself up on her chair and took a sandwich that her mother made for lunch. She was still unhappy, and her eyes where puffy and red from crying. Yesterday went from the best day ever to the worst in just ten seconds flat.

Her mother approached her with a wet towel and began to clean off the dried tears from her face, informing her of their plans for the day. Scootaloo gave no reply, but just continued to slowly munch on her sandwich. They soon walked to the salon where Scootaloo was given her space in one of the back rooms while her mother tended to her customers and told them of the small store’s closing.

Later that afternoon, her father arrived to pick them up and escorted them to the train station. On the way, he tried to cheer Scootaloo up with an offer of ice cream from one of their favorite parlors in Canterlot. It seemed to not have any effect on Scootaloo’s mood. They proceeded with their planned day, regardless of Scootaloo’s sour mood.

Earlier that morning, Scootaloo’s mother entered her daughter’s room to wake her up, handing her a note for Cheerilee. “You’re going to school today, Scootaloo. We don’t want you missing any more classes. Hand that to your teacher first thing when you get there.” Scootaloo rolled her eyes and grabbed the note.

She only ate a few bites from breakfast before going out the door. Leaving her scooter behind, she made her way slowly to the school house, head down and a few tears leaving a small trail behind her. Celestia’s sun quickly dried them up behind her. Scootaloo rubbed her eyes before entering the school house and handing Cheerilee the note before taking her seat. A stitch of pain struck her heart as she glanced over at Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, knowing that she would soon be losing her best friends. Forever.

Setting plans into motion

The sun was beginning to set right as the Cutie Mark Crusaders had finished drafting tentative plans for the rest of the month, making sure to have at least one attempt at getting Scootaloo’s cutie mark for each day within a month’s time. That’s all the time they had left- a month, 4 weeks, and 30 days. No matter how they looked at it, it just seemed like so little time, but Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were both confident that it could be done.

Scootaloo’s spirits had been raised, a small smile evident on her face as they tacked up their plans on the clubhouse wall. They had set up the best month she could dream of, and yet she knew the outcome would still be bitter sweet. No matter what they planned, nor what they did, none would change the outcome after the month’s passing. So much to do and little time to do it, and they still had to get through a few barriers first.

Sweetie Belle had suggested a few sleepovers at both her and Applebloom’s places, though the three fillies would all need permission first. It was a simple task for Sweetie Belle and Applebloom, but Scootaloo felt she’d have a little difficulty; mostly due to the fact she still didn’t feel well enough to even speak to her parents at the moment. Supplies they would need for some of their plans may have been difficult to obtain, but when had that ever stopped the three determined crusaders?

Scootaloo reached into the bag of fruit tarts, grabbing the last tart to slowly munch on it. She was glad that Sweetie Belle and Applebloom had insisted on her eating the whole bag; she was rather ravenous from not eating much for the past few days. Her ear twitched as Apple Bloom spoke.

“Aw, shoot- the sun’s goin’ down. We should probably start headin’ home.” The girls sighed. “Scoot, why don’t ya’ let Sweetie and Ah walk ya home- that way we don’t miss out on a minute of you still bein’ here.”

“Oh, I like that idea!” Sweetie Belle squeaked with a little bounce.

“Sure, I guess,” Scootaloo sighed, head starting to hang low.

“Aw, cheer up, Scoot. We’re goin’ make the best of this, don’t ya worry.” Applebloom smiled at Scootaloo.

“I know, I know,” Scootaloo replied, getting up to get her saddle bag. The girls grabbed their stuff and left the club house. They weaved their way through the apple orchard, heading straight through town, refining a few of their plans- as well as coming up with a few more.

Their chatter slowly quieted as they approached Scootaloo’s house with only a few lights on within. They stood on the doorstep in silence. Applebloom moved over to Scootaloo before giving her a strong hug. “We’ll see you tomorrow, Scoots.”

“Yeah…” Scootaloo replied in a low voice, before turning to receive a hug from Sweetie Belle. “Thanks.” Both girls turned and walked away from the house. They stopped once they hit the main road, and gave Scootaloo a little wave. They watched as Scootaloo waved back before sighing and turning towards. They walked away as they heard Scootaloo open and shut the door.

“Hey Sweetie Belle,” Applebloom whispered, beginning their trek through town. “Do you think Rarity would mind if you’re a little late?”

Sweetie Belle thought for a moment. “She might start getting all dramatic about it, but I don’t think she’d mind too much. Why?

“Ah think we need to see a certain pegasus,” Apple Bloom replied, doubling her speed and passing the street she would have normally turned off to head home.

Sweetie Belle joined her to keep her pace. “Wait, Fluttershy?” Apple Bloom gave her a look that seemed to say “are you serious,” and soon enough it clicked. “Oh…. Oohhhh.” They both raced off to where they figured they’d find Rainbow Dash. Sweetie Belle giggled, finally catching on to Apple Bloom’s plan.

~~~~~

Scootaloo closed the door behind her and began heading towards her room. Suddenly a movement from the living room indicated that she wasn’t alone.

“Scootaloo, where have you been? I was starting to get worried.” Scootaloo’s mother approached her, taking her into her arms for a hug. Scootaloo wiggled out of the embrace, turning away from her. “Come on Scootaloo, talk to me,” her mother said softly, yet sternly.

Scootaloo sighed. “I was out with my friends, just lost track of time.”

“Scootaloo, you know I don’t like it when you’re out late by yourself,” Her mom tried to reason while nuzzling her daughter’s hair. Scootaloo moved her head away from her mother’s muzzle. “I wasn’t alone, my friends walked me here.”

“Well then, let’s reheat you some dinner-I made one of your favorites, spaghetti and hay-balls.” She smiled as Scootaloo’s ears flicked up a bit. They walked further into the house. Scootaloo deposited her saddlebags by the door to her room while her mother entered the kitchen, levitating some of the wrapped left overs out of the refrigerator and over to the stove.

Scootaloo seated herself at the table and waited for her mother to finish warming up her meal. Soon a steaming hot plate of spaghetti was levitated in front of her and placed down gently next to a glass of water and a fork. Scootaloo began eating as her mother sat herself down with a glass of carrot juice and a book.

Halfway through her plate, Scootaloo stopped eating and looked up at her mother. “Mom, would it be alright if, well, for the next couple of weekends, I slept over with Sweetie Belle and Applebloom?”

Her mother glanced up to her daughter as she mulled it over. “Which house would you be staying at?”

“I think we’re going to alternate between each place.. We haven’t decided whose place we’re going to be at this weekend.” Scootaloo informed.

“I see. And are their parents okay with these sleepovers?” her mother inquired.

Scootaloo shrugged. “Not sure yet, they still need to ask them.”

Scootaloo’s mother took a sip of her carrot juice. She watched as Scootaloo shifted in her seat, waiting in anticipation for her mother’s reply. She smiled as she sat her glass down. “Alright, I’ll let you, but only if they say it’s okay. And you need to start your packing- I want to see progress of that done in your room each weekend. Can we agree to those terms?”

Scootaloo groaned slightly at the mentioning of packing, it was the one thing she dreaded. She nodded and fluttered her wings a bit at how easy it was to get her mother to agree. She began eating her meal again, glad that this hurdle had been passed.

~~~~~~~

Applebloom and Sweetie Belle stopped right under the large cloud house in which a certain rainbow maned pegasus resided. They both squinted, checking for any sign of somepony inside. “Well, ah hope she’s in.” Applebloom tilted her head slightly, as if the new angle would give her a better view.

Applebloom took in a deep breath before calling out, “Rainbow Dash!” They waited and listened but nothing could be heard from the floating house.

Sweetie Belle shook her head before sucking in a large amount of air before bellowing out, “RAINBOW DASH!!’ Applebloom jumped in surprise at how loud her shout was, she swore she could outmatch Luna’s royal Canterlot voice.

A crash could be heard from inside the floating house, followed by the sound of a door opening moments later. Rainbow Dash glanced around a bit before spotting the two fillies on the ground. Leaping off her cloudy porch, Rainbow Dash glided down to meet the two crusaders.

“Um, hey girls. Isn’t it a bit late for you two to be out?” Rainbow Dash asked inquisitively, slightly confused by the late visit.

“Um, yeah. Well, we have somethin’ to talk to you about.” Applebloom kicked up a bit of dust off the ground with her front hoof.

Rainbow looked at the two girls. Both had their ears pulled back as if something was bothering them. She didn’t mind listening to the crusaders, though they sometimes got a little too loud for her taste. She then noticed the absence of the third- The one that would normally have made her presence very well known. “Wait, where’s Scootaloo?”

“Well, that’s kinda what we want to talk about,” Sweetie answered softly.

~~~~~~

Right as Scootaloo finished her meal, the door swung open for the second time that night. At the door was her father, panting slightly from his commute from Cloudsdale. His wings hung low on his sides, too tired to keep them tucked. He trudged into the house, placing his briefcase down on the floor. Scootaloo gave him a slight glare, and feelings of betrayal resurfaced within her; though it was eased a bit from seeing her father so tired. ‘It must have been one of those days,’ she thought.

“Oh, welcome home, honey!” Scootaloo’s mother was quick to get off her chair and over to her husband, giving him a gentle kiss. “Would you like something to eat?” He nodded, sending her retreating to the kitchen to serve up a small portion of food.

As her father drew closer to the table, Scootaloo could see a few hairs out of place in his mane, and his eyes seemed like they could barely stay open for any longer. He came up to her and tried to plant a small kiss on her head, but Scootaloo lowered her head out of his way. His tired eyes seemed to have enough energy to show his surprise, and he sighed before moving into his seat.

Feeling that she didn’t want to be around anymore, Scootaloo jumped off her chair and headed for her room. “Scoot…” she heard her father call out to her, but she chose to ignore him before picking up her bags and disappearing into her room.

~~~~~~

Sweetie Belle finally made it to Carousel Boutique, trying hard to make her entrance as quiet as possible.

“SWEETIE BELLE!”

Rarity rushed into the room. “Where in Equestria have you been?! I was worried sick!”

Sweetie Belle looked up at Rarity with large watery eyes, her lower lip trembling. She tried to keep herself from crying all the way home. She ran over to her sister, launching herself into a hug and burying her face in Rarity’s chest.

“My… Sweetie Belle, what ever is the matter?” Rarity’s voice softened in concern. She wrapped one hoof around her little sister and began stroking her sister’s mane in the other.

Sweetie Belle began to sob and shake in Rarity’s embrace, feeling her sister’s grasp tighten around her comfortably. “It… it… Scootaloo… She’s moving,” she managed to get out.

“Oh, oh, my poor dear..” Rarity nuzzled her sister’s mane. “I’m so sorry to hear that.. Here, I’ll make you some hot cocoa, and you can tell me all about it,” she soothed.

Sweetie Belle sniffled as she looked up at her sister. “Okay…” Sweetie said with a nod. “Can it have marshmallows in it too?”

“Of course.” Rarity got up with along with Sweetie Belle before heading over to the kitchen. “I should make us something quick for dinner while I’m at it.”

~~~~~~

Applebloom walked into the farm yard right as Applejack was heading out to look for her. “There you are, Applebloom. We’ve been waitin’ for you so we can start dinner. You know how much an appetite yer brother gets from workin’. “

“Yeah, I know..” Apple Bloom hung her head. Applejack noticed the gloomy tone her sister had in her voice as she continued to make her way to the farm house.

“Whoa there, Sugarcube, what seems to be the problem?” Applejack placed a concerned hoof on her sister’s shoulder.
Applebloom exhaled with a slight shudder. Sitting down, she looked up at her older sister. “Well, you see, Scootaloo is gonna be movin’ soon to Fillydelphia..” Tears began to form in her eyes.

“Oh.” Applejack moved closer to Apple Bloom and wrapped her up in a hug, “I’m sorry to hear that.” They held each other for a moment. Applejack looked down at Apple Bloom and whipped some of her tears away. “We should get inside before Granny sends out the cavalry fer us.” Apple Bloom nodded and they both got up to head inside to the smell of home cooked meal.